I just tried McClelland's Virginia Woods

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Kyle Weiss

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It's a tale of sad love, this one.

A while back I was poring over some older tins at another local tobacco-shack here in Reno, one that doesn't particularly cater to the pipe crowd, and thus, pipe tobaccos get some natural age on them.  Production years and makers have been all over the map with what I find, but I think I've bought up all the stuff I'm curious about--now just to get some more of that 2006 GL Pease stuff when I get the scratch together...

...McClelland Virginia Woods was one of them.  A tin from 2007.   It was $20.   I know a few on here swear by the stuff, and the whole "ketchup" notion never bothered me with McClelland...but...

...we'll return to the "but" later.  (...don't worry, I can hear the clowns laughing all the way over here...)

The tin, once popped, contained the most red coloration of any tobacco I've ever seen.  Well, gee, there's Red Virginia in it.   Red Virginia and I get along pretty well.   Just the right moisture, only a slight vinegar/ketchup smell (actually, it smelled akin to a delicate white wine vinegar than anything).   Your beauty entices me--no surprise there.

Virginia Woods has a great aroma on first light.   The yard-mulch red color almost matches the scent exactly--it's...well, "woodsy."   The tin says it, and now I say it.  It isn't a pine forest, if you want to get into specifics, but more reminded me of the lower foothills of Appalachia, bringing back memories visiting family back east...it's a deciduous "woodsy."   There's an extremely mild and pleasant white pepper nuance mixed in, and the mouth-feel is silky smooth.  It's relatively clean.  The smoke is responsive and cool, and it's quite mild and easy, even on a tender tongue.  

Something went wrong.  Why didn't I like Virginia Woods?   It wasn't for lack of trying.  All the right things were in place.  Candles, Marvin Gaye on the phonograph...

...it just didn't happen.  McClelland, I think you and I are almost finished with this extended honeymoon.  This has been yet another time you and I have really sat down, after doing extensive research trying to figure out what blend you make is tuned for me (every blender/company has to have at least one, I presume), and I've been disappointed.  You hold out when I'm needing some personal attention.

It wasn't what I did sense or taste, it's what I didn't taste.  Woodsy aromas, or with other blends the straightforward Virginia hints, in other mixtures Latakia with a polished poise...the universal McClelland smooth smoke and, perfect moisture is wonderful...but...where's the love?  I felt like I got a sandwich with good bread, the right mustard put on both sides, some lettuce and tomato added--but someone forgot the meat and cheese.  Maybe you're concerned about my health?   Generally speaking, there are certain tobaccos, those from C&D, Pease, SG, hell, even MacBaren, that I like them for what they aren't.  They aren't over the top or compensating (not to say you are, baby), nor are they whittling away at want I define as "tobacco."   Sure, some of them might be a little derivative of one another, but new ideas in pipe tobacco is pretty tricky when virtually all the tricks have been turned.   I can forgive that, if you can forgive me for not being completely loyal.  When I smoke tobacco to the point where it tastes like a neutered version (or something else entirely), I get concerned.

What finally makes me a little miffed is sitting down to a smoke and feeling like I missed out.  Like playing the made-for-tv "R" rated action film with the curse words removed to protect me.   Substituting "veganaise" for the real mayo on the sly, hoping I might not notice.  Turning down (or up) the thermostat behind my back, installing a water saver in my shower, but still willing to buy me a cool leather chair to sit in while I smoke--but insisting it stays in the garage.

No, this relationship is strained.   I've been paying attention.  I've tried you old, I've tried you young.   3 Oaks Syrian is a okay once in a rare while.  Dark Star is one of your "bad" sides (which is kind of invigorating in concept :heart:) but tests my patience for how much work it takes.  That along with Frog Morton, Christmas Cheer, Navy Cavendish, perhaps even this Virginia Woods, they're really something I can suggest as smooth-smoking, mild/moderate nicotine, innocent smokes for basic palates and just-starting kind of guys.  I realize that statement makes me sound like an arrogant piece of work, but let's face it--I like bold, yet simple.  I like uncluttered, but a little edgy.  I like to butcher my own steaks, eat hand-made pasta, and drink the beer my neighbor brewed in his garage.  I like garden-grown vegetables, venison my friend took down and field-dressed himself and the only whiskey that can genuinely call itself "Scotch."  

