Jim's Sutliff Cringle Flake (Holiday Edition 2024) Review.

[JimInks]

I don't have a release date for this blend, but the tradition has been mid-to late November.

The year 2000 American flue cured and 2010 Canadian flue cured red Virginias provide a wealth of fermented, very tangy dark fruit, earth, wood, bread, sugar, a fair amount of floralness, some spice, vegetative grass, tart and tangy citrus, and light vinegar. The Virginias are the last of what was sourced from McClelland’s. The strength and taste are a step past the medium mark. The nic-hit is medium. No chance of bite or harshness. Has minute rough notes. The easily broken apart flakes are a tad more than mildly moist, so they may require a light dry time for some. As is my custom, I did not dry any of it for this review. It burns cool, clean, and slow with a very consistent, deeply rich flavor that extends to the moderately lingering, pleasant after taste. The room note is pleasant to tolerable. Leaves little dampness in the bowl. Requires some relights. It may be an all day smoke for those experienced with red Virginias, and is repeatable under any circumstance. Four stars out of four.
©Jim Amash 2024

 

[spearheadbill]

Thanx Jim

 

[AcesAndEights]

Just a few hours ago, I was enjoying a bowl of Sutliff 515 Red Virginia wondering about this year’s Cringle Flake. Good news and great review!

 

[Egg Shen]

I don't have a release date for this blend, but the tradition has been mid-to late November.

The year 2000 American flue cured and 2010 Canadian flue cured red Virginias provide a wealth of fermented, very tangy dark fruit, earth, wood, bread, sugar, a fair amount of floralness, some spice, vegetative grass, tart and tangy citrus, and light vinegar. The Virginias are the last of what was sourced from McClelland’s. The strength and taste are a step past the medium mark. The nic-hit is medium. No chance of bite or harshness. Has minute rough notes. The easily broken apart flakes are a tad more than mildly moist, so they may require a light dry time for some. As is my custom, I did not dry any of it for this review. It burns cool, clean, and slow with a very consistent, deeply rich flavor that extends to the moderately lingering, pleasant after taste. The room note is pleasant to tolerable. Leaves little dampness in the bowl. Requires some relights. It may be an all day smoke for those experienced with red Virginias, and is repeatable under any circumstance. Four stars out of four.
©Jim Amash 2024

I never knew they used the McC red in this. Has it featured this the last few releases or is this particular to the ‘24 batch?

 

[jbfrady]

Great view of (perhaps) the final Cringle Flake!

 

[Auxsender]

Goodbye, dollars.

 

[seanv]

Thank you Jim. This sounds right in my wheelhouse

 

[JimInks]

I never knew they used the McC red in this. Has it featured this the last few releases or is this particular to the ‘24 batch?

I have wondered about that, too. I'm thinking that they didn't or they'd have released that particular information at the times when they made those blends. I don't think that the trademark McClelland effect is very obvious here, but since I knew what they did, I figured that I should mention it in my review.

 

[Friendly Piper]

I have wondered about that, too. I'm thinking that they didn't or they'd have released that particular information at the times when they made those blends. I don't think that the trademark McClelland effect is very obvious here, but since I knew what they did, I figured that I should mention it in my review.

At the Richmond CORPS 40th show, Jeremy McKenna said this was something new and special for 2024. Very exciting.

 

[DesertDan]

Looking forward to it!

 

[Egg Shen]

I don't think that the trademark McClelland effect is very obvious here, but since I knew what they did, I figured that I should mention it in my review.

Thanks, I was wondering exactly this.

 

[Mrs. Pickles]

Thank you Jim and thank you Sutliff!

 

[rsshreck32]

I have wondered about that, too. I'm thinking that they didn't or they'd have released that particular information at the times when they made those blends. I don't think that the trademark McClelland effect is very obvious here, but since I knew what they did, I figured that I should mention it in my review.

Being a fairly new pipe smoker, this may be one of the few chances I have to try McClelland Virginia's without shelling out more than I should spend on tobacco.

 

[Merton]

I don't have a release date for this blend, but the tradition has been mid-to late November.

The year 2000 American flue cured and 2010 Canadian flue cured red Virginias provide a wealth of fermented, very tangy dark fruit, earth, wood, bread, sugar, a fair amount of floralness, some spice, vegetative grass, tart and tangy citrus, and light vinegar. The Virginias are the last of what was sourced from McClelland’s. The strength and taste are a step past the medium mark. The nic-hit is medium. No chance of bite or harshness. Has minute rough notes. The easily broken apart flakes are a tad more than mildly moist, so they may require a light dry time for some. As is my custom, I did not dry any of it for this review. It burns cool, clean, and slow with a very consistent, deeply rich flavor that extends to the moderately lingering, pleasant after taste. The room note is pleasant to tolerable. Leaves little dampness in the bowl. Requires some relights. It may be an all day smoke for those experienced with red Virginias, and is repeatable under any circumstance. Four stars out of four.
©Jim Amash 2024

While things look bleak for Sutliff's future, I am very happy to read that the 2024 Cringle at least somewhat hearkens back the truly outstanding 2019 version. I have enjoyed each year's iteration, but the 2019 blend was by far the best of the group. I still have a number of tins of the 2019 (and each subsequent year) which I judiciously smoke during the holidays. Too bad that 2024 could well be the last.

 

[eljimmy]

Thanks Jim! Can't wait to try this one.

 

[AndyNJ]

that sound good

 

[Dr. Van Loafer]

Thank you for this review! For some reason I thought the annual Cringle Flake blends were aromatics so I have not partaken, I did not realize they were Virginia blends. Hmmm might have to grab a tin or two when it releases!

 

[Brewfan]

Thanks Jim! Sounds like I'll need to limit out on this year's release, it seems about perfect.

 

[Chalaw87]

This just dropped on SP, just FYI

 

[blackpowderpiper]

This just dropped on SP, just FYI

Thanks for the heads up. I didn't think it was supposed to drop until 6 pm EST. Luckily I was able to snag a few tins.