Who's tried McClelland Blackwoods Flake?

[Cool Breeze]

Good to know.
Thank you for the replies guys.

[NeverBend]

Good to know.
Thank you for the replies guys.

Hi Paul,

My friend suggested that I try some McClellands (I haven't liked the few that I've tried over the past 10-15 years) because I'd complained about the quality of Virginia leaf available to pipe tobacco manufacturers these days. He said that McClelland still sources American Virginia leaf. I recently ordered 50 gram tins of Blackwood and Tawny Flakes and an ounce of #2010 bulk. The Tawny is terrible but the Blackwood and especially the #2010 are very good.

I got a ketchup note in the tins but less in the bulk, yet I taste it more in the bulk but it's an integrated part of the flavor. High sugar content so take it slow (all three). I re-ordered Blackwood (7 oz) and #2010 (pound).

Blackwood is a little heavier and though sweet, it's not as bright or sweet as #2010. I find the #2010 to be more complex and nuanced if a little lighter but it has a lot of flavor and it will be a staple for me going forward.

Whether the 'ketchup' is added or a result of the tobaccos used (or a combination), it's part of the flavor and well expressed in Blackwood and #2010. Blackwood has more syrup and direct sweetness than Full Virginia Flake but has less body, nuance and smokes with a bit more heat. The Gawiths, Sam and Hoggarth are more expert at processing their leaf but McClelland is, based on these two flakes, sourcing better Virginia.

#2010 is close to Virginia of it's type and style going back many years. Ain't a sexy name but it's a sexy smoke. Blackwood's a good tobacco too.

[El Whedo]

I recently ordered 50 gram tins of Blackwood and Tawny Flakes ... The Tawny is terrible.

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Maybe you just don't like toasted flakes?