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Post by Legend Lover on Jan 5, 2022 7:13:45 GMT -5
I might add this to next month's order. Sounds like it might be interesting. Ok so the options I have are: Black bogie twist Black pigtail twist Black XXX twist I'm assuming the Black XXX is the same as the back XX that you're referring to. Have you tried the others? Ignore that - seems that it's all the same, just different thickness of rope (but the pigtail is more a chewing tobacco that can be put in a pipe). |
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Zach
Pro Member
If you can't send money, send tobacco.
Posts: 4,381
First Name: Zach
Favorite Pipe: Too many currently, bound to change
Favorite Tobacco: Haunted Bookshop, Big 'N' Burley, Pegasus, Habana Daydream, OJK, Rum Twist, FVF, Escudo, Orlik Golden Sliced, Kendal Flake, Ennerdale
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Post by Zach on Jan 5, 2022 8:28:10 GMT -5
I might add this to next month's order. Sounds like it might be interesting. Ok so the options I have are: Black bogie twist Black pigtail twist Black XXX twist I'm assuming the Black XXX is the same as the back XX that you're referring to. Have you tried the others? I have only been able to try the Black XX by Sam Gawith but I assume the others will be fairly similar to it. |
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Post by terrapinflyer on Jan 5, 2022 10:33:35 GMT -5
No, the XXX twist is the Full Monty.
Don't worry; I'm already ashamed of myself.
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msokeefe
Junior Member
Posts: 464
First Name: Mark
Favorite Pipe: Petersen Red 03 bent apple spigot, Savinelli 310 KS
Favorite Tobacco: Father Dempsey, Presbyterian, Wilke’s Crystal Palace, Westminster, Black House
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Post by msokeefe on Jan 7, 2022 23:39:36 GMT -5
I enjoy the experimenting just not at the cost of spoiling anything. Multi blade herb scissors (cheap on amazon) have gotten raves for cutting whole leaf. Another interesting dispute: some strongly advocate adding vinegar to the casing mix while others reject it as imparting its flavor. Sutliff (Sutliff also produce Watch City blends and others), Mac Baren and some Gawith use vinegar as a natural inhibitor. Yes, you can taste the vinegar. C&D also use it but far less often. They do use it to case their white burley, for example. I recently purchased “Old Black Magic” it reeked of vinegar and it is all I tasted through the smoke. |
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henry
Junior Member
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Post by henry on Jan 12, 2022 15:34:08 GMT -5
I've used Apple Cider Vinegar infused with a touch of Cinnamon on a straight Virginia blend before and it was alright. Over time, my preference just turned to the natural tobacco flavors. Natural Burley, such as T90, can be pretty rough without some help though. My other method involves an extra fridge, crockpot and 6 weeks of babysitting so that doesn't happen much anymore. Lol interesting info I found online :
Any of the casing recipes I’ve seen have some sugar component to them (honey, chocolate, molasses, maple syrup, etc) which is also mold food. If you don’t want to add polypropylene glycol or other chemicals, then I would suggest using more natural preservatives such as alcohol and a pinch of salt in the mixture instead of water. 15% ethanol is typically the upper range that most yeast and other fungus can tolerate. I like rum personally, but vodka would be a neutral option.  I’ve successfully used a mix of 50/50 water and rum in my pipe mixes. I spray to moisten, toss to mix, let dry till it doesn’t feel “wet” any more, then jar.There seem to be 180 degree opinions on whether the sugars in casing inhibit mold. As I ordered the dark fired TN for the char flavor I'm not going to case that. Still undecided on the Virginia Flue and Latakia. Some say that Latakia should not be cased. ____________________________________________Update: I settled on a grain alcohol + polyethylene glycol solution, with a touch of juniper and malic and citric acids as an anti-mold spray. I curated this from lengthy web info. I can report that dark fired TN/KY is excellent without casing. I still plan to experiment with casing on the Virginia flue cured. I'm going to leave the Latakia alone (save for spraying). Also the multi-blade herb scissors (see Amazon) are quite effective. |
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Post by Darin on Jan 14, 2022 18:33:19 GMT -5
Looking forward to hearing the results!
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Post by qmechanics on Jan 15, 2022 20:41:12 GMT -5
www.tobacconistuniversity.org/curriculum_tobacco_college_pipe_blending1.php#:~:text=The%20topping%20is%20applied%20last. tobacconistuniversityblog.blogspot.com/2013/06/casings-toppings-are-not-same-kevin.html?m=1pipesmagazine.com/blog/put-that-in-your-pipe/savor-the-flavor/pipedia.org/wiki/Pipe_TobaccosFrom the above link GL Peace: "Aromatics VS. Non-Aromatics These are the two broadest subdivisions of pipe tobaccos, although often the distinctions are blurred. Cased Tobacco? Q: I keep hearing about "cased" tobacco. What does this mean? 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 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. Depending on the casing used, tobaccos can become very sticky. Some producers use humectants to maintain a specific moisture level in the final product. You'll hear people talk about PG, or propylene glycol, the most commonly used humectant these days. It's generally spoken of in rather disparaging terms, thought it's not the PG that deserves the condemnation, but the blending houses who use it with reckless abandon. If the tobacco won't dry out, PG is likely the culprit. In small quantities, it does its job well. In large quantities, it produces a sticky, wet smoking, pipe clogging weed that should never see the inside of a pipe. Not all flavoured tobaccos are cased, and casing is not always a bad thing, but the term is used incorrectly more often than not, so a lot of confusion has been created. Myths About Casing I only smoke uncased tobaccos. 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, 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? 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? 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 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. Q: So, you do use flavourings? 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 G.L.Pease FAQ, and used by permission. Aromatics A good aromatic tobacco is lightly topped with a natural flavoring. Aromatics tend to be more moist than non-aromatics due to the flavoring added, which can lead to problems smoking them. Some more masterful aromatic blends manage to avoid this. In the case of a moist or wet blend, problems can also be avoided if care is taken in the preparation of the tobacco. This can include setting a portion out to dry a little, and taking any remaining moisture into account when packing the pipe. See Pipe Packing and Smoking techniques." Decent sources among others.... A question surrounds what constitutes the line between an aromatic and nonaromatic in regards to casing. If one heavily cases or cases a tobacco in a different noticeable etc. way can it effectively be called an aromatic? The question is rhetorical. For me a nonaromatic is one where casing is done to prepare the leaf for smoking. The leaf's natural flavors are the star and no toppings are applied. The aromatic is also cased to prepare the leaf and adds additional flavor, in an artificial or further accentuating fashion, through a particular choice in casing and/or topping(s), in a way that a nonaromatic "would"(hard to qualify) not. It is a developing definition that I am still exploring and does not agree with everyone's take. The line to me is a bit fuzzy with some tobaccos, that is at least those along the border.😀 PS Peace also points out that not all tobaccos are cased ("Very few..... are not cased"). So please modify my statements with this in mind.
