Never had a Virginia pipe tobacco. Looking for something "pure" and introductory. Current thinking is McClelland 5100 Red Cake (because my tobacconist should be getting some in bulk that I can get an ounce of), or G.L. Pease Union Square (but understand this should be cellared for at least a half a year which is a little long to try soon), or Sam Gawith Best Brown Flake. Any thoughts or different ideas? Thanks!
A Virginia?
- Thread starter john parker
- Start date
I like the 5100 a lot.. only had a couple of bowls of it, but I found it very mellow with an earthy sweetness. Simple, but I don't mean that in a bad way at all.
Last edited:
5100 is a great all-day Va. Even better with a few years on it. I have some cellared all the way back to 2002, and it is almost pitch black now.
Others to think about:
SG Full Virginia Flake
Astley's #109 and #44
McClelland's 5115 Old World Classic Cake
Some of my favorites, just off the top of my head.
Others to think about:
SG Full Virginia Flake
Astley's #109 and #44
McClelland's 5115 Old World Classic Cake
Some of my favorites, just off the top of my head.
SG Medium Virginia Flake is a nice choice. More flavorful than the FVF, IMO.
- Thread starter
- #5
Harry, I appreciate the recommendation. But isn't S. Gawaith a Lakeland? Does it have that floral flavor and "ghost" I read about?
Not all SG's are Lakeland topped. FVF and MVF are not. They are just straight Va's.
5100 will give you a great idea what virginia is about.
Steve Brooks from the House of Calabash has a blend 7of9s which is seven of the nine major varieties of Virginia. Very tasty!
My favorite straight Virginia is McClelland 2010. It ages well and is a very good tobacco. You will have some folks talking about a ketchup aroma, but I have never once noticed that. I smoke only Virgina or Virginia/Perique tobaccos, and most of my cellar is made up of McClelland tobaccos.
5100 is also a wonderful tobacco that ages very quickly. That tobacco changes very quickly once it is sealed up.
5100 is also a wonderful tobacco that ages very quickly. That tobacco changes very quickly once it is sealed up.
2010 is also a staple of mine. Here is a review I did a while back:
I like just about every VA from McClellnd, and this is no exception. The pouch aroma is that sour Mc Va, which I absolutely love. Of all the bulk offerings from McClelland, this is by far the easiest to rub out. Also packs well, without a lot of springiness some can have. Lights fairly well, can use a few minutes dry time after it is rubbed out. Has a very bright flavor, and a pleasant toast-like room note. This stuff still wouldn't bite even if you lit it on your tongue. Very mild mannered, I'd even recommend for a newer Va flake smoker. A very predictable blend, and one I will keep stocked in my cellar.
If you are looking to sample a few Va's, PM me your address, and I will send some out. It won't be immediately, I am bogged down with working jobs, bu I will get it out before I leave for bird hunting this fall.
Sounds like a good tobacco. I must try some on my next order. I tried some FVF before, but I was still new to pipe smoking.
Last edited:
- Thread starter
- #13
Thank you for your generosity, Capt. PM on its way!
Boxed up and ready to ship out after tomorrow's holiday.
2010, 5100 and FVF are amongst my favourite blends and are high on my hoard--uhm, I mean cellar list.