It isn't a dig on McClelland guys.  There's tobaccos out there for us all, fortunately.  It's troublesome for me because rather than straight-up hating it because of something identifiable, as in Lakeland-stink or perhaps a purposeful overuse of pressing, too much Perique, Latakia, Kentucky etc--I'm let down because of much of McC-stuff being neutered, somewhat cold and unresponsive.   I have needs, too, you know.

I've never been the top of the bell-curve, average dude.  Believe me, I've tried.  I like the fringes, and not necessarily the extremes.  I like my tobacco honest, even if I hate it, certainly not one that's passive-aggressive.  We might be friends, perhaps a fling with yet-to-try Blackwoods Flake or your Grand Orientals when I get to them...don't call me, I'll call you...

...McClelland, there's no easy way to say this: you and I are breaking up.  Don't cry, there's plenty of fishes in the sea.  It's me, not you.  Play Freebird if it makes you feel better.  I'll even set you up with some first dates, because while you have good qualities, you deserve to be with someone.

Just not me.  :(
 
That is how I feel about most of the Pease blends, good stuff but "meh" . To everyone their opinions . Just leaves MORE for me :twisted: :twisted: 
 
I'm with Puff Daddy... the lack of 40oz malt liquor was probably where I went wrong... can't turn a whorebacca into a housepuff.   :lol:

Shoulda considered Applebee's for dinner, too.   Millions of people can't be wrong, according to statistics (that millions of people support).   :p 

Anyway, Monbla, we might as well make a deal now--if you have any Pease (or stuff you ain't into that I love) on hand, I have some lovely Virginia Woods that would love a home with ya.  Wish I had some FMC 2000 for you, but I smoked that all up.   The way things have changed for me, I'm not sure I'm still into that stuff, either.  

Good thing is--I'm no longer overwhelmed with choice of tobacco.   Narrowing choices is liberating.

8)
 
Kyle Weiss":ymnrdroy said:
I'm with Puff Daddy... the lack of 40oz malt liquor was probably where I went wrong... can't turn a whorebacca into a housepuff.   :lol:

Shoulda considered Applebee's for dinner, too.   Millions of people can't be wrong, according to statistics (that millions of people support).   :p 

Anyway, Monbla, we might as well make a deal now--if you have any Pease (or stuff you ain't into that I love) on hand, I have some lovely Virginia Woods that would love a home with ya.  Wish I had some FMC 2000 for you, but I smoked that all up.   The way things have changed for me, I'm not sure I'm still into that stuff, either.  

Good thing is--I'm no longer overwhelmed with choice of tobacco.   Narrowing choices is liberating.  

8)
We should have had this discussion a month ago. I had two tins of his blends, 1 2oz Charring Cross and 1 2oz Abingdon, both un-opened that I sold to one of the guy's here in town that used to come down to the B&M on Wed. nights. He's a big Pease fan and I had smoked a tin of each and though they were good, they just weren't for me. I liked McC's Oriental 14 and Dunhill's London Mixture better, more nuanced flavors in them for me. Go ahead and smoke up the 2000 for that change of pace and enjoy it for that  :twisted:  Greg makes and blends some GOOD bac, just not in the flavor profile that appeals to me as McC's does . :twisted:
 
Kyle, you arrogant piece of work! Seriously, I have to agree with your "where's-the-beef?" description of Virginia Woods, if not your assessment. I find it a very agreeable smoke, but so what? Tastes differ, as has been said 479 times on this site. No, it's not a "full" blend, but it's an interesting change of pace, and I believe it was first mentioned as an acceptable blend for not offending civilians, should any be around. Another use for a lighter blend is as an interim smoke if you smoke quite a bit indoors during the day, as opposed to having to smoke only one or two bowls snatched outdoors, due to all the restrictions. If that were my case, I'd want to get slammed, too, whenever I lit up. I am smoking FVF indoors as I speak, but I wouldn't want it all day.

And Frogmorton is a great tobacco for tyros, as you said, and those of us who have ODed on latakia so many times that it has lost its exoticness, and only want a fairly light reminder of its flavor. I like McClelland; it was the first quality tobacco I ever had and they remain a class act.

Nice writing, by the way, Kyle.
 
All this angst.........

Generally I like McC blends. And remember finding VA Woods fine. But it's been a while. Guess I have some sleuthing to do.

Think I have a tin of this hanging around somewhere.

TBC


Cheers,

RR

 
I have a few tins of VA Woods hanging about. Does it have "Wow factor?" No. But it is a well behaved enjoyable mild smoke. When it comes to blends like this, I just except them and try to enjoy them for what they are.

