I was very concerned reading the discussions on Pipesmagazine.com and I do feel like adding a few comments to the issue of the rusting edges on the HH Old Dark Fired tins. Hopefully this will allay some of the consumers concerns and ensure that we do value consumer feedback as it helps us make a better product.
First of all the tobaccos in the HH line is made under a quite different concept than all other Mac Baren tobaccos. This concept is of purity and as natural as we possibly can make the tobacco. This means that only a few things are added to the tobacco as a slight casing, and no top flavor at all. One of the few things added are vinegar, which is used for taste but also as a preservative.
Vinegar is an acid and will over time get in contact with the tin, and make it rust, but this is no way compromises the vacuum or the tobacco. However, the most important factor in this is the fact that the rust does not have any influence on either the smell or the taste. The tobacco will still taste and smoke like it always did.
The second issue is whether the tins hold the vacuum or not. The HH Old Dark Fired was introduced in May 2012. I have today opened a tin of HH Old Dark Fired packed in July 2012 (second batch), and the vacuum were intact and only the top edge were rusted. I filled my pipe, lit it and enjoyed a 45 minutes smoke, and there were no difference in taste, as I knew before even lightning up. At Mac Baren it is our goal to produce the very highest quality tobacco that will stand the test of time.
Without mentioning names I checked tins from other manufactures (which I keep in my office), and every manufacturer who produces this kind of almost pure tobacco using vinegar, had the same problem with rust in the tin, as long as they have sold tobacco in tins with vacuum.
I suspected this would happen for the HH Old Dark Fired, but for me it was natural and a result of the process that makes the HH series so unique. We are looking into ways to adjust the packaging material to avoid any rusting, but that is a work in progress. The unique qualities of the tobacco are such some reaction with the vinegar and metal may cause rust on the edge of the tin, but do not compromise the tobacco in any way. That is why I was so concerned reading the posts on pipesmagazine.com and why now I want to assure you the quality of the tobacco has not been compromised. Please feel free in the future to contact Mac Baren directly to address any questions or concerns you may have. (info@mac-baren.com)
The HH Old Dark Fired tobacco was composed to be smoked within a short period of time; however I do know the American way of cellaring the tobacco for years. My suggestion is, that you tap on the lid to hear if the vacuum is still OK, before you start taking the tobacco out of the tin. Try to tap a tin with vacuum and an open tin; you can clearly hear the difference in sound. Only when the vacuum is gone, you should think about putting the tobacco into jars. But, it will take many, many years before the vacuum disappears.
I have understood what was written in on pipesmagazine.com and will of course see which means we have to avoid rust on the edge. We at Mac Baren feel confident that the smell and taste of the tobacco has not been compromised, but will look into the matter with great importance.
It is my hope that everybody understands that rust do not have any influence on smell and taste, and also that the vacuum will keep for many, many years.
Finally, I will be present at the Chicago Pipe Show 2014, so everybody who has a question is very welcome to come to my table and ask me.
Happy smoke
Per Georg Jensen
Brand Manager – Pipe Tobacco