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Post by trailboss on Jan 15, 2022 20:53:43 GMT -5
What does Greg Pease know about tobacco’s!
Just kidding..😝
Thanks for that!
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Post by urbino on Jan 16, 2022 11:50:27 GMT -5
Decent sources among others.... A question surrounds what constitutes the line between an aromatic and nonaromatic in regards to casing. If one heavily cases or cases a tobacco in a different noticeable etc. way can it effectively be called an aromatic? The question is rhetorical. For me a nonaromatic is one where casing is done to prepare the leaf for smoking. The leaf's natural flavors are the star and no toppings are applied. The aromatic is also cased to prepare the leaf and adds additional flavor, in an artificial or further accentuating fashion, through a particular choice in casing and/or topping(s) in a way that a nonaromatic "would"(hard to qualify) not. It is a developing definition that I am still exploring and does not agree with everyone's take. The line to me is a bit fuzzy with some tobaccos, that is at least those along the border.😀 PS Peace also points out that not all tobaccos are cased ("Very few..... are not cased"). So please modify my statements with this in mind. For me, it's not why the casing/topping is done, but how I experience it. If I smell/taste the blend and say, "Oh, that smells/tastes like it's had _____ flavoring added," then I consider it an aromatic. If I can't discern a non-tobacco smell/flavor -- i.e., if I don't experience the tobacco as flavored -- then it's not an aromatic for me. There do seem to be blends that some people find aromatic, and others don't, which is perfectly fine and not terribly surprising. |
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Post by qmechanics on Jan 16, 2022 13:10:00 GMT -5
Decent sources among others.... A question surrounds what constitutes the line between an aromatic and nonaromatic in regards to casing. If one heavily cases or cases a tobacco in a different noticeable etc. way can it effectively be called an aromatic? The question is rhetorical. For me a nonaromatic is one where casing is done to prepare the leaf for smoking. The leaf's natural flavors are the star and no toppings are applied. The aromatic is also cased to prepare the leaf and adds additional flavor, in an artificial or further accentuating fashion, through a particular choice in casing and/or topping(s) in a way that a nonaromatic "would"(hard to qualify) not. It is a developing definition that I am still exploring and does not agree with everyone's take. The line to me is a bit fuzzy with some tobaccos, that is at least those along the border.😀 PS Peace also points out that not all tobaccos are cased ("Very few..... are not cased"). So please modify my statements with this in mind. For me, it's not why the casing/topping is done, but how I experience it. If I smell/taste the blend and say, "Oh, that smells/tastes like it's had _____ flavoring added," then I consider it an aromatic. If I can't discern a non-tobacco smell/flavor -- i.e., if I don't experience the tobacco as flavored -- then it's not an aromatic for me. There do seem to be blends that some people find aromatic, and others don't, which is perfectly fine and not terribly surprising. I appreciate the reply urbino... Tobacco has flavor and aroma, even if it is not processed. The flavors one experiences are also limited to the differences, sensitivities etc of each palate and, in some cases, imagination 😀. One might ask, if we define nonaromatic and aromatic blends by subjective criteria, are we coming to a point where we in fact deny these distinctions? To avoid potential downfalls, I think an objective definition should be our goal, even if a bit murky. This is important for a few reasons. For example, I remember my first experience with Virginias (nonaromatic (std):sugar water casing and no added flavors). Right out of the tin, I tasted straw/hay, earthy flavors, very typical of young Virginia blends. After aging the same tobacco 5+ years, the flavors were bright, sweet with citrus (lemon, orange) overtones etc. This is what I was told to expect after aging these Virginias. If one was subjectively appraising it, I can see the younger version getting the nonaromatic label and with age the aromatic label. So are natural Virginia blends aromatic or non aromatic? Is understanding how the aging process affects the tobaccos flavor a better way to convey information than a subjective change in terms? A subjective std is also confusing when doing reviews or conveying thoughts to others. There are also industry considerations and labeling concerns (albeit tobacco labels can be a bit vague) where information is given to help the manufacturing process, retailers and buyers make choices. As to the later,there are folks who want to know if the tobacco is an aromatic or nonaromatic, before purchasing. They represent the Virginia, Balkan and English lovers out there that do not want any extra flavors added to their tobacco through toppings etc. There are other points to make, however I hope one can appreciate the problems that come with a subjective approach. It might work for an individual. However,this begins to break down once we communicate information to others. |
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Post by urbino on Jan 16, 2022 23:31:48 GMT -5
For me, it's not why the casing/topping is done, but how I experience it. If I smell/taste the blend and say, "Oh, that smells/tastes like it's had _____ flavoring added," then I consider it an aromatic. If I can't discern a non-tobacco smell/flavor -- i.e., if I don't experience the tobacco as flavored -- then it's not an aromatic for me. There do seem to be blends that some people find aromatic, and others don't, which is perfectly fine and not terribly surprising. I appreciate the reply urbino ... Tobacco has flavor and aroma, even if it is not processed. The flavors one experiences are also limited to the differences, sensitivities etc of each palate and, in some cases, imagination 😀. One might ask, if we define nonaromatic and aromatic blends by subjective criteria, are we coming to a point where we in fact deny these distinctions? To avoid potential downfalls, I think an objective definition should be our goal, even if a bit murky. This is important for a few reasons. For example, I remember my first experience with Virginias (nonaromatic (std):sugar water casing and no added flavors). Right out of the tin, I tasted straw/hay, earthy flavors, very typical of young Virginia blends. After aging the same tobacco 5+ years, the flavors were bright, sweet with citrus (lemon, orange) overtones etc. This is what I was told to expect after aging these Virginias. If one was subjectively appraising it, I can see the younger version getting the nonaromatic label and with age the aromatic label. So are natural Virginia blends aromatic or non aromatic? Is