Watch City's "Simply Red" (Bulk by the Ounce)

No, It's not McC 5100, but it doesn't have to be. This blend has plenty of great traits that stand on their own. This is better balanced than 5100 while not so "in your face" with the vinegar notes. Worth cellaring deep as it should just get smoother over time.

For years, I primarily smoked McClelland 5100 straight, bowls per day, pounds per year. Thank goodness for Ernie and Watch City coming up with a blend that more than fills the gap left by McClellands departure from the pipe world. Simply Red is very sweet and tangy but also has more complexity than 5100 had. So there is a couple of minor tradeoffs both ways but Simply Red stands on its own as an superb Red Virginia blend.