Review - MacBaren Mixture (Scottish Blend)

[@benjamincarter6095]

This channel deserves to be archived for a generation. A great man, with an amazing daughter who makes it possible for us to still hang out with a dear old friend.

[@Matches860]

You are so kind

[@blueballs4603]

@@Matches860i m going through the channel every day before bed time and after a bowl of tobacco. It helps me to sleep.

[@robertthompsonii6657]

So glade johns channel is still with us! Thank you for whoever is keeping his channel operating! We all greatly appreciate it!

[@bl8948]

Thank you Katie for continuing to share your wonderful father with the YTPC family and those yet to meet and appreciate him as so many have. God bless you and your mom.

[@keithparr8483]

Still miss ya John. Thanks for all the great memories. RIP my friend

[@Cheeseybacun]

I am a new pipe smoker, probably been at it for about 2 months now and discovered your channel about 3 weeks ago. At this stage I am only smoking on weekends but I must say I love your videos, the ultra laid back presentation is fantastic, it is so ultra relaxed and chilled out. I play a different video every time I fire up a bowl. If you ever find yourself in Chambersburg, PA, (home of J. M. Boswell) do let me know and I will make sure you are squared away.

[@orthchris]

I bought this in bulk as well. The smell is less than to be desired, but I love the flavor and mustache note it gives. To me it burns a bit hot and is bitey, but if you let it dry before packing and use a bent or something with a filter it really helps. Definitely something you want to sip and not freight train. Thanks for the review.

[@xGORRIT]

My father used to smoke this when I was really young. Every time when I smoke it when he is around he starts talking about those days. Thanks for another great video, John. Take care

[@Matches860]

xGORRIT What amazes me is the casing sweetness works so well that you think that it's coming from the leaf...it's so well done in my opinion.

[@lochlainnmacneill2870]

Hi John. 27th May 2022. Just got my first tin of MacBaren Scottish Blend, and a brand new Savinelli Porto Cervo 677ks pipe, from my Nigerian friend here in Lagos, Nigeria. Your passing was a terrible shock. I miss you and your wonderful tales. RIP my friend.

[@beans316]

I just opened this up while on vacation this week , I really like a lot

[@lencycler1]

thanks for making my day...I normally only have 2 flavors on hand and you named both of them...Virginia No 1 and Golden Sliced.....

[@josefeld7164]

Thanks for the review, lovely garden and beautiful pipe you got there. I am thinking of buying this one (The mcbaren mixture) as my first pipe tobacco, together with a Classic, staight Vauen pipe. I only smoked a corncob twice a few years ago using a very strong wine tobacco and got frustrated fairly quickly.

[@Matches860]

Yes, this is a very easy blend to smoke. Hope you enjoy it!

[@josefeld7164]

Matches860 Thank you, I'll definitly give it a try.

[@rossanofabro]

Thankyou, a really great review.I'm just struck with the depth of the pipe tobacco experience. You would never hear these description s regarding cigarettes. Looks like a great setting for a smoke. All the best

[@tobaccojohn9664]

Cigarettes have garbage tobacco in them. Completely different from real tobacco.

[@lochlainnmacneill2870]

You chill me out my friend. After a hard day I feel better.

[@Matches860]

Lochlainn Mac Neill It's the best time of the week for me as well! Thanks for watching!

[@vincesun3463]

Great review ! Thank you for posting . I get the same from Scottish Mixture in that it changes hues so to speak. Its never the same back to back but always good. I never had it goop up at all. I too smoke it when i need a break from other tobaccos. Thanks for the review buddy !

[@Matches860]

Vince Sun Thank you Vince! I have really found this to be a wonderful "break" tobacco. I just got my tastes back and I'm sure this has helped my buds take a break.

