I've made a huge mistake (maybe).

[mowens]

Hey all, this is a tobacco storage related question.
I've been storing all my glorious pipe tobacco in a large wooden box/chest. I've noticed over the last few months that when I open up the box I get a strong whiff of tobacco, and of course I didn't see anything wrong with that, at first. But then it dawned on me that I remembered reading about not storing tobacco in a humidor because of the type of wood they are commonly made out of and how the wood will absorb the smells and of the tobacco and "soak" them in, and in turn changing the flavor of the tobaccos in the box to smell like a blend of everything. The chest seems like that type of wood. Then I noticed that with the changing of the weather some of my lids on my mason jars were a loose. Which I'm sure caused some of the smells to escape. I tightened them back up but I do notice that all the jars and tins on the outside smell like a mixture of the tobaccos in the box. I opened up some of the smaller jars to see if they still had their distinct aroma and I think I'm ok. I'm more worried about the tins since I'm not sure if they are less permeable than the jars. I guess what I'm asking is - Did I just "ruin" my tobacco? Also, if someone has a better storage method I'm all ears. I try to store it like my wine, out of the sunlight and in a cool climate.
Thanks for the input. ::

 

[lonestar]

I'm not certain that its completely ruined, but if you will send it to me along with a small "testing fee", I will smoke it, er, run as many tests as necessary to determine if it is fit for consumption.

If its unfit, I will just keep it here, so it doesn't end up in the wrong hands.

 

[pstlpkr]

This article may be of some interest and use to you.

Pipe Tobacco Storage
I second Paul's suggestion Mason or Bail top jars... That's the best way to go.

::

 

[smokindawg]

In a cooler area is the key. What type of wood the box is doesn't matter when they are in jars or tins...... I'd not worry, I doubt that you ruined anything. I don't however understand the jar lids coming loose. Mine have done the opposite in fact and have actually pulled down and sealed the canning lids on all my jars. Of course, most have been in jars for over 5 years.

 

[rigmedic1]

I use the bail tops for stuff in rotation, and mason jars for long term storage. Seems to work okay. Your results may vary, lol. ::

 

[smokindawg]

Marc, tins are good for storage, but bulk is a better deal $$ wise and I have a lot that has been stored in canning jars for more than 5 years. All as fresh, but better with age, as the day I put it in the jars.

 

[judcole]

I have an old cooler I use for my modest cellar,kept in the basement. Works quite well.
And although it's true that bulks are a better deal on the cost factor,a lot of blends aren't available in bulk - thinking particularly of my beloved Red Ribbon. ::

 

[samgam]

I'm only using the bags I bought my tobacco in right now... Will that be all right, or should I start looking for an alternative storing method soon? (I will eventually, it's just not currently high on my list of things to get.)

 

[olderthandirt]

samgam, mason jars!

 

[uberam3rica]

i keep mine in plastic bags

 

[maduroman]

the cedar in quality humidors is SPANISH cedar and will NOT impart any negative flavor to your tobacco.
that being said, most of my tobacco is in mason jars for the most part. however, i do put my open tins in a couple antique humidors i have to cut down on drying out...

 

[sherlock]

I'll echo maduroman, a quality humidor will not hurt you tobacco, but they are not designed for pipe tobacco and after a while you can't fit all of your tobacco in them. Mason jars are a cheaper option.

 

[logandow]

Lonestar, how generous of you sir.

 

[spartan]

@samgam - Plastic bags are ok storage for a few months. Any longer and you will need to think about different storing methods, otherwise it'll just dry out on you, and you will not achieve any "aging" of tobacco in plastic bags. Any air-tight glass or metal thing will do. w/e your pocket can afford.
@smokingdawg - When storing your tobacco long for the purpose of "aging" it I thought that the lid on a mason jar should pop UP and create a seal that way? As I understand it the tobacco "ages" because it slowly ferments with itself and further incorporates the flavors contained within the tobacco. But if your lids are pulled down and a vacuumm has been created won't that take even LONGER to properly age your cellar of tobacco, or even hinder it?
Assuming that your goal was to age the toby and not PRESERVE IT. If you want to keep it as is then the vacuumm would make sense.

 

[smokindawg]

Plastic is good for short term storage, but if your keeping it more than a couple weeks, I'd go with mason jars. No plastic bag is completely air tight and tobacco will dry out in them. I've got most my bulks in jars and even after 5-6 years, other than the good parts of aging, the baccy is as fresh as the day I put it in them.

 

[romeowood]

@samgam & uber--invest in some mason jars for canning, they're cheap and readily available, you should be able to get a dozen for around $10.

A slight vacuum will in no way hinder the aging process, as long as sufficient 'head space' (an air pocket) is provided. The anabolic and aerobic fermentation processes will be just fine.

@Mowens - I would recommend taking the tins out of the cedar box at the least--the wood will maintain a slightly humid environment that will eventually cause rust on them (and the mason jar lids as well, eventually), thus compromising the contents. As for the loose tobacco, it's to your preference on whether you're storing or aging it. For storage you're fine; for aging you'll want a cool, dry, dark area to let them mature.

 

[spartan]

Get on your knees and bow down to the Romeowood, The Pipe Alchemist :worship:

 

[romeowood]

Get on your knees and bow down to the Romeowood, The Pipe Alchemist

The tithing of tobacco is accepted and encouraged :D

 

[dongreyface]

Ok, so I have a further question on the storing it in jars. Since I lack really any kind of space right now, and I don't have mounds of tobacco, would storing each type in a separate bag but in the same jar affect the flavor at all. Right now I just have a 'natural' and a 'vanilla' but I do have a sampler pack on the way. And like I said, I really only have room for 1 or maybe 2 jars right now.

 

[pstlpkr]

Good question Dongreyface.

And, one worthy of debate.

My two cents....

It takes some time but, to a large extent, storing a variety of tobaccos in plastic bags in the same jar...

In all likelihood will effect a change in the flavors of each... over time.
And, welcome to fraternity!

::