Customer Reviews (41 Total)
5 Star Dark Fired Blend
April 18, 2017
Product: Mac Baren HH Old Dark Fired Ready Rubbed Bulk
EDIT: 06/20/2019-2 years on and this is still one of my favorite blends. The DFK keeps drawing me back. Mixed this with some Five Brothers recently... wow, just wow.
What can be said that hasn't already been said about this amazing blend?! N... Read More
ot much. I will just add my own two cents by saying that this is probably one of the most satisfyingly pleasant blends I have smoked to date. Really rich, wonderful flavor that gets only better as you work your way through the bowl. The flavor that it ends with is the highlight for me. There is a cocoa like flavor that comes through about halfway down. There is a bit of a nic-kick here to, so if you're a lightweight, smoke it on a full stomach and take your time. Another thing about this blend, it ages REALLY well. Buy yourself enough to enjoy right away and enough to squirrel away in your cellar. If you like Dark Fired Kentucky, this is one of the best I have tried thus far and it has been holding steady in 1st place of my tobacco rotation. Read Less
Favorite
October 16, 2017
Product: Mac Baren HH Old Dark Fired Ready Rubbed Bulk
75% of this and. 25% kendall Kentucky = perfect Kentucky smoke
your grandpa's old boots
October 13, 2017
Product: Mac Baren HH Old Dark Fired Ready Rubbed Bulk
charred wood, antique cabinet, spicy herbs and your grandpa's worn out boots. really strong but with just the right amount of almond oil sweetness that makes it so satisfying, you shouldn't smoke it everyday, but when you do, it's something you'll no... Read More
t easily forget Read Less
My number one tobacco
September 25, 2017
Product: Mac Baren HH Old Dark Fired Ready Rubbed Bulk
Cut ready rub.
Have had it very fine too small plug
Taste medium full.
Slightly sweet earthy nutty Kentucky spicy smokey.
Nicotine medium-high
Despite nicotine level find it a great everyday smoke for me your mileage may vary.
Flavoring none de... Read More
tected.
Moisture varies usually a little damp.
Packaging bulk.
This is tobacco I reach for the most it is not complex but also is not a one-note blend, Read Less
Earthy Goodness
March 26, 2018
Product: Mac Baren HH Old Dark Fired Ready Rubbed Bulk
Earthy, musty like a good garden compost with a touch of Virginia sweetness. Pretty darn good.
WAY too strong for me
August 16, 2017
Product: Mac Baren HH Old Dark Fired Ready Rubbed Bulk
I've been smoking a pipe for a while now. Tried a lot of different types and strengths of tobacco. Aromatics, Sam Gawith flakes, McClelland, Butera, Lane, Dan, etc. Smoke on average a bowl a day. Scenario: Ate a big meal. Smoked a bowl of this stuff.... Read More
30 minutes later after being dizzy and sweating profusely my head was in the toilet barfing like crazy. Way huge nic hit. Taste wise it was pretty one dimensional. Had a kind of strong cigar thing going. I like a little sweetness, none detected here. Smoke was strong and stung my eyes and nostrils. This is big boy tobacco for sure. No tongue bite though. So it's got that going for it. Glad I only ordered an ounce. Read Less
Outstanding Blend
September 24, 2019
Product: Mac Baren HH Old Dark Fired Ready Rubbed Bulk
This is an outstanding blend...Good rich DFK flavor.
The more I smoke this, the better it gets and in the clay pipe it's just about perfect.
Outstanding tobacco blend.
Earthy Barbecue Bliss
May 06, 2019
Product: Mac Baren HH Old Dark Fired Ready Rubbed Bulk
One of the absolute best smokes out there. Richness, smoke, barbecued meat, leather, bacon. So many strange and delicious notes! Combine this with Latakia and some plain black cavendish to mellow, and you have the ultimate blend.
