Mac Baren HH Rustica

HH Rustica is a hot-pressed flake that puts Nicotiana rustica — a historic tobacco variety native to the Americas — at the center of the blend. Alongside the rustica leaf are naturally sweet dark Virginias and cool-burning burley, both Nicotiana tabacum varieties. In line with the HH series' method, it is heat-pressed and thinly sliced; casing is minimized and there's no top flavor. The nicotine content of rustica leaf is markedly above that of usual pipe tobaccos; the manufacturer describes this product as the strongest in its catalog. Even so, the flavor isn't just about strength: over an earthy, woody base there is a spicy, peppery sharpness with nutty, lightly molasses-like burley tones behind it, finishing with a tangy grapefruit impression. Being tightly pressed, it can be hard to light; filling it well-rubbed and aired eases the burn.