Why Do Virginias Taste Harsh to Me?

[sablebrush52]

I find that Virginias definitely improve with a few years of aging. Not that they can't be enjoyed fresh, but the sweetness in them becomes more pronounced and the flavors seem a bit bigger in general. I smoke them very dry and very slowly, just sips and wisps of smoke. Smoked too fast, too moist, and too hot, Virginias can be harsh.
You may also find that different types of Virginia leaf react differently with your mouth. Some smokers can't take bright Virginia, others have issues with red Virginia, and so on. Try a variety of blends to see what works best for you.

 

[cortezattic]

Sable just took the words right out of my mouth. Reds tend to be less harsh for me. Try Dunhill Dark Flake, Astley's #44, or Solani #660 -- there are many, many more soft, wine-like Va flakes available. IMO, the brighter, grassy Va's tend to be "hot & sassy".

 

[snoopy311]

I’m smoking PS LTF now on it is wonderful. Sip and enjoy.

 

[toobfreak]

I don't know if this was any advantage or not but I cut my teeth on virginias when I first started out. My first tin was MacB Virginia No. 1 and that is what I learned to smoke with. Stuff looks and smells great! That is what I thought "good" tobacco was. So sweet, it used to make my mouth water and so bitey, it was like someone had ahold of my tongue with a pair of pliers, until I either got used to it or learned to smoke it. Ever since, most everything has been a lot easier.

 

[PaulTheScandinavian]

Toobfreak: you Just described what I had been thorough,arguably the Virginia nro 1 is one of the most renowned Mc Barens blend for its refreshing hay like and bitey qualities,after I was done some pouches of this almost led me to ER
have a great weekend, Paul

 

[rtd1]

I'm a new pipe smoker but straight Virginias taste like hot air to me. I prefer VAPers, and even better English/Balkan blends with lots of Latakia and Orientals.

 

[woodsroad]

My gosh, I misread the thread title.

 

[mcitinner1]

All of the OP's conversations are hard to understand with the lack of correct punctuation and capitalization. Lazy Typing. Or is that what you get with smart phone typing? :crazy:

 

[huntertrw]

"My gosh, I misread the thread title."
Me, too, although some of the comments above would be appropriate:
"Not that they can't be enjoyed fresh, but the sweetness in them becomes more pronounced and the flavors seem a bit bigger in general."
"...my tongue hates them. Just the way it is. I no longer fight it."
"Give it another month and come back to it."
"IMO, too many...don't get aged enough before put up for sale."
"So sweet, it used to make my mouth water..."
"Yes I do like them, this spectrum of tastes..."

 

[cosmicfolklore]

Some come too wet. I like to dry them a little with a light bulb. And, they've made my tongue raspy like a cat over the years, but no complaints. ::

 

[jefff]

I find that they need to be smoldered more than smoked.
And then I find them delightful.
I wouldn't want to, but if I HAD to smoke only McC Va's for the rest of my life, I could live with that.

 

[woodsroad]

Some like theirs aged and mellow, but I prefer them young and lively. A wonderful way to start the day.

 

[warren]

I was stationed at Langley which, apropos of nothing, is in Virginia when I had my first Virginia. She was an airman's delight. I've been a fan of Virginias ever since.

 

[huntertrw]

My favorite is a mature natural red, although I have always been curious about black.

 

[warren]

Come ooonn! You guys knew the thread would eventually go in this direction. I've been ready since I saw the headline. Woods just couldn't wait any longer. Apropos of nothing, mine is a true story.

 

[cosmicfolklore]

Ha ha, the golden blond ones tend to be bitey.

 

[woodsroad]

I love an aromatic Virginia, If it's a burley Virginia, all the better.

 

[warren]

Subtle but, not too subtle. Well done!

 

[huntertrw]

"I love an aromatic Virginia..."
So long as it's not from that stinky anise!

 

[jefff]

Cosmic likes a dry Virginia.
That's kinky