Mac Baren Rum & Maple
(2.54)
A familiar old classic, this blend expertly mixes bright Virginias and rich burleys with the contrasting flavors of rum and maple. An interesting and pleasant smoke.
Notes: Once sold as Tinderbox Mashpee Maple. Lane discontinued the blend, and it was re-released by Planta (Germany). Currently sold as "R&M" due to changed regulations, the full name of the 50 gram pouch version is "Original R and M Blend No. 53".
Details
Profile
Strength
Mild
Extremely Mild -> Overwhelming
Flavoring
Mild
None Detected -> Extra Strong
Room Note
Pleasant
Unnoticeable -> Overwhelming
Taste
Mild
Extremely Mild (Flat) -> Overwhelming
Average Rating
|
2.54 / 4
|
Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 52 Reviews
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 15, 2009 | Mild to Medium | Mild | Mild to Medium | Pleasant |
I had smoked many a pouch this a few years ago when I was still learning how to smoke a pipe and formulating my preferences and I remember liking it but not being overly enthused secondary to it's "blandness" compared to some of the other tobaccos I was smoking then it sort of "dropped off the radar" and I wasn't able to find it in any of my local stores. I then moved onto other things and trod softly in the world of the virginias, made the leap to perique and fell in love with a black lady named Latakia...
However, I was browsing through a tobacconist a few towns over who had several packages on the shelf and I picked up two of them on a whim and tossed them onto the "drugstore pile" for later evaluation. My father happened to be over tonight and noticed one of the packages sitting in my tobacco nook and marvelled at it for a minute...turns out good old Blend #53 was his favorite pipeweed during WWII when he served as a merchant mariner in the pacific. He stopped smoking a pipe shortly after the war was over and re-started again in the late 70's at which time he moved on to "bigger and better" things. Of course, I broke it open, dad hauled out his big Grabow and we lit up.
To be candid, I took a two year long hiatus from pipesmoking from which I am emerging after a change in career/living arrangement etc. It's a wonderful experience to re-experience all of the tastes emerging from the tobaccos that I've had stashed away for all this time, but what is equally as interesting is that the break has enabled me to pinpoint more clearly my likes and dislikes in a way I wasn't able to when "in the jungle" of sampling and smoking many different types and styles of tobacco during a given week.
I've realized that I love the "American burley drugstore blends" even more than I thought I had before, and Rum and Maple turned out to be excellent on my second trip around. Only a slight hint of flavoring, mostly noticed as aroma when opening the pouch, the tobacco gravity filled the small Kaywoodie prince I had chosen (burleys smoke best out of a narrow bowl that is more tall than wide)and tamped with ease.The tobacco was at the perfect humidity and seemed to be mostly a cube type cut with a few stringy pieces thrown in, all golden brown to umber in color. Lighting was easy and positive, and the first couple of puffs contain a wonderfully light, "boozy" perfume that is more smelled than tasted. No hint of maple was apparent to me, but there is a discreet rummy note throughout which complements well the creamy nutty aroma of burley. From there, the tobacco burns well, and when smoked lightly gets neither wet, hot nor "bitey" though it does burn quicker than one might expect. As is characteristic with these types of tobacco, it got a bit "brash" towards the last 1/4 bowl at which point I usually do the dump. Burleys seem to be so low in natural sugar that they don't stove in the bottom of the bowl as do virginias and most of the casing dissipates during the preceeding 3/4 of the bowl making the ending harsh. At $2.50/pouch I feel that this is a worthwhile sacrifice.
I smoked two bowls of this tonight, and the now opened pouch will ride in my pocket tomorrow for further evaluation.If I like these two pouches as much as I did the smoke I had tonight I'll be purchasing a tin of this (also stocked by this same tobacconist) sometime soon. My father stated that after almost 60 years he really couldn't recall how similar it was to what he used to smoke back then (he's a confirmed McClelland man these days), but he liked it well enough and packed himself another big bowl "for the morning" before he left.
Could this be the proverbial "all day smoke"? Possibly, it's light, inexpensive and easy enough with a decent bit of nicotine, but I suspect that this will take a place in my "drugstore" rotation along with Middletons Cherry Blend, Revelation, Prince Albert, Hickory and Granger all of which I find myself leaning towards during this second incarnation as a pipesmoker.
Recommended, if you can find it...
