Mac Baren Virginia No. 1
(2.78)
In 1955 Virginia No. 1 was introduced to the world’s pipe smokers, and today Virginia No. 1 is one of the Mac Baren Classics. The natural sweetness from the carefully selected Virginia tobaccos, are to be enjoyed every time you light up this magnificent blend. In addition to a slow, cool smoke this ready rubbed blend gives you the slightly sweet smoke. Try the Virginia No. 1 and find out for yourself why Virginia No. 1 is reckoned as a Mac Baren Classic Blend.
Notes: Introduced in 1957, according to Mac Baren's website. Introduced in 1955, according to the tin description.
Details
Profile
Strength
Mild
Extremely Mild -> Overwhelming
Flavoring
Mild
None Detected -> Extra Strong
Room Note
Pleasant
Unnoticeable -> Overwhelming
Taste
Mild to Medium
Extremely Mild (Flat) -> Overwhelming
Average Rating
|
2.78 / 4
|
Reviews
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Displaying 21 - 30 of 109 Reviews
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 06, 2015 | Mild | Medium | Medium | Pleasant |
Virginia No.1 is closely tied with Plumcake as the No.1 Flamethrower blend in the Macbaren stable. Although I enjoy both blends they do smoke very hot even with slow puffing and a filter. I absolutely love the color and aroma of the tobacco when I open a fresh tin, the tin note is honey and Redman chewing tobacco. It's interesting how Virginia's from different manufacturers can differ so much and how even blindfolded I could tell a McClelland blend from Macbaren. When you grab a pinch of V No1 from a freshly opened tin it sticks together like a pinch of chewing tobacco so you can tell that it needs some drying or else you will hear sizzling and popping which spells tongue bite and wet V No.1 will burn like a furnace. Really nice toasty sweet Virginia flavors but she needs to be smoked at a smolder, on the verge of going out and a Grabow filter or European 9mm filter really helps guard against tongue bite. This blend being made in Europe was designed based on the fact that Europeans use filters in their pipes (I was told this by several tobacconists in Düsseldorf and Copenhagen as I travel for business) and that they use a lot of Honey and Sugar flavorings to get past the filters, those burned sugars bite the hell out of our unprotected American tongues. I really enjoy V No.1 as long as I have the time to really concentrate on my technique and temperature of the pipe or else I pay the price of my distraction.
**I really enjoyed reading Jose's wife's room note review below, what a great idea they had showing what the flip side opinion is of our hobby. I do hope they include these in the future, Thanks guys!**
**I really enjoyed reading Jose's wife's room note review below, what a great idea they had showing what the flip side opinion is of our hobby. I do hope they include these in the future, Thanks guys!**
Pipe Used:
Anything filtered
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 14, 2014 | Mild to Medium | Mild | Medium | Pleasant |
A mild/medium blend, naturally sweet and pleasant. Puffing too hard may deliver some tongue bite but relaxing and taking it slow is a good remedy. The flavor also wasnt sour like some VA's tend to be; when you puff this slowly, it produces some wonderful room notes. This for me is a great all-day blend. It is terribly consistent through the entire bowl, which is much appreciated. It reminds me on SG Golden Glow although it is much better and not so harsh!
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Mar 11, 2001 | Medium | Mild to Medium | Medium | Tolerable to Strong |
A Mac Baren staple. This is ready rubbed, but I like to give it a good final rub out before packing. The tobacco is dark reddish in color and has a very sweet smell. Packing was easy, however keeping it lit required work and patience. Flavor was unmistakably VA. Smoke was lit but flavorfull. This is a good classic VA that should be in every cellar. I have had some that was aged and it seemed to do better.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 28, 2024 | Mild to Medium | Mild | Mild to Medium | Tolerable |
A straightforward VA that burns very easily when dried due to its cut. Not the finest VA on the market but it’s available in bulk and hits the spot. The room note is a little lacking (kinda reminds me of cigarette tobacco) but the flavor and nicotine content were pleasant. A good VA when you don’t feel like pondering the nuance of a blend.
Pipe Used:
Various 9mm filter pipes
PurchasedFrom:
Smokingpipes.com
Age When Smoked:
Unknown (bulk)
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 28, 2021 | Medium | None Detected | Medium | Tolerable |
Good solid Virginia.
This is a straightforward Virginia that has a medium to full taste. The tin note is nice, light hay and fruit. Presentation is great, cut ribbons of flake. Love the cut.
It packs well, takes a few relights but pretty well behaved. You get the grassy hay notes with a side of citrus sweet.
This does not bite at all. I think if you do get bit you may want to slow down.
Excellent virginia that's available in bulk
Will buy more
This is a straightforward Virginia that has a medium to full taste. The tin note is nice, light hay and fruit. Presentation is great, cut ribbons of flake. Love the cut.
It packs well, takes a few relights but pretty well behaved. You get the grassy hay notes with a side of citrus sweet.
This does not bite at all. I think if you do get bit you may want to slow down.
Excellent virginia that's available in bulk
Will buy more
Pipe Used:
Cobs
PurchasedFrom:
P&C
Age When Smoked:
Fresh
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 23, 2021 | Mild | Very Mild | Mild to Medium | Pleasant |
As this is a Mac Baren blend, you can bet that they will put good quality tobaccos in it. But what do those leaves bring to the table?
