Does Grousemoor Age Well or Does It Lose Essence?

[ahouston]

EDIT: Fixed Capitalization in Title (See Rule 9)

Hi! I received my Grousemoor and LOVE IT! First experience with Lakelands. I was expecting a strong essence as people seem to think its very strong. I did not find this to be the case at all!

Anyway, I want to start cellaring my favorite blends, and already I am loving this.

What I want to know is, will it lose the lemongrass aromatic quality over time? I hope not!

Thanks

 

[python]

If you want to make sure that it keeps the flavor over a long period of time, open the tins and transfer the tobacco to mason jars for an airtight seal.

 

[mingc]

Or stick the whole tin into a sealed mylar bag.

 

[jerseysam]

Jarred up, I have not noticed much loss in Lakelands over a modest window (3-5 years). I'm sure there are others who could commit on much older (and in general I've smoked decades old aro's that are still punchy)....but overall if you like Grousemoor your option is really to stow away or bust anyway. Maybe distribution and availability will shift to the positive, but right now there's not enough Gawith to go around and new folks chasing it every day. So grab some mason jars! ?

 

[smudgersmissingleg]

I find that Ennerdale tastes a lot better with a couple of years in the jar. The flakes go much darker in colour and when I compared fresh with aged I much preferred the latter.

I've no idea what long term aging does to Lakelands though.

 

[Ahi Ka]

If you love the grouse you should grab the plug! No way that will lose its scent

 

[ahouston]

If you want to make sure that it keeps the flavor over a long period of time, open the tins and transfer the tobacco to mason jars for an airtight seal.

Yeah thats what I plan to do, I have some jars. But I have read here and there that aromatics might lose their toppings with age, compared to the wonderful aging of virginias and orientals. Is that applicable to Grousemoor? Or is it even a major concern? Just wondering
Thanks

 

[ahouston]

If you love the grouse you should grab the plug! No way that will lose its scent

Is the plug any different in terms of flavor? More lemongrass? Or it just retains flavor longer?

 

[ahouston]

Jarred up, I have not noticed much loss in Lakelands over a modest window (3-5 years). I'm sure there are others who could commit on much older (and in general I've smoked decades old aro's that are still punchy)....but overall if you like Grousemoor your option is really to stow away or bust anyway. Maybe distribution and availability will shift to the positive, but right now there's not enough Gawith to go around and new folks chasing it every day. So grab some mason jars! ?

Thanks!

 

[Ahi Ka]

Is the plug any different in terms of flavor? More lemongrass? Or it just retains flavor longer?

I haven’t smoked it yet but from what I hear it’s fuller. I jarred up a box of it recently and it certainly smells a lot stronger. I’d also recommend cannon plug. Grouse was my favourite until I tried this. Has a similar lemon grass vibe to it

 

[ahouston]

I haven’t smoked it yet but from what I hear it’s fuller. I jarred up a box of it recently and it certainly smells a lot stronger. I’d also recommend cannon plug. Grouse was my favourite until I tried this. Has a similar lemon grass vibe to it

Where did you get either plug?

 

[Ahi Ka]

Where did you get either plug?

I got a friend to send some from UK. Is about $20us per 50g so it’s an expensive way to go about it. You can however order them from synjeco. From memory it’s $50us for a 250g box, and then around $25 shipping for up to a lb.

 

[briarbuck]

Never lose your essence, Mandrake...

 

[python]

Yeah thats what I plan to do, I have some jars. But I have read here and there that aromatics might lose their toppings with age, compared to the wonderful aging of virginias and orientals. Is that applicable to Grousemoor? Or is it even a major concern? Just wondering
Thanks

I can't speak specifically to Grousemoor, but I have had aromatics (including some SG & GH) that have been jarred for well over 10 years that taste just the same as when I jarred them.

The oldest jar that I've recently smoked an aromatic from is from 2006 and it tastes just as it did when I bought that blend and jarred it. And I open it up occasionally (4-6 times a year) to dip into it.

Of course YMMV.

 

[ahouston]

I can't speak specifically to Grousemoor, but I have had aromatics (including some SG & GH) that have been jarred for well over 10 years that taste just the same as when I jarred them.

The oldest jar that I've recently smoked an aromatic from is from 2006 and it tastes just as it did when I bought that blend and jarred it. And I open it up occasionally (4-6 times a year) to dip into it.

Of course YMMV.

Oh on that note, have you noticed a change in nicotine strength with aging? Does it stay the same or mellow in that regard too?

 

[kwg116]

I have a jar from 2010 and it’s potent. The lemon grass has morphed into a deeper aroma and the tobacco turns dark brown. In my experience, the blend gets fuller and richer, but is still a pain to keep lit if you don’t dry it. It’s fantastic. I second the plug. Outstanding and easier to keep lit.

 

[Ahi Ka]

While talking plugs, I’ll give a shout out for cannon and grouses older sister RB plug.

 

[python]

Oh on that note, have you noticed a change in nicotine strength with aging? Does it stay the same or mellow in that regard too?

Blends can smooth out over time, however the nicotine strength is going to be what is was when it was made. Nicotine doesn't subside.

 

[ahouston]

Blends can smooth out over time, however the nicotine strength is going to be what is was when it was made. Nicotine doesn't subside.

Too bad. I just got some 1792 and while the taste is amazing, its just too strong for me to smoke regularly.

 

[Ahi Ka]

Too bad. I just got some 1792 and while the taste is amazing, its just too strong for me to smoke regularly.

Hey in a decade you could be eating rustica for breakfast. Might be handy then.

with some of the Lakeland’s stuff I smoke exclusively in a small clay pipe. Kinda has that throw back to the tavern tradition element, but I’ve also found that a very small bowl has enough flavour to be satisfying. Another thing you can do with the 1792 is rub out a flake and combine in a jar with an Oz or 2 of some simple otc style blend and leave for a month or so.