Mac Baren Vanilla Cream Loose Cut

This is the finest example of an aromatic I've had the pleasure to smoke. Specifically, it excels in two areas where most aromatics utterly fail. First, the flavoring is superb, an exceedingly rich and deep vanilla, somewhat boozy, that is similar to what is often referred to as French vanilla. This is backed up by a cream component that is like a rich custard providing the perfect vehicle to express the vanilla. Second, the blend itself is dominated by various Virginias of the highest quality that contribute to the fine tobacco taste of this blend. Why can't other aromatics follow this template of quality?

As always Mac Baren rules the tobacco world in presentation in terms of the stately tin design and the leaf itself. Lemon and orange Va, a little bit of broken flake, and black Cavendish are present in a nice medley. The tin note is nice but low key vanilla. The match light is pure vanilla followed by deep cream. While these flavors are very rich they aren't very powerful and as such the base tobaccos can shine through. The vanilla subsides steadily through the bowl. The fine Va is present throughout and supported by the very good Cavendish, a mild and tasteful form of this tobacco. Strength is a tad over mild and gains towards the end as does the Cavendish. This smokes very well. While obviously flavored it is done really well and I can't tell if it is cased or simply dressed as the humidity levels are very good.

If you like vanilla this is a smoke that you'll enjoy. Very well done and avoids the pitfalls of most other aromatics.

In my first few attempts I was unsuccessful in getting to really understand and enjoy this tobacco. That could be because I am still a beginner. So I thought I will give it one last try and bought a tin. I don't know if it was my packing or the pipe or th fact that tin might have been aged a bit but I really got a burst of flavor without the dreaded MacBITE. Initially it was hard to keep this lit but after quarter of a bowl later and loosening the tobacco a bit in the bowl (packed according to 3 step method), I got the creaminess and the vanilla-fruity flavor. But the smoke was still a bit hot and wet. Halfway down the bowl and after resting the pipe for a few minutes I got the sweet and cool smoke that I was looking for. It lasted all the way till the end of the bowl. After trying a lot of other aros my search is finally over. The high quality of the baccy and the non-chemical casing/flavor are the key features of this tobacco.

"...an outstanding blend with superior flavor, unique aroma and distinctive taste experience." per the tin. I would describe this as a tasty, well-balanced, vanilla flavored blend, with a base of good Virginia tobaccos. No bite, clean burning. As you progress through a bowl, the vanilla yields a bit to the very good VAs. Highly recommended for vanilla aromatic fans who can also enjoy a very good VA delivery.

This in my opinion is a very superior blend of tobaccos with a first rate vanilla flavoring that does not have in any way a artificial or chemical taste. upon opening the tin you are greeted with a somewhat sugary vanilla fragrance. the tobacco in appearance is a very nice golden Virginia with square plug cuts of press Virginia and a splattering of Black Cavendish. I have realized that after trying several different aromatic blends that to create a successful one you must start with high quality tobacco this blend in my opinion does contain this. the smoke is of a medium density not too thick not too thin the vanilla flavor is first rate and is not elusive as with some McClelland aromatic blends I have come across. It is as similar to anything I have yet encountered to as eating something that is flavored with true vanilla essence. This blend though having a high quantity of Virginia does have very little to no bite. I highly recommend this blend to anyone who is partial to very high quality aromatic or is a lover of true vanilla flavor.

When reading any review about aros, keep in mind most people either like them or dislike them. As primarily a non-aro smoker, but a person that tries to keep an open mind, I find this product remarkable. This is the product that did what Captain Black Regular failed to do: convert me into a part-time aromatic smoker. First glance at the tobacco as you open the pouch tells you this stuff is for real. I've noticed many aro smokers fill the pipe right out of the pouch with no dry time, but rarely do I put overly moist tobacco in my pipe, and if I do I usually regret having done it. So with 10 minutes dry time this easy to work with tobacco lights easily and smokes well for an aro. Both the flavor of the tobacco and the casing come through very balanced. If it tends to burn too hot for you, just slow down the pace, enjoy the smoking experience and allow for plenty of relights. Although I won't be smoking this product as regularly as my non-aro favorites, it has definitely earned a place in my "go to" line up for whenever I'm in the mood for ann aro.

This is a great tobacco. Great for those who just about to start the superior pleasure of pipe smoking, and you will want to return to this blend here and there out of various reasons. This is like a good dessert after a meal - sometimes this is exactly what you want, not too much depth, just relax. Although this can be an all day tobacco, I would recommend thinking about this one, again, like a dessert. It can be too much I think if you do not smoke anything else. Burns good, I rarely relight, cool smoke, won't bite (however, you do not want to smoke it way too dry!), very pleasant room note!

This is an unbelievably nice, sweet, mellow, everyday smoke, tasting somewhat of vanilla ice cream . For somebody who does not smoke aromatic tobacco all the time, this makes for a lovely change of pace.

In fact, I am so impressed with the stuff, that I bought myself a kilogram. I have tried many aromatics over the years, and this is one I really enjoy. I will say this, brilliantly done Mac Baren.

Most aromatics have a nasty chemical taste, this unequivocally does not. I would swear in a court of law, some how Mac Baren succeeded in making a flammable vanilla ice cream that does not lose its taste.

I could go on and on and on, but I won't. Buy a pouch and taste for yourself.

Warning, smoke slowly. If you don't, it will bite your tongue off.

Mi oh MY, is this a good Tobacco, the vanilla is pure nature...no chemicals at all. This is a whole day smoke. At the top of my agenda.

Johan

My wife asks "Is that the vanilla one?" every time I smoke something that smells good, she's convinced they're all Mac Baren Vanilla Cream. This is the reference for quality aromatics - consistent, high quality, flavorful and friendly.