Pipe Tobacco: Difference between revisions

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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#How_should_I_select_my_first_tobacco.3F Selecting Your First Tobacco]
[[Image:SobranieWeb.jpg|thumb|300px|Vintage Tin of Balkan Sobranie, Courtesy G.L.Pease]][[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]]]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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== Broad Categories ==  
== Broad Categories ==  
=== "Drugstore" Tobaccos ===
=== Good Pipe Tobaccos ===
It is thought best to purchase tobacco from a tobacconist-- if one is a novice. Many of the commonly available blends found in discount stores or supermarkets are made from lower quality tobacco, and include many additives for preservation and "taste enhancement". These alter the way the tobacco smokes, usually for the worse in the case of 'drugstore' tobaccos.
[[File:C&D PipediaUnderwriter.jpg|link=http://www.smokingpipes.com/tobacco/by-maker/cornell-diehl/index.cfm|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.


Also you will notice no consistent way of storage. Like all tobacco, a certain amount of humidity is desirable. A good tobacconist will have pipe tobacco in separate jars/containers, sometimes with a humidifing element present in each. These elements can help in maintaining important oils. Humidifying elements are not necessary, and many smokers prefer a dry smoke.
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.
 
If you live in an area where there are no tobacconists, you can always shop online. Popular brands include Velvet, Half-and-Half, and Prince Albert.
For pipe enjoyers who live in an area where there are no tobacconists, online and even mail ordering are available from sources that supply every quality tobacco made, and in general at discounted prices for bulk ordering. Pipe smokers with no access to a tobacconist's shop can arrange to receive regular emails or catalogs in the regular mail from major suppliers that also sell pipes and various other products that can become useful or necessary as the smoker's experience level increases.


=== Faux Pipe Tobaccos (a relative term) ===
=== Faux Pipe Tobaccos (a relative term) ===
This is a new variety of "pipe" tobacco which has emerged recently (2009) in America, and posibly other countries.  It is actually roll-your-own cigarette tobacco, which is being marketed as Premium Pipe Tobacco, to avoid the ridiculously, high taxes and regulatory requirements on cigarette tobacco.  In a pipe it's like smoking paper, compared to real pipe tobacco.  Oddly enough, though, it seems to work fine in cigarettes.  On the other hand, it is tobacco which can be smoked in a pipe, and it is you who decides, good or bad, not me or the government.  In retrospect, I have tried rolling cigarettes using good pipe tobacco, and although they have the distinct flavor of the pipe tobacco, the flavor and effect is just not comparable to smoking it in a pipe.
This is a new variety of "pipe" tobacco which has emerged recently (2009) in America, and possibly other countries.  It is actually roll-your-own cigarette tobacco, which is being marketed as Premium Pipe Tobacco, to avoid the ridiculously high taxes and regulatory requirements on cigarette tobacco.  In a pipe it's like smoking paper, compared to real pipe tobacco.  Oddly enough, though, it seems to work fine in cigarettes.  On the other hand, it is tobacco which can be smoked in a pipe, and it is you who decides, good or bad, not me or the government.  In retrospect, I have tried rolling cigarettes using good pipe tobacco, and although they have the distinct flavor of the pipe tobacco, the flavor and effect is just not comparable to smoking it in a pipe.


=== Aromatics VS. Non-Aromatics ===  
=== Aromatics VS. Non-Aromatics ===  
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'''G.L. Pease Answers''': There are two things of interest here, namely "casing" and "top flavouring." They are two distinctly different approaches to altering a blend's flavor. Some tobaccos employ both.
'''G.L. Pease Answers''': There are two things of interest here, namely "casing" and "top flavouring." They are two distinctly different approaches to altering a blend's flavor. Some tobaccos employ both.


