Help Me With My First Blend

[cwarmouth]

Hey Folks,
For about a year I have been wanting to try making a VaPer blend, but I can't get myself to pull the trigger on it. I keep putting it off because I think I have no business blending my own tobacco until I develop a better understanding of the taste profiles of the various tobaccos, and then I think I should just jump in and it will help me develop a better taste profile. I think I know what I want to put in it, but then I don't (which is of no use to you when I am asking your advice.) Here is what I think I want: A VaPer blend, or a variation of a VaPer blend that is rich and bold with a heavy mouthful. As I have been studying the various baccys it seems to me that a blend of red Va, Stoved Va, and Perique is what I want. I am fairly certain about the stoved and the Perique unless y'all know something I don't (well, I'm sure you know plenty that I don't) about blending those two. Alternately, I am thinking about Burley, stoved Va, and Perique. I want the Perique to come through pretty strongly. What do you think about my selections, and what percentages would you suggest. Looking forward to your advice.

CW

 

[anthonyrosenthal74]

I've not yet used Perique in a blend, as it's not something I often smoke. But my understanding is that a little bit of Perique goes a long way. I'm going to go out on a limb and say try making your blend in fourths. Such as two fourths stoved, one fourth red, and then one fourth perique, or switch around the stoved and red to suit the flavor profile you seek.

 

[newbroom]

The impact of perique is immediately noticeable in small quantities.

To complicate matters, there are now perique varietals both burley and Virginias.

I've had good results mixing C&D and McClelland's blending perique with any of my other bulks.

My advice is to mix about one ounce batches, allow to meld for at least 24 hrs, and start with small amounts to get a handle on its impact.

I don't advise smoking perique by itself, unless you're prepared to have no taste for any tobacco for a day or so.

 

[madox07]

cwarmouth before going to the trouble of blending, I would first try all the available VaPers and see if any fits my taste. On the other hand, it seems to me that you are wanting to do this blend thing more of a hobby and a means in itself, rather than looking for a particular taste. As far as advice, do not be heavy handed on the perique, the peppery taste can turn the sweet Virginias if used in excess.

 

[tschiraldi]

If you want boldness and full body, I would suggest adding in some Dark Fired Kentucky. It has the added bonus of Perique-like spiciness.

 

[mawnansmiff]

In my experiments with Perique I soon learned less is more. It is quite a powerhouse on its own and that should be minded when using it to make blends.
My latest blend which is now sitting in the steel press (I would recommend at least two weeks under great pressure) is a mix of roughly 70% straight Virginia (McClelland), 20% Burley (Solani) and 10% Perique (McClelland).
My last blend had slightly more Perique and though very pleasant was not as fruity as I like, it was more peppery. Fingers crossed the latest blend will be an improvement.
Regards,
Jay.

 

[cortezattic]

Like maddox07 said, gather data: sample as many different VaPer concoctions as you can, and take notes. Then use the ingredients found in your favorite blends to guide your experiments. The one confounding factor will be that many different toppings are used to shape the flavor.

 

[skydog]

I've blended some red Virginia's and stoved Virginia's and enjoyed the results and would like to try adding perique as well but haven't taken the leap yet. As others have said, a little perique often goes a long way. And like any other blending experiments, starting with small quantities and taste testing before blending bigger batches is always a good a idea. I'd love to hear your results and findings after you dive into and I'll be sure to provide info on what I find once I've spent some time messing around with it as well. Best of luck!

 

[cosmicfolklore]

Cigar leaf adds a heavier oilier smoke for an increased mouthfeel to the smoke. Check out H&H's Virginia Spice. It adds a little chocolatey note and makes it all much creamier. Because the flavor of a cigar comes from contact of tobacco to the lip, don't worry about it tasting like a cigar.

 

[bluegrassbrian]

If you haven't seen it before, THIS is a good article.
The Mcclelland and C&D blending periques can be bought in bulk, so picking up a couple ounces of each could be a good start.
I seem to remember seeing various Daughters and Ryan Periques available 8n bulk somewhere but now can't find them. Maybe I imagined that.

 

[cossackjack]

Try this website for blending tobaccos, including Perique:
Cup O' Joes: Daughters & Ryan's Blender's Bench series
Some have been sold out for a long time & may never be restocked; you could call to check about restocking plans, if any.

 

[cwarmouth]

Very good info here. Thank you. It's a bit overwhelming too. Tell me what you think of this: 50% Red Va., 45% stoved Va, 5% Pirique for my first blend. Upping the Pirique as desired later.

Or what about 50% stoved Va, 45% Burley, and 5% Pirique? I'm looking for a starting point that I could tweak from.
tschiraldi, are you saying to substitute the Kentucky for the Pirique (or another ingredient) or add it?

 

[skydog]

50% Red Va., 45% stoved Va, 5% Pirique for my first blend. Upping the Pirique as desired later.

This sounds like a good starting point to me depending on your tastes. I may start with 45%, 45%, and then 10% Perique but that's just my tastes knowing what I like.

50% stoved Va, 45% Burley, and 5% Pirique

Depending on how much you like burley that may turn out great. My first thought would be probably swapping the stoved for the red and possibly reducing the burley some but again that's just my tastes. I do like the stoved VA's but think they may be a little boring without the red VA to balance them. But I'm not sure how the stoved would balance with the burley so I may be completely off base there.

 

[sumusfumus]

cwarmouth.....
Go to the PIPE SMOKERS FORUM.....then search for "Your Favorite Personal Blend Recipes".....feast your eyes on eight pages of tobacco blending recipes....Aromatics, English, Naturals, VaPers, etc. It's all there.
Have fun shopping.
Frank

 

[mawnansmiff]

"Go to the PIPE SMOKERS FORUM..."
Frank, with all due respect, I'm sure matey will find all he needs to on this forum, no need to send him elsewhere into foreign territory ::
Regards,
Jay.

 

[deathmetal]

I keep putting it off because I think I have no business blending my own tobacco until I develop a better understanding of the taste profiles of the various tobaccos

This can be rectified. I'd go with Red Virginia, a "brown" Virginia ribbon of some sort, and a minority of bright Virginia. Then add a heck of a lot of Perique, and optionally, some strong Burley, which I recommend.

 

[jitterbugdude]

CW, I think you are putting way too much thought in to this. You need to start simple and work your way up. For instance, mix a 90% Virginia and 10% Perique.. smoke it. Note to yourself what is good or bad about it? Tongue Burn? then try an 80:20 mix. Less tongue burn but too much peppery Perique? Adjust this blend by adding some Oriental or even Burley to it. Blending is a rather personal thing because your tastes are your tastes and no-one else's. Don't expect to come up with the perfect blend the first go around. Blending is more like a journey... oftentimes a very long journey.
Good Luck

 

[mso489]

Great ideas and suggestions on this thread. My only contribution, I'd say, don't be intimidated by mixing your own "blends." I'll never approximate the elegance and sophistication of a pro blender who thinks about this all day and in their dreams, but some of my best smokes have been homemade in a little crockery bowl, a bowl or three at a time, just because it is a fresh take on an original mixture. Go ahead and experiment. Also, it will increase your appreciation of what the pros do.

 

[theloniousmonkfish]

Whatever you blend up try to jar and leave sit a few weeks, even better under pressure.