Opening an Aged Tin

[AcesAndEights]

I’ve acquired a few aged tins from some of the fine members of this forum. Thinking it might be time to open a few. I’ve heard some mention that they open them and then jar them for a bit before smoking.

So my question is, is it better to jar the aged tobacco for a bit to let it “air out”, or just smoke it “fresh”?

 

[lraisch]

If the tin shows substantial swelling, I find that it smokes it's best after about three bowls. This seems to be a result of letting the tobacco "breathe" for a bit.

I don't try to dry the tobacco out; I just find that the flavor opens up after the first few bowls. If it's a larger tin, I might just put it in one of my humidors.

 

[OSOBUCO]

I say open tin - smoke a bowl immediately (dried to your liking of course). Jar the rest and take note if you see any differences as you work through the remainder. Enjoy the journey

 

[hoosierpipeguy]

I've found almost all tins benefit from airing out a week or three. I can't speak for English/Balkan blends as I rarely smoke them.

 

[AcesAndEights]

I say open tin - smoke a bowl immediately (dried to your liking of course). Jar the rest and take note if you see any differences as you work through the remainder. Enjoy the journey

This, of course, is the logical answer. I guess I’m just worrying about making my first bowl of legit aged baccy as magical as possible. Lol
This is gonna be a big moment. I don’t wanna blow it! ?

 

[TheWhale13]

I agree with everyone here. My experience is the same as hoosier's, tobacco changes drastically in only a months time. But why not smoke it right away too?

 

[onestrangeone]

I agree with everyone here. My experience is the same as hoosier's, tobacco changes drastically in only a months time. But why not smoke it right away too?

Same here, if you don’t try it you can’t appreciate the changes that happen!

 

[SpookedPiper]

This, of course, is the logical answer. I guess I’m just worrying about making my first bowl of legit aged baccy as magical as possible. Lol
This is gonna be a big moment. I don’t wanna blow it! ?

I am wishing you a magical experience too..just, don't get too "premature" about it!?

 

[jguss]

My experience, at least with very old tins, is different. I find that the smoke is never quite as good later as it is immediately after opening the tin. And catching the aroma at the moment of unsealing the tin, by the way, is definitely a fun part of the ritual.

 

[augiebd]

This, of course, is the logical answer. I guess I’m just worrying about making my first bowl of legit aged baccy as magical as possible. Lol
This is gonna be a big moment. I don’t wanna blow it! ?

I am looking forward to the day I have a chance to acquire some really aged tins.

 

[cigrmaster]

I smoke 90-100 % aged tins. Almost all are 9-15 plus years old. I prefer how aged tins taste. I find them to be smoother, tastier, more depth of flavors and I have been doing it for so long that is what I am used to. I don't settle for less than very aged tins. It is nice having a cellar that is almost all aged tins.

 

[AcesAndEights]

I smoke 90-100 % aged tins. Almost all are 9-15 plus years old. I prefer how aged tins taste. I find them to be smoother, tastier, more depth of flavors and I have been doing it for so long that is what I am used to. I don't settle for less than very aged tins. It is nice having a cellar that is almost all aged tins.

That’s my plan as well. I’ve purchased several hundred fresh tins and stocked them away. Buying some tins with age already on them to get me started.

 

[sablebrush52]

My experience, at least with very old tins, is different. I find that the smoke is never quite as good later as it is immediately after opening the tin. And catching the aroma at the moment of unsealing the tin, by the way, is definitely a fun part of the ritual.

THIS. But it does depend on how old the tin is. Aged a few to ten years, the tobacco isn't likely to die upon exposure to fresh oxygen. But if you're looking at decades old stuff, 30, 40, 50 years of age, it may curl up its toes and die in a day or less.

 

[kcghost]

It is good to have a plan.

 

[AcesAndEights]

It is good to have a plan.

Well, the PLAN is in place. Now just gotta stick to it…. ?

 

[Chasing Embers]

I try to finish the older tins in a timely manner. They tobacco flavor of older tins diminishes quickly after opening even if jarred.

 

[EvertonFC]

I try to finish the older tins in a timely manner. They tobacco flavor of older tins diminishes quickly after opening even if jarred.

Can you elaborate a bit on "quickly". Are you speaking of days, weeks or months? Thanks.

 

[The Clay King]

The 20 year old Clan I bought online tastes different from fresh; I don't know if it's aged or they changed the blend but it certainly tastes a lot sweeter and stickier than modern Clan.
Met James again today and he says they're different...

 

[Chasing Embers]

Can you elaborate a bit on "quickly". Are you speaking of days, weeks or months? Thanks.

A tin never lasts me more than a week. Tobacco 20+ years old can fade significantly over a few days.

 

[ahouston]

Do this scientifically and record each subsequent bowl rating and share!