This is one of the best pipe tobacco available today, Mixture is my all day blend since 15 years of pipe smoking, and I still cant find better.

Thx Medhat Egyptian Pipesmoker

So far, I've only tried a few tobaccos, and Mixture was my first one... and I still go at it some times.

I've never experienced the infamous tongue bite with any tobacco (and I've been smoking 3 bowls a day over the last few months), but Mixture burns too hot. It has some sweetness (from the Virginias, as I´ve learned with your reviews) but in an appealing way to the ex-cigarette smokers.

However, when this pouch in finished (the 2nd I bought) I´ll only return to it if nothing better is available. My main problem with Mixture is that I find it very harsh on the throat. (maybe because my weed is too dry?)

Not many surprises, not pricey, it fullfilled all my demands to become an all day smoke, untill it bit the hell out of me, when I smoked it once out on the golf course. The bowl did not get hot, anyway it burnt down quite fast, which of course is normal when smoked outdoors.

After this experience, no matter of what tabacco I smoked and how slowly I puffed, my tongue always got barbecued on the same side. I had to stop pipesmoking for a couple sof years, and now I am "back in business". At least one thing I have learnt: I choose good quality leaves, which are unlikely to bite, when smoked carefully. There are many tabaccos out there, on the this fantastic database.

If you are looking for a similar smoke like Mixture, but with almost no casing and pure tabacco taste, and way better harmonized, I would highliy recommend: Dafidoff - Flake Medaillons

Mellow, mild, good for the mornings. Too bad I don't smoke in the mornings anymore.

Overall, I think this is excellent IF you like the components that make this up and "mixed" together.

If you are a Virginia purist, stay away. There is some Burley here which may disappoint if you are looking for tobacco with only subtle taste nuances.

Heavy Burley man? Sorry, this is mostly Virginia.

Enjoy Latakia? Nope. None here.

Sensitive tongue? Like all Virginias this will tingle the tongue a little (and maybe bite if puffed hard).

Hate aromatics? Stay away. The Cavendish makes this a "near" aromatic.

But.... if you like a balanced tobacco (or are willing to put a balanced tobacco into rotation) this is a GREAT one in my opinion. This is clearly a candidate for an all day tobacco. And the room note won't send the ladies running for the door.

As the wise reviewers have advised, let it dry and don't pack it tightly or even attentively! Just take a wad, put it in the pipe, light and go. Don't, don't tamp too much or you will find out for yourself why Mac Baren has such a reputation. But if you follow the advice on how to smoke it and don't get too enthusiastic with the puffing, you'll be rewarded with top quality tobacco and great flavor!

While this is certainly an aromatic blend, you can always taste the fine tobacco and no one in the room will think that you are puffing away on vanilla incense. To me, that makes all the difference in the world!

Three out of four stars, for that MacB bite that I have received too many times.

Accompaniment: Bach's Goldberg Variations.

Update: Since I seem to be reaching for this more and more lately, I decided to up the rating. There are several factors that I consider necessary to truly enjoy this tobacco. Comments about it's tendency to bite are not unfounded but this can be avoided.

Firstly, a pipe dedicated to this blend really helps bring out the flavor......and there are some subtleties to enjoy once the taste really comes through.

Secondly, I try to draw in some sidestream air when puffing on this. This not only cools down the smoke, it really brings out more flavor.

Thirdly, I cannot overstate the importance of giving this tobacco a very light pack.

Finally, I much prefer this in bulk form as it comes drier, making it less bitey and much easier to stay lit.

As far as quality goes; 50 years of production and sales must account for something......