Mac Baren's Finest
August 13, 2018
Product: Mac Baren HH Old Dark Fired Ready Rubbed Bulk
I won't copy my Old Dark Fired flake review here, but instead make a few comments on the ready rubbed that I've smoked. I give sp.com 95% of my business because I think they have the best service hands down and I love this website. Recently I found... Read More
a good deal on the ready rubbed and purchased five pounds. It came in a Mac Baren box with a heavy duty bulk bag contained inside that was tied off with a metal twist. I'm assuming any five pound order comes this way. What a glorious sight to behold. The aroma emanating from the bag is a pure dark fired delight with a nice cigar note that reminded me of dark Birdseye or other GH dark fired blends, and it also had the signature sour/vinegar note. The vinegar note is less pronounced when fresh. The ready rubbed tobacco is thick and there are pieces of rather large broken flake scattered throughout. To be honest this is the freshest ODF I have ever smoked, with most of my stash being a few years old. It really reminded me of a smoother version of dark Birdseye, and it was a very enjoyable smoke fresh and a little moist due to the high moisture content. Old dark fired becomes immensely delicious with a little age on it though, and I'll be looking forward to sampling it as the months go by. My previous experience with a more aged ready rubbed was nearly identical to the flake version, and I really couldn't make any notable discernments in flavor or aroma. I know some people say they think it's slightly milder, but I think that could be due to other variables like age and moisture content. Mac Baren hit a grand slam here. Lovers of dark fired rejoice and fill your jars with this beautiful tobacco! You won't be disappointed with the flake or ready rubbed, though on some websites the discount isn't really good enough to warrant purchasing anything but the flake. When you see that deep discount it is worth it, however. Read Less
In my rotation
October 12, 2017
Product: Mac Baren HH Old Dark Fired Ready Rubbed Bulk
A very good baccy from macbaren but not a nicotine kick mild/medium from me, will be in my Vir/Burley group collection
Winner!!!
February 17, 2017
Product: Mac Baren HH Old Dark Fired Ready Rubbed Bulk
This is a real winner and a go-to tobacco for me, I reach for this more than any other blend to smoke. It's earthy, nutty, spicy, slightly sweet and perfectly balanced. This is almost my favorite tobacco right now.
Product: Mac Baren HH Old Dark Fired Ready Rubbed Bulk
Wasn’t sure about this one but wow, doesn’t overwhelm my palate but has a really nice sweetness to it. Smokes cool and satisfying nicotine hit.
Product: Mac Baren HH Old Dark Fired Ready Rubbed Bulk
Excellent taste for those who like the true taste of tobacco instead of aromatic trash. Dark smoky barbecue taste with a touch of sourness. There's a reason why this is so highly rated.
Earthy, Fiery, Sugary, all in one blend
March 25, 2020
Product: Mac Baren HH Old Dark Fired Ready Rubbed Bulk
It lives up to its reputation. ODF delivers a earthy, woody, spicy, mildly tart and tangy sour flavor throughout the bowl. The dark fruit sweetness of the Virginas come along throughout the blend as well, yet in more of a secondary position. If you d... Read More
idnt know better, you would assume there was a slight addition of Latakia due to the smokiness that comes along. If you are sensitive to nicotine, be wary. I may be myself as even after dinner, the effect of the smoke is quite noticeable. It is a fairly dry smoke. Certainly not an all day smoke and unless you are tolerant of nicotine, its not repeatable. Read Less
Product: Mac Baren HH Old Dark Fired Ready Rubbed Bulk
This has become my go to smoke. I definitely recommend this one.
Strong, earthy and delicious
March 13, 2020
Product: Mac Baren HH Old Dark Fired Ready Rubbed Bulk
I've been a pipe smoker for over 20 years and a very picky one. I went a couple of years without smoking regularly because my favorite blend had been discontinued, then thankfully I discovered HH Old Dark Fired Ready Rubbed. This is my every day smok... Read More
e and even though I've since found a few other blends that I like, this still blows them all out of the water. Read Less
Three Nuns on steroids.
February 13, 2020
Product: Mac Baren HH Old Dark Fired Ready Rubbed Bulk
Smells like vinegar n BBQ sauce. Quite savoury flavour, not much of a sweetness. Speaking of sweetness, have something sugary with it cuz the nic-hit might overwhelm you.
