Review - MacBaren Old Dark Fired

Join me for a bowl of ODF!

[@ThePipeNook]

Enjoying John's Favorite, Haunted Bookshop, while watching him review my favorite, Old Dark Fired. Thanks for all the great memories, John!

[@PipeCat1965]

Having exactly the same thought, Eddie. Love the stuff, miss the man.

[@Kenjiro5775]

John, I wish you knew how calming these videos are in the era of a global pandemic. We miss you, but glad you missed this pandemic.

[@rtp737]

RIP John! We definitely gonna miss you.

[@kevinweiss146]

I found you not long ago, when I decided to give the pipe a try. So far I love it. I watched so many of your videos before knowing you had passed. I like to think you can still see this. I want to thank you for all of your help thus far. I’ve watched so many of your videos even my kids love to say MATCHES 8-6-0! It’s funny because I just tried ODF for the first time today and loved it. I wanted to see if you ever made a video on it. It seems I’m in good company. Rest In Peace Sir, and thank you again!

[@mopbucket4938]

One of my favorite blends. God bless thee one and only matches860, rip. Sitting in my back yard with the garden and the chickens, contemplating the sweeter and slower days of life as they roll on by. Love to you all.

[@judge4all]

Just cracked a tin. Your reviews stand the test of time RIP Matches 860.

[@bremenpipesmoker6571]

Hello matches! Thanks a lot for this review at a beautiful spot! I really anticipated this since you announced that in your last video...and I got myself a tin of this and just shared the smoke with you....In Germany, the tobacco is also available under the brand of "John Aylesbury" as "Dark Virginia Flake"... ...so...thanks for sharing - and be well!

[@Matches860]

Bremen Pipe Smoker Very glad you could join me! Always enjoy your videos as well!

[@shanemacgregor2771]

Yes, good vid...We like our reviews to Bremen.

[@theologyandpipes]

I will never stop watching your videos John. Love you brother, always ❤️ -Joshua

[@dominiksapper5807]

Mee too Joshua! Doing the same right now,smoking ODF and watching Matches! Take care buddy✌👍🤝

[@Francisco-b3n3q]

Hello dominik 👋🏼​@@dominiksapper5807

[@planexshifter]

I love Cult blood red moon But it’s not enough ooomph So I add a pinch of dark fired Kentucky to every bowl of Blood Red Moon

[@DarKm4773r]

ODF is my #1 favorite tobacco, period. I buy it in bulk and never tire of it, and trust me, I've tried. It's a sublime experience. A little tip: rub some flakes out in advance if you'll be out and about. Since it burns so slowly, you won't need to carry as much with you.

[@presto511]

So peaceful of a place to introduce McBaren Dark Fired Virginias.... great video thanks John for the memories....

[@tonyenglish5153]

John was one of the most humble men Ive ever watched and his reservation of stating an "absolute" statement speaks volumes about the character, integrity and congruence he exuded. He also was a man who served others by the sounds of his work and he offered wisdom to all of us. You are missed John.

[@chadwickhurlburt6529]

I like straight tobacco flavor. Blends like this get me excited. I don't care much for toppings, flavorings, or anything that isn't 100% natural tobacco. My favorites include a lot of ropes and other straight-tobacco blends. Old Dark Fired is respectable. Bold Kentucky is another worth trying. If I want a straight Virginia, I go for Brown No. 4. A little dark-fired never hurt anyone. Black XX is good too.

[@Matches860]

You're a man after my own heart! I'll bet you like black coffee too LOL.

[@chadwickhurlburt6529]

@@Matches860 Actually, I like straight espresso with a dash of heavy cream. No sweeteners, no flavors. I drink a cup of this every morning.

[@stevieb5487]

'Half an hour of heaven'..... perfect description. RIP, John. A very loved, and equally missed, member of the pipe community. Smoking a bowl of ODF in your memory, right now.

[@stevieb5487]

@@TheShoebox1111 A true loss to our community :(

[@slartyblastfart]

Only recently found your videos. I'm fairly new to pipe smoking and still slowly finding my way. Really find your reviews helpful and enjoy chilling out and listening to your stories. Keep up the good work. Paul.

