McClelland and Flakes

[beaupipe]

So I'm sitting here smoking some 4 year old St. James Woods and wondering: McClelland produces some great Virginias and VaPers in broken flake form. Given the popularity of flakes these days, especially those from SG and G&H and PS, does anyone know why they don't produce any classically styled flakes, pretty row-upon-row flakes in little rectangular tins? They seem to have the right equipment on hand. They'd sell tons.

Is it just the tins?

 

[Kapnismologist]

A very good question. Sometimes you get a sizable group of very nice, perfectly cut flakes in the McCelland-made tins (e.g., in Epitome, Blakeney's Best Tawny Flake, Butera Royal Vintage Golden Cake), but more often than not they are either partially pre-broken (intentional) or at least half or more broken-up by jostling around in the round, loosely-packed tin.

Perhaps the issue here is that of the (perceived?) benefits of loose packing (the idea being that flakes need air / room to age well in the tin)? Or, just McClelland brand identification (like the whale - you see it on the shelf, and know what it is)? Or something else entirely?

Whatever the case, I too would sure not mind having some of their flake preparations available sardine-style as in the Euro tins. That would be great.

 

[Jack Straw]

I think it would be a good idea. I know C&D for one is able to fit regular flakes into the round tins, although they are a bit harder to get out in one piece than the euro tins as Kap just described them. Even though I usually break them up at least somewhat, I love the look of a flake tobacco in the tin.

 

[Sasquatch]

My theory is that after Mac Baren makes their perfect Navy Flake, they sweep up the floor and mail it to McClelland. :bball:

 

[Jack Straw]

^Nonsense, McClelland doesn't make any good burley blends!

 

[Anonymous]

Intersting, will keep my mouth shut here, Broken or full flake, McClelland baccy is really good, I like their blends alot!

 

[babysinister]

My theory is that after Mac Baren makes their perfect Navy Flake, they sweep up the floor and mail it to McClelland. :bball:

Shucks, squatch, I thought you liked McClellands; you highly recommended Legends and Jubilee to me... Having a change of mind? Too bad, I just sent you a couple of tins of the aforementioned.

 

[pipetongue1]

If Mc's made flakes like others they wouldn't be Mc! :tongue: Ken
Pacem en Puffing! :tongue:

 

[Anonymous]

My theory is that after Mac Baren makes their perfect Navy Flake, they sweep up the floor and mail it to McClelland. :bball:

Shucks, squatch, I thought you liked McClellands; you highly recommended Legends and Jubilee to me... Having a change of mind? Too bad, I just sent you a couple of tins of the aforementioned.

Now worries good Sir, I would gladly receive the shipment on SAS' behalf" :lol:

 

[Sasquatch]

Neither blend is a flake so I'm safe!

I will say that I don't particularly like how McClelland makes flakes, I find them kind of difficult to deal with compared to other brands. But they do taste great.

 

[Anonymous]

Neither blend is a flake so I'm safe!

I will say that I don't particularly like how McClelland makes flakes, I find them kind of difficult to deal with compared to other brands. But they do taste great.

:cheers: :cheers:

 

[Jordies]

I fancy some McC blends... However, I do find their broken flakes a bit annoying. I find that they are difficult to rub out to the consistency that I prefer.

 

[babysinister]

Neither blend is a flake so I'm safe!

I will say that I don't particularly like how McClelland makes flakes, I find them kind of difficult to deal with compared to other brands. But they do taste great.

So then, it's only their flakes that are made from MacBaren sweepings, in your opinion?

 

[gandalfpc]

From what I have seen those pretty side by side flakes only happen when you hand pack the tins - my guess is they opted for cheaper higher rate tin filling - not to knock them for it...