understanding how the aging process affects the tobaccos flavor a better way to convey information than a subjective change in terms? A subjective std is also confusing when doing reviews or conveying thoughts to others. There are also industry considerations and labeling concerns (albeit tobacco labels can be a bit vague) where information is given to help the manufacturing process, retailers and buyers make choices. As to the later,there are folks who want to know if the tobacco is an aromatic or nonaromatic, before purchasing. They represent the Virginia, Balkan and English lovers out there that do not want any extra flavors added to their tobacco through toppings etc. There are other points to make, however I hope one can appreciate the problems that come with a subjective approach. It might work for an individual. However,this begins to break down once we communicate information to others. I'm not sure there's such a thing as objective on topics like this. If we want to convey the flavor of a tobacco, say what it tastes like. Except as a package label applied by the blender, I'm not sure "aromatic" is all that helpful a word. If the blender is saying, "Hey, I added flavoring to make this taste like fruitcake," then that's useful, objective information. Me telling you, "Hm, I taste some plummy-raisiny flavors in this blend," is mildly useful and not at all objective. If half a dozen people tell you the same thing, then that flavor is probably there, at least. We still don't know where it's coming from, though. If the blender doesn't say something like that, but nontheless did add some fruity flavoring of some kind to "balance" the blend, or to "bring out" certain aspects of the tobacco itself, or to make the blend more consistent from batch to bath, where are we? He didn't add enough casing/topping to consider it an aromatic blend, but do you? Do I? That depends on our senses of taste. The fruitiness might be very strong and artificial tasting to you, despite the blender's intentions, while I barely notice it. If a preponderance of pipe smokers find the flavoring strong enough that it seems artificial, then the sensible thing to tell someone who hasn't tried it is it's an aromatic, regardless of what's on the label. That's how he's most likely to experience it. The Balkan vs. English example is instructive. There's no objective definition of what proportion of latakia/orientals make a blend a Balkan or an English. Throw Scottish blends in just for fun. |
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Post by Legend Lover on Jan 17, 2022 6:03:04 GMT -5
I appreciate the reply urbino ... Tobacco has flavor and aroma, even if it is not processed. The flavors one experiences are also limited to the differences, sensitivities etc of each palate and, in some cases, imagination 😀. One might ask, if we define nonaromatic and aromatic blends by subjective criteria, are we coming to a point where we in fact deny these distinctions? To avoid potential downfalls, I think an objective definition should be our goal, even if a bit murky. This is important for a few reasons. For example, I remember my first experience with Virginias (nonaromatic (std):sugar water casing and no added flavors). Right out of the tin, I tasted straw/hay, earthy flavors, very typical of young Virginia blends. After aging the same tobacco 5+ years, the flavors were bright, sweet with citrus (lemon, orange) overtones etc. This is what I was told to expect after aging these Virginias. If one was subjectively appraising it, I can see the younger version getting the nonaromatic label and with age the aromatic label. So are natural Virginia blends aromatic or non aromatic? Is understanding how the aging process affects the tobaccos flavor a better way to convey information than a subjective change in terms? A subjective std is also confusing when doing reviews or conveying thoughts to others. There are also industry considerations and labeling concerns (albeit tobacco labels can be a bit vague) where information is given to help the manufacturing process, retailers and buyers make choices. As to the later,there are folks who want to know if the tobacco is an aromatic or nonaromatic, before purchasing. They represent the Virginia, Balkan and English lovers out there that do not want any extra flavors added to their tobacco through toppings etc. There are other points to make, however I hope one can appreciate the problems that come with a subjective approach. It might work for an individual. However,this begins to break down once we communicate information to others. I'm not sure there's such a thing as objective on topics like this. If we want to convey the flavor of a tobacco, say what it tastes like. Except as a package label applied by the blender, I'm not sure "aromatic" is all that helpful a word. If the blender is saying, "Hey, I added flavoring to make this taste like fruitcake," then that's useful, objective information. Me telling you, "Hm, I taste some plummy-raisiny flavors in this blend," is mildly useful and not at all objective. If half a dozen people tell you the same thing, then that flavor is probably there, at least. We still don't know where it's coming from, though. If the blender doesn't say something like that, but nontheless did add some fruity flavoring of some kind to "balance" the blend, or to "bring out" certain aspects of the tobacco itself, or to make the blend more consistent from batch to bath, where are we? He didn't add enough casing/topping to consider it an aromatic blend, but do you? Do I? That depends on our senses of taste. The fruitiness might be very strong and artificial tasting to you, despite the blender's intentions, while I barely notice it. If a preponderance of pipe smokers find the flavoring strong enough that it seems artificial, then the sensible thing to tell someone who hasn't tried it is it's an aromatic, regardless of what's on the label. That's how he's most likely to experience it. The Balkan vs. English example is instructive. There's no objective definition of what proportion of latakia/orientals make a blend a Balkan or an English. Throw Scottish blends in just for fun. All smoke has an aroma and is therefore aromatic....it depends on the definition of aromatic. |
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Post by sperrytops on Jan 17, 2022 12:48:54 GMT -5
Fascinating discussion, but a debate that is never likely to be resolved. To my tastes, I rely on the blenders description to tell me if it's aromatic or not. Or, if I see the words chocolate, coffee, cherry or orange in the description I can be pretty sure it's going to be aromatic. GLP is quite right on the characterization that American aromatics can be goop bombs. The only American aromatics I enjoy are some of Ken Byron's, or the seasonals from Strauss Tobacconist. The rest I stay away from. The European aromatics, however, tend be much milder in the flavors and a bit more tolerable. That's my two cents.
