Plugs twists etc

[mrgunnar177]

Ok so what's the difference between plugs and twists and I have a tin of petersons 3 Ps but I have no idea how to prepare a plug?

Cheers

Gunnar

 

[shawn622]

Since I'm on a Plug/flake kick right now, and am in the process of making one from raw leaf, I'll add my little bit of knowledge. A plug is tobacco that is stacked and pressed into a hard block. Some heat the plug while in the press, and leave it at 90-110 degrees for up to a month. Then it is aged for up to 6 month before we get it. Some fermentation takes place and there is a marriage of the flavor of the tobacco into one flavor. If they plug is sliced into 1/16' slices, this is flake tobacco.
Rope, I'm not as familiar with but I will tell you what I do know. With rope the tobacco goes through a process where leave is sprayed with a sugar or honey and water solution, then is made into "sausages". That's what the MacBaren rep called them in a video I watched. It is kind of like a cigar. There are layered tobaccos rolled tightly into a long cylinder and left to dry in a controlled temperature and humidity. Then they either sell it as is, Or slice it into slices or medallions. Hope this helps you a little bit!!!

 

[sparroa]

Looks like Shawn gave you some good explanations.
I haven't tried plugs before, but from what I've read it is pretty simple.
Have a pocket knife handy? If so, you are set...
Slice your own flakes and rub them out. Now you are on your way!

 

[mrgunnar177]

Thanks Shawn and Simeon! Preparing a plug as I type this!

 

[cigrmaster]

I have both plugs and ropes and prepare them much the way I do flakes. I take my scissors and just cut them up into small pieces, let them dry a lot and then gravity feed using the 3 step method.

 

[akpipe]

A sharp knife or Ulu works well; a little drying time and you're golden. :worship:

 

[shawn622]

I have been using a razor blade on the plugs and it really works well.

 

[akpipe]

I have been using a razor blade on the plugs and it really works well.

Sweeney Todd approves! :mrgreen:

 

[mrgunnar177]

You guys are awesome, we must have the most combined knowledge on the Internet :worship: ::

 

[captainsousie]

Good thought on the ulu. I have a couple and while I think of them for utility work, I didn't think of one for cutting tobacco. Thanks for the thought akpipe, I'll have to try it.

 

[morton]

I'm smoking a flake of Jack Knife plug prepared the way cigrmaster described right now in a dublin and its a little piece of heaven. Hope your smokes end up as good as how this tastes!