UPDATE 1/15/09: Hickory is all but gone--a sad loss of a peculiarly american flavored burley. Now it's getting harder and harder for me to find this stuff and I fear that it's next on the list. I hadn't smoked it in probably a year so I opened a fresh pouch the other day and loaded a nice deep billiard and went for a drive. Still nice, still that whisping nuance of maple through most of the bowl. It's amazing how once you get onto a real burley kick that you start really noticing the delicacy of the flavors in these blends. Still reccommended.
However, I was browsing through a tobacconist a few towns over who had several packages on the shelf and I picked up two of them on a whim and tossed them onto the "drugstore pile" for later evaluation. My father happened to be over tonight and noticed one of the packages sitting in my tobacco nook and marvelled at it for a minute...turns out good old Blend #53 was his favorite pipeweed during WWII when he served as a merchant mariner in the pacific. He stopped smoking a pipe shortly after the war was over and re-started again in the late 70's at which time he moved on to "bigger and better" things. Of course, I broke it open, dad hauled out his big Grabow and we lit up.
To be candid, I took a two year long hiatus from pipesmoking from which I am emerging after a change in career/living arrangement etc. It's a wonderful experience to re-experience all of the tastes emerging from the tobaccos that I've had stashed away for all this time, but what is equally as interesting is that the break has enabled me to pinpoint more clearly my likes and dislikes in a way I wasn't able to when "in the jungle" of sampling and smoking many different types and styles of tobacco during a given week.
I've realized that I love the "American burley drugstore blends" even more than I thought I had before, and Rum and Maple turned out to be excellent on my second trip around. Only a slight hint of flavoring, mostly noticed as aroma when opening the pouch, the tobacco gravity filled the small Kaywoodie prince I had chosen (burleys smoke best out of a narrow bowl that is more tall than wide)and tamped with ease.The tobacco was at the perfect humidity and seemed to be mostly a cube type cut with a few stringy pieces thrown in, all golden brown to umber in color. Lighting was easy and positive, and the first couple of puffs contain a wonderfully light, "boozy" perfume that is more smelled than tasted. No hint of maple was apparent to me, but there is a discreet rummy note throughout which complements well the creamy nutty aroma of burley. From there, the tobacco burns well, and when smoked lightly gets neither wet, hot nor "bitey" though it does burn quicker than one might expect. As is characteristic with these types of tobacco, it got a bit "brash" towards the last 1/4 bowl at which point I usually do the dump. Burleys seem to be so low in natural sugar that they don't stove in the bottom of the bowl as do virginias and most of the casing dissipates during the preceeding 3/4 of the bowl making the ending harsh. At $2.50/pouch I feel that this is a worthwhile sacrifice.
I smoked two bowls of this tonight, and the now opened pouch will ride in my pocket tomorrow for further evaluation.If I like these two pouches as much as I did the smoke I had tonight I'll be purchasing a tin of this (also stocked by this same tobacconist) sometime soon. My father stated that after almost 60 years he really couldn't recall how similar it was to what he used to smoke back then (he's a confirmed McClelland man these days), but he liked it well enough and packed himself another big bowl "for the morning" before he left.
Could this be the proverbial "all day smoke"? Possibly, it's light, inexpensive and easy enough with a decent bit of nicotine, but I suspect that this will take a place in my "drugstore" rotation along with Middletons Cherry Blend, Revelation, Prince Albert, Hickory and Granger all of which I find myself leaning towards during this second incarnation as a pipesmoker.
Recommended, if you can find it...
UPDATE 1/15/09: Hickory is all but gone--a sad loss of a peculiarly american flavored burley. Now it's getting harder and harder for me to find this stuff and I fear that it's next on the list. I hadn't smoked it in probably a year so I opened a fresh pouch the other day and loaded a nice deep billiard and went for a drive. Still nice, still that whisping nuance of maple through most of the bowl. It's amazing how once you get onto a real burley kick that you start really noticing the delicacy of the flavors in these blends. Still reccommended.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Aug 16, 2011 | Mild | Mild | Mild to Medium | Pleasant to Tolerable |
I really enjoy this tobacco. I was expecting an intensely aromatic blend, but that is not what this blend is at all. There is a very odd but good tobacco taste, i mean you could tell this is an otc blend but it has a very odd but delicious taste, mostly burey, a little va and a little bit of taste from the topping. No rum really, but a little spiciness.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 28, 2017 | Mild to Medium | Medium to Strong | Medium | Pleasant |
Rum and Maple was a real surprise to me the first time I smoked it. I bought this, because it was cheap and my father started out pipe smoking and I thought we can share the pouch. In the past I hestitated for a long time before buying this. At first i thought I wouldn't like rum toppings, but after I like Salty Dogs Plug, as well as Navy Flakes with rum that concern was gone. But Plante is very infamous here, known for making the most chemical and nasty tobaccos...so it took a while before I stuggeld through buying this blend.
