Sutliff 515-RC

[homesteader]

Recently I smoked some Sutliff 515-RC that I purchased in 2019. Two years ago I tried it and it was alright, but not exceptional. I was late to the game regarding McClelland, and I hate that. I was smoking aromatics, and even took a couple of breaks from pipe smoking. Near the end of McClelland's run, I discovered their 5100 Red Cake, and really liked it. When I went back to my tobacconist in 2019 to replenish my stock, I was informed McClelland had gone out of business.

Research showed a lot of recommendations for Sutliff 515-RC. I tried it fresh, and it wasn't a very good substitute. Two years later, however, I find that it has improved greatly with a little age. Now it does remind me an awful lot of that McClelland tobacco that I discovered too late.

Looking at Tobacco Reviews, the two have similar ratings: McClelland 5100 has a 3.4 and Sutliff 515-RC has a 3.3.

There are many who have much more experience with McClelland blends than I, and I'm hardly the first to make this recommendation, but if you're looking for a replacement for McClelland 5100, or you just like good red Virginias, buy a pound of Sutliff 515-RC and let it age. You won't be disappointed.

 

[ray47]

I have a pound of 515-RC. I didn't care much for it when it was fresh so I put it in mason jars in 2018. I'm still smoking 5100, but very sparingly. I'll have to open a jar of the 515-RC and see how it compares to 5100.

 

[kwg116]

I found aging 515-RC improved my enjoyment of the blend. When it’s young I tend to over puff my pipe because that sweetness is so enjoyable I don’t realize my tongue is sizzling. I did the same with 5100 when I first started smoking it. With age I get less bite and can smoke a few bowls in a row without any issues. I’m thankful to have discovered it because of so many people recommending it on this forum throughput the years.

 

[sablebrush52]

While not quite the same as 5100 it's a good smoke on its own merits and about as close as we're likely to get for the foreseeable future. It was created to mimic 5100 as a blending base and it does that quite well.

 

[kcghost]

Maybe someday someone will discover the McClelland secret to Virginias but for now we can do nothing but wait.

 

[Mr_houston]

I find that Sutliff 515-RC is not as rich as 5100. However when mixed 50/50 with Sutliff 507-S (stoved), it is a closer match.

I’ve only recently cellared some, so can’t speak to aging.

 

[Country Bladesmith]

I think all Virginia, but red in particular, gains a lot by aging. 515 is good stuff. I have a pound or so that I’m keeping back for another year or two before opening.
Lizzie Blood Red Virginia is another that I’m finding benefits immensely from aging. Both are fine smoked fresh, but are better after some time in tobacco jail.

 

[kg.legat0]

515 is some good stuff. The first batch I got was really vinegar-y ...despite that, it tastes great in the pipe. I got another half pound a couple months ago, less vinegar and also tastes great. The first batch is about a year old now, really tamed down a bit in the jar.

On the 'to do' list is to mix up some 515 and 507-S ...I feel like I have seen this blend mentioned before -it makes a lot of sense after smoking both alone for a good while now.

 

[homesteader]

I find that Sutliff 515-RC is not as rich as 5100. However when mixed 50/50 with Sutliff 507-S (stoved), it is a closer match.

Thanks, I'll have to try that.

 

[oldgeezersmoker]

I smoke a lot of 515 RC 1 and 507 S mixed 50/50. Present stash came from the initial shipments, as I recall without getting up to look, 2018. I have 5100 and 5105 on hand as well, and more often than not smoke them mixed 50/50.

Both are fine on their own, both are better aged, but 515 RC benefits more obviously from age. Both need overnight dry time IMO.

 

[homesteader]

My latest shipment of tobacco recently came in. It included the Sutliff 507-S Stoved Black Virginia. I mixed it evenly with some of the aged 515-RC and it is pretty good. Thanks for the suggestion. I'll mix up a batch and jar it. It should be quite good after letting the flavors marry.

 

[kg.legat0]

I have meant to blend up some 515/507-S for a while...seems like it'd be a great tasting blend.

 

[Country Bladesmith]

It should be quite good after letting the flavors marry.

Pressing works well for that.

 

[frozenchurchwarden]

I'd bet most of the people who say they don't like 515 RC-1 are trying to hoard it.
Even at only 25% RC-1 Red VA in my home made Half and Half blend jarred a month ago the vinegar smell is still quite pronounced.

 

[greeneyes]

I'd bet there are some "sleeper" red Virginias out there that have gone under the radar. Just a suspicion, mind you.

 

[Chasing Embers]

I'd bet there are some "sleeper" red Virginias out there that have gone under the radar. Just a suspicion, mind you.

No idea what you mean.

 

[dochowl]

I'm sitting on a few pounds of the 515RC1 and the 507S. I like them better together (half and half or even 2:1) and enjoy them fresh as well as with a year or two age on them. The bite definitely drops a bit with age, but all good either way.

 

[newbroom]

You're pressing them, then, I see.

 

[OlJawBone]

Welp, this thread was enough to make me order some.

 

[gervais]

I'd bet there are some "sleeper" red Virginias out there that have gone under the radar. Just a suspicion, mind you.

No idea what you mean.

View attachment 84799

I just bought a couple tins of Wessex red Va flake. Hoping it's a good one. I'm currently searching for some keepers