Testing Sugar and Nic Content

In trying to absorb as much as I can from the PM radio show and what blenders have said on here... I think that the test I hear most, is that blenders will roll a cigarette from raw leaf and taste it. I don't think anyone is using big fancy equipment. Keep in mind that the whole pipesmoking community is minuscule in size. You would probably reach a larger audience if you marketed to men who wear diapers while riding bicycles. Seriously. So, it isn't very high tech. In fact most companies report that the newest equipment they have was made in the 1950's.

My first couple of years, I planted about five plants of a half dozen varieties, trying to decide what I wanted. Then, waiting for the cure and sweats had me anxious, because you can’t just try your first years crop that Fall and get any kind of real idea of what you have. It’s slow, and I am just now starting to realize what I want. Blending is merely something that happens. I suggest not going into this with preconceived notions of what you want. Let it surprise you. I have pounds of lemony Virginias, deep reds with a fruity aroma, and some gut kicking burleys. Only now after years of them laying about in my barn, do I have some idea of what the leaf tastes like, enough to start blending. But, even then, once I mix them, I am not 100% sure how they will taste after the meld with time.

I have found that I like cooking the leaf in flue curing. That’s what keeps me interested. So, I focus on the cures, and socialization of the straight leaf.
Experiment, keep an open mind, and find what part interests you most. I think you will find what makes you happy within the process. When it is a labor of love, you’ll get a much better product for you to enjoy, because this is all just for your own enjoyment, right?

I have a small meerschaum pipe that I use to taste test raw leaf. I also have a Becker made Danish scoop shaped pipe made of strawberrywood briar that gives me a good idea of flavors. I sometimes roll a cigarette to taste test, but my wife always starts complaining to me if she sees me roll a cigarette. She accepts my pipes, but seeing a cigarette triggers her original tobacco nazi fanaticisms.

Russ Oellette, uses a clay pipe to taste test, if my memory serves me.