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Post by Deleted on Oct 11, 2016 10:21:13 GMT -5
I've read a lot of different opinions on this but there are probably more imminently qualified individuals on this board to directly answer this question than others. Some say Latakia falls apart after a certain time, anywhere between ten and fifteen years; however, I've also seen many comments from very highly respected individuals to indicate this is not true. Two examples, Pipestud's (Mark) review of Smoker's Haven Exotique indicated he couldn't put it down after being aged twenty years. Fine smoke. Recently our own JimInks appeared to be greatly enjoying fifteen year old Penzance. Perhaps I'm off base but these observations would appear to contradict the assumption Latakia loses its mojo after a given timeframe. The primary reason for this inquiry is I really didn't get into Latakia until 2011. My primary crossovers were McClelland's Frog Morton series and Blue Mountain, the latter of which has since been renamed Balkan Blue due to trademark issues. Some of these are entering the supposed butter spot between five and ten years; however, I've amassed so many others since I'm beginning to wonder if I should start selling some off while still possible or just let it ride? All sage advice, or otherwise, will be appreciated. |
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Post by Motto on Oct 11, 2016 11:04:43 GMT -5
G'Day, just my halfpennyworth, Like tea & coffee & cigars & bread , I prefer my tobacco fresh, Perique & Latakia in Virginia is like smoked salmon compared to fresh salmon or curry compared to T-bone steak it lasts longer but it is not the real McCoy, just my opinion folks, cellaring was for the day of sail ships and limited supply. Ta'Ra for now gents & misses...
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sjmiller
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Post by sjmiller on Oct 11, 2016 12:02:58 GMT -5
I have noticed old Latakia blends that show up on Pipestud's website very often command extremely high prices but always sell. I find it hard to believe that people would spend hundreds of dollars for a two tin of tobacco if it had gotten worse with age.
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Post by Motto on Oct 11, 2016 12:25:33 GMT -5
G'Day, just my halfpennyworth, Like tea & coffee & cigars & bread , I prefer my tobacco fresh, Perique & Latakia in Virginia is like smoked salmon compared to fresh salmon or curry compared to T-bone steak it lasts longer but it is not the real McCoy, just my opinion folks, cellaring was for the day of sail ships and limited supply. Ta'Ra for now gents & misses... PS try studying Thomas Edison's cigar lore, but anybody want to buy my bottled smoke rings , fresh.bottled air.sells well in some exotic places...but with all respects some people prefer expensive curries, not me, each to his own taste gentlemen & misses. |
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Post by Deleted on Oct 11, 2016 12:29:29 GMT -5
I have noticed old Latakia blends that show up on Pipestud's website very often command extremely high prices but always sell. I find it hard to believe that people would spend hundreds of dollars for a two tin of tobacco if it had gotten worse with age. Good point. I agree these prices aren't rational. I've never paid them nor ever would. The fact others will indicates perhaps I should shed some Latakia from my cellar, take a profit and move on. On the other hand, if they age well then perhaps I just stand pat and enjoy? |
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Post by puffy on Oct 11, 2016 13:19:35 GMT -5
I aged some Penzance and some other Latakia blends 5 years..Actualy I like them better fresh..That's just my taste though..Yours may be different.
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sjmiller
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Post by sjmiller on Oct 11, 2016 13:21:03 GMT -5
If it was me I would hold on to it. If a need for money arrives you could sell, if not then smoke away.
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Post by papipeguy on Oct 11, 2016 21:45:18 GMT -5
If stored under ideal conditions a lat lend should age fairly well. I say fairly well because latakia is a delicate thing and I have noticed a drop off in it's properties over years. Even Russ O. will tell you that 10 years is pushing it for lat blends. I think the same applies for Balkan strains. I feel that they are best smoked new. As far as the extreme prices for aged tins on certain sites, I am constantly amazed what some will pay for them. I have seen tins go for over $800 a couple of years ago. I know folks who paid that for a bottle of wine only to wind up with expensive salad dressing.
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Post by antb on Oct 12, 2016 2:33:25 GMT -5
Can only comment on my very limited experience and uneducated palate. Three experiences spring to mind: Presbyterian Mixture: (Which contains very little Latakia to start off with) After 5 years the Lat just about gone; can hardly detect it. SG Squadron Leader: After 5 years the Lat has definitely receded into the background with the other strains coming to the fore. Erik Nording Hunters Blend; Fox Hound: The Lat seems to have "flattened"in taste after 5 years, but remains good. Other Lat bombs like GLP Abingdon are just so tasty, they never had a chance to age in my cellar. Which reminds me, there is a 12 year old tin of Smokers Haven Krumble Kake hidden somewhere in the cellar, which I will crack next winter (I'm in the southern hemisphere remember) and let you know. Then again, maybe it's all in my mind  Suggestion is a powerful thing. Only Jim will be able to provide us with an objective answer  |
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Post by Deleted on Oct 12, 2016 6:19:28 GMT -5
Thanks y'all. I have a younger pipe smoking cousin I got off the cigs a few years ago who has to be taken care of first. Looks like a good Christmas for him. I'll probably have some good stuff in the trade folder before the year is out if anybody is interested.
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Post by peterd-Buffalo Spirit on Oct 12, 2016 10:31:58 GMT -5
...I bought 5 lbs. of Dunhill My Mixture 965 in 1978...I have approximately 2.7 lbs. left...I smoke 25-30 bowls a year...I re-hydrate it twice a year and other than being rounder and a bit softer, there has been little change. I also have 2 lbs. of B. Sobranie from 1973 that I do the same thing with and while some of the "punch" has diminished, it's still as delightful as ever...
...just my .02....
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Post by Deleted on Oct 12, 2016 18:52:30 GMT -5
...I bought 5 lbs. of Dunhill My Mixture 965 in 1978...I have approximately 2.7 lbs. left...I smoke 25-30 bowls a year...I re-hydrate it twice a year and other than being rounder and a bit softer, there has been little change. I also have 2 lbs. of B. Sobranie from 1973 that I do the same thing with and while some of the "punch" has diminished, it's still as delightful as ever...
...just my .02.... Thanks Peter. I picked up a 5 tin log of Mac Baren Latakia Flake last year, believe them to be pre-1990. This one was badly named as it was primarily Virginia with Latakia as a compliment. The rolls coins on the first tin were dark brown and it was one of the creamiest smokes I've ever had. I have two tins of Penzance which are approximately 10 years old and one 1820 I suspect is much older. I don't hear anything when I shake them which is normally a good sign, hope the seals held. These smoking experiences should be instructive. I have quite a bit of others on hand and may have been a little over zealous when Smoker's Haven Best Blend became available earlier this year. Could possibly be overbought. The culmination should be more than sufficient to get me to the next phase if it holds up. I may unload a few of the ones which are not quite 4 stars for me this year. Appreciate everyone's input. |
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Suggestion is a powerful thing. Only Jim will be able to provide us with an objective answer 
