Wouldn't cutting and rubbing out, then time in open air (if it's not a high humidity day) or a few seconds in the microwave cure this drawback?I enjoy rope tobaccos, but I gave up on them. Because of the way they are blended and the hot pressing, they are still fairly moist 6, 7 months down the road and are too much of a bitch for me to smoke. I scorch my tongue every time because of multiple relights and harder puffing to keep lit.
If not the whole tin or 2oz sample... my preferred method. Get to really know the tobacco under a variety of conditions, and the multiple angles afforded there allows for greater knowledge.This is why I try to smoke several bowls of a tobacco before reviewing it.