MacBaren Virginia No. 1

[thbg]

I recently bought a 3.5OZ tin of this, having never tried it, and I am really impressed. It is not like a "blow your mind" kind of smoke, but I felt it had a lot to offer.
I was a bit worried when I read a lot of comments about this blend biting, but have not found this to be the case. That is why I wanted to add my two cents!
The tin smells of honey, vanilla and straight VA hay smell. The moisture content is lower than some blends, typical for a danish blend, and is ready to smoke right from the tin.
I have been puffing very gently and have been using a Boswell Rusticated Freehand. When I started to puff more aggressivley I felt the warning on my tounge. I can see how folks can get into trouble here.
The smoke is cool and leaves a young VA taste with a nice sweet lingering aftertaste. But not TOO sweet. Just a taste. This is only acheived through slow smoking...kind of like with any VA...smoking too fast will mute the flavor nuiances.
The room note is pleasant, but can smell a bit cigarette-ish because of the VA's used in this blend. Overall most people will probably like it. The nicotine content is not very high, but enough to satisfy.
I can imagine my grandma buying a tin of this for my grandpa on father's day or some special occasion (blend was introduced in the mid-50') and him keeping nails or screws in the empty tin.
If you enjoy smoking slow, and want a blend that is semi-aromatic I would give this a try.

 

[markw4mms]

Nice review, thanks for posting!

 

[nsfisher]

I love the flavor and taste but for me it bit hard, and I mean hard!. After trying quite a few bowls, I finally gifted it to a member.

 

[thbg]

Yeah--it is funny how different tobaccos work for everybody. For instance, I can't smoke Middelton's Cherry Blend any way that doesn't destroy my mouth...others love it.

 

[slowpuffer]

Thanks for the review. MacBaren's Virginia No. 1 is probably my favorite blend of all time. I have about a pound of it cellared. It was the first blend I ever tried that wasn't a heavy aromatic and was selected as the blend I used to break in my first nice pipe (it is still my favorite pipe). I find that VA #1 is a quality blend that is constantly satisfying without being overpowering on the palate. It is great for being enjoyed throughout the day or for just one special bowl. I also think that VA #1 along with MacBaren's London Blend Burley are two of the best blends to recommend for the new pipe smoker. Both have excellent tobacco flavor, have a pleasant room note, and burn well.

 

[jchaplick]

I have a tin, its definitely good, just not an everyday for me. I think its under rated

 

[zanthal]

Good to hear, this is one of the few decent blends available at my local tobacco shop.
I've tried full virginia blends that are excellent and well-rounded and tried ones that are just too much flavor in too many categories at once.

 

[rlunderhill]

I have about 4 ounces setting waiting to be smoked. It's in detention. I ordered this blend about 10 months ago and I really didn't care for it. (Back then). But I have a feeling it's going to surprise me.

 

[hiplainsdrifter]

keep in mind that I am a novice, but this stuff has incredible flavor. I LOVE it in my thickest, most broke-in pipe, but in newer pipes it burns pretty hot. It does have a cigarette-like room note but whatever.