One of my favorite DIY "blends"

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bootlegpipes

Can't Leave
Oct 21, 2024
485
776
Thanks for the suggestion! I've been meaning to try each of these blends and am now even more curious.
 

supdog

Can't Leave
Nov 10, 2012
332
214
You need to get a scale, I did (it measures down to .01 grams). Make small batches, enough for a couple of bowls, and write down everything you do so you can recreate any succeses. All my test batches are small (about 8-12 grams). When I find a blend that I like I'll make larger batches.
 

khiddy

Part of the Furniture Now
Jun 21, 2024
998
4,609
South Bend, Indiana
blog.hallenius.org
Continuing to mix some tobaccos. Leaving the term "blend" to professionals.
Now using AI.

What is your opinion regarding the smoking quality of a blend of 25% white burley, 25% Izmir Turkish, 12.5% Basma Turkish, & 37.5% Black Cavendish?

This blend strikes me as a thoughtfully crafted composition, aiming for a harmony between mild smoothness and aromatic complexity. The 25% white burley provides a neutral, combustible base that burns cleanly and evenly—a classic foundation in tobacco blending that allows the more distinct flavors to emerge. In contrast, the 25% Izmir Turkish and 12.5% Basma Turkish contribute an exotic, sun-cured character that is both spicy and subtly sweet. Turkish tobaccos typically offer a delicate balance of floral, herbal, and sometimes even fruity notes, thanks to their traditional curing methods, adding layers of nuance as the blend evolves during smoking .

The dominating share of 37.5% Black Cavendish then brings its own unique twist. Known for its mellow, often creamy and sweet attributes, Black Cavendish rounds out the sharper edges of the Turkish components, smoothing the overall experience and adding an inviting richness. This tobacco’s preparation—usually involving fermentation and sometimes even slight sweetening treatments—can create a silky finish that helps counterbalance the bolder, spicier notes of the Turkish varieties. The overall effect should be a blend that starts with an engaging burst of spice and complexity before settling into a smoother, almost dessert-like cadence as you continue smoking.

In my view, this combination has great potential for those who appreciate multiple layers of flavor in a single smoke. It’s an intricate dance: the white burley lays down a clean canvas, the Turkish tobaccos paint in hints of the exotic and aromatic, and the Black Cavendish ties everything together with a gentle, creamy finish. Of course, as with all tobacco blends, the ultimate experience may vary depending on the curing, moisture content, and even the smoking device used. Have you experimented with balancing contrasting flavor profiles in your blends before, or is this structure a new foray into layering complex tastes? There’s much to explore in the art of tobacco blending—from adjusting ratios for different sessions to experimenting with additional nuances that might further enrich the smoking experience.

What is your opinion regarding the smoking quality of a blend of 40% Virginia, 30% Black Cavendish, & 30% Basma Turkish?

This blend strikes me as a very promising balance between brightness, sweetness, and exotic spice. The 40% Virginia provides a natural, clear-headed sweetness and a light tang that forms an ideal base. Black Cavendish, at 30%, typically contributes a mellow, rich creaminess with an almost toffee-like nuance that not only softens but also deepens the overall character. When you add 30% Basma Turkish into the mix, you introduce an element of spice and an aromatic complexity that hints at oriental sophistication. The result, if well-executed, should be a blend that’s smooth on the surface but layered with evolving flavors as you progress through your smoke.

Smoking quality isn’t solely about flavor—it’s also about the burn, the aroma, and even the mood you create while enjoying it. Virginia tends to burn well and lends an inviting character to the smoke, while Black Cavendish often helps improve the combustion by providing a steadier moisture content. Basma Turkish can be a bit of a wild card, giving the blend that unexpected kick; its spice and complexity may become more pronounced as the blend mellows over time. This makes the smoke engaging from start to finish, particularly for someone who enjoys nuanced, evolving profiles rather than one-note sweetness.

If you’re experimenting with or considering this blend, I’d be interested to know how it aligns with your palate—do you relish the initial brightness of Virginia, or does the exotic spiciness from the Turkish leaf capture your attention more as the smoke develops? Sometimes a small adjustment, whether in the ratio or in the curing method of the Turkish tobacco, can underscore different aspects of the blend, offering an even more tailored smoking experience. It’s all about finding that delicate equilibrium where each component sings in harmony, making each puff a gratifying journey of discovery. Have you played with different proportions before, or is this a new venture into balancing these distinct profiles?
Aren’t you already soliciting feedback on this same pair of blends (with the exact same AI-generated descriptions) in another thread here on the forum? It’s like deja vu all over again.
 
