Johnnycake
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St. James Woods
It took me a while to get up the understanding to write the review for this one, and I am not a fan of wordy, long reviews that expound on fancy adjectives to describe a tobacco like the reviewer is a connoisseur of wine or something. But this time the nature of the blend makes me have to do this, LOL.
First let me say that I keep reaching for this tin, LOL. I’ve smoked about a 50 gr. tin worth now and I think I’ve finally got it. This is an elusive VAper that requires patience, patience, patience – but when you give it the attention it deserves it SINGS. I’ve had best results in bowls that are deep and narrow, as well as a corn cob. Not really like 2015, IMHO. In fact, it is the least bitey MC VA I have tried. No matter what I do I can’t get this thing to bite, which is a good thing (!) and must be because of the fact that the VA’s are stoved. Think Dark Star as a base except it is juicy and rich in a different way which may be because it is not yellow VA but red and black stoved, then the Perique and other qualities bring out a myriad of flavors. It can kind of roll along as a tasty mellow, stoved, Vaper and then every few puffs it will give you a hit of complex flavors that is a taste bud delight that I couldn't really put into words, so I went to T-Reviews and listed a whole range of things they mentioned that come to mind: tangy, earthy, peppery prunes and Tabasco, barbeque sauce, pungent figs and raisins. I must say this is one of my favorite MC blends that I’ve tried – it seems to take the best qualities of MC stoved tobacco like Dark Star and combine it with the tastiness of their VApers. Like Ted mentioned, you have to smoke this slowly and with attention. Makes me think of a lazy, hot and humid afternoon in a rocking chair on a porch on the Bayou, LOL. In fact, I think this clip pretty much sums it up:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iw7gRASUD4g
Johnny 
Rob, I'll be interested to hear your thoughts after you smoke the sample I sent ya. 
Last edited by Johnnycake, Jul/25/08, 8:25 pm
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"If you can't send money, send tobacco." -George Washington to
the Continental Congress, 1776
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Jul/25/08, 8:19 pm
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tranders
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Re: St. James Woods
Very good review.
I will chime in with my thoughts after a few bowls.
I will say at this point... no tongue bite yet. 
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"Too much of anything is bad,but too much of good whiskey is barely enough".
Mark Twain
Rob
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Jul/25/08, 10:18 pm
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Jimbo44
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Re: St. James Woods
Thanks for that Johnny.
I like it when folks on here tell you why they like a tobacco rather than the posts on TR - some of which seem to be written just to get their name in print.
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Work is the curse of the smoking classes
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Jul/26/08, 6:08 am
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highstump
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Re: St. James Woods
Johnny, great review, thanks!
Rob, looking forward to your comments.
Jim, I could not agree more with your TR comment.
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Jim
"People are entitled to their own opinions, they are not entitled to their own facts." (Vincent Bugliosi)
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Jul/26/08, 8:03 am
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Johnnycake
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Re: St. James Woods
I should mention that I don't like to rub this out. When I do it has a much different flavor that is less complex - lighter and sweeter, a lot like Kingfisher (which ain't a bad thing!) But to get the full flavors I just pack it right in the pipe pretty much as is.
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"If you can't send money, send tobacco." -George Washington to
the Continental Congress, 1776
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Jul/27/08, 3:59 pm
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tedthebear
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Re: St. James Woods
Glad you found it's "secrets"... I love this tobacco but not as an every-day smoke...afraid that familiarity will spoil the moment. 
As you said, slow and gentle to bring out all the nuances of this blend...and don't rub it out. It sings its sweetest as a flake.
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The Bear
"When you find a big kettle of crazy, it's best not to stir it."
The PHB
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Jul/28/08, 8:30 am
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tranders
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Re: St. James Woods
After smoking 4 bowls of St.James Flake I will say I like it.
Has the typical McClelland tang(vinegar} aroma which normally puts me off,but with this blend I've started to enjoy it. Has a nice flavor and hasn't nipped my tongue at all.
Overall, 3 out of 4 stars.
Thank again Johnny for the sample.
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"Too much of anything is bad,but too much of good whiskey is barely enough".
Mark Twain
Rob
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Jul/29/08, 7:16 am
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tranders
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Re: St. James Woods
The sample is gone and have to say St.James Woods has made me rethink McClelland's virginias.
I will order more of this in the future.
Good stuff!
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"Too much of anything is bad,but too much of good whiskey is barely enough".
Mark Twain
Rob
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Aug/7/08, 7:37 am
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peterwd
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Re: St. James Woods
Looking forward to trying this one, I am quite a fan of McC Tobacco's.
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Lang May Your Lum Reek.
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Aug/7/08, 1:04 pm
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