Jim's Mac Baren HH Burley Flake Review.

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JimInks

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Here's my review of the Mac Baren's latest product, which will be on sale in the near future.

The nutty, earthy, woody, lightly molasses sweet, mildly chocolatey burleys take the lead over the other components. They also sport a touch of spice and light dryness. The tangy, ripe dark fruity, earthy, very lightly grassy dark Virginias play an important condimental role. There’s also a strand or two of red Virginia in the mix. The lightly spicy, woody, earthy, mildly sweet dark fired Kentucky is a background player. The strength is just past the center of mild to medium, while the taste level falls just short of medium. The nic-hit is a step or so past the mild threshold. No chance of bite or harshness, and has no rough edges. The flakes are a little moist, but I saw no need to dry them. They easily break apart to suit your preference. Burns a little slow, cool and clean with a fairly rich, mostly consistent, woody sweet predominate burley flavor from start to finish. I recommend a wide bowl to enhance the range of nuances this blend has to offer. Leaves little dampness in the bowl, and does require some relights. The after taste is very pleasant, and lightly lingering. Can easily be an all day smoke.
 
Iwan Reis has it for sale: $20.10 per 3.5 ounce tin.
 
I'm surprised it's only rated 2 dots for strength. I was expecting something stronger. Not as much as ODF or BK, but in the medium range rather than mild.
 
Davy Jones":gyfhzu2h said:
I'm surprised it's only rated 2 dots for strength. I was expecting something stronger. Not as much as ODF or BK, but in the medium range rather than mild.
It wasn't designed to be a strong smoke. Makes for a nice all day smoke, which is what I prefer. Btw, I notice one of the burleys used is also used in MacBaren Modern Virginia, which I am smoking now.
 
JimInks":7k09ibu5 said:
Davy Jones":7k09ibu5 said:
I'm surprised it's only rated 2 dots for strength. I was expecting something stronger. Not as much as ODF or BK, but in the medium range rather than mild.
It wasn't designed to be a strong smoke. Makes for a nice all day smoke, which is what I prefer. Btw, I notice one of the burleys used is also used in MacBaren Modern Virginia, which I am smoking now.
I understand. And nothing wrong with that. But as an ex cigarette smoker, nicotine is something I favor and seek in my pipe weed.
So I think I'll pass on the Burley Flake. ;)
 
Trying another bowl from the show sample and have not changed my opinion from my initial try, very mild and little flavor for me. Carter Hall has more flavor than this. Not a blend I will purchase as I'll take C&D Burley Flakes 1, 2, and 3 over this one by a mile.
 
Thanks for another great review, Jim, looking forward to checking this out!
 
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