[@bartholomewfotheringay-phi5683]

Great remarks, John. For me Mixture has always been the absolute best treatment for rejuvenating the taste buds. There's something about it that reminds me of autumn leaves, even though a huge number of other subtle flavours emerge over time. I started off hating it, but now it's my mainstay. Fortunately the bulk looks, smells and tastes identical to the tinned version. At least judging by the 5 lb bags I've purchased. My wife tells me that Mixture smells very good, which for her is noteworthy. It's the best all-around pipe tobacco I've found, and seems to do well any time of day in any pipe. Hard to say that about any other pipe tobacco, even though Mixture is kind of 'middle of the road' in many categories. Cheers and Mellow Puffs, Mark

[@Matches860]

Bartholomew Fotheringay-Phipps Oh yes, this for me is a superior autumn blend and as you say, does very well all day long. I might well keep some of this around all the time.

[@matthewgabbard6415]

Ive been smoking on a tin of this for a couple of weeks. This stuff is very different. I get a floral note when I first light it up which doesn't stay the whole bowl. It tastes a bit like strawberries and cream in the beginning too. This stuff is very complex, and is one of those tobaccos that change several times during the journey through the bowl. I just learned that the Mac Baren Original Cavendish is made from Dark Fired Ky, and you can taste it in a lot of their blends. They do a Modern Cavendish too that is just a regular BC. It's interesting because they have two versions of some of their blends, one with each type of Cavendish i.e. Mixtur Modern, and Mosern Virginia. Pretty neat idea

[@Matches860]

Very strange stuff indeed! I was addicted to this for several months as nothing else in the tobacco world could even come close to satisfying me. Something finally snapped and I went back to burley. I had a bowl of Scottish Blend the other day and there was nothing remarkable about it. Smoking is a mystery!

[@TheRoomNote]

I have a few oz's jarred up in the cupboard I've only had one bowl but I got a heavy Liptons Iced tea flavor. I know it makes no sense but thats what the first thing that came to my mind when tasting it. I need to crack the jar up, I bet it will be tasty during this heat wave we have been having. Cheers!

[@morycatthews6846]

Matches860 That pipe fits you so well. Glad you've found a blend that you enjoy. Always nice to find a nice alternative from the usuals. Great, relaxing video as always. I hope all is well.

[@Matches860]

I typically go through a slump in the heat of the summer, so this will get me through it I believe. Thanks for joining me!

[@PaulBielicki]

John - great review. I have some of this I purchased from my local B&M who happens to sell it in bulk. I only bought a little because I'm slowly branching away from Latakia blends, but I have to say it's growing on me. I rub it out a bit before packing. It seems to stay lit better that way. I find it's a good, milder smoke when I don't want my taste buds slapped around by a strong English (which I do actually love). Thanks for the review.

[@Matches860]

Paul Bielicki Oh yes! Between the hot weather and burnt out taste buds, I'm finding this to be a terrific way to still enjoy a good puff. I'll be back to normal in no time!

[@mikeyo5018]

Thanks John regarding the camera details coming through loud and clear. Dogs and parrots house here so perhaps i was never likely to enjoy the feline Scottish blend ..i just cant get past the HH range (shame to have stopped production the HH highland and mature virginia blends though i luckily still a few tins left) the plumcake, solent mixture and dark twist (which i think much better than the scottish blend and it too is also cased). This is the range why i love Mac Barens also its accessabilty and affordability. Must have a look out for the Burley London Blend though wary; i may well want to have a good sniff first. Im too looking forward a break in August take care and look forward a Matches tale soon.

[@backcountrypipe]

Classic summer video, love the birds in the background. Cat piss. LMFAO! I enjoyed a tin of this one summer a few years back. I really enjoyed it from what I remember and I believe it is one of the original MB blends. Don't work too hard. Regards Mark

[@Matches860]

backcountrypipe I'm really amazed with it, but it would be nicer in the autumn. Trying to slow down, but work is probably keeping me alive.

[@glenm5034]

Thanks for the review. It's been a long time since Yours Truly has smoked the Scottish blend. By the way, just cracked open Fusilier's Ration which is similar to Bengal Slices, only complaint is that the top paper insert, between the white paper and lid is inked on both sides and some of the ink was stuck on the tobacco. Will be sending the insert back to the merchant to give them the heads up.