Honestly I too struggle a bit with trying to understand or fully appreciate some of the "recommended" McClelland VA's. I believe that McC's baccys are meant to cellar away for at least 10 years before smoking. I am sure that some are just fine at 3-5. I appreciate the fact that McC releases tins that are fairly well aged, and you are not starting with a tobacco tinned last month. There was a BoB'r here last year who asked fellow members to review a few well aged McClellands that he had, PCCA Cyprian Star 3 from 1996 and a recent version of Cyprian Star. I was literally floored by aged 96' CS3, it was amazing, nuances galore. Smoked beautifully and it was MILD. I also enjoyed the more current CS, but not quite as much.

In my books VA Woods is pretty good, but not great. I feel the same way about Blackwoods Flake and Dark Star.

On the other hand St. James Woods, Matured VA 24, as well as a number of their Balkans both Syrian and Cyprian like Orient 996, Ringlow Reserve, Wilderness, British Woods, etc. are stellar.

Most of the Craftsbury stuff? - Meh.

 
Enjoyment of a given pipe tobacco is extremely subjective, in the same vein that some people like chocolate and others prefer vanilla.  What ever floats your boat is what is best for you.  It's been a fair amount of time since I last smoked McClelland Virginia Woods.  My recollection is that of a very pleasant, mild yet flavorful Virginia pipe tobacco with a very subtle casing that only added to the flavor.  Easy to smoke, burned clean, stayed sweet all the way to the bottom of the bowl.  I'd walk back into the room to the delightful note left by this fine pipe tobacco.  I can't wait to get to the tins I have stashed - I'm sure aging will only deepen the enjoyment!
 
Kyle and McClelland fans :D

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I keep FM around for cool days when I go for a walk and I want something lighter.
 
You guys are crackin' me up...  :lol:   ...especially the Pee Wee clip... good lord has it been a while with that one.

I knew a tobacco review like this one would be classic BoB bait, only because for starts, it's honest (and frankly, y'all have been pretty tame lately).

I question returning to a producer that isn't giving me the "oomph" and soul I know I can get from a pipe stuffed with tobacco.   I'm sure everyone here knows exactly what I'm talking about, whether their head-scratcher be GLP, GH&Co, McClelland or Sammy G.   To put it into perspective, I've talked to guys that swear by Borkum Riff.  They claim to have tried all the "fancy stuff" and nothing but the ol B.R. did it for them.   If we are going deeper, we start traipsing on the toes of otherwise good people, and I'm not going to blame them for being subject to mass-marketing, peer-pressure or even the happenstance of availability of certain products.   This includes me:   Greg Pease is fast becoming a personal friend of mine, because we're into a lot of the same stuff with food, music, literature; we both write, love tobacco and while we might argue which is the superior beverage, wine or scotch, his stars are aligned with mine more than most.  Maybe he has wicked powers making me like his tobacco blends and I'm a weak fool, but dammit...I'm a happy fool.   :heart: Same goes for your McClelland fellas.  Smoke what you enjoy and enjoy what you smoke.   Just become some hack wordsmith like myself comes along and tells it like I may, it means squat--it's entertainment, mixed with contemplation if necessary.

PeeDee:  The Virginny that's been doing it for me comes from Mr. Pease (US and Emb in particular), with a few offerings from Sammy G (KP & BBF)...there's our mutual friend Brown Pigtail (which has to be some kind of fancy VA, but who knows), and I'm quite fond of Solani 660.   JP's Quad Virginia is also one I fancy now and again, because it's quite unique.   Runner up?  Wessex Gold Brick--once in a while.   There's a few others, but that's all that's on my mind at the moment.

Here's the kicker, now that I look at a short list of what I DO like in the VA department...I like either things that are on the "old world" side, or almost things that are unfinished.   By "unfinished" I mean hasn't been over processed and/or mellowed out.  I'm half-assuming I don't know what I'm talking about, because I don't know precisely the methods as a whole, nor what each company does--that's kind of a secret.   In the finished product, however, I like a bit of contrast, some edge, something to hold on to.   Super-polished, made-to-be-easily-consumed, and flawless is somewhat boring.  Is it that I prefer a little lack of perfection?  I don't know.  I relate to food a lot with tobacco, because they are cousins in this realm of taste--we have bred modern pigs for pork to be lean, and feed & keep them to be "un-gamey," because that's where the consumers seem to be buying--but what of the wild boar, whose taste is completely different?   For that matter, the wild pig which escaped his farm, is running rampant through forests, gardens and changing from a pink, domesticated, mild animal back to its original form?   I've had tastes of it all, and suddenly the supermarket packs of pork I find on sale for $1.99/lb get the job done, and are easy to get.   Commercial chicken versus wild birds, or even different strains of domestic "heritage" poultry has a similar story.

