McClelland Stave-Aged Virginia 35 Ribbon

Stave-Aged Virginia 35 Ribbon is the Virginia blend McClelland prepared for its 35th anniversary. It takes its name from the oak barrel stave used to age the tobacco; the package includes a sample piece of that stave, with bourbon aroma worked into the wood. The cut is ribbon and packs easily. In the smoke, a measured bourbon note sits atop stoved Virginia's tea-like, tangy, sweet axis; the flavoring doesn't leap forward, moving instead alongside the tobacco's natural taste. Turkish-language sources note it doesn't bite the tongue but tends to run hot, calling for a slow smoke. McClelland closed in 2018.