[@Matches860]

Glen M I could easily smoke Fusiliers Ration again, like so many other blends, I found it a terrific smoke. Many thanks for watching!

[@karagor1689]

your videos are very relaxing :)

[@Matches860]

+gimli284 More so for me I'm sure! I look forward to taking this time each week to get lost in a story or ramble.

[@jefflowry4896]

Thanks for the vid, John! I bought MacBaren's Scottish Blend in a big order I mentioned in a reply on a more recent video. I ordered it because of having watched this video earlier. What different tobacco companies term Scottish blends seem to differ a great deal. In my early pipe days, I liked a Scottish blend that my local brick& mortar called "Ivanhoe" aaYhey quotes offering it; as few people bought it. This comes the closest to my memory of that blend. I REALLY like it. The cat piss comment was interesting. I did not get that from smelling this. Will gave to smoke It around my fiance and see if she notices the cat piss odor. Funny, that is what one reviewer said about Sutliff's 515 RC 1 (their version of 5100 Red Cake. I am enjoying that too but aaO seem to get more of a nic hit from the 515 (ainterestingly enough 515 was my area code for decades [ central Iowa]). Mr. Rovara's remake about your shirt cracked me up. With the dawn of smart phones and the need for glasses I also have a no pocket/no sale policy😎. Hope you and your family have a good Thanksgiving !!!

[@Matches860]

I think tobacco can do weird things to people. I have yet to have a Lakeland with a soapy taste, yet many describe them that way. I have people telling me a certain blend has a strong licorice flavor, but I don't taste it. The cat piss may smell like popcorn to everyone else, I don't know LOL

[@matthewgabbard6415]

I'm curious about rum topped blends. Any suggestions? Also Barbary Coast by G.L. Pease looks interesting with its Brandy topping. Hmm

[@scottrutan837]

As always enjoyed your review. Man I gotta get me a sav church warden. Looks very comfortable. Look forward to your next video! Thank you John

[@Matches860]

Scott Rutan Because it doesn't fit in the pipe cabinet, I always forget about it as an option. It really makes for a relaxing, cool smoke

[@to2055]

Thanks for reminding me of this blend, which I really like but haven't smoked for ages (it feels). Calming video with the birds singing... :-) Have a great week end, Tobias

[@markstengel7680]

Enjoyed your review of Mac Baren's Mixture "Scottish Blend" have now a week of in December. A wonderful fragrance & taste I've not experienced in my new enjoyment of Pipe Tobacco Smoking. At this time use a cob looking to upgrade to a Peterson maybe a Dracula #68 or #69. I have watched your reviews and value what you say as a experienced smoker. Have a Merry Christmas !

[@Matches860]

Thanks so much Mark, I never say it enough in the videos, but everyone has an opinion (there are no right & wrong) so whatever you like, run with it!

[@mrgroovestring]

I have been experimenting with some of my own blends (non-aromatic), since I asked you about blending at home. I ordered some different leaf online just before Christmas. Completely blown away by the discovery of just how good straight pipe tobacco varieties really tastes. All of these years I was smoking drug store stuff, and the sugar coated candy blends from the brick and mortar stores ....... Oh my gosh, I never had any idea what I have been missing. I am paying attention now. :-) Thanks for the help!

[@Matches860]

I recall that day of discovery myself, smoking OTC blends and assuming that's all that is out there. Oh my, from Carter Hall to C&D blends is shocking to the taste buds!

[@mrgroovestring]

Shocking, is exactly how I would describe it too. I've discovered a whole new world of tobacco. And, that reminds me ..... I need to order some more Latakia, and Perique. I'm working on a variation of a Scottish/English blend, and it needs a little something extra with a kick in the mix. LOL!!!! Greg

[@Matches860]

Keep at it! Nearly all my creations were pretty simple burley based blends. So much fun, but I decided it's best left to professionals LOL.

[@ModernGentleman]

I swear the casing is just sugar water 😄 Its delicious and extra sweet like an aged Virginia. One of my favorite blends its one I enjoy regularly.

[@kernicusrax]

Thanks for the review. Might well add that to my wishlist.

