Freshly opened virginias - not so good

[sajgre]

I'm a virginia smoker and have noticed many times that tobacco needs at least a few days if not weeks out of the tin before it becomes as good as it gets. And I'm not talking about drying tobacco.
What are your experiences?

 

[danno]

Yes, I would say that is my experience as well. I think it may be just like cooking and reducing the water out of something. Evaporation equals concentration of flavors. At least, that's my theory.

 

[slowpuffer]

Many tobacco tins are vacuum sealed, preventing air from coaxing along those chemical processes which make a blend taste like it should. That is why I prefer to smoke bulk blends. I find that their quality is more consistent. Also, C&D and GL Pease do not vacuum seal their tins to allow air inside the tin to do its thing (if memory serves me right, I don't think McClelland vacuum seals their tins either).

 

[markw4mms]

Yep, I agree, most VA's do taste better after being allowed some time to breathe before being smoked.

 

[cortezattic]

I hadn't noticed. But now that you mention it my enjoyment does seem to increase as I work my way through a tin.

I just figured it was because of my increasing familiarity with the blend. But it may actually be the tobacco that's changing.

Good observation! :clap:

 

[stogie37]

Not just VA's - it seems that a number of tobaccos, English & VA come alive after being open for a few days. Sometimes I get a really sharp, even stinging effect from newly opened VA, or VA heavy blends. G.L. Pease Lombard is one of the most pronounced cases of this I've experienced.

 

[ohin3]

I whole heartedly agree. I just recieved an order of Virginias that I just couldn't wait to smoke and was quickly reminded of this phenomenon. Seems that most smoke moist, hot, bloated and bitter right out of the tin. I have come to the painful reality that after waiting for so long for my tobaccos to arrive I have yet more time to wait. I store all of my tobacco in mason jars and was wondering how most of you store your virginias that come to life in a few days after opening? Do you leave them in the opened tin or jar them? I may try leaving the lid off for periods of time just to speed up this softening period.

 

[jpberg]

I enjoy some Virginias right from the tin, others I don't enjoy until they're fifteen years old. All in all though, I'd agree with your sentiment.

 

[sajgre]

I jar them because I like to rotate a few different types and it takes me long time to smoke them.

 

[dervis]

I agree most things get better with age.

 

[jchaplick]

I hadn't noticed. But now that you mention it my enjoyment does seem to increase as I work my way through a tin.

I just figured it was because of my increasing familiarity with the blend. But it may actually be the tobacco that's changing.

Good observation

+1

 

[stogie37]

Ohin, Nothing special to my open tin aging/airing, just pop the seal and throw the plastic lid back on (referencing, Pease, C&D, McClelland etc style tins) and let subtle reintroduction of air do it's thing. If they are really moist, I may leave the lid off overnight.

 

[buster]

Love this forum! Sharing of knowledge about this is priceless! Thanks to all you guys.
I am slowly trying new tobaccos and recently put some virginias in my humble cellar. I was excited to find Ratray's marlin flake with some age on it. I have so far resisted opening it despite my initial excitement. I plan on putting a few more blends in the cellar shortly. I will make a mental note on this topics information.

 

[rigmedic1]

I really hated Virginias when I first joined the forum. But with all the advice I have gotten here, I have certainly learned to enjoy them a great deal. I never considered the "new" tin problem, but I too tend to enjoy them more as they age. I definitely recommend a dedicated and clean pipe to get the most a Virginia has to offer.