McClelland Christmas Cheer 1994

I've had this tin of 1994 stored for quite some time now and have managed to keep it humidified for lo' these many years, smoking some during the holidays. At present it is mostly a deep brown color w/some lighter strands here and there. I had previously broken some of it up and subjected it to the food processor for further shredding. There is still a muted "McC. aroma." It packs well and the routine lighting ritual was all I needed. Some sharpness has remained, but it isn't nearly as sharp as I remember it from when it was new. The smoke has mellowed, but some VA. tang is still there. A citrusy note is evident, most like a lemony flavor but sweet in a discreet manner. The typical flavor of VA. seems darker and heavier as compared to bright and light. The tobak is burning even and cool, but a bit of tongue tingling is occurring here and there to remind you not to smoke this stuff too fast. I'm enjoying this dried apricot(?) flavor I'm now tasting, and the smoke is still cool and bite free as long as I don't puff too fast. The flavor is there and I don't have to puff hard to retain the taste level. Bit of a gurgle near mid-bowl, no worries, just one cleaner. Nearing the finish there is a wee bit of harshness/charbroiled taste but it's negligible and not enough to ruin the pleasure already derived from smoking this tasty tobak. Burns to a fluffy gray ash and leaves the pipe clean and dry. I had originally purchased two tins of this back in 1994 and didn't really like it that much because it was too bitey and sharp. I gave the second tin to a friend for Christmas because he enjoyed tobaccos like this. I can only say now that I wish I had purchased more of this when it was available, I imagine what popping a sealed tin could be like now. Oh well, live and learn. Not an overly dramatic, "I just gotta have it" smoke that one could not live w/o it, but very enjoyable for sure, and if you can find some you may want to give it a try. Works for me.