Customer Reviews (29 Total)
Aromatic? Ah, no.
February 22, 2018
Product: St. Bruno Flake 1.75oz
St. Bruno has been around a while and had several variations. I only recently added this to my rotation, so I'm reviewing the most recent version on it's own merits. Let me start by saying this is probably not what most people call an aromatic. This ... Read More
has none of the overly chemical top casings added that cover the natural flavors of the tobaccos. What we have here is a very nice VA/Dark Fired Kentucky flake where the rich Virginias seem aged to perfection. This is not a light VA flake of grassy notes, but rather a spicy, rich, peppery flavor some would compare to ketchup or BBQ sauce. That's not to say St. Bruno tastes like either, but it has that same sweet and spiciness with an obvious vinegar aroma. In fact, I've never had any rust in my tins, but inside they place a card saying that the tin could show some signs of rust due to the vinegar used as a preservative. But, that does nothing to harm this great flake. In fact, it's all the richer for it. It's part of what sets St. Bruno apart in taste. The flakes come on the moist side but were smoke-able, and after a couple of days of drying they were perfect. Even fresh they rub out easily for loading and smoke consistently throughout the bowl with little variation to the taste and flavor. I do feel the nicotine here. It's not too strong, but it's not a daybreak smoke either. If you haven't tried St. Bruno and are a fan of sweet & spicy flake tobaccos, this could be just what you're looking for? UPDATE: this flake ages superbly. The sugars in the Virginias show up as white streaks in the flakes and combine with the vinegar to easily make this sweet enough to smoke anytime of day. As it aged I felt less nicotine and overall it smokes much sweeter. Also since I first reviewed this, I've had the ready-rubbed version and cannot tell any difference if you're going to rub out your flakes anyway. And, yes, some rust did eventually appear on the edges of the tin. Surprisingly though, these flakes hold a nice moisture level for quite some time if kept in the tin. Enjoy. Read Less
All Time Favorite
February 25, 2018
Product: St. Bruno Flake 1.75oz
This review is in regard to both the Flake and the Ready Rubbed versions of St. Bruno as they taste identical to me.
I discovered Condor before St. Bruno even came to our side of the pond (U.S.) and I fell head over heals for the stuff, hard and f... Read More
ast! When I finally got around to trying St. Bruno Flake & Ready Rubbed I didn't think much of it, I thought it tasted like a light, weak version of the almighty Condor. Over a period of about a year I kept going back to St. Bruno to check up on it so to speak and I was always left feeling good knowing that Condor will always be my go to.... then something happened.... maybe I got a little softer in my older age but damnit if St. Bruno ain't just the perfect smoke. It's got dark Virginia's to add depth, a little Dark Fired for complexity and spice and the subtle top dressing is just enough to keep things interesting with it's complex fruity/floral components that work synergistically to weave a beautiful tapestry that I consider an absolute masterpiece. As with anything of course you'll hear about the glory days of yesteryear and how it's just a shell of it's former self but hell, it's one of the best tobacco blends I've ever gotten my hands (palate) on so Mac Baren is doing something right. I find that the top flavors come out a little better in a tall and narrow bowl and I actually prefer this one right out of the tin/pouch as it seems to smoke just fine with the moisture level it's packed with, which is odd for me cause I usually prefer to air out my tobacco until it's just short of crispy. This one has plenty of nicotine to satisfy the addict and enough to give the novice a nice warm buzz, it's not too over the top in any shape or form and I now consider this one my holy grail all day smoke. I'll always have a place in my heart for Condor but I prefer to use that more as a treat than an all day smoke. Yes there are a lot of similarities between this and Condor which one fits your fancy? Only you can decide but I would say they're both worth trying at least once and if you're anything like me you just might find a place for both in your rotation.
ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL (both RR and Flake cuts) Read Less
Pricey, but good
November 26, 2017
Product: St. Bruno Flake 1.75oz
I enjoy this. It's got a nice body, like an english blend, but doesn't taste like an English. It's got some sweetness like a traditional aromatic but it isn't light like a typical aromatic. Really nice balance. My only problem is that it's pricey and... Read More
it doesn't justify the 50% higher price tag over most other tins of tobacco. It has to knock my socks off to justify that price tag. It's very good, but it doesn't knock my socks off. Buy a tin and decide for yourselves. It's definitely worth at least trying it. Read Less
Product: St. Bruno Flake 1.75oz
官方写错了，这个草不是调味草，是非常经典的英式V草，畅销，好抽！
Wonderful well rounded baccy!
