Tawny Flake

Tawny Flake is a Virginia flake in McClelland's line presented under the Blakeney's Best name. Per its description, it consists of small, sun-matured, sweet flue-cured Virginia leaves with a tangy sharpness. The line's distinguishing point is the toasting process applied to the leaf, which files down flue-cured leaf's sharp edge and leaves a rounder sweetness.

In the smoke, a bready, caramel-like sweetness stands out, and the tang is more measured than in typical Virginia flakes. Body is light to medium. Suited to smokers wanting to get used to flake smoking or who find sharp Virginia too harsh. McClelland closed in 2018, so the blend is no longer produced.