Mac Baren HH Mature Virginia
(3.24)
22 different tobaccos are included in this blend and of these 15 are Virginia tobaccos. Before blending the tobacco the Virginias has been stored for years to mature and develop the final aromas, just like when good wine is put aside for aging. Virginia types like bright yellow/golden leaf, mature red/mahogany leaf, dark Virginia and a black Virginia cavendish are blended and left to store so that each tobacco taste marry into a taste unity. To enhance and support the Virginias a touch of Oriental is added and finally the taste is rounded with just an easy hand of pressed burley.
Notes: Discontinued in 2014.
Details
| Brand | Mac Baren |
| Blended By | Per Jensen |
| Manufactured By | Mac Baren |
| Blend Type | Virginia Based |
| Contents | Black Cavendish, Burley, Oriental/Turkish, Virginia |
| Flavoring | |
| Cut | Ready Rubbed |
| Packaging | 100 grams tin |
| Country | Denmark |
| Production | No longer in production |
Profile
Strength
Mild to Medium
Extremely Mild -> Overwhelming
Flavoring
None Detected
None Detected -> Extra Strong
Room Note
Pleasant
Unnoticeable -> Overwhelming
Taste
Mild to Medium
Extremely Mild (Flat) -> Overwhelming
Average Rating
|
3.24 / 4
|
Reviews
Please login to post a review.
Displaying 21 - 30 of 108 Reviews
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 06, 2007 | Mild to Medium | None Detected | Mild to Medium | Very Pleasant |
How many Danes does it take to find a tin of Captain Black? Two, looking for almost a year, and over several dozen tries later.
Well, maybe CB was just a model for the HH prototype or the concept. Not that that's all that bad, as the old Captain is probably the most popular tinned brand in America. I smoked some in the 60's, and 40 years later tried a whole bowl again. Hmmm. But this HH is like Harry Potter waved his magic wand and turned the Captain into something brilliant and wonderful, if a bit shy until you get to know him.
I bought my Chicago tin for $20.00 over e-bay several weeks ago as I couldn't go and couldn't wait either, and have consumed it but for a couple of bowls. Now that it is more available, I shall buy more.
At first the first couple of bowls in an old Sasienni wasn't that tasty. It is light. But by five or so it was more tasty. So I tried some 10 bowls in a Peterson and finally I had plenty left to break in a Joao Reis (20 bowls).
This is a cool, very dry, steady burning Virginia blend, with a little natural Virginia sweetness and extra roundness from the burley added. The fired cured or stoved Virginia is the key, as it slowly adds a steady ripple of spice and strength to an otherwise mild, almost bland base.
The stoved Virginia is not as thick or heady as a McClelland (e.g. Frog Morton series) but does add a subtle kick like some Syrian.
This is lighter than Frog Morton, as it has less dark tobaccos (no Latakia and less of the stoved). It is closer to Pickwick by Ed Burak, but certainly not nearly as stout. It is in a class by itself, as it is light plus. Plus a range of light spices.
I think an all day blend here, and not as full as its cousin, HH Vintage Syrian (which is not heavy but heavier and more spicey than Mature Virginia).
So if you like the first bowl, great, but you may be tasting more of what else you smoked in your pipe than this. If you think it too light at first, just give it some more time and bowls, and the subtle sweetness and spice combo and smoothness will get to you.
I found something mild that is very interesting here. A rare treat. Normally only heavier gets my interest.
Well, maybe CB was just a model for the HH prototype or the concept. Not that that's all that bad, as the old Captain is probably the most popular tinned brand in America. I smoked some in the 60's, and 40 years later tried a whole bowl again. Hmmm. But this HH is like Harry Potter waved his magic wand and turned the Captain into something brilliant and wonderful, if a bit shy until you get to know him.
I bought my Chicago tin for $20.00 over e-bay several weeks ago as I couldn't go and couldn't wait either, and have consumed it but for a couple of bowls. Now that it is more available, I shall buy more.
