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[[Image:leaf.jpg|right|300px]] | [[Image:leaf.jpg|right|300px]] | ||
[[Image:SobranieWeb.jpg|thumb|300px|Vintage Tin of Balkan Sobranie, Courtesy G.L.Pease]]New to pipe smoking? See also [http://pipedia.org/index.php?title=Pipe_Packing_and_Smoking_techniques#Selecting_your_first_tobacco Selecting Your First Tobacco] | [[Image:SobranieWeb.jpg|thumb|300px|Vintage Tin of Balkan Sobranie, Courtesy G.L.Pease]] | ||
<revive zone="12" align="right" caption="Tobaccos old and new are available at the new pipe collectors auction site, Tinbids.com (A New Pipedia Underwriter)" /> | |||
[[File:WilliamSKimball-PeerlessTobacco-1876Ad.jpg|thumb|1876 Peerless Tobacco Ad, courtesy [https://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/510d47e3-d994-a3d9-e040-e00a18064a99 NY Public Libray Digital Collections]]][[File:PlayersTobacco.jpg|thumb|Player's Tobacco Ad featuring their Navy Cuts, an old Barling pipe, fife, and hornpipe music, courtesy Michael DiCuccio]]New to pipe smoking? See also [http://pipedia.org/index.php?title=Pipe_Packing_and_Smoking_techniques#Selecting_your_first_tobacco Selecting Your First Tobacco] | |||
'''The best pipe tobacco may be ahead of us!''' "While some may bemoan the passing of the great blends of yesteryear, or the changing of the hallowed, ancient formula, I personally believe that modern pipe smokers are just now entering a renaissance in pipe tobacco blending, one that promises great things for all fans of the leaf, whether they be active or passive participants in that renaissance." -- Jon Tillman. Read Jon's entire article called, [[Pipe Tobacco Today]] | '''The best pipe tobacco may be ahead of us!''' "While some may bemoan the passing of the great blends of yesteryear, or the changing of the hallowed, ancient formula, I personally believe that modern pipe smokers are just now entering a renaissance in pipe tobacco blending, one that promises great things for all fans of the leaf, whether they be active or passive participants in that renaissance." -- Jon Tillman. Read Jon's entire article called, [[Pipe Tobacco Today]] | ||
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"G. L. Pease Tobacco has become the hallmark of the new era of tobacco blending. A boutique producer, Greg Pease takes an artisan's approach to tobacco, evoking days gone by, when the great shops all had a blender on hand. It is obvious when talking with Greg that he is passionate about his vocation and feels a deep connection with tobacco. Read on to see it in his own words." -- Jon Tillman. Read Jon's [[Conversation With Greg Pease]]. | "G. L. Pease Tobacco has become the hallmark of the new era of tobacco blending. A boutique producer, Greg Pease takes an artisan's approach to tobacco, evoking days gone by, when the great shops all had a blender on hand. It is obvious when talking with Greg that he is passionate about his vocation and feels a deep connection with tobacco. Read on to see it in his own words." -- Jon Tillman. Read Jon's [[Conversation With Greg Pease]]. | ||
== History == | == History == | ||
This section is just a stub for now. | === On site === | ||
This section is just a stub for now. but we highly recommend the following reading: | |||
[https://pipedia.org/images/7/7f/The_soverane_herbe-a_history_of_tobacco_1902.pdf '''The Soverane Herbe''', ''a history of tobacco''] (1902) by W.A. Penn, courtesy Mark Preston | |||
Preface: So great has been the progress of tobacco during the last half century that no apology is needed in presenting this history of the ' Soverane Herb ' —its discovery, trials and adventures, its use in various ages, countries, and forms, and its growth and manufacture. Since Fairholt's ' Tobacco,' published in 1859, this is the first attempt to chronicle the career of "the plant of wondrous feature" in a manner befitting the subject. Some of the story has been partially told by various pamphleteers, but this volume contains much matter that has never been brought together before, rendering it, as I hope and believe, the most complete history of tobacco yet published. | |||
[https://pipedia.org/images/f/f1/Tobaccolandbook-CARL-AVERY-WERNER.pdf '''Tobaccoland'''] (1922) by Carl Avery Werner, courtesy Mark Preston. | |||
Tobaccoland is about tobacco; its history, legends, literature, cultivation, social and hygienic influences, commercial development, industrial processes and governmental regulation.. | |||
<gallery widths=250 heights=350> | |||