[@dougowen9756]

Hi John: I have got to admit that, having been a "died in the wool" Virginia flake smoker for years, with an occasional departure in the winter months to latakia mixtures, I heard so much about HH Old Dark Fired that I had to try it. I lit up with some trepidation not being a burley fan, but I figured if Matches 860 is fond of these various burleys they have got to have something going for them. Sure enough John, I had the same reaction to ODF that you did. Now I find I need to force myself to not smoke this stuff every time I light up. Thanks for the heads up, you have opened up a whole new world of pipe enjoyment to an old codger like me (68 this month) who is now convinced that burley blends can indeed be very enjoyable. Cheers, Doug Owen.

[@Matches860]

+Doug Owen Oh Doug, your comment made my day! As you may know, I have a great deal of respect for Virginia lovers, and would love to be one myself. When someone like yourself "crosses over" and has a pleasant burley experience, it warms my heart! So glad you liked it!

[@t.greggmcclain6538]

"Half an hour of Heaven" Nice. Miss you, John.

[@jaredstambaugh7045]

Miss you John! Finally grabbed a tin of this stuff. Opened the tin....kinda wet. A Dec 2020 batch. I smoke all kinds of blends Burley, Vapers, English ect. This stuff is crazy good. I love flake burley forward blends anyway. This stuff is nice and potent, strong yet smooth...kinda creamy rich. I can't believe I haven't got this years ago. Has strength (For me) to rival Irish Flake....which I love. First bowl and I'm crazy about it. So rich and strong, yet smooth and creamy. Nice bowl for after work and a couple beers. Of course I do that anyways with da baccy and da barley. Very impressed with MCB ODF. The hype is real folks. If you like a stronger true baccy flavor profile this fits the bill. I will buy more. I still watch John's vidz while smoking the briar. Take Care PIPERS!!

[@keithblume5159]

I bought two tins in 2021 and smoked the first one up a few weeks ago and just opened up the second one. I think the super dense press makes it go extra fast and dense

[@chrisforsyth835]

Nice to see you enjoy those first few puffs. I love those first puffs on a new lighting of a pipe.

[@cort3079]

I've just gotten back to smoking my pipes after 5 years away from them. I discovered 5 tins of this in my cellar and 1 mason jar from 2012 full of flakes covered in plume. Smoking it right now in my Patrick Smith pipe and it is amazing!!! Sweet, deep, earthy and the spice has settled down a bit. This is one of my all time favorites, hands down. Always a pleasure to have a bowl with you, John! Best regards.

[@mose717]

That looks like a wonderful place to relax and have a bowl and even better with a friend.

[@Matches860]

Often times, the environment really adds to the smoke and this is no exception.

[@brucehunter8990]

Be at peace my friend.

[@OnceUponAPipe]

Thanks for stopping by Bruce.

[@brucehunter8990]

@@OnceUponAPipe so very welcom. I watch his videos all the time.

[@bumblesby]

I just picked some of this up at my B&M. The tin date was a year ago. I am a nubee pipe smoker and I found this more mellow than expected but was smoking slow since I understand it has a nic kick. I am still figuring out all the subtle flavors people pick up. Thanks for reviewing it.

[@Matches860]

Tasting tobaccos/flavorings is pretty tough for me many times as well so don't let that bother you. I think it took me till about two years ago to figure out oriental leaf.

[@squiremuldoon5462]

I used to smoke cigars but that habit became expensive, I smoke this and I dont miss cigars at all. cheers sir

[@Matches860]

Thanks for joining me Christian...Cheers!

[@wogy73]

Hallo John, while I am looking the video, I smoke "Old Dark Fired" too. It is the best tobacco Mac Barens make. I empty about a tin in a week:) Have a beautiful, sunny and relaxing weekend Wolfgang

[@Matches860]

wogy73 I like every MacBaren tobacco I've ever tried Wolfgang...excellent stuff! Thank you for having a bowl with me!

[@kentuckycodger9901]

While the old chimney at Suburban Park is renowned in the Matches legendarium, this picnic area at Fisher Meadows is my favorite spot of yours. Thanks for sharing it with us.

