Mac Baren Modern Virginia Loose Cut

I just reviewed Mac Baren's MVF, the same blend as this one except MVF is flake and this one is broken flake. It's funny, but newer pipe smokers tend to be intimidated by flake, though it actually is easy to fold and pack. I find the broken flake more difficult to work than flake; I just rub it out good, let it air for 1/2 hour or so -- maybe longer, I'm in Florida -- and gravity-fill the pipe, tapping the pipe to settle the broken flakes to the right pack. I smoke a lot of black cav, so I am used to broken flake.

I like the MVF maybe a little better, but this one is good. Mac Baren is making some great tobaccos; just look what they did with Capstan! I'm rating it 3 b/c it's not a 4, more like 3.1-3.4. Considering it has an apricot/pineapple topping, this is much, much better than it has any right to be.

Love, JB

Modern Virginia is an uncomplicated Virginia based loose cut mixture that offers a refreshing pineapple and apricot casing. The rumor was circulating at one time that it had been created to compete with Erinmore Flake (and Mixture) but, frankly, I don't see a lot of comparison possible between them. The tin I opened had 7 years of aging. The Virginias had darkened some and the Cavendish represents a small percentage. The tin note is grassy and is fruity and yes, I can still make out the pineapple and apricot. Being a Loose Cut, no further rubbing out is required on my part. It's very easy to fill up the pipe and the lighting is as easy. Once properly lit, the casing dominates along with the grassy notes of the Virginias and I believe the Burley proportion is small as I can't really make it out except that it certainly does provide some body. The nicotine level is more than mild and less than medium. There are no significant changes even as I pass the mid bowl point. It burns well all the way down and the aftertaste is pleasant. MV could very well be a good All Day Smoke but for the fact that it has been discontinued. Recommended if you can get some.

A mild sweet smoke. The fruity undertones are definitely there. It's a simple tobacco that burns pretty well. It's not anan outstanding smoke but it gets the job done. It used to be dirt cheap but not so anymore.

It's a very nice blend. I thought it would be very sweet like Vanilla Cream; but it's not. The pineapple and apricot aromas are very subtle in the .7 oz sample offered by smokingpipes and they barely translate during the smoking. Mostly a golden coloured leaf, it smokes very well, is uncomplicated and very enjoyable. Hay based VA flavour coexist with the light fruit topping from beginning to end. The humidity level was ideal (minimal). Really, a fine new offering from Mac Baren, once more!

I started smoking this when I could no longer get McClellans #27 Virginia. This tobacco was a tasty Virginia treat, but like a lot of Mac’s products I just get way too much heat! Is this a processing of the Virginia’s......? I’ve smoked Mac’s blends for 30 or more years and the heat thing goes back that far for me. Otherwise a wonderful smoke that really reminds me of the old Erinmore Flake.