Aromatic Tobacco » Mac Baren Stockton Tobacco Reviews

MacBaren's best curly

I had tried most of MacBaren's curly cuts before getting my first tin of Stockton; I had expected mostly the same with maybe less topping (and there is precious little on the others already) and maybe a little more spice.

What is in the tin is the usual mess of coins inside a paper wrapper, moisture level perfect to crumble or fold the discs straight from the fresh tin into a large bowl -- do not stuff too tightly; this stuff likes lots of space! The individual coins have a dark-to-black centre with medium-brown VA wrapped around it. The tin aroma is much more spicy than, say, Dark Twist or Club Blend, and comparable mabye with Roll Cake. No Latakia in here, though; instead the blenders have put in a very interesting Black Cavendish based on DFK that gives an impressive depth of both aroma and taste.

Lighting is the usual two-char-and-tamp affair for a curly; after that, Stockton burns relatively coolly (don't overdo it, though), giving off a toasty-sweet aroma with notes of leather and brown sugar. The taste is sweet and toasty, gaining more toast and depth throughout the bowl with more strength and nicotine in there than MB's other curlies. For me as a filter smoker, no tongue bite at all. The room note is acceptable, though not a crowd-pleaser; I happen to like it.

Overall, this is my favourite curly with the possible exception of Dunhill Deluxe Navy Rolls, but that is in a different category (VA/Per). Stockton I do not consider to be an aromatic; the only addition to the tobacco seems to be a slight amount of sugar. It's not a cheap blend, but IMO worth the expense; part of my regular rotation.