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henry
Junior Member
Posts: 108
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Post by henry on Jan 17, 2022 14:14:17 GMT -5
Useful info Qmechanics. As I noted before I am only going to experiment with casing on Virginia Flue--I found the (whole leaf) dark fired and latakia quite satisfying as is.
When casing do you think the anti-mold agent is best sprayed separately or combined with the casing formula? It's also interesting that there are wildly divergent views on the results of casing: some insist casing process is a mold inhibitor, others say the sugars easily promote mold if used carelessly.
I get the light part. When I do my first casing I'll be a Monet, not a Van Gogh.
Thx.
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henry
Junior Member
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Post by henry on Jan 21, 2022 21:51:21 GMT -5
Update #2 -- finished my first casing trial on 9-10 oz. of whole leaf Virginia flue cured. The process altogether is not that complex: cutting the whole leaf to a workable size, de-stemming, then heating a roughly 50/50 mix (by weight) of spring water and sugar. I chose raw cane sugar with a touch of honey, with added citric & malic acid (small quantities). The leaf is lightly heated in an oven, then misted with the warm mix. How much saturation is a personal choice; I decided to err on the light side. Sun drying for a few minutes and then a final anti-mold misting (above). More drying then sealed in amber mason jars & I will sample in a couple of weeks.
The end result aroma and texture seemed comparable to commercial tobacco I have used. In the work I was seriously reminded of just how potent the tobacco leaf is. The scent takes over a room, and between that and repeated handling of whole leaf I suspect that I absorbed the nicotine equivalent of a cigar. By the time of putting the jars away I was ready for fresh air.
Unless it's a total bust I'll do a final update on taste in a couple of weeks.
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Post by qmechanics on Jan 25, 2022 15:22:31 GMT -5
I appreciate the reply urbino ... Tobacco has flavor and aroma, even if it is not processed. The flavors one experiences are also limited to the differences, sensitivities etc of each palate and, in some cases, imagination 😀. One might ask, if we define nonaromatic and aromatic blends by subjective criteria, are we coming to a point where we in fact deny these distinctions? To avoid potential downfalls, I think an objective definition should be our goal, even if a bit murky. This is important for a few reasons. For example, I remember my first experience with Virginias (nonaromatic (std):sugar water casing and no added flavors). Right out of the tin, I tasted straw/hay, earthy flavors, very typical of young Virginia blends. After aging the same tobacco 5+ years, the flavors were bright, sweet with citrus (lemon, orange) overtones etc. This is what I was told to expect after aging these Virginias. If one was subjectively appraising it, I can see the younger version getting the nonaromatic label and with age the aromatic label. So are natural Virginia blends aromatic or non aromatic? Is understanding how the aging process affects the tobaccos flavor a better way to convey information than a subjective change in terms? A subjective std is also confusing when doing reviews or conveying thoughts to others. There are also industry considerations and labeling concerns (albeit tobacco labels can be a bit vague) where information is given to help the manufacturing process, retailers and buyers make choices. As to the later,there are folks who want to know if the tobacco is an aromatic or nonaromatic, before purchasing. They represent the Virginia, Balkan and English lovers out there that do not want any extra flavors added to their tobacco through toppings etc. There are other points to make, however I hope one can appreciate the problems that come with a subjective approach. It might work for an individual. However,this begins to break down once we communicate information to others. I'm not sure there's such a thing as objective on topics like this. If we want to convey the flavor of a tobacco, say what it tastes like. Except as a package label applied by the blender, I'm not sure "aromatic" is all that helpful a word. If the blender is saying, "Hey, I added flavoring to make this taste like fruitcake," then that's useful, objective information. Me telling you, "Hm, I taste some plummy-raisiny flavors in this blend," is mildly useful and not at all objective. If half a dozen people tell you the same thing, then that flavor is probably there, at least. We still don't know where it's coming from, though. If the blender doesn't say something like that, but nontheless did add some fruity flavoring of some kind to "balance" the blend, or to "bring out" certain aspects of the tobacco itself, or to make the blend more consistent from batch to bath, where are we? He didn't add enough casing/topping to consider it an aromatic blend, but do you? Do I? That depends on our senses of taste. The fruitiness might be very strong and artificial tasting to you, despite the blender's intentions, while I barely notice it. If a preponderance of pipe smokers find the flavoring strong enough that it seems artificial, then the sensible thing to tell someone who hasn't tried it is it's an aromatic, regardless of what's on the label. That's how he's most likely to experience it. The Balkan vs. English example is instructive. There's no objective definition of what proportion of latakia/orientals make a blend a Balkan or an English. Throw Scottish blends in just for fun. Hi Urbino, Keep in mind, there are foundations for the distinction between aromatic and non-aromatic pipe tobacco. These points are more fundamental than what someone else may or may not be tasting and forms a basis for the definitions given. What is this basis? The preparation of pipe tobacco and/or blends through the processes known as casing and later added flavors through topping(s). So the grounds of distinction are found in known processes, where tobaccos are prepared for smoking through application of casing (According to GL Pease very few industry produced tobaccos do not have a casing.). Some cased tobaccos/blends then receive a topping(s) and others do not, laying a frame work for what constitutes an aromatic and a non aromatic, respectively. I also believe that the aforementioned definitions are a bit troubling/murky. Trying to be complete, earlier I stated, casings that go beyond the norm, adding flavors likened to a topping(s) might be considered aromatic or aromatic like, not in process per-say, but in the additional flavors they provide. This is “one” of the reasons I think we can postulate that there is a bit of a vague border between the definitions of aromatic and non-aromatic blends. This fuzzy border also helps to calm fellow pipe-smokers down when they are in a huff…...
