McCranie's Red Ribbon, vintage 1983

I'm still kind of a tourist among the pure va. blends and was prompted to try them by the number of experienced pipe smokers on this web site who seem to prefer them. I'm primarily a balkan smoker so I'm not unfamiliar with the virtues of virginias I just prefer them mixed with orientals and latakia. One of the first i tried was Red Ribbon. With this blend the flavor starts with a shot of straight tobacco flavor reminding me of the taste of my first cigarette--a strong and pure flavor unsullied by any competing leaf. The burning characteristics are quite good. I employed DGT with this tobacco for about thirty minutes with really good results and experienced the light sweet flavor of a pure virginia smoke for the first time. I have read of the previous incarnation of this blend made with the now smoked up 1983 tobacco. I got here too late to either taste or horde any. But what I read about the previous RR holds true, this tobacco is a good starting point at which to enter the world of pure virginias. If there is a better virginia out there I look forward to finding it.

This is without a doubt the best tasting ribbon-cut red virginan I've ever smoked bar none.The 1999 crop was just as good as the 1984 in my opinion. I have smoked enough of both to say,"I can't see how it gets much better than this." Fortunately,I'm close enough to McCranies that I can pop in for a can or 3 but it would be worth the shipping if you had to order it. When I want straight tobacco flavor thats deliciously tart and sweet I look no further. People often comment on the wonderful aroma as well.This is what real tobacco tastes and smells like folks.

I had to run out and try this after reading all of the reviews. I have to say- this stuff doesn't disappoint! It is one of the best straight virginias I have ever smoked. The tin I tried is from the 1983 crop. After trying it I went and ordered the last few tins they had... Sorry guys! Try and find some however, it's certainly worth it. This is an experience based in pure smoking pleasure. Although I heve tried sweeter virginias, never have any of them had so little tongue bite. The smoke is thick and creamy, and the taste is very sweet and toasty tobacco. The tobacco comes from McClellands however, so it takes the usual drying out that is associated with these blends. The ketchup smell is there, but not in the capacity that is usually associated with McClelland virginias. I have to agree with pipestud however- although this stuff is good, it will be even better after some long aging. I can't wait!

What can I say that hasn't already been said. I have been pushing this blend on everyone I meet and I have yet to find one person who dislikes this smoke.

I make a point in grabbing a couple tins every month from McCranie's. This is such a sweet blend that I can't keep a tin around long.

This 1983 crop is exceptional, but I have had a couple bowls reciently that have been a little goopy. Never fear though, this is a taste you don't mind adhearing to your bowl.

(4-1-03)I've gone through half a tin in the last three days and this wonderfull tobaccy has made it into my rotation! I understand that this is made by McClelland for McCranie and that's enough said about the wonderfull aroma you are treated to when openning the tin. This is a ribbon cut with a mixture of reddish brown, dark brown and tan tobaccys. This was suggested to me in a reply to a question I had posted, looking for a naturally sweet Viginia Blend. I ordered four tins because this tobaccy is very limited and made from a 1983 crop of prime red virginia. Sorry, got of track for a moment. Anyway, I let the tin dry out for about six hours before using it. It packs easily, lites easily and burns like a dream. I've been smoking this in a large Meershaum Billard. The flavors are very mellow, very rich and plesantly sweet and it stays that way from the top to the bottom of the bowl. I LOVE IT! I don't pick up on any distinct flavors, just a varying range of a delicious sweetness. There is no bite (none) with this tobacco and that kind of surprises me since there is obviously a considerable amount of sugar in the tobacco. Last night I left a half bowl sit over night and to my surprise & delite, the flavor profile was actually sweeter than when freshly packed. This is a great tobacco, I really am impressed with it! In fact, I like it so much I ordered ten more tins today, for cellaring. If you love the natural sweetness of a well aged virginia, then you owe it to yourself to get your hands on some of this before it's all gone and from what I understand that will be very soon!

I've always liked the flavor of virginias, but always had a tonguebite problem, probably because I'm so used to smoking cooler burning latakia mixtures. I probably smoke too fast for most virginias. A friend of mine loves McClelland's Virginia #22 and I tried it several times, but the tonguebite was too much for me. Now to the McCranies Red Ribbon- Great naturally sweet virginia taste, cool burning and no tonguebite, none! Full flavored, packs and lights well and the room aroma is pleasant. What's not to love?

The tin I tried was from the 1983 batch of tobacco. I understand the McCranies will soon run out of this batch.

If you have a tonguebite problem, I suggest you give this a try, but please wait until I have cleaned out their 1983 vintage. Available on McCranies website.

I swear this stuff smells like raisins in the tin . Still , it smokes well if allowed to dry out a bit before lighting . I had a little wetness until I figured that one out . Recommended . A unique smoke .

The tin aroma is classic McClelland, that is to say, spicy ketchup, which to me is wonderful. The tobacco lights easily and the flavor kicks in around a third of the way down the bowl. At that point it gets this mellow and mild sweetness that lasts the rest of the trip. Not a hint of bite anywhere in this baby. An all-dayer if ther ever was one!

WOW!!! What else can I say. This weed is easily one of the best I’ve ever had the pleasure of stuffing in my pipe. This is everything I would hope and expect from some seriously aged red Virginia. Dark fruit, figs, sugar, and some earth makeup the flavor profile of this extremely smooth blend. It was a bit moist out of the tin but after giving it 20 minutes it was ready to go. Did require a few re-lights but I was definitely in no hurry. I like to sip this one but the flavor makes it very difficult to put down the bowl, it won’t bite though. It burns slowly with a consistent flavor all the way through. If only I had a few pounds of this stuff. If you’re a red Virginia lover this is right there at the top.