Mac Baren Virginia No.1 or Newminster No.400 or?

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Zeno Marx

Zeno Marx

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I'm looking for an inexpensive straight virginia to experiment with, but also to daily smoke. I have a bunch of Stokkebye 41 burley cube cut I'd like to dribble into a virginia (if it proves smart). I've had neither of these. As you might know from the smoking thread, my daily driver is Luxury Navy Flake, but now that the Stokkebye's are $75/24oz box (I haven't paid attention for a while, and my mouth is still on the floor about this price), I won't be throwing it around like it was still $2.xx/oz. I prefer hay and grassy over tangy. I see that many use "bread" to describe 400, but I'm not sure what that means. I'm sure I would if I tasted bread in something, but that isn't where my brain naturally goes. I also prefer caramel, figs, dates, and dark fruit over bright, sharp flavors. I'm not expecting the world. Just throwing out my preferences with the hopes that one would stand out in those directions. Or if you have another recommendation, I'm all ears. I'm open to anything, really. Maybe Sutcliffe Virginia Slices? Any guidance would be appreciated. Thanks.
 
Shepards Pipe just bought four pounds of Newminster #400, so he should be able to describe it for you. I read the reviews and it sounds like something you would like. All the Virginia flakes I’ve tried in the past are even more expensive.

Stokkebye‘s Cube Cut is underrated and has the flavors you like. The caveat is...if you don’t pay attention to your pipe you will be wearing the embers. Scoop, tap the side of the bowl, and light. Tamping cuts down on the air flow.
 
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Zeno Marx said:
I'm looking for an inexpensive straight virginia to experiment with, but also to daily smoke. I have a bunch of Stokkebye 41 burley cube cut I'd like to dribble into a virginia (if it proves smart). I've had neither of these. As you might know from the smoking thread, my daily driver is Luxury Navy Flake, but now that the Stokkebye's are $75/24oz box (I haven't paid attention for a while, and my mouth is still on the floor about this price), I won't be throwing it around like it was still $2.xx/oz. I prefer hay and grassy over tangy. I see that many use "bread" to describe 400, but I'm not sure what that means. I'm sure I would if I tasted bread in something, but that isn't where my brain naturally goes. I also prefer caramel, figs, dates, and dark fruit over bright, sharp flavors. I'm not expecting the world. Just throwing out my preferences with the hopes that one would stand out in those directions. Or if you have another recommendation, I'm all ears. I'm open to anything, really. Maybe Sutcliffe Virginia Slices? Any guidance would be appreciated. Thanks.
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Zeno. I have about a 1/2 lb of Neuminster 400 and it isn't really my thing. PM me with an address and I'll send you some to try out without having to purchase any.
 
I'm a big fan of the Sutliff Va slices (507). I personally prefer it over the New Minster and the MacBaren. I've got pounds of it squirreled away, and it ages very nicely. I'd be happy to send you a sample if you're interested in trying before you buy. Send me a PM if you're interested.
 
The Newminster is a decent budget VA. Mostly fruity and mild. For myself I prefer the Sutliff 507-C, Capstan Blue, and you know Amphora is not too shabby either. These three will give a much more richer/darker VA experience. Another cheaper cost alternative is Low Country' VA and The Storyteller's Pipe mix Irish Meadow. Here an abridged listing of other sones that I keep that might be in the class your looking for.
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I read somewhere else that Newminster No.400 is sweeter than Sutliff 507. Can I get any confirmation or opinions on that?
 
Stokkebye LTF. I think most Virginia blends will have at least a smidgen of Burley in them to keep the bite away. Or so I've heard. MacB Va. #1 has a reputation for smoking hot and biting so just be careful. It could give you an unfair opinion of Ginny weed if it's your only reference.
 
Zeno Marx said:
I read somewhere else that Newminster No.400 is sweeter than Sutliff 507. Can I get any confirmation or opinions on that?
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It is sweeter. If you want grass/hay and citrus only, then Sutliff 507-C and Mac Baren Virginia #1 are two of your best bets. However, they are a little floral and acidic, but they age very well. I never experienced any bite from them, but I'm not a fast puffer, just a constant one. And, I age these blends for better effect.

If you want some dark fruit with your citrus, I suggest C&D Yorktown, which you can buy in bulk. C&D Derringer is a little rougher, but it settles down with some age.

If you want something more like LNF, then go with Newminster 400. Chances are you'll like that the best of all the suggestions you have received.
 
MisterE said:
Stokkebye LTF. I think most Virginia blends will have at least a smidgen of Burley in them to keep the bite away. Or so I've heard. MacB Va. #1 has a reputation for smoking hot and biting so just be careful. It could give you an unfair opinion of Ginny weed if it's your only reference.
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Yep, you're absolutely correct sir! MacBaren's Virginia #1 felt like it ruined my tongue. If you don't know how to smoke slowly before trying Virginia #1 then you'll learn the hard and painful way.
 
thanks, fellas. I appreciate the recommendations and further details. I've been eyeballing 400, and I might even try stoving a little. I'm curious about that process of a couple hours at 190° etc. (I think it is 190, but I can't remember off hand)
 
If you can find Mac B Gold Block that's pretty tasty. Similar to Virginia #1. Also Gold Brick by Wessex is superb. Honey notes. MMMM.
 
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