Whole Leaf Perique Next Steps

[DotAndBang’sPipes]

My Perique order from whole leaf tobacco came in today and before I take it out of the vacuum sealed package, I wondered if anyone might have some tips on the best way to proceed.

I want to open it, cut it up in strands, and start adding it to different blends for fun but I can’t tell by reading the WLT website whether or not I’m supposed to take it out of the package and leave it to dry somewhere first. If so, Where? And for how long? I don’t think my wife is going to too enjoy the smell of drying Perique this Christmas…

Dry it in the sun? Go ahead and cut it up for use? Microwave? Any thoughts?

Much Thanks!

 

[Chasing Embers]

If it's like the orientals I get from them, shred it up and enjoy!

 

[Chaukisch]

Cut it up, pack it, enjoy the smoke. I wish I had some whole leaf perique.

 

[DotAndBang’sPipes]

So, I opened it and while it’s oily as expected, it’s not necessarily damp. I sanitized my scissors and jar and then cut up a bit to try this week. Will get to jarring the rest tomorrow. And let y’all know what happens. Thanks.

 

[UB 40]

What did you do with the Perique? Any recipes to share?

 

[mingc]

View attachment 185505
So, I opened it and while it’s oily as expected, it’s not necessarily damp. I sanitized my scissors and jar and then cut up a bit to try this week. Will get to jarring the rest tomorrow. And let y’all know what happens. Thanks.

Out of curiosity, what does it smell like?

 

[UB 40]

Out of curiosity, what does it smell like?

I just recently opened a tin of Torben Dansk Louisiana Perique I use as blending tobacco, and the smell indeed reminds me a lot of Sauerkraut, in which the cabbage also gets fermented, a little black peppercorns are there and a certain minor sweetness like prunes.

 

[Ahi Ka]

The biggest issue you can have with WLT is that it can continue to ferment. For storage once opened, either keep in the fridge, vacuum seal the bag, or shred and dry down.

 

[Lees65GTO]

I bought a small paper cutter (the flat bed type with a handle as a blade) and use it to cut a section, off the packed leaves, of what I think I will need for blending, let that section dry at room temperature then use very very sharp scissors to cut the strips to the size I want. I use the paper cutter to cut it down as much as I can. Trying to cut the moist leaves with just scissors will take a toll on your hand.

Then enjoy your Perique.

Good luck.

 

[mingc]

I just recently opened a tin of Torben Dansk Louisiana Perique I use as blending tobacco, and the smell indeed reminds me a lot of Sauerkraut, in which the cabbage also gets fermented, a little black peppercorns are there and a certain minor sweetness like prunes.

View attachment 192559

That's interesting. The perique I've smelled, Sutliff and C&D blending perique, smell like aged, musty, unwashed, gym socks. Not very appealing.

 

[Lees65GTO]

T

That's interesting. The perique I've smelled, Sutliff and C&D blending perique, smell like aged, musty, unwashed, gym socks. Not very appealing.

That is exactly what Perique I bought from pipe shops smelled like back in the 70's. Not so much now.

 

[mingc]

T

That is exactly what Perique I bought from pipe shops smelled like back in the 70's. Not so much now.

What do they smell like to you today?

 

[Lees65GTO]

What do they smell like to you today?

Well my socks smell ok now since my wife makes me wash them. Todays Perique seems to have a more fruity, slightly pungent smell.

 

[DotAndBang’sPipes]

What did you do with the Perique? Any recipes to share

After cutting it up and jarring it, I’ve just been adding it to weaker or less interesting Va blends. And it’s been great. I’ve also added it to a few blends that are aging with it. I’ll try those in the near future. All in all, it was a great purchase and I’ll do it again.

 

[DotAndBang’sPipes]

Out of curiosity, what does it smell like?

Smells exactly as others have reported… like a farm.

 

[TN Jed]

Just when I thought I had reached a point of contentment with my tobacco curiosity and TAD I found this thread and now the whole leaf tobacco site. I'm not sure if I should thank you or curse you

 

[Lees65GTO]

Just when I thought I had reached a point of contentment with my tobacco curiosity and TAD I found this thread and now the whole leaf tobacco site. I'm not sure if I should thank you or curse you

Using WLT to make your own blends opens up a whole new avenue of pipe smoking enjoyment. With all the different leaves available you can blow your mind trying to come up with some blends that you prefer.

Have fun and enjoy, you will come up with some you like.

Good luck.