They can even taste pretty darned good in the hands of a good cook.   The ingredient I seem to crave, though, is uncommon in both meat and tobacco alike.  Yak and I talked once of how the English, in some instances, have "rounded out" or taken the tobacco-ness out of some of their blends, perhaps to be more palatable, fragrant, etc.   Hell, that's been going on, possibly since we yanked a few broad-leafed bunches from the Americas, took them elsewhere, and messed around with soil composition and selective breeding.   Perhaps someone 200 years ago would smoke what I like currently (because I have a time machine, after all) and wonder what all the fuss was about, and how tame it was...preferring their own.  

McClelland is doing nothing wrong, overall.  Sure, I'll challenge them to take steps like MacBaren did coming out with Old Dark Fired, something totally different to their status quo.  I'll keep waiting for the next Pease release hoping it will add to the already varied selection he produces.  Meanwhile, SG and GH&Co and even Orlik's rendition on adopted blends rely on what seem to be time-honored classics...which is another source of opinion and debate altogether.   McClelland, though, is a company not afraid to come up with new stuff...there's a new generation of tobacco dudes out there, and I think it'd be nice if they had a few "wild" and "bold" offerings.   I certainly haven't tried all of the currents, so perhaps I'm blowing smoke...but to this point, I can't keep buying tins in optimism just to wonder why I didn't stick with what I like--which causes a problem:  I like trying (and enjoying) new things.  

Monbla:  This may come as a shock, I take your advice at times.  Everyone has something to offer, even you.  :lol:  :p   My McClelland stash I have is largely built on things I thought I'd have the best chance at liking.   I'm still working on a few, but yes, it's too bad we didn't have this talk a while back so I could have traded a few things that might have made us both happy.   We'll work something out if we get the chance to get our hands on our preferred smoke--I'm not throwing away any McC selections.   The FMC 2000 toward the end started biting the hell out of my tongue, as I remember (as did Dark Star), so who knows what happened.   I blame it on chemistry.   Things that used to rip my tongue up now do not.   <img class="emojione" alt="?" title=":shrug:" src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/emojione/assets/png/1f937.png?v=2.2.7"/>

Mr. Burley:   Thanks for the compliment.   McC remains one of the tobaccos readily-available at Tinder Box here in Reno, and I kind of know who would get along with them at this point and I find it may be someone's "forever favorite" or merely a stepping stone to the next thing.   Whatever works, happy pipe smokers are the best kind.

So, wrapping up another wordy Weiss post, my dramatic Virginia Woods review should be taken with a grain of salt...or a sniff of ketchup.   :D

8)
 
I understand what you mean about raw/less processed and/or rustic tobaccos Kyle, my preferences lie there as well. Good simple tobacco, unadulterated by over creativity, usually wins out in the end. I think it's a logical conclusion to a concentrated tobacco journey. As we have thoughtfully taken in blend after blend over the years, we manage to pare choices down to the finest simple things, much as it is with cooking.
 
"I'm with Puff Daddy... the lack of 40oz malt liquor was probably where I went wrong... can't turn a whorebacca into a housepuff."

I am TOLD there is a phenomenon called "beer googles." While you can't change the nature of a whorebacca, perhaps a malt 40 might make it seem a little better - for a while.

Then you wake up the next morning and check BoB to see what you posted...
 
Fr_Tom":a0u2bxqy said:
"I'm with Puff Daddy... the lack of 40oz malt liquor was probably where I went wrong... can't turn a whorebacca into a housepuff."

I am TOLD there is a phenomenon called "beer googles." While you can't change the nature of a whorebacca, perhaps a malt 40 might make it seem a little better - for a while.

Then you wake up the next morning and check BoB to see what you posted...
This.

I've had more than my share of regrets PWI (posting while intoxicated). Thus I now refrain from that practice...........

.....................most of the time anyway.............

:drunken: 


Cheers,

RR
 
I think George Kaplan did some drunk posting here at times, if I remember correctly. Damn funny stuff. :lol:
 
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