May 09, 2018
Product: St. Bruno Flake 1.75oz
Aye, as a member of several forums I read a lot bout the St Bruno both in flake and ready rubbed style. Being a flake me-self I tend to go fer the flake baccies mostly. Upon the arrival o this tobacco I had high expectations as to it's reputation be... Read More
ing so elevated. I were not disappointed! Popping the tin brings much anticipation. The aroma be mild, but familiar wit out havin been in it's presence afore. 'as a nice bit o moisture to it, rubs out to a nice ribbon and bit o crumbles fer easy packing. From the charring lite to the final puff she holds fast to the flavour wit out nary a hint o tongue bite. Gives the smoker a nice light ash and no ashy taste. I let it dry each time and it rewards me e'ry time wit a nice even smoke! This be a highly recommended smoke to any pipeman wot wants to be reminded o some o the olde timey baccies made bout 40+ years ago. Treat Ye-self to a nice tin t'day! Ye be nae disappointed! And if Ye are then send it to me and I'll dispatch it proper fer Ye!! Read Less
素晴らしいフレークタバコ
March 25, 2022
Product: St. Bruno Flake 1.75oz
同じSt. BrunoのReady Rubbedが大好きになったので、こちらFlakeも試しに注文したら、予想以上の美味しさでした。
イギリス系着香に変わりがないが、あくまでもタバコ本来の旨みを引き出す着香で、バージニアとDark Fired Kentuckyの絶妙な配合で生み出した深みが甘さが癖になりそうです。
Ready Rubbedと同じと言えば同じですが、Flakeのほうが湿気に気を使うことが少なく、Ready Rubbedよりも甘みが増しているにも関わらずあっさりしていると... Read More
感じます。
その美味しさと吸いやすさで、開封して中身がすぐになくなるでしょう。
Flakeのほうが値段が高いが、さらなる刺激と変化を求めるバージニア党にとって、値段以上の価値があると断言します。 Read Less
Give it time!
August 19, 2016
Product: St. Bruno Flake 1.75oz
I was about to dismiss this flake, as the first few times I smoked it, it was hot and burned my tongue. But lately, I've been letting it set out overnight to dry, at least twelve hours, and I switched to a better pipe, a French Ropp Canadian that I b... Read More
ought from these folks. The flake now burns slowly and wonderfully. The taste is very pleasant, with just a touch of fruitiness, and the smoke is thick, creamy, and a bit on the incense-side. Let it dry out, find the right pipe, and you'll be rewarded. Read Less
Product: St. Bruno Flake 1.75oz
This has become my favorite smoke. It comes a little damp, but I rub the flakes out and let it air our for a little while and it smokes like a dream. This has become one of my most smoked blends. I wish it was a little cheaper, and also that it would... Read More
go on sale when there are deals on MacBaren products. Next time there is any kind of sale that covers St. Bruno, I will probably buy a dozen tins. Read Less
Mild Pleasant Smoke
May 16, 2020
Product: St. Bruno Flake 1.75oz
Classic blend. I don't know if I would consider this an Aro...the apple cider vinegar is present but also a traditional preservative. Initially, I couldn't help but compare this to HH Old Dark Fired Ready Rubbed, but it's not that. It's a unique flav... Read More
or profile and quite a enjoyable blend. For those who enjoy the tangy sweetness of cider, this is a great blend that has stood the test of time. Read Less
Yes, Aromatic
February 27, 2020
Product: St. Bruno Flake 1.75oz
I have smoked the ready rubbed off and on in the past, but this is my first time trying the flake. There is a very pleasant room note with this tobacco. As far as the taste there is a small amount of sweetness, a little spiciness and a taste that rem... Read More
inds me of figs. The strength is middle of the road and is not too strong to smoke it often. I think I may like the flake a little more than the ready rubbed. This is what an Aromatic should be, it's not overly topped but still smells good. The light topping does not interfere with the tobacco taste at all. I coud smoke this all the time but at almost $16.00 for a 1.75 ounce tin it is a little uneconomical. Read Less
Mild and tasty tobacco
December 22, 2017
Product: St. Bruno Flake 1.75oz
This has become one of my favorite Flake tobaccos.