R&M somehow is the exception under the Planta blends! Upon opening the very well and classy designed pouch (which is a pleasure for itself to me!) you get greeted by a rather chemical, yet bearable and intriguing scent of maple, that's accompanied by a citruys-fresh and slightly sour-tangy scent of what's supposed to be the "Rum". It doesn't smell like real rum to me, yet the smell from the pouch is inviting and even tho it's artificial, I find it to be not too aritficial. They managed to find the sweet spot here.
The ribbons look beautiful with colours ranging from golden-orange (Virginias), to brown (Burleys) and black (Cavendish). Easy to pack, easy to light, not a problem to keep lit. The pouch comes in perfect condition to smoke right away.
On first light I got greeted by a intense maple flavour, accompanied by the "Rum"-flavouring, which provides citrusy-sour, slighty spicy and fresh notes. I also perceive a slightly floral aroma. At first the flavouring is a bit overpowering to me, but it tames after a few puffs. The flavouring is consistent throughout the smoke, yet it leaves (some) room for the tobacco to contribute some notes to this composition. The added flavouring is the star player, which is supported by the tobacco. The Burley delivers a rich aroma of nuts, molasses and a gentle spice. The Virginias are rather tamed to me and support the citrusy-sour flavour of the Rum-topping with it's lemonlike, tangy notes. The black Cavendish contributes hints of vanilla and enrich the mixture with a fermented aroma.
Usually I prefer blends, where the tobacco dominates when smoking aromated toabaccos (which isn't very often), yet somehow this blend simply works as it is! Even tho the flavouring seems overpowering at the begining it slowly lessens and reaches a moderate and pleasant strenght.
Rum and Maple is rather mild, with not much of nicotine, so it's very suitable for beginners, whom like a aromated and mild smoke. Yet be aware, this is a full-grown aromatic, if you want pure tobacco this isn't your choice. If you're looking for an interesting (full-grown) aromatic, like maple and/or rum - this is a go-to blend for you.
Now I know the reason, why this tobacco does exist for this long - it's uncomplicated, widely available and even tho it's pretty artificial, it's simply palatable. Really not the climax of tobacco blending, but a solid smoke, which can be enjoyed all-day and also provides a pleasing room note.
3/4 stars for a surprisingly good classic blend. Not a tobacco I smoke every day, not even every week. But definetly a tobacco I'll happily come back to by times and enjoy a nice bowl of it, when I have a sweet tooth!
R&M somehow is the exception under the Planta blends! Upon opening the very well and classy designed pouch (which is a pleasure for itself to me!) you get greeted by a rather chemical, yet bearable and intriguing scent of maple, that's accompanied by a citruys-fresh and slightly sour-tangy scent of what's supposed to be the "Rum". It doesn't smell like real rum to me, yet the smell from the pouch is inviting and even tho it's artificial, I find it to be not too aritficial. They managed to find the sweet spot here.
The ribbons look beautiful with colours ranging from golden-orange (Virginias), to brown (Burleys) and black (Cavendish). Easy to pack, easy to light, not a problem to keep lit. The pouch comes in perfect condition to smoke right away.
On first light I got greeted by a intense maple flavour, accompanied by the "Rum"-flavouring, which provides citrusy-sour, slighty spicy and fresh notes. I also perceive a slightly floral aroma. At first the flavouring is a bit overpowering to me, but it tames after a few puffs. The flavouring is consistent throughout the smoke, yet it leaves (some) room for the tobacco to contribute some notes to this composition. The added flavouring is the star player, which is supported by the tobacco. The Burley delivers a rich aroma of nuts, molasses and a gentle spice. The Virginias are rather tamed to me and support the citrusy-sour flavour of the Rum-topping with it's lemonlike, tangy notes. The black Cavendish contributes hints of vanilla and enrich the mixture with a fermented aroma.
Usually I prefer blends, where the tobacco dominates when smoking aromated toabaccos (which isn't very often), yet somehow this blend simply works as it is! Even tho the flavouring seems overpowering at the begining it slowly lessens and reaches a moderate and pleasant strenght.
