Mac Baren Vanilla Cream Flake
(2.77)
A flake tobacco of select matured Virginia, mild cavendish and a touch of burley rounded off with an aromatic vanilla flavor. This combination gives an unusual blend with a pleasing sweetness and a special taste.
Details
Profile
Strength
Mild
Extremely Mild -> Overwhelming
Flavoring
Mild to Medium
None Detected -> Extra Strong
Room Note
Very Pleasant
Unnoticeable -> Overwhelming
Taste
Mild to Medium
Extremely Mild (Flat) -> Overwhelming
Average Rating
|
2.77 / 4
|
Reviews
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Displaying 31 - 40 of 134 Reviews
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 22, 2009 | Mild to Medium | Very Strong | Mild to Medium | Very Pleasant |
I've been thinking of trying this for a few years now, but never got round to it. Glad I did, maybe this is the best vanilla aromatic I've tried. I tend not to enjoy the sticky cavendish aromatics so much, but all kinds of flakes, english mixtures and plugs are my kind of thing. This treads the line between aromatic (strong, sweet room note and a flavouring you can taste) and flakes (tobacco flavour, strength, and slow, cool burning) rather well.
The aroma on opening the tin is STRONG! Vanilla, lots of vanilla, backed up by an alcoholic scent (brandy?) and something slightly floral, perhaps rose. Not in a soapy way, this is not lake district tobacco, I think it's something they use to make the vanilla casing more interesting. It is packed very nicely, wrapped in gold paper, the flakes neatly cut, stacked and without excessive moisture. They tend to dry out further, suggesting that they are not soaked with humectants, which is just as well, it burns the better for it.
It lights with ease- one match, if rubbed out. I like to rub it out fully, of smoking indoors- helps keep it lit, with an even burn. If outside, I'd rub it less, or just roll it up, if it was windy. The key to enjoying it, like a virginia flake, is breath smoking. Gentle sips, don't puff too hard or you'll steam your tongue. Take it slowly and gently and you'll enjoy the flavour- there is a tobacco flavour, and there's plenty of vanilla flavour too. This is what I find hard to do with the really sticky aromatics- if you smoke them gently, they keep going out. Not so with this blend.
The flavour does not develop through the bowl, but remains fairly consistent to the end. It burns SLOWLY, and even a small pipe will last a very long time. Nice to smoke while doing something else like watching a film, reading etc. I wouldn't smoke it just to sit down and have a smoke, it isn't complex or interesting enough. But it's a nice tobacco to have going, and people do like the smell!
The aroma on opening the tin is STRONG! Vanilla, lots of vanilla, backed up by an alcoholic scent (brandy?) and something slightly floral, perhaps rose. Not in a soapy way, this is not lake district tobacco, I think it's something they use to make the vanilla casing more interesting. It is packed very nicely, wrapped in gold paper, the flakes neatly cut, stacked and without excessive moisture. They tend to dry out further, suggesting that they are not soaked with humectants, which is just as well, it burns the better for it.
It lights with ease- one match, if rubbed out. I like to rub it out fully, of smoking indoors- helps keep it lit, with an even burn. If outside, I'd rub it less, or just roll it up, if it was windy. The key to enjoying it, like a virginia flake, is breath smoking. Gentle sips, don't puff too hard or you'll steam your tongue. Take it slowly and gently and you'll enjoy the flavour- there is a tobacco flavour, and there's plenty of vanilla flavour too. This is what I find hard to do with the really sticky aromatics- if you smoke them gently, they keep going out. Not so with this blend.
The flavour does not develop through the bowl, but remains fairly consistent to the end. It burns SLOWLY, and even a small pipe will last a very long time. Nice to smoke while doing something else like watching a film, reading etc. I wouldn't smoke it just to sit down and have a smoke, it isn't complex or interesting enough. But it's a nice tobacco to have going, and people do like the smell!
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Jan 05, 2009 | Mild to Medium | Medium | Medium | Pleasant |
This has the exact same tin fragrance as the loose cut version. The flake is a little stronger and less bitey if smoked in flake form. Strong vanilla fragrance combined with quality tobaccos. Dry it out well and most of any bite will be eliminated. Sweet and tasty !
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Jan 09, 2023 | Mild | Mild to Medium | Mild to Medium | Very Pleasant |
A fine Classic Flake with good tobacco taste with a hint of vanilla and a nice touch of sweetness. The flavor is well rounded for a Vanilla Flake and pleasant. THe quality of the flake is not too moist or too dry. After 6 months+ it is still flavorful and with a slow even burn. The coolness of the smoke and flavors of the flake are extremely well defined. Tried it fresh from delivery to letting sit as well. I find this to be a regular favorite in my rotation.
