Red Virginias

[WVpiper3]

Afternoon everyone,
I'm fairly new to the game and really don't like the bright/light Virginia leaf but really enjoy the red/matured Va. Does anyone have a good recommendation for a red/matured Va forward blend?

 

[cosmicfolklore]

First, which red Virginia blend is it that you like? Because there are ways that this could go, that might take you further away from what you already like. For example, Hearth and Homes Marble Kake is a red, but it is on the light and subtle side. Red Virginias isn't just one type of leaf.

 

[WVpiper3]

First, which red Virginia blend is it that you like? Because there are ways that this could go, that might take you further away from what you already like. For example, Hearth and Homes Marble Kake is a red, but it is on the light and subtle side. Red Virginias isn't just one type of leaf.

So II'm looking for more of an earthy fuller robust red va, im a big fan of sutliff red virginia its sweet but not bitey and just a tad fuller bodied than that of a bright va. any think like that?

 

[WVpiper3]

If it helps give a reference I really like blends like petersons Irish flake, but I'm looking for something more red va forward then dark fired forward

 

[cosmicfolklore]

Try C&D Red Virginia Cavendish, when it is available. Also, their Opening Night is remarkable.
My tastes just lean towards C&D. And, for Virginias... the European Tobacconists just fall short for me.

 

[HawkeyeLinus]

You'll get better recommendations above and from other folks as well on here I've gotten recommendations from and searched out. Long list!

I've developed a taste for the "darker" and love it, but I like the "brights" as well.

If you want to get into some red or darker with a little bit of aro tossed in, I'll throw exploring some of the Ken Byron blends in the mix. Wilke's Lizzie is great with some orange VA in there as well.

 

[WVpiper3]

Try C&D Red Virginia Cavendish, when it is available. Also, their Opening Night is remarkable.



My tastes just lean towards C&D. And, for Virginias... the European Tobacconists just fall short for me.

OK awesome I'll give those a look thanks alot!

 

[hoosierpipeguy]

GLP Union Square, C&D Opening Night and Carolina Small Batch Red Virginia Flake, F&T Blackjack and I assume, CVP and CBP and Wessex Campaign Brigade Dark Flake (to a lesser degree).

 

[WVpiper3]

You'll get better recommendations above and from other folks as well on here I've gotten recommendations from and searched out. Long list!















I've developed a taste for the "darker" and love it, but I like the "brights" as well.















If you want to get into some red or darker with a little bit of aro tossed in, I'll throw exploring some of the Ken Byron blends in the mix. Wilke's Lizzie is great with some orange VA in there as well.







Any particular ken Byron blend you think might fit the bill? I've never tried his/their stuff so I'm open to it

 

[cosmicfolklore]

I like F&Ts Blackjack for about ten minutes, and then it starts getting bitey to me. It has a great flavor, but it's just hard to smoke... for me. I have about ten tins in the cellar as an experiment as to whether ten+ years helps this one any.

 

[pipingfool]

C&D's Low Country Edisto is a pretty good Red Virginia blend that is usually readily available.

And one of my favorites is Samuel Gawith's Full Virginia Flake. Not sure if it is 100% Red, but it is definitely on the "darker" end of the flavor spectrum. When you can get it.

 

[alexnc]

For red Virginia, I love Sutliff 515 and their Red Virginia Ribbon. Neither are nearly as strong as Irish Flake, I don’t recall picking up Red Virginia in IF. Mac Baren Pure Virginia leads with a red Virginia imo. I also love Union Square and do pick up Red Va in the mix. I second the Edisto rec as well! And don’t forget Sutliff crumble cake red Va!

 

[NomadOrb]

Sutliff and C&D/GLP is where I go for my red virginias.

C&D really provides the earthy flavors.

 

[AJL67]

Small Batch Carolina Red Flake is a favorite when you can find it, pretty sure i bought most of it up slowly over time, i even enjoy the /Perique version, I've also loaded up on Union Square during one of the SPC sales, and I don't think i've even tried it yet, so much tobacco so little time... thank God. lol

 

[WVpiper3]

For red Virginia, I love Sutliff 515 and their Red Virginia Ribbon. Neither are nearly as strong as Irish Flake, I don’t recall picking up Red Virginia in IF. Mac Baren Pure Virginia leads with a red Virginia imo. I also love Union Square and do pick up Red Va in the mix. I second the Edisto rec as well! And don’t forget Sutliff crumble cake red Va!


I completely Agree, I wasn't implying there was red va in IF I was just saying as far as earthiness and full bodied goes, thats what I'm looking for but red va forward. Sutliff 515

I think is going to be the one I look for though, I've heard great things about that one, thanks for the recommendation!

 

[rmpeeps]

Get some of C&D’s Interlude and Opening Night. Rub out and mix 50/50. Let it rest 6 months.
Good stuff.

 

[sablebrush52]

For something a bit different, buy some Simply Red from Watch City Cigars when they next offer it. Put it away for a couple of years, and watch the magic come to pass.. Also try Simply Orange from Watch City when they next offer it as well.
Late next year, keep an eye out for Sufliff Cringle Flake, and if you see it, be sure to pick up some of the 2020 Cringle flake if you really want that matured Red. It's the closest to McClelland's Red I've tasted since McClelland closed up shop in 2018.

 

[JimInks]

I'll add a few that haven't been mentioned. Sutliff has three red Va. crumble cake blends: Crumble Kake Red Virginia, Crumble Kake English #1, and Crumble Kake VaPer.

 

[Grangerous]

Yes. Try C&D Winchester. It’s Red Virginia and Unsweetened Black Cavendish. Wine like with cigar notes. Sweet and quite tasty with a pleasing room note.

 

[cosmicfolklore]

Yes. Try C&D Winchester. It’s Red Virginia and Unsweetened Black Cavendish. Wine like with cigar notes. Sweet and quite tasty with a pleasing room note.

Thanks, I'm going to have to try that one also.