Rum and Maple is rather mild, with not much of nicotine, so it's very suitable for beginners, whom like a aromated and mild smoke. Yet be aware, this is a full-grown aromatic, if you want pure tobacco this isn't your choice. If you're looking for an interesting (full-grown) aromatic, like maple and/or rum - this is a go-to blend for you.
Now I know the reason, why this tobacco does exist for this long - it's uncomplicated, widely available and even tho it's pretty artificial, it's simply palatable. Really not the climax of tobacco blending, but a solid smoke, which can be enjoyed all-day and also provides a pleasing room note.
3/4 stars for a surprisingly good classic blend. Not a tobacco I smoke every day, not even every week. But definetly a tobacco I'll happily come back to by times and enjoy a nice bowl of it, when I have a sweet tooth!
Pipe Used:
Clay Pipes
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 26, 2014 | Mild | Medium | Mild | Pleasant |
The rum was a minor player at best; never really tasted it that much, as it was subdued by the light maple topping. The Virginia was grassy with a touch of citrus, and the burley was slightly nutty, wood, and earthy, taking a small lead. Hardly had any nicotine. The strength and taste levels were mild. It always burned a little fast, and had a tendency to bite unless you sipped it as you smoked. The flavor was fairly consistent. Left a little moisture in the bowl, and needed an average number of relights. Had a decent, short lived after taste. Was an all day smoke.
Update 5-7-2019: I smoked the 1950s version, made by the Rum & Maple Tobacco Company according to the tin. The freshly opened tin provided moist tobacco. The nutty, earthy, woody burley was a little more prominent in this version than in later productions. The Virginia was grassy with some citrus as a secondary player. The maple was a little more obvious than the rum, and both toppings tone down the tobaccos to a moderate extent. No bite. Light on the nicotine. Mild tasting, clean and cool with a very consistent flavor that translated to the short lived after taste. Left little dampness in the bowl, and made an easy gong all day smoke. I give three and a half stars to this particular mixture.
-JimInks
Update 5-7-2019: I smoked the 1950s version, made by the Rum & Maple Tobacco Company according to the tin. The freshly opened tin provided moist tobacco. The nutty, earthy, woody burley was a little more prominent in this version than in later productions. The Virginia was grassy with some citrus as a secondary player. The maple was a little more obvious than the rum, and both toppings tone down the tobaccos to a moderate extent. No bite. Light on the nicotine. Mild tasting, clean and cool with a very consistent flavor that translated to the short lived after taste. Left little dampness in the bowl, and made an easy gong all day smoke. I give three and a half stars to this particular mixture.
-JimInks
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Jun 02, 2014 | Mild to Medium | Mild to Medium | Medium | Pleasant |
This review is based on the Planta Tobak version, German in a 100g tin. Nice everyday all-day smoke. Not a goopy aromatic at all. In fact, very neutral, natural tobacco, with a nice aroma for bystanders (this is an important point to consider for the modern day smoker). Primarily has a tobacco taste with a touch of sweetness from casing and topping. Although I can't say it is explicitly rum and maple, it satisfies the smoker with nicotine along with aroma and flavor that adds a dimension. Clearly, this is NOT cheap tobacco hidden by flavourings.. It is good quality tobacco from my observation, in texture and flavor. Good for a quick smoke in a small bowl. Texture is nice - relatively large cut blend, easy to pack and will burn a full bowl on its own without more than a couple re-lights if you ignore the pipe from time to time. I would buy this again.
Pipe Used:
Dr. Grabow
PurchasedFrom:
German Tobacconist
Age When Smoked:
1 year
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Aug 04, 2009 | Mild | Mild to Medium | Mild | Pleasant |
My review notes that I've wrote down, dates early 2003. After that date I didn't give this tobacco another chance. I couldn't finish a tin of 100gr. A sweet taste, hot burning, nothing about rum, nor maple. Just a flavored sweet, and cheap aromatic tobacco.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Oct 30, 2007 | Mild to Medium | Very Mild | Mild to Medium | Pleasant |
A very pleasant Burley and Virginia combination at an affordable price. This has been a mainstay tobacco for many smokers (including myself) over the years. R&M may not have much evidence of either rum or maple, but it is an appealing, light aromatic that makes for a great, every day smoke. Remember, just because it is sold in a drug or variety store does not make it 'bad', tobacco snobs notwithstanding. You could do far worse.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 21, 2020 | Mild | Mild to Medium | Medium | Pleasant |
Considering the pace at which pipe tobacco recipes and brands change their owners and manufacturers, checking the latest reviews is always a good norm, since those with more likes can be often outdated. This old recipe is not produced by the German Planta factory anymore, rather by Mac Baren, although still in a factory in Berlin as it seems. As is often the case lately, MB is doing a good job keeping old brands alive (e.g. Capstan, Amphora etc.). This is not a Danish-style aromatic, rather an American/Dutch-style mixture. The aromas of molasses, maple, vanilla are quite distinct, but do not overwhelm the earthy burley taste. Requires an average number of relights, and never burns or tickles the tongue. Overall a mild and spicy allrounder, sold in Germany at a very reasonable price and in virtually every tobacconist with pipe mixtures.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Feb 03, 2022 | Mild | Mild | Medium | Pleasant |
A very nice Virginia/Burley/Cavendish mix with a pleasantly sweet rum note. I can't really tell always it's maple syrup but... The flavor is pleasant and the room note too. It smokes slow and doesn't bite. I smoke it from time to time and it is definitely one of those I'd buy again.
