Burley

[SSGT.]

How can I smoke Dark Fired Kentucky with no issues, yet if I fire up a burley it feels as if my tongue is blistered. I thought DF was burley just cured different.

 

[OzPiper]

You either react to something. Or you don’t

Put it down to chemistry - either the tobacco/ blend. Or you

You can either put up with it and persevere. And hope you will build up a tolerance over time.
Or you can move on and try some other friendly blend. There are lots to experiment with

There are numerous other threads on this very subject.
Sometimes there is a logical explanation.
Sometimes life sucks, and it is what is

 

[Gabes]

The contrasting physiological responses to DFK and traditional air-cured burley stem from fundamental differences in their chemical composition, pH profiles, and interactions with oral biochemistry. DFK's fire-curing process alters its alkaloid balance, organic acid content, and smoke chemistry in ways that reduce mucosal irritation compared to conventional burley. Critical factors include the modulation of freebase nicotine bioavailability via pH shifts, the protective effects of lignin-derived phenolic compounds from hardwood smoke, and DFK's inherent buffering capacity against oral acidity.

I hope it helps.

 

[OzPiper]

BTW I don’t suffer from tongue-bite.
But Semois (burley) causes my tongue to “prickle” on lighting up and upon relights.
Luckily the reaction settles after seconds

 

[elvishrunes]

Maybe try a few different types if you haven’t yet? DFK is smoked, hence “fired” which can cause issues, but I guess not for you. I’ve had the odd reaction to it, but more nic sick. I believe it is a stronger burley, depending whether US or African, the US one is stronger, but both are strong.

 

[Gabes]

Try to pair burley with some sour soft drink or blend in some DFK (20%, maybe?). This will minimize irritation and will allow you to enjoy the taste of burley.

 

[Brad H]

Heavy whipping cream. It cleanses the palate. Sort of like a younger reset to an extent. Also it’s great for getting some calories into the body. I start each day with pint, drink it straight.

 

[VDL_Piper]

Brush your teeth before smoking.

 

[georged]

The contrasting physiological responses to DFK and traditional air-cured burley stem from fundamental differences in their chemical composition, pH profiles, and interactions with oral biochemistry. DFK's fire-curing process alters its alkaloid balance, organic acid content, and smoke chemistry in ways that reduce mucosal irritation compared to conventional burley. Critical factors include the modulation of freebase nicotine bioavailability via pH shifts, the protective effects of lignin-derived phenolic compounds from hardwood smoke, and DFK's inherent buffering capacity against oral acidity.

I hope it helps.

Could you please be more specific?

Vague generalizations aren't very useful.

Thanks

 

[Briar Lee]

Could you please be more specific?

Vague generalizations aren't very useful.

Thanks

My father earned a good living milking 25 cows in a scientifically designed milk barn using scientifically designed equipment that went to a cooperative milk plant, where it just by magic transformed into delicious dairy products.

Raw hot milk is nasty as hell. Seriously.

Probably as nasty as raw tobacco.

Three cheers, for the scientists or magicians, which to us seem both the same.

 

[Gabes]

Could you please be more specific?

Vague generalizations aren't very useful.

Thanks

Sure, it is actually quite simple.

DFK goes through fire-curing process with hardwoods, which changes its chemistry quite a bit. On the other hand, burley is air-cured. Burley creates a more alkaline environment when smoked, which can irritate your tongue. DFK, thanks to fire-curing, has a more balanced pH that's closer to what your mouth is used to. Fire-curing has some extra benefits. DFK picks up compounds from the hardwood smoke that can actually soothe your mouth and protect it from irritation.
DFK indeed may be more nic-loaded, but it's not as "available" to your mouth tissues as the nicotine in burley. Burley hits you fast, which can be part of that tongue bite feeling, while DFK takes its time.

Pairing burley with lemonade made from some actual lemons (a bit of citric acid will help you balance out the alkaline environment burley creates) or blending in some DFK will help.
UPD: nicotine bioavailability also hints why DFK makes a perfect night smoke, while burley is more a work day thing.

 

[Piping Abe]

Which Burley blend/blends have you tried smoking?