Casing requires that the tobacco be soaked, literally, in a "sauce" that may contain sugar, molasses, liquorice, alcohols like rum or whiskey, and various flavourings, natural or otherwise, depending on the manufacturer. Once the tobacco "drinks" the sauce, it's conditioned in large cylinders that dry it back to the desired moisture level, generally between 12% (on the dry side) and 22% (very moist). Optimal moisture for smoking depends on the smoker, but it's generally in the 13-16% range. The aromas and flavours imparted by casing will remain in the tobacco pretty tenaciously, and will affect the smoke throughout the bowl.
Casing requires that the tobacco be sprayed with or soaked in a "sauce" that may contain sugar, molasses, liquorice, alcohols like rum or whiskey, and various flavourings, natural or otherwise, depending on the manufacturer. Once the tobacco "drinks" the sauce, it's conditioned in large cylinders that dry it back to the desired moisture level, generally between 12% (on the dry side) and 22% (very moist). Optimal moisture for smoking depends on the smoker, but it's generally in the 13-16% range. The aromas and flavours imparted by casing will remain in the tobacco pretty tenaciously, and will affect the smoke throughout the bowl.


Top-flavouring is added by spraying the finished blend with scents and flavourings. This is a much lighter application, and doesn't alter the moisture content of the leaf dramatically. Sometimes called "top-notes," this can be quite ephemeral. Because of the volatile nature of many of the commonly used components, a tobacco left to "air out" may lose a lot of the perfume that's applied this way.
Top-flavouring is added by spraying the finished blend with scents and flavourings. This is a much lighter application, and doesn't alter the moisture content of the leaf dramatically. Sometimes called "top-notes," this can be quite ephemeral. Because of the volatile nature of many of the commonly used components, a tobacco left to "air out" may lose a lot of the perfume that's applied this way.
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'''I only smoke uncased tobaccos.'''
'''I only smoke uncased tobaccos.'''


'''G.L. Pease Answers:''' In fact, very few, if any, tobaccos on the market today are NOT cased. Casing is the process of adding sugars and flavouring agents before the leaf is further processed. The raw leaf is be soaked or sprayed with a heavy solution of sugars and flavourings like liquorice, vanilla, tonquin, and so on. The amount of sauce absorbed by the leaf depends on the method of application, the structure of the leaf, and the length of time the leaf is in contact with the sauce before further processing. The leaf is then processed as usual. It can be conditioned and cut, or pressed and held to allow further fermentation. It can be heated, steamed, toasted, or just allowed to “bulk” in the atmosphere.
'''G.L. Pease Answers:''' In fact, very few tobaccos on the market today are not cased to some extent. Casing is the process of adding sugars and flavouring agents before the leaf is further processed. The raw leaf is soaked or sprayed with a heavy solution of sugars and flavourings like liquorice, vanilla, molasses, tonquin, and so on. The amount of sauce absorbed by the leaf depends on the method of application, the structure of the leaf, and the length of time the leaf is in contact with the sauce before further processing. The leaf is then processed as usual. It can be conditioned and cut, or pressed and held to allow further fermentation. It can be heated, steamed, toasted, or just allowed to “bulk” in the atmosphere.


Raw tobacco, frankly, usually doesn't taste very good, and has poor smoking characteristics. Very few smokers have ever experienced tobaccos, especially Virginias and Burleys, that do not have SOME sort of casing applied. It's not the casing that turns smokers of “pure” tobacco off; it's the flavourings. When used delicately, they enhance the flavour of the tobacco itself. When used heavily, as in most American style aromatic tobaccos, they can overpower the underlying tobacco flavours.
Raw tobacco, especially burley, usually doesn't taste very good, and can have poor smoking characteristics. Very few smokers have ever experienced tobaccos that do not have SOME sort of casing applied. It's not the casing that turns smokers of “pure” tobacco off; it's the excessive use of flavourings. When used delicately, they can enhance the flavour of the tobacco itself. When used heavily, as in most American style aromatic tobaccos, they can overpower the underlying tobacco flavours.


'''Q: So, are your tobaccos cased?'''
'''Q: So, are your tobaccos cased?'''


A: Most of the leaf we use is cased by the primary processor according to our specifications. In some cases, we do additional casing before blending. So, the answer is yes. It's an important and necessary step in providing the best possible smoking experience, and that's what it's all about, right?
A: Some of the leaf we use is cased by the primary processor according to our specifications. In some cases, we do additional casing before blending. So, the answer is yes. It's an important and necessary tool and sometimes a first-step in providing the best possible smoking experience, and that's what it's all about, right?


