Mac Baren HH Bold Kentucky

It's just what it says bold, I smoke other tobacco occasionally but this is my go to.

Delicious smoke, meaty undertones, bold flavor

My #1 until Garett is in

Bold Kentucky is my go to smoke, I do enjoy other tobacco but nothing else has that rich earthy flavor like this.

As a cigar smoker who switched to pipe smoking I had trouble finding nicotine with dimension. This stuff is like a medium strength spicy Nicaraguan minus the pepper. I normally use dark burley to fire up a mix but it lacks what I want during those special times when a pipe isn't quite cutting it. This does the trick. Good nicotine with dimension.

This blend is strong on BBQ spice. I only smoked it after dinner so nicotine could be an issue for some folks, but it wasn’t a problem for me. This tobacco is one notch stronger than HH Old Dark Fired. The taste framework of this blend is very similar to Old Dark Fired. It is slightly sweet around the edges. I also blend my own and I prefer to use Kentucky as a condiment in a blend rather than a center stage tobacco. I smoke non-aromatic burleys a lot and love them.

I'm rather new to pipe smoking but have been an avid cigar smoker for a while. This has a nice rich smoke like a medium cigar. I'm no expert in picking out flavor notes, but I get a smokey earthiness on the retrohale, like a good medium cigar. If you like you like your pipe smoke bold, this might be one for you.

The smoke is strong and not bitter or sour. I got no real flavors of nuance from this tobacco. Very similar to cigarette smoke. Rather boring for me. I normally smoke English blends, the occasional aromatic. I was hoping for more flavor from this blend.

This is my night time smoke. It’s wonderful with a glass of brandy.

Great body for the smoke Has a great blend with sweet undertones Flavor was smooth with 0 bite.

A great smoke without the bite.

Very good straight tobacco. A bit moist but smoked it as is. Dried it for one hour second time and burned better. Really like the pure tobacco taste and aroma.

This stuff is delicious! If you're looking for something with some strength and bold taste this is it. Has almost a barbecue sauce type of smell to it when you open the tin. It packs and lights well with little dry time if any. There is no bite to it at all. It's a great blend for smoking after dinner.

A very Tasty Flavor Blend of Tobacco worthy of a try. Smokes well and rubs out nicely for a nice smoking experience.

Deep hefty smoked flavor with prominent nic hit. Surprising subtle BBQ tin note and flavor undertones made me think of mesquite ready rub marinade. Perfect humidity out of the tin. No relights. Rubbed out and straight flake in the bowl had little difference in flavor or burn rate. Will keep some cellared for occasions, but IMHO not an all day smoke.

Smells like the barns at fire curing. Daughter said it smells like barbecue. Sweet and cool smoke and if you like dark fired this could be for you.

Not for the faint hearts. A man's smoke that delivers complete satisfaction. I love it

I bought this because it was labeled strong. It is indeed. I really enjoyed this tobacco. Nice add to the rotation. Smoked in a Savinelli 673. Burned well with no need to relight.

I absolutely love this tobacco! It is indeed bold flavor and I feel a pretty good hit of nicotine as well. It is a bit hard to keep lit but it smokes down pretty smooth. I love the smell, reminds me of a BBQ. Sometimes I just open the tin just to smell it.

I like strong dark fired blends, and while Old Dark Fired comes first, this is a close second for me. It is spicy in a barbecue sort of way, and burns nice and slow. The taste is a full, mouth filling delight. It's a strong blend and you must be prepared, but I do enjoy this with my morning coffee.

Very fine smoke. Love the taste and nice hit. Will definitely be filling the jars with this one!

This is my favorite pipe tobacco. It’s strong! The closest thing to a Maduro cigar. The smell is not aromatic. Rub it well to reduce the oiliness of the tobacco.

I gave it 5 stars because every tobacco product here gets 5 stars. The ratings on this site are definitely bogus.

Everything about this tobacco is amazing! This full flavored cool burning Kentucky blend is best enjoyed after a hearty meal.

I enjoyed this so much I bought the pound box. Strong and smooth. This is perfect after dinner or before bed.

Great taste, burns well.