Unexpected Surprise!
November 01, 2017
Product: St. Bruno Flake 1.75oz
From first light to the bottom of the bowl, this flake maintains its initial flavour well. For a VA flake, the smoke is surprisingly thick and creamy. It has a little fruitiness, but is otherwise fairly mild and kind to the tongue. This flake handles... Read More
relights quite well, as the flavour seems almost unaffected afterwards. I will be ordering more in the future. Be aware the tin moisture level is not so smokable, and a broken flake should be ready with about an hour of drying. Read Less
My personal favorite!
July 11, 2023
Product: St. Bruno Flake 1.75oz
This is my personal favorite. It's a perfectly balanced flake. The dark fired smokiness and the grassy, hay like note from the virginia make a wonderful combination. Try it with a glass of lemonade and you've got a great spring/summer smoke combo. A ... Read More
year-round smoke for me though. Just perfect for any season. Read Less
Product: St. Bruno Flake 1.75oz
Tin note of barbeque smoked fruit. Tobacco is a flake of marbled dark brown and brown. Moisture content is great. Flakes rub out with a little effort. Burns slow with a few relights. The strength is medium and nic is medium. Flavoring is mild, with n... Read More
otes of Flowers. Flavoring is very noticeable upon first light but drops to the background afterwards where it remains. Taste is medium and mostly consistent, with notes of floral, musty herbal vegetation, tart and tangy citrus, sugar, spices, toasted bread, wood, orange peel/zest, dry hay, earthy, sour grass, a sweet dark fruit background note, and a peppery retro. Virginia is leading with Kentucky and Flavoring supporting. Room note is pleasant to tolerable, and aftertaste is great. Read Less
Wonderful Virginia Flake
January 14, 2023
Product: St. Bruno Flake 1.75oz
Nice Virginia flake with a sweet note, citrus, and a little floral. Some grassy field notes as well. Smooth smoking, very good an enjoyable. After opening the tin, let it breath for a bit, close and let sit so the vinigar oder disappears. It is very ... Read More
nice after that to smoke. Something I recommend to new pipers looking to expand their experience. Read Less
ketchup?
October 25, 2022
Product: St. Bruno Flake 1.75oz
this is pretty good, but it 100% tastes like tomato ketchup. 🤔
Product: St. Bruno Flake 1.75oz
Sweet and sour, more sour than sweet
Good quality smoke
May 23, 2022
Product: St. Bruno Flake 1.75oz
I tried it when I first received it and it was good. I put it in a jar for two years just opened it today and wow what a difference! Very rich sweet and sour but retains a good tobbaco core. Will order more.
Extremely good
February 08, 2022
Product: St. Bruno Flake 1.75oz
The smell is not what you get when you smoke it, what I mean is it smells very mellow and mild, but the smoking experience itself is not mild I wouldn't say strong but I personally taste the dfk alot more than the Virginia's. Do yourself a favor and ... Read More
pick up a few tins Read Less
Very different then ready rubbed. GREAT!
May 12, 2020
Product: St. Bruno Flake 1.75oz
This is my favorite tobacco in the Kentucky line of flavor. I really only smoke Virginias with some exceptions. I thought the two St. Bruno tobacco's would be similar or the same....no way. The tin flake is far better. The flavor is a mild Kentucky.... Read More
Hay, grass, horses.......great retro hale. I really recommend this tobacco. If you like the ready rubbed version this is mellower and more flavorful. Read Less
Product: St. Bruno Flake 1.75oz
Lovely Virginia flake with a light topping. Tin note has a bit of pickling or vinegar smell over the sweet figgy Virginia. In the bowl it smokes well and is very well behaved. Bright and dark flake are represented in the flavor profile but it seems t... Read More
he dark dominates with an earthy, baked bread and toasted walnut note. Smokes a bit dry. Flakes were ready to go right out of the tin and didn't require drying. I found it very enjoyable but need to look up the toppings. Its unclear if it still has tonquin. That stuff is banned where this product is made. Along with FVF and Peterson Dunhill Flake the price per oz is in the $8.00 range and that's really high. If your penny pinching Bulk blends are a much smarter route. There are several amazing bulk Virginia blends in the $3.00/oz range. Read Less
A MUST TRY!!!
