Mac Baren began as a snuff and chewing tobacco production facility in Svendborg, Denmark, in 1826. Originally dubbed S. Bønnelyckes Tobaksfabrik, the factory continued for 60 years with little renown before its proprietor lost ownership in a poker game in 1887. The winner traded it to Harald Halberg for a horse and a barrel of whiskey and renamed the firm the Harald Halberg Tobacco Factory.

Halberg completed his education in tobacco rolling, which was a significant feat: It took longer to become a certified spun tobacco master than it did to earn a bachelor's degree. With such expertise, Halberg founded Mac Baren on a tradition of quality and spun-cut tobaccos, and his competition was vast: In the late 19th century, there were over 400 tobacco factories in Denmark, four of them in Svendborg. By 1900, Halberg's was the only one left in the city. Passed to Harald's son Eimar and then to his grandson Jørgen, the Harald Halberg Tobacco Factory was eventually renamed "Mac Baren" after WWII out of fear that the original name would be confused for a German company, such origins having fallen out of favor in that era.

Since then, Mac Baren has delighted pipe smokers with some of the most pristine and celebrated tobaccos available, and today, the operation is supervised by head blender Per Jensen. Mac Baren's portfolio now spans an array of discerning mixtures from exquisite Aromatics and refined English blends, to nuanced Virginia- and Burley-based tobaccos — many boasting recipes that date to the mid-20th century. With such a vast selection, it can be difficult to decide which blends warrant consideration, so we've compiled our top 10 best-selling Mac Baren pipe tobaccos. We hope it guides your exploration of the brand's distinguished lineup and hopefully introduces you to some newfound favorites.

Top 10 Best-Selling Mac Baren Pipe Tobaccos:
1. 10. Original Choice
2. 9. Golden Extra
3. 8. HH Bold Kentucky
4. 7. 7 Seas Royal
5. 6. 7 Seas Regular
6. 5. Mixture Scottish Blend
7. 4. Virginia No. 1
8. 3. Vanilla Cream
9. 2. HH Pure Virginia
10. 1. HH Old Dark Fired

10. Original Choice

A mild Aromatic, Mac Baren's Original Choice is a tasty blend of North Carolina Virginas, Burley from Tennessee, and just enough Black Cavendish to provide a hint of spice. It's a calming mixture that's light on the palate and ideal for new and veteran smokers alike. Finished with a smooth topping, Original Choice offers a sweet flavor profile and a striking room note.

Available in: 3.5oz | 16oz

Of the 30 or so varieties of pipe tobacco I've tried, this is by far my favourite. Cool burning, pleasant note, and an overall very satisfying smoke. And while it might have some "fruity undertones," it definitely doesn't suffer from that soap-like aftertaste that some of the more recent popular brands do. - LostSpirit, 5-star review at Smokingpipes

• Components: Virginia, Burley, Black Cavendish
• Cut: Ribbon
• Family: Aromatic
• Strength:
• Room Note:
• Taste:

9. Golden Extra

Introduced in 1954, Mac Baren's Golden Extra is a Ready-Rubbed tobacco made from carefully blended, cask-mellowed Burley tobaccos. This blend affords a mellow and pleasant aroma which has made it popular with pipe smokers all over the world. While most people tend to associate Burley-based tobaccos with American blending houses, the Danes have their own way of preparing the air-cured leaf as well, typically yielding milder mixtures, often with light casings of cocoa and anise. This blend is a delicious example of a traditional Danish Burley blend, easy to smoke and easy to enjoy. Golden Extra has been one of Mac Baren's best-selling blends for years, and if you haven't tried it yet, you may appreciate how approachable and easy-smoking it is.

Available in: 3.5oz | 16oz | Bulk

This is my everyday blend. It is simple but comforting and pleasant. I use it for breaking in pipes and when I want a nice basic pipe tobacco. The room note is pleasant and the blend doesn't bite. - Eric G., 5-star review at Smokingpipes

• Components: Burley, Virginia
• Cut: Broken Flake
• Family: Burley
• Strength:
• Room Note:
• Taste:

8. HH Bold Kentucky

Aside from the limited-edition HH Rustica blend, HH Bold Kentucky is the strongest pipe tobacco in Mac Baren's portfolio. Bold Kentucky contains a high amount of the finest Dark-Fired Kentucky from the USA and Africa, combined with bright Virginias to soften the taste just a bit. Though comprising the same components as Mac Baren's HH Old Dark Fired, HH Bold Kentucky offers a stronger presence of Dark-Fired Kentucky's distinctive mesquite notes, offering a bold and smoky flavor profile. It's all married in a hot press for one unique taste. Like all the other HH blends made by Mac Baren, this blend has only an absolutely minimal casing and no top flavor at all.