TheSovernHerbe.JPG|Title Plate, [https://pipedia.org/images/7/7f/The_soverane_herbe-a_history_of_tobacco_1902.pdf '''The Soverane Herbe''', ''a history of tobacco''] | |||
Tobaccoland.jpg|Cover of [https://pipedia.org/images/f/f1/Tobaccolandbook-CARL-AVERY-WERNER.pdf '''Tobaccoland'''] | |||
</gallery> | |||
=== Off site === | |||
[http://www.stogiefresh.com/journal/Cigar_Journal/Featured_Articles/Entries/2007/10/2_Native_American_Tobacco_Cultivation_and_Use.html Native American Tobacco Cultivation and Use]", by Ben Rapaport. | |||
== Broad Categories == | == Broad Categories == | ||
=== Good Pipe Tobaccos === | === Good Pipe Tobaccos === | ||
[[File:C&D PipediaUnderwriter.jpg|thumb|Many thanks to our friends at [http://www.smokingpipes.com/tobacco/by-maker/cornell-diehl/index.cfm C&D], for their generous underwriting support]]The best place to purchase pipe tobacco is from a tobacconist, regardless of the smoker's experience level. Genuine tobacconists tend to offer a selection of high quality brands from around the world, packaged in vacuum-sealed tins and cans that keep the product fresh and allows it to age for the better over decades. Tobacconists also usually offer their own "house blends" of quality name brands, stored in sealed glass jars that often contain various forms of small humidifiers that keep them fresh and moist. | [[File:C&D PipediaUnderwriter.jpg|link=http://www.smokingpipes.com/tobacco/by-maker/cornell-diehl/index.cfm|thumb|left|Many thanks to our friends at [http://www.smokingpipes.com/tobacco/by-maker/cornell-diehl/index.cfm C&D], for their generous underwriting support]]The best place to purchase pipe tobacco is from a tobacconist, regardless of the smoker's experience level. Genuine tobacconists tend to offer a selection of high quality brands from around the world, packaged in vacuum-sealed tins and cans that keep the product fresh and allows it to age for the better over decades. Tobacconists also usually offer their own "house blends" of quality name brands, stored in sealed glass jars that often contain various forms of small humidifiers that keep them fresh and moist. | ||
The alternatives include discount tobacco stores, drugstores and convenience stores as well as some supermarkets, gas stations and truck stops, all of them selling cigarettes as their main tobacco product. For the most part, these alternative sources sell limited pipe tobacco brands -- packaged in loose envelopes allowing the tobacco inside to be exposed to air and therefore dry out -- made from inferior tobaccos, some of which are even mixed with shredded cardboard for filler, and all of which contain many artificial additives for preservation and flavoring. The combination of low-grade, often dried out tobacco and additives leads to an unpleasant pipe smoking experience and a greater chance of developing health problems. | The alternatives include discount tobacco stores, drugstores and convenience stores as well as some supermarkets, gas stations and truck stops, all of them selling cigarettes as their main tobacco product. For the most part, these alternative sources sell limited pipe tobacco brands -- packaged in loose envelopes allowing the tobacco inside to be exposed to air and therefore dry out -- made from inferior tobaccos, some of which are even mixed with shredded cardboard for filler, and all of which contain many artificial additives for preservation and flavoring. The combination of low-grade, often dried out tobacco and additives leads to an unpleasant pipe smoking experience and a greater chance of developing health problems. | ||
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''From the [http://glpease.com/FAQ.html G.L.Pease FAQ], and used by permission.'' | ''From the [http://glpease.com/FAQ.html G.L.Pease FAQ], and used by permission.'' | ||
<gallery mode=slideshow caption="An Old Dunhill Tobacco Brochure, courtesy of John A. Gioannetti"> | |||
Image:Dunhill_Tobacco_Brochure1.jpg| | Image:Dunhill_Tobacco_Brochure1.jpg| | ||
Image:Dunhill_Tobacco_Brochure2.jpg| | Image:Dunhill_Tobacco_Brochure2.jpg| | ||
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Latakia (Arabic: تبغ اللاذقية) is a specially prepared tobacco originally produced in Syria and named after the port city of Latakia. Now the tobacco is mainly produced in Cyprus. It is cured over a stone pine or oak wood fire, which gives it an intense smoky-peppery taste and smell. Too strong to smoke straight, it's used as a "condiment", especially in English and some American Classic blends. | Latakia (Arabic: تبغ اللاذقية) is a specially prepared tobacco originally produced in Syria and named after the port city of Latakia. Now the tobacco is mainly produced in Cyprus. It is cured over a stone pine or oak wood fire, which gives it an intense smoky-peppery taste and smell. Too strong to smoke straight, it's used as a "condiment", especially in English and some American Classic blends. | ||