Amazing for the price
December 18, 2019
Product: Mac Baren HH Old Dark Fired Ready Rubbed Bulk
As a big fan of the tin version here is my review on the bulk:
I would have given this 5 stars but it is different than the beautiful tin with flakes. Still the same bag note as the tin but less of it. Yes its drier and quicker to rub out. Thing is,... Read More
it's Almost as good as the tin. Dry it out for 20 min. On a paper plate. Exquisite but just half a notch under the tin. Read Less
Earthy & Excellent
December 15, 2019
Product: Mac Baren HH Old Dark Fired Ready Rubbed Bulk
One of the finest DFK blends on the market. Great on its own or as a strong blending component. Highly recommended.
For burley fans looking for something different
December 04, 2019
Product: Mac Baren HH Old Dark Fired Ready Rubbed Bulk
I'm not a huge burley fan, but I do really enjoy the Virginia in this.
Holy Smokes this stuff is good!
November 09, 2019
Product: Mac Baren HH Old Dark Fired Ready Rubbed Bulk
I wasn't sure what to expect of this stuff. When I opened the bag I was greeted by the ketchup smell you'd associate w/ a McCllend VA blend.....but this is another beast entirely. Highly recommended. Smooth and cool smoking.
My Favorite DF Blend
September 01, 2019
Product: Mac Baren HH Old Dark Fired Ready Rubbed Bulk
I love dark fired blends and have several in my rotation. But picking my favorite is easy...HH Old Dark Fired! Sweet & tangy bbq aroma and taste.
The Best Dark Fired tobacco
July 05, 2019
Product: Mac Baren HH Old Dark Fired Ready Rubbed Bulk
One of my most favorite tobaccos of all time!
Product: Mac Baren HH Old Dark Fired Ready Rubbed Bulk
感觉是很有时间包浆的一款草，深沉而丰富，然而口味并不沉，而是醇，变化很丰富的醇，我猜应该是深度转化了，没有丝毫青涩之感，也许名称中的老黑已经反映出了一些……值得尝试，推荐
Strong for my taste but...
May 03, 2019
Product: Mac Baren HH Old Dark Fired Ready Rubbed Bulk
Use it to add body to my own Virginia blend with a mild black Cavendish. Good nutty flavor.
Where's the savory?
April 22, 2019
Product: Mac Baren HH Old Dark Fired Ready Rubbed Bulk
I was sure I would like this, based on other reviews... savory, smoked meat, bacon, etc. But no, it just tastes like hot air to me. I remember reading different reviews of Dunhill Elizabethan: one reviewer loves the bold flavor, another says it ha... Read More
s no flavor at all. It's probably genetics in action.
My genes do not prevent me from smelling a powerful, cigarette-like room note for the following couple of days, however.
I'll say one thing in its favor: it's the least bite-y blend I've ever smoked. My tongue gets irritate easily, and this stuff was very gentle. Unfortunately that's not enough to make me want to smoke more than one bowl, however. Read Less
HH ODF - one of my top five favorites.