Available in: 1.75oz | 3.5oz | 16oz

You hear warnings about super-powerful pipe tobacco, but if you are transitioning from cigarettes or some other form of tobacco, this is one of those that you might need. The nicotine kick is satisfying enough to get you through a craving. Even better, the taste is just INCREDIBLE. It is strong, but still just sweet enough. I really prefer Balkans and Va/Pers, but if you need the nicotine you pretty much have to go with Burleys. There are a few good Burleys out there, but if you really want good flavor AND a satisfying nicotine hit to keep you away from bad habits, you should really give this one a try. - Eddie T., 5-star review at Smokingpipes

• Components: Virginia, Dark Fired, Kentucky
• Cut: Flake
• Family: Burley
• Strength:
• Room Note:
• Taste:

7. 7 Seas Royal

The 7 Seas series represents Mac Baren's line of American-style Aromatics, including the Royal blend. The smooth yet lively flavor of Golden Virginias, mellow Burleys, and a touch of Black Cavendish blended with soft notes of vanilla, honey, and fruit makes 7 Seas Royal by Mac Baren a must try for Aromatic lovers. Virginias are the major player within the mixture, providing a clear and crisp taste, avoiding any unpleasant aftertaste.

Available in: 3.5oz | 16oz | Bulk

Purchased on a whim based on the good reviews and glad I did. Tin note has a touch of fruit/raisin to me and has great subtle flavors while smoking. Moist but not goopy, stays lit easily and tastes great to the end. This has immediately moved into my rotation as one that I can smoke at any time and not likely ever grow tired of. Update: The more I smoke this one the more I like it. It's really become a favorite of mine. Great for any occasion. - Alligator, 5-star review at Smokingpipes

• Components: Virginia, Burley, Black Cavendish
• Cut: Ribbon
• Family: Aromatic
• Strength:
• Room Note:
• Taste:

6. 7 Seas Regular

A blend of black Cavendish, golden Virginias and brown Burleys give Mac Baren's 7 Seas Regular a soft and exceptionally clean smoke with hints of dark chocolate and vanilla. Enjoy the beautiful color match of Golden Virginias, light brown Burleys, and a hefty amount of Black Cavendish. Upon lighting up you will be met by a gentle sweet vanilla and dark chocolate.

Available in: 3.5oz | 16oz | Bulk

This pipe tobacco, when smoked, tastes and smells just like it does in the bag...maybe even better. I've never gotten so many compliments! My wife, who hates the smell of all things tobacco even said this one smelled nice, I thought I'd fall off the porch! - Davey Jones, 4-star review from Smokingpipes

• Components: Burley, Black Cavendish
• Cut: Ribbon
• Family: Aromatic
• Strength:
• Room Note:
• Taste:

5. Mixture Scottish Blend

Mellow and slightly aromatic, Scottish blend — manufactured from ready-rubbed, matured Virginia tobaccos, golden brown Burley grades, Cavendish, and loose, ripe Virginia — is one of the most popular pipe tobaccos in the world. Mixture Scottish Blend, or simply "Mixture," is among Mac Baren's most popular blends. Originally introduced in 1958, it illustrates Mac Baren's signature Danish approach to blending: focusing on high-quality raw components elevated by subtle casings that amplify the natural characteristics of the leaf. Made from over 35 different tobaccos from all over the world, Mixture showcases various grades of Burley and Virginia leaf, married by Mac Baren's Original Cavendish. Given its wealth of components and subtle casing, Mixture is extremely complex, so much so that each bowl offers a new discovery; it can fade quietly into the background if need be, and its modest nicotine levels make it mellow enough to smoke all day.

Available in: 3.5oz | 16oz | Bulk

The stuff is wonderful, l love the mild sweetness that's left in your mouth after you're done smoking. To avoid that dreaded mcbite try using a pipe with a nine-millimeter filter or an EA Carey magic inch pipe. By using these two I'm able to smoke any Mac Baren product." - nanook, 5-star review from Smokingpipes

• Components: Virginia, Burley, Black Cavendish
• Cut: Broken Flake
• Family: Aromatic
• Strength:
• Room Note:
• Taste:

4. Virginia No. 1

Considered one of Mac Baren's staple classics, Virginia No. 1 was first released in the mid-1950s and is among the oldest pipe tobaccos on this list, having delighted pipe smokers for nearly 70 years. As a straight-Virginia blend, it showcases carefully selected Virginias, and like many of Mac Baren's mixtures, it focuses on the tobaccos' naturally sweet, grassy, and citrus-like notes, elevated by a subtly sweet topping to provide a cool, sweet smoke that doesn't hide the natural tobacco flavors while still providing a pleasant room note. A ready-rubbed tobacco, Mac Baren's Virginia No. 1 is a blend of choice, ripe Virginia tobaccos, affording sweet and mellow smokes.

