McChrystal’s is best known for its “Original and Genuine,” which is a strong menthol style. This one, as its name implies, isn’t mentholated at all. Several snuff producers make an S.P.— Wilson’s alone has 4,937 of them, approximately. They’re all fairly similar: fine grind, very light flavorings, and medium dry. McChrystal’s is no exception.
This snuff has a mild almost-citrus fruitiness that I find very pleasant, and no discernable tobacco flavor. It’s quite easy to take and makes a good all-day snuff. Its nicotine content is in the low-medium range. The afterblow effect is very clean; no clingy aromas to pester you.
This would make a good beginner’s snuff, though the fineness of the grind might take a little practice for a newcomer to the snuff world. The small (7gm) tin is suitable for carrying as a snuffbox, though the metal tends to oxidize for some reason. The crinkly plastic wrapper, much like that found on Crystal champagne, is attractive though pointless, since it doesn’t keep the tin from rusting while waiting to be purchased.
A quick questions here about the McChrystal's S.P. Apon sniffing this blend I immediately get the aroma of a wet basement in my nose. Does anyone else get this aroma? And if so, is this the true aroma of an S.P. snuff? Andy, I read your experience on this "almost-citrus fruitiness" and was wondering if my sniffer is broken or I have a bad Tin. The fineness of the grind is a little hard for me to take, as I am trying to develope my sniffing abilities for the finer snuffs still. It seems that no matter how lightly I sniff, it still goes to the back of my throat.
Mo, try to take small pinches and don't sniff twice. If it didn't get all in your nose with the first sniff, the second might bring it to your throat. Andy once suggested to fill your lungs with air before sniffing. Dan gave the hint to moisturise the snuff a little with breathing at it while being at the back of your hand. You could also try to pinch (picture #4) instead of sniff it from the back of your hand..
Great advice Alex. Dan's trick works well too.I have been taking my snuff with a Bullet, I have two and put the flavours of the day in each one first thing in the morning.That may have been a problem. I however still get a "musty", as Jeff mentions, aroma. Maybe it IS a bad tin, Although I am hesitant to believe so considering the supplier whom I purchased it from. Merlin, The McChrystal's O&G is already a favorite of mine,and I keep it exclusively in one of the bullets. If you enjoy mentholated snuffs, this one is a must get 'first'.
im using mcchrystals sp and willsons queens as my all day snuffs lately.
if you like the sp mchrystals i strongly recomend their flavors! i just got one of each and they are amazing! good non menthol flavors like violet, appricot, and raspberry. they also have several menthol types that i tried and enjoyed, although im not big on the menthol snuff. i wish the flavors came in bigger tins. the 3.5 gram tins dont last me long :P
Just searched on McChrystal's SP after Farley asked me to get hold of some, and found this one from almost two years ago... May as well make it 'live' again I suppose.
I've been 'testing' McChrystals SP all day (any excuse!) before writing up the comment on the listing on Snuff Store, I wrote 'citrus and hops'... Just reading andy's comment at the top and it's a 'snap'!
McChrystals SP is one that I hadn't tried before. It's light brown, fine and dry-ish. On opening the tin, it has a plain tobacco like scent and undertones of citrus and hops can be detected - no wet basement smell with this one! On taking the first pinch I went small, due to SP's usually causing me to sneeze on first go.
McChrystals SP is a lovely snuff. The citrus and hop like scents are there from the 'off' and linger for a while. There's obviously a natural tobacco scent and it has a satisfying kick to it.
Lovers of SP's will want to give it a go, those who've enjoyed the McChrystals Hop snuff may well like this one too - the hops are more subtle.