Mac Baren Plumcake, Thoughts From a Novice

[Chasing Embers]

I haven't met a Mac Barren blend yet that didn't but me a little

they do have a reputation for bitey blends.

I'm on the opposite end of the spectrum. I've smoked most of their offerings over the decades and with proper drying and loose packing not one has bitten me.

 

[anotherbob]

I'm on the opposite end of the spectrum. I've smoked most of their offerings over the decades and with proper drying and loose packing not one has bitten me.

I've not had a problem myself but have heard it so many times. Then again I've smoked three of their blends so...

 

[Casual]

I wonder if it’s a chemistry thing. I don’t get bite from Mac Baren, but I also find many C&D blends harsh. Is it an either/or depending on your ph?

 

[greeneyes]

I put the better part of a tin in a jar and forgot about it; after a year it bit considerably less.
I don't appreciate a blend that forces you to smoke it slowly or suffer the consequences.

 

[Spinkle]

I am smoking this as I type, almost to the end of this my first tin. I think it is a stellar blend. This stuff never even comes close to biting me - I refused to even try regular Mac Baren blends hearing of all the bite. I do not find that to be my experience at all, though perhaps waiting until I had a good year of practice under my belt is what made the difference.

 

[Simmerdown☕️]

As tastes vary, Plumcake was one of the very few blends that I can’t tolerate. It left a funky sweet aftertaste that completely turned me off. Got through half a tin & sent the rest to another who appreciated it.

Good review though & glad you enjoyed it!?️

 

[Pierre1965]

I wonder if it’s a chemistry thing. I don’t get bite from Mac Baren, but I also find many C&D blends harsh. Is it an either/or depending on your ph?

I agree. I love the way several C&D blends smell, but I have a hard time smoking them. I know they're good blends, but I get strong cigarette flavor and "harshness". I don't know exactly how to describe it? You may be on to it being a body chemistry thing because I know several others who smoke the same blends and don't experience them the way I do. I really enjoy a heavily Latakia forward blend while some I know would rather chew glass than smoke latakia.