Jarring Bulk Tobacco Party - A Basic Primer

[The Amish Tyrant]

I had a bulk tobacco jarring party last night, taking many bulk blends and placing them in mason jars for long term storage. The scarry stories post by @shanez and company kept me entertained (link below for reference). Smoking different samples in a few pipes while enjoying a Black Tooth Grin (whiskey with a splash of diet cola) as I jarred kept me satisfied and sane.

The purpose: hedge against rising prices (which have noticeably increased since returning to pipes 2.5 years ago), keep tobacco from drying out, and possibly enjoy the effects of aging.

The conversion: quart jars (32 liquid ounces) hold about 8 ounces of tobacco (ribbons and intact flakes).

Primer suggestions: keeping the mason jar box with the plastic wrap around the bottom provides additional support. The boxes stack nicely. A cheat sheet of what tobacco is in each jar is taped to the front of the box. Each jar is labeled and dated with scotch tape.

Maybe one of these days I'll track amounts and dates. And maybe I'll eventually move to Mylar for both less space and heft (thankfully, I've got no intention of moving any time soon). As for photos, my garage is a mess (but has a nice room note from the jarring party) and I'm doubtful anyone wants to see pictures of boxes on shelves.

Time for a Smoke and a Shiver! (4th Annual) :: General Pipe Smoking Discussion

Welcome one and all to a fun filled month of evening pipes enjoyed with a a scary tale or three. My wife did her usual superb job of decorating the house which always puts me in the mood. Tonight I have my scarecrow meer with some C&D From Beyond with a glass of homemade wine: Sit back...

pipesmagazine.com

 

[seanv]

Jarring is enjoyable most of the time. I use smaller jars and typically add no more than 50 grams per jar. The theory is that when I open a jar I can smoke it in a decent amount of time.

Jars are heavy and cumbersome. I have over 70 lbs put away in jars and tins. This takes up about 10 large tote bins. I keep them in the basement. I have no plans of moving anytime soon thankfully.

 

[sablebrush52]

Depending on the cut, my ratio of tobacco to jar size is about 1:2 The ribbon is mostly compacted, similar to tins. to allow for that ratio. a 4 oz jar will hold 2 oz of ribbon, 8 oz holds 4 oz ribbon etc, etc. I'll use the 12 ounce tall jars for flakes, as the longer length prevents my having to cut down the G&H flakes. Pack the flakes in reasonably firm, but not so tightly that I can't pull out a flake down the road.

Of course, I tossed the jars and bagged everything before the move, so it's all Mylar now, loads lighter and takes up less space.

 

[AroEnglish]

As for photos, my garage is a mess (but has a nice room note from the jarring party) and I'm doubtful anyone wants to see pictures of boxes on shelves.

Some people do…

Also, do you have any concerns about the temps for the jars during the winters?

 

[The Amish Tyrant]

Some people do…

Also, do you have any concerns about the temps for the jars during the winters?

Sigh. If you think my garage is a mess, you should see the basement storage room. Just thinking about it gives me anxiety since I despise clutter.

I live with a pack rat and cleaning out the basement is on the Spring agenda. I intend on moving the boxes to the basement eventually, but need some space.

I do have a patio storage and prep station in the garage where some jars and accessories are stored. It smells like a tobacco shop every time the cabinet doors open (which makes me happy). Maybe I will post some photos later.

 

[HawkeyeLinus]

I enjoyed a couple of jar parties the past couple years but now I have a sealer for the sous vide it will be Mylar from here on out for bulk. Mostly I leave things in their tins.

 

[btp79]

Maybe one of these days I'll track amounts and dates. And maybe I'll eventually move to Mylar for both less space and heft (thankfully, I've got no intention of moving any time soon).

You will. I ended up with an embarrassingly large number of empty quart and gallon mason jars for someone who doesn't can foods. Luckily they were able to be reused by a local cub scout pack so good karma all around.