HH Rustica Ready Rubbed

HH Rustica takes its name from Nicotiana rustica, the variety that forms the backbone of the blend; this species carries far more nicotine than the Nicotiana tabacum usual in pipe tobaccos. Mac Baren combines this leaf with dark Virginia and burley, applies hot pressing and matures it with light fermentation. Long sold only as slices, the blend has since also been offered as a pre-rubbed (ready rubbed) loose form.

The taste is spicy, earthy, woody and grassy; behind it are notes of tangy citrus, tea, smoke, toasted bread and leather, carrying a sharpness close to cigar tobacco. It's the heaviest blend in Mac Baren's catalog in terms of nicotine, and it isn't suited to smoking on an empty stomach. Aimed at very experienced smokers seeking an unflavored, harsh and intense tobacco.