Mac Baren Amphora Original Blend

Summary: a solid Burley blend enhanced with the flavor of condimentals, but burns hot because of no PG so requires breath-smoking slowly.

Like other Mac Baren mixtures, Amphora "Original Blend" features a core of Burley whose flavor is twisted mid-flight by condimentals. The Orientals give it a sweet-sour tang, the dark fired Kentucky Burley makes it smoky and rich, and the Virginias sweeten it as the Cavendish makes a nice, fluffy light smoke. It fits right within the spectrum of Dutch blends, which pair dark fired and Virginias, but has more of the flavor profile of an English with the dark fired standing in for Latakia. As a result, the taste of this blend more resembles watching a tapestry from a distance than staring at a detail: a broad Burley flavor, tweaked slightly with a sweet topping, in which all of these other influences swim and merge. Like an English, you find yourself tasting an almost gingerbread-like concoction and over time, start to detect its constituents. Like most Mac Baren blends, Amphora does not use chemicals to regulate burning, so it will burn hot and steam bite unless you breath-smoke it very slowly.

Mac Baren- Amphora Original Blend . A Nutty ,toasty and lightly infused cocoa Burley blend . I really enjoy the way the Orientals and Kentucky tobaccos dance together and weave in and out at different times during the smoke ! I like to be surprised at what comes next during a smoke . The Virginias are there with some hay and grass but in the background mostly . It’s a creamy smoke with occasional spice and floral notes. Sell it in a pouch or tin or bulk , I don’t care . I will buy more to cellar . A winner ! 4 stars

No lack of taste in this stuff , the orientals are a little sharp on my tongue but I got used to it after a few smokes , mainly burley , would be ideal with a bit more dark fired. , Close to medium strength , very nice will probably buy more to have some on hand , nice chunky cut and slow burning which is a bonus , recommended to try. Revisited this blend in 2022 upgraded from 3 to four stars actually enjoying my pipe again. Not all that easy to obtain these days , so now I've found it will be buying more for future use, corncob and briar used.

A great all-day smoke - the ultimate compliment. Pleasant natural chocolate burley flavor that really satisfies. I love this blend! I will buy more for sure.

Recently moved to an area without a tobacconist, this was one of the few blends offered at a variety store, so I figured I'd give it a try. Within the first few bowls I was amazed, and I intend to continue purchasing this blend.

There's a mild cocoa flavouring which is enjoyable but not overpowering. The tobacco burns fairly cool, and doesn't require much tamping in order to remain lit. I've also never received tongue bite, even when first testing this in unfiltered briars. There's a lasting aftertaste which is pleasant.

I've smoked this around non-smokers, and there were never complaints about the smell.

Amphora Original I have not smoke this for 40 years. Thanks to Tobacco Reviews (really a great web site) I purchased two packs. Tried a pipe full in a reversed calabash a Curvy what a great smoke really wonderful and a change of pace from some of the Vapers I have smoked. Tobacco Reviews has be an incredible find it has increased my knowledge of pipe tobacco and the balance of the debit card. Thanks for the great work you and your reviews do.

This is (my current) OTC mainstay, so my review may be somewhat coloured.

The pouch aroma is very mild, offering hints of nuttyness and freshly mown grass, with undertones of leather. I have found this tobacco to be a touch on the dry side (although not overly so), but I think that is due to me being the only person purchasing this from my local tobacconist, and his supply being rather aged.

The cut is a little on the long side (to the point of being near unruly), and towards the bottom of the pouch, often contains bits of stem/veins, and larger pieces of flake. I could see this causing trouble during packing, particularly if packing a smaller bowl (although its become second nature to me now). Takes the flame very well, often I get through a bowl with but one (true) light.

Flavour starts out slightly sweet, building on the base of nutty burleys, layering the almost hay-like sweetness of the Virginia's throughout. As the bowl passes the 1/2 way mark, the Virginia flavours give way to a slightly chocolatey (think dark - 80% cocoa) undertone, with a honey sweetness from the cav., and a slightly peppery tingle from the Kentucky..all, of course, overtop of the boldy nutty burley flavours. There is usually a small amount of dottle mixed in with grey ash, but bone dry.

The room note on this tobacco is also deep with nutty aroma, with hints of leather and hay. The wife enjoys this the most out of any burley blend she has been subjected to so far.

If you are having a hard time finding tobacconists that are not just glorified head shops, news stands, or convenience stores, I would highly recommend this tobacco.

First off, the brown "regular" pouch in Canada and Holland is sold as "Original Blend". It is also described on the pouch as, "A well-rounded blend, emphasising the chocolately flavour of burly tobacco". When I first tried this a year ago I found it bland- strike that- tasteless! A recent return trip to Holland changed my mind though. I decided to try it again as another reviewer here mentioned the Dutch version to be better. He was right. Wonderful creamy/chocolatey aroma and flavour. Easily lit, no tongue bite regardless of puffing rhythm and just a wonderful tobacco to enjoy with a cup of Dutch coffee. On my return home I decided to try the "Canadian" version and found it to be just as satisfying and an equally good partner to a cup of Earl Grey. A comparison tobacco would be Mac Baren's London Blend Burly which, in contrast to everyones glowing review, I find to be a distant second. Perhaps the blend has changed or perhaps I have - regardless it has become a personal favourite.

addendum 2007: still the tobacco I smoke every morning - see pipe master Rolando Negoita's brief bio on the web and please reconsider - truly a wonderful smoke with a regular Timmy's eh!

addendum 2008: I smoke a lot of different blends....I still think this is a quality tobacco and have introduced it to several pipers who never would have tried it, (and they liked it). I've yet to find a "dry" pouch in the, (dare I say), several hundred I've purchased. This is a "diamond in the rough" tobacco believe me.

Ahhh yes, this really brings back memories of the older version I smoked in the 80's and early 90's. You always paid a bit more for this then the other packaged tobaccos you could find at any gas station or drug store, but it was worth it to me. I think the reason for so many of the low reviews is some pipers do not understand the Cavendish process or how to smoke it. First off, slow down, take it easy and sip. The second is you may need a little dry time before loading. I at times will char light, relight, and let it sit for a bit. Then go at it and it's the perfect moisture. The topping is mildly applied and the tobacco flavor comes through more as you work down the bowl. The cut is a rubbed out flake with thick stands which I rub out even more before I load a bowl. The leaf is high quality as expected from Mac Baren and they have done a wonderful job on this and the other Amphora lines. I am currently smoking this, their Burley blend and their Kentucky blend. I reviewed the Burley blend but for some reason it has not moved from the new blends to over here? Come on moderator if I had a different name it would be posted. ( No offense intended) While we are at it please post the Kentucky blend which is an excellent blend also. I do not remember this as being called the original blend but just Amphora in the brown pouch? Either way this is good stuff, not a power house blend but steady and consistent. It will also gain some strength as you progress further down the bowl so go easy or it can nip a little.

Lager