==== | ==== Questions and Answers on Latakia from G.L.Pease <ref>From the [http://glpease.com/FAQ.html G.L.Pease FAQ], and used by permission.</ref> ==== | ||
''' | |||
'''Q: Is Latakia really cured over smoldering camel dung?''' | |||
A: The only smoldering dung is that used to fuel the myths about Latakia. I wouldn't really care if the myth were reality, since I really love the stuff, but, it's important to understand that a variety of herbs and hardwoods are used in the processing of Latakia, not camel dung. No matter how many times I say this, the myth will probably be promulgated until the Sun stops revolving about the Earth... For more information on the wonderful, smoky weed, read my article, [[A Tale of Two Latakias]]. | |||
'''Q: What is generally meant by "English," "Scottish," and "Balkan" style?''' | '''Q: What is generally meant by "English," "Scottish," and "Balkan" style?''' | ||
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The same thing is true when going from Latakia blends to Virginias. Give your senses time to "get educated," and the rewards will be more thorough enjoyment of your pipe in the future! | The same thing is true when going from Latakia blends to Virginias. Give your senses time to "get educated," and the rewards will be more thorough enjoyment of your pipe in the future! | ||
==== Availability of Syrian Latakia ==== | ==== Availability of Syrian Latakia ==== | ||
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Though Latakia tobacco from Cyprus seems to be plentiful in the present tobacco market, the prevalence of Syrian Latakia in boutique tobacco blends seems to have diminished of late. Several popular pipe tobacco blends produced by Cornell and Diehl, manufacturers of the G. L. Pease tobacco blends, ceased the inclusion of Syrian Latakia following a warehouse fire in late 2004 which destroyed nearly all of their entire stock of Syrian Latakia: | Though Latakia tobacco from Cyprus seems to be plentiful in the present tobacco market, the prevalence of Syrian Latakia in boutique tobacco blends seems to have diminished of late. Several popular pipe tobacco blends produced by Cornell and Diehl, manufacturers of the G. L. Pease tobacco blends, ceased the inclusion of Syrian Latakia following a warehouse fire in late 2004 which destroyed nearly all of their entire stock of Syrian Latakia: | ||
"In the morning, our leaf processor's warehouse containing nearly all of the available Syrian Latakia that was brought into the country burned to the ground. A few pounds remain here and there, but of literally tons of this sublime leaf, all that is left is ashes and dust. As bad as this is for us, it's far worse for the importer, who still owned the majority of the leaf lost. The business impact is obvious. All of the Syrian Latakia containing blends, from both GLPease and Cornell & Diehl, can not be produced. Whatever is currently on the shelves is all that there is, or will be in the forseeable future. Trade relations with Syria are somewhat sensitive at present, and while we're working through every possible channel to replace what was lost, we have no way of predicting when we'll be able to get another shipment." | <blockquote>"In the morning, our leaf processor's warehouse containing nearly all of the available Syrian Latakia that was brought into the country burned to the ground. A few pounds remain here and there, but of literally tons of this sublime leaf, all that is left is ashes and dust. As bad as this is for us, it's far worse for the importer, who still owned the majority of the leaf lost. The business impact is obvious. All of the Syrian Latakia containing blends, from both GLPease and Cornell & Diehl, can not be produced. Whatever is currently on the shelves is all that there is, or will be in the forseeable future. Trade relations with Syria are somewhat sensitive at present, and while we're working through every possible channel to replace what was lost, we have no way of predicting when we'll be able to get another shipment."</blockquote> | ||
