MacBaren Virginia No. 1

[smokeytay33]

This was not only my first Virginia, but also my first flake. I am semi-new to pipe smoking and have stuck with aromatics (because I have a sweet tooth...) and OTCs. Upon opening the tin, I was surprised by how sweet the tobacco smelled. I rubbed it out and smoked it slowly, so it didn't burn too hot. It had a very pleasant flavor and aroma. Can anyone suggest any other Virginia or MacBaren blends I may like? This is my first review, so I know I didn't do it any justice. Please leave your reviews!
Smokey Tay ::

 

[rmason]

The OP did something with their post but either way, MacBaren's No.1 was my first introduction to Virginias as well. If your looking for some more tobaccos that are Virginias I would suggest Royal Yacht it is a straight Virginia with a great flavor and slight nicotine kick, there is also Christmas Cheer done by McClelland a broken flake that changes year from year so if you plan to buy some CC buy two tins one for now and one for the cellar. Lunchtime Blues by C&D is also a good blend it's not a pure Virginia but it has Virginia, Burley, and some Oriental tobacco. There are many other Virginia blends but these are the ones I like. Good luck on your new path through Virginia tobaccos.

Edit: OP replaced post

~Ron

 

[papipeguy]

smokey, check out the tobacco review here on the left die under Categories. Some good info. Also, check out the McClelland blends. many feel that their Va's are among the best. Good luck.

 

[onepyrotec]

Orlik Golden Sliced comes to mind.

 

[dryseason91]

I haven't a lot of experience of straight VAs but Dunhill Flake is pretty great. Fold, dry, sip.

 

[captainsousie]

Royal Yacht it is a straight Virginia with a great flavor and slight nicotine kick

Slight? Man, this stuff kicked my butt and I'm not a nic wimp. OP, I might suggest Peter Stokkebye Luxury Bullseye flake or McClelland Blackwoods Flake. Both will satisfy your sweet-tooth and give you a subtle flavor to remember.

 

[lqjones]

Just bought a tin of this stuff a couple of weeks ago. I love it. Don't have a problem with tongue bite like a lot of smokers. Has a great, natural tobacco taste.

 

[salewis]

If you want a very good Virginia which is rich yet on the mild to mid range try Dan Tobaccos Hamborger Veermaster. This wonderful flake with a tad of burly can be smoked all day. I have tried maybe 15 Virginia flakes and while some are good I find Hamborger Veermaster is the best of the bunch.

 

[shaintiques]

I used to smoke only Aros, but then I discovered Virginias. Thanks to Harris, we did a trade, and I got to try a bunch of different kinds and discovered just how rich smoking a pipe can be. Virginia No. 1 is good, but I am stockpiling Cut Virginia Plug, MacBaren Navy, SG Full Virginia Flake, Marlin Flake, but also like Patriot Flake, MacB roll cake, Escudo, and Capstan Blue. All are good flakes, Navy and Marlin aren't straight Va's, but still very tasty. I still smoke aros and have favorites, but the natural sweetness of Va's is to me what smoking the pipe is all about.

 

[smokeytay33]

Thanks, everyone, for sharing experiences and suggestions. I'll definitely be trying some of these blends out! Please, keep sharing!

 

[smokeytay33]

I am having another bowl of Mac Baren Virginia No.1 right now... and mmmm mmm mmmm! I need more Virginia's.

 

[peckinpahhombre]

Get some Brigham Klondike Gold. There is not a better flake out there (or at least none that are regularly available)

 

[bryanf]

Virginia #1 is one of those blends I have a very hard time with. I think it tastes great on the initial light and for about a few minutes. Then, it quickly gets really, really hot. I just can't enjoy it for this reason. I smoke very slow, but damn....with Virginia #1, I just can't smoke slow enough for it to not get ridiculously hot. I have never found this to be the case with any other tobacco I've smoked. Too bad, because it has a nice taste at the start. I think there has to be some sort of chemical in it causing the heat. Maybe. I just don't have the right pipe. Maybe it needs a very large pipe.

 

[jarit]

Virginia #1 is one of those blends I have a very hard time with. I think it tastes great on the initial light and for about a few minutes. Then, it quickly gets really, really hot. I just can't enjoy it for this reason. I smoke very slow, but damn....with Virginia #1, I just can't smoke slow enough for it to not get ridiculously hot. I have never found this to be the case with any other tobacco I've smoked. Too bad, because it has a nice taste at the start. I think there has to be some sort of chemical in it causing the heat. Maybe. I just don't have the right pipe. Maybe it needs a very large pipe.

I've had the exact same experience with MacBee #1. It stings me badly.
I like really like the taste, but every time, about two minutes in I start to feel a discomfort in my whole mouth and I have to quit the bowl. Like you, I suspect that it's a chemical incompatibly issue and not a case of poor smoking technique. I've smoked a pipe more than a decade now and can handle most tobaccos just fine.
Good for those who can enjoy it -- I can't.

 

[cortezattic]

Many great Va flakes mentioned already. Sillem's Mayor 1814 is one that usually flies under the radar, but very good.

Along with Hamborger Veermaster mentioned above, Dan Tordenskjold is very good. Pricey, but maybe just one tin won't break the bank.

 

[beezer]

I grabbed two tins of the Virginia No. 1 in this month's TAD order and will have to fire up a bowl and give 'er a shot. Looking forward to it.

 

[jgriff]

For a flavor profile similar to MacBaren's #1, I can't recommend Rattray's Old Gowrie enough. Also, McClelland's Bulk 2010 and the Christmas Cheer will give you that sweet, bright virginia taste.