[@devinotoole2336]

I went out an bought a tin of this when you mentioned you were going to be doing a review. Yet another great video. Thanks!

[@Matches860]

Devin O'Toole Too cool! Hope you enjoy it!

[@KevinTwiner]

Half an hour of heaven; ) sounds great and the view is spectacular. Enjoyed your time

[@Matches860]

Oh yeah, sometimes the planets align!

[@c.fanger5083]

Old Dark Fired and Haunted Bookshop are modern day classics. They are going to be legendary blends like nightcap and penzance.

[@PaulBielicki]

Loved the review. I'm going to have to get a tin and try it myself. I've been contemplating it but this will make me pull the trigger. I'm looking for tobaccos to branch out into, other than the Latakia blends I typically smoke and this sound like it could be a good one. Thanks, John.

[@Matches860]

Paul Bielicki Thank you Paul, I bet you'd like this! Not as smokey as latakia, but there is a faint campfire taste.

[@andrewwomble2722]

This particular blend tends to put me on my ass with the room spinning.

[@Scottydye]

ODF is one of my favorites if not my favorite. I get a chocolatey hazelnut flavor from it, and it delivers the good old vitamin N.

[@AppingPiper]

Ahhh, Old Dark Fired is my absolute favourite blend. Top notch from start to finish. Love the beautiful flakes that MacBaren produces. Interesting to hear you say its a good 30 min smoke. I generally get around 1h 20 mins from a flake. Guess our smoking cadence differs quite a bit 😄

[@Matches860]

AppingPiper Thirty minutes for me is unreal LOL.

[@prolefeed1628]

Nice review. I'm a fan of the Latakia Flake, but still haven't tried ODF. Thanks for the review. I think I'll add a tin of ODF to my next order.

[@scottrutan837]

Catching up on videos, John. As always, I loved your review. I'm going to have to get me some. And what a perfect setting. I hope you had a safe and enjoyable 4th. Scott

[@Matches860]

Scott Rutan Thank you Scott! Had an extended week-end and got some rest, now I'm ready to overwork some more LOL.

[@moetavern2203]

.. one of my favorite videos from matches860 .. one day I will sit there and smoke a Savinelli 673 with Old Dark Fired in memory of him.

[@gregmcmurchie7691]

Serendipitous, just lit up a bowl of Old Dark Fired as your video notification came in. Had an old biplane fly over head about this time the plane flew flew over your location. Amazing! My first try at Old Dark Fired, very nice, got the bulk version. Need to try a tin to see if there is a difference. Really enjoy your videos. Thanks for sharing them!

[@Matches860]

***** Timing is everything Greg! Thanks for watching!

[@daleschmidt7157]

I've been researching this Blend for a few days and it sounds like one I must try. I have like all the Mac Baren Tobacco Blends I've tried to date. I like slow burning long smoking tobaccos, because I can set them down when I'm through for a minute or so and then relight them later. I do like Key Largo.

[@Matches860]

Yes, this is a must try. If you like their other blends, you'll love this one!

[@ThePipeMonk]

ODF is one of my most favorite blends. I now savour it every week or so for an hour or two long smoke.

[@Matches860]

ThePipeMonk A favorite of mine from the first bowl. I may order it rubbed out in bulk against my better judgement LOL

[@ThePipeMonk]

Matches860 Initially I didn't liked it at all, left it to simmer for 3 months, it is now a fantastic experience. Bulk would be the best way to go lol, with you it will be gone in a month or two. ;)

[@PipeCat1965]

Dammit, I miss you, buddy. And I do love ODF. Have a big bowl up there in the sky for me.

[@jalopy493]

Love the stuff... of course, by now I imagine you've had the bulk ready rubbed version too. I keep both on hand. Been lurking around your channel for a while. Thanks for the vids!

[@Matches860]

Jalopy Thank you!

[@Phillypipesmoker]

Hello John. ODF is one of my all-time favorites along with Heinrich's Dark Strong. Another in the same vein that you may enjoy is the new Six Pence. ODF has a high nicotine content to my palate so I have to smoke it sparingly. The Six Pence does as well but the Dark Strong does not. Be well my friend, Bill

[@Matches860]

Phillypipesmoker Ahhh yes, I've had the dark strong! Will look into Six Pence...Thanks Bill!