At first the first couple of bowls in an old Sasienni wasn't that tasty. It is light. But by five or so it was more tasty. So I tried some 10 bowls in a Peterson and finally I had plenty left to break in a Joao Reis (20 bowls).
This is a cool, very dry, steady burning Virginia blend, with a little natural Virginia sweetness and extra roundness from the burley added. The fired cured or stoved Virginia is the key, as it slowly adds a steady ripple of spice and strength to an otherwise mild, almost bland base.
The stoved Virginia is not as thick or heady as a McClelland (e.g. Frog Morton series) but does add a subtle kick like some Syrian.
This is lighter than Frog Morton, as it has less dark tobaccos (no Latakia and less of the stoved). It is closer to Pickwick by Ed Burak, but certainly not nearly as stout. It is in a class by itself, as it is light plus. Plus a range of light spices.
I think an all day blend here, and not as full as its cousin, HH Vintage Syrian (which is not heavy but heavier and more spicey than Mature Virginia).
So if you like the first bowl, great, but you may be tasting more of what else you smoked in your pipe than this. If you think it too light at first, just give it some more time and bowls, and the subtle sweetness and spice combo and smoothness will get to you.
I found something mild that is very interesting here. A rare treat. Normally only heavier gets my interest.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Sep 17, 2019 | Medium | None Detected | Medium to Full | Tolerable to Strong |
Five years out of production and only sold in 100gr tins, its not surprising that I only saw one of these tins every three or four years in my buying. This blend will become scarcer in the future and worth the searching, as, within lies a very interesting smoking experience. Not as dark on presentation as I anticipated, it had an aroma that was both familiar and spicey at the same time. When I lit my first bowl I found a blend with both varigation in taste and aroma and some muscle behind it. I agree with the obsevation of reviewer Pipestud 2007-11-07 that this was a very even smoke all down the bowl, making it stand out from the average matured Virginia's performance. I felt that the bottom third was the strongest and best part of the smoke and had moved very close to an "English" presentation. I had to read the ingredients list on our site to verify that there is no Latakia in this blend. You've heard the old advertising line "just add water-makes it's own sauce". Here we have "just add Latakia-makes it's own English". This is the most positive I've ever felt about smoking a mature Virginia and give it the grade it deserves- four stars.
Pipe Used:
Ashton LX Apple Billiard-1998 NASPC yearpipe
PurchasedFrom:
a former pipe smoker
Age When Smoked:
unknown but not recent
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Dec 01, 2014 | Medium | Very Mild | Medium | Pleasant to Tolerable |
Update 12 Dec 14
Well, not only do I still not understand this tobacco but it has taken a turn for the worse over the last week and a half or so. It smokes hot while, of course, becoming harsh and bland so, considering life is too short and there are too many good tobaccos out there, I stopped bothering with it and threw the tin in the garbage. HH Mature Virginia is not a success from Mac Baren.
This one has not been obvious at all to me, at first. The tin note can be confusing at best: strong, very sharp aroma of Kalamata olives combined with sweet vanilla. As you can suspect, very odd and not exactly appealing. I have not let that most unusual introduction stop me. The tobacco is fairly dark, ranging from medium to dark brown. It feels rather moist to the touch but it's not as less than 5 minutes of drying makes it ideal for packing. It takes a bit to light it up adequately, it burns slowly and can bite if you puff too frequently. The dominating flavours are definitively sweet and smoky, but either are not extremely pronounced and one does not dominate the other. In fact, it presents itself as not very elaborated in taste, but nevertheless...As where I was thinking it's an Ok tobacco, that I would finish the 2 tins I bought, but would not buy it again (well, buy more of what is left as it has been discontinued), I realize I am reaching more and more frequently for it, which is significant. The truth is, over the 2 week period I have been smoking it, I realize I do not quite understand the nature of this tobacco but do understand that I enjoy it more and more, and, really, that's all that matters. I am to the point, now, where i might decide to seek some more tins of HH mature virginia, even though it's a rather very unusual VA blend.