This is an excellent dark flake tobacco. It is strong and full bodied. At the moment, it is my go-to tobacco, since I can't get my favorite Gawith & Hoggarth Dark Flake/Dark Plug anywhere.Even when (if) I am able to purchase the G&H tobacco again, I will keep some of this on hand, because it is a little less nicotine heavy.

Bold Kentucky is like comparing chocolate fudge to chocolate cake. It is for those that relish tobacco flavor in its purest rich profile. It is to be sipped gently not puffed for taste and aroma quality it will deliver. Experienced pipe smokers and nicotine tolerant individuals will be rewarded the most, but I dare say, many others will find a fare amount of enjoyment exploring this tobacco. Could be a bit rough for the impatient smoker, but I, somewhat nicotine sensitive, absolutely enjoyed the tobacco aroma and taste.

I would call this a hardy blend. Beautiful presentation for a fine tobacco. Nothing too fancy with the smoke, just good quality tobacco that reminds you why you took up the pipe hobby.

I am glad I bought this! Upon popping open the tin, I noticed a very shiny golden Mac Baren logo covering, which made me feel fancy lol ! The packing inside is quite nice, but the product it holds is even better! This not only looks like jerky, but upon smelling it, You get a very bold, smoky bbq sauce type smell. I noticed it was rather moist, so I let it dry for about 20 minutes. I can say its rather similar to war horse bar- but imagine it with no anise or topping what so ever. Its best to take it easy with this tobacco, it is definitely meant for those with experience to a strong nic kick. I would choose this over war horse bar any day. It is definitely worth the money. It wont let you down! I am very eager to try Mac Barens Rustica blend. Thanks P&C, for my new everyday morning and evening smoke!

It is becoming more difficult over the last year or so to find and buy my favorite tobacco, Gawith & Hoggarth Dark Flake (or it's variants). This is so close that I no longer have to worry about what I'll do when the G&H finally becomes unobtainable. Thanks.

I keep going back to this, my best morning smoke. Making it a regular buy.

I liked War Horse Bar better than Mac Baren HH Bold Kentucky. Both are full-flavored but the Mac Baren HH Bold Kentucky is a nic bomb and had me very buzzed within just half a bowl. Same feeling I get smoking EXCALIBUR NO. 1 MADURO cigars. Very bold flavor. Boldest I have ever smoked. Not an every day smoke for me but an occasional evening treat.

This an excellent smoke for the experienced pipe smoker. I smoke it in the evening after dinner and after smoking my pipe all day. Great Satisfaction.

HH old dark fired with a little more darkness about it. Not sure if it's stronger in nicotine, but definitely has a bit richer flavor. A little wet for my tastes, but letting it dry out for 30-60 minutes did the trick. A solid win!

Excellent deep flavor. Thick white creamy smoke and a nice nic hit. This smokes cool right out of the can. I will be getting a bag on my next order.

My best choice

Perfect. Bought it before. Now, my favorite

Very strong and dark! Just what I like. Lights well and stays lit. Not to wet, can be used without having to dry it out. Room note is a little strong, but I'm not smoking it for others to enjoy.

Very dark strong tobacco

The smokey flavors remind me of cooking on the bbq smoker. Stern puff with complex flavors. I personally take 2 or 3 strips let it sit and dry for a moment before crumbling.

Good for when you want more kick from your tobacco. Also a great mixer for your aromatic or lighter tobaccos!

Wowww this stuff has some nicotine in it. I love old fired Kentucky but wanted a little more flavor so I ordered this. It delivers but even as a daily high nicotine user this made my stomach fill a little upset. Don't get me wrong that is exactly what I was looking for just gotta eat next time before I try it. Seriously good flavor in this one and I highly suggest a cigar smoke transforming to pipes give this one a try

Mac Baren knows good strong pipe tobacco blends. This is an excellent example of their mastery of bold and stout pipe tobaccos that also deliver a wonder, rich, and delicious smoke as well. The flakes are very thin sliced, a hint for the smoker to use restraint, and delightfully dark and musty smelling. This is a serious smoke for experienced pipe smokers and that is evident very quickly in a smoking session. I enjoy this best in my medium sized pipes, and usually as the last smoke of the day. Some people describe a smoke as being creamy. This smoke is creamy. It starts out as an unfiltered milk-like creaminess and by the time you get to the end of the bowl is has transformed into thick buttermilk and on it's way to becoming a tart yogurt-like creaminess. It coats your mouth in rich smoky tar and leather creaminess. I love it. Not something I would smoke everyday, but something I will always keep around.