[@ThePipeiper]

I will always be subscribed to this channel. Miss you John.

[@toddm6999]

Priceless

[@matthewgabbard6415]

I didn't fall in love with this stuff the way I though I would, and kinda wanted to. It almost seemed like there was something missing in the mid range, if that makes any sense. However, Peterson's Irish Flake is similar and it hits the sweet spot that ODF doesn't. It's a good smoke, with quality leaf, to be sure. Maybe the hot pressing dulls it down. The Dark Strong Kentucky is supposed to be a bit bolder than it's stable mate so maybe I will try it out, and I've also heard rumors about St. Bruno becoming available here soon

[@Matches860]

+Matthew Gabbard It's funny how we perceive blends differently, and sometimes a different times.

[@Chimpwhich]

I agree with your Irish Flake observation. I quite like mixing Irish Flake and ODF together..depending on my mood of course.

[@backcountrypipe]

You have got my attention with this blend John, the way you relate it to the outdoors has me thinking I would like it. Beautiful location for a morning bowl and I enjoyed the review. My apologies for the late viewing as my YT time has been limited. Have a great week my friend

[@Matches860]

backcountrypipe I thought it was you who sent me some of this at one time, but I must be mistaken. Yes, dark fired leaf is great stuff!

[@puffinclouds8534]

Again John,fantastic setting.Great place to have a bowl 😎

[@grandpacavendish4422]

Hi John, Fisher Meadows looks like a beautiful spot! Very peaceful. I have a tin of ODF. Haven't opened it yet. I'll probably wait for the cool, Fall weather, as I have so many others opened right now. It sounds great, though. Something to look forward to. Thanks, and, have a great Fourth. Ed

[@Matches860]

GrandpaCavendish Oh yeah, autumn is a great time for ODF! Have a fanastic 4th Ed!

[@bookn3rd5]

Always interesting to hear ones thoughts on different blends! Will put this on my TAD list. Would love to hear your thoughts on Bald Headed Teacher from 4noggins!

[@Matches860]

bookn3rd5 I sampled two 4Noggins blends and both were aro's which don't appeal to me. I'll look at BHT to see what it is.

[@bookn3rd5]

Matches860 Honestly I didn't care for their aro blends that I tried either. But BHT is really good; it's a burley based blend with virginia and a (very small) amount of Latakia. From their website - "The old-fashioned Burley comes through in full form, nutty and brisk, hitting on tangy notes along the way as the Virginia components catch on. There's not enough Latakia to provide any more than perhaps a seasoning effect." I wasn't aware that I liked burley until I ordered a few ounces of it on a whim - now it's my 'go-to smoke', sort of like how HB seems to be yours. Anyways - if you end up trying it, let us know your thoughts! Always enjoy your videos.

[@Matches860]

bookn3rd5 I just read the description as well and the latakia "seasoning" sounds like what Big "N Burley is from C&D. I may have to try this one next order.

[@bruceh9105]

One of my favorite cigars is Kentucky Fire Cured by Drew Estate. I love The fire cured Tobaccos most.

[@Matches860]

Bruce H I have come to enjoy a few fire cured blends tobaccos also!

[@deckard97th]

A peaceful review, John - thank you! I look forward to packing a bowl with this soon.

[@Matches860]

deckard97th Hope you enjoy!

[@PacemakerandButtons]

Miss ya John

[@jstbsims]

I luv this stuff ! It's in the regular rotation. Thanx for the great review. Hope your Summer's going well

[@homewaters1]

Great review John! ODF is one of my favourites as well. I get the tins and also the bulk and I find them equally good. Have a great weekend and a Happy 4th to you and your family!

[@Matches860]

homewaters1 Many thanks Olivier! Hope all is well up your way!

[@Scott_AI5EF]

ODF is the only burley blend I enjoy. Another great review and video in the can. Cheers, ~Hilman

[@Matches860]

Skeletal Piper Thanks for watching Hilman, I sure enjoyed this bowl, to the point where I forgot what I was doing LOL.