November 09, 2019
Product: St. Bruno Flake 1.75oz
A fine Virginias w/ a very especial dark fire, , some sweet, citrus and sour flavors , easy to smoke, no bite, a really good tobaco, for a fine all day smoke
Almost Like the Original Ogden's Version w/Exceptions
May 25, 2019
Product: St. Bruno Flake 1.75oz
October, 20, 2018 AD... Anno Domini, the year of our Lord. I just recently noticed St. Bruno was available again... I've been smoking tasty, Cuban seed cigars grown in the Dominican Republic for the last five years & have neglected my piping unti... Read More
l around June of 2018 but still enjoy an occasional cigar. I just recently sampled a fresh tin of Mac Baren's St. Bruno Flake. If memory serves me correctly, it seemed like the aged flakes were of a thinner cut. The similar flavor remains however & I liked the flavor of St. Bruno Flake from the onset & appreciate the flavor & smoke aroma of Mac B's production. The flavoring is about the same as the older blend and I enjoy it just as much as its predecessor. I love the floral/citrus flavor of this blend which produces a pleasant aroma while smoking.
This is not the usual soggy, heavily cased aromatic that you might be concerned about... it has a topping with a tasty floral/citrus-like flavoring & doesn't contain the heavy PG humectant. It has a fairly slow burn rate & must be picked & tamped occasionally. There is some sweetness combined with the flavoring & could be an all day smoke for some. It is best to rub this out rather than stoke whole flakes as I've noticed a few small stems which have to be removed from each flake before drying and stoking the bowl. I started piping again because I missed the flavors available in pipe tobacco blends. Read Less
The hype is true
September 30, 2018
Product: St. Bruno Flake 1.75oz
If there really is a patron saint of tobacco, this would probably be his go-to blend. Whatever good things people are saying about this tobacco in the reviews are absolutely true. It is like smoking a piece of history. A piece of art, not just a flak... Read More
e of tobacco. Read Less
Nicest In a Long Time
October 20, 2017
Product: St. Bruno Flake 1.75oz
I don’t know what if any
Topping they use on this,but it all comes togeather beautifully.I rubbed out one Flake straight out the newly opened tin and filled a billiard that I hadd’ent smoked in a year or so.It was a little moist,but that did not aff... Read More
ect the flavor too much,just an occasional run through with a pipe cleaner to avoid gurgling.I will try drying this out over the next 12 to 24 hours,which am sure will improve the smoking characteristics/flavor,even though the flavor is good now.I remember something tasting similar to this being available at Barclay-Rex
Back in the 80’s as one their house mixtures.Nice memories I think I’ll get some more of this.12-15 years of aging will probably enhance this even more.Five stars. Read Less
Product: St. Bruno Flake 1.75oz
i liked this well enough but my old pipe shop carried ogdens . it seems similar but it was an otc tabac so... seems pricy? na this is canada everything is pricy!
Nice aroma, excellent blend
September 18, 2016
Product: St. Bruno Flake 1.75oz
Very nice aroma. Somthing sweet, rich and soft. This flake is unic...
Good, smooth
March 18, 2016
Product: St. Bruno Flake 1.75oz
I have waited to try this blend for a long time now. Being in the United States, it isn't easy to get ahold of. The tin note is pleasant, if unusual. The flakes are easy to break down of fold and stuff. It is at an optimal moisture to smoke immediate... Read More
ly. The smoke itself is smooth as silk. The only problem I find is that it is pretty light. I don't think I have had a lighter flake. I would get more of it more often but the price (at time of writing is $16.15) is too prohibitive for something so light. Even so, it's a good choice if you like the softer blends and don't smoke that often. Read Less
Great stuff
March 16, 2016
Product: St. Bruno Flake 1.75oz
My grandfathers father smoked this flake, it's great stuff, glad to see it's back in the US.
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