I don't see this brought up much so I thought I'd mention it since I think it's the cause of much disappointment and many bad reviews. Almost every single vacuum sealed tin I've ever opened goes through a (sometimes dramatic) change 3 days to a week after being opened. Anyone else notice this? The combination of slight drying and some of the toppings flashing away, as well as oxidation and the process of anaerobic fermentation shifting to aerobic fermentation all contribute to a big shift in flavors and behavior of the tobacco.
Usually, the tin note is strongest when first opened, but even if you immediately close the tin, the aroma will change significantly by the third day. The first day, the tobacco might be hot and bitey with little flavor, even if left out to dry adequately. After about 3 days the underlying flavors of the tobacco start to really come out and work with the toppings instead of against them. Even in untopped tobacco, the fermentation smells start to roll away and the natural sweetness of the leaf presents itself. So often I read where someone tried one bowl of a blend that they heard great things about, were disappointed, and "dumped the rest in the trash" without even giving it a chance to open up. Sometimes I read reviews where someone reviles in disgust that they were given a fruity aro when the description said unflavored. This fruit smell is often the byproduct of fermenting Virginia leaf and it vanishes in about a week or as soon as the tobacco is adequately dry. The subtle apricot/plum/citrus topping used by popular UK blenders is there to complement the natural fermentation aroma and give consistency from tin to tin and it usually dissipates in about the same amount of time.
So, please! Next time you pop a tin and immediately load up a bowl and put flame to it, don't be too disappointed if it seems "flat" or "like hot air" or like a "fruity aromatic". Give it a few days to a week before you even try it again. If you still feel the same way after that, pass it on to someone with different tastes (please don't dump perfectly smokable tobacco). And please, please, please don't write a review of a first impression of a newly opened tin unless you label it a first impression. Every tobacco, even bulk, benefits from some airing out time. I firmly believe reviews should only be written after you've really gotten to know a blend. Preferably after smoking a whole tin. After a few bowls, spread over a few days or weeks, at the very least. You may still hate it, and that's okay. We all have different tastes and opinions.
Thanks for taking the time to read my rant for the day.?
Rush
Usually, the tin note is strongest when first opened, but even if you immediately close the tin, the aroma will change significantly by the third day. The first day, the tobacco might be hot and bitey with little flavor, even if left out to dry adequately. After about 3 days the underlying flavors of the tobacco start to really come out and work with the toppings instead of against them. Even in untopped tobacco, the fermentation smells start to roll away and the natural sweetness of the leaf presents itself. So often I read where someone tried one bowl of a blend that they heard great things about, were disappointed, and "dumped the rest in the trash" without even giving it a chance to open up. Sometimes I read reviews where someone reviles in disgust that they were given a fruity aro when the description said unflavored. This fruit smell is often the byproduct of fermenting Virginia leaf and it vanishes in about a week or as soon as the tobacco is adequately dry. The subtle apricot/plum/citrus topping used by popular UK blenders is there to complement the natural fermentation aroma and give consistency from tin to tin and it usually dissipates in about the same amount of time.
So, please! Next time you pop a tin and immediately load up a bowl and put flame to it, don't be too disappointed if it seems "flat" or "like hot air" or like a "fruity aromatic". Give it a few days to a week before you even try it again. If you still feel the same way after that, pass it on to someone with different tastes (please don't dump perfectly smokable tobacco). And please, please, please don't write a review of a first impression of a newly opened tin unless you label it a first impression. Every tobacco, even bulk, benefits from some airing out time. I firmly believe reviews should only be written after you've really gotten to know a blend. Preferably after smoking a whole tin. After a few bowls, spread over a few days or weeks, at the very least. You may still hate it, and that's okay. We all have different tastes and opinions.
Thanks for taking the time to read my rant for the day.?
Rush