Pipe Used:
Rattray’s Butcher Boy
PurchasedFrom:
Smoking Pipes
Age When Smoked:
6 months
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 09, 2021 | Mild to Medium | Mild | Mild to Medium | Very Pleasant |
Love it. I try to stay away from most flavored ribbon cut burleys. I usually smoke English/Balkans, Alcohol essence English/Balkans, and Virginia/VaPers. I usually get complaints from the peanut gallery that my great high quality tobacco smells awful and that afterward I smell like cigarettes , from my ex cigarette smoker wife and my daughter. I do not plan to stop smoking those because I love them, but I needed a break, a peace offering if you will.
Enter Mac Baren vanilla.
I was about to light it up and my wife already started in with the unwelcome comments. (I only smoke outside, BTW, so please understand my suffering.)
I prep and light it, and she was like "Whoa that smells amazing! That reminds me of my grandfather."
So, I have found a high quality tobacco that is worthy of my palate and also gets praise and tolerance from the peanut gallery. Win win.
The flakes are loose. I bought a boxed bag (1lb) and by the time I got to the third pint jar that last jar looks like mostly broken flake from having to handle them and placing them into the jar. The first 2 jars are mostly intact.
Gorgeous dark brown color with mottled light bits.
The taste is rich tobacco with a vanilla essence. The vanilla is not overpowering at all but it's there. Apparently it's all in the "room note" which is GOOD for those who may be critical of "stinky" pipe smoke.
You can over tamp it and end up with a blocked draw hole so be careful there. Drying time might help with that. Also, pack it lightly.
I love these other guys who say no chance of bite. Of course it can bite if you go too fast or light it too vigorously. I usually get it too hot and you can get that dry tongue/cat tongue so be careful with that. It's not a foregone conclusion with this one as it is with the roll cake. That one gets my tongue in a mess for no logical reason. Must be the pH on that one. Update: a filtered pipe also works to prevent any aromatic induced tongue bite.
Enter Mac Baren vanilla.
I was about to light it up and my wife already started in with the unwelcome comments. (I only smoke outside, BTW, so please understand my suffering.)
I prep and light it, and she was like "Whoa that smells amazing! That reminds me of my grandfather."
So, I have found a high quality tobacco that is worthy of my palate and also gets praise and tolerance from the peanut gallery. Win win.
The flakes are loose. I bought a boxed bag (1lb) and by the time I got to the third pint jar that last jar looks like mostly broken flake from having to handle them and placing them into the jar. The first 2 jars are mostly intact.
Gorgeous dark brown color with mottled light bits.
The taste is rich tobacco with a vanilla essence. The vanilla is not overpowering at all but it's there. Apparently it's all in the "room note" which is GOOD for those who may be critical of "stinky" pipe smoke.
You can over tamp it and end up with a blocked draw hole so be careful there. Drying time might help with that. Also, pack it lightly.
I love these other guys who say no chance of bite. Of course it can bite if you go too fast or light it too vigorously. I usually get it too hot and you can get that dry tongue/cat tongue so be careful with that. It's not a foregone conclusion with this one as it is with the roll cake. That one gets my tongue in a mess for no logical reason. Must be the pH on that one. Update: a filtered pipe also works to prevent any aromatic induced tongue bite.
Pipe Used:
French briar, meer, filtered morta
PurchasedFrom:
P&C
Age When Smoked:
new
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Jul 29, 2020 | Mild | Medium | Medium | Pleasant |
When opened I find it burns a little hot so I tend to dry it out a lot. Vanilla note is natural and not too sweet. I like to add a pinch of Sam Gawiths Kendal Cream a I find it makes for a more creamy smoke. Virginia's here are sweet and tart and the vanilla is quite pleasant on the palate throughout the bowl. One of the best aromatics I've smoked to date as there is no bitterness that usually spoils the pipe for me in most. The Cavendish is mild and never cloying. Great with espresso. 6/10 for me. Room note is nice and nicotine levels are low to just below medium. Inoffensive and a nice interlude between my usual Va/Pers.
