Old or Mold?

[Chalaw87]

Is this mold or just well aged tobacco?

I was able to snag an older tin of FVF. How old the tin is Im not sure. Ive only been cellaring for a few years so Ive got nothing to compare to this older tin. The tin was not sealed, so Im not sure how long the tin was open. As usual, any insight will be appreciated.

 

[Chasing Embers]

Does it sparkle in light or is it fuzzy?

 

[RustiePyles CPG]

I wouldn't smoke it. Doesn't look like plume to me, plume looks sugary. That looks fungal.

 

[Chalaw87]

Does it sparkle in light or is it fuzzy?

I didnt notice any crystalline type sparkle, but I wasnt looking for a sparkle either. I would not describe the white colored stuff as fuzzy.

 

[Chasing Embers]

I didnt notice any crystalline type sparkle, but I wasnt looking for a sparkle either. I would not describe the white colored stuff as fuzzy.

Yeah, I'd avoid smoking it then.

 

[seanv]

If you can easily scrape it off with a fingernail, it is likely mold. Mold usually smells bad as well

 

[didimauw]

Hard to tell by the pics, but that looks like mold. However, that does NOT look like the mold I had on some of my tobacco. It also does NOT look like the plume I've had either.

 

[blackpowderpiper]

To echo the others, based on photo evidence available, it appears that it could be mold. Is it hard and crystalline, or does it have a spider web type consistency? If unsure, sometimes it's better to err on the side of caution. The cost of a tin of tobacco is very small compared to respiratory issues that could result from smoking mold.

 

[isaac]

Looks moldish.

Shame too considering how much age is on that by the dark color of the tobacco.

 

[Chalaw87]

Looks moldish.

Shame too considering how much age is on that by the dark color of the tobacco.

Those were my thoughts too. I lean more towards the discoloration being mold, but I was really wanting to try some well aged FVF.

 

[sablebrush52]

That looks like mold to me. Tobacco molds are highly toxic. Best practice is to follow the axiom, when in doubt, throw it out.

Also, since the in had lost its seal, the flavor will have been impaired. It's a shame, but old square and rectangular tins are a bit of a craps shoot.

 

[captpat]

Sparkly ==> Plume ==> Good

Fuzzy ==> Mold ==> Bad

 

[Grangerous]

Give it a “go” so “we’ll” know!

Nah. Best give it a “throw”

 

[rmbittner]

Also, since the in had lost its seal, the flavor will have been impaired. It's a shame, but old square and rectangular tins are a bit of a craps shoot.

I’m not so sure the tin “lost” its seal. It looks like the tin had been opened and partially smoked; that doesn’t appear to be a full tin of FVF to me. But for the life of me I can’t imagine how someone could open a tin of FVF without finishing it—or at least taking enough care to keep it smokable.

 

[rmbittner]

To the OP: I hope “snagging” this tin didn’t cost you any money.

 

[Steddy]

Get yourself one of these cheap small microscopes. I’d get the one that starts at 60x and goes up to 120x. They are incredible for the price and you’ll have no doubt.

 

[hoosierpipeguy]

Most SG Virginia flakes I’ve opened that are over 5 years old kind of look like that. That is, white streaks. That one looks worse though so I can’t tell for sure. I’ve always smoked it and am still alive.

 

[Briar Tuck]

Get yourself one of these cheap small microscopes. I’d get the one that starts at 60x and goes up to 120x. They are incredible for the price and you’ll have no doubt.

Get yourself one of these cheap small microscopes. I’d get the one that starts at 60x and goes up to 120x. They are incredible for the price and you’ll have no doubt. View attachment 187614

Now I have to buy one. That's too cool to not own one.

 

[Briar Tuck]

Most SG Virginia flakes I’ve opened that are over 5 years old kind of look like that. That is, white streaks. That one looks worse though so I can’t tell for sure. I’ve always smoked it and am still alive.

Yeah, if it were me I'd still smoke it. I like to live life on the edge though.

 

[Coreios]

Plume is more dusty. Looks like mold to me.