Mac Baren HH Latakia Flake starts with fine Cyprian Latakia and specially selected Virginias with superb small-leaf Orientals to which a touch of Burley is added. It is pressed into a flake and sliced, so it can be prepared to suit the tastes of the smoker. If you enjoy Latakia blends, HH Latakia Flake should be on your radar.
Please note: The bulk version of HH Latakia Flake comes in 16 oz. box.
I use to be a Mac Baren fan back 20+ years ago when I use to get their tobaccos below cost. Since then I seemed to lose interest in their blends. Then I gave this flake a try. I was impressed how smooth it smoked, even if you puffed on it hard. I would say a better tobacco for sipping. Burns long and consistent. A medium bodied tobacco. In my opinion, could use a bit more Latakia but still very enjoyable. No complaints from other patrons in the bars that I frequent and allowed to smoke in. Many reviews mentioned to dry out the tobacco for a better smoking experience. To my tastes, I found it more enjoyable of a smoke when it's a little moist. Straight out of the can moist. To dry and it rubs out too fine and creates too much heat. To each their own. I love to rub out my tobaccos to the burning consistency that I prefer. Almost done with this time. Will buy the largest quantity box that's available from Pipes And Cigars. It smokes great in my Tsuge Ikebana Pipe. I hope when I build up a cake with this tobacco, it enriches the flavor more. Only time will tell. After smoking this HH blend I will be trying the other Mac Baren HH Blends.
4 out of 5
Smooth Latakia Blend!
Mar 01, 2023
I use to be a Mac Baren fan back in the 90's but lost interest in there tobaccos. As time went on, I found myself liking more tobacco plugs and flakes. I'm still smoking Pelican by Butera and still have many tins aging away. To me, that tobacco is a very strong and flavorful English/Oriental blend. So I saw this Mac Baren HH Latakia Flake, read the reviews and decided to give it a try. I was very impressed how this tobacco smoked. Very smooth with no bite on the palate. Reading many reviews about this tobacco, they mentioned that you will truly enjoy this blend if you sip it instead of drawing on it heavily. I'm a heavy drawer and love to build up lots of heat in my tobacco. But I did try to teach myself to sip this tobacco. Sipping creates a totally different flavor compared to drawing heavy on it. I like smoking it both ways but tend to try to sip it more. It is a very slow burning tobacco with a nice light greyish ash or dottle. However, I did give it 4 stars instead of 5 because I'm a very heavy fan of Latakia and the Latakia in this tobacco wasn't really pronounced. To me, this blend was more of a mild English smoking blend then many of the various heavier Latakia blends that I smoke. Though for the quality of the tobacco slices, can presentation, room fragrance and large bellowing clouds of smoke this produces, I would have to give it 5 stars. But for the lack of heavy Latakia flavoring, I gave it 4 stars. Though, I don't know if the blend was intended to be a heavy, mild or light English. I may be wrong, but I also noticed a lower level of nicotine in this blend. You can take my review with a grain of salt as I do for other reviewers. My taste buds are different than others and seem to change every 5 or so years. But I would recommend this blend to someone entering into the English world. I'd rate it more of a light to medium English blend. Tootles and 73's to those who know what that means. ;)
5 out of 5
The heat from the mixture
Nov 29, 2022
The heat from the mixture is easy to control, a definite plus, when compared to the aromatics. More importantly, the unique Latakia flavor comes through loud and strong. If that special taste and aroma is important to you, this is a must.
5 out of 5
So Good
Oct 23, 2022
perfection! pairs well with a slow smoked brisket and peated scotch.
5 out of 5
Very Nice
Oct 07, 2022
My favorite morning smoke, great with a cup of coffee.
If you haven't tried HH Latakia Flake, your missing out.
5 out of 5
Great straight and blended
Mar 19, 2022
Very satisfying flavor with hints of wood and leather. Great for blending or all by itself, it definitely hits the spot if you care for the taste of Latakia.
5 out of 5
One of my all time
Jan 26, 2022
One of my all time favorites. Delicious, smooth smoke with a nice nic hit and flavor galore. Easily a 5 star as is most of the HH line.
5 out of 5
It's a real nice blend.
Nov 10, 2021
It's a real nice blend. Smokes well by itself or as something to add to other tobacco's.
5 out of 5
A Flavorful Blend
Sep 20, 2021
It's a very flavorful blend. I sometimes get some moisture so I usually have a pipe cleaner around. I find cakes and flakes to be quite moist but worth the extra effort because of the taste. This blend is definitely top of my list.
5 out of 5
Almost as good as pirate
Sep 16, 2021
Almost as good as pirate kake
5 out of 5
Musty and luscious
Jul 06, 2021
I got the feeling with this that this is what English was like back in the day, had I been a pipe smoker that far back. It's nice and musty, oily, a man's smoke. Let it dry a bit. The sour orientals are prominent. It's not a lat bomb. It's balanced. I plan to get a pound of this stuff.
