Mac Baren Capstan Original Navy Cut

This might be the tastiest, most bite-free Virginia flake that I ever smoked. This is the new version made by MacBaren, and I like it a lot. More fruit-sweet than honey-sweet, this flake also burns well for effortless enjoyment.

Govern Yourself Accordingly.

This is the same tobacco as Capstan Medium Navy Cut.

A straight forward medium Virginia that has become my staple pipe tobacco. Not a complex smoke, but with a wonderful Virginia taste and some spiciness that tickles my nose.

Capstan has been made by Orlik for many years now, but something has changed. Last year they started using new tins with less then good seals, so once opened the tobacco dries out faster than before. And now it seems that Capstan has been discontinued by the Scandinavian Tobacco Group, and replaced by My Own Blend (in Sweden called "Blå Cap", and perhaps "Blue Cap" on other markets?). I haven't tried the My Own Blend version yet.

A generous PSF forum member and friend supplied me with this in a trade. Masochist that I am, I couldn't resist a chance to try a blend that is all but impossible to source here in the colonies. My thanks to him for the chance to grumble yet again.

This is Irish Flake lite. There are differences(sweeter, possibly more of a topping, less oomph), but this is my take. To be sure, I find this to be a good thing...a blend that reminds me of one of my favorites, but doesn't kick like a mule with a grudge.

If it were easily procured, this would be a welcomed addition to my rotation, one that I think I could even smoke exclusively, heavens forbid. It cannot replace IF, but as a milder, less in your face rendition(again, my take), I should imagine it would get more than its fair shares worth of burn time.

0 stars for availability, 8 stars for my endorsement equals...

4 stars. (Funny how that math worked out.)

I have been smoking pipe for more than 40 years.....started up with Macbaren....mixture...dark twist.....virginia.....after many years trying i started with Capstan......and have been smoking that in 25 years now......its the most complete tobacco for everyday smoking.. sometime i try ...just for fun another brand.......but very quick i am back on the Blue Capstan....there is two bad things i think....first.....its not good to light up the pipe again after it is cold......and second.....and the worst,,,,now they changed the tincan......and its so bad that the tobacco drys out very quick...its not sealed ok.....i smoke 3 - 4 cans a week......and after new can i am so tired of this....but the tobacco is still the best i ever smoked.....but like all navy cuts/flakes......dont rush...take the time to smoulder proper....then its like heaven...

A classic tobacco I had ever tasted. Better late than never... I kept it closed in my “cellar” for about a year. So, I tried a quite matured Virginia flake tobacco, rich and sweet flavor, with perfect humidity that causes no tongue bite, with moderate nicotine power. I am under the impression that it has a very light fruit flavor, which makes it even more pleasant to smoke. Even towards the end of the bowl has no roughness, and leaves a very white ash. The aroma is not at all annoying. Fills easily the bowl, but be careful not to over-fill it because the flakes can expand and stuff the pipe. Lights and stays light easily. Ii left with the same positive impression as the Orlik Golden Slides.

This isn't as citrusy as other VA's, but has a little more depth and doesn't bite. Unique flavor notes include more a floral aspect than citrus. Packs in the bowl well as a flake tobacco should. No moisture and burns hotter like a typical VA but not bad.

My fav straight VA right now.

3.5 stars

This is similar to FVF and tastes like a thick soup, which most Straight Virginians can't do (they lose moisture in their mouth when they eat it).

This is easier to light than FVF, I can fold and rotate into the pipe slowly smoke, friends who need nicotine will not be disappointed. It's 1/3 cheaper than FVF and easier to procure.

a very nice sraight VA blend that does very well as a everyday smoke! subtile hints of figs, hay and some slightly sweet flavours i cant define.

This is a review of the 2013 USA reissue of the "Original Navy Cut" flake purchased in June 2013. I cannot compare it to any of the earlier versions because I never smoked them.

VA flakes such as SG FVF have become my personal favorite smokes and Capstan Blue really delivers. I've worked my way through a full tin and I'm ready to say this is in my top 5. The tin note is the first hint that this is going to be great. It has a molasses smell that makes me drool. I find it wet enough out of the tin that the flakes should be dried before smoking. Otherwise it produced a far too wet smoke that reduced the flavor and enjoyment of this wonderful tobacco.

I have smoked it both folded/stuffed and rubbed out and I tend to prefer it rubbed. When properly prepared, it produces a sweet straightforward smoke characteristic of a pure VA but with a fair amount of nuance in the flavors. I taste a creaminess as well as a certain saltiness. Its never bitten me but I take VAs sort of slow and let it go out a few times per bowl. Retrohaling its thick, voluminous clouds brings a fine tickle to the sinuses but definitely doesn't make my eyes water. I'd say it tastes almost caramelized beyond the halfway mark and I look forward to reaching it, even though the first half is divine!