April 01, 2019
Product: Mac Baren HH Old Dark Fired Ready Rubbed Bulk
This is great tobacco! The tangy, slightly vinegar taste hangs in easily for the first quarter of the bowl. After that, the vinegar hint fades into the background and the overall taste improves. The DFK to Va mix is perfect. Strong taste of earthy, n... Read More
utty burley, smoky campfire with a subtle hint of spice. This is balanced by a slight sweetness, no doubt due to the deft mixture of the Virginias. For me the nicotine is a tad past medium. Someone here likened this to Peterson’s Irish Flake. To me this is a great comparison, and I too give PIF an edge on flavor, but only slightly. Won’t bite, but when pushed it can taste a bit ‘ashey’. Aging does wonders for this blend. Being burley-forward, I find I enjoy it more from a cob, dried for ~25-30 minutes. This is all-day smoke, IMO. Solid 5 stars, no question. Read Less
Smokey goodness
February 11, 2019
Product: Mac Baren HH Old Dark Fired Ready Rubbed Bulk
Great dark robust smoke. Bag note reminds me of Drum cigarette tobacco which I loved. It’s Smokey, spicy, and ready to be rolled into a ball and smoked as soon as you get it. I imagine this will only get better with age. I will definitely be buying m... Read More
ore. This will become my #2 go-to blend in my daily rotation. Perfect for cold days, late evenings or a after dinner smoke with a glass of scotch or whiskey on ice. Read Less
Good smoke
January 05, 2019
Product: Mac Baren HH Old Dark Fired Ready Rubbed Bulk
I like this blend. Its has a bold earthy flavor. Burley forward but not over powering. Very rich flavor taste. 2 thumbs up
ODF RR
September 06, 2018
Product: Mac Baren HH Old Dark Fired Ready Rubbed Bulk
Good smoke, but not what I expected. It’s similar to Peterson’s Irish Flake in taste and aroma. Dark and rich. Needs some drying time out of the jar. What I was expecting was for it to be more like Peter Heinrich’s Dark Strong Flake, which is conside... Read More
rably sweeter. Oh well, I like it anyway, but I’m going to let it age for a while in a mason jar. Read Less
Deep and earthy
March 15, 2017
Product: Mac Baren HH Old Dark Fired Ready Rubbed Bulk
First time I tried this blend, it was the flake version and it burned my tongue something awful. After that experience, I gave it a night out to dry and had a much better go at it. This is a very earthy and deep blend. I really enjoy this when I'm ha... Read More
nkering for something a little "heavier" than normal. I think the ready rubbed version tastes the same and it comes in bulk. I'd at least recommend throwing an ounce or two onto your next order. It's definitely growing on me! Read Less
Great night smoke by itself or
March 30, 2016
Product: Mac Baren HH Old Dark Fired Ready Rubbed Bulk
Also my special night mix....HH Old Dark Fired 50%, Peter Stokkebye Black Cavindish 25% and Newminster #23 Blackberry Brandy 25%. Mix well and let age for a minimum of 90 days. ALL my pipe friends really enjoy this night mix!!! I'm smoking a pipe now... Read More
into my 47th year. Read Less
Almost Like Irish Flake
December 16, 2015
Product: Mac Baren HH Old Dark Fired Ready Rubbed Bulk
Although I haven't smoked the flake version of HHODF I can only compare this Ready Rubbed with Peterson's Irish Flake. Its aroma is similar but HHODFRR's smoke is stouter and less tasty. Considering it is thin sliced ready rubbed, oxygen is more pres... Read More
ent on intake so it might not be a good thing to compare it with a Flake. Expect a robusto flavour with rich earthy/roasted/nutty notes. I must try its flake version. Read Less
Product: Mac Baren HH Old Dark Fired Ready Rubbed Bulk
And good. No bite. Slow fire
"WOW" That for added strength, "THATS"What I'm talking about.
March 21, 2015
Product: Mac Baren HH Old Dark Fired Ready Rubbed Bulk
Firstly, don't mistake this for a replacement for the tinned version, they are both great tobaccos but this is not as complex or aged as much as the tinned version.
This tobacco is great to strengthen up milder tobaccos, both aromatics and naturals... Read More
, I love this in a smaller bowl, my "Refbjerg" handcarved, I get to the bottom gently sipping without it becoming strong or tedious, I also like it in my"95 Stanwell flake pipes" I experiment mixing it with other flakes, "Stokkebye", "Comoys"also for a super strong smoke, "Newminster" coin cut.