Pipe Used:
Molina straight billiard
PurchasedFrom:
GQ
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Nov 22, 2019 | Mild | Mild | Mild to Medium | Very Pleasant |
Mac Baren Vanilla Flake Cut
I have enjoyed the MacBarens blends since Nam days ... this is a conforting & sublime tobacco. The quality tobacco is not overwhelmed by the flavours... the aroma reminds me of my Grandparents...my Grandad would seripticously add some of Grandma’s vanilla to his tobacco... not this quality I would venture! This is an aromatic flake of superior quality & smoking experience! It is creamy & smokes cool w/few re-lights. I use the fold & stuff method after modest drying time; the rub & fill/tamp method also works. There is no gargle, goop or wet dottle residue. I get a fruity/creamy flavour & ‘sip’ the smoke - no bite! Room note is as pleasing to others as myself. It lights easily & I get about an hours smoke w/2 flakes. The VA/Black Cavendish & maybe nutty Burleys are harmonious. For those wanting to try an Aro. I am confident in recommending this to you. I’m just finishing a tin 5 yrs. old & a 1 Lb box just arrived ! Try it!
I have enjoyed the MacBarens blends since Nam days ... this is a conforting & sublime tobacco. The quality tobacco is not overwhelmed by the flavours... the aroma reminds me of my Grandparents...my Grandad would seripticously add some of Grandma’s vanilla to his tobacco... not this quality I would venture! This is an aromatic flake of superior quality & smoking experience! It is creamy & smokes cool w/few re-lights. I use the fold & stuff method after modest drying time; the rub & fill/tamp method also works. There is no gargle, goop or wet dottle residue. I get a fruity/creamy flavour & ‘sip’ the smoke - no bite! Room note is as pleasing to others as myself. It lights easily & I get about an hours smoke w/2 flakes. The VA/Black Cavendish & maybe nutty Burleys are harmonious. For those wanting to try an Aro. I am confident in recommending this to you. I’m just finishing a tin 5 yrs. old & a 1 Lb box just arrived ! Try it!
Pipe Used:
Briars: Ashton’s, Dunhill, Blatters
PurchasedFrom:
UK Tobacconist, SmokingPipes.com
Age When Smoked:
5 yrs to new
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Sep 22, 2019 | Medium | Medium | Mild to Medium | Very Pleasant |
I like this blend. I like it a lot. VA/cav mixture with a medium vanilla topping. The vanilla itself is better than most vanilla topping. It doesn't overwhelm the tobacco but adds to the light sweetness of the Virginia. Smokes as easily as many flake tobaccos. Can smoke hot, depending on your loading technique. The sugar content can act to help it burn easily regardless of loading technique. I like it folded and stuffed into the chamber. If you like an aromatic occasionally and like flakes, this is for you. Enjoy- Ted
Pipe Used:
Stanwells, cobs, Peterson's
PurchasedFrom:
Smokingpipes.com
Age When Smoked:
2 years
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Aug 26, 2019 | Mild | Mild to Medium | Mild | Pleasant to Tolerable |
Nice taste, starting mild, vanila, cream taste after strong flavour of virginian grass taste, middle smoky notes of black cavedish, stricktly backs to vanila. Smoking cool and straight, need to give rest in the middle.
Pipe Used:
Rattray's half bent billiard
Age When Smoked:
Tin 6 months
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Aug 08, 2019 | Mild | Mild | Mild | Very Pleasant |
This is what an aoromatic tobacco should taste like! The vanilla sent is completely intoxicating right from the tin. However it’s not carried over into the smoking experience. The Virginia’s are smooth and slightly sweet with just a perfect hint of vanilla in the actual smoke. I truly believe the the key to smoking this is drying it out. Look at every positive review....they all dried it out longer than their usual drying time. You’re almost guaranteed an excellent smoking experience if you do. This is one of the most tobacco foward aros I’ve tried, and it quickly made its way into my rotation. Especially in the dog days of summer; it’s just what I’ve been looking for. Great with morning coffee or a mid-day unsweet tea
Pipe Used:
Dagner corn cob, assortment of briars
PurchasedFrom:
Smokingpipes.com
Age When Smoked:
Fresh
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Dec 30, 2017 | Medium | Mild to Medium | Medium | Strong |
Mac Baren Vanilla is a tobacco I've really bent backwards to try and like, but after many failed attempts with this tobacco, I give up, it's just not for me. This tobacco regardless of the pipe used, smoking cadence and whatever other variables results in an unsavory smoke. The vanilla flavor is present and is actually not bad, its fairly similar to Stanwell Vanilla but less flavorful, however the big difference is that Stanwell Vanilla is a cool smoke, whilst MB is a strong grassy Virginia smoke that smokes hot resulting in a hot and unsavory smoke, the room note also smells like burnt popcorn. I don't like the flavor of the tobacco, and the casing makes it burn too hot. If you want a good vanilla aromatic I strongly recommend Stanwell Vanilla.
Pipe Used:
Tsuge Ikebana
PurchasedFrom:
Smokingpipes.com
Age When Smoked:
New/Fresh
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