'''I don't smoke flavoured tobaccos...'''
'''Q: I don't smoke flavoured tobaccos...'''


A: Again, almost all tobaccos sold are flavoured. Again, raw tobacco is not always the most pleasant thing to smoke, so it needs a little help. Flavourings can be applied with the casing, or after processing, in which case they are known as top-dressings. The difference is subtle, but important. Top dressings provide specific aromas in the tin, but tend to dissipate or flame off when the tobacco is smoked, or even just allowed to air out. The flavourings in the casing is deeper in the leaf, fully absorbed, and is therefore less ephemeral. As with so many things, the dose makes the poison. Just as a little salt can enhance a dish without making it salty, the right amount of flavouring can enhance the taste of the tobacco without overpowering it.
A: Again, almost all tobaccos sold are flavoured. Again, raw tobacco is not always the most pleasant thing to smoke, so it might need a little help. Flavourings can be applied with the casing, or after processing, in which case they are known as top-dressings. The difference is subtle, but important. Top dressings provide specific aromas in the tin, but tend to dissipate or flame off when the tobacco is smoked, or even just allowed to air out. The flavourings in the casing is deeper in the leaf, fully absorbed, and is therefore less ephemeral. As with so many things, the dose makes the poison. Just as a little salt can enhance a dish without making it salty, the right amount of flavouring can enhance the taste of the tobacco without overpowering it.


'''So, you do use flavourings...'''
'''Q: So, you do use flavourings?'''


A: Of course. In addition to the flavouring agents in the casing sauces, we do, in some cases, add a top dressing as well. We use natural products. Some of the blends are topped with rum, brandy or whisky. Others have additional natural flavours added. If you're asking the question, we must be doing it right.
A: Of course. In addition to subtle flavouring agents in the casing sauces, we do, in some cases, add a top dressing as well. We use natural products. Some of the blends are topped with rum, brandy or whisky. Others have additional natural flavours added. If you're asking the question, we must be doing it right.


''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.''
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*A typical mix of ingredients would be around 54 percent tobacco, 22 percent water, 8 percent alcohol (Glycerol/Sorbitol) and the rest sugars and specific flavoring (e.g., cherry). Sources: [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cavendish_Tobacco Wikipedia])
*A typical mix of ingredients would be around 54 percent tobacco, 22 percent water, 8 percent alcohol (Glycerol/Sorbitol) and the rest sugars and specific flavoring (e.g., cherry). Sources: [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cavendish_Tobacco Wikipedia])
=== Dark Fired Kentucky ===
Dark Fired Kentucky is featured in several blends, such as Mc Baren's HH Old Dark Fired and Peter Heinrich's Dark Strong, and G.L. Pease's Cumberland. It is also used as a component for many other blends where it serves a variety of purposes. It is a dark tobacco, similar to Burley that is cured in barns over an open fire. This gives it a smokiness, but one that is earthier, less woodsy, and more subtle than in Latakia. It has a relatively high nicotine content and burns well with good body.


=== Latakia ===
=== Latakia ===
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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 and Smyrna are Greek, Samsun and Izmir are Turkish, Drama is Macedonian, and Xanthe is from the region of Thrace, which is mostly in Greece. For all intents and purposes this is all one region, united for many years under Turkish rule (hence the interchangeable terms "Oriental" and "Turkish".)
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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'''Is Perique Endangered?'''
'''Is Perique Endangered?'''