Well, not only do I still not understand this tobacco but it has taken a turn for the worse over the last week and a half or so. It smokes hot while, of course, becoming harsh and bland so, considering life is too short and there are too many good tobaccos out there, I stopped bothering with it and threw the tin in the garbage. HH Mature Virginia is not a success from Mac Baren.
This one has not been obvious at all to me, at first. The tin note can be confusing at best: strong, very sharp aroma of Kalamata olives combined with sweet vanilla. As you can suspect, very odd and not exactly appealing. I have not let that most unusual introduction stop me. The tobacco is fairly dark, ranging from medium to dark brown. It feels rather moist to the touch but it's not as less than 5 minutes of drying makes it ideal for packing. It takes a bit to light it up adequately, it burns slowly and can bite if you puff too frequently. The dominating flavours are definitively sweet and smoky, but either are not extremely pronounced and one does not dominate the other. In fact, it presents itself as not very elaborated in taste, but nevertheless...As where I was thinking it's an Ok tobacco, that I would finish the 2 tins I bought, but would not buy it again (well, buy more of what is left as it has been discontinued), I realize I am reaching more and more frequently for it, which is significant. The truth is, over the 2 week period I have been smoking it, I realize I do not quite understand the nature of this tobacco but do understand that I enjoy it more and more, and, really, that's all that matters. I am to the point, now, where i might decide to seek some more tins of HH mature virginia, even though it's a rather very unusual VA blend.
Pipe Used:
Rattray; Luciano; Stanwell; Falcon
Age When Smoked:
1 year 3 months
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 08, 2014 | Mild to Medium | Extremely Mild | Mild to Medium | Pleasant to Tolerable |
Mac Baren - HH Mature Virginia
I recently picked up my pipe again, after a 15+yr hiatus.
{BRIEF DIGRESSION: Egads, the pipe smoking landscape has changed a lot while I've been away - all the local shops in my region are all focused exclusively on cigars, hookah, and snus now, leaving most pipers like us (except those who live in major cities or tobacco country) to rely primarily on the internet}.
Anyway, after foraging through a bunch of smoke shops in my region, the best I could track down, in person, was a lonely looking 100g tin of the MickyB HH Mature Virginia. I would have preferred a 50g tin, but beggars cant be choosers, and on a good note the batch date showed it had slept soundly in the tin for 3 1/2 years (Sept 2010), which offset my initial disappointment. A quick swipe of the credit card, and a metaphorical swirl of the ol cape, and we were both gone.
Impatient to oogle my first premium tin since oh, the Clinton era, I used a quarter to prise off the lid and ... BOY, was it WET ... and pungent. The tin aroma was complex, and (to my nose) whiffed of fermented sour cherries (Kriek Lambic with a hint of balsamic ?), vanilla cavendish, cacao, honey, creosote, sandalwood, and spice. Taken all together, that potent first whiff was akin to a spicy fruity tamarind-tinged hot wing sauce. It had a lot of promise, but it was clearly too heavy/wet to smoke right away and needed some breathing time (to shed some of the fermentation/maturation aromas).
Once I got it home, I 'fluffed' out the entire tin into a 24oz glass jar (which it almost filled), sealed the lid, and put it away for several days, until my hygrometer showed it had dropped into the 60's range. Finally, I lit up my first bowl, and settled in for a leisurely smoke. The first third was still a bit damp, resisted staying lit, and threw some initial tongue bite {read: still too moist and smoked too quickly}, but after some persistence and restraint it finally settled down midway through the middle third, and became quite mellow. The sweet & sour saucy note from the initial tip pop had dramatically softened to a very mild profile that still retained some very subtle hints of vanilla, cacao and a cherry-like fruitiness, and a light peppery sting in the finish.
Bottom line: A nice smoke that I'm sure will continue to mellow and mature, with more time in the jar. Worth the price. 3.5 of 4 stars (recommended). Subtract half a star if you dislike a bit of estery tartness {read: wet & warm fermentation note} in your blends.
