McClelland Top Hat

Top Hat is a Virginia-Perique blend built by adding a pronounced amount of Perique to McClelland's characteristic red and orange Virginias. Red and stoved Virginias give a sharp, tangy-sweet, dark-fruited base, underlaid with a faint herbal, earthy sweetness from fermentation. Here, the Perique brings forward its raisin-and-fig side rather than sharp peppery spice; the spice note becomes more pronounced as the smoke progresses. The brand's vinegary aroma noticeable on opening largely fades after the first few puffs. Production ended in 2018.