Mac Baren Amphora Special Reserve No.2
(2.71)
Amphora Special Reserve No. 2 is a blend with tasteful notes of ripe cherries. The flavour is balanced by selected Virginia, Burley and Cavendish tobaccos from 3 continents. Each of the tobaccos gives character to the blend and together they offer a new dimension in enjoyment.
Fine tobaccos in combination with the fragrance and flavour of ripe cherries will thrill pipe smokers around the world.
Details
| Brand | Mac Baren |
| Blended By | Per Jensen |
| Manufactured By | Mac Baren |
| Blend Type | Aromatic |
| Contents | Black Cavendish, Burley, Virginia |
| Flavoring | Cherry |
| Cut | Ribbon |
| Packaging | 50 grams pouch |
| Country | Denmark |
| Production | Currently available |
Profile
Strength
Mild
Extremely Mild -> Overwhelming
Flavoring
Medium
None Detected -> Extra Strong
Room Note
Very Pleasant
Unnoticeable -> Overwhelming
Taste
Medium
Extremely Mild (Flat) -> Overwhelming
Average Rating
|
2.71 / 4
|
Reviews
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Displaying 11 - 17 of 17 Reviews
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 19, 2023 | Mild | Medium | Mild to Medium | Very Pleasant |
I've approached this blend with mixed expectations. On one hand, all the cherry aromatics I've tried before have been horrible, all characterized by a very chemical, syrupy, sickly sweet artificial taste. On the other, I've smoked most of the Amphora blends over time and not one has ever disappointed me. So there was some hope.
As a disclaimer, this review is based on an old pouch that already had 3-1/2 years of age upon unsealing, which is quite a lot for a non-aromatic, even more so for an aromatic.
The moisture content was perfect, maybe a hair on the dry side, but still great for smoking straight away. Easy to pack and light, requiring only a handful of relights. Just like the other Amphora blends, it burns really cool and it never bites or become harsh, even if pushed.
The taste is all about the cherries, which are quite muted given the age of the pouch, but still very noticeable and the aromatic taste doesn't seem affected by the age. I imagine that in a fresh pouch it has more depth. However, I've finally had the chance to smoke a cherry aromatic that tastes like actual cherries, free from any chemical or sickly sweet taste. Being an aromatic, the taste of the actual tobaccos takes second place but, if I dig really deep, the main thing that I pick up is a bit of nuttiness from the Burleys. The taste is consistent from start to finish and it burns down to ash.
Before this, based on past experiences, I thought that it's probably impossible to create a cherry aromatic that actually tastes good. This Amphora offering proved me wrong. I enjoy it quite a lot and I'm really curious to see one day how it tastes like from a fresh pouch. But even with a bit of age, it still tastes wonderful. Not something I would smoke regularly, but definitely one that I would consider when I'm in the mood for a cherry aromatic. It gave me hope that there are quality cherry aromatics out there.
As a disclaimer, this review is based on an old pouch that already had 3-1/2 years of age upon unsealing, which is quite a lot for a non-aromatic, even more so for an aromatic.
The moisture content was perfect, maybe a hair on the dry side, but still great for smoking straight away. Easy to pack and light, requiring only a handful of relights. Just like the other Amphora blends, it burns really cool and it never bites or become harsh, even if pushed.
The taste is all about the cherries, which are quite muted given the age of the pouch, but still very noticeable and the aromatic taste doesn't seem affected by the age. I imagine that in a fresh pouch it has more depth. However, I've finally had the chance to smoke a cherry aromatic that tastes like actual cherries, free from any chemical or sickly sweet taste. Being an aromatic, the taste of the actual tobaccos takes second place but, if I dig really deep, the main thing that I pick up is a bit of nuttiness from the Burleys. The taste is consistent from start to finish and it burns down to ash.
Before this, based on past experiences, I thought that it's probably impossible to create a cherry aromatic that actually tastes good. This Amphora offering proved me wrong. I enjoy it quite a lot and I'm really curious to see one day how it tastes like from a fresh pouch. But even with a bit of age, it still tastes wonderful. Not something I would smoke regularly, but definitely one that I would consider when I'm in the mood for a cherry aromatic. It gave me hope that there are quality cherry aromatics out there.
Pipe Used:
Savinelli Impero 320
Age When Smoked:
3-1/2 years
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 20, 2022 | Mild | Medium to Strong | Full | Very Pleasant |
I was debating between this one and Amphora Full and on the end bought both. Started with No.2 and on opening of the pouch you can smell strong cherry. It smokes well, no bites no problems with lighting. You can also taste vanilla as second aroma. It is very pleasant to smoke and leaves nice aftertaste. All in all I am delighted with it and will continue to enjoy it. When I finally tried Amphora Full who came highly recommended I was not so impressed.
Age When Smoked:
New
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 03, 2022 | Mild | Strong | Medium | Pleasant |
One of the best tin/pouch notes out there. Delicious aroma of cherries that sort-of persists while smoking. Great ribbon cut. One of the better aromatic you can find, especially in a pouch.
