MacBaren Virginia #1 - Cellarability

[galeon]

I was considering adding 5+ tins of MacBaren Virginia #1 to my next TAD purchase to cellar because it's my favorite all day smoke. I know that it's a straight light Virginia with a slight honey topping. I know that quality Virginias cellar really well, but will the honey topping prevent the tobacco from improving, or will it not make a difference?
Steve

 

[judcole]

I would think that blend is lightly enough topped that it shouldn't interfere.

 

[cortezattic]

I didn't know it had a honey topping. I thought it was just sugar water sprayed on it (my guess would be brown sugar).

Should age well though. That sugar will just be more food for the little buggers that do the fermentation.

 

[galeon]

Thanks. If I like it this much now, I can't imagine how it's going to taste with a few years under its belt.

 

[cortezattic]

Interesting. I made the same assumption. Turns out, I like the younger stuff better.

For me, Va gets too dark and loses some of its tangy exuberance with aging.

 

[jah76]

Galeon, just chiming in here. I've got a tin of this and it's really growing on me. It's become like a "gateway tobacco" leading me towards other Virginia types.
I've got an Evernote file started with stuff I want to try...
Full Virginia Flake

Escudo

Haddo's Delight

Orlik Golden Delight

Fribourg-Treyer
Have you had any experience with any those?

 

[mlaug]

There isn't a bad blend on that list. They are all very good. ::

 

[galeon]

Jah,
I actually have some FVF, Escudo, and Orlik Golden in my rotation right now. I like them all. However, for me, the Escudo and FVF are really sensitive to being dried out the right amount. When I get it perfect, they're like heaven in a pipe, but when I smoke them when they're too wet, they're not my favorite. However, as long as I smoke slow and steady on the MB #1, it's ALWAYS a pleasurable smoke.
Steve

 

[galeon]

And if it turns out I like the un-aged tins better, I can always trade the aged tins off for something I like better. Win, win for me, I guess.

 

[jah76]

Good tips.
I've got a solid base of pipes under me according to my smoking style and budget. I really want to focus on tobacco next instead of buying an awesome but un-needed pipe.
I still have not bought a brand new pipe yet outside of my MM corncob, but it'll be all that more special when I do.

 

[cortezattic]

Mlaug said

There isn't a bad blend on that list. They are all very good.

I fully agree, but while Haddo's is one of my favorites, it is the least similar to the others -- unless in the context of tobaccos that age nicely.