Rattray Brown Clunee

Unlike its brother DF, Brown Clunee leaves me with a much more enjoyable smoking experience, a 180 turn. This tobacco is also a bit on the moist side out the tin but, lights easily and smokes all the way to the bottom leaving a nice ash. Though very light, it has a fruity undertone that makes it very pleasant and does pick up strength nearing the end of the bowl. A morning smoke, it doesnot require your full attention except to enjoy the nuances of this subtle tobak. Though not complex, it reminds me of early morning at high altitude over the Pacific Rim. A quiet and very peaceful flight! A few tins cellared for future morning flights into the stratosphere!!

The quality of the tobacco in this blend is very high as ia all of the Rattrays blends. This is what I think of when I think of a light virginia blend. It smokes cool, even and consistant. The flavor is mildly sweet and tangy and does not vary alot through out the bowl. Even though this blend does not have alot of complexity it does not loose my attention and is much appreciated when I am in the mood for a light virginia blend. Highly recommended for virginia lovers.

This has always been dependable, middle-of-the road flake for me. It is not too demanding. It is very cool, somewhat sweet, and always makes for a pleasant, satisfying smoke. This would make a good starters blend for the Virginia flake novice.

New Years Day, the Rose parade on TV, cup of good hot coffee, and a chance to fill a bowl with Brown Clunee. This red/red-brown RR (broken flake)VA. is one that I've smoked off and on for some time now, and it's a VA that always seems to please. This being a Honeydew blend, I chose to err w/caution on the flavor rating because if it's there, it's nearly non-existant. More than likely it's just a good natural VA sweetness that one tastes when smoking this tobak. Some may choose to rub-out the tobacco a bit more, I just pull at the pieces a bit. Packs well, lights easily enough, sweet yet slightly sharp at the get-go. Bit of a citrus note here and there, and the sharpness fades after about 1/3 of the bowl to a smooth yet slightly spicey smoke. No bite, just the VA tang that we all know will be there to some degree. Got a wee bit o' woodsiness now, very pleasant. Reminds me a little of the character of McConnell Scottish Flake. Maybe a tad sweeter. Burning very evenly all the way down to pale grey ash and leaving the pipe dry. I had no moisture problems w/this tobak, one cleaner about 1/2 way down. I've had this tin for awhile, and I feel it's mellowed w/age; I seem to remember a bit more sharpness before, but even newly opened I still say it's a rather mellow smoke. I've got a few tins that have been set aside for about 5 years, it should be interesting to see how they've aged. I wish I'd had the chance to smoke some of the older Rattray's tobaccos (blended "by" Charles Rattray not "for" Charles Rattray) as I understand they were near to Euphoria, whereas mine have the James B. Russell label on the bottom. All-in-all a good VA tobak w/an honest tobacco taste. Works for me.

Belated a bit, but none-the-less HAPPY NEW YEAR to all of you!!! Let's make this a great year, and as Mauri Tombari would say, "Mellow puff and dry ashes," and may God bless

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