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. Since its sweetness balances its body, it stays at a sustainable intensity all day for smokers used to Virginia-Perique blends. Production ended in 2018.