[@ascotinargentina]

Good to see your thoughts on this blend. I bought 300gr of it in Madrid airport as it was the only blend they had. With me being Scottish I was expecting something a bit darker and stronger so I've been a bit disappointed with it. You're right, on opening it does smell like cat piss.....stale cat piss at that!! Thank goodness it doesn't taste like it though. LOL I get a taste of strong honey at first then it settles down into something more nuttier. It's not bad but I can't see me being in any rush to buy it again. However I'll now enjoy it that bit more after hearing your opinion of it. All the best.

[@Matches860]

A Scot in Argentina Well I'm glad someone else smells cat piss! It's funny, I've been going back and forth on whether to reorder this. It has given me many a decent smoke, but my "wanna try" list is a mile long, so I may revisit this later. Many thanks for your thoughts.

[@matthewgabbard6415]

You are right about that. In some pipes this stuff has no taste whatsoever haha. I like it in my Meerschaum and it has to be smoked extremely slow or it gets too hot

[@Matches860]

I still have a half a pound laying about...who knows, I may need it again this year LOL.

[@SparkysPipes]

Great backdrop as always and good Review man!

[@Matches860]

SparkysPipes Thank you for coming by Sparks! Great to see you!

[@debbetaklamakan2024]

This one surprised me too John. Another one i found very pleasant (also quite resembles this one) is the P.S luxury twist flake. Take care

[@Matches860]

debbe Taklamakan Thank you, I do believe I have had PS Luxury twist flake as well.

[@challengerdart3731]

Great review Matches. Thanks a lot.

[@craigstephen7634]

excellent review John, got round to trying it and really enjoying it, i didn't get the cat piss smell on opening but I got honey and lavender, and other floral notes, i guess it is one of them tobaccos that is a chameleon, different people get different nuances. Either way really enjoying it.

[@Matches860]

LOL, I had forgotten about the cat piss smell. But it is very much a favorite.

[@seanflewin9803]

Tastes like it could be tonquin there's a couple of lakeland gh blends that have it here in the uk but I may well be wrong

[@grandpacavendish4422]

Hey John, You really sold me on this one. A tobacco that smells like " cat piss ". Well, at least you didn't say" dead squirrel ". All kidding aside, it does sound quite good. Thanks for the review. Ed

[@Matches860]

GrandpaCavendish LOL, as someone said, "The smell is from natural fermentation." I believe, that coupled with the casing may very well be true. At any rate, I do recommend it! Thanks for coming by Ed!

[@darrenpurdiethesanctuaryga7587]

Great review. May order some, working my way though Mac Baren's blends and enjoying it.

[@Matches860]

Darren Purdie I love their stuff but haven't tried everything...let me know if you find a real winner!

[@David-we3sb]

Good review, but can't believe you didn't detect the Kentucky in it, which is my favorite part about it 👍👍

[@mbohlsen]

Even with the cat's piss reference you've convinced me to buy a tin.

[@claytondouglas403]

Another great video John! I need to check out the Macbaren blends but I am a tad hesitant as I heard they can bite for those that smoke a bit quicker....

[@Matches860]

Clayton Douglas I am a very aggressive smoker Clayton and I haven't found that to be the case.

[@claytondouglas403]

Awesome. I most definately will check them out. I have been eyeing their plumcake for awhile! Take care.

[@vinjardin]

Great review, I think the blend is kind of indifferent. Thanks for the video.

[@colinkelly279]

Got a sample of this from Belgian Estate Pipe Seller. Havent tried it yet, perhaps I now will.

[@Matches860]

Colin Kelly Go for it, I think you'll find it interesting also!

[@metalheadYcigarguy]

I've had a bowl of that blend that came from a 30 year old tin. Tin was popped open we filled our pipes; I was smoking my Meerschaum, and that baccy bit me so hard. It killed my tongue. Worst tongue bite I've ever had. The baccy might have been enjoyable if it wasn't for that. Nice review but I'm gonna avoid that blend for a while. LOL

[@Matches860]

metalheadYcigarguy Wow, 30 years it shouldn't have had any rough edges to it, but as we always say, "Your experience may be different." I'm still semi-hooked on the stuff :-)

[@mknchng]

Been meaning to tell you. Really dig you" pipes and ponderance" opening..

