Plugs twists etc

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shawn622

Lifer
Jul 22, 2012
1,081
2
Mount Sterling, Ohio
Since I'm on a Plug/flake kick right now, and am in the process of making one from raw leaf, I'll add my little bit of knowledge. A plug is tobacco that is stacked and pressed into a hard block. Some heat the plug while in the press, and leave it at 90-110 degrees for up to a month. Then it is aged for up to 6 month before we get it. Some fermentation takes place and there is a marriage of the flavor of the tobacco into one flavor. If they plug is sliced into 1/16' slices, this is flake tobacco.
Rope, I'm not as familiar with but I will tell you what I do know. With rope the tobacco goes through a process where leave is sprayed with a sugar or honey and water solution, then is made into "sausages". That's what the MacBaren rep called them in a video I watched. It is kind of like a cigar. There are layered tobaccos rolled tightly into a long cylinder and left to dry in a controlled temperature and humidity. Then they either sell it as is, Or slice it into slices or medallions. Hope this helps you a little bit!!!

 

sparroa

Lifer
Dec 8, 2010
1,466
4
Looks like Shawn gave you some good explanations.
I haven't tried plugs before, but from what I've read it is pretty simple.
Have a pocket knife handy? If so, you are set...
Slice your own flakes and rub them out. Now you are on your way!

 

cigrmaster

Lifer
May 26, 2012
20,249
57,280
66
Sarasota Florida
I have both plugs and ropes and prepare them much the way I do flakes. I take my scissors and just cut them up into small pieces, let them dry a lot and then gravity feed using the 3 step method.

 

akpipe

Might Stick Around
Aug 28, 2012
71
0
A sharp knife or Ulu works well; a little drying time and you're golden. :worship:

 
Aug 1, 2012
4,587
5,131
Good thought on the ulu. I have a couple and while I think of them for utility work, I didn't think of one for cutting tobacco. Thanks for the thought akpipe, I'll have to try it.

 

morton

Part of the Furniture Now
May 3, 2012
648
2
Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
I'm smoking a flake of Jack Knife plug prepared the way cigrmaster described right now in a dublin and its a little piece of heaven. Hope your smokes end up as good as how this tastes!

 
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