Yes but let us not forget, some they will and some they won’t and some it’s just as well.
Drying the Tobacco?
- Thread starter PipeGarGuy
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When you smoke a luxurious to the touch tobacco, like Granger…. straight from the tub is fine.
All depends on the blend and how YOU enjoy it.
All depends on the blend and how YOU enjoy it.
Aros are notoriously goopy. I really try to smoke just as it comes from whatever container it happens to be in, but when you can pretty much squeeze a tobacco out into a shot glass it's time for a little dry time. I just spread it out on a paper towel and forget about it for a half day or longer. The better solution though its to let it sit for a year or so before smoking.
If you aren't having a million relights and or tongue bite then it doesn't matter.
I have discovered over the years that I like my tobacco dried to the point of almost being crispy. I discovered this while drying my tobacco one day sitting in the back yard on a summer morning. I put the flake I was going to smoke in the sun and before I knew it the tobacco was nearly crispy. I figured I had ruined the flake, but being the cheapskate that I am I rubbed it out lightly and stuffed it in my pipe. My first puff was nearly magical compared to what I had been experiencing. Cool, dry smoke with a lot of flavor. I now smoke all my tobacco this way; however, I must add that I typically only smoke VA's and Vapers.
I have some Black Cavendish that I'm considering tossing in the air fryer for a bit. No other means of drying it out seems to be effective. I kid, but I am seriously considering bringing my dehydrator into action.
That's exactly what I did & it resolved the issue. Thank's for the advice.
When it comes to pipe tobacco it is wise to follow the advice of one's elders on this or as local hillbilly sage said, "Do bear fornicate in the woods".
Experiment. No single rule will cover everything. I personally like a little moisture and feel it cools the smoke and delivers the utmost flavor, but as you've read, we're not all the same. And with some blends, my preference needle moves, as I like them a little dryer. There's a learning curve to pipe smoking, but there's an even greater learning curve that you bend for yourself.
Many pipe smokers here prefer their tobacco real dry. I don't like smoking crispy dry tobacco.
On the other hand I'm not a fan of overly moist blends either so most of the blends that I buy I know will be at a good moisture level for my needs straight from the bag.
When I have bought a moist blend, rather than drying I mixed in some D&R Windsail Virginia which comes on the dry side.
Though I have noticed that when I fill a tin with certain blends, it will slowly dry a little over a couple of weeks.
There's definitely a 'sweet spot' when it's dried just a little, where I find that I get more flavour.
There's also less fuss smoking a blend at just the correct level of moisture. [Which differs from blend to blend]
So following the advice to experiment different moisture levels is definitely worth pursuing.
Let us know your results.
Although I like aromatics, I'm not a fan of goopy too moist blends.
The aro's that I smoke are good to go straight from the bag.
May I suggest;
Macbaren Vanilla Cream is the driest aro I've tried. It's very mild so I have a bowl first thing with my morning mugs of tea.
Butternut Burley. The Hearth & Home BB is just as good as Scottys BB but much cheaper.
Peter Stokkebye Nougat.
Couple seconds In the microwave. For those really stubborn blends. Looking at you full Virginia flake
The Butternut Burley and PS Nougat are bulk blends so buy a couple of ounces each with a tin of Macbaren Vanilla Cream.
Let us know your thoughts after you've tried them.
Yes. It makes all the difference.
anyway, why not just try experimenting with your tobacco?
anyway, why not just try experimenting with your tobacco?
You posted this on my birthday!!...it depends on the tobacco, i find that moist tobacco tastes a bit smoother myself, but the best thing is to try yourself as we will all have different answers and that may not really help. Too moist and your pipe might gurgle like a hookah..too dry and it will burn fast and hot so just experiment and you will find your own sweet spot with it. I really like st bruno, if its too dry it can be a bit like smoking old rope though, moist and it has a lovely rich flavour..never had tongue bite from it nor have i ever burnt out a pipe with it. If tobacco gets to dry a drop of whisky in it will really liven it up
Posted this elsewhere but did it again today and works for me. I’ve found that if I take some tobacco and put it on a little plate in the small upper oven then turn on the oven and set it to 200 degrees, by the time the “preheated” bell rings it is usally good to go and even a couple of minutes more with something goopy. Has been working great with some flake tobacco and I’m not fussed about wondering when I set it out.
Can ask Sablebrush...how do you dry your tobacco before smoking? I know some people microwave their blends others allow it to air dry a little before smoking. Cheers.
Air dry, unless I'm in a hurry and don't care about the flavors. Nuking tobacco always results in a kind of "cooked Wheatena" flavor presence to me.
IMO most blends are better a bit on the dry side.
It's a personal preference.
If it feels a bit moist I lay it out for an hour or two.
They way it smokes tells the story.
If I won't stay lit when sipping it slowly, then it could use some drying.
It's a personal preference.
If it feels a bit moist I lay it out for an hour or two.
They way it smokes tells the story.
If I won't stay lit when sipping it slowly, then it could use some drying.