5 out of 5
The best since the Black
Jul 05, 2021
The best since the Black Balkan Sobranie of the 1970’s. Rich, intense, and long in the bowl. Love to smoke it in an aged Peterson meerschaum.
5 out of 5
Outstanding. Rich and robust, smokes
Mar 11, 2021
Outstanding. Rich and robust, smokes forever. Reminds me of the black Balkan Sobranie I smoked in Dublin in the seventies.
5 out of 5
Absolutely perfect English blend with
Mar 04, 2021
Absolutely perfect English blend with no bite whatsoever. Packaging is super convenient for traveling as well. Will definitely be stocking up on this for the cellar.
5 out of 5
NOW we're talking!
Nov 14, 2020
This is absolutely one of my favorite Latakia blends. I normally think of Latakia as not having subtleties or nuances to it... is an out-front and instantly recognized flavor, right? Well..... this one has nuances and complexities that make it super interesting. Whenever i load my bowl and start smoking it, I always think "NOW we're talking!!"
5 out of 5
What i like about flake
Nov 03, 2020
What i like about flake tobacco is how it keeps the flavor and moisture better than most other cuts. It takes a little effort to grind it up by hand before you can smoke it, but its worth the extra patience, and it keeps its moisture even if you leave it out in the cold.
It has a strong bite to it, and after a few puffs you get a strong nicotine buzz, perfect for after dinner or with a mug of cold ale.
4 out of 5
MacBaren Latakia Fflake
Oct 20, 2020
love it
5 out of 5
Excellent Latakia
Oct 01, 2020
Excellent Latakia
4 out of 5
A little light on the
Sep 27, 2020
A little light on the latakia.
5 out of 5
Yes
Sep 20, 2020
Dark mystery of rustic Latakia. Pensive deep smoke. But not too heavy either. Bold and not overpowering.
5 out of 5
Yes please
Aug 08, 2020
Pretty good. Im actually using it now with a pinch of a cornell & diehl. Enjoyable. Smooth and strong.
5 out of 5
Mac Baren HH Latakia Flake
Jul 29, 2020
Full bodied Latakia flavor !
5 out of 5
HH Latakia Flake
Apr 26, 2020
A very good tobacco, just about the right blend of Virginia and Latakia. Will purchase again.
5 out of 5
Very enjoyable smoke
Feb 19, 2020
This blend has a good balance of Latakia with bright Virginia notes that lift and lighten the blend. Comes off sweet and brings out some of the sophisticate Smokey notes of the Latakia. Cedar and incense tones throughout. Smokes better folded than rubbed in my opinion. Very good blend, sweet and satisfying.
3 out of 5
Not a bad tobacco if you like Latakia and Burley
Jan 13, 2020
I've found I'm not a big fan of Burley or Latakia, so this was no one of my favorites. But I still smoked it and enjoyed it.
5 out of 5
Is great, as I remember,
Jan 08, 2020
Is great, as I remember, from 50 years ago, previous enjoyed product.!
5 out of 5
Mac Baren HH Latakia Flake
Dec 10, 2019
Smooth and perfect tobacco,
5 out of 5
HH Latalia Flake
Jul 19, 2019
Top flight all the way. Medium/mild Latakia mixture. The burley plays a roll but it is in the background adding just that little extra something. Exceedingly pleasant. Load up the boat.
4 out of 5
A great smoke
Jul 14, 2019
The taste is amazing. The first bowl I smoked was in a fresh new pipe. The taste was amazing, the smoke thick and the room note exquisite. I will definitely buy more in the future.
5 out of 5
Tasty stuff
Jul 07, 2019
Pretty good! Solid flavor.
5 out of 5
HH Latakia Flake
Jan 14, 2019
One of the the 2 finest tobacco I've ever smoked. The other is PS Luxury Navy Flake. I like mixing them, but sometimes I smoke just the Latakia. Pretty much tobacco perfection.
5 out of 5
Mac Baren HH Latakia Flake
Dec 28, 2018
Wow this tobacco really amazing, I love latakia, but this is something different.
5 out of 5
Great Tobacco!
Dec 25, 2018
The Latakia Flake is an awesome treat, as it was my first non aeromatic. One might think that it would be a meal in a pipe however, it was a light smoke, but bold enough to let you know it is there. Great with a cup of tea and honey!
4 out of 5
Solid Dark and Good
Dec 23, 2018
Nice dark smoke no bite, good nic, smokes well rubbed out or folded stuffed.
I like it anytime. This is a contemporary classic, a unique example of it's type, worth buying an extra tin. Hope they keep making it. Enjoy.
