McClelland Calumet

Mahogany brown small ribbons with a smidge of lemon pieces as well. Lacks the full, rich McClellands tobacco tin aroma that some love and some don't. But the tin does say "subtle and mellow" and this one delivers on that.

This one starts out as very lightly sweet and pleasant. It doesn't overdo the sweet at all, and has a grassy-like flavor as well, but doesn't overdo that either. In fact, this blend struck me as one to smoke when your tastebuds need a break. It's affable, easy, congenial. About mid-bowl, things get a bit more interesting. A mild spicy flavor comes out and the blend gets richer down the bowl until the end, while still remaining friendly and non-imposing. I wouldn't say this is terribly different from a bunch of other McC Virginias, but it's different enough to warrant its own marque. If you enjoy more muscular McClelland blends such as Blackwoods, #24, Navy Cavendish or Rich Virginia Ribbon, this one might strike you as boring. But smoked as a late morning pipeful or perhaps the last of the evening while you wind down, this shows off a gentle strength that, while not the last word in flavor or impact, has its charms. McClellands is one of the few tobacco brands whose every offering (sans the sloppy aromatics) is worth sampling, and this one is no different. Not for my rotation but it might make yours if you prefer mellow Virginias.