Dark Star (Personal Reserve)

Dark Star is a flake in McClelland's Personal Reserve series, made from Virginia leaf processed until dark. It carries no flavoring; the dark color and deep taste come from the leaf's own processing. Production ended when the brand closed in early 2018.

Moisture is high straight out of the tin, and the flakes don't rub out easily; airing them thoroughly before packing, then breaking them up coarsely, corrects the burn. Prepared this way, it burns cool and long. Its flavor frame rests on mild sweetness with spiced touches, and nicotine dose reaches a satisfying level in a medium-sized pipe. Suited to smokers accustomed to preparing flake; not an easy record for pipe beginners given the packing and lighting difficulty.