  • Like
Reactions: woodsroad

woodsroad

Lifer
Oct 10, 2013
14,393
28,973
SE PA USA
Continuing to mix some tobaccos. Leaving the term "blend" to professionals.
Now using AI.

What is your opinion regarding the smoking quality of a blend of 25% white burley, 25% Izmir Turkish, 12.5% Basma Turkish, & 37.5% Black Cavendish?

This blend strikes me as a thoughtfully crafted composition, aiming for a harmony between mild smoothness and aromatic complexity. The 25% white burley provides a neutral, combustible base that burns cleanly and evenly—a classic foundation in tobacco blending that allows the more distinct flavors to emerge. In contrast, the 25% Izmir Turkish and 12.5% Basma Turkish contribute an exotic, sun-cured character that is both spicy and subtly sweet. Turkish tobaccos typically offer a delicate balance of floral, herbal, and sometimes even fruity notes, thanks to their traditional curing methods, adding layers of nuance as the blend evolves during smoking .

The dominating share of 37.5% Black Cavendish then brings its own unique twist. Known for its mellow, often creamy and sweet attributes, Black Cavendish rounds out the sharper edges of the Turkish components, smoothing the overall experience and adding an inviting richness. This tobacco’s preparation—usually involving fermentation and sometimes even slight sweetening treatments—can create a silky finish that helps counterbalance the bolder, spicier notes of the Turkish varieties. The overall effect should be a blend that starts with an engaging burst of spice and complexity before settling into a smoother, almost dessert-like cadence as you continue smoking.

In my view, this combination has great potential for those who appreciate multiple layers of flavor in a single smoke. It’s an intricate dance: the white burley lays down a clean canvas, the Turkish tobaccos paint in hints of the exotic and aromatic, and the Black Cavendish ties everything together with a gentle, creamy finish. Of course, as with all tobacco blends, the ultimate experience may vary depending on the curing, moisture content, and even the smoking device used. Have you experimented with balancing contrasting flavor profiles in your blends before, or is this structure a new foray into layering complex tastes? There’s much to explore in the art of tobacco blending—from adjusting ratios for different sessions to experimenting with additional nuances that might further enrich the smoking experience.

What is your opinion regarding the smoking quality of a blend of 40% Virginia, 30% Black Cavendish, & 30% Basma Turkish?

This blend strikes me as a very promising balance between brightness, sweetness, and exotic spice. The 40% Virginia provides a natural, clear-headed sweetness and a light tang that forms an ideal base. Black Cavendish, at 30%, typically contributes a mellow, rich creaminess with an almost toffee-like nuance that not only softens but also deepens the overall character. When you add 30% Basma Turkish into the mix, you introduce an element of spice and an aromatic complexity that hints at oriental sophistication. The result, if well-executed, should be a blend that’s smooth on the surface but layered with evolving flavors as you progress through your smoke.

Smoking quality isn’t solely about flavor—it’s also about the burn, the aroma, and even the mood you create while enjoying it. Virginia tends to burn well and lends an inviting character to the smoke, while Black Cavendish often helps improve the combustion by providing a steadier moisture content. Basma Turkish can be a bit of a wild card, giving the blend that unexpected kick; its spice and complexity may become more pronounced as the blend mellows over time. This makes the smoke engaging from start to finish, particularly for someone who enjoys nuanced, evolving profiles rather than one-note sweetness.

If you’re experimenting with or considering this blend, I’d be interested to know how it aligns with your palate—do you relish the initial brightness of Virginia, or does the exotic spiciness from the Turkish leaf capture your attention more as the smoke develops? Sometimes a small adjustment, whether in the ratio or in the curing method of the Turkish tobacco, can underscore different aspects of the blend, offering an even more tailored smoking experience. It’s all about finding that delicate equilibrium where each component sings in harmony, making each puff a gratifying journey of discovery. Have you played with different proportions before, or is this a new venture into balancing these distinct profiles?
That's a lot of words that add up to almost nothing.
But, then again, that's what ChatGPT does best: Verbose rehash of internet pap. How can you expect a computer to program to offer a useful take on something so subjective that it's difficult to even find two humans that can reach consensus on it?
 

dejavueagain

Starting to Get Obsessed
Mar 25, 2025
104
127
Aren’t you already soliciting feedback on this same pair of blends (with the exact same AI-generated descriptions) in another thread here on the forum? It’s like deja vu all over again.
Yes, my bad. Thanks. Will delete.
That's a lot of words that add up to almost nothing.
But, then again, that's what ChatGPT does best: Verbose rehash of internet pap. How can you expect a computer to program to offer a useful take on something so subjective that it's difficult to even find two humans that can reach consensus on it?
Thank you for your helpful response.
 
  • Haha
Reactions: woodsroad