The components are "sweet red Virginias and hearty black stoved Virginias." Quite black from being in the jar since 2007. Jar aroma is overwhelmingly affected by the signature McClelland vinegar/ketchup smell (always a turn off for me), but it does not come across in the smoke at all (thankfully). Upon initial light, a definite cocoa character, and immediately more rich and tasty than the aged Wessex Gold Brick I also reviewed tonight. This is one of those Virginias I enjoy. More complex, slightly herbal at times, a bit of sweetness from the reds, I guess, and a bit of charcoal smokiness. Strong enough to discourage a full retrohale, and a slight oily funkiness which is in no way negative, but adds to the interest. I'm down to about once ounce, and after this it is no longer, so I will enjoy what's left and move onward and upward! Kind of a shame that they went out of business and did not seem interested in selling their recipes or continuing in any way. Bummer.
