No longer eschewing aromatics . . .

[Pipe Organist]

I suspect that most seasoned pipe puffers started out with an aromatic or at the least a very neutral baccy before moving on to stouter, headier stuff. Some continue to smoke aromatics, and those that no longer do can in some cases become snots about their superior prejudices for English, Balkan, Latakia and VA/Per blends.

The bromide, "Friends don't let friends smoke aromatics" may just need to be kicked over.

I've returned to sampling aromatics after many years of being an avid English smoker. It started when I bought a tin of Mac B Mixture Flake, with its characteristic honey and biscuit flavors. I moved on to Navy Flake and Dark Twist Roll Cake, and found myself craving something with a touch of sweetness, sweeter even than Mac B's signature cavendish that is incorporated into many of their non-aro blends (including the above). OK, to be fair Navy Flake does have a rum topping, or at least some say it does, but it's not the predominant flavor.

So, last night I was on my way to a bonfire party and wanted to smoke a pipe rather than the usual cigars that get passed around. I picked up a Missouri Meerschaum and several tins of Mac B blends I've been wanting to try, including "Honey & Chocolate" and "Vanilla Cream" (loose cut).

I was pleasantly surprised to find the tin aroma of the H&C to be very rich and dark, but not artificial-smelling, like some of the cheaper bulk aros. More surprising was that as I pinched and sifted the baccy to load it, it didn't feel sticky and greasy like many do, probably because of the PG used in so many aro blends. The individual shreds of tobacco stayed loose as they were packed and it packed very nicely.

At the match it lit evenly, smoked cleanly to the bottom of the cob, and didn't produce the goop I remember most aros leave behind. Just as a test, I smoked another bowlful this morning indoors after breakfast, and was just as equally delighted with the experience.

ISTM that the main difference is quality of product, and I suspect that the Danish traditional methods used by Mac B are what help raise the bar on their aromatics.

I'm looking forward to trying the VC as well.

A question then for discussion: has anyone else experienced this kind of return to aros after years of English? How many smoke both non-aro and aro blends equally?

[Davetopay]

I smoke what fits my mood and taste buds. All opinons from other be damned. I know I don't like sticky, gooey aros, but I won't hold it against someone if that is what they like.

[KBibbs]

Originally Posted by Davetopay

I smoke what fits my mood and taste buds. All opinons from other be damned. I know I don't like sticky, gooey aros, but I won't hold it against someone if that is what they like.

+1

[Pipe Organist]

I don't like sticky, gooey aros, either. That's why I was so pleasantly surprised at the quality of these aros from Mac B.

In the long run, as a friend of mine's granddad used to say, "S**t's good if you like it."

[MarkC]

Due to the malicious gifting of tobacco from some board members (shakes fist angrily), I've had to rethink my prejudices against aromatics as well. They're not all Captain Black; some are 'lightly seasoned' and quite tasty. I have no interest in an aromatic that smells great and tastes like nothing, but there are some tasty blends out there. I can't see my interest in aromatics ever approaching my Virginia obsession, but I will certainly no longer look down my nose at those who smoke aromatics. I'll save my snootiness for those who put on that shocked offended look when I pull out my pipe...