McClelland Reviews

McClelland M95 Dark Cherry Cordial
This is a dark (almost black) Cavendish that exemplifies the ability of some aromatics to not only taste like their names, but smell identical as well. I had this in a pouch for about a week and when I dumped the last of it out I took the empty pouch to my wife, who proceeded to drool over what she described as its “chocolaty goodness”. The sweet cocoa is definitely the strongest scent out of the bag, but the distinct creamy/fruity note of cherry liquor is right behind it. The moisture level is a little on the wet side, but nothing a little plate time won’t fix. I smoked it in a Gatlinburlier #79 house pipe. It started off with flavors of rich, dark chocolate with a brandy note in the retrohale. There was a tang from the cherry, but not very pronounced. It was pretty sweet and burned a little hot. The blend really came together in the second half of the owl when it assumed the taste of a chocolate covered cherry- balanced and very pleasant. B+



McClelland Grand Orientals - Drama Reserve
I was late to the party with this one, having only discovered it several months ago when given a sample by a BOTL. More than a lot of blends, the distinctive McCelland ketchup note is very evident in this one. Instead of being as weird as it sounds, it is really just a combination of sweet, savory, and slightly tangy scents that is not at all unpleasant. While I have read that there is a fresh olive oil smell, the closest I can get is the tang aspect that is reminiscent of kalamata olives. I smoked in a Dr. Grabow Patriot. Describing this stuff is like explaining an enigma wrapped within a mystery On the surface, the flavors are bright, like a nice Virginia, and it burns relatively cool with a fine white ash. However, beyond the grassiness is a fleeting floral note that pops up in the retrohale, along with a sweet smokiness like a good fire-cured leaf. I can only say that the stuff is addictive- I bought 8 tins after only smoking a couple bowls A+



McClelland Grand Orientals - Yenidje Highlander
I read that this was the only Grand Orientals blend to include Latakia, but for having two varietals, I was surprised at the mild nature of the smell within the bag. It was very savory, but certainly not overpowering like a Nightcap or the like. This didn’t have the McKetchup note like some of the Frog Morton English blends, but there was a sweetness behind the smoky scents. I burned this in a BC Millesime 1983. From the beginning I noticed how the Latakia played a minimal role in the blend. It was complimentary but hardly the main attraction (kind of like in Bob’s Chocolate Flake). The sweetness of the Virginias really came through and there were both lemon and floral notes. This mixed with the smokiness to be reminiscent of eating BBQ next to a fencerow of honeysuckle. Another dynamic blend with great balance. A



McClelland Grand Orientals - Black Sea Sokhoum
An initial whiff of the bag gives off a smokiness, similar to Latakia, but if I bury my nose in the sample I find more of the McClelland vinegar note, along with a kind of mesquite sweetness. The blend itself is primarily composed of darker colored leaf, with splashes of caramel shades mixed in. I smoked out of a Medico Windsor. The blend started off nice with fresh cut grass notes and then it picked up a cigar like flavor on the back of my tongue when drawing air up to retrohale. At times the flavors seemed muddled but it burned cool and fairly dry. The Virginias reminded me of those in 3Ps. Towards the end I really picked up on a honey like sweetness and something reminiscent of sage. Like the other Grand Orientals I have smoked, this one is very layered and full of nuance. Overall, a unique blend with solid qualities that might appeal particularly to pipers who enjoy cigars. B+



McClelland Holiday Spirit (2012)
Every year as Christmas approaches I gather my LE seasonal cigars and pipe blends and settle in for smoking enjoyment that matches the culinary gorging that it also such a wonderful part of the holidays. This blend is a nice counterbalance to the straight Virginia option of McClelland Christmas Cheer. It provides a seasonal aromatic that not only tastes yummy, but offers a room note that would offend your visitors. The topping smells like the chocolate chip pecan pie that you can get from Cracker Barrel come Thanksgiving. The supposed rum note is not nearly as pronounced, but can be found hiding behind the cocoa if you really look for it. I smoked out of a rusticated Leonessa . The first half of the bowl was more about the rum and nuts than the chocolate. There was a nutmeg spice in the retorhale. The second half is where the cocoa notes really emerged, along with a little vanilla from the Cavendish. It was a fairly cool smoke, but burned a little wet and I had some gurgling. Overall, not a bad smoke- but make sure to dry it out. B