[@timkalar1946]

what kinds of blends of coffee do you like with your tobacco

[@smithnb42]

love your videos. I think that I live not too far from you in and I just started smoking a pipe. Is there a local store you go to to purchase your pipe tobacco?

[@Matches860]

Back in the day, I shopped at Torpedoes in Simsbury, CT. They had the best variety of stuff at the time. These days, you can get anything you want online so I rarely purchase from a brick & mortar.

[@pipeheadOR]

When you lose the taste for you fav tobacco it's down right nerve racking. I too have lost the taste for my fav aro. I cant figure out if its the pipe, my taste buds or the tobacco that lost flavor. The pipe is the very one your smoking, qandale 626. I cleaned the pipe and smoked some virginias thru it. Still dont have the taste back. Ugh.

[@Matches860]

pipeheadOR The heat has a lot to do with it for me, but I know I toasted my taste buds as well! Thanks for coming by Gil!

[@zipfer714]

Thank you so much for your Videos. I got my first pipe a Savinelli 606. Such a great pipe. I got my eye on a 320. Would you advise against that ? It has a larger bowl. Should I pump the breaks get a Little more experience.? Thank you again from Austria

[@Matches860]

+zipfer714 LOL, let me see if I can help you out here. Your pipe preferences may change over time so I wouldn't worry about what you get initially. You may end up liking small bowls, or you might prefer large.After many years, I know that the 320 would be too much briar for me...I still want one though!

[@zipfer714]

+Matches860 I got the 320. The tobacconist recommend the John Aylesbury brown and yellow. Very mellow aromatic. I know that's not your thing. It's like training wheels for me. Soon I'll try a burly more pure mix. Again thanks for your videos. Your are like Yoda to me. Have a great weekend filled with smooth bowls.

[@Matches860]

+zipfer714 Congrats on the 320, I'm jealous! You'll rarely hear me knock tobaccos and an aromatic is a fine way to go. Enjoy it my friend!

[@zipfer714]

you are the farest Thing from a Snob I know

[@Matches860]

+zipfer714 LOL, I'll accept that as fact!

[@mia122]

just recieved a pack from my friend. smoked few pouches in the past. its really good stuff just takes a little time to get used to. it also reminds me a lot on mac baren navy flake, did you tried it?

[@Matches860]

+Hate Bringer Interesting, I do remember liking the Navy Flake a long time back...I'll have to try it again!

[@byronsmall2077]

beautiful pipe

[@Matches860]

+Byron Small Yeah, I just got around to ordering extra long pipe cleaners for it so I can enjoy it more often now!

[@Smokenscotch]

Another great video. Which model is that Savinelli, number? I've seen you enjoying that pipe before, but I can't remember the model. Great stem and wood near the bowl. Cheers

[@Matches860]

Smokenscotch That is the Qandale #626. I won this in a contest, but I believe you can pick one up for under $100.00.

[@Smokenscotch]

Matches860 Thanks! Great looking pipe, perfect for fireside puffing, cheers!

[@user-tr6sy5lm8l]

matches860 where did u buy ur pipe...I love that pipe...I only smoke churchwarden pipes...hello from New-Brunswick Canada.

[@user-tr6sy5lm8l]

i've searched for that pipe everywhere...I like the style.

[@Matches860]

@@user-tr6sy5lm8l I won that pipe online, it's a Savinelli and the wooden ferrule has since broken. Great smoker, but very fragile.

[@user-tr6sy5lm8l]

@@Matches860I would of guess right..what churchwarden that's not fragile my fav pipe is a Capri Warlock...I check to have a dealer of that pipe they're rare I guess(ur Savinelly).

[@user-tr6sy5lm8l]

the shaft cracked n im a steal fab so I fix it...now she still smoke like the day I first smoke with it.

[@Matches860]

@@user-tr6sy5lm8l Someone told me they were no longer available but I'm not sure.