Great flavor. Best for after dinner because of big Nic hit. Nic doesn't bother me. I read tobacco reviews with descriptions of flavors that I can never detect. Must be a pallet disfunction. This is a very robust blend, more so than Old Dark Fired which I can smoke all day. I love Mac Barren flake which smokes cool all the way to the bottom. I fold and rub out for a great smoke.

Bold Kentucky is, by far, my favorite tobacco blend. I enjoy all elements of this HH series from Mac Baren. It tastes good, it smells good and it burns excellent. I highly recommend this one.

To be honest, I haven't had a chance to smoke this but once, and wasn't disappointed. I was forewarned of its strength so I'm cautious as to when I light it up but I will be soon. I'm sure it will be exactly what I want!!

This stuff is really great I think. Very rich and earthy with a nice kick! I ordered the above tin a couple of weeks ago and liked it so much I included a nice one pound bag of it with my latest order. I am eagerly anticipating the arrival of the shipment because I'm all out of the Bold Kentucky until it gets here!

Top shelf stuff.. Very bold and very stout. Not for the morning commute to work, but a quality flake for that late evening campfire reconciliation. Tastes like a $20 cigar of the finest damn hickory smoked barbeque you've ever had in your life.. Now that comes from a southern man in West Kentucky itself. A fine flake tobacco indeed.

This is strong stuff and not for the new smoker. Deep, rich, intense flavor with a decent nic hit. As a former maduro cigar smoker, this is in my regular rotation. I strongly recommend trying!

My purchase was a 3.5 oz tin.

Whoa.. I bought after watching a YT vid (Salam from OMS) he just happened to mention "this stuff is good!", I think an old vid too. Figured what the heck I'll order some, and I'm glad I did! I'm loving my very first bowl! Definitely my kind of tobacco.. nothing fancy as far as flavors, burns great, just a nice, full, tobacco taste, smooth, and no bite! This one will immediately be in my top 5!! Thanks Mac Baren!!

Very dark and rich and satisfying highly recommend it.

Big and bold pure tobacco flavor! This is what pipe tobacco supposed to be! Delicious, pure and unadulterated flavor with a great kick. Wow! Newbies beware! If you ain’t prepared to be kicked by a nicotine mule you might want to start slow with this one and work your way up and right after a good meal at that.

If your a latakia lover than you will love this

New to pipe smoking but one of the better tobaccos I tried

I received a one pound box in fine order. A beautiful presentation of about 4” strips/flakes of leather like feel tobacco smelling deliciously like deep BBQ! I find it strong in nicotine with a taste of bold Kentucky flavor and a tad sweet from some Virginia in there. My biggest excitement about BOLD KENTUCKYis that I’m not getting any repercussions from my immediate peanut gallery,(family). This is amazing for me because most strong tobaccos that I like usually get a bad rap at home. This HH blend is worth scarfing up a boatload if before the FDA gets its way

The tobacco is extremely smooth. No bite, the moisture on this order was perfect for me. Rubbed out a bowl and spent the next hour sipping on my Autograph. The order arrived quickly. Only complaint was very poor packaging on whole order. Ceramic canister arrived broken due mostly to all most nonexistant packing in box. One air pillow set on bottom. P&G was quick to offer return & replace. However it is inconvenient to reach UPS store from my house, and since it was a freebie with the tobacco order, I tossed it. Nice looking storage container too. Too bad. Packing has declined significantly on recent orders. Doesn’t matter much on soft, forgiving items like tobacco but is problematic on breakables such as pipes and ceramic/glass items

I smoke maduro cigars. Bold, kick you in the mouth flavor is my favorite. I tried smoking a pipe off and on since I was 19. I like the culture and class of a pipe as much as I like my cigars, but I always felt let down by the weak, dry, and a lot of cases sugary or acidic bite of the mixture. 2 years ago I stumbled upon Bold Kentucky, the answer I’ve been looking for. Its a cigar in the shape of pipe. It’s bold, strong, and finishes your day like you’ve actually accomplished a major feat for humanity. If you like a strong, hulk of flavor, you can’t beat Bold Kentucky.

