Can't find taste

[tkcolo]

Every year of my life, we have had a real christmas tree in the house for 6-8 weeks. I'm not overtly allergic to pine/spruce/cedar, and I can't even tell that I have a sinus infection, but I do. Everything else tastes fine, but tobacco tastes like garbage the entire time. Within a week of removing the tree, I'm back to normal. EVERY FREAKING YEAR!
I think it's natures way of telling me a need 2 month pipe smoking hiatus. I am savoring every pipe right now. Maybe there is something like that getting you too. Good luck man, and be patient. Don't overthink it.

 

[olkofri]

Maybe switch to an artificial tree?

 

[tkcolo]

BTW, I'm in Colorado at 8400 ft and 0% humidity most of the time. I smoke inside, but in a well ventilated room. Everything tastes slightly differently when I go to Texas. Not in a bad way though. Just different. I do enjoy smoking inside mire than outside. There is almost always wind here, so that really jacks with the heat of the burn. Tobacco burning hotter just tastes worse. I'll smoke burleys outside, but not virginia blends.
The elevation screws with my BBQ pit smoking times for sure. My water boils at 195 degreesF, and it adds 30% more time to smoking meat.

 

[tkcolo]

olkofri: Mom is in charge of that, and for some reason she takes no pity on me. She loves this time of year, and I won't jack with that.

 

[trouttimes]

Thanks to all. Just ordered a bunch of new blends and we will see if anyone's suggestions hit the mark.

 

[jpmcwjr]

Re: humidity. No plant or animal can survive for long in 0% humidity, as all fluids would be sucked out in that atmosphere.
While Denver is among large cities with very low humidity, it still averages above 30%. And Las Vegas- and nearby Death Valley- are a bit drier, but still average near that. Afternoons are tough: sometimes under 15%. But never 0.
Overall attention to ambient humidity can be very helpful in understanding tobacco prep.

 

[warren]

You should also keep in mind that nothing affixed to your body 25 years ago is working as well as it was then. Fewer taste buds should suggest stronger blends as a possible patch.

 

[crashthegrey]

If this doesn't work, try some flakes. They tend to have a concentrated flavor, and try to fold and stuff rather than rub one them out.

 

[trouttimes]

<p>Hey, let me dream. I still have a few more rounds in me...I hope.<br />
You are very right that the humidity is VERY low up here in the mountains. I am trying to let the wet blends dry some and the dry blends not turn to dust. I keep all my stash in mason jars until time to smoke them. The really wet blends dry quickly when I set them out before lighting up.<br />
I did just order some Navy Flake to try. I hope it lights me up

 

[trouttimes]

<p>Thanks to everyone's suggestion. I think it's coming back. H&amp;H Black House and Nightcap has renewed my desire to smoke. I just got the Navy flake in and I'm headed to the shop to enjoy