UPDATE 17-Mar-2014: After a fair amount of reading (and after enjoying half the tin), I've learned the only added flavoring to this blend is a light addition of some red wine vinegar to one part of the blend. From my experience in zymurgy that, plus the natural sweetness of virginia leaf, plus the fermentation & caramelization involved in pressure-maturation of same (probably similar to fermenting green tea leaves into black breakfast teas), is the likely source of the fruity 'ketchup/tobasco' note that so many have noted regarding the tin aroma. In any case, this blend smokes MUCH milder than it smells in the tin.
UPDATE 20-Mar-2014: I just read that this label has been discontinued effective Jan 2014. 🙁
I recently picked up my pipe again, after a 15+yr hiatus.
{BRIEF DIGRESSION: Egads, the pipe smoking landscape has changed a lot while I've been away - all the local shops in my region are all focused exclusively on cigars, hookah, and snus now, leaving most pipers like us (except those who live in major cities or tobacco country) to rely primarily on the internet}.
Anyway, after foraging through a bunch of smoke shops in my region, the best I could track down, in person, was a lonely looking 100g tin of the MickyB HH Mature Virginia. I would have preferred a 50g tin, but beggars cant be choosers, and on a good note the batch date showed it had slept soundly in the tin for 3 1/2 years (Sept 2010), which offset my initial disappointment. A quick swipe of the credit card, and a metaphorical swirl of the ol cape, and we were both gone.
Impatient to oogle my first premium tin since oh, the Clinton era, I used a quarter to prise off the lid and ... BOY, was it WET ... and pungent. The tin aroma was complex, and (to my nose) whiffed of fermented sour cherries (Kriek Lambic with a hint of balsamic ?), vanilla cavendish, cacao, honey, creosote, sandalwood, and spice. Taken all together, that potent first whiff was akin to a spicy fruity tamarind-tinged hot wing sauce. It had a lot of promise, but it was clearly too heavy/wet to smoke right away and needed some breathing time (to shed some of the fermentation/maturation aromas).
Once I got it home, I 'fluffed' out the entire tin into a 24oz glass jar (which it almost filled), sealed the lid, and put it away for several days, until my hygrometer showed it had dropped into the 60's range. Finally, I lit up my first bowl, and settled in for a leisurely smoke. The first third was still a bit damp, resisted staying lit, and threw some initial tongue bite {read: still too moist and smoked too quickly}, but after some persistence and restraint it finally settled down midway through the middle third, and became quite mellow. The sweet & sour saucy note from the initial tip pop had dramatically softened to a very mild profile that still retained some very subtle hints of vanilla, cacao and a cherry-like fruitiness, and a light peppery sting in the finish.
Bottom line: A nice smoke that I'm sure will continue to mellow and mature, with more time in the jar. Worth the price. 3.5 of 4 stars (recommended). Subtract half a star if you dislike a bit of estery tartness {read: wet & warm fermentation note} in your blends.
UPDATE 17-Mar-2014: After a fair amount of reading (and after enjoying half the tin), I've learned the only added flavoring to this blend is a light addition of some red wine vinegar to one part of the blend. From my experience in zymurgy that, plus the natural sweetness of virginia leaf, plus the fermentation & caramelization involved in pressure-maturation of same (probably similar to fermenting green tea leaves into black breakfast teas), is the likely source of the fruity 'ketchup/tobasco' note that so many have noted regarding the tin aroma. In any case, this blend smokes MUCH milder than it smells in the tin.
UPDATE 20-Mar-2014: I just read that this label has been discontinued effective Jan 2014. 🙁
Pipe Used:
Dr Grabow Freehand Briar (Group 4)
PurchasedFrom:
a local tobacco shop
Age When Smoked:
42 months
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 09, 2012 | Medium | None Detected | Medium to Full | Tolerable |
I first tried this on the recommendation of my local tobacconist. This was one of their "house blends" and it took me a while to find out what it actually was, but in the mean time I had smoked several ounces and it has become my every day smoke. I just love this blend.
the description is correct when it says, "the sweet Virginia tobaccos will greet you and slowly the dark Virginia will enter the taste." And I really like the smokiness of the blend; at first I thought I was detecting a bit of latakia in the blend, but I think it is just the dark stoved Virginia making an appearance.
