Mclelland 5100

[Stu321]

By the time I was serious about smoking non aromatic tobaccos it was too late for me to score any from mclelland. Now knowing what my tastes are it sounds like 5100 would have been one of my favorites. I would really like to get my hands on some, even if only a sample. Thanks!!

 

[ThermionicScott]

You sure that's wise? Try substituting "crack" for "5100" and re-reading your post.

 

[mortonbriar]

Have you tried the Sutliff 515 RC-1? It is not the same, but it is similar, and more to the point it is available in bulk.

5100 was more ketchup, 515 RC-1 more vinegar. It has been a few years since I had either but that is what I remember.

 

[Chalaw87]

Im in the same boat as Stu321. I really do like 515 RC-1, so Id love to try some 5100.

 

[hoosierpipeguy]

5100 and 515 RC-1 are not that similar IMHO. It would be like drinking a thick Ale and O'Doules. People need to quit trying so hard to find McClelland "Matches", there simply aren't any. Doesn't mean the Sutliff offering isn't good on it's own right, just means they're vastly different.

 

[ssjones]

Moved to discussion (OP doesn't have forum permissions to post to this area)

 

[gervais]

Which blends a

By the time I was serious about smoking non aromatic tobaccos it was too late for me to score any from mclelland. Now knowing what my tastes are it sounds like 5100 would have been one of my favorites. I would really like to get my hands on some, even if only a sample. Thanks!!

Which blends are you currently smoking that are making you want to give McClellands a go?

 

[Stu321]

Which blends a


Which blends are you currently smoking that are making you want to give McClellands a go?

Well, I discovered that what I like is tangy red virginia. The vinegar type taste is what I love. Mississippi River, Sutlif Red VA cake, cringle flake ect.

 

[Waning Embers]

Well, I discovered that what I like is tangy red virginia. The vinegar type taste is what I love. Mississippi River, Sutlif Red VA cake, cringle flake ect.

The newest you'll find is from 2017. It's settled into a more sweet than tang flavor. Older stock will likely be more so.

 

[sablebrush52]

The newest you'll find is from 2017. It's settled into a more sweet than tang flavor. Older stock will likely be more so.

I have a couple of pounds from 2013 that I haven't touched. I'll have to give that a try. At that time I thought it was a bit of a snooze.

 

[gervais]

Well, I discovered that what I like is tangy red virginia. The vinegar type taste is what I love. Mississippi River, Sutlif Red VA cake, cringle flake ect.

Have you tried the Rattray's Va blends? Old Gowrie and Hal o the wynd, in particular. They are dark/red Virginia heavy and extremely well executed blends.

If it's the vinegar you crave, buy a few pounds of Sutliff 515 rc-1

I'm pretty sure it is cased in actual vinegar!

 

[kcghost]

I don't know what process Mike used on the tobacco but despite claims no one has matched it.

 

[captpat]

it sounds like 5100 would have been one of my favorites.

I've often thought that about other blends after reading the description and reviews, alas it was not to be. You don't really know until you've tried it.

 

[SBC]

To my taste, the Mississippi River Special Reserve is considerably more vinegar-y than the standard offering.
I don't love either, personally, but it sounds like you might.

 

[sablebrush52]

I don't know what process Mike used on the tobacco but despite claims no one has matched it.

They used acids, amongst other processes. Nobody is going to match it as there was quite a bit of intuition mixed in with a series of carefully worked out steps in the processing.

 

[gervais]

They used acids, amongst other processes. Nobody is going to match it as there was quite a bit of intuition mixed in with a series of carefully worked out steps in the processing.

The future isn't written in stone, we can at least grasp on to that tightly. The right person with the right negotiating tactics "could" obtain their process, and turn it into something.

When the owners of McClelland hit a certain age, or stage in their lives.....what's the point of taking something with you to the grave that could potentially give the community alot of joy and happiness??

That's just how my crazy brain works

 

[sablebrush52]

The future isn't written in stone, we can at least grasp on to that tightly. The right person with the right negotiating tactics "could" obtain their process, and turn it into something.

When the owners of McClelland hit a certain age, or stage in their lives.....what's the point of taking something with you to the grave that could potentially give the community alot of joy and happiness??

That's just how my crazy brain works

Michelangelo destroyed his sketches and studies so on one would know what went into the preparation of his masterworks, like the Sistine ceiling. He thought it better for the work to feel more miraculous.

The McNeills gave pleasure to the pipe smoking community for 40 back breaking (literally) years. McClelland was their child and they weren't selling their child.

Based on how the world usually works, the chance of a successor company maintaining their sense of commitment was virtually nil, and the McNeills knew that. They like to say it's all about the Virginias, but were seeing a drop in quality that made continuing to do what they did at the level they did it no longer possible. So they weren't going to sell their name and processes to enable an inferior product. Also, making these blends was a highly hands on process, so no Mike McNeill, no blends.

They were offered good money to sell, but it wasn't about the money, rather about the quality and the character, and they had both.

 

[gervais]

Michelangelo destroyed his sketches and studies so on one would know what went into the preparation of his masterworks, like the Sistine ceiling. He thought it better for the work to feel more miraculous.

The McNeills gave pleasure to the pipe smoking community for 40 back breaking (literally) years. McClelland was their child and they weren't selling their child.

Based on how the world usually works, the chance of a successor company maintaining their sense of commitment was virtually nil, and the McNeills knew that. They like to say it's all about the Virginias, but were seeing a drop in quality that made continuing to do what they did at the level they did it no longer possible. So they weren't going to sell their name and processes to enable an inferior product. Also, making these blends was a highly hands on process, so no Mike McNeill, no blends.

They were offered good money to sell, but it wasn't about the money, rather about the quality and the character, and they had both.

I like the way you put that Sable. It makes sense.

 

[krizzose]

I always found that the famous McClelland vinegary tin note did not translate to the smoke. Quite the opposite; to my palate, their Virginias are very soft and mild, while packing lots of rich flavor.

The Sutliff vinegar, on the other hand, seems to me to actually be white vinegar they used as a topping, and I can taste it in the smoke.

 

[SBC]

I always found that the famous McClelland vinegary tin note did not translate to the smoke. Quite the opposite; to my palate, their Virginias are very soft and mild, while packing lots of rich flavor.

The Sutliff vinegar, on the other hand, seems to me to actually be white vinegar they used as a topping, and I can taste it in the smoke.

Yes the only McC tobacco that was too vinegary to me was 5100 -- the others I had from them were fantastic, and the ketchup tin note did not influence the smoke much, except in a way I liked.

The Sutliff vinegar thing is gross to me.