Tobacco Log Book

[SeniorAMG]

Thank you for this strand. Such a great idea. As an old-school Sailor (not as old-school as MSO489, mind you) logs are second nature. Can't believe I hadn't considered it until now.
In the past, I've just given away anything I didn't like and forgot about it for the most part.
Maybe a pen-and paper phonebook would work, to make alphabetizing easy. Could even use the old 'black book' start rating next to the name and number. ha
Got my juices flowing. Thanks!

I use a chalk board (actually just the wall painted with chalkboard paint) to list everything in the deep freezer, and make corrections as I add or subtract from it. Wouldn't work for the cellar... not enough room for comments, dates, amounts, etc.

aloha.

 

[mtvernon]

I've been working on a journal for my own purposes as well. I'm very new to the concept of cellaring (oh, let's callit what it is, hoarding) and would like to have a reference for the years to come that remind me of my impressions. Like someone else said, I only smoke about once a day, so keeping that impression somewhere accessible in my mind is a nonstarter for me. I like the system I cobbled together to record my impressions and will keep it with my hoarded cellared tobacco.

 

[briarbuck]

For the Harry Potter fans, I use this method.

 

[cosmicfolklore]

As I have been learning to taste wines and differentiate one from another, picking up on subtle flavors here and there, I did start a log book. I had one for tobaccos for a while, but really after I started to rely on my own tastes, whether wines or tobaccos, I just set the books aside.

 

[lawdawg]

I'm getting older but my memory of what blends I like and which ones I don't is still sufficient for my purposes. Why do people want to over think such a relaxing and enjoyable past time and somehow screw it up?

Agreed. I strive for the best smoking experiences possible, so I experiment with drying, packing, etc., but I draw the line at anything that I would construe as "work." I would consider keeping a log book, inventory sheet, etc. to be a chore, so I would not do any of that. However, for people who might get enjoyment out of that sort of thing, I think it would make sense for them to go with it.

Basically, OP, if you think it would be enjoyable to keep a log, then I say go for it, but don't make smoking and all that goes with it into a chore.

Because I have trouble remembering if I've tried a blend or not. Especially when it comes to all the Gawith variations.

Sounds then like a searchable electronic spreadsheet of what you've tried, and your basic impressions, might be of use. In my case, I've never had a problem recalling whether I've tried a bend, but I can see how that might become more of an issue the more blends you try. In my line of work where I like to be able to quickly find a reference or citation based upon a keyword, I greatly appreciate searchable electronic formats instead of ink on paper.

 

[mso489]

On the minesweeper, I had the audacity to radio-log in my one and only overt seasick episode, dry heaves running up shore from Long Beach to San Francisco, after multiple patrols off Vietnam and a trans-Pacific crossing (they flew me over). I think the lead radioman seriously considered making me walk the plank, but I survived that and several other non-conforming episodes with military protocol. I worked mighty hard, often the 24:00 to 08:00 watch, so wasn't entirely disposable.

 

[Chasing Embers]

I'm very new to the concept of cellaring (oh, let's callit what it is, hoarding)

Buying just to be buying is hoarding. Putting back for future use is cellaring.

 

[uprightman]

I keep a numbers spreadsheet of my cellar, and will often include the date last smoked in it as well as some vague impressions of the blend when I’m trying it.

 

[puff_not_snuff]

I’m relieved (no pun intended) that this thread doesn’t relate to running to the bathroom after a nicotine hit.

 

[Richmond B. Funkenhouser]

Somehow I feel like I remember every blend I've tried.. but our brains can trick us with stuff like this.

I've heard before that we naturally put a greater emphasis on remembering taste and smell.

 

[lightxmyfire]

I use the "notes" function on my cell phone and keep several lists going.

• One for tobaccos I want to try but have not purchased yet
• Tobaccos I've purchased and haven't smoked yet
• My first impressions and continuing "reviews" of the ones I have smoked with dates
• lastly a list of what's in the cellar which includes an "add to the cellar" section based on my reviews and what I really enjoyed of course.

I don't find it to be work at all, I actually find it to be one of the enjoyable parts of my pipe smoking journey. It certainly helps me keep track, and helps me develop my personal preferences, and see how my tastes and pipe "skills" have developed over time, which is both helpful and sometimes entertaining to look back at.

One series of entries details my first broach into VA & VA/Per tobaccos and the starting entries are me struggling, finding them harsh, followed by a few "ah-ha moments" and then several "Wow! the flavor!" notes, which I got a laugh out of, and were a good reminder of how much things like dry time and packing really do affect the experience, and finding what works for you is a journey.