What Tinned McClelland Virginias Do You Guys Like?

[bigpond]

I think Butera's Golden Cake is the best straight VA they make.

McCelland is known to have the world's best Virginia supply bar none.

Good marketing, but I think that's the extent of it.

 

[cobguy]

But, Aurora really stands out to me ...

I grabbed a tin on your recommendation a while back but haven't cracked it open yet.
What on earth am I waiting for?? :mrgreen:

 

[matchstickman]

OK, a question for all of you guys recommending the McClelland flakes: Do you break them up when you smoke them? And if so, how big of a pain in the ass are they to prep? When I smoke flake I usually prefer mine very broken up, and I have heard that Dark Star is one tough mother to prep. Didn't know if Dark Star was the exception to the rule with McClelland or if they are all kind of a pain to deal with? Also, thanks for all the recommendations. I've heard good things about Beacon and it's kind of flown under my radar. I will definitely add it to the order.

 

[tarak]

Blackwoods Flake needs some drying time- 30 minutes to an hour, then I rub it out. Like all Mcclellands, it comes as a broken flake already.
Haven't smoked dark star but yes I hear that one is a tough one, but worth it.

 

[mikestanley]

I generally rub flakes or broken flakes out quite a bit. My favorite smokes are usually packed in my pipe the night before to enjoy in the morning.
Mike S.

 

[username]

Of the non aged I have had 2015 is my go t Its not fair to include the 20 year old #25 or the 15 year old #22 as I have never smoked those two fresh but 2015 bulk was the first time I hauled off and ordered a pound after smoking a ounce.

 

[captpat]

2015 is my favorite so far, 5100 is good too.

 

[mso489]

Just as a point of discussion, I am aging a tin of Dark Star and have heard praise and negativity from different Forums members. I'm guessing that Dark Star is improved with at least a little age. Also, as near as I can tell, the size of the pieces of leaf varies a lot, so you need to somewhat rub it out to get it more uniform for the best smoke. Some people give it extra high marks, and others think it's terrible. The bulk Virginia Red Cake 5100 has a burst of ketchup smell when you open the jar, but it's a sweetheart, all by itself or mixed with other tobaccos or blends. It has no ketchup taste at all, to me.