I don't why people insist on getting a replacement for something. It is a quixotic search.
McLelland Replacement
- Thread starter tg51
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To my tastes, Wessex Brigade Dark and Classic VA are really good for when the McC itch gets me but I don’t want to tap into my cellared McClelland stash. I’ve also started blending (or mixing) and pressing Sutliff VA’s to taste, and they are hitting the spot. Primarily 515 RC-1 And 507-s as starting points. But you’re never going to replace Christmas Cheer or Dark Star.
Did I mention that I house sit as a public service? Feel to call on me anytime...
From a Virginia perspective, I'm perfectly happy with Orilk Golden Sliced, Solani Silver Flake, Reiner Long Golden Flake, and Tordenskjold.
That's a good point, that'll be when I break into the good stuff.But what are you gonna smoke next year?
So this is probably what, an 8th of your entire McClelland Hoard?!
Id say for Virginias and Vapers, Sam gawith is the next best thing. Although in the last couple years, the blends have changed. St James Flake for example used be dense like beef jerky, now its more flaky...maybe its just me
I hate to beat a dead horse, but I haven't found any that really compare, just excellent totally different blends from other producers.
Thankfully I have a little stock. I'll get to smell that righteous Ketchupy VA tin note at least 5 more times. When I run out of 40th anniversary I just might cry.
Thankfully I have a little stock. I'll get to smell that righteous Ketchupy VA tin note at least 5 more times. When I run out of 40th anniversary I just might cry.
They were always my favorite blender. I was a poor college student when I first picked up the pipe and I wasn't able to try/store as much as I would have liked. I feel fortunate to have what I do and I have happily paid high prices for what I've gather.
As a fairly moderate smoker my small stash will last awhile as there are a grand number of other great blends to enjoy.
As a fairly moderate smoker my small stash will last awhile as there are a grand number of other great blends to enjoy.
I’m sure you can save up $40-$45 and get one without too much trouble. If that’s all it take to die a happy man, I’d say it cheap indeed!
I might have 7 tins of different McClelland blends. With 4 of those being 100 g tins, I won’t face the ordeal of finding good Virginia blends to replace them for some time. Currently I usually smoke on weekends when the weather is above freezing.
HU Anniversary is a delight and may give some of you McC heads out there some nostalgia. It’s topped with a balsamic vinegar which gives it a sweet, tangy vibe, it’s absolutely delicious. All HU, Gawith & Germain VA’s are top shelf and even if McC was still around I’d be reaching for those VA blends more often than McClelland’s. Also agree that Rattray’s Dark Fragrant has a similar vibe to the Dark McC VA’s. I do love me a good McC VA Flake from time to time but after awhile they all started tasting the same to me, just very subtle differences between them.
One of my favorites. I've got 4 more 100g tins on the way in my last order from Esterval's. Even without the balsamic, the underlying blend of leaf is magical.
Absolutely agree! It’s slowly making up in my all time favorite blends list!
Thanks for the HU Anniversary suggestion. I’m making my way through a few more HU blends, Mellow Mallard and Veermaster before I make another order with Estervals. I’ll add the Anniversary to the next order.
I pop a jar of Sutliff 515 when I miss McC. I'm sitting on a meager 3 tins of Beacon Extra, 3 Yenidge and 1 British Woods. For me, I think I didn't appreciate them when they were around because of where I was on my journey. I came to be a Virginia smoker after they were gone.
And for the rest of us who were not into the game deep enough prior to them disappearing... I will never miss it!
So please no one send me anything to to try...my wife and wallet thank you!
So please no one send me anything to to try...my wife and wallet thank you!
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