How may times has this happened to you? Hey John!! Do not worry…... We understand that you taste a topping…... Maybe the blend is on the border……. So John do not worry be happy!! Face it some blends are difficult to place!! However, most aromatics and non-aromatics do not live in "shadows" For instance, there is a clear difference between St James Flake (non-aromatic) and CB Grape (aromatic) among many others. By recognizing a vague border, I think one can come accept a fairly objective, though perhaps imperfect, definition that we can work with. A vague border gives us some wiggle room, without throwing away terms that are important (These ideas are also works in progress.) . A number of experienced smokers look to different sources of information to see if a blend comes close to their own tastes. Sometimes this information is found in tobacco-reviews, on a companies’ or retailers’ web page, through a personal recommendation, on a pouch, tin and can etc. Among these aficionados, there are a number who prefer no toppings etc. on their tobacco and avoid any aromatic once informed of the blend’s origins, others avoid Latakia based blends, some smoke only aromatics, others a single blend and on it goes. Does this seem odd? Bottom line tobacco is expensive, so why bother buying a blend you do not want, that does not appeal to your better nature lol . Categories, even imperfect ones, are there to help one come to an understanding, to make choices easier. Is it better to try the tobacco before sentencing it? Well sometimes it is, other times the choice is obvious. Note: Though I am typically a non-aromatic smoker, I enjoy aromatic blends from time to time. My choices typically involve blends that uses the topping as a gentle enhancement of the tobacco’s natural flavors. In your second paragraph, I think you are making reference to the Virginia blend I spoke of earlier. Age is the reason for the Virginia blend’s flavors. Is it aromatic in a very broad/general sense? Sure, but one might define all tobaccos as aromatic, so what does that this tell us? Is it aromatic according to the standard pipe tobacco blend categories? No, the Virginia blend had a light casing of sugar water and no topping(s). It is a Virginia, non aromatic blend, pressed into flakes, with 5+ years of age and sublime. If the blend was an aromatic, in the typical sense, age would have the opposite effect at least on the toppings (They would fade away over time.). Another reason, among the others, as to why I prefer to keep my terms as clear as possible. It is true that Joe might not taste an aromatic’s flavor(s), while Mike tastes all the flavors picking out even subtle notes? Yes. However, whether you are Joe or Mike or Steve etc. one’s palate does not change the fact that the blender who made the blend added a topping(s). What are you smoking? Aromatic or a non-aromatic? Non- aromatic hey, is it a Latakia based blend or Virginia? A Vaper you say….. Is the perique more on the spicy side or fig like? Definitions give one starting point, for a variety of conversations that otherwise might have trouble getting off the ground. . In the end, if one wants to explore the hobby, I think these definitions, and others, are important and even critical for communication, decision making and other reasons. Or on the other side, if one just wants to smoke a pipe and have fun, without care to the information underlying the hobby, no worries there either. PS The terms Balkans and English appear to be more of an American invention, or so I have read somewhere. I am happy to end these terms and use Latakia blends or mixture as a general starting point and branch from there. However, if you ignore the absolute % of Orientals some folks claim defines an Balkan (Orientals above given %) vs an English ( Orientals below given %) one can be in much safer waters.* Once again I apply the fuzzy border idea. My rule for Balkans is do the orientals form the larger % (along with the Virginia tobacco) of the blend’s tobaccos, where the orientals rise above or shine. If so then one is in Balkan territory. If the Latakia is of higher % (along with the Virginia tobacco) , where Latakia’s flavors are prominent and the orientals run underneath, then one is probably in English territory. If one cannot tell, the blend might exist around the edges of the line or in the murky middle. It is also possible one’s palate is unable to tell the difference. * Personally, I dislike these attempts at quantification, in part because one is ignoring the variation in different products from lot to lot and year to year. Or one can go with this quote from Jeremy “In a similar association of concepts, Balkan blends have changed in meaning, defying universally accepted definitions. "I think that traditionally, the term Balkan was to imply a heavier focus on the Oriental component than do English blends," says Jeremy, "which emphasize first Virginia, then Latakia, then Oriental. A Balkan blend favors either Virginia, then Oriental, then Latakia, or in some cases may favor Oriental, then Virginia, then Latakia." www.smokingpipes.com/smokingpipesblog/single.cfm/post/the-mystery-balkan-blends I enjoy this article among others by GL Pease pipesmagazine.com/blog/out-of-the-ashes/what-is-a-balkan-blend/ |
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Post by qmechanics on Jan 25, 2022 15:29:52 GMT -5
Update #2 -- finished my first casing trial on 9-10 oz. of whole leaf Virginia flue cured. The process altogether is not that complex: cutting the whole leaf to a workable size, de-stemming, then heating a roughly 50/50 mix (by weight) of spring water and sugar. I chose raw cane sugar with a touch of honey, with added citric & malic acid (small quantities). The leaf is lightly heated in an oven, then misted with the warm mix. How much saturation is a personal choice; I decided to err on the light side. Sun drying for a few minutes and then a final anti-mold misting (above). More drying then sealed in amber mason jars & I will sample in a couple of weeks. The end result aroma and texture seemed comparable to commercial tobacco I have used. In the work I was seriously reminded of just how potent the tobacco leaf is. The scent takes over a room, and between that and repeated handling of whole leaf I suspect that I absorbed the nicotine equivalent of a cigar. By the time of putting the jars away I was ready for fresh air. Unless it's a total bust I'll do a final update on taste in a couple of weeks. Hi I am looking forward to your update. While I have read a bit on the process, I am not an expert and am not sure of the best approach to take. I will read up though and see if I have anything to offer. |
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Post by sperrytops on Jan 25, 2022 16:22:32 GMT -5
I think you hit the nail on the head there, Q. There are obvious blends that are clearly not aros, that may just have the slightest casings. Virginias, Burley, etc. There are obvious blends which are aro bombs, reeking of grape or chocolate toppings. But there are many blends that live in the grey areas of blends; different tobaccos which could include Balkans or Lakelands. Are these aromatics? They are certainly fragrant, but aromatic is up to the smoker. There are slight aromatics which are built on aged Virginias or other tobaccos. A couple of KBV blends come to mind. In those cases it is up to the smoker to decide. In truth the variety of blends is so great one could have a wonderful time tasting them all and deciding for themselves whether these tobaccos fall into one category or another. The true pleasure of pipe smoking.