When I want a stout, satisfying tobacco, this is my go-to blend. It produces lots of thick, rich smoke, and the flavor is wonderful. The tin note is strange, with a lot of ketchup and vinegar aroma. This doesn't really carry through when smoking the tobacco, though. It's not as smokey as I was expecting, and the amount of dark chocolate flavor is a welcome surprise. The nicotine content is high, but not overwhelming. Overall, it is very similar to 1792 Flake, just with chocolate notes and without the tonka bean flavor which characterizes that blend (even though I enjoy the flavor, tonka bean does not agree with me. 1792 flake is the only tobacco that has ever made me sick; it consistently made me nauseous, and after I threw up twice from smoking it, I threw away the rest of the tin. Two year later, I bought another tin and experience similar results). Bold Kentucky is also similar in flavor and nicotine content to Peterson's Irish Flake, just with more chocolaty flavor and without the leathery notes that I enjoy in that tobacco. This is great stuff, and if you are looking for a powerhouse blend to add to your rotation, look no further than Mac Baren's Bold Kentucky.

Tobacco is great, very strong and flavorful. I suggest letting it sit to dry for a bit before packing, it is quite moist, not that that is a bad thing.

A really fine smoke. Comes a little moist for me but a couple weeks in a Mason jar and it burn perfect. Smells fantastic, rich and satisfying flavor.

Love this stuff. Great burley flavor and last a good while

Very well done dark Kentucky flakes. Smells of a well aged balsamic vinegar. These flakes folded or rubbed out are performing wonderfully. Great smooth, slightly smoky taste with a bbq background. Nice nic hit and don't bite at all. Dry out 30 minutes before loading. MacBaren has done a very good job on this offering. As a side note, I am using 6mm filter pipes as a moisture cutter, but I mostly filter all my smokes anyway.

Bold, flavorful, and full bodied, just as advertised. I enjoyed every puff.

Let start by saying, I'm not a smoker. I have always enjoyed the smell of pipe tobacco and the hobby of having the pipe like an accessory is kinda cool. This is the first time I experienced a buzz like I had 2 drinks of bourbon with only half the bowl. Smells good, taste good, but it did make me buzzed for quite a while.

I really enjoy the stout taste of the Bold Kentucky. I plan on making it, well, I have already made it my daily smoke. I'm not real good with description but I will say I love the way it burns for a pretty long time. And it seems to stimulate my sour glands in my mouth sometimes which I like. Weird huh? Anyway it is an awesome strong smoke and I can relax for a good long time after.

A little bit of moisture from the pipe got on my lip while I was smoking. It burned, then it turned numb. Great tobacco.

This is my favorite pipe tobacco. It's bold, full, and a smooth smoke. It's close to a maduro cigar.

Having been a heavy tobacco chewer for 25 years I recently switched to pipe smoking I know what nicotine overdose feels like. I got thru 3/4 of a bowl of this wonderful concoction and had to quit. This was my first non aromatic and I love it,but it kicks like a mule.

A strong tobacco, and it burns evenly. Stays fresh well in the tin. If you're looking for a tobacco to give you an extra kick in the morning then this is it.

Bold Kentucky is one of the best quality stronger blends I have smoked in my 40+ yrs of piping. It even seems to have passed the 'significant other' test. At least I didn't et any static about it so far. Perfect for me right out of the tin. I feel that drying it out some first takes away a little of the taste but to each their own. The flakes are somewhat narrow. But with a strong blend I don't need too awful much for the desired affect. Definitely has that dark-fired aroma and taste and the little VA that is in it tempers the Kentucky's sharpness just enough without decimating it. I prefer to rub out flakes and this one does nicely as it rubs to a small ribbon and is easy to light without any hassle. I DO recommend this blend to veteran smokers. Young pups , er, pipers may get discouraged a bit but hey if you don't like it, jar it up till you become a bit more seasoned.