Highly recommended!
the description is correct when it says, "the sweet Virginia tobaccos will greet you and slowly the dark Virginia will enter the taste." And I really like the smokiness of the blend; at first I thought I was detecting a bit of latakia in the blend, but I think it is just the dark stoved Virginia making an appearance.
Highly recommended!
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Feb 24, 2009 | Mild | Mild | Mild | Unnoticeable |
I had high expectations for this Virginian blend prior to receiving my tin. The tag line captured my attention, despite the notation of Burley's and Orientals in the mix. Visually the blend is impressive with multi-toned leaves. Tactilely the blend seemed sopping wet compared to the rest of MacBaren's line, so I'll dry it for my needs. I'm reluctant to make flippant analogies, but the tin aroma reminded me of a can of freshly opened black olives in brine. I've smoked close to ten bowls in large bowled pipes, and I'm not getting Mature Virginian. I notice the dry Burley component too much for my liking, and some Oriental spice. MV has more similarities to Presbyterian Mixture than Full Virginia Flake. I love the McClelland catsup tang, knowing the rewards upon ignition. I am been reluctant to add my review. The Chef, the Stud, Glorfi and BBJ sing its praise, yet, right know I can't. There is no doubt this is a very, very well made tobacco. I'm sure many will find enjoyment in this blend, but form me it wasn't Virginian enough.
I still have half a tin left that I?ll continue to sample, and if I change my current thought, I?ll update my review. I need to consume at least 50 grams to give a fair opinion, so I'll press on.
I still have half a tin left that I?ll continue to sample, and if I change my current thought, I?ll update my review. I need to consume at least 50 grams to give a fair opinion, so I'll press on.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Jan 22, 2009 | Mild to Medium | Mild to Medium | Medium | Pleasant to Tolerable |
When I first tried this tobacco I thought it was pretty darn good and I had planned on giving it 3 stars. I'm glad I waited. After trying the Frank method of loading my pipe it was as if all the tastes hiding in the background came to the forefront. All the Virginia sweetness caressed my tongue without a single hint of nipping followed by a smokiness that balanced out the high sweet notes. If I were a high volume pipe smoker this would be my daily smoke. It's balanced, easy on the tongue and has just enough complexity to keep it interesting but if you're busy with a task at hand then there's plenty of flavor to enjoy without having to search for the nuances.
If I had to break down the bowl from top to bottom here is how it goes for me. The first 1/3 starts off with the sweet virginias coming to the front to let themselves greet you. The second 1/3 still has those virginias present but a smokey flavor intermingles with the sweetness to balance out very well. The last 1/3 has both the sweetness and BBQ like smokiness trading places at the front of the class. I really didn't notice a whole lot of Vitamin N but there is a bit there.
I would highly recommend this blend to anyone interested in virginias or at least exploring what they are all about. While not a straight virginia it is an awesome smoke. I also would highly recommend the Frank Method of loading your pipe with this wonderful tobacco. The smoke is cooler and all the flavors you would miss come out to greet you with a solid handshake.
If I had to break down the bowl from top to bottom here is how it goes for me. The first 1/3 starts off with the sweet virginias coming to the front to let themselves greet you. The second 1/3 still has those virginias present but a smokey flavor intermingles with the sweetness to balance out very well. The last 1/3 has both the sweetness and BBQ like smokiness trading places at the front of the class. I really didn't notice a whole lot of Vitamin N but there is a bit there.