[@glfjunke258]

Bought the bulk version. Very fine cut and doesn't require many relights. Really enjoy it and really saved some coin with the bulk version.

[@Matches860]

I reserve this for special occasions as I'd never want to get bored with it. Great stuff!

[@Joshua_Nikolai]

Such a wonderful spot John. Thanks for the morning meditation.

[@Matches860]

+Joshua In The Woods I'm hoping to film in the woods just 500 feet left of this spot Friday...will give you a shout too!

[@Joshua_Nikolai]

+Matches860 Excited, grateful, and humbled. Thanks John!

[@glfjunke258]

I too have at least 20 blends that I continually buy, and you are spot on as to the different times as to what you crave. My range runs from Lane Ready Rub to Dunhills Night Cap,with some Orlik Golden Slice between .🤐

[@Matches860]

Yes, it's pretty difficult to understand how & why our tastes change as they do.

[@TheRoomNote]

ODF is amazing. If your the taker of Burleys people don't like, I have a couple bowls shy of a tin of C&D Burley Flake #1 that doesnt agree with me and is collecting dust. Its yours if you want it. Also, it would be interesting to see a video of the day in the smoking life of Matches860. What blends you smoke when, how many, how you decide and so on. Cheers!

[@Matches860]

lunchie83 BF #1 was not a big hit with me either as I found no taste to it. A day in the life LOL...It's mostly Haunted Bookshop all day at work, and a combination of stuff after hours.

[@TheRoomNote]

Man, I cant even give the stuff away ha! Haunted Bookshops reputation scares me away. I'm giving a few more months of puffing under my belt before I try it. The roughest stuff I like so far is Mountain Camp and I am under the impression its a walk in the park compared to HB. Cheers!

[@Matches860]

lunchie83 LOL, some days it scares me too!

[@briarthorn5011]

Hello Mr. Matches860, nice review and look froward to trying it. I placed an order of a few burley blends including bold Kentucky, and C&D burley flake #2 and 4 , and solani abf, they should be here in the next couple of weeks. In the meantime, the only good burley blend I can enjoy is C&D junkyard dawg which is what sparked my interest in burley blends. I also have Peterson university flake which I am still learning to smoke. I figured the folding and stuffing method isn't the best way to smoke university flake and will try to rub it out a bit the next time I give it light and see if that improves my experience. I like Latakia but currently prefer Virginias and burley dominant blends with perique and Latakia used sparingly. It's the burley season for me! Cheers.

[@Matches860]

Briar Thorn I'll have to look into Junkyard Dawg. As much stuff as I've sampled, there's still a load left to try.Solani Aged Burley Flake is pretty awesome stuff...hope you like it!

[@lordhogarth]

“If you were sitting here having a bowl with me you’d be keeping an eye on him too.” LOL.

[@gabbyhayes1568]

I had to chuckle at John saying you can get a good half hour smoke out of a bowl. The rest of us would smoke the same amount in an hour lol. R.I.P. John.

[@neolexington]

One of my favorite smokes for sure, if you buy it in bulk you can get it in "ready rubbed" form which makes preparing the flake easier.

[@colinkelly279]

Absolutely FANTASTIC stuff. I love it from tin to ash for sure. Now get a line in that water asap and get you a fish

[@Matches860]

Colin Kelly Thanks for joining me Colin!

[@challengerdart3731]

Excellent review Matches. Thanks a lot buddy. Have a great week.

[@Matches860]

And you too CD!

[@bartholomewfotheringay-phi5683]

I'm definitely with you on this one, Buddy! ODF is pure magic. Scratches an itch I've been having since the 70's with the old St. Bruno, a beautifully strong spicy silky smoke. Pure speculation on my part, but the hot pressing seems to add a huge dimension of depth and smoothness. I haven't found that anywhere else. Mellow Puffs, Mark

[@Matches860]

Bartholomew Fotheringay-Phipps Thanks for clarifying the hot steam pressing...I'm not all that familiar with flake tasting. St. Bruno Flake...I went through a load of that in short order too!