This is a strong, satisfying go to smoke, a heavenly mouthful of dense old school flavour, definitely not for new pipe smokers, you'll find your way here eventually, just not now, there are many milder tobaccos for you to try first, I hope this is always going to be available as it is something I truly treasure, I'm sure Per at MAC BARENS will see to that, thankyou for such a great smoke, kind regards, from Adelaide, South Australia. Read Less
Full bodied & wounderful
February 22, 2015
Product: Mac Baren HH Old Dark Fired Ready Rubbed Bulk
When I first open the bag I thought it looked and felt too dry. I filled my pipe and lit up a bowl of wonderful, meaty flavour. This is the only tobacco that after finishing a bowl, I feel satisfied. The flavour reminds me of a dark maduro cigar. Thi... Read More
s will be my full flavour, sans lakatia, go to for sure. Read Less
cool smoke
August 19, 2014
Product: Mac Baren HH Old Dark Fired Ready Rubbed Bulk
I was a little concerned with the moisture content on the fresh dark fired I received from Smoking Pipes but it smoked well enough after a char and relight, albeit with some gurgling out of my Sav 320. I am a puffer and enjoyed big clouds of smoke fr... Read More
om the dark fired - it smokes very cool with no tongue bite. A little lacking in the richness and complexity I am seeking, perhaps I was spoiled by the Gawith Best Brown flake, what a fabulous aroma when the tin is opened on the BBF but I was never able to get the moisture right on the BBF and the nic hit was overwhelming for me. Perhaps I will give the BBF another try out of a smaller bowl but so far my experience with flake (it was my first) is that it is a real challenge to optimize the moisture, not a problem with the dark fired ready rubbed but I will not reorder the dark fired, 3 plus stars for me. Read Less
Product: Mac Baren HH Old Dark Fired Ready Rubbed Bulk
I bought 9 different tobaccos on Smokingpipes.com, and I smoked one of them one day at a time. I like a mild tobacco with some flavor, maybe Virginia or burley processed as Black Cavendish, but no latakia or perique. I bought the following, listed in... Read More
order of my preference with the most preferred first. Of course these are just my opinions after smoking pipes for 30 years; yours may be entirely different.
1. Mac Baren Seven Seas Black --- No bite, good flavor while and after smoking, good room aroma.
2. Macbaren HH Old Dark Fire Ready Rubbed --- No bite, good flavor while and after smoking, good room aroma. Takes a little handling to prep for smoking.
3. Sutliff (Altadis) B37 Casanova --- No bite, good generic flavor while and after smoking, good steady burn, and good room aroma.
4. Lane Limited BC-A --- Good but not quite as flavorful as the Mac Barens or Sutliff Casanova nor as good a room aroma. There is no bite and a mild aftertaste. It is a little more difficult to keep lit.
5. Sutliff (Altadis) Classic Chocolate --- Nice aroma and a little more flavor than Sutliff coffee tobbaco. Burns fine and little bite. Lingering vague aftertaste.
6. Gawaith Hoggarth & Co. Kendal Dark --- The small ribbon burns well and does not bite, but it has little flavor, aftertaste or aroma.
7. Newminister No. 201 Straight Black --- Mild aroma. Little flavor or bite. Burns fine.
8. Sutliff (Altadis) 203 Coffee --- No taste or aroma of coffee. Ashy flavor. Not good to my taste buds or tongue; some bite. It burned fine.
9. Cornell & Diehl Dark Chocolate --- No taste or aroma of chocolate. Ashy flavor. Not good to my taste buds or tongue; some bite. It burned fine. Read Less
lasts long
December 27, 2013
Product: Mac Baren HH Old Dark Fired Ready Rubbed Bulk
wow the ready rubbed is bang on to the flake. only problem is it will be gone faster because no work is involved. i tried this to make the flake version last a little longer. best smoke ive ever had!
Full Bodied Goodness
December 27, 2013
Product: Mac Baren HH Old Dark Fired Ready Rubbed Bulk
Rich, strong full bodied smoke. Very potent in Nicotine.
Not something for a pipe newbie unless you also like strong cigars like me. Not an all day smoke but great after a good meal.with a strong cup of coffee. Bulk HH Old Dark Fired is ready rubbed... Read More
but has a fair amount of broken flake in it, so it needs more rubbing out before packing your pipe.
I will order some more of this! Read Less
Fantastic
November 13, 2013
Product: Mac Baren HH Old Dark Fired Ready Rubbed Bulk
For the price, I doubt it can be beat, if it's your thing. This is amongst my favorites and something I'd like to always have on hand.
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