I Don't Enjoy Aromatics. . . But I Like These

[rmbittner]

This just doesn't make sense.
I'm a die-hard non-aromatic smoker: English, Balkans, Virginias, VA/burley flakes. But some months back I got curious about some of the old OTC blends that aren't made anymore. And I discovered that Sutliff was making their own versions of some of them. Not to sound snobbish, but I wouldn't normally smoke a budget brand like Sutliff. But curiosity got the best of me: I tried two. . . and, much to my amazement, really enjoyed them!
The Great Outdoors and Man's Best Friend (Sutliff's takes on Field & Stream and Barking Dog, respectively) won me over. I can't explain why. After all, Great Outdoors is anise-flavored -- and I don't like anise! (Man's Best Friend is easier to explain, though it sounds ludicrous: It reminds me of my dad's Hai Karate cologne! It sounds crazy to think that would be appealing. Yet the flavor is good and the aroma brings back so many memories...)
These are honest blends, nothing fancy. But if you're open to something different -- maybe even wildly different -- from what you're smoking now, you might just enjoy these.
Bob

 

[dervis]

I have tried about 50% of the Sutliff blends, liked all but 1. They are a really good smoke. Molto Dolce is one of the handfuls of Aros I do actually enjoy. Needs a WHILE to dry out enough to smoke but fantastic. Glad you enjoyed them as well.

 

[taerin]

Can't stand Great Outdoors, has the nasty chemical taste that Eileen's Dream by CAO has... and I love aromatics...

 

[cortezattic]

I think Eric and I belong to that part of the pipe smoking population that, regrettably, can't handle

whatever it is that makes some aros taste chemical-like and leaves a plastic tasting finish. OTOH, I also

belong to that set of pipers who, gratefully, don't experience Mac Baren bite. Genetics, I guess.

 

[taerin]

I have never met a Mac Baren that hasn't bitten my face off. I tend to steer clear of anything with that brand on it. You may be right about that other thing Cort, I used to think it was all alcohol flavorings that did this, but now I am not so sure as I love Moontrance by CAO.

 

[rmbittner]

Eric:
Now, we're definitely on the same page regarding MacBaren. I can smoke their HH Vintage Syrian, but every single other MacBaren blend has smoked hot and wet, with a guaranteed bite.
I am baffled that they've not only managed to stay in business but also built a significant following.
Bob

 

[taerin]

I am no one timer, while I don't like the bite, I've found Mac Barren blends to taste amazing, Plumcake in particular. I have tried many of their blends and continue to try additional ones, I just expect to trade it most of the time when I do. I am never so closed minded to stay away from a brand entirely, when something gets rave reviews or it is given to me, I try it, however I don't get as many compared to other brands for the bite issue. I reciently tried several Mac Barren blends (from a sample pack) after 3 years of smoking and still got bitten by them a little more than I would like.
With the term "Mac Barren Bite" being prevelent in pipe smoking forums and reviews, there has got to be some truth to it. Perhaps this would be a good test subject for our taste testing group to address.

 

[rmbittner]

I have to echo Eric here. I've smoked Symphony, Plumcake, Dark Twist, and HH Vintage Syrian. The Syrian was the only one that didn't exhibit the moisture, heat, and bite.
If three out of four blends exhibit the same unpleasant characteristics, I'm not encouraged to keep going back to that blender.
On the bright side: That just leaves more MacBaren for all of the folks that enjoy it!
Bob

 

[uberam3rica]

I'm not an aro smoker either, though there are a few I like. Great Outdoors sounds pretty good, I love anise.

 

[matchstickman]

I used to be a pretty hardcore aromatic smoker, but they are hit and miss with me these days. I really like the old OTC classics like Captain Black, Carter Hall, and Middletons Apple, and the MacBaren 7 Seas line is really good as well, but there are a lot of all Black Cavendish blends that I cant stand, and Eileens Dream was a big let down for me. If these two are anything like old OTC Classics, I may have to give them a try. Thanks for the heads up!

 

[taerin]

Yeah the "ketchup taste" is something that comes from a lot of English's I hear it has something to do with some people's taste buds. Personally I get that smell from many English's (It usually means they will taste great) but not that flavor from them.
My favorite blends are all VA flakes and I finally got to the point where I am packing correctly (very light) so I get where your comming from rothnh. I gave away all my Mac Barrens to a friend (except Plumcake, that's an aging experiment) and he absolutely loves them so they are for some people for sure. I am a little jelous because I always loved the flavor. I always enjoy reading your posts and welcome the criticism rothnh, I just wish your name was a little easier to remember/spell! Where did you come up with it, what does it stand for? I am curious.
@Pipe Novelist Try Moontrance! Eileen's Dream was a big let down but Moontrance is the best aro I have ever tried and right now it is the only straight aro I smoke at the moment pretty much. I do also like Captain Black (just got a free sample) as I am a big fan of black cavendish, but many aromatics I fear give black cavendish a bad name with their lack of flavor and big smell.

 

[instymp]

+1 Dervis, Molto

 

[lordofthepiperings]

I've only had Sutliff's Molto Dolce and Maple Street and both of them were pretty good.
As for the Mac Baren Bite I've never experienced it personally and I have had a lot of Mac Baren blends (Chocolate and Honey, all of the 7 Seas line, Plumcake, Cherry Ambrosia, Black Ambrosia).

 

[flyguy]

I agree with Roth with regard to McClelland Virginias; smells like ketchup but ranks among the most flavorful (no ketchup taste). I also agree that the "hate mail" has kept the stuff available for us McClelland lovers!

The only MacBaren tobacco that bit me was Dark Twist roll cake. Their Navy Flake and HH Old Dark Fired are virtually biteless. Love Old Dark Fired!

 

[igloo]

McCelland uses vinegar in the toppings . To hell with those fermentation/aging process theorys . I have a tin of Beacon that needs its own superfund project . And yes I will bitch about until the day I die . :crazy:

 

[dragonslayer]

@flyguy +1 on McClelland 2015 VA/PR Flake.

 

[dragonslayer]

I mostly smoke VA and VA/Pers but sometimes I enjoy mixing it up a bit. The Sutliffs I've liked where Tabac Noir, and Moulin Rouge. The others I have are FMOT, PS EOS, 1Q, Dansk Black and pestacchio lols, some times you feel like a nut!
Craig

 

[madmurdoc]

Love 1Q, my only gripe with is is that I only picked up 4 oz. DANG

 

[dragonslayer]

@madmurdoc Yeah 1Q is about the most universally liked smoke. I've never seen anyone say "I can't stand that 1Q it has too much..." I bought 4oz of it a couple months ago, and I smoke a bowl of it once or twice a week.
If you really like 1Q you should try PS Dansk Black and PS pestacchio, laugh but sometimes it is exactly the right smoke. haha.

 

[mlyvers]

iam not big macbaren fan. i do get an acidic flavor i just do not care for. i feel macbaren tobacs are of good quality, i think the issue is with me, not macbarens tobaccos. i may sutliffs tobac someday.
mike.