It was close! But things look better. Because Perique grows in a very small area within the St.James Perish in Louisiana, hurricanes and other variables in the weather can effect the entire crop for any given year. The economy of the region is also a factor. Perique farmers have passed their lands and knowledge on to their families for 150 years, but farming Perique is very labor intensive, and the profits are small. Many in the younger generations of these farming families have taken jobs in nearby plants. Perique is now farmed by only a few small operations between 1/4 acre and 10 acres. Only Percy Martin, the largest producer processes the crop commercially, and he is under contract with the Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Co, which buys all of his tobacco for cigarettes. A handful of the remaining producers do some preprocessing, but the only other producer of Perique has been the L.A. Poche Perique Tobacco Co., which came close to closing in 2005.  At that point it looked bleak for Perique until Mark Ryan and Steve Coley stepped in, forming a new company, Coley Ryan Tobacco Enterprises, which stepped in and bought L.A. Poche. They had lots of help from Neal Poche, and Dudley LeBlanc, who is the second largest grower of Perique after Martin. With Poche and LeBlanc's help, Ryan and Coley learned the unique processes, and have committed themselves and their company to to the future of Perique. It would appear that Perique's future is as bright as it has been for some time. (see Pipes and Tobacco Magazine, Summer 2006 issue, page 40).  
It was close! But things look better. Because Perique grows in a very small area within the St.James Parish in Louisiana, hurricanes and other variables in the weather can effect the entire crop for any given year. The economy of the region is also a factor. Perique farmers have passed their lands and knowledge on to their families for 150 years, but farming Perique is very labor intensive, and the profits are small. Many in the younger generations of these farming families have taken jobs in nearby plants. Perique is now farmed by only a few small operations between 1/4 acre and 10 acres. Only Percy Martin, the largest producer processes the crop commercially, and he is under contract with the Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Co, which buys all of his tobacco for cigarettes. A handful of the remaining producers do some preprocessing, but the only other producer of Perique has been the L.A. Poche Perique Tobacco Co., which came close to closing in 2005.  At that point it looked bleak for Perique until Mark Ryan and Steve Coley stepped in, forming a new company, Coley Ryan Tobacco Enterprises, which stepped in and bought L.A. Poche. They had lots of help from Neal Poche, and Dudley LeBlanc, who is the second largest grower of Perique after Martin. With Poche and LeBlanc's help, Ryan and Coley learned the unique processes, and have committed themselves and their company to to the future of Perique. It would appear that Perique's future is as bright as it has been for some time. (see Pipes and Tobacco Magazine, Summer 2006 issue, page 40).  


Where Can I Buy Perique?
Where Can I Buy Perique?
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Q: Will all tobaccos improve with age?
Q: Will all tobaccos improve with age?


A: Generally, any tobacco with plenty of natural sugars will age wonderfully. Virginia is always a prime candidate, but so are blends with lots or Oriental leaf. Though Oriental varieties don't have as much sugar as Virginias, they do contain enough to go through fermentation in the tin, and will improve over time.
A: Generally, any tobacco with plenty of natural sugars will age wonderfully. Virginia is always a prime candidate, but so are blends with lots of Oriental leaf. Though Oriental varieties don't have as much sugar as Virginias, they do contain enough to go through fermentation in the tin, and will improve over time.


Q: Isn't "fresh" tobacco better?
Q: Isn't "fresh" tobacco better?
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A: I design all my blends with aging in mind. Barbary Coast, being based on Burley, is probably the blend that will benefit least from long cellaring, though the flavors WILL continue to meld over several years, and there's enough Virginia leaf, as well as perique, to afford some significant change. The cigar leaf in Robusto may peak after 5-7 years, but the Virginias and oriental leaf will continue to develop increased complexity. All the rest will improve for 10, 20, 30, 40 years or even longer. Ask me again at the turn of the next century...
A: I design all my blends with aging in mind. Barbary Coast, being based on Burley, is probably the blend that will benefit least from long cellaring, though the flavors WILL continue to meld over several years, and there's enough Virginia leaf, as well as perique, to afford some significant change. The cigar leaf in Robusto may peak after 5-7 years, but the Virginias and oriental leaf will continue to develop increased complexity. All the rest will improve for 10, 20, 30, 40 years or even longer. Ask me again at the turn of the next century...
===Pressing===
John Seiler has written an excellent article on [http://pipedia.org/images/9/92/Pipe_Tobacco_Pressing.pdf Pipe Tobacco Pressing] at home.


=== Off site links on aging ===
=== Off site links on aging ===
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*Greg Pease has a very interesting and informative [http://glpease.com/ website] and [http://www.glpease.com/BriarAndLeaf/ blog]
*Greg Pease has a very interesting and informative [http://glpease.com/ website] and [http://www.glpease.com/BriarAndLeaf/ blog]
*Cornell & Diehl, Inc. [http://cornellanddiehl.com/ C&D]
*Cornell & Diehl, Inc. [http://cornellanddiehl.com/ C&D]
*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]
*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]
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*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.

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