How long can tobacco last?

[beerandbaccy]

I am brand new to pipe smoking (not counting a dabble 20 years ago) and probably won't smoke that often (non- smoking flat and no garden!) just out on the tiny balcony if I can. I want to try a number of tobaccos but I am likely to not get through a tin that quickly. I have a hydrating stone if it dries out but am wondering if there is a "best before" date I should finish it by?
Thanks for any advice! ::

 

[brass]

Store your blend in food grade bail jars or Mason jars and your baccy will last for years.

 

[maxx]

I watched a video series on long term tobacco storage by a fellow on YouTube who has stored (cellared) around 150 pounds of tobacco. Aside from Aromatics, which don't age, the least durable were Latakia based blends, which may peak and begin to lose their punch after 10 years, Virginias last beyond 30 years. I don't have a link to the videos handy. I found it in a thread in the tobacco discussion forum below.

 

[maxx]

The first video of that series is linked in the thread: Best Tin Tobaccos for Aging?

 

[tarak]

If stored in sealed mason jars, without excess air....it will probably last longer than you
Aromatics are known to lose flavor, Latakia blends "peak" at 10 years....Virginias are like fine wine. Let 'em age!

 

[cigrmaster]

I store all my open tins in plastic tupperware like containers and my tins stay fresh for over a year. The opaque containers with the white plastic top in the picture are what I mean. I buy them at Walmart.

 

[cosmicfolklore]

Tobacco last about a week, after that the damned tins are empty ::

 

[frozenchurchwarden]

I remember seeing a youtube video of someone who had a plastic tub of Borkum Riff forgotten somewhere for over 20 years, and when he found it again the old stuff was still better than the new.

 

[cosmicfolklore]

someone who had a plastic tub of Borkum Riff forgotten somewhere for over 20 years, and when he found it again the old stuff was still better than the new.

Ha, 100 years in the freezer would probably be an improvement for that stuff. ::

 

[beerandbaccy]

Fantastic news! Thanks all for your information!

I will buy plenty of tobacco without worry to find some favourites with the knowledge I can revisit some of the others as my smoking palate develops. ::

 

[pipejunky]

Air tight ball jars are all you'll need.

 

[zekest]

My Granmama can chew and spit a fat pound of my best Virginia-Perique in a week.
Pipe tobacco don't last long in my house.

 

[weezell]

Store your blend in food grade bail jars or Mason jars and your baccy will last for years.

Spot on...