Smokers of Tabac Manil blends... Do You Hydrate?

[ScienceSmoker]

I enjoy Tabac Manil's Petit Robin every so often. As you guys know, it comes bone dry. So when I first got it, I figured I should "re-hydrate" it a bit. Then I started reading people online talking about how the best way to smoke it is as it comes, very dry. Now I don't know what to think.
Anyone have any thoughts on the issue?

 

[cosmicfolklore]

Nope, I way prefer it as it comes.

 

[mso489]

I'm a great fan of Tabac-Manil, especially the medium and thick cut, but I have also enjoyed Petit Robin. It comes decidedly dry, so you get more tobacco per ounce than with more moist blends, and it smokes just the way it comes. I think adding moisture would dilute the favor and burn, which are just right. Note, this tobacco is not for everyone. A member sent me a package minus one bowl, saying it had made him throw up. But if you like burley, and can adapt to a change of pace, this is wonderful tobacco, one of my favorites. Smoke it dry.

 

[Zapasta]

I try to keep things simple. It comes dry so I leave it that way; but also it's very good just the way it is, I don't see how a little water could do anything.

 

[jpberg]

As is.

 

[spartacus]

I smoke it like it came. I have never tried to hydrate it. Would love to know what you think if you do.

 

[Ahi Ka]

If you find it too dry, try rehydrating a bow at a time by either gently breathing through the top of the chamber or clenching the pipe for a few minutes before lighting.

 

[hawky454]

I've tried it hydrated, it seems like it wants to be hydrated, absorbs water real quick. I definitely prefer the way it comes, much more flavor.

 

[kcghost]

I did try this tobacco but it has a distinct flavor that is very off-putting to me.

 

[ScienceSmoker]

I re-hydrated the first bunch I bought. It smelled really nice, but yeah, I think it tastes much better dry.

 

[FurCoat]

I smoke it as is and I pack it tight...I mean really put some pressure on it.

 

[mso489]

Tabac-Mania was featured in an article in The New York Times, and I was fascinated but assumed I'd never get a shot at it, from over there in Belgium. Then it showed up over here, someone sent me a sample, and when I raved about it, someone sent me a package. It's like discovering good burley all over again.

 

[jaytex1969]

I have never hydrated it and enjoy it "as is".

I may recall @jiminks once saying he tried it both ways. He may be able to shed some light on the matter.

 

[Steddy]

I’ve only smoked about five bowls dry, the way it comes, and loved it. With that much experience I should probably charge you half price for my two cents.

I’m also curious how it would taste with a little more moisture. Let us know.

 

[Brendan]

I vaguely recall a thread a few months back were somebody either rehydrated some or left it exposed to ambient humidity and the whole brick quickly turned moldy on him.

Again, vaguely remember so it may be worth a search in the forum.

I'd search myself but I'm feeling lazy.

And hungry.

 

[mortonbriar]

As is...and its all about cadence.

 

[JimInks]

I have never hydrated it and enjoy it "as is".

I may recall @jiminks once saying he tried it both ways. He may be able to shed some light on the matter.



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I always smoke Semois dry. I've seen several people over the years complain that it molds with hydration. Once I did hydrate two or three bowls worth just to see how it tasted. Seemed a little sweeter when I did that.

 

[Ocam]

I like it dry. I think it comes without any casing, so it will probably mold if it is moistened. You might try hydrating just a bit, a very small batch, and compare for yourself.

 

[TonyManx]

i put a bowls worth in a salad bowl. Then add a pinch of 1Q and mix. It slows the burn. Can still taste the earthiness of the burley, with a bit of sweetness.