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Zach
Pro Member
If you can't send money, send tobacco.
Posts: 4,381
First Name: Zach
Favorite Pipe: Too many currently, bound to change
Favorite Tobacco: Haunted Bookshop, Big 'N' Burley, Pegasus, Habana Daydream, OJK, Rum Twist, FVF, Escudo, Orlik Golden Sliced, Kendal Flake, Ennerdale
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Post by Zach on Jan 25, 2022 16:49:58 GMT -5
www.tobacconistuniversity.org/curriculum_tobacco_college_pipe_blending1.php#:~:text=The%20topping%20is%20applied%20last. tobacconistuniversityblog.blogspot.com/2013/06/casings-toppings-are-not-same-kevin.html?m=1pipesmagazine.com/blog/put-that-in-your-pipe/savor-the-flavor/pipedia.org/wiki/Pipe_TobaccosFrom the above link GL Peace: "Aromatics VS. Non-Aromatics These are the two broadest subdivisions of pipe tobaccos, although often the distinctions are blurred. Cased Tobacco? Q: I keep hearing about "cased" tobacco. What does this mean? 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 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. Depending on the casing used, tobaccos can become very sticky. Some producers use humectants to maintain a specific moisture level in the final product. You'll hear people talk about PG, or propylene glycol, the most commonly used humectant these days. It's generally spoken of in rather disparaging terms, thought it's not the PG that deserves the condemnation, but the blending houses who use it with reckless abandon. If the tobacco won't dry out, PG is likely the culprit. In small quantities, it does its job well. In large quantities, it produces a sticky, wet smoking, pipe clogging weed that should never see the inside of a pipe. Not all flavoured tobaccos are cased, and casing is not always a bad thing, but the term is used incorrectly more often than not, so a lot of confusion has been created. Myths About Casing I only smoke uncased tobaccos. 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, 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? 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? 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 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. Q: So, you do use flavourings? 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 G.L.Pease FAQ, and used by permission. Aromatics A good aromatic tobacco is lightly topped with a natural flavoring. Aromatics tend to be more moist than non-aromatics due to the flavoring added, which can lead to problems smoking them. Some more masterful aromatic blends manage to avoid this. In the case of a moist or wet blend, problems can also be avoided if care is taken in the preparation of the tobacco. This can include setting a portion out to dry a little, and taking any remaining moisture into account when packing the pipe. See Pipe Packing and Smoking techniques." Decent sources among others.... A question surrounds what constitutes the line between an aromatic and nonaromatic in regards to casing. If one heavily cases or cases a tobacco in a different noticeable etc. way can it effectively be called an aromatic? The question is rhetorical. For me a nonaromatic is one where casing is done to prepare the leaf for smoking. The leaf's natural flavors are the star and no toppings are applied. The aromatic is also cased to prepare the leaf and adds additional flavor, in an artificial or further accentuating fashion, through a particular choice in casing and/or topping(s), in a way that a nonaromatic "would"(hard to qualify) not. It is a developing definition that I am still exploring and does not agree with everyone's take. The line to me is a bit fuzzy with some tobaccos, that is at least those along the border.😀 PS Peace also points out that not all tobaccos are cased ("Very few..... are not cased"). So please modify my statements with this in mind. Don't mind me, I'm just watching from the corner of the proverbial room.
I'm always laughing about it and it's always in good fun, but you have no idea how many people have told me certain VA flakes don't have vanilla, sugar, honey, etc in them and they'll up and down swear the tobacco they're smoking tastes that way because it's natural Virginia tobacco with nothing at all in it. Luxury Navy Flake is one that many people seemingly can't taste all the heavy Danish casing. Again though, it's just something you'll have. I've seen people entirely unable to taste all the caramel in Luxury Twist Flake. People who say that it is not at all sweet, or that it smells and tastes like cocoa? Taste is very subjective, and you'll find out that with food, wine, liquors, tobaccos that a lot of people can't discern flavors. That's alright, everyone is going to smoke what they find they like. It's still great to discuss these things, as a lot of it is a lost art and it helps going to pipe shows, talking with blenders, doing research on classic flavorings used in traditional tobaccos and whatnot. Haunted Bookshop has some casings. Try telling some of the folks that smoke it! 
(Not calling Haunted Bookshop an aromatic example here, just for reference that the components do have some casing in production.)
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Post by urbino on Jan 25, 2022 18:54:00 GMT -5
I'm not sure we're saying anything all that different, Q.
