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Ok so I've bought
Tons of tins (these are easier to
Hide than sticks in my
Wineador) so my question is I've put most all tins into mason jars. With little to no air space. What are proper storage methods for pipe tobacco. It's much cheaper than quality sticks and I can enjoy them much more (quicker) more flavorful. But opinions and recommendations are needed not accepted. NEEDED. THANKS brothers and sisters
Sent from outer space
Unopened tins? Just put 'em on shelves, in drawers, etc. I've opened tins so stored for 8 years, and the tobacco is perfect. Better than new, actually.
No. Unopened tins I leave alone but once I open them I always thought it best to store in jars. I need to read upon pipe tobacco. This habit is outrageous and I need to do some research.
Sent from outer space
Check out this web page:Quote:
Originally Posted by sparky426
The Pipe Tobacco Aging, Storage and Cellaring FAQ
It's got a ton of information about storage and aging of tobaccos.
I nominate you for moderator. Seriously though brother. Always there with resources and help. Thanks.Quote:
Originally Posted by Haebar
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.
- Without moisture tobacco will either hardly age or not at all. Tobacco can be re-hydrated but do so slowly.
- 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.
- 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;
- Virginia tends to age well especially if the mixture is 100% Virginia leaf.
- Latakia loses potency over time and these mixtures tend to become muddled, especially if packed under pressure.
- Burley doesn't age well, especially if flavored (see next point).
- 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.
- 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
I'm relatively new to pipe tobacco ageing; jarred up my first batch in 2009 of various blends (no aromatics). The one now that catches my eye is the 2009 Penzance; but now I'm not so sure if it was a good choice for ageing. Still haven't opened it.
Back in 2009, when I started jarring tobaccos, I actually put the jars in a bath of boiling water in order before capping to force a vacuum seal on them. I don't do that anymore. But back then I didn't know any better. I don't regret doing it other than the time wasted. I've not yet tasted any tobaccos from that batch but I have given away several of them to friends.
Hi Tab,Quote:
Originally Posted by Haebar
I'd think that you should start re-visiting the Penzance very soon :). A friend opened a 25 year old tin of E&C The Stout (heavy lat, packed under pressure). Five people tried it (including me), the others ooh'd and aah'd but it was long past it's best. The Stout was great fresh, better with a year and best @3 years. After 5 it was starting downhill. At the least, try the Penzance to see where you are. It's a lat krumble so better to have smoked it a year too soon rather than a year too late :).
Great thread, y'all! I had no idea how much I didn't know!