Tobacco Dryness

johnparker · Oct 15, 2013

Am wondering what the impact is on smoking tobacco that is dry, perhaps drier than normal. Was gifted a sample of Magnum Opus by fnord who indicated that it ships dry and suggested rehydrating it. I did not, but was wondering if that impacted the smoke. And I just smoked a bowl of Proper English that was very dry; almost dry enough to turn to dust. But it smoked fine (I think) and I enjoyed it. Was wondering if rehydrating would alter the taste and smoking characteristics, and, if so, in what way. Thanks!

petes03 · Oct 15, 2013

IMO, there's no scientific way that we, as the smoker, can say for sure what the absolute correct moisture is for a given blend. It's up to your own judgement. For me, I have a very exact measuring system; not as wet as Red Man, and not as dry as the Sahara!

auslander · Oct 15, 2013

I had some Nightcap sitting out for a day and a half that seemed pretty dry but I thought I'd smoke it any way. I expected it to burn quickly and be strawlike but it was perfect and a great smoke.

henryp · Oct 15, 2013

I have found the "pinch test" to work well. If you pick up a pinch of your smoke and it sticks together when you drop it it's a little too wet.
If you pick up and pinch some and it crumbles and falls in a rain of tobacco, it's too dry.
When you pick up and pinch it and it seems to fall away with a soft patter and falls into a nice heap, it's ready to smoke.
This seems to work for me. Good luck!

timely · Oct 16, 2013

I prefer my tobacco a bit on the dry side,

smokes better for me.

yazamitaz · Oct 16, 2013

I also prefer mine a bit on the dry side. In my earlier days I used to chuck tobacco that "seemed" dried out (this was only cheap bulk from my B&M) but I now almost prefer popping a tin, letting some tobacco sit for 30-40 min, then putting the tin away for 3-4 months before I have at it again. I don't have the cellars most of you gents do so having 8-10 popped tins works for me.

rebornbriar · Oct 16, 2013

I have smoked dust dry tobacco before, especially flakes which I break up. As roth said, in this state they will burn hotter and faster, so slowly does it is the order of the day. When smoked slowly, I have found the flavours excellent, without the harshness.

IMO, there's no scientific way that we, as the smoker, can say for sure what the absolute correct moisture is for a given blend.

I think this is very true - and every bowl smokes will have a differing moisture content in the tobacco. Different moisture contents calls for differing smoking techniques.

dryseason91 · Oct 16, 2013

I mentioned somewhere else about some rubbed-out University Flake I left lying around too long. When I went to smoke it it was as brittle as matchsticks and tasted like cindered chicken bones. I stopped smoking for a while and when I picked it up again recently, with more vigour, I threw out several left-over flakes and some Hyde Park, assuming them to be too dry. At that point I had not heard of such a thing as rehydration. My God, am I kicking myself now.

docwatson · Oct 16, 2013

I prefer my tobaccos on the dry side and if they are really dry I just fill the bowl and a couple breaths into the top of the chamber is all that's needed for plenty of moisture believe it or not. It's amazing how dry a tobacco can feel and still contain plenty of moisture. Nothing worse than a pipe that gurgles IMO.
As for rehydrating, Roth is correct. Any tobacco that has been over dried loses precious oils and definitely loses a bit of flavor.

reichenbach · Oct 16, 2013

In addition to 'personal smoker preference' determining dryness, it also varies by tobacco. I smoked the bottom of a tin of Triple Play that I had previously rubbed out thinking I'd be back to finish it sooner. It was pretty dry but I packed it, dialed the number to the burn unit and light up. It turned out to be a delightful smoke. I called back and cancelled my reservation at the hospital. Meanwhile, I opened a 'hermetically sealed' pouch of Granger today that was just a little too dry by my standards and I was on the verge of not enjoying it. I am not actually comparing a GLP to Granger so stand down the executioner but those are two of my recent experiences.

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