4 out of 5
Best flake I have tried
Nov 29, 2018
I am probably not the best one to rate this, because thus far I have not really loved ANY flake. I tried this several ways, but completely shredded is the way I liked it best. It has a nice room, good taste, mild and no bite. Someone who prefers flake would probably give this five stars.
5 out of 5
Quality Flake
Nov 27, 2018
Quality Flake
4 out of 5
HH Latakia flake review
Nov 17, 2018
Just a little bit sharp on my tongue other than that it’s a really nice tobacco full of Smokey flavor that I love
4 out of 5
Latakia flake
Sep 09, 2018
Good tobacco nice smell. A little strong for me. But it is very nice
4 out of 5
Nice smoke
Jul 29, 2018
It takes me a while to decide; first impressions are not lasting with pipe tobacco. My first impression with this smoke is positive. I like the flavor of the tobacco, the aroma is nice, the tin is cool and the neatly portioned flakes score excellent for OCD.
5 out of 5
HH Latakia Flake
Jul 05, 2018
Sweet and smokey and smoothe.
5 out of 5
Great stuff
Mar 16, 2018
Love this stuff
5 out of 5
Great tobacco
Jan 25, 2018
The tin I bought was 3.5 years old, amazing smoke, the Virginia's really started adding a sweetness to the latakia. Very pleasant smoke.
5 out of 5
Delicious Flake
Jan 01, 2018
Latakia Flake has become my favorite pipe tobacco. I tend toward virginia flakes and this to me tastes like a virginia flake with a hint of latakia. There is a sweet tartness that comes out if you place it on the side of your tongue. It needs some drying, but I find most leaf does. No reason to buy the tin when you can get a pound. If you like rich and sweet virginias then this will not disappoint.
5 out of 5
Mild and Smooth!
Dec 13, 2017
Excellent latakia flavor, but yet on the mild side and with low nicotine level. If you're looking for something on the stronger side, this one might not be for you. This is the perfect mild and easy-going latakia blend - very nice!
5 out of 5
Puffing since 1968. Tried beaucoup Latakia blends in those many years. Some are very good: Nightcap, Early Morning but this is by far the best. I love to some this as a stand-alone after bowls of various other non aromatics. Price is great too if you buy the 16 oz. package. Oh and you can blend this with anything that suits you. A fantastic tobacco.
Oct 23, 2017
Simply the Best
5 out of 5
HH Latakia Flake
Oct 17, 2017
Spicy, smoky, I've been trying to smoke it plain, but 50/50 of HH Latakia Flake with Stokkebye's Luxury Navy Flake is the best smoke I've ever had.
5 out of 5
Must have some around all the time.
May 31, 2017
Not my daily smoke, but that doesn't detract from it's great taste. I reserve this for my smaller bowl "flake pipes" as I think the flake size is perfect for folding and stuffing. I give a flake about 2hours drying time for the best results.
The taste is rich and smooth, burns well and the aroma has a campfire/cedar/perfume feel to it. Wonderful stuff.
5 out of 5
Another masterfully blended..... er blend from Mac Baren.
Mar 09, 2017
This is just too perfect. Smokes like a dream taste even better and all be it a latakia blend it is not a bomb! If you like Lat... this is perfect!
5 out of 5
Wonderful blend
Mar 04, 2017
What a great flake baccy! I find that it's a bit moist out of the tin, but with a little time to dry before I fold and stuff, it's wonderful stuff. Almost "incense-like" in it's taste and aroma, it's become one of my favorite blends. Works best in a small bowl for me.
5 out of 5
Amazing!
Aug 09, 2016
Delicious and cool, it smokes great by itself but I prefer to mix 1 flake each of this and HH Old Dark Fired for a truly wonderful smoke.
4 out of 5
fine flakes
Jul 29, 2016
I would give a 4 stars only.Out of tin it was a very promising smell but spoiled but some sourness,test was the same -yes ,camp fire and vine vingr ...bad aftertest.After two weeks i load up bowl and all smoky camp fire and other bad smells has been disapears and flakes turns in too simple oriental smoke instead of latakia...i smoked it in calabash,and it was smooth and cool,yes ,but its even not near to balkan style,maybe my tin was not right not sure,but flake are fine looking one's
5 out of 5
Lust for Latakia
Jul 22, 2016
Like many pipe smokers i like Latakia. This particular blend is so satisfying that i have to be careful not to have "just one more bowl" before the say ends. I would rate this one in my top 3 tobacco favorites
4 out of 5
Karl Waechtler
Apr 26, 2016
I found this blend in a pipe shop in Birmingham, "The Briary" who offered free sample. I smoed it and bought it. I liked so much that I reordere it frm Pipe & cigars, my regular shop
5 out of 5
It was in stock !!!!
