20+ YO Velvet

I recently got a bug in my shorts to get some old tobacco tins, so I did some prowling around ebay and etsy to see what was out there. Quite a lot, actually, and the prices aren't too bad depending on age and condition. I saw this one, which came with the original contents, so I snapped it up. I also ordered a plaid Kentucky Club tin but it hasn't arrived yet.

http://i.imgur.com/9RYnGav.jpg

It's actually not that old it turns out, but a cool tin nonetheless, and in very good condition - just a little rust on the hinge and ever so slight deformation. I did some extensive web research and determined it it's probably from the mid-80's, but possibly as new as the mid-90's. So far I haven't been able to find any solid info on when Velvet switched from tins to pouches - if anyone here knows, do please share.

I took it to work to show off to a BOTL co-worker, who was mildly aghast that I opened it and ruined the antique value, but I assured him that it really wasn't that old and I mainly just wanted the tin. & I gave him a sample. I'm pretty sure I was the first to open it, however, as the lid still felt like it was sealed somewhat, and the inner liner appeared not to have ever been unfolded.

Here are the contents in the inner liner, which is mildly dessicated waxed paper:

http://i.imgur.com/3JqTUM1.jpg

Inside the liner is the number 93, which may be the year of manufacture, or may just be the number 93.

http://i.imgur.com/ilKaHa0.jpg

And here's the actual product. It held together in a semi-stiff block until I transferred it to an 8 oz Ball jar.

http://i.imgur.com/XXMYmml.jpg

And finally, my first bowl of it in a Nordling something or other (you'll have to take my word for it :))

http://i.imgur.com/3Uhb5By.jpg

Having never smoked Velvet, I can't say if the age makes any difference, but it is a very nice smoke! Burley with some VA and maybe some oriental, slightly sweet, kind of a plum/raisin/anise theme. It wants to burn a little hot, so I have to be disciplined, but there's no tongue bite. A little roof-of-mouth bite (?!), with some "spice," kind of like from a strong cigar, but not real strong in the vitamin N department.

Anyway, just thought I share the experience with y'all!

Very cool! Thanks for sharing.

Good find. Thanks for sharing.

Bruce,

I don't know that I carried Velvet in any store that I worked in or owned so I can't help other than to say that there were still tins like these in the 1970s but most of the other tobaccos that had been sold in them, Prince Albert, Top, etc., were in paper boxes by the late 1970s.

Did you moisten the tobacco before smoking?

Pete

Awesome! Velvet is my favorite OTC... you got a sweet introduction to it.

very cool! thanks for sharing!

That is awesome. I still fondly remember Danr gifting out some aged Prince Albert that I thought was amazing stuff. I have a few pouches of it stored away for sometime in the distant future. I bought a old tin of Sail Green that I didn't quite like as much.

Awesome score!

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Originally Posted by NeverBend

Bruce,

I don't know that I carried Velvet in any store that I worked in or owned so I can't help other than to say that there were still tins like these in the 1970s but most of the other tobaccos that had been sold in them, Prince Albert, Top, etc., were in paper boxes by the late 1970s.

Did you moisten the tobacco before smoking?

Pete

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Yes, I remember buying loose cigarette tobacco in (non-corrugated) cardboard boxes and cans that were like coffee cans but cardboard, during my profligate youth in the 70s. OTOH, although the barcode was invented in the early 70s, it didn't see widespread use until the late 70s, and this velvet tin does have a barcode. What made me think mid 80s is another one on ebay that claimed to be from that time frame, and which has the exact same barcode. Not anything like conclusive evidence, but it's all I've got :)

No, didn't moisturize. Think I should?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by commonsenseman

Awesome score!

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Yes, and it wasn't that expensive - 9 something plus 4 something shipping - about what you'd pay for a tin of something new (and premium) on P&C.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Bruck

Yes, I remember buying loose cigarette tobacco in (non-corrugated) cardboard boxes and cans that were like coffee cans but cardboard, during my profligate youth in the 70s. OTOH, although the barcode was invented in the early 70s, it didn't see widespread use until the late 70s, and this velvet tin does have a barcode. What made me think mid 80s is another one on ebay that claimed to be from that time frame, and which has the exact same barcode. Not anything like conclusive evidence, but it's all I've got :)

No, didn't moisturize. Think I should?

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Hi Bruce,

I don't worry too much if the tobacco is dry. I put it into a cigar humidor and watch it pretty carefully (once a week is careful enough for me) and let it rehydrate slowly. I found that aggressively moistening the tobacco (putting water on it) dilutes the flavor while the slow rehydration works well. Whatever works for you is fine.

Pete

Quote:

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Originally Posted by NeverBend

Hi Bruce,

I don't worry too much if the tobacco is dry. I put it into a cigar humidor and watch it pretty carefully (once a week is careful enough for me) and let it rehydrate slowly. I found that aggressively moistening the tobacco (putting water on it) dilutes the flavor while the slow rehydration works well. Whatever works for you is fine.

Pete

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Tnx. My humis are all at capacity at the moment, but I can stick a boveda in the jar.