Tobacco Cuts…Which One?

[Hobbs]

In every venture I’ve undertaken, I ALWAYS try to access as much knowledge as I can in order to enjoy that venture to its fullest. Obviously this “never settle for average” attitude can lead one to empty wallets and/or the road to insanity.
It it is just human nature to always want the best and experience the most we can from just about any venue.
But this attitude is embedded strongly in my nature and therefore pipe smoking is also leading me down the proverbial “what if…” road.

My question is this- I understand (somewhat) about the different cuts of tobacco. I have read the articles here and elsewhere on how it is processed regarding fermentation, moisture, aging, etc.
But what is confusing is WHY select a certain cut of tobacco? Convenience? Flavor? Cost?
An article I read said that if you took the exact same tobacco leaf and processed it into different cuts and aged it all for one year, the results would all be different.
I realize that peoples tastes are all subjective but I am very curious as to what would then be the better method in extracting the best flavor.
Why do company’s offer a certain tobacco in Cake form and not Ribbon? Why did they choose THAT particular way to offer it? Why Flake form and not Coin?

AND, I realize that it would be cost inhibited, but does any company offer the same exact tobacco in different cuts? That would be interesting to compare tastes…and cut out some of the insanity in research.
As I have mentioned in other posts, my taste buds are “shot-to-hell”, so I am looking to get as much flavor as I can. Is their a particular “cut” that can achieve this? Or is it all trial and error?

 

[Chasing Embers]

WHY select a certain cut of tobacco?

Because the blend came that way.

An article I read said that if you took the exact same tobacco leaf and processed it into different cuts and aged it all for one year, the results would all be different.

Aging is overrated and really produces no day and night difference, just more of a mellowing in some blends.

what would then be the better method in extracting the best flavor.

Light packing, softer lighting, and slower smoking.

Why do company’s offer a certain tobacco in Cake form and not Ribbon?

To better marry the flavors of the blend.

does any company offer the same exact tobacco in different cuts?

Yep. Some companies offer flake and ready rubbed as well as ropes and plugs ready rubbed.

my taste buds are “shot-to-hell”, so I am looking to get as much flavor as I can.

Shoot for heavy latakia blends.

Is their a particular “cut” that can achieve this?

Not really, it all comes back to technique. Smoke a pipe fast and hot and all it will give you is flavorless hot air.

 

[Grangerous]

It could be preference, blender or consumer.

I like the easy loading and lighting of cube cut but it’s not my favorite. Crooner would be an example.

I least favor stringy ribbon cuts for loading. Five Brothers is an example, you have to pull it apart.

Why does SWR resemble dry granola?

The Rough Cut of Granger loads very easlily for me.

Then there’s moisture level and texture.

Why do we ask these questions?

Next time I buy chicken I’m gonna find a young cashier and ask if I’m purchasing front legs or back legs, just to see if I can get her to ask her boss.

 

[Morrison Jeremiah]

The search for the best can indeed be both expensive and wasteful.
But it's something you'll probably go through regardless of any advice you get on here.
It's just the way us folks are.

 

[Elric]

In some cases I suspect there is a tradition to maintain as to why a manufacturer chooses a particular cut (e.g. ropes and coins). Personally, I haven't found a single cut that would keep me away from a tobacco I enjoy. That said, I enjoy flakes and coins as they seem to maintain their moisture level a bit longer (IMO only, of course) and take up less space when traveling.

 

[Peter Turbo]

shag baby yeah

 

[Ocam]

Pressure changes the tobacco flavor, so the same blend will taste different when you press it. That doesn't mean it will be better, just different.

Originally, flakes and ropes served to keep tobacco fresh. But now there's no difference since most tobacco comes flooded with humectants.

Some blends are offered. I think of C&D Bayou Morning, Mac Baren Mixture, Erinomre... There are probably more.

I prefer ribbon, but I don't really choose blends for the cut. The only cut I've had problems with is Daughters & Ryan. I like their blends a lot but the cut is always a hustle.

 

[Franco Pipenbeans]

I smoke a pipe thanks to Grandad and he used to prefer flakes because he said they kept their moisture longer and they “locked the flavour in”. As a result I do have a preference for flakes but honestly can’t really notice a massive difference between flake, ready rubbed or, when you can get a plug equivalent, the plug. Maybe they used to be more flavoursome?

Anyway, I like the ritual of preparing and smoking the flake, it makes it seem more involved.

 

[boston]

The tobacco cut is a 'thing'! I had a conversation with my tobacconist (Ernie Q @ watchcity) and he explained it to me. I can't explain it like he can, but the cut (among other things) can have an effect on burn, flavor and tongue bite. I believe him - and one of his tobacco's is my go-to. The guy is a wizard.

But - I don't think there is a cut that will deliver what you want across all styles. It is a bit of a skill to make a blend work - cut - composition - source/quality, aging, pressing, etc...

Presumably, many good blenders understand these nuances - so - as was mentioned, I guess we select the blend the way it comes to us and hope the blender has it figured out.