Age When Smoked:
New
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 09, 2021 | Very Mild | Mild | Mild | Very Pleasant |
Opening the packet you are greeted by a sweet clean smelling cherry aroma. Not overpowering or synthetic, just A natural fruity smell.
This was recommended my my local tobacconist along with a few other tobaccos I’ve already reviewed.
This tobacco was easy to light and there wasn’t any tongue bite. The smoke was smooth and I could taste the cherry ever so slightly, but in a satisfying way. The room note is very pleasant. The price isn’t too bad either, this is a quality tobacco. It can be smoked everyday or on a special occasion. Maybe the tobacco was very fresh but it seemed to die on me a few times in the beginning.
If you like this kind of tobacco it the Amphora product range, do yourself a favour and try it! Buy a pouch for your humidor... you won’t regret it!
This was recommended my my local tobacconist along with a few other tobaccos I’ve already reviewed.
This tobacco was easy to light and there wasn’t any tongue bite. The smoke was smooth and I could taste the cherry ever so slightly, but in a satisfying way. The room note is very pleasant. The price isn’t too bad either, this is a quality tobacco. It can be smoked everyday or on a special occasion. Maybe the tobacco was very fresh but it seemed to die on me a few times in the beginning.
If you like this kind of tobacco it the Amphora product range, do yourself a favour and try it! Buy a pouch for your humidor... you won’t regret it!
Pipe Used:
Angelo & Falcon
PurchasedFrom:
Tobacco City Klerksdorp
Age When Smoked:
New
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Mar 16, 2021 | Mild | Mild to Medium | Mild to Medium | Pleasant to Tolerable |
Another common and cheap tobacco that you can find in many places. This one gives a light cherry flavour that doesn't feel overly strong and it doesn't last for the duration of the smoke.
It burns very well and is cheap enough to give it a try but in my opinion there are better choices, even in this price range.
It burns very well and is cheap enough to give it a try but in my opinion there are better choices, even in this price range.
Pipe Used:
Various
PurchasedFrom:
Tobacco store
Age When Smoked:
Fresh from the pouch
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 09, 2020 | Mild | Medium | Medium to Full | Very Pleasant |
For a couple of years I forswore aromatics. My very earliest years as a pipe smoker I mostly smoked subtly whisky flavoured blends that were pleasant enough, but as my fortune waned somewhat I turned to cheaper alternatives. They either didn't taste anything but gave me nicotine, or they didn't taste anything but gave me tongue bite. Then I discovered the pipe smokers of the Internet, such as this site, and English blends and Balkans and so on and on. A flavour revolution.
After awhile, when looking for other tobaccos, I ran across reviews of aromatics that actually sounded good. This was one of them, so I ordered a pouch and a new pipe and was pleasantly surprised.
The tobaccos themselves taste very mild; I find that the cherry flavourings tend to take over. They're sweet, somewhat sour and actually tastes like cherry. I get a bit of vanilla too. It's very mild when it comes to the nicotine as well.
I usually smoke this like a dessert, when I want something light. After dinner I usually go for my Nightcap, but sometimes I find I want to keep smoking after that, and then I'll reach for this. If I smoke among non-smokers, I often bring this along as the room note is very nice.
It comes in a pouch and is fairly dry - it needs no dry time. Store it in an airtight jar to retain moisture. I can puff away like there's no tomorrow on this without getting any tongue bite, but a slow cadence will get you a better flavour.
After awhile, when looking for other tobaccos, I ran across reviews of aromatics that actually sounded good. This was one of them, so I ordered a pouch and a new pipe and was pleasantly surprised.
The tobaccos themselves taste very mild; I find that the cherry flavourings tend to take over. They're sweet, somewhat sour and actually tastes like cherry. I get a bit of vanilla too. It's very mild when it comes to the nicotine as well.
I usually smoke this like a dessert, when I want something light. After dinner I usually go for my Nightcap, but sometimes I find I want to keep smoking after that, and then I'll reach for this. If I smoke among non-smokers, I often bring this along as the room note is very nice.
It comes in a pouch and is fairly dry - it needs no dry time. Store it in an airtight jar to retain moisture. I can puff away like there's no tomorrow on this without getting any tongue bite, but a slow cadence will get you a better flavour.
Pipe Used:
Comoy Rhodesian. A cob.
PurchasedFrom:
Esterval's Pipe House
Age When Smoked:
Fresh.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Sep 07, 2019 | Mild | Strong | Full | Pleasant |
Strongly flavored blend. Opening the pouch the smell is intense and enchanting (the same of a cherry candy). The room note too. The taste is pure cherry. One of the best cherry-flavored blend. High quality. Really good for aromatic mixtures’ lovers. However in my opinion this blend is too flavored. Excessive is the right word. Tobacco taste is quite hidden. And it is too light with a low nicotine content. What can I say? Perfect for aromatic blends’ lovers (mild blends). Not for me, not at all. It is essential for me to savor tobacco taste and its natural strength. For this reason in my personal rating system (from 1 to 10) my score is 5 and only two stars.
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