McClelland Christmas Cheer 2014

[krizzose]

I just cracked my "smoke now" tin of Xmas Cheer 2014. The tin note had a deep cinnamon spice aroma to it that was really unique. I've only had one bowl, and I am now very annoyed with myself for only getting 2 tins for the cellar. Very few high grassy flavors, much more like baked goods. The cinnamon spiciness comes through in the smoke. It's like pumpkin bread with just a hint of citrus tang on the finish. Absolutely zero bite, and it smoked cool throughout. Absolutely delicious. I can't wait to try it in a few years. FWIW, I folded and stuffed it.

 

[andrew]

I believe 2014 was a red va, I have 2 tins, I still haven't popped my 2013 yet though.

 

[deuce26]

I love Red Virginias. Sounds delicious.

 

[vink]

Are 2015 red Va too? I think so.

 

[jefff]

As a big fan of Red Virginias, i am very much on the look out for a tin of the 2014. I just opened a 13 and I like it a lot.

 

[jmatt]

I just had some of my 2015 this afternoon. When I first opened the tin and had my first smoke my reaction was "nice - but fairly monotone." Since then it is one of my favorite Virginias. Thankfully, I bought 5 tins. The one I'm smoking now, and 4 to save for a number of years. I think I'll follow that plan each year.

 

[mso489]

I'm going to age my 2015 for another ten months, at least, and then decide if I want to let it go longer. I have a tin of Dark Star that's gone longer, so that might go first. Not to mention Riverboat Gambler, etc.

 

[deathmetal]

You suffer from too many good options, MSO

 

[griffonwing]

I was under the impression that Christmas Cheer was the same for all years, that it was simply a limited annual. So, a 2006 was the same blend as a 2015, just aged. Have I been wrong?

 

[bonehed]

They are all different griffonwing.

 

[jmatt]

From McClelland:

With Christmas Cheer, we treat our discriminating customers to the singular pleasure of a tasting of the very finest in tobaccos of a particular vintage, not worrying about maintaining the flavor and appearance of future generations of this product but actually striving instead to capture the unique character of a single crop and area.

 

[cosmicfolklore]

Yep, each year the tobacco is different, subtly different, but different nonetheless. This will also give you an understanding of why blenders will case their non-aromatic blends, to give their product consistency from year to year.
2014 was good stuff. I wish that I had more than just one more tin of it left also.

 

[griffonwing]

I see. That really makes me want to preserve the tin that I have now.

 

[disinformatique]

I still have a few bowls of 2014 left and I am also kicking my ass for not buying more. It;s a fanstastic smoke, quite spicy and the aroma is a god send. I have 5 tins of 2015, going to pop one open soon and age the other 4.

 

[krizzose]

I'm starting to panic a little bit because I'm now head over heels for this stuff and I know my open tin won't last too long. I'm committed to putting some age on my 2 remaining sealed tin, but even that's getting me anxious cause I only have 2. Does McClelland (or anyone else) have an all red va flake? Would Dark Star or Blackwoods Flake come anywhere close in flavor profile? I'm gonna be bummed if the 2016 Xmas Cheer isn't a red va flake. If it is, I'm taking out a HELOC for a massive purchase.
EDIT: LOL, had to edit quickly cause for some reason I thought I had only 1 sealed tin. I have 2, but still....

 

[cobguy]

Does McClelland (or anyone else) have an all red va flake?

Yes ... McCranies Red Flake (and it is the SHI%%):

 

[jitterbugdude]

I started buying 3 tins every year starting in 2012. I really don't care for the stuff but my plan is to try it again when I retire (6 years from now). Maybe aging for 6-10 years will improve the flavor.

 

[skaukatt]

Here's about the best red VA in bulk, delicious!
McClelland: 5100 - Red Cake: This is a style of English Virginia that has seldom been seen in America. McClelland's Red Cake is a sweet, exceptionally soft, fully rubbed-out Matured Cake. 5100 is a wonderful blending tobacco as well as a fine, medium-bodied straight smoke.

 

[krizzose]

Cobguy: thanks, I'll give that a try.
Skaukatt: I'm already a fan of 5100!