 

[fireground_piper]

Pressure changes the tobacco flavor, so the same blend will taste different when you press it. That doesn't mean it will be better, just different.

Originally, flakes and ropes served to keep tobacco fresh. But now there's no difference since most tobacco comes flooded with humectants.

Some blends are offered. I think of C&D Bayou Morning, Mac Baren Mixture, Erinomre... There are probably more.

I prefer ribbon, but I don't really choose blends for the cut. The only cut I've had problems with is Daughters & Ryan. I like their blends a lot but the cut is always a hustle.

Having a problem with Daughters & Ryan amazes me. I thought it impossible to have a problem with their cuts and extremely low moisture content. What problems do you have? Genuinely curious as I consider their blends a benchmark for completely thoughtless prep.

 

[tzinc]

A lot of pipe smoking for some people like me is about aesthetics and ritual. I just prefer the way flakes and coins and plugs etc look and I like the ritual of preparing them for smoking (even if it is just folding).

Now some claim the tobacco tastes better if in these forms (from pressing etc) I am not sure my flake coins etc are very tasty but my favourite tasting tobacco is a loose cut.

 

[Ocam]

Having a problem with Daughters & Ryan amazes me. I thought it impossible to have a problem with their cuts and extremely low moisture content. What problems do you have? Genuinely curious as I consider their blends a benchmark for completely thoughtless prep.

Too thin cut. They burn too fast for me, and I have to pay more atention to the smoke that I'd like to.

 

[hoosierpipeguy]

I prefer Flake because I find it easiest to pack and it burns slower. The tins are also smaller so easier to stack and takes up less space.

 

[mortonbriar]

I think you will probably answer your own question of 'why' if you pick up a plug, a rope, some flake, broken flake, ready rubbed, ribbon, shag, cube cut tobaccos. The variety is fun. Sure, some of the cuts evolved historically for reasons other than providing variety but that doesn't stop you from enjoying them all, or at least figuring out a preference.

 

[anotherbob]

long and short of it. Every cut smokes and transports differently. They all have advantages and disadvantages. Good example shags where way more popular before the lighter became the main way to smoke. They light easier stay lit easier. Which is also the biggest problem with them. They can burn much faster and are more temperamental. Every cut trades off one thing to get something else. Though the only thing that will really teach you about them and their effects is smoking the darn thing. I suggest trying several blends that sound similar in components but have different cuts. Try bulk (which is as good as anything in tins, but packaging is expensive.) and get an ounce or two. It won't take long for you to see what you like best or more likely what you like best in certain situations. For instance I smoke shags mainly during breaks at work. When I only have 20 or 30 minutes for a smoke.
As far as flavor goes. Technique and learning how to slow down and pay attention will have a greater effect then cut ever could. A flavorful rich blend smoked completely thoughtlessly or sloppily will yield less flavor then a blander blend smoked and packed with care and attention.

 

[anotherbob]

Too thin cut. They burn too fast for me, and I have to pay more atention to the smoke that I'd like to.

I find shags and thin cuts smoke much better if I cram them into the pipe. Basically keep shoving more down until the draw starts to feel restricted. Restricted in a way that with ribbon would not ruin the smoke but certainly take away from it. Also don't worry about it burning evenly the tamper is your friend. I find shags smoke fine even if you have a lightening strike burn pattern going down into the bowl. Found they're much easier to smoke that way and require way less attention then they do if packed like a ribbon cut. Worth a try. Or not considering there are more then a lifetimes worth of thicker cut blends to enjoy.

 

[condorlover1]

Plug, Twist. It is all relative. As I have got older I do like flakes. Ready Rubbed doesn't really do much for me and shag cut I just cannot get on with at all.

 

[That Guy]

Flakes, cakes, and plugs is what I prefer. Just smokes and behaves better for me.

 

[FurCoat]

I find shags and thin cuts smoke much better if I cram them into the pipe. Basically keep shoving more down until the draw starts to feel restricted. Restricted in a way that with ribbon would not ruin the smoke but certainly take away from it. Also don't worry about it burning evenly the tamper is your friend. I find shags smoke fine even if you have a lightening strike burn pattern going down into the bowl. Found they're much easier to smoke that way and require way less attention then they do if packed like a ribbon cut. Worth a try. Or not considering there are more then a lifetimes worth of thicker cut blends to enjoy.

Couldn't have sai it better myself. I perfer shag cuts.

 

[OzPiper]

I find shag cut the easiest to smoke.
I have a lot of flakes, since the "pundits" recommended flakes when I was researching blends to try a few years back when I first returned to pipe smoking.

However, I suck at smoking flakes unless I really rub them out. Which negates their purpose somewhat. I will have to keep practising my fold&stuff technique.

Frankly, these days if a blend is available as a flake or ready rubbed, I will go with the latter for the convenience. My palate is not honed to the degree where the difference in flavour is apparent significantly to me.