Tab (@Haebar), thanks for the link, very extensive so I scanned it. Some good info there.

Ian, (@Sparky426), the nature of (extensive) aging and the fact that it's a fairly recent phenomenon and that no one has done any scientific analysis means that there are no experts. I've had more experience, by accident, than most but in a fairly narrow range of brands (mostly Elephant & Castle).

The changes that happen in aged tobacco are caused by, and with, moisture, pressure, heat and of course time. Biological changes are slight, not well understood and less of a factor. Basically, ageing is the marrying of flavors, one component leaf taking on flavor characteristics of another. Usually this means that there is an increase in perceived smoothness but at the loss of individual flavor distinction. The general assumption that tobacco ages like wine is incorrect. Thus the optimal point in time to smoke any particular mixture differs based on these factors as well as individual taste.


  1. Without moisture tobacco will either hardly age or not at all. Tobacco can be re-hydrated but do so slowly.
  2. Pressure accelerates the ageing process. Packing pressure of a ribbon cut mixtures accelerates ageing speed. Loosely packed ribbon mixtures will age more slowly, to me, preferred in most cases other than Virginia mixtures.
  3. Heat, whether intentional or not (like sunlight) accelerates. Cold retards.


Understand the nature of the component tobaccos in mixtures that you store because they age differently, for example;

  1. Virginia tends to age well especially if the mixture is 100% Virginia leaf.
  2. Latakia loses potency over time and these mixtures tend to become muddled, especially if packed under pressure.
  3. Burley doesn't age well, especially if flavored (see next point).
  4. The added flavors (casing) in aromatic blends can break down (to acetone). I don't know if this is true of more recent aromatics but in any case there's no benefit from ageing aromatics.
  5. Orientals are transplanted strains of Virginia and they age pretty well - depending on the other components.


As mentioned, vacuum sealed tins are ideal, especially for Virginia, but they're packed under pressure and the seal must remain intact. Pay attention to the component leaf.

When stored in mason jars there is a loss of moisture depending on the amount of tobacco stored. Small amount of tobacco - more moisture loss. Every time you open the jar you swap the consistent rh of the jar with ambient air, usually resulting in loss of moisture. Once I use tobacco from a mason jar I try to use it up pretty quickly - similar to when opening a tin, because it becomes difficult to maintain it's moisture.

I use a kitchen vacuum sealer, most without pressure but some (Virginia) with. I've learned to suck out air without adding pressure. Am I doing it correctly? I'll find out in a few years . Hope that this helps.

Pete