McCranie's Red Ribbon, vintage 1983

I just found out that McClelland?s blenders are Elves that thrive on a steady diet of French Fries and Catsup; which explains a lot. Clearly these critters need to start washing their hands after lunch.

That being said let?s move on.

Red Ribbon is of course ribbon cut, and the color is an unsurprisingly reddish brown. Upon first inspection after popping the can I remember full well the impression that I had was that there was no doubt that this was quality leaf.

Packing and lighting is no chore, RR is easier to manage than most VA?s and certainly the flakes. I have never been one to complain about moisture levels with tobaccos that I smoke and RR is no exception.

The leaf is a delightful example of what my opinion of what a Red VA profile should be- despite the Catsup aroma that McClelland?s blends portray it interferes with nothing in the way of taste.

The first half of the owl I detect no round deep body present in the dark stoved VA flakes blended by McClelland, instead I find this blend to show more of a sharp brightness- a zippy taste not unlike Veermaster or VA Slices.

The last half of the bowl there is a stoved element that develops, adding dimension as the body pronounces itself with more and more volume it complements the flavor- very nice indeed.

I have smoked this blend in large medium and small bowls. There is certainly a more developed stoved element toward the last half to third of the bowl in the larger bowled pipes, increasing the body, which I enjoy. My definition of a fine tobacco is one that has body as well as flavor, though not necessarily equal in presence.

An outstanding blend- easily one of McClelland?s finer straight VA?s in my opinion.

Wow an incredible blend...wait...what?...this is not a blend? Holy Cow a dynamic puro pipe tobacco? Yes sir. Properly aged and cured pure red Virginia with a dynamic taste profile. If you are ever lucky enough to have a tin of this within arms reach do whatever you can to get a pinch. This is more dynamic than a McClelland blend and it came from one place growing one plant curing the entire farm the same way. Wow, what an experience. The taste of Virginia is three layers deep in this one. Mind = blown. Lets find more like this.

Most of the four star reviewers have already noted the wonderful qualities of this fine Red Virginia blend. I can only add that I have been in search of the perfect Virginia as an alternative to my favorite English style blend (Penzance for me) for quite some time. I came across McCranie's Red Ribbon and the master blender at the Conclave of Richmond Pipe Smoker's annual convention in Oct. 2008. He gave me a sample of Red Ribbon (it was from the 1996 crop) and I was immediately hooked. This is it, I told myself. Of course, the search for the perfect tobacco (based on individual tastes) is, fortunately, never ending. But, for the time being at least, I think I may have found the perfect Virginia blend. I don't by the way, think Red Ribbon is as bland as some reviewers think. It has a distinctive, piquant taste but lacks that little bit of tongue bite that I have found in most Virginias.

Wow... smooth, creamy, round, deep red virginia flavor the age made the leaves dark and sugary and made the taste deep and dark smooth and creamy. This treat didnt last a month.

Upon opening the tin the aroma is wonderful. I really like the smell of this stuff and the appearance of the ribbon is deep, dark and really red.

It does need to be aired out a bit to get the optimum smoking consistancy. It packs easily and I had no problem keeping it lit.

The flavor is well rounded, deep, rich and smooth all the way to the bottom of the bowl. You can really smoke this without it biting. Definately 4 Stars.

Highly recommend!

simple and delicious. maybe the perfect blend to have with your morning coffee. i can't stop smoking this blend, i've been thru 4 tins (96 crop) in just the last two months. a perfect satisfying sweet smoke.

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.