As with many Virginias out there, this one is simple, yet not one-note. It's mostly a bright, golden Virginia taste, with some dark tones here and there, especially in the latter half of the bowl. Unlike other bright Virginias, this one has a slight mature feel to it. I get hay, with some honey and fruity notes. Maybe there's a topping added, but I can't put my finger on it, so it's not intrusive, even if it's there. There's also a bit of a cinnamon-type spiciness, particularly in the retro. It's a sweet smoke without crossing into the area of being too sweet.
People talk about that famous Mac Baren bite. Well, after smoking several bowls of this one, I must say that not once have I experienced it, not even a sting. And that's even if I raise the pace or pairing it with a sugary beverage. Of course, the flavor is fully enjoyed if sipped.
I can see why some people will make this their daily go-to straight Virginia. It's definitely an all-day smoke, mild, subtle, simple, not monotonous and not pretentious. You don't have to think about it, just enjoy it. A really good, mid-range straight Virginia.
As with many Virginias out there, this one is simple, yet not one-note. It's mostly a bright, golden Virginia taste, with some dark tones here and there, especially in the latter half of the bowl. Unlike other bright Virginias, this one has a slight mature feel to it. I get hay, with some honey and fruity notes. Maybe there's a topping added, but I can't put my finger on it, so it's not intrusive, even if it's there. There's also a bit of a cinnamon-type spiciness, particularly in the retro. It's a sweet smoke without crossing into the area of being too sweet.
People talk about that famous Mac Baren bite. Well, after smoking several bowls of this one, I must say that not once have I experienced it, not even a sting. And that's even if I raise the pace or pairing it with a sugary beverage. Of course, the flavor is fully enjoyed if sipped.
I can see why some people will make this their daily go-to straight Virginia. It's definitely an all-day smoke, mild, subtle, simple, not monotonous and not pretentious. You don't have to think about it, just enjoy it. A really good, mid-range straight Virginia.
PurchasedFrom:
Mohilla store (Vienna)
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Jun 01, 2020 | Mild | Mild to Medium | Mild | Pleasant |
Mac Baren VA #1 has a jar note that is very light. I get some honey, sweet spice, and a soft hay note but nothing else really stands out. The smoke starts out with the sweet spice note leading the way. I am not sure what this is but it is nice with the hay note way in the background. At about the 1/2 mark the honey note that I noticed out front in the jar comes forward and takes the lead behind this is the note of hay and here and there I get a hint of tang and maybe a slight floral note. Honestly, the floral is so faint and does not develop beyond hints that I had to really focus on the smoke to find it. The sweet spice has dropped more into the background at this point but remains noticeable. The flavors do not intensify or develop beyond this. The nic level is very mild almost not noticeable at all. The room note was light enough to be considered okay by others as well. A good lightly aromatic VA but it is a little to mild for me personally and while I do smoke milder VA's from time to time I find that this one is not as enjoyable as others that I have on hand. Still recommended overall and worth a try if you are really into the milder side of VA's.
Age When Smoked:
8 months
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 22, 2020 | Mild | Mild | Mild | Pleasant to Tolerable |
"Sweet Virginia, mountain mama, take me home, country road..."
An easy, pleasurable smoke and yet another good basic tobacco blend from Macbaren. Lights and burns easy and has a no-nonsense Virginia aroma with a little bit of sweetness reminiscent of honey or light maple syrup. Light tobacco, would recommend for beginners.
If I'm in a mood for a light, easy smoke I'll surely pick up either this or maybe Original Choice for a bit more taste.
An easy, pleasurable smoke and yet another good basic tobacco blend from Macbaren. Lights and burns easy and has a no-nonsense Virginia aroma with a little bit of sweetness reminiscent of honey or light maple syrup. Light tobacco, would recommend for beginners.
If I'm in a mood for a light, easy smoke I'll surely pick up either this or maybe Original Choice for a bit more taste.
Pipe Used:
various
PurchasedFrom:
Mall kiosk somewhere between Stockholm and Nynäshamn, Sweden
Age When Smoked:
Fresh from pouch
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 22, 2019 | Mild to Medium | Mild | Medium | Tolerable |
If you want a nice mild blend based to an ald recipe this is your choise.when the tin opens a nice florall and spicy smell comes out.the bright/brown virginias are formed into broken flakes with a little moisture wich makes it ideal for packing and lighting without much effort.some futher rubbing might help keep it burning without many relights.while smoking the flavours are natural and pleasant.virginias are citrusy,grassy with some tea and hay notes.their sweet flavour is enhanced by the mildly applied spicy topping of honey and sugar.the flavours are proper and consisted from the beginning till the end without being overwelmed.generally it tasted very pleasant and natural.burns somewhat fast and medium hot to ash leaving a fair amount of moisture at the filter and mud at the bowl.nicotine level is low and the aftertaste is sweet.the room note is tolerable with some chances of tongue bite if pushed.if smoked peacefull some harsh points also appear wich is the only negative i found.it is an all day smoke and an ideal one to accompany your coffee early in the morning.generally i was pleased from this blend and i recommend it.
Age When Smoked:
Fresh
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Nov 22, 2018 | Mild | Very Mild | Medium to Full | Pleasant to Tolerable |
im just leaving my personal score for this tobacco here, for more information just read some of the many already available 4-Star reviews for this tobacco
edit: - down one star this tobacco developed a chemical tongue bite after some months somehow, i dont really know what the cause is.
edit: - down one star this tobacco developed a chemical tongue bite after some months somehow, i dont really know what the cause is.
Pipe Used:
Molina Churchwarden
PurchasedFrom:
Schwarzenbohler Otmar e.U.
Age When Smoked:
fresh from tin
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