Hickory was another of those "all-day" type of over-the-counter blends. It was made of mellow Burley and had a subtle fruity note. It was enjoyed by many across the US for decades, but it fell victim to the axe a while back. We received enough inquiries about Hickory that we asked Russ Ouellette to do his best to come up with his own version, which we now call MATCH Hickory. This subtly aromatic blend is so reminiscent of the original that a customer who was a long-time Hickory fan gave it the thumbs-up. One comment that we received during testing was that MATCH Hickory had the right flavor, but the quality of the tobacco in the match version is better and is less "bitey" than the original.
Due to pending regulations, this blend is being discontinued. Stock up before it's gone!
Love at first sniff. And the flavor delivers as well. Pleasant smoke to be around and compliments every other tobacco I've mixed and matched with. This is definitely going to become a staple.
4 out of 5
Nice smooth smoke
Sep 04, 2020
Match Hickory is a smooth, flavorful smoke. Never having tried the drug store version I cannot comment on whether it is truly a match. But whatever, it is a decent smoke at a good price. I like to add a bit of Black Cavendish to tone it down a little as it seems to have a fairly high nicotine content. But either way you prefer it, it is a nice relaxing smoke and I will buy more, no doubt. Super fast shipping and low price at P&C makes it even more tempting.
5 out of 5
Flavorful and fruity.
Jul 24, 2020
A very good tasting blend. Pouch note was fruity and had a lot of moisture. Packed well, but require a lot of relights. Should do better once it's dried out a bit. Taste wise, it was delicious, the flavor stayed in the smoke through out the burn. It'll be in my regular rotation for sure.
4 out of 5
I think the tobacco is of higher quality than the old Hickory
Jul 08, 2020
I'm a old time Hickory ( OTC of the past lover so I'm a HARD one to please) smoker , and I think this come close to the original. I will say the tobacco is of better quality, its missing just a little something?? Maybe with a little time and a few more bowls I'll find it in here ?? Still a lovely blend that makes a old timer HAPPY to have again !!!! Thank You !!!!!
4 out of 5
Smooth
Mar 29, 2020
Smooth smoke, a little bite, but not too much. I will get more.
3 out of 5
In the middle
Aug 23, 2019
This was just an ok blend. I use it as my back up when I'm out of other blends
3 out of 5
Slight taste of hickory
Feb 17, 2019
Clean & bright, w/ a slight taste of hickory. A light smoke, not too heavy.
3 out of 5
It's ok but
Sep 03, 2018
not what i hoped for did not smell or taste great but to a more sophisticated smoker i guess this would be good.
5 out of 5
Better than the original...
May 28, 2018
… again, another match that exceeds the original...smooth, no bite, and nice aroma make this a worthy smoke!
5 out of 5
I think you got it!
Oct 20, 2017
Haven't smoked a pipe, in some time...then I saw that Pipe and Cigars now tries to match the old Hickory brand. The original of anything is hard to make perfect, but....
It looked like Hickory...it smelled like Hickory...and it smoked like Hickory!
Almost perfect!
5 out of 5
Good Old Hickory
Jun 10, 2017
I think you nailed it. I smoked Hickory many years ago and smoking this, is as close to the original as I think you could get.
Good job!!
5 out of 5
Easy to Use Wonderful help when needed
Feb 27, 2017
Fell in love with the set up and selection of product. The folk who run this place have those who are very helpful when trying to figure out what to look for when mixing tobacco.
3 out of 5
Not quite the same.
Dec 20, 2016
I smoked Hickory for many years and as I remember it was a blend of Burley and Virginia flake. When I opened the match I didn't get the same aroma and the blend is quite different. The closest thing now to the original is Middleton's Cherry Blend but doesn't have the nutty flavor that Hickory had.
5 out of 5
Very Nice
Nov 21, 2016
Having never tried the original, I was impressed with this right out of the bag. But when blended 50/50 with Lane BCA is when it really came alive for me. A very pleasant creamy nut flavor. Will definitely will be getting more as I tend to smoke it all day!
2 out of 5
Dry, Hot, and Odoriferous
Aug 31, 2016
Although P&C's delivery was, as always, efficient and timely, I will not be purchasing Match Hickory again. The tobacco was dry, it stung my tongue, and it reeked. It can't be mixed with any other tobacco ruing that tobacco. The two stars are for the service, which was really a 5-star job. The product, however, earned no stars and a very negative impression.
3 out of 5
Not a true match
Aug 24, 2016
I was hoping for a match, but this is not it. It is good in it's own right, but it is not the same. The original was a little denser more of a cube cut and when you opened the pouch the aroma was as though someone had spilled cherry flavored cough syrup on it. I know that sounds disgusting but it was a OTC brand. The original could have a bit of a bite and to it's credit this does not. The original would smoke on the wet side if not gooey - this smokes better. Overall this is a much better blend than the original, but it is not a true match.
5 out of 5
MATCH HICKORY
Aug 07, 2016
I never had the opportunity to try the original, so I have nothing to compare it to. I enjoyed it. I can taste the tobacco and it's accompanied by a pleasant fruit like flavor. I love all of Middleton's tobaccos that I've tried, so it was definitely worth it. It was the perfect moisture level straight out of the bag and burned down nicely. No tongue bite or goop in my pipe. It will ghost a pipe though, so I would suggest smoking it from a cob, or a pipe that's already sweet.
5 out of 5
Match Hickory
May 29, 2016
Match Hickory when smoking is very close to the original, but when opening the packet, the aroma seems different, also I think the cut should be more like the old Middleton cut, with some flakes. Hickory was one of my favorites, & Match Hickory is a very close replica!
4 out of 5
Nice
May 02, 2016
I have never had the original, but I thought this was probably a good representation of what I of the description & what I would have expected from the original.
5 out of 5
Back and better than ever.
May 01, 2016
This is simply outstanding. If you liked the original Middleton version, you will love this.
5 out of 5
Good all day smoke
Apr 25, 2016
Hickory match is just simply a good smoke! No bite with this blend. Has a good pouch note of nuts and fruit. I purchased a half pound of it just because Russ O. blended the stuff. I will most assuredly purchase more to jar up for aging. Great job guys.
5 out of 5
MATCH Hickory
Apr 22, 2016
I never had the original Middleton Hickory, so I have nothing to compare it to. Not a bad tobacco. It's got a nice sweet smell when opening the pouch. Almost a fig type aroma, or maybe a sweet liquor. It's rough cut and medium brown in color. Burns nice, slight sweetness to it, but you can still taste the tobacco. No tongue bite or goopy leftovers in the bowl. Burns down to a fine white ash. I would compare it to a lighter Sir Walter Raleigh Aromatic--in a good way. Still on the fence as to whether I would keep this one around. Maybe if H&H would put it in their Mid-Town series and offer it in tubs, as it's a little pricey by the ounce. I'm still hoping they do a match for Kentucky Club Mild. Anyway, I think it's a good tobacco. Happy smoking . . .
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