I don’t know if this type of thread would be of interest to others, but if there’s anyone else out there, like me, that loves to see older tins being opened, then please post your pics here!
Beyond just posting pics, I think there is some useful knowledge that can be gleaned from such a collaboration, if we all include pertinent data with our reveals. Understanding that there are numerous unknown factors that go into storage, cellaring, and collecting sealed tins, I still think that certain types of data are important and can lead to a better understanding of how specific tin's hold up over time, specific problems that can arise with particular brands or types (Here's lookin' at you, rectangle), etc.. Comments are welcome on what types of data you’d like to see included or how to make posts more useful. Or if you just want to post pics, I’ll take that too!
Also, I think we all understand that simply jarring tobacco immediately to age it, and not having to deal with potential tin issues, is a good thing as well. I personally do both. But there’s something about collecting tins, the artwork, being able to trade them, and eventually the thrill of opening the time capsule to reveal, smell, and taste the result. Sometimes the result is devastating, but there are some things we can do to minimize risk, like weighing the tin, shake test, etc..
Mac Baren HH Vintage Syrian 100 gr./3.5 oz.
Tin Date: March 2010
History of tin: Purchased from a dealer earlier this year. Previous storage conditions unknown.
Seal: Sealed with slightly concave lid.
Shake Test: no shake.
Sealed weight of similar 100 gr. MB tins when new: ~186 grams.
Actual weight of this sealed tin: 186 grams..
Actual Weight of tobacco inside this tin: 96.1 grams.
Moisture level of tobacco: Low; ready-to-smoke.
Notes: Upon prying with my Czech tool, pressure was equalized and audible, and my workspace was filled with the aroma of smoke, brine, and faintly mulled wine. The rim of the tin has moderate corrosion where it contacts the gasket. Corrosion is limited to the rim. All else, the gasket did its job and the contents appear clean and well-preserved. The coarse cut tobaccos are slightly compressed and look and smell amazing. Nice paper staining.
Smoking notes: nothing unusual or negative to report. Typical creamy HH Vintage Syrian, which has mellowed in a very good way. One of my favorite blends of all time.
I’ve opened quite a few of these older MB tins, from environmentally controlled cellars to unknown storage conditions, and their weakness, regardless, seems to be rim corrosion, though this is the case with many brands. I personally use high quality Mylar (e.g. 7 mil Pleasant Grove bags) with O2 absorbers as an insurance policy against gasket failures.
Show us your opened oldies!
Beyond just posting pics, I think there is some useful knowledge that can be gleaned from such a collaboration, if we all include pertinent data with our reveals. Understanding that there are numerous unknown factors that go into storage, cellaring, and collecting sealed tins, I still think that certain types of data are important and can lead to a better understanding of how specific tin's hold up over time, specific problems that can arise with particular brands or types (Here's lookin' at you, rectangle), etc.. Comments are welcome on what types of data you’d like to see included or how to make posts more useful. Or if you just want to post pics, I’ll take that too!
Also, I think we all understand that simply jarring tobacco immediately to age it, and not having to deal with potential tin issues, is a good thing as well. I personally do both. But there’s something about collecting tins, the artwork, being able to trade them, and eventually the thrill of opening the time capsule to reveal, smell, and taste the result. Sometimes the result is devastating, but there are some things we can do to minimize risk, like weighing the tin, shake test, etc..
Mac Baren HH Vintage Syrian 100 gr./3.5 oz.
Tin Date: March 2010
History of tin: Purchased from a dealer earlier this year. Previous storage conditions unknown.
Seal: Sealed with slightly concave lid.
Shake Test: no shake.
Sealed weight of similar 100 gr. MB tins when new: ~186 grams.
Actual weight of this sealed tin: 186 grams..
Actual Weight of tobacco inside this tin: 96.1 grams.
Moisture level of tobacco: Low; ready-to-smoke.
Notes: Upon prying with my Czech tool, pressure was equalized and audible, and my workspace was filled with the aroma of smoke, brine, and faintly mulled wine. The rim of the tin has moderate corrosion where it contacts the gasket. Corrosion is limited to the rim. All else, the gasket did its job and the contents appear clean and well-preserved. The coarse cut tobaccos are slightly compressed and look and smell amazing. Nice paper staining.
Smoking notes: nothing unusual or negative to report. Typical creamy HH Vintage Syrian, which has mellowed in a very good way. One of my favorite blends of all time.
I’ve opened quite a few of these older MB tins, from environmentally controlled cellars to unknown storage conditions, and their weakness, regardless, seems to be rim corrosion, though this is the case with many brands. I personally use high quality Mylar (e.g. 7 mil Pleasant Grove bags) with O2 absorbers as an insurance policy against gasket failures.
Show us your opened oldies!
