Mac Baren HH Old Dark Fired Ready Rubbed

ODF - Ready rubbed . Same great flavor as the flake but does seem just a little bit mellower . The good thing is you can buy this by the ounce and get how much you want . It isn’t any easier to rub out than a flake though and you have less options of how you want to prepare it .It still needs a little drying out IMO . Taste is Vinegar tart with raisons and wine . Fairly sweet molasses and a little spice . Slight cocoa and nuts . I smoke it in medium sized bowls as the nicotine is satisfying. One of my favorite blends and have couple lbs in my cellar both RR and flake . It is outstanding! 4 stars . Don’t let the strength scare you away from trying it .

I've been in mourning over the loss of McClellands and their wonderful virginias. However, as soon as i got 4 o.z. of this highly rated tobacco I was floored. Immediately the tin note is reminiscent of that lovely BBQ and Ketchup smell with some hickory smoke undertones.

I jared the tobacco up and let it sit for a few months just to give it some time. I finally cracked the jar open in July 2018 and finished off a good 2 o.z. or more. I can honestly say it has immediately risen to one of my top ten.

The flavor is consistent throughout, even in some of my deepest bowls. Only toward the last eighth or so of the bowl do I get more smokey flavor than anything else. Throughout the smoke sweet Virginias dance with a nutty and bread like flavor that somehow reminds me of a sweet date roll around Christmas time. It's not too sweet for my liking though and with age it should calm down just a bit in that department. It can burn a bit hot so go slow.

Mechanically there are a few problems with the shag cut of this tobacco. The long stands can do with some pre cutting. I also recommend a bit of drying time before you pack up. I have let this blend sit out for up to an hour before and it does well. I find that anything less than thirty minutes for my stash will mean multiple relights. For some this may be irritating, for me it is just part of the process.

Of one last note. I have smoked this now in the presence of numerous people and they all say that it smells great. I have only had one person say that it was a bit smokey for them and thus my rating for room note. I have to receive nothing but complements to mark it as very pleasant.

I think most experienced pipe smokers or those looking to transition from aromatics to viriginas or Vapers, will enjoy this blend. Not quite an all day smoke for me, it can pack a punch at the right time of day for me and I have a high tolerance for vitamin N.

Here’s a valid question: Why does the tinned version of this dry out only a few weeks after opening it, but the ready-rubbed stays moist for months on end? Answers on a postcard. If this is loaded with PG I can’t tell, but I’ll stick with the version that behaves more like regular tobacco regardless. I like to inhale it too much to wonder.

ODF is a perfect dark fired blend. I really like this a lot. The tin note is musty, camp fire, earthy and sweet. Smells like the woods. This is old school tobacco. The smoke is very pleasant and tangy with subtle campfire and earthy sweetness. Basically, it tastes like it smells. Its’ great. When I smoke ODF it reminds me of simpler times and simpler pleasures. I find ODF to be very well balanced and not overwhelming in the strength department. This is a new favorite of mine. No bite. I prefer the ready rubbed version to the flakes because it saves me the hassle of rubbing them out.

This tobacco is dark fired goodness. I enjoy a good burley & also like dark fired kentucky blends. This tobacco hits the spot on both of those fronts. The smokiness of the dark fired kentucky is the dominant flavor with the burley & virginia in the background mellowing it a bit. This tobacco is not as strong as straight dark fired, a lot closer to medium than strong to me. It burns even with a smooth semi-bitter dark chocolate like undertone with an earthy/smoky taste. It comes ready to smoke & requires very few relights. The room note is an acquired taste for some, but pleasing & enticing to some fellow pipers. If you like dark burley or kentucky blends you'll really enjoy this tobacco.

I was hesitant to try this mixture because its name lead me to believe it would be harsh and strong. I couldn't have been more wrong. This stuff is very rich and complex and it is slightly earthy and sweet but it isn't harsh. Amazingly, it doesn't have the dreaded McBite either. Good stuff!!!

I do not like the Burley taste. But, it is not a problem contained in this tobacco. This is soft and dark delicious taste by Dark Fired Kentucky. I like this smell.

Great smoke... fairly strong tobacco with good flavor & tin note. Not the least bit harsh or bitey. I also liked the HH Bold Kentucky. This could be an all-day smoke for me and will become a regular in my rotation. I can't explain all the subtle nuances of this blend or why I like it... only that it is an excellent, tasty blend for me. If you like this genre of blends, you can't go wrong with HH, Dark Fired Kentucky. Great smoke... fairly strong tobacco with good flavor & tin note. Not the least bit harsh or bite.This review is based on a 1 ounce, ready rubbed trial version.

Smooth tobacco that rewards the smokers who sips at it with a sweet flavor. If you smoke it fast it'll bite you hard. One of the best bulk blends available. Highly recommended.