I would highly recommend this blend to anyone interested in virginias or at least exploring what they are all about. While not a straight virginia it is an awesome smoke. I also would highly recommend the Frank Method of loading your pipe with this wonderful tobacco. The smoke is cooler and all the flavors you would miss come out to greet you with a solid handshake.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Dec 06, 2008 | Mild to Medium | Very Mild | Medium | Tolerable |
This is a smooth smoke! My first impressions upon opening the tin was that of fermenting grapes. Definitely too moist to load up immediately, but a quick fluff and it's ready to go in about thirty minutes. This is a classy presentation of tobacco...in the tin, in the bowl, and lastly, in the aroma.
Alas, this blend is no longer listed on the MacBaren website so I fear that it may disappear too soon.
Highly Recommended!
Alas, this blend is no longer listed on the MacBaren website so I fear that it may disappear too soon.
Highly Recommended!
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Sep 10, 2008 | Mild | Extremely Mild | Mild | Very Pleasant |
First bowl was dried out a wee bit, but the heavenly aroma wafting from my tobacco drying device (a paper plate for those of you in Rio Linda) made me toss all discipline to the wind and load up. Sauna Syndrome ensued at mid-bowl, so DGT was advised.
Holy (expeletive deleted)! Brown sugar, caramel, tobacco, molasses, more tobacco...intermittent bright notes of citrus. Delicious.
Second bowl dried just this side of crunchy...into a tall Radice stack. Almost spontaneous combustion with a single match. Nice brights, settles down quickly. More culinary metaphors came immediately to mind...dark rum, some spice, vanilla, malt, citrus...Freaking Great!!
This now replaces McClelland Christmas Cheer 1992 as my Christmas blend. I intend to load up my "Yule Log" Autograph, smoke half a bowl on Christmas Eve, then fire that big bugger up on Christmas morning while I unleash the Beasts of Bethpage for their annual Christmas present opening ritual.
This involves gnashing of teeth, foaming at the mouth, loud growling, some biting and clawing, jumping on the furniture and lots of face licking. Dogs. Man's Best Friend Indeed.
Holy (expeletive deleted)! Brown sugar, caramel, tobacco, molasses, more tobacco...intermittent bright notes of citrus. Delicious.
Second bowl dried just this side of crunchy...into a tall Radice stack. Almost spontaneous combustion with a single match. Nice brights, settles down quickly. More culinary metaphors came immediately to mind...dark rum, some spice, vanilla, malt, citrus...Freaking Great!!
This now replaces McClelland Christmas Cheer 1992 as my Christmas blend. I intend to load up my "Yule Log" Autograph, smoke half a bowl on Christmas Eve, then fire that big bugger up on Christmas morning while I unleash the Beasts of Bethpage for their annual Christmas present opening ritual.
This involves gnashing of teeth, foaming at the mouth, loud growling, some biting and clawing, jumping on the furniture and lots of face licking. Dogs. Man's Best Friend Indeed.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Jul 18, 2007 | Medium | Medium | Mild to Medium | Pleasant |
At first this tobacco seems a bit odd......as though the ingredients don't quite fit together. I must say after smoking a 100g tin, this is a very nice smoke. The sweetness and slight smokiness seem to meld as the bowl progresses and the room note seems to be appreciated by all. I found that this blend smokes even better when using the Frank Method of packing, which I just learned.
Now let me comment on the Frank Method. I'm really not a ritualistic type of guy. I don't gaze lovingly at my pipes, talk to my tobacco, or spend a lot of time on preparation (OK I'm learning). I'm just more of the lock and load type. However, I must admit that this technique is a vast improvement over the 3 step method I've used for 30 years (maybe you can teach an old dog new tricks).
Anyway, I think this is a great tobacco, by a great blender and I will be purchasing more........soon..
Now let me comment on the Frank Method. I'm really not a ritualistic type of guy. I don't gaze lovingly at my pipes, talk to my tobacco, or spend a lot of time on preparation (OK I'm learning). I'm just more of the lock and load type. However, I must admit that this technique is a vast improvement over the 3 step method I've used for 30 years (maybe you can teach an old dog new tricks).
Anyway, I think this is a great tobacco, by a great blender and I will be purchasing more........soon..
target="_blank"