Available in: 3.5oz | 16oz | Bulk

Great smoke!!! Simple, sweet, mellow, consistent and delicious. I have been smoking this blend for many years as a daily blend. Like it happens at times you start chasing blends, thinking there's something better out there. I have come to the conclusion that there's nothing better for me as a daily blend! Love this stuff!!! - Abimael C., 5-star review at Smokingpipes

• Components: Virginia
• Cut: Broken Flake
• Family: Virginia
• Strength:
• Room Note:
• Taste:

3. Vanilla Cream

Beloved by newcomers and experienced pipe smokers alike, Vanilla Cream is a delightful blend of Virginias, Burley, and Mac Baren's Modern Cavendish, a Black Cavendish that adds a rich creaminess to the smoke that's further enhanced by an exotic vanilla topping. Unlike similar vanilla Aromatics, the top note is present in both the smoke and aroma, yet it never masks the natural flavors of the high-quality leaf itself, yielding a fragrance and flavor more akin to freshly baked pastries than, say, vanilla extract. This selection creates an outstanding blend with superior flavor, unique aroma and distinctive taste experience.

Available in: 3.5oz | 16oz | Bulk

This isn't an overcased tobacco. In fact, it is done superbly. It smokes cool if you don't rush it, the aroma is to die for, and the taste is smooth, creamy, and sweet without being overbearing or cloying. You get tastes of vanilla, cream, cinnamon and nutmeg. I usually smoke Mixture Scottish but I like this as a switch off in between. - Thomas S., 5-star review from Smokingpipes

• Components: Virginia, Burley, Black Cavendish
• Cut: Ribbon
• Family: Aromatic
• Strength:
• Room Note:
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2. HH Pure Virginia

As it says on the tin, Mac Baren's HH Pure Virginia is pure Virginia that has been flue-cured. As with other HH-family blends, this thin-cut flake is made without any topping and only a minimal casing, for a natural sweetness and a purely Virginia experience. As the name denotes, Mac Baren's HH Pure Virginia is a hot-pressed flake composed entirely of Virginia tobaccos, namely those from select growing regions in North America and Africa. Its profile is deep and bready, with bright highlights and a distinctive hay-like grassiness. Compared to Mac Baren's other Virginias, such as Virginia Flake, HH Pure Virginia is slightly less sweet and citrusy, more redolent of freshly baked goods with a little spice and a deeper, molasses-like sweetness. In other words, it's more similar to something like Samuel Gawith's Full Virginia Flake than to a blend like Orlik Golden Sliced.

Available in: 1.75oz | 3.5oz | 16oz

I am thoroughly taken by this pure Virginia flake, subtle and sweet with a nose of ripe dried fruits...PERFECT for Summer. Very high-quality Tobacco. Don't be afraid ... sip it ... it won't bite! - Philip W., 4.5-star review from Smokingpipes

• Components: Virginia
• Cut: Flake
• Family: Virginia
• Strength:
• Room Note:
• Taste:

1. HH Old Dark Fired

A bold flake of Dark-Fired Burleys in well-balanced unity with flue-cured Virginias, Mac Baren's HH Old Dark Flake is hot pressed, meaning that during the pressing, heat is added by steam to the tobaccos, causing the tobacco to intensify the marrying process, ultimately giving us a bolder tobacco. The robust, earthy flavor of the Dark-Fired Burleys shines through in the taste, and you will experience a deeply satisfying smoke. Mac Baren describes HH Old Dark Fired as an English-style blend, referring not to the presence of Latakia but to the traditional processes employed to produce this old-school flake tobacco. HH Old Dark Fired is also available in a ready-rubbed format made from the Flake cut. Though quite similar in strength and components, Old Dark Fired seems to be a little less mesquite in flavor than HH Bold Kentucky, offering a more rounded finish full of earthy spice but also a deep, rich sweetness similar to molasses.

Available in: Flake Cut: 1.75oz | 3.5oz | 16oz | Ready Rubbed: Bulk

I put off getting any of this one for a while. I've been burned by the hype bug before. In this instance, I regret that decision. Everything from the deep, spicy flavor to the perfectly cut flakes is of amazing quality. I can't get enough of it. If you haven't tried it yet you really should. It's every bit as good as people say. - Brett T., 5-star review at Smokingpipes

• Components: Dark-Fired Kentucky, Virginia
• Cut: Flake, Ready Rubbed
• Family: Burley
• Strength:
• Room Note:
• Taste:

So there you have it: our top 10 best-selling Mac Baren pipe tobaccos here at Smokingpipes. Keep in mind, these blends were ranked based on popularity, not by our own tastes or judgments. If you don't see your favorite on the list, leave us a comment and share your thoughts — perhaps it will make it in a future list!

Latest Updates (2024):
• HH Old Dark Fired stayed at #1
• HH Pure Virginia moved from #3 to #2
• Vanilla Cream moved from #2 to #3
• Virginia No. 1 moved from #5 to #4
• Mixture Scottish Mixture moved from #4 to #5
• 7 Seas Regular entered at #6
• 7 Seas Royal entered at #7
• HH Bold Kentucky stayed at #8
• Golden Extra moved from #7 to #9
• Original Choice stayed at #10