| Similar to Mixture-Scottish Blend, Mac Baren?s Navy Mixture combines matured Virginias, toasted Black Cavendish and Burleys (which do not seem as predominant as in Scottish Blend), to produce a very nice and a slightly sweeter smoke than its more popular relative. As with all Mac Baren blends, careful smoking is recommended because of their tongue biting mildness. I must say that the tin I am now smoking was bought, opened, and its contents partially sampled six years ago. At the time I was frustrated by the hot smoking characteristics that the esteemed Pipestud refers to and which seem to be endemic to this brand. Thern again, six years ago my palate was perhaps different and in search of fuller blends.
Checking out in my rather modest tobacco cellar a few days ago I found the tin, and the golden foil in which the tobacco is wrapped, in pretty good conditions. The tobacco, however, was dry. I applied a little bit of demineralised water to moister it, waited a couple of days, and have been smoking it on and off since then. I cannot say it has been a wonderful experience, but it has been surprisingly rewarding.
I now find that the original mildness has evolved into something with more body, more mature. There is a certain sobriety to the flavour, slightly chocolaty and piquant, that makes it quite palatable. With not as much broken flake as Scottish Blend, the mixture is easy to pack, light and smoke. The room aroma is very enjoyable and there is no harsh after taste. Recommended to all Burley-Virginia smokers who occasionally enjoy a sweet tooth, but should take care of smoking it slowly.
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