Despite this apparent setback, other manufacturers such as McClelland and MacBaren have been able to continue to produce pipe tobacco blends containing Syrian Latakia, as they had secured their stock of the vintage leaf prior to the warehouse fire. | Despite this apparent setback, other manufacturers such as McClelland and MacBaren have been able to continue to produce pipe tobacco blends containing Syrian Latakia, as they had secured their stock of the vintage leaf prior to the warehouse fire. | ||
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Oriental, or Turkish, is a spice tobacco known for its nutty, somewhat "sweet and sour" flavor. It's a main component in English blends, along with Latakia (which is itself an Oriental that's been flavored with smoke). | Oriental, or Turkish, is a spice tobacco known for its nutty, somewhat "sweet and sour" flavor. It's a main component in English blends, along with Latakia (which is itself an Oriental that's been flavored with smoke). | ||
This tobacco derives its name from the area in which it's grown: the Eastern Mediterranean. Each of the varietals, in fact, are named after the towns or regions they come from. Thus Yenidje | This tobacco derives its name from the area in which it's grown: the Eastern Mediterranean. Each of the varietals, in fact, are named after the towns or regions they come from. Thus Yenidje is Greek, Samsun and Izmir are Turkish, Drama is from Greece also, and Xanthe is from the region of Thrace, which is also in Greece. For all intents and purposes this is all one region, united for many years under Ottoman rule (hence the interchangeable terms "Oriental" and "Turkish".) | ||
Oriental tobacco plants characteristically have a great deal of small leaves. The finished product ranges in color from yellow to brown, and is strongly aromatic. Its smell is reminiscent of used horse bedding, which could possibly explain why it's often mixed with Latakia. | Oriental tobacco plants characteristically have a great deal of small leaves. The finished product ranges in color from yellow to brown, and is strongly aromatic. Its smell is reminiscent of used horse bedding, which could possibly explain why it's often mixed with Latakia. | ||
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The process by which this tobacco is produced predates Columbus. The Choctaw Indians of (what would later be) Louisiana would make it by pressing it into hollow logs with a long pole, and securing it with weights. | The process by which this tobacco is produced predates Columbus. The Choctaw Indians of (what would later be) Louisiana would make it by pressing it into hollow logs with a long pole, and securing it with weights. | ||
After the Acadians (Cajuns) settled the area in the mid-1700's, the Choctaws taught this process to a French colonist by the name of Pierre Chenet. The finished product was referred to as Perique, a Cajun variation on the word "prick". This referred either to the phallic shape of the carottes (the tight bundles of market-ready Perique), or Chenet himself, as it was his nickname! | After the Acadians (Cajuns) settled the area in the mid-1700's, the Choctaws taught this process to a French colonist by the name of Pierre Chenet. The finished product was referred to as Perique, a Cajun variation on the word "prick". This referred either to the phallic shape of the carottes (the tight bundles of market-ready Perique), or Chenet himself, as it was his nickname! (Perique is a widely used familiar variation from Pierre in France). It is also (Perico) a familiar variation in Spanish from Pedro. | ||
Where is Perique Grown? | Where is Perique Grown? | ||
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It is often said by pipe smokers that they will dedicate certain pipes to certain tobaccos. This makes some sense in that tobaccos do leave some residual taste (sometimes called a "ghost"). Many smokers will not go so far, but might dedicate pipes to certain blends or types of tobaccos. One set of pipes for, say, Cavendish blends and another set of pipes for aromatics and Orientals. | It is often said by pipe smokers that they will dedicate certain pipes to certain tobaccos. This makes some sense in that tobaccos do leave some residual taste (sometimes called a "ghost"). Many smokers will not go so far, but might dedicate pipes to certain blends or types of tobaccos. One set of pipes for, say, Cavendish blends and another set of pipes for aromatics and Orientals. | ||
