Is it possible that some of your blends are ending up out of balance in regards to alkalinity/acidity? I was reading the blending book linked in another thread on the forum, and the author has a whole section on tongue bite (on page 14), explaining that it is partially attributed to the tobacco's pH, which can be adjusted with specific tobacco additions (e.g., perique's alkalinity can offset the acidity of Virginias).
Link to the blending PDF here:
https://www.bettercodger.com/images/Blend Your Own_FREE.pdf
Thanks for that enclosure.
Anything is a possibility, but in my case, i think 8-10 pipes a day for the above stated reasons, for a period of over a week) is more likely.
I'm actually fairly knowledgeable in niche areas of bio-chemistry (before going into music I seriously considered this field because of my interest in fisheries and adapting of non-native species in a farm pond environment for sustainable protein sources; as I've mentioned before, I'm an academic, with a strong inclination for experimentation and archiving).
As well, the taste experiences have been consistent - no variation experienced within each blend, and I have an excellent smoking buddy who gave his opinions that matched mine (and I made sure, as much as possible, that he made his opinions known before mine.) Mike is an expert chef (that's his hobby, his avocation is an electronics expert; he has his own company specializing in audio repairs and in the restoration of analog audio equipment. He has a highly developed sense of taste far more subtle than mine.)
When dealing with variables, yes, anything is possible but the patterns have been consistent and recognizable.
Again, thanks for that enclosure/pdf. It has been downloaded, will be filed, archived in various files and cross referenced.
No, I'm not autistic, ADD, or any other type of newly invented psycho-babblistic malady. I'm just a curious and methodical academic who used to drive my mother nuts, God rest her soul. She was also a trained cook who wrote many food columns for the Vancouver Sun back in the '50s, and fanatical about consistent procedure and repeatable results. So I figure I come by it honestly
I'm not really interested in pursuing this aspect of pipe smoking too far, by the way. Just want to duplicate at least somewhat closely, three favourite tobaccos that are no longer available to protect and augment the few ounces of each that I have.
