Cellaring Carter Hall/Prince Albert - Pouches vs. Cans

[Lumbridge]

So, I know this has come up a few times here and there, but I'd like to get some more experienced opinions.

A local cigar shop has CH and PA cans for $28. They also have pouches on sale, and the per oz price adds up to about the same as the tubs (less than a dollar more per 14oz).

I'd like to get some to cellar - more so for future availability than for aging - and I'm pondering which packing format to get.

I'll probably end up vacuum packing either one in heat sealed mylar bags for the long term. I'm considering the pouches because only opening 1.5oz at a time would keep it fresher, and I feel like the foil pouches do a pretty good job of sealing the tobacco.

Thoughts? Anyone cellar PA or CH in either format and have any experience in how fresh they keep over years/decades?

I'm also wondering about flavor loss due to aromatic toppings decaying, especially in the case of CH.

Much appreciated!

 

[ray47]

I find that CH & PA cellar just fine in the tubs and they taste better in the tubs versus the pouches. I once found a long forgotten opened tub of Carter Hall in a closet at home. It had been in there for I believe 6 years. It was as fresh as a new tub and the taste was out of this world. The John Middleton tubs seal great, even for long term. Just 3 pumps of the lid and your set. If I buy a bunch of pouches I'll transfer the contents to mason jars.

 

[Thepipehunter]

First, if you're cellaring PA/CH to age then, don't expect much difference in taste down the road. However I absolutely recommend cellaring them to keep a lot on hand as these are two very good blends.

Second, go for tubs if you can. Almost everyone would agree both blends are better and more consistent in the tubs.

 

[3rdguy]

I have cellared PA because I know it will not change over time. I believe I have 4 tubs.

I left mine in the tubs, they seem sealed up tight with the plastic wrap. FWIW I am working through, very slowly, a open plastic tub from 2017 and it is still in perfect smoking condition.

 

[Lumbridge]

I find that CH & PA cellar just fine in the tubs and they taste better in the tubs versus the pouches. I once found a long forgotten opened tub of Carter Hall in a closet at home. It had been in there for I believe 6 years. It was as fresh as a new tub and the taste was out of this world. The John Middleton tubs seal great, even for long term. Just 3 pumps of the lid and your set. If I buy a bunch of pouches I'll transfer the contents to mason jars.

Helpful, thank you.

 

[Lumbridge]

First, if you're cellaring PA/CH to age then, don't expect much difference in taste down the road. However I absolutely recommend cellaring them to keep a lot on hand as these are two very good blends.

Second, go for tubs if you can. Almost everyone would agree both blends are better and more consistent in the tubs.

I'm not concerned with aging so much as availability in the long run and buying while it's cheap. Looks like tubs it shall be. Thanks.

 

[Lumbridge]

I have cellared PA because I know it will not change over time. I believe I have 4 tubs.

I left mine in the tubs, they seem sealed up tight with the plastic wrap. FWIW I am working through, very slowly, a open plastic tub from 2017 and it is still in perfect smoking condition.

Cool, I have a few tubs and haven't opened any yet because I wasn't sure how long it would stay fresh after popping it. Good to know that they keep well even after opening.

 

[owias12]

I made up a 50/50 mixture of PA and CH and put it in a mason jar about 10 years ago and just had a few bowls of it a few days ago. It was just as good, if not better than the day I cellared it. I enjoy it in a cob first thing in the morning with a cup of coffee. Definitely going to be buying a tub or two of each one soon.

 

[ray47]

I made up a 50/50 mixture of PA and CH and put it in a mason jar about 10 years ago and just had a few bowls of it a few days ago. It was just as good, if not better than the day I cellared it. I enjoy it in a cob first thing in the morning with a cup of coffee. Definitely going to be buying a tub or two of each one soon.

I have always mixed PA & CH 50/50. I started putting in a pinch of 5 Brothers to up the nic hit and it's good. PA & 5 Brothers 70/30 is another good mix.