Current Pipe Mixing - Tips and Tricks from the Veterans

[pcfdave]

Just gave it a go for my 50th and thought my first blend turned out shockingly good. Working on aging it through a plug press. I got the book that probably many got for free online. Just curious for those who regularly do it, what have you learned along the way to help us noobs along. Thanks!

 

[DangerStranger]

I've learned patience. Home blends that I didn't initially enjoy are amazing with age on them. Those that were excellent initially become epic with 6 months to a year on them!

 

[pcfdave]

thanks! Do you have an opinion on how long to press something for optimum results. I imagine you don't keep blends pressed forever. 2 weeks? 2 months?

 

[DangerStranger]

thanks! Do you have an opinion on how long to press something for optimum results. I imagine you don't keep blends pressed forever. 2 weeks? 2 months?

I like to press them for 7-10days then move them to vacuum bags for 6-12 months. The vacuum bag keeps a degree of pressure on the plug. I'll frequently sous vide them overnight in the vacuum bag before long term storage. This gives the benefit of heat and pressure.

 

[Searock Fan]

Some time ago I wrote about how difficult it was to get SC Balkan Flake to burn. I don't remember if I ever told you how I solved the problem, so.... First let it dry out good, then rub it our to small bits. Now fill your pipe 2/3 full with the BF and top if off with another English blend of similar flavor. Light the new blend on top and let it act like "kindling" to get the flake going. After it's lit from above the BF should stay lit pretty well and smoke fine. Works good for me.

 

[mortonbriar]

A day or two in the press for a crumble cake of ribbon, or about a week for a plug of whole leaf is roughly what I have done. I would crank the press a little more each day. I don't think you can do it 'wrong' but keep experimenting and you will decide what works for you. I did leave one too long and too wet one time when humidity was high and it went moldy on me, that is a very avoidable mistake though.

 

[lukasstrifeson]

Some time ago I wrote about how difficult it was to get SC Balkan Flake to burn. I don't remember if I ever told you how I solved the problem, so.... First let it dry out good, then rub it our to small bits. Now fill your pipe 2/3 full with the BF and top if off with another English blend of similar flavor. Light the new blend on top and let it act like "kindling" to get the flake going. After it's lit from above the BF should stay lit pretty well and smoke fine. Works good for me.

Necroing a 3 year old thread just to misinterpret OP's question is hilarious.

 

[The Benedictine]

 

[Searock Fan]

Necroing a 3 year old thread just to misinterpret OP's question is hilarious.

Glad you liked it....