MacBaren HH Latakia Flake
Type: EnglishTobacco: Burley, Latakia, Oriental, Turkish, Virginia
Cut: Flake
Tin Note: Smokey, Leathery, Sweet
Tin Description:
The taste is complex with the smoky taste from Latakia in the front seat, the subtle sweetness from the Virginias working in the back, and the mellow spiciness from the Orientals popping up from time to time, creating an intimate interplay where all tobaccos play their role in this unique smoking experience. A mellow yet satisfying tobacco, with a lot of nice smoky aroma.
I was thoroughly impressed with this blend from the time I popped the seal on the tin and processed the first sniff. Folding back the gold foil revealed three neatly packed blocks that almost looked like bars of fine chocolate. Each slice of flake is easily removed fully intact. There are several ways to enjoy this flake, each presenting a different experience. I tried it various ways to ensure the best experience, or at least that's my excuse to keep going back for more. I'll save my personal preference for last. First up, cube cut. Cube cut is probably the easiest way to smoke it, after cutting it up of course. Cube cutting is easy to pack and light, but beware, and leave room for expansion because it will grow like a chia pet. Cube cut burns a little hotter, faster, and gives it more of a heavy duty taste. Fold and stuff is how I prefer to smoke it. The size of each flake is perfect for a medium size pipe bowl, and the best way to get the full essence of all the tobaccos. This way requires some work to get lit and going, but is well worth the effort. It will still expand somewhat so take note not to overfill. The sweetness of the Virginias really shine through using the fold and stuff method, as opposed to cube cutting. The Orientals add a nice spiciness that intermittently appear just as the tin description suggests. The Latakia is unequivocally the frontrunner as the name justly declares. It is a Lat forward blend without being a Latbomb, giving the other tobaccos a place on the stage. I think being hot pressed plays a large part in all the different tobaccos to coalesce so magnificently. Once I got the flake burning, It stayed lit for 30 minutes or more. Only a quick touch of flame towards the end, which burnt to a fine gray ash. The taste remains consistent from start to finish. I will be stocking up on HH Latakia Flake. This will be in heavy rotation for me. I think this will be a blend that will age very well. MacBaren hit this one out of the park and is a true hallmark of the brand.
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