Loading ...How do blenders come up with these terrific concoctions that are so subtly different from each other? One of the most interesting parts of pipe smoking is in understanding what goes into making a successful mixture, but there’s more to it than just what tastes or smells good. When coming up with a new pipe tobacco, the blender has to take into consideration: flavor, room note (aroma), burning characteristics and finish (aftertaste). In addition, A knowledge of the different types of tobaccos and what makes them unique is necessary. Taking a look at each of the above categories, here are some of the things that a blender must think about.
1. Flavor- This is accomplished by knowing the tendencies of various tobaccos (i.e.- Virginias tend to be spicy and/or sweet, Burleys are nutty and mellow) or the casings (flavoring agents like vanilla) used. I’ll get into the characteristics of each of the major tobaccos in a future column.
2. Room note- Natural tobaccos have distinctive scents, and certain combinations can be very interesting. For example, Xanthia has a light sweetness to the aroma, but when combined with Latakia (which has a campfire-like smokiness), it develops into an incense type of fragrance. In aromatics, room note is achieved through the use of top dressings (flavoring agents added usually at the end of processing) which are more for aroma than flavor. These top dressings can be virtually anything, but fruit, nut and spice scents are quite common.
3. Burning characteristics- A few factors will affect the burn of a blend: type of tobacco, cut of the tobacco, and moisture content. For example, Virginias tend to burn a little hotter than most tobaccos because of higher sugar content, and Burleys burn cooler due to lower sugar levels. Large, rough cuts or flakes (tobacco pressed together, sliced and broken into pieces) will burn slower and cooler, thin ribbon or shag cuts will burn faster and hotter, but the burn can be slowed down by spraying with a little distilled water, or increased by drying out.
4. Finish- This refers to the taste left in your mouth after you are done smoking. The only way to know how to adjust this is by knowing how tobaccos and flavorings work together. Virginias tend to dry the mouth and leave a thin taste, whereas some Turkish or Oriental tobaccos can leave fresh, clean, or musty lingerings. As I said earlier, I’ll get into this a little more in future writings.
That’s all for this