Pipe Used:
straight billiard
PurchasedFrom:
Online store
Age When Smoked:
fresh
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 04, 2003 | Mild | Very Mild | Mild to Medium | Pleasant |
I figured I might as well give this a try after reading Eulenburg's review. And I was indeed surprised.
The pouch aroma was very nice without being too sweet. The rough cut tobacco was more dry than moist. That too, was a good sign.
Upon lighting, I did detect some sort of flavoring but I sure never would guess Rum or Maple. It tasted mostly like Burley tobacco -- and while not world class Burley, it certainly wasn't bitter. Well, it did make me pucker a bit toward the bottom of the bowl, but nothing I couldn't live with.
Cheap and good!
The pouch aroma was very nice without being too sweet. The rough cut tobacco was more dry than moist. That too, was a good sign.
Upon lighting, I did detect some sort of flavoring but I sure never would guess Rum or Maple. It tasted mostly like Burley tobacco -- and while not world class Burley, it certainly wasn't bitter. Well, it did make me pucker a bit toward the bottom of the bowl, but nothing I couldn't live with.
Cheap and good!
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 27, 2020 | Mild | Medium to Strong | Mild to Medium | Pleasant |
Finally an alcohol-laced blend that lives up to the promise.
Having met a few cheap brands that claim to be spiced up with a type liquor and then said liquor being nowhere to be found, this was a pleasant surprise. Rum and maple, they said, and both are there in abundance; opening the pouch and taking a good sniff gives a heady scent of rum, instantly making one want a Mojito or Cuba Libre to go along with the bowl. The taste does not betray this promise either, the maple sweetenening the rum as both complement each other nicely, and the choice of tobaccoes (burley and cavendish) has been successful too as this concerto plays well together indeed. Smoke a bit on the lighter side, lights up and burns well with few relights required, but it does have the tendency to bite a bit if you push it as you imagine palm trees in the Caribbean swaying in unison with the maples of Canada. (And HA! As it indeed shows in the pouch art :D)
Overall a smooth, satisfying aromatic blend with character, but the main character does come from the tobacco blend and not the aromatics. Will definitely buy again, given chance.
(I'm resisting the temptation to list this is as "similar to" Caravelle simply because both are (or, in the case of Caravelle, claim to be) rum-enhanced because that would do no justice to R&M at all.)
Having met a few cheap brands that claim to be spiced up with a type liquor and then said liquor being nowhere to be found, this was a pleasant surprise. Rum and maple, they said, and both are there in abundance; opening the pouch and taking a good sniff gives a heady scent of rum, instantly making one want a Mojito or Cuba Libre to go along with the bowl. The taste does not betray this promise either, the maple sweetenening the rum as both complement each other nicely, and the choice of tobaccoes (burley and cavendish) has been successful too as this concerto plays well together indeed. Smoke a bit on the lighter side, lights up and burns well with few relights required, but it does have the tendency to bite a bit if you push it as you imagine palm trees in the Caribbean swaying in unison with the maples of Canada. (And HA! As it indeed shows in the pouch art :D)
Overall a smooth, satisfying aromatic blend with character, but the main character does come from the tobacco blend and not the aromatics. Will definitely buy again, given chance.
(I'm resisting the temptation to list this is as "similar to" Caravelle simply because both are (or, in the case of Caravelle, claim to be) rum-enhanced because that would do no justice to R&M at all.)
Pipe Used:
various
PurchasedFrom:
Souvenir shop in Prora, Rügen Germany
Age When Smoked:
Fresh from pouch
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