Solani 633 - Age before opening?

[futureman]

Solani 633 will be my first baccy with perique! While I am very curious to try it, I've read that the perique can be overpowering right out of the tin, and could use some mellowing. Would any of you recommend giving this flake some time before smoking?

 

[tobakenist]

Go for it and enjoy a bowl, you won't know if it is to overpowering if you don't try it, I don't agree with aging tobaccos as they should be smoked as the blenders blended them. :puffpipe:

 

[judcole]

My suggestion is that you try it out and see. If you find it overpowering, you can put the rest in a ball jar and set it aside. If you really like it, you can get two tins the next time and age one, to see what happens.

I don't agree with aging tobaccos as they should be smoked as the blenders blended them.

Aged tobacco is just as the blender blended them. You're not changing the blend at all; you are just letting time help out. I seriously doubt that any blender is going to object to aging his (or her) work. ::

 

[danno]

I have a tin that is several years old. I need to get a fresh tin (I think I just ordered one), and then when I crack them both open at the same time, I will have a nice little experiment and experience.
As far as aging versus not aging, I suspect that if there was no cash flow, storage space, and the multitude of other factors involved, we would see a lot more blends.

I tend to like both ends of the spectrum. Sometimes I want the the raw freshness, and other times I want the fully rounded harmony of age.

 

[jship079]

That's why jars are great crack that bad boy open don't like give it 6mths don't like it then give it 6more dont like it them let it sit a couple years or give it away (never through out baccy)jars are a great investment you can get a case for like 8 bucks

 

[kamikazesasquatch]

I don't agree with aging tobaccos as they should be smoked as the blenders blended them.

I've never heard that viewpoint before. But like Jud said, I don't think they would mind too much. I'm sure there would be a lot more pre aged stuff on the market if the blenders were able to do so. Plus, I'm sure the intent of the blend is to enjoy it

 

[archerdarkpint]

I have found...as this is a flake, dry it out if moist, and then break it down into the finest particles (not dust, but usually attained by rubbing it between your palms vigorously) and smoke it slllllloooooooowwwwww to attain the full flavor. Slow, like a kiss that you want to last forever...slow like the gentle hitch after whispering a promise or the faintest draw on a reverse sigh.
When I first tried a VA/PER blend, I did not get it. I think a lot had to do with the way I smoked...fast and hot. I stored it away for years, and then went at it slooooooow. I mean the gentle pull that only could attribute to profound musings...and there it was. Savory and sweet, and then sour...yes, delicious. Now, I favor the VA/PER blends nearly as much as the heavy English type. Slow is the key for a VA/PER?

 

[ohin3]

633 is a very easy smoking Va/per. It is great right out of the tin and great with age on it as well. I do usually let the flake sit out for a half or full hour of drying before loading the pipe. This flake smokes very very nicely when rolled or folded and stuffed as well.

 

[futureman]

Ohin, I actually bought a tin of this based on a description you gave of it on another thread.

 

[philip]

The trouble I have with aging tobaccos is that I seem to age at the same rate.

 

[futureman]

I confess I could not resist. I popped the tin open this evening! I rubbed out a flake and let it sit for an hour. This flake corroborates my growing love for Virginias. I understand fully why some find them acerbic and harsh. But for some reason my palate finds them tangy and, well, pure in terms of natural tobacco flavor and fragrance. I also see that this blend could use some mellowing, and I may add a pinch of Burley next time I smoke a bowl.
On deck: Orlik Golden Sliced. I would have preferred a PS Luxury blend, but my B&M has *none* of them (although it is otherwise well-stocked as far as PS and LL goes).

 

[pstlpkr]

I don't agree with aging tobaccos as they should be smoked as the blenders blended them.

Tobakenist:

You've stated this on more than one occasion... A very valid assertion.

For a piper that enjoys a blend as it is intended/concieved/fresh... I :clap: you.

There is something very admirable in that assertion... E.g. I love G.L. Pease Haddo's Delight fresh off the shelf... as-it-were... it is fantastic!

But, after opening a tin of that (aforementioned) Haddo's Delight after a year in the cellar...

All I can say is..... Mmmmmmmmm.

I think the aging process added a little something to that blend.