[@yunglopaka5216]

this appeals to me in an asmr sorta way

[@Matches860]

+Yung Cum This is more of a seasonal smoke for me I think. It was great this summer and fall...I'm now back to burlies.

[@ulujundru4759]

Lovely pipe

[@timkalar1946]

have you ever had a bad smoke when you smoke when you smoke one of your pipes

[@laserx261x]

lol tin note of cat piss 😂 miss ya John

[@Phillypipesmoker]

Great review John. I smoke Mixture Flake, I wonder how it differs from the tobacco you smoked. All the best, Bill

[@Matches860]

Phillypipesmoker Not sure Bill, but I'll get around to trying it! Best Wishes Buddy!

[@mikeyo5018]

hi John, you should change job and get into sales... cats piss? and people still wish to buy and sample it :-)) the wonderful taste variations we all have in this game.. unless the pouch i received different, the cat was on a diet of sugar and molasses. Mine was so sticky i believe i must have got a topping concentrate as i could get none of the hay taste at all just sweetness, Well i'm sure it will get you refreshed back to the cigar and burley leafs soon. In that it will have been succesful. I do agree rotation of blend type important to get us through the stale moments and glad this worked for you. Oh can i ask what camera you use your videos extremely clear and vivid, unlike my palate obviously at the moment. Regards Mikey

[@Matches860]

Mikey O LOL, I have four cats, so cat piss isn't as offensive to me. Yes, changing things up when we get bored is all a part of this experience. My camera is a Canon Vixia HF-r40 and has done a great job for me thus far.

[@RichardT2112]

"Smells like cat piss" - John, I think you could use a spin doctor :) way to upsell! LOL

[@Matches860]

Richard T I was gonna leave that out, then I figured, I'm always too nice LOL.

[@RichardT2112]

I almost spat my coffee out listening to that line :) Loved it!

[@adamcharles3389]

Is there a good tobacco website to order from?

[@Matches860]

adam charles There are a few popular ones that folks here use...Pipes&Cigars,Smoking Pipes, and 4Noggins...just add a dot com!

[@adamcharles3389]

Thanks matchs! Great video btw

[@Matches860]

adam charles Thanks a lot!

[@TheCigarCrook]

Do you have an online retailer you prefer to buy your tobacco from brother?

[@Matches860]

I've used Mars Cigars and 4Noggins. Both of them provide very good service.

[@garbagemanpiper]

Thanks is that a Peterson blend?

[@Matches860]

MacBaren, although other manufacturers have Scottish Blends as well.

[@GhostCob]

Good video John..

[@Matches860]

Thanks! Now I'm wanting a bowl!

[@GhostCob]

I am sorry.. have a great day my friend

[@bjdenil]

First time I have heard of a cat piss note. Will be skipping that one - lol

[@doriangray6633]

Smells like "Cat Piss", sholy hit John I almost fell off my Chair from laughing. hehehe

[@Matches860]

Hey, I call them like I smell them!

[@RedcoatsReturn]

Good watching as always! In this particular case, I couldnt get beyond the cat piss.......yuck!

[@Matches860]

The taste is actually good!

[@jeremydavis5994]

Cornell & diehl is ten minutes away...I never payed attention

[@stevenpricela]

Matches, Thanks for mentioning my video. I'm lookin' to get some viewers and subscribers.....Since I'm new, I'm not really sure how to do that......

[@Matches860]

Steve Price Oh my, all you do is ask LOL. I'll re-shout you with a link to your channel next video!

[@stevenpricela]

Matches860 Thanks Matches, you're the best!

[@antoniocaldarelli19]

Iscritto

[@thefriendlygunsmith]

smells like cat piss, that's the best ever

[@Matches860]

thefriendlygunsmith Yeah, but once you get past that, it's terrific stuff!

[@wicklowpiper4097]

Great you do videos but constructive vritism is to say that you smoke very fast and its annoying but again I say fair play

[@Matches860]

Yes, I do believe I have slowed down quite a bit in 5 years.

[@rallisman.]

Its MAC baren, not mc baren.