Feb 25, 2016
I wish I could write a review worth reading. The amazing thing about this pipe tobacco was that it was available. Thanks.
3 out of 5
Latakia Lite
Jan 12, 2016
With a name like Latakia Flake, it requires more Latakia
5 out of 5
Very good Flake
Jan 07, 2016
I really like the HH Latakia Flake. I like to put it in a canning jar right when I get it and leave it alone for a week or 2. This brings the moisture content down and help mellow out the blend a little bit as well. This also helps avoid multiple re-lights. I have yet to smoke an HH blend I didn't like. MacBaren is spot on with this blend. A must try in my opinion.
3 out of 5
Nice Flavor, but wish it was stronger.
Jan 01, 2016
Tried it for the first time because I’m partial to Latakia. Mild and pleasant, though it reminds me of aromatic tobaccos because of its very mild nature. I like it, but I was hoping it would be heavier on the latakia and have a much stronger flavor.
5 out of 5
Delicious
Nov 24, 2015
My favorite Latakia blend by far. I now buy it by the pound & break up about 2oz. at a time into a plastic pouch. An extremely smooth and tasty smoke. I've tried all the HH blends and this is by fa the best tasting.
5 out of 5
Mighty fine
Sep 05, 2015
I guess my title says it all. I like flake tobacco, and this one instantly went to the top of my list. A bit stout, so beginners beware. It is very easy to keep burning. Like the other Mac Baren flakes, this one is usually just a bit moist right out of the tin. A trifle. If you like Latakia blends give this one a whirl.
5 out of 5
A perfect flake that's ready-to-go.
Aug 22, 2015
An excellent flake. Strikes me as perfectly matured right out of the tin. Smoky with a light brown-grassy sweetness that builds to dark raisin notes in the last third with the slightest hint of spices throughout. No bite, very clean on the tongue. The smoke gets richer and so does the flavor as the bowl progresses. Definitely worth every penny. Pairs well with a nice dark espresso for a great morning bowl. Trouble is after starting the day with this, you'd better have some nice selections for the rest of the day. This is one hard act to follow.
Customer Testimonials
This one is a winner! Very smooth and smokey with a fantastic taste. Also a very easy flake to rub out. I'll be buying the bigger tin next time, Excellent!
TD of W. Glover, VT
First off, the description on the tin is dead on correct. You get the latakia at first then the sweetness, and some spice from time to time. When i first open this tin I was intoxicated by the smell of the latakia and ( to me ) the fruity aroma smell of this tobacco. I have to say this latakia blend is on my top 5 list to smoke. I will also say this latakia FLAKE is my number 1 flake to smoke ( Top Shelf ). Don`t waste your time buying the 50 grams tin, just go ahead and pay the extra money and get the 100 grams tin. You will not regret it. 4.75 out of 5 stars in my book.
AW of Corsicana, TX
Latakia is upfront with some spiciness from the orientals in the background that blend well with mellow sweet Virginias. Its a nice smoke it is a bit wet out of the tin I would recommend sitting on this for awhile before smoking. If you like smokey Latakia blends you will like this smoke. I would buy this again but buy the bigger tin , throw it into a airtight container and let it sit for a couple of weeks
AS of huntington, IN
Very smooth and tasty smoke. If you like latakia, you owe it to yourself to give this one a try.
JP of Clarkston, WA
Wow! Amazing pretty much describes it, my number two favorite alongside ODF. Black House by H&H has met its match for me.
JA of Slocomb, AL
Just WOW! This is a Mac Baren home run. It's delicious from top to bottom, and I have a very difficult time trying not to smoke the entire bowl in 2 minutes. Definitely moved to the top of my list. Thank you Mac Baren!
JB of Conowingo, MD
I received a sample of this Latakia flake expecting some serious smokey flavor. Even though it contains latakia I guess I expected a what they call "Lat bomb". It wasn't quite that but it is slightly spicy,sweet,creamy and smooth with a hint of smokiness. The tin presentation alone is impressive. A little higher priced but the tin weighs more than your average circle tin. When you smoke it you'll see it's worth every penny. Great blend.
JA of Greendale, WI
The tin note was of the smoky Latakia. I have been anxiously waiting the release of this blend since Per Jensen talked about it on Pipesmagazine.com Radio Show. This is definitely a Latakia forward blend, but that is not a necessarily bad thing. On the charring light and the true light the smokiness of the Latakia was right there. A little further down the bowl the spiciness of the Orientals joined with the smokiness of the Latakia. Next the sweet grass of the Virginians joined in. HH Latakia Flake smoked down to a fine gray ash with no dottle. It stayed lit with out any re-lights. This flake is all that I had hoped for and I will be stocking up my cellar. I would highly recommend HH Latakia Flake any pipe smoke that truly enjoys both flakes and Latakia.
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