[@claytondouglas403]

Happy early 4th John!!! Great video as always. I am looking forward to joining you on Fridays as I just ordered my first Savinelli from PipesandCigars. Take care. Clayton

[@Matches860]

Clayton Douglas LOL, there are gonna be loads of Friday Savinelli's, but that's quite all right! Have great holiday!

[@GrayItalo]

I have this in my P&C shopping cart and am looking forward to giving it a go. Very much up my alley, judging from your and MacBaren's descriptions. Cheers~

[@Matches860]

+Ban Yeogja This is a blend that is very easy to get addicted to...be careful!

[@marcuswallenberg4492]

It may have been mentioned, but this reminds me of Toscano cigars (not so strange, since the curing is similar). Picked some up after seeing this video, enjoying it by a similar-looking forest here in Sweden now. Thanks for the tip :)

[@Petox20x]

+Marcus Wallenberg I used to love those things when I was going to school in Florence. They have a great kick to them.

[@LuckyyVlad]

I've just got my first tin of this and I have to say it's a good evening blend for me. I wish the Kentucky was more present in the flavors. Great video and nice view !

[@Matches860]

Kentucky Bold is a bit stronger all the way around, you might give that a whirl sometime.

[@LuckyyVlad]

@@Matches860 it's already in my shopping cart, will give it a try, thank you !

[@Matches860]

@@LuckyyVlad Do be careful, I ended up with the dry heaves after a few bowls. The nicotine really snuck up on me, but otherwise, it was a terrific smoke.

[@LuckyyVlad]

You know, it's my 5th bowl already of Old Dark Fired and I'm starting to dig it more. It's a great outside smoke because it doesn't bite and it's a perfect musty taste for when it's cold out! I'm really curious about Kentucky now. I fell in love with Orlik strong Kentucky so I'm sure I will like your suggestion

[@Matches860]

Oh yes, I like Orlik Dark Strong too. You'll be fine with the Bold Kentucky.

[@Pipedude1993]

Hey there matches nice pipe 673 is my favorite shape from savinelli old dark fired that sounds good tobacco I've tried peter stockebye dark fired its pretty good tobacco for my taste enjoy that dark fired matches take care

[@tacey01]

As I watch your videos, I am reminded to slow down my puffing cadence. Rapid fire diminishes my enjoyment. But, ‘to each his own’, right Matches?? 😉 Excellent review of a blend that, I too, enjoy very much. Be well!

[@teaempire7929]

This stuff is phenomenal. Pure Virginia and Old Dark Fired are go-to’s for me.

[@Matches860]

ODF really makes you feel like you're having something elegant, at least on my palate.

[@peeleeco2921]

Buddy, what a lovely pipe! What is the model of your Savinelli? Lucite stem?

[@Matches860]

Yes, that is the Roma #673 ...The Friday Savinelli!

[@peeleeco2921]

Thank you! My next Xmas gift!

[@glfjunke258]

Glad to hear you have 20 top blends. I thought there was something wrong with me having 21 favorites. I probably smoke 6 or so blends during the day. It's kind of like food to me. I couldn't eat the same food all day long.🤐

[@travesias01]

Great review, from the first moment i could get it here in Holland, i always Carry it around with me.

[@FluffyHawk13]

Enjoying your pipe at different times and at different places seems way better than a top 10 to me.....

[@tomjohnson1252]

A great tabbocco with a nice scene for the back drop. Good job

[@beernurse3439]

Lovely place,lovely pipe!

[@dustypipesmoker7902]

Well now I'm going to have to get my hands on some of that! Thanks a lot John lol. Great video as always. Thank you sir.

[@Matches860]

DustyPipeSmoker Thanks for watching!

[@danielshore667]

thanks john be safe

[@Matches860]

Daniel Shore Hi Danny! Happy 4th Bro!

[@backcountrypipe]

Yes I did but never tried it myself. Was hard to get at the time.

[@Matches860]

backcountrypipe Thanks, I thought I was cracking up LOL

[@brucear77]

Great review John

[@Matches860]

Bruce R Thank you Bruce!

[@brandonheadrick8458]

I ordered a 2 oz bag of this from bulk ready rubbed to try and must say i like it.

[@patpope49]

Have a great weekend.

[@Matches860]

patpope49 Back at ya Pat!

