Mac Baren Halberg Red

I wanted to like MB Halberg Red, especially with the incredible smell in the pouch, but alas I ultimately don't like this very much. Not an aromatic hater either, I've become generally equal opportunity: a good blend has a place in my rotation whether sweet, smoky, or pure.

Presentation is a bit unique, and about as nice a packaging job as you're gonna find for a pipe tobacco. The thick cardboard box with pseudo-leather covering and magnetic snap-close lid imply something extremely special resides inside. I'm going to enjoy repurposing the box once this is all gone. Opening the sealed pouch inside the nice box, I was floored with how great this smells. Lots of wonderful scents, fruity citrus being the most noticeable to me. Moisture level was fairly damp. Mix of colors and cuts, with some of the baby flakes I've seen in a few other MacBaren mixes.

I've tried it at lots of moisture levels (drier is better), and it's similar all around: sweet, hot, bitey, and pretty heavily aromatic. It's an interesting aromatic, doesn't so much leave a sticky mess behind like a cheap aromatic but the effect overwhelms the tobacco. What I can taste of the leaf it's rather good. Flavor is generally tart cherry, to my palate.

If I mix this with something mild that doesn't impart much of it's own flavor, it's more enjoyable and less bitey. But the tart cherry thing still dominates.

I probably won't replace this once I've smoked it all, but will probably try the other Halberg aromatics just to see if this particular blend wasn't my speed. There's quality ingredients used here, if I find a topping profile more to my liking this line might be something good.