Question on pipe tobacco usage

[soren]

Quick question and I know its a complete noob question.
I use loose tobacco usually since I havent had the smoke time enough to experience flake and the many other types out there. So I just stuff my tobacco layer by layer and pack it just right.
I was wondering, is it best to dry your tobacco before packing it and smoking?
Typically, I have not dried out my tobacco but I've been hearing that it is best to dry it first.

 

[jonesing]

Soren:
I'm experimenting with this too and don't think I've figured it out yet.
I understand tobacco and have gotten pretty zeroed in on when it's perfect for the MZAYO format. But being relatively new to pipes I find it's a different animal to tame.
I smoke a lot of flake. And sometimes I'll pull a flake right out of the container fold and stuff it and end up with a brilliant smoke. But then the next will smoke a bit wet.
Conversely I've dried flakes way down to close to brittle and gotten an awesome smoke. And then you guessed it...next time relight city.
One thing seems clear. Loading the right bowl the right way appears critical regardless of tobacco moisture.
But I too am very interested to hear what others say about this. Right now I have too many variables going on between bowl size, blend type, moisture level, packing technique etc. I'd like to eliminate at least one variable by figuring out moisture level.

 

[cortezattic]

As a rule I get a better packing, burning and flavor from tobaccos on the dry side. That doesn't mean crunchy. I think most leaf will smoke really well even though completely dry -- so long as it hasn't lost its oils and resins, just H20. So drying for as much as a day can be OK; drying for much longer could ruin the tobacco.

Check out the Pipe Tobacco Aging, Storage and Cellaring FAQ for some thoughtful opinions on the tobacco moisture issue.

 

[chuckw]

As cortezattic is discovering, experimentation is the only way you'll find your "Happy medium." Work on your draw and consistant loading first until you get it right. For me, flakes need to be a little dry but English blends on the moist side. I prefer the flavor of my ropes moist but many re-lights are required.

Someone once told me your tocacco is just about right if you can pinch it and it springs back. If it clumps or sticks together, it is too moist. I've found that rule of thumb useful.

 

[pstlpkr]

As cortezattic is discovering, experimentation is the only way you'll find your "Happy medium."

I concur with Chuck and Cortez.

I think as your experience increases, you will learn which tobacco needs drying and which do not.

You will become more and more proficient at packing, and you will learn which method you prefer and you will learn to adjust your pack to accommodate different tobaccos.

You will develop subtle differences in your packing techniques that won't even require cognition.

Just smoke for pleasure and the nuances will come in their own good time.

"Omni ignotum pro magnifico." (Everything becomes commonplace by explanation.)

 

[rlunderhill]

You be the judge. I like my blends on the dryer side than moist. I like to get my tobacco out of there tins and into jars that have some space for air. It allow's the tobacco to breath and dry some. The flavor seems much better in a week after that transfer.

 

[ohin3]

For me most tobaccos right out of the tin are a hot bloated mess. I dry to the clumping test mentioned above.

 

[xray]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J4uUcRhkNj0

 

[nsfisher]

Some like it dry, some like it wet, some like it in the car so long as it's a Vet.

 

[pstlpkr]

:worship: Nsfisher :rofl:

 

[waznyf]

Some like it dry, some like it wet, some like it in the car so long as it's a Vet.

Hahahaha thanks for refreshing my memory :wink:
I have been smoking a pipe going on 4 or 5 months now, and just as the more experienced guys mentioned, it really takes time to find out. A lot of things in this hobby or neither right or wrong they are merely opinion. Find what you like and stick with it

I know personally that I like my tobacco pretty dry but I like it moist in storage, so I just take a little out at a time before a smoke and let it sit so that it all won't dry out quickly.

Good luck! Happy puffing! :puffpipe: