McCranie's Red Ribbon, vintage 1983

As mentioned by mo: "The packing and burn are spot and I cannot fault it for anything it does wrong, it just lacks in the taste department."

I concur. After hearing so much good about this ribbon I am left with the feeling that the best thing about it was the ease of pack and burn. Maybe I got a flat can - maybe I need try another tin or two. The magic has, so far, evaded me.

An exceptional blend. When I draw it into my mouth it feels like it surrounds my tongue with a soft velvety taste of mellow Virginia tobacco flavor. It is now a must have item in my rotation! I can't imagine not having it any more. I am hooked!

Over the last three years, I?ve been searching for a pipe tobacco. Not just any pipe tobacco, but "my pipe tobacco." I have been searching for that one tobacco that would be my go to tobacco. Well, I?ve found it ? McCranie?s Red Ribbon. Yes, it is that good!

Upon opening the tin, I was greeted by a beautiful medium cut red ribbon tobacco. It smelled like a mellow and tangy fermented Virginia with that distinct tomato and clove smell. However, it was not as abusive as the odor found in the typical McClelland blend. It packed effortlessly, and it lit easily.

At light up, it took me by surprise. Tangy red Virginias made my mouth start watering. Yet, there was no ?tongue bite? from this incredibly naturally sweet Virginia. Rich? Yes! Mellow? Yes! Complex? Yes! ?All that from a straight natural Virginia?? you might ask. Yes, my friend!

This tobacco produced a thick and mellow smoke that is simply delicious! If McCranie?s Red Flake is as good as this tobacco, I won't be able to choose between them. I can?t wait to try Red Flake too.

This isn?t hype. This is simply the best tobacco that I?ve tried. I will diligently begin acquiring this tasty nectar to "cellar." Please don?t buy any because I want it all to myself!

I am in complete agreement with those who consider this to be the best straight Virginia on the market today. It is nicely cut, burns evenly, and delivers a smooth, pleasant taste to the bottom of the bowl.

It also provides a very pleasant room aroma; I've gotten more complements from smoking this blend than from any other.

This blend has my highest recommendation.

For those who want a tad milder smoke than McCraine's Red flake.this is it, A consistant burn without a bite, If you havent tried McCranies Red Virginias give your self a treat with their 2 versions. It ages well. smokes consistant to the bottom of the bowl. I like to mix red Ribbon and Red Flake one to one this makes it easy to load and stay lit well. Yum, Yum it is a very good mix of red Virginias and Mixed together, I refer to it as McCraines Crack, and NO, I don't smoke the other kind of crack, But It is my opinion the best Va's. out there. bar none, a solid three stars hoo-boy

This is a smooth cool smoking virginia. The tin I have is from the 1996 crop. It is like drinking a cool glass of water, refreshing without leaving a heavy slavor on your palatte. if you can get some of this you should. Even better head over to McCranies in North Carolina, It is a real pipe shop.

A beautiful cut, no stems or chunks, very consistent throughout. Nice deep red/brown appearance. Everything about this is just right, pouch waft, room note, & taste. From first light to the end, it's consistently good. Even drawing through a cold mid bowl the taste is yummy. Taste reminds me of a cinnamon apple strudel topped with pecans, not overpowering, but just enough to look forward to the next draw.

Reccomendations: -- Let the tobacco out to dry for a couple hours spread out on a paper towel or sheet of paper -- Find the right pipe. It seems VA's are picky, in a pipe that doesn't smoke VA's well you'll miss out on the taste

A wonderful smoke! Cool smoking and burns well. About a third of the way down the bowl a soft sweetness develops on the tongue. Unusually mild and not what I would call complex. If you would like a cool smoking, soft, and naturally sweet tobacco that is easily an all dayer, this is probably one of the very best out there. Very Highly Recommended! This review is for the '96 crop.

The best on the market for a straight ribbon cut Va. That is an all day smoker.

The McCranie's have a real winner in this blend.

The sweet aged Va tobacco is what Va's are all about. When I smoke this in a "relaxed" fashion, there is no other other way to describe it other than "Outstanding"