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Zach
Pro Member
If you can't send money, send tobacco.
Posts: 4,381
First Name: Zach
Favorite Pipe: Too many currently, bound to change
Favorite Tobacco: Haunted Bookshop, Big 'N' Burley, Pegasus, Habana Daydream, OJK, Rum Twist, FVF, Escudo, Orlik Golden Sliced, Kendal Flake, Ennerdale
Location:
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Post by Zach on Jan 25, 2022 20:10:31 GMT -5
If the blender doesn't say something like that, but nontheless did add some fruity flavoring of some kind to "balance" the blend, or to "bring out" certain aspects of the tobacco itself, or to make the blend more consistent from batch to bath, where are we? He didn't add enough casing/topping to consider it an aromatic blend, but do you? Do I? That depends on our senses of taste. The fruitiness might be very strong and artificial tasting to you, despite the blender's intentions, while I barely notice it. If a preponderance of pipe smokers find the flavoring strong enough that it seems artificial, then the sensible thing to tell someone who hasn't tried it is it's an aromatic, regardless of what's on the label. That's how he's most likely to experience it. The Balkan vs. English example is instructive. There's no objective definition of what proportion of latakia/orientals make a blend a Balkan or an English. Throw Scottish blends in just for fun. I typically follow the older text information from when the term Balkan came about and from the old 60's/70's examples I've had.
"The old traditional term for the Balkan blends, it was called Balkan because it contained more of the Oriental component, the more traditional sun-cured Oriental component, than Latakia." The early Balkan mixtures would tend to use a couple different small leaf Oriental varietals in equal, or exceeding parts to Virginia leaf. Slightly more than the Latakia presence. Existing English mixtures of that time often did not even contain Oriental leaf and was largely Virginia, and Latakia. (Latakia being a Syrian smoked Oriental leaf at that time) Eventually, manufacturers started adding Oriental leaf to English mixtures and it quickly became artistic interpretation depending on fancy. Pease and Reeves both follow this definition of Balkan/English. Either more Oriental leaf, then less VA, then Latakia, or equal parts or thereabout of Oriental/VA, then Latakia.
Scottish mixtures are hogwash.
I'm currently smoking a strictly Balkan, Mahalla and Drama leaf blended with about equal red Virginia, and slightly less Latakia.
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henry
Junior Member
Posts: 108
Location:
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Post by henry on Jan 27, 2022 14:38:13 GMT -5
Update #2 -- finished my first casing trial on 9-10 oz. of whole leaf Virginia flue cured. The process altogether is not that complex: cutting the whole leaf to a workable size, de-stemming, then heating a roughly 50/50 mix (by weight) of spring water and sugar. I chose raw cane sugar with a touch of honey, with added citric & malic acid (small quantities). The leaf is lightly heated in an oven, then misted with the warm mix. How much saturation is a personal choice; I decided to err on the light side. Sun drying for a few minutes and then a final anti-mold misting (above). More drying then sealed in amber mason jars & I will sample in a couple of weeks. The end result aroma and texture seemed comparable to commercial tobacco I have used. In the work I was seriously reminded of just how potent the tobacco leaf is. The scent takes over a room, and between that and repeated handling of whole leaf I suspect that I absorbed the nicotine equivalent of a cigar. By the time of putting the jars away I was ready for fresh air. Unless it's a total bust I'll do a final update on taste in a couple of weeks. Hi I am looking forward to your update. While I have read a bit on the process, I am not an expert and am not sure of the best approach to take. I will read up though and see if I have anything to offer. ________________________________________________________ Thanks Qmechanics. I want to give my first batch a solid two weeks before trying. The more I research it seems that Virginia and Burley gain most from casing. Leaf such as perique and latakia are pretty much good on their own once cured. I'm glad I opted for a separate anti mold spray (alcohol + polypropylene glycol) which I think can be used on cured leaf and processed pipe tobacco, if needed. One question comes up for me: outside of cane sugar, honey & molasses are there other sweeteners that could be used in casing? I'm thinking xylitol and monks fruit as two candidates. |
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Post by Legend Lover on Jan 27, 2022 15:39:27 GMT -5
I'm not sure we're saying anything all that different, Q. I'm not sure of anything Q says. |
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Post by urbino on Jan 27, 2022 18:02:28 GMT -5
I'm not sure we're saying anything all that different, Q. I'm not sure of anything Q says. This is a sound point. |
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Post by qmechanics on Jan 31, 2022 18:09:07 GMT -5
I'm not sure of anything Q says. This is a sound point. Typically (there are exceptions), I think my humor is fairly apparent, though not to everyone's tastes. 
