Mac Baren Presbyterian Mixture

I always wanted to try this because, well, I am Presbyterian!!! Not BAD by any stretch, but, considering I can get numerous bulk baccy's much cheaper, not worth the cost. Nothing great. Nothing distinctive. Certainly nothing worth paying $15 for 1 3/4 oz when I can get bulks I like better for $3 - $3.50 per oz! I'll keep the tin as a conversation piece, but I doubt I'll ever buy any more!

This is a heady, medium to full mixture of Virginia and Turkish (or some other Oriental leaf). Being a full English, it nevertheless is at the opposite end of Dunhill's London Mixture or Standard Mixture Medium. Where these two are eloquently austere and sober in their components, with a slightly toasted undertone, Presbyterian is almost floral and baroque. Very pungent and moist, the tobacco packs easily but if not previously aired it can be difficult to light.

More than smooth, the taste is fresh and musk, but I wouldn't say Presbyterian is a cool smoke in the same sense that My Mixture 965 or Commonwealth Mixture are. In fact, after the second half of the bowl it starts smoking hot, and it can produce an astringent and piquant effect on the palate. I believe this is on account of the Orientals.

Presbyterian is a mixture along the same lines of Davidoff's English or Dobbie's Original. I have smoked at least three tins of Presbyterian, and I find it very good and pleasing, even though it leaves me thirsty. IMO its only drawback is the acute pungency of the mixture?akin to that of Red Rappary?and though quite strong (let's say slightly above the medium strength region), I find it lacks in depth and roundness of flavour. I miss the more earthy tones and temperance I always find in 965 or London Mixture.

(NB I was one of those fooled in believing this mix had some Latakia leaf!)

When I first encountered this blend, it seemed to mock me from behind the tobacconist's counter. With its fancy white letters and minimalist navy blue background..."Surely" I thought, "This is far too sophisticated for me. Probably too strong anyhow. Looks too proper. I mean look at it! It's good enough to smoke in church!"

For years I shyed away from it, for fear that I wouldn't appreciate it and it would be lost on my simple, aromatic pallate.

I finally got a tin and popped it open immediately. I HAD to finally know-what's inside?

I was immediately greeted with a heavy campfire smell. Anyone on here claiming that this stuff doesn't have Latakia is full of sewer gas. It's there, and it shines brightly. This scent, however, gave way to a savory toffee/caramel note...like browned butter and sugar.

The cut is beautiful. This is the first tobacco I personally encountered that still looks like what it is- chopped up leaves. A beautifully selected melange of woodsy, shaggy confetti; copper and blonde shreds of tissue-papery, veiny leaves of various Virginias, mixed with the darker, crumbly flakes of Latakia. It all clings together beautifully and packs favorably with the air pocket/Frank method. Takes to the match wonderfully fresh out of the tin.

Once lit, I was taken aback by just how intensely rich snd dense the smoke was despite being so cool. I has a unique velvety, creamy quality that is Heaven. Intense wood smoke flavor akin to campfire, enveloping a buttery caramel/toffee body that's absolutely decadent. It is properly sweet, but not cloying or syrupy, and smokes remarkably dry and cool. No juice left in the bowl whatsoever. Consequeently, I couldn't get this to bite if I tried. I've managed to achieve tongue bite off of some pretty mild blends in my day-I have a tendancy to overpack my bowl. This leaf will give the novice smoker plenty of feedback on their packing quality but isn't so finicky that it will ruin the entire smoking session even with a little minor poking and prodding. I would recommend as a first for anyone seeking more full-bodied English blends, but not trying to catch a balls-to-the-wall nicotine spinout... Someone who likes a little "oomph," but that isn't trying to ride the Fury Road to Valhalla- shiny and chrome. Excellent leaf that's friendly to newbies, but not compromised in its quality and flavor. Delightful and satisfying.

Fairly new to pipe smoking and this is an excellent blend and so far my favorite English! I've tried Peterson EMP, C&D Good Morning, GL Pease Chelsea Morning and Peterson Standard Mixture. Presbyterian is an exquisite smoke and highly recommended!!

This has quickly become a favorite of mine. The defining characteristic to me is the full bodied and creamy smoke this produces. It is tangy, sweet, and light enough for a summer day. Highly recommend anyone give this a shot.

This is a very good tobacco. As a EPC Presbyterian I love the name. Normally mild English blends are not for me. And admittedly this one does get boering at times but it interesting enough to stand out amounts other mild English blends.

The latakia is not predominant by any means. It adds a pleasant smoky sweetness to the dominant Virgina and Oriental flavors of grassiness, tart citrus, spice, woodiness, and some sourness. There is a fleeting umami note that I find intriguing. I don't know where it comes from. Maybe the orientals mixing with the Latakia? I just wish it was more prominent.

This blend burns well needing very little attention. Overall a nice blend, I would not have this in my rotation, but I can see myself reaching for it from time to time.

Ok but to Virginia foward. Smokes real well, burns more on the warm side. Great quality tobacco. It would be a great recommendation for those who like the flat grassy taste however, there is a noticeable amount of Latakia which really helps to complement this blend.

Thank you to smokingpipes.com for the recent sale on this tobacco! I had been wanting to try this blend for quite some time, but the $8 a tin sale they had pushed me over the top. Bought two tins and I wish I bought 4! This is a really lovely medium blend. And yes, I am in the "it has some Latakia" camp! Totally balanced, none of the players tries to take over, and it smokes uniformly all the way down to the bottom of the bowl. Moisture content is perfect, needs very little relighting or fussing. Its got hints of citrus and spiciness and nuttiness. Its an incredibly subtle yet satisfying blend and it will become a part of my regular rotation. I love the history of it as well. Its telling when a blend can hang around for this many generations and keep on pleasing pipers from all over the world of varying tastes. This is a very solid choice for an English smoker looking for a little nuance and less bomb. Very pleased with this blend. Like I said, wish I would have bought more when it was on sale!

UPDATE 10-8-20 My only addition to this review, is like many others, my only lament is that this tobacco is not offered in bulk. I would buy 10 pounds of it right now! Its mellow, but not boring. It has no bite, its flavor is unique and always satisfying. I enjoy stronger blends with much higher lat and perique content on a regular basis, but something always brings me back to this blend. It is iconic and a must try for any smoker in my view. If you don't enjoy this blend, then either your taste buds are completely burned out, or you have not developed a true tobacco palate. This is a must have tobacco in my book.

The first time I smoked this blend I found it tasteless and bland. I rarely like a tobacco the first time I smoke it, so I cleaned and dedicated a Peterson Aran to it and committed to 3 more bowlfuls over the next couple of days before rendering an opinion. What I discovered is that it is not tasteless and bland, it's subtle. Smoke it slow and mindfully and you'll discover it's actually somewhat complex. Although I love a real lat bomb first thing in the day, this blend has become my new breakfast smoke.