Mac Baren HH Old Dark Fired Ready Rubbed

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.

This seems very popular and has tremendous reviews with no negatives and that makes me hesitate to speak out my thought. I am not a fan of VaBurs but I do appreciate some wonderful blends in this category. HH ODF is mellow and tasteful, but the monochromatic flavor bores me right in the middle of the bowl. Worthy a try, and maybe a keeper for Vabur fans.

A very tasty tobacco, a mixture of earthy and sweet, somewhat chocolatey at times. The cut is a mix between Ready Rubbed and Broken Flake. It comes at its right point of humidity to take out of the bag and load immediately, although it can also be left to dry a bit. The smoke is smooth and creamy. It burns even and well. It has body and robustness. Recommended.

Full disclosure: I'm relatively new to the hobby, and not a frequent smoker.

I would recommend this not be the first bowl of the day. The first half of the bowl is smoky, spicy, and very tangy. A vinegary barbecue flavor. It comes off a bit harsh at first, particularly the retrohale, but tames significantly as your palette becomes acclimated. It' a moderately strong, full tobacco, with a medium nic hit.

Mechanically, it's terrific. Packs easily, lights and stays lit well. I don't see any chance of tongue bite, but again, it can get harsh if smoked too hot. I think it smokes better a bit on the moist side, which is how it came when I first purchased it. It seems like it will age well, so I'm keeping it in my cellar for awhile.

Personally, this isn't a blend that speaks to me, but I think more seasoned smokers will love it.

Keep in mind that I generally am not a fan of burley tobaccos, but I figured I'd give some Kentucky dark fired a try. I gave this a recommended instead of highly recommended because of that. If you're a fan of burley, you may like this better than I. Even with the fire curing, I could still taste it, but it wasn't too bad. In the cob, it really came through. In the meerschaum, it was missing something. IMO, this tobacco smokes best in a traditional briar.

That being said, I do like the room note better than the English/Balkan blends that I normally prefer. It also has plenty of nicotine, which for me, is a plus. It does come a little wet, but letting it dry out is no problem.

All in all, I would say this is a savory blend. I do like it, and plan on ageing some to see if the aging process for the Virginias balances this out better. I suspect that it will.

Again, if you're a fan of burley tobacco without flavorings added, this may be for you. FYI, my palate is sensitive. Anything aromatic might as well be called Tongue Bite, The Tobacco. This did not bite me.

UPDATE: I put most of what I purchased into canning jars and got them warm enough so that they'd seal when they cooled down to age. I left a bit out for further smoking. I've bumped the strength from medium-strong to strong. I've smoked straight perique before and perique is the only tobacco that I've had that's stronger when it comes to vitamin N. Also, now that my palate has adjusted to this, the straight burly flavor I was detecting is gone and I'm really enjoying this now. I will update again when I've cracked open one of the jars that has been aged. This is definitely a full bodied smoke.

It lives up to its reputation. ODF delivers a earthy, woody, spicy, mildly tart and tangy sour flavor throughout the bowl. The dark fruit sweetness of the Virginas come along throughout the blend as well, yet in more of a secondary position. If you didnt know better, you would assume there was a slight addition of Latakia due to the smokiness that comes along. If you are sensitive to nicotine, be wary. I may be myself as even after dinner, the effect of the smoke is quite noticeable. It is a fairly dry smoke. Certainly not an all day smoke and unless you are tolerant of nicotine, its not repeatable.

https://youtu.be/gUrbb7kOYcM

Hate to be a buzzkill here, but this blend does very little for me. I suppose it's the burley,as I am not a huge fan of it, however, there are some burleys I enjoy. It does get better as the bowl burns, but it never gives the complex fulfillment I am seeking. Honestly, it's not horrible, it's just not for me.

In a sentence: This is a pipe tobacco for regular cigar smokers.

It’s good and full but like a cigar it’s a sometimes smoke and best enjoyed after a large meal. It has that typical MacBaren top note upon charring that I associate with blends like Plumcake.

That said, it’s too one-dimensional for my tastes (I am usually a straight VA smoker) and the dottle is kinda gross to smoke. I find myself tossing the last third or fourth of any bowl I smoked. I liked the 1 ounce bulk sample I bought but I cannot see myself buying it again simply because if I wanted this flavor and nicotine content I would rather just reach for a cigar. But if you like a lot of nicotine and you want a cigar robustness in a pipe tobacco this is worth a shot.

I have always loved Stonehaven as on of my occasionals. ODF has somewhat of a similar flavor but not as sweet. Strong in taste and aroma, I will always keep some around. My sample was bought as bulk in a pouch. Came a little too wet for me, but I like my tobacco on the dry side. A little too strong for an all day smoke. Kind of overwhelms the taste buds, so I only try this in one of my smaller pipes.

Hefty nic hit.