Old Dark Fired, Yes!

[mso489]

A Forums member sent me an admirable selection of samples of tobacco, and one of them is Old Dark Fired flake, Mac Barens I presume. I kept reading about these both in themselves and as part of other blends. The MacB version is Virginia and burley, and boy, is it good! I have a weakness for full-strength tobaccos, although I don't pursue them just for an experience or for high nicotine. This is just a fine, smooth, robust smoke that really follows through the entire bowl. It has real base notes but also a sweetness and timbre between the Virginias and the burley that is deeply pleasing. It may not be everyone's thing, but I think it will make a lot of pipe smokers happy. Full strength doesn't have to be harsh or intimidating. Go slow at first and find out how you do, but this might be a pleasant surprise.

 

[buroak]

Welcome to the dark side. (A shameless pun, I know.) Old Dark Fired became one of my favorites from the first bowl.

 

[Scriptonic]

mmmmmmmmm ODF is currently one of my favorites. Lately I've been cubing it up, soooo sweet this way. I think I may order a pound in May.

 

[shanelktown]

ODF is very tasty stuff.

 

[daimyo]

 

[dmcmtk]

ODF, yes! The bulk ready rubbed is very good also.

 

[Chasing Embers]

This is one of my all day smokes. Very good stuff!

 

[kimbiker]

Good stuff it is, but I seem to be suited to most of the Macbaren range (I know - it's not very original, I just seem to like the toppings/casings they use. Even the HH latakia (and I'm no big lat fan).

 

[conlejm]

I love this blend - both flake and ready-rubbed - and smoke it several times each week. It has a deep, rich, satisfying flavor.

 

[bulldogbriar89]

I was gifted some Mac Barron ODF from a member of the youtube pipe smoking community and fell in love. It is strong but you still get the sweet smell of the Virginia. I don't smoke it every day, but I smoke it quite often.

 

[lostandfound]

I don't think there's a piper around who doesn't like ODF. Those of you who are considering purchasing pounds should just do it already.

 

[layinpipe]

^ +1
I have about 3 flakes left from a pound I bought mid summer of last year and I have and smoke a lot of different blends, depending on my mood. ODF is definitely one of my favorites and in my top 5.

 

[freakiefrog]

I bought 3 tins before the change. One I'm smoking in hushed and reverent tones the other two are going to sit for a couple of years.

 

[bigpond]

Definitely a top five for me. It's made really well too. Perfect moisture content straight from the tin and the flakes are just the right size for a standard 3/4 x 1.5 bowl.

 

[kane]

I bought 3 tins before the change.

What changed?

 

[freakiefrog]

What changed?

Not sure if anything with the tobacco changed but they stopped shipping the original and just announced the re-release.
http://pipesmagazine.com/blog/pipe-news/mac-baren-hh-line-is-back-with-smaller-tins-new-packaging/

 

[kane]

Thank you for the link, freakiefrog.

It sounds like they're being progressive and traditional; those are not always mutually exclusive!

I have very much enjoyed their Vintage Syrian and, like you all, the ODF.......similar to my one-time-taste of St. Bruno Flake, btw, and should nicely fill the Virginia/Burley niche in the rotation of smokers who enjoy their flake.

 

[phil67]

Damn good baccy! Just finished another tin last night and will be cracking open the next one soon.

 

[kane]

I have read the Mac Baren literature for ODF, and they list Virginia and Dark Fired Kentucky. No Burley as I thought I was tasting.

What exactly is Dark Fired Kentucky tobacco?

 

[lordofthepiperings]

I was intrigued by it but a bit frightened by the fact that so many people say it's a very strong blend. How does it compare nicotine wise to Dunhill's De Luxe Navy Rolls?