Balance Rating

[AndyNJ]

pH does not affect nicotine content, however, it seems to affect the nicotine absorption and/or makes the absorption, however little there is, more noticeable.

Think of it like a mixed alcoholic drink that is sweet tends to hide from the consumer the amount of alcohol they are actually consuming, whereas with unmixed drinks, it's more noticeable.

I looked it up, nicotine below pH 8 is largely protonated but in the ionic state does not like to cross membranes according to a quick literature search. Meaning acidic tobaccos such as VA flakes I assume would provide less of a hit than more alkaline ones I suppose burleys? Just reading up here. Vinegar casing would then help done down blends. Then again: A persons pH in the mouth would dominate the absorption

 

[Chasing Embers]

I looked it up, nicotine below pH 8 is largely protonated but in the ionic state does not like to cross membranes according to a quick literature search. Meaning acidic tobaccos such as VA flakes I assume would provide less of a hit than more alkaline ones I suppose burleys? Just reading up here. Vinegar casing would then help done down blends. Then again: A persons pH in the mouth would dominate the absorption

Then you have the GH twists that are nicotine bombs.

 

[AndyNJ]

Then you have the GH twists that are nicotine bombs.

C&D exclusive...ghee much to strong for me, tastes great and all but careful...

 

[Jahman7]

Again, if you're not growing them yourself, some of the components are cased. Very few can tolerate unprocessed tobacco.

Not always. If you are purchasing whole leaves you can get them mostly uncased.

 

[Jahman7]

Here is a helpful article I found related to my ratings and the topic: Nicotine And Pipe Tobacco Blending | Smokingpipes.com - https://www.smokingpipes.com/smokingpipesblog/single.cfm/post/nicotine-and-pipe-tobacco-blending

I have updated my ratings based on this and other similar information I have found.

Balance Rating	Class
5​	Sweet	Latakia
4​		Orientals
3​		Cavendish
3​		Bright Virginia
1​		Red Virginia
-1​		White Burley
-2​		Medium Burley/Light Fire Cured
-3​		Dark Burley/Dark Fire Cured
-3​		Perique
-4​		Dark Fired Kentucky
-5​	Nic	Rustica