When I shift into a more serious mode, I try to provide information from outside sources, typically in the form of links with my commentary. This is done to help others become truly informed and connected to what experts and others in the industry are actually saying, and temper us (I include myself) the armchair commandos. Claiming no great tobacco expertise, I do have a willingness to read and attempt to figure out the greater context or meaning behind the words. I also gave a brief statement on my own thoughts on the matter, specifically stating my definition is a work in progress and does not "fit" every narrative. From some of the responses, I am not sure if I was understood. However, I count that as my own fault. I have little time to spend online these days, so I write what I can and then I leave. I trust you all are well.  |
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Post by qmechanics on Jan 31, 2022 18:24:58 GMT -5
I do see a distinction between aromatics and non aromatics, make no mistake. The only question I bring to the table is if the tobacco(s) casing goes too far, how shall the blend that uses this (these) tobacco (s) be classified? What is too far? One place to start is when folks start using the casing process as a means to do more than “prepare” the tobacco for smoking. If one starts adding extra flavors to the casing, such a tobacco "could" be accused of entering an aromatic-like or aromatic territory. One reason, I propose a fuzzy border is to take care of the truly borderline cases, where it is hard to come by a clear definition. This is not the majority of blends that I am aware of, in other words, most tobaccos do not live there. The border also serves as a humble confession as to not knowing all the processes a particular tobacco(s) in a given blend in question might go through. Research is needed to really unmask the blends and perhaps define the border more precisely. Individual’s taste, unless that individual is an expert with the appropriate "credentialed" tastes, means less to me than the displayed evidence. In other words, given the diversity of opinions and tastes out there, with (sometimes large) communities of like mind as well, I think it is understandable to want to work from an objective level of evidence first. From here, I believe a more workable definition is possible (Who knows maybe a third category is needed for "aromatic-like" blends.). lol |
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Post by qmechanics on Jan 31, 2022 18:37:14 GMT -5
Hi I am looking forward to your update. While I have read a bit on the process, I am not an expert and am not sure of the best approach to take. I will read up though and see if I have anything to offer. ________________________________________________________ Thanks Qmechanics. I want to give my first batch a solid two weeks before trying. The more I research it seems that Virginia and Burley gain most from casing. Leaf such as perique and latakia are pretty much good on their own once cured. I'm glad I opted for a separate anti mold spray (alcohol + polypropylene glycol) which I think can be used on cured leaf and processed pipe tobacco, if needed. One question comes up for me: outside of cane sugar, honey & molasses are there other sweeteners that could be used in casing? I'm thinking xylitol and monks fruit as two candidates. I would say experiment, especially if you cannot find the article, book, sage advice etc. that might serve to help you.. |
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Post by urbino on Jan 31, 2022 19:45:04 GMT -5
Typically (there are exceptions), I think my humor is fairly apparent, though not to everyone's tastes.
When I shift into a more serious mode, I try to provide information from outside sources, typically in the form of links with my commentary. This is done to help others become truly informed and connected to what experts and others in the industry are actually saying, and temper us (I include myself) the armchair commandos. Claiming no great tobacco expertise, I do have a willingness to read and attempt to figure out the greater context or meaning behind the words. I also gave a brief statement on my own thoughts on the matter, specifically stating my definition is a work in progress and does not "fit" every narrative. From some of the responses, I am not sure if I was understood. However, I count that as my own fault. I have little time to spend online these days, so I write what I can and then I leave. I trust you all are well. We were just giving you a hard time, Q. |
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Post by urbino on Jan 31, 2022 20:15:29 GMT -5
I do see a distinction between aromatics and non aromatics, make no mistake. The only question I bring to the table is if the tobacco(s) casing goes too far, how shall the blend that uses this (these) tobacco (s) be classified? What is too far? One place to start is when folks start using the casing process as a means to do more than “prepare” the tobacco for smoking. If one starts adding extra flavors to the casing, such a tobacco "could" be accused of entering an aromatic-like or aromatic territory. One reason, I propose a fuzzy border is to take care of the truly borderline cases, where it is hard to come by a clear definition. This is not the majority of blends that I am aware of, in other words, most tobaccos do not live there. The border also serves as a humble confession as to not knowing all the processes a particular tobacco(s) in a given blend in question might go through. Research is needed to really unmask the blends and perhaps define the border more precisely. Individual’s taste, unless that individual is an expert with the appropriate "credentialed" tastes, means less to me than the displayed evidence. In other words, given the diversity of opinions and tastes out there, with (sometimes large) communities of like mind as well, I think it is understandable to want to work from an objective level of evidence first. From here, I believe a more workable definition is possible (Who knows maybe a third category is needed for "aromatic-like" blends.). lol Yeah, I think this is pretty much what I've been saying. Maybe where we differ is I don't think that leaves us enough "objective" to work with for the word to have much meaning. First Bolded Bit: Exactly what I was saying (or trying to). Given that all tobaccos are cased, if the blender doesn't tell us by the name of the blend or what he puts in the description of it that he intended to make it taste like something other than tobacco, then we're in no man's land. We know it was still cased. How cased was it? Enough to make it an aromatic? Who's to say? I think we agree there. Second Bolded Bit: But if I understand Zach correctly, he's saying pretty much all tobaccos do live there. They all have enough stuff added to them that they could reasonably be called "aromatics." We just don't call them that. I don't how much casing blenders put on tobaccos, so I don't know if it's enough to make them "aromatics" or not. I do know pretty much all tobaccos are cased to some degree. Third Bolded Bit: But short of running a gas chromatograph on a random sample of every blend every year, there is no displayed evidence. The blender didn't tell us he put stuff in that specific blend, or what, or how much. Our individual tastes are all we have. That's why I go with kind of a crowd-sourced definition of which things are an aromatic and which are not. If most pipe smokers experience it as an aromatic, and someone new wants to know if it is or not, then I'll tell them it is; since most people experience it that way, that's the way they're most likely to experience it, too, and I have set their expectations correctly. If most pipe smokers don't experience it as an aromatic, then I'll tell the new guy it's not. If opinion is completely divided, I'll shrug and say, "Nobody's sure. Try it and see if you like it. That's all that actually matters, anyway." Other than trying to communicate to someone new what they can probably expect from a blend, I don't know that the word "aromatic" serves any purpose in the pipe smoking world. Hence, in answer to that question, if the blender tells us he made it an aromatic, I'll say it's an aromatic. Otherwise, I'll crowd-source the answer based on anecdata; if I'm wrong, no tragedy has befallen the world. In any other pipe-smoking context I can think of, I don't think the word serves a function other than to start arguments, and should simply be discarded as more trouble than its worth. |
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henry
Junior Member
Posts: 108
Location:
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Post by henry on Feb 3, 2022 14:46:11 GMT -5
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I’ve successfully used a mix of 50/50 water and rum in my pipe mixes. I spray to moisten, toss to mix, let dry till it doesn’t feel “wet” any more, then jar.