I cannot stop smoking this. Strong, not overwhelming.

Easy to fold/prepare and good flavor.

Another excellent flake tobacco.This has a bold flavor,but it's never bitter and zero tongue bite.The flakes came s bit damp in the tin,no problems with the lighting and minimal delights compared to other style flakes.Nice flavor,and get a subtle sweetness from the Virginias.The strenght is full,but not overpowering.More stout than other dark Kentucky baccy.Macbaren did a great job on this one.Just a great bold tobacco,give this one a try.

I started smoking pipes at a young age and have returned back to the practice after years of Enjoy the fullest bodied Habano cigars. I find this to be the perfect tobacco for me, it is truly perfect, its tin note reminded me of Copenhagen long cut chewing tobacco, but it is a nice medium bodied smoke. i truly love it!

Very full bodied. Great flavor, especially if you go easy on it. It is strong and develops more nicotine down the bowl. Not an all day smoke by any means but a good book and this blend = turn the light out zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

Just mixed this with borkum riff bourbon and find it an excellent compliment to each other. A Kentucky on Kentucky effect.

Just mixed this with borkum riff bourbon and find it an excellent compliment to each other. A Kentucky on Kentucky effect.

I agree wholeheartedly when Mac Baren says this is their strongest tobacco to date. Very similar to the likes of their ODF but with much less of a vinegar smell from the tin and definitely more potent. A slightly sweet tobacco aroma is the tin note for this one and nothing else. I smoked this fresh from the tin and although it did require a few relights, it did not smoke wet. Irish Flake has always been a favorite of mine and that is the benchmark for my comparison. I've noticed since KK no longer blends IrF, that its overall quality for me has dropped a bit. Still a good smoke, but not the same anymore. Enter HHBK. A great natural tasting tobacco with a very strong - but not harsh in any way - presence. A very full tasting, nicotine laced flake for sure. Needs to be smoked slowly and with thought or the nicotine will leave you with a lump in your chest. Same taste profile from the beginning to the end of the bowl. Nothing fancy, just good tobacco as it was meant to be smoked. If you like a good, stout and dark flake, this is the one. For me, it was Kentucky all the way as I could not detect any of the Virginia presence other than for the slight sweetness in the smoke. Kudos to MacBaren. Simply excellent and 5 starts!!

Very good offering from MacBaren. If you like the unspoilt taste of good and pure tobacco this will fit the bill. For fans of Irish Flake, Stirling Flake, Highland Sliced. Very satisfying in a good tobacco way.

Awsome tobacco for a great after dinner smoke.

This is my favorite so far. Bought this just to test my taste, been smoking some mediums and medium-fulls, I would have to put this above night cap. It is a little moist, I couldn't wait to try it though. I didn't taste any leathery/earthy flavors to it, it all combines well with me IMHO. The tin note reminds me of some flavorful jerky, the room note not overwhelming, my wife love to tell me when I try a new tobacco. This will definitely stay in my rotation as long as I can keep it in stock.

This stuff is Magical. I've only recently come back to the pipe after a 35 year hiatus and I don't claim any great sophistication of palette or technique, but this tobacco tastes differently in each pipe I've tried and with each method of preparation and packing I've tried. It does tend to smoke wet, though and, if I can resist it's temptation, I think I will let it dry out a bit before the next bowl. Of course, it's not a cheap smoke, but it is well worth the premium.

Excellent offering in the HH series. A well balanced full strength blend like Old Dark Fired on steroids. Tangy, earthy, and slightly sweet.

Just to put it simply , this blend has a great taste, smoky bold Kentucky and a bit of sweet from Virginias. Not sweet like sugar but it takes some of the bold taste from the Kentucky without sacrificing strength which is something I really appreciate. Small thin strips that rub out very easily and light rather well right from the tin, I guess bein's they're so thinly sliced taking a light is no problem. I've smoked up two tins and for me that really says something for a newer blend especially from MB

I find this very tasty and flavorful. Like eating an excellent piece of prize winning bbq