Blending Your Own?

[mso489]

I think it would be a mighty timid pipe smoker who doesn't try blending from time to time, more than just to finish off the dregs. On the other hand, making your own blends teaches you quickly why the professionals are paid for what they do. And even many of their blends aren't so popular. When you try blending, take some care to record and label your "blends," four parts of this, two parts of that, one part A and one part B. I recommend those little latched canning jars to store your blends, the small ones (don't overcommit). Then you need to mix the blend pretty well, and turn the jar now and then to keep the "marriage going." The trouble is, you have to smoke a number of failed blends this way, and be disappointed after weeks then months of aging, before you give up on it -- into the compost it goes. That's when you really begin to enjoy that nice tin or plastic bag of bulk all nicely blended by the pros. It makes it worth the few extra bucks. But I'll still keep my little stash of Latakia and etc.

 

[captainbob]

Lot's of truth in many of the previous comments. I respect them all! A "blend" is technically different than a "mixture". If you mix finished blends that is called a "mixture". If you mix prepared leaf of different varieties (aromatic or non-aromatic) it is properly called a "blend". There is nothing wrong with either approach except that it requires much more to create a blend than to create a mixture. Regardless, if you get an idea, try it. The only important advice I can give is to always write down exactly the ingredients and weights of your mixture or blend. I guarantee you that if you do not do that, you will never be able to duplicate it. Believe me, I have learned from experience! WRITE IT DOWN!

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[wayneteipen]

I may be in the minority but I blend my own and smoke them often. I mostly do it for fun and for economical reasons. I also haven't found a latakia blend that isn't too heavy handed for my tastes. There are lots of good base tobaccos that can be bought in bulk that are great for experimenting. My main go to blend is one I call Chocolate Cake (because it smells like chocolate cake but tastes nothing like it.) Here's the ingredients:
4 parts 5100

2 parts McC's blending Perique

1 part black cavendish (I use Newminster Straight Black)
Jar it and let it meld for about a month or so and voila!