Damn Dumb Storage Question

fnord:
Esoterica's 8oz. bags will store your tobacco for years. I just opened a 2007 bag of Stonehaven, and it's fine. They will treat your tobacco pretty much exactly like a sealed tin would. My only caution would be if you plan to store your tobacco for 5-10 years in the bag, just keep an eye on it. Sometimes bags will swell as the tobacco matures (just like some tins will, depending on the blend), and you don't want to run the risk of seeing the bag actually burst open. But that's definitely a blend-dependent situation. (I've aged Penzance in the bag for up to 6 years and never seen it swell at all.) And we're talking about quite long-term storage.
That said, if you've never tried Penzance -- and it's a fresh bag, not something with some age on it already -- I would encourage you to open it immediately and try it. Fresh Penzance has a wonderful character about it that disappears with time. I enjoy it both fresh and aged, but I definitely prefer it fresh. The orientals have a "zing" that is, for me, awe-inspiring.
BTW, I'm not understanding what the width of the jar's mouth has to do with anything. Penzance is presented in small flakes that are about 3/4" x 2". Inside the bag, the flakes are in a divided plastic tray to protect their shape. (Half the fun of Penzance, I think, is breaking up the flakes; they are tender and velvety, unlike any other flake I've ever encountered.)
Bob

rmbittner..the purpose of using wide mouth jars as opposed to normal mason jars is it is easier to get the tobacco out to pack a pipe as opposed to making a mess.
fnord...have you checked hobby lobby and the dollar stores near you? I was in Hobby Lobby this weekend and they had a big end display of various sized mason jars. I am always amazed at the items my wife is able to find at the dollar store near us. I know I am in the South and the need for preserving is not as dire but worth a shot.