Certain pipes seem to smoke better with certain tobaccos, certain blends or certain cuts. Along those lines, Tarek Manadily has written an interesting article called [[Pressed Tobaccos and Flake Pipes]]. It is commonly held that briar can alter the taste of tobacco, and that a clean clay pipe should be used with a first-time trial run of any tobacco, in order to derive the purest taste. Others believe Brylon gives a more pure taste. Many pipes are 'pre-caked', meaning they have a coat of charcoaling in the bowl. These may be the best briar pipes for beginners; a fine brand such as Comoy's has just such bowls. | Certain pipes seem to smoke better with certain tobaccos, certain blends or certain cuts. Along those lines, Tarek Manadily has written an interesting article called [[Pressed Tobaccos and Flake Pipes]]. It is commonly held that briar can alter the taste of tobacco, and that a clean [[clay]] pipe should be used with a first-time trial run of any tobacco, in order to derive the purest taste. Others believe Brylon gives a more pure taste. Many pipes are 'pre-caked', meaning they have a coat of charcoaling in the bowl. These may be the best briar pipes for beginners; a fine brand such as Comoy's has just such bowls. | ||
== Tasting Pipe Tobaccos == | == Tasting Pipe Tobaccos == | ||
<revive zone="17" align="right" caption="Many pipe smokers prefer sampling tobaccos in Cobs so as not to induce 'ghost' flavors into the pipes in their regular rotation. Many thanks to Missouri Meerschaum Company for their Underwriting support" /> | |||
Fred Hanna has written an excellent article for The Pipe Collector that addresses the concept of tasting tobaccos such as we might approach a fine wine. Excellent reading and re-published here by permission: [[Tasting Pipe Tobaccos: Should we Become more Disciplined about this?]] By Fred Hanna. | Fred Hanna has written an excellent article for The Pipe Collector that addresses the concept of tasting tobaccos such as we might approach a fine wine. Excellent reading and re-published here by permission: [[Tasting Pipe Tobaccos: Should we Become more Disciplined about this?]] By Fred Hanna. | ||
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===Pressing=== | ===Pressing=== | ||
John Seiler has written an excellent article on [http://pipedia.org/images/9/92/Pipe_Tobacco_Pressing.pdf Pipe Tobacco Pressing] at home. | John Seiler has written an excellent article on [http://pipedia.org/images/9/92/Pipe_Tobacco_Pressing.pdf Pipe Tobacco Pressing] at home. | ||
=== On site links to resources === | |||
*[https://pipedia.org/images/7/7e/Samuel_Gawith_Pipe_Tobaccos.pdf Samuel Gawith Tobaccos, courtesy Michael DiCuccio] | |||
=== Off site links on aging === | === Off site links on aging === | ||
*R.C. Hamlin has written an excellent article called | *R.C. Hamlin has written an excellent article called Tobacco, worth the wait. Sadly, the link we had for is no longer viable. If you have a copy of this article and would be willing to have us post it here, and/or link to it, please E-mail me at sethile.pipes@gmail.com. | ||
== Off site links == | == Off site links == | ||
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*Types of Tobacco and their Blends [http://www.tobaccopub.net/tobacco-info/types-of-tobacco-and-their-blends] | *Types of Tobacco and their Blends [http://www.tobaccopub.net/tobacco-info/types-of-tobacco-and-their-blends] | ||
*MacBaren Tobacco [http://www.mac-baren.com/TopMenu/Main-1.aspx website] | *MacBaren Tobacco [http://www.mac-baren.com/TopMenu/Main-1.aspx website] | ||
*Sutliff (part of MacBaren) [https://sutliff-tobacco.com/ website] | |||
*Samuel Gawith & Co. LTD Producers of fine pipe tobaccos since 1792. [http://www.samuelgawith.co.uk website] | *Samuel Gawith & Co. LTD Producers of fine pipe tobaccos since 1792. [http://www.samuelgawith.co.uk website] | ||
*Orlik Tobacco Company A/S [http://www.orlik.com website] | *Orlik Tobacco Company A/S [http://www.orlik.com website] | ||
*Scandinavian Tobacco Group / Lane LTD [https://stglanepipe.com/slp-gate/ website] | |||
*tabaky.cz - page with reviews (CZ,SK,PL) [http://www.tabaky.cz website] | *tabaky.cz - page with reviews (CZ,SK,PL) [http://www.tabaky.cz website] | ||
*[http://pipesmagazine.com/blog/put-that-in-your-pipe/the-mystique-of-perique/ Interview with Mark Ryan, owner of L.A. Poche Perique Tobacco Co.] | *[http://pipesmagazine.com/blog/put-that-in-your-pipe/the-mystique-of-perique/ Interview with Mark Ryan, owner of L.A. Poche Perique Tobacco Co.] | ||
*BEE Trading House producers & exporters of Cyprus Latakia type pipe fine, scrap, leaf, yellow, A.B. mixed tobaccos since 1950. [http://www.beetradingtobacco.com website] | |||
Please add links to blenders, or informative tobacco sites. | Please add links to blenders, or informative tobacco sites. | ||
== References == | |||
<references /> | |||