McClelland BLACKWOODS FLAKE 100g

This is my first review of McClelland tobaccos, so pardon my immaturity to the brand. I tried this on a whim while ordering some of my usual stocks for the cellar. I figured I would try it while waiting for my others to mature a bit. I had read almost every review written here on this blend. I had a fair idea what to expect on that note. Upon opening the tin/can I smelled not the usual "vinegar Hines" smell but matured fruits. The smell was strong of prunes and figs.....pleasing none the less. I used this tin over the course of a month, and as it matured a bit in the opened tin the smell turned to a darker almost licorice smell. My kids always asked to smell the tin as I was packing the pipe bowl. Now the tobacco is a bit too moist from the can and upon rubbing it out some, I will normally allow it to sit for 10-20 min to allow some drying. Mind you I prefer my tobacco a little moist but not that moist! After drying and loading (I use the child/mother/father 3 step method) with a dusting of spare bits to assist in lighting, the bowls lit very nicely after a couple of charring pre-lights. Its a very sweet taste from the start which I really liked! I found out quickly that it can burn if you try to smoke this like a freight train. I had to allow my bowl to cool a few times which resulted in some relights. Not the tobacco's fault though. As I got to the half way point in the bowl I noticed that the sweetness subsided to a more peppery overtone. Not a Perique flavor, but almost like chipotle peppers. Smokey, sweet, and spicey all rolled into one. Overall this is a tobacco that requires some attention, but if the care is taken to prep it properly, and time taken when smoking, it will reward you in spades! I am adding this to my regular rotation, and more is being ordered to cellar.