[@nw7us]

Well, you have me wondering if I might like this ODF, There are some burley blends that I cannot handle, as they do something to the chemistry in my mouth. It is a strange thing... but perhaps this blend ODF is the right one. Thanks for the review. Cheers - Tomas / NW7US

[@Matches860]

NW7US Interesting...I wonder what causes the problem?

[@flavadog17]

@9:07 you can hear a faint muffled voice that sounds like it’s saying “can you hear me?” Strange. Sounds like a female voice.

[@jonnyd8603]

Great video that's a cool spot for a smoke! Thanks for sharing!

[@Matches860]

Jonny D One of my favorite haunts around here, it's very close to home yet I feel like I'm far away LOL.

[@karlfranzable]

I saw this smoking my first bowl of old dark fired. In a savinelli similar to yours. Honestly not sure about the blend! It’s unlike my usual smoke and I haven’t smoked any of the other blends you mention. Lovely consistent smoke, I’m just not sure about the flavour. Is there anything you would recommend in the preparation of this flake? Thanks.

[@Matches860]

Richard Commons Some rub out the flakes and some just fold and stuff it in the bowl. While I normally stuff & puff, you’ll likely get a better smoke rubbing out the flake.

[@Ranger4321]

Sitting here and smoking some Latakia flake in my savinelli saxophone before work. Gotta say, this vid is pretty relaxing. I would’ve had ODF in my pipe, but unfortunately I am out.

[@Matches860]

It's a terrific smoke for sure! I try to keep some in the house for those times I want a little something special.

[@EricThayer]

also don't get the cigar notes that some folks mention. Agree about the similarity to aged burley flake. really hits the spot.

[@Matches860]

Good stuff for sure!

[@ICHIBANDIPPER]

Great stuff John, all the best.

[@Matches860]

ICHIBAN DIPPER Many thanks my friend!

[@mydogprick]

I really do love this stuff..definitely in my top ten I have to have a flake of this at least once a week ...it tastes like how a fine cigar should taste like it's very different then other blends out there its not English but it reminds me of a Latakia in a weird way with a toasted nut in the background one thing it does taste better in a briar pipe

[@Matches860]

+Larry Williams Yeah, I try not to smoke this too often because I don't want to get tired of it.

[@tylerliar]

Man I'm really loving matches these days. I found him a little too late. Inhave a very similar taste in tobacco to him. My absolute favorite is old dark fired but I do have a special place in my heart for haunted bookshop. Does anyone know what savinelli that is hes smoking? I'd really like to get one

[@SmokinBriar]

One of my favorite blends, but I can't smoke it in large amounts. I'm a nicotine wimp LOL. Great spot to enjoy a bowl John....Have a safe and happy 4th!

[@Matches860]

Smokin' Briar Happy 4th Mike! I'm slowly getting away from nicotine, but I still need it to get through the work day.

[@ericgeorge76]

About half way through my first bowl of ODF. I don't know how you smoke a bowl in 30 minutes, its going to take me 1.5 hours at the rate im going! i do pick up a little bit of a cigar note but i think the sweetness of the virginias subdue it. delicious stuff! anyway thanks for another great video!

[@Matches860]

I smoke way to fast usually. One and a half hours of ODF would be awesome...enjoy it!

[@TayloraMadeY]

Old dark fired is great have you tried peterson Irish flake?

[@GuvnaSmoke]

Great video! Now I'm craving the stuff! 👍

[@Matches860]

***** I'm wanting another bowl myself!

[@to2055]

A very nice tobacco, indeed! I like it a lot myself. Have a great week, John.

[@Matches860]

to2055 Thanks, and same to you my friend!

[@maxboonkittypoison]

A few years ago but still i kinda relaxe watching your video and MC Baren i can find it here in the Netherlands hope i can find Old Dark Fired so i can taste it. Greetings,, Kitty.

[@Matches860]

Great stuff if you can find it! Thanks Kitty!

[@glfjunke258]

I really like their flakes,but I prefer buying the ready rub in the 1lb bag due to it being more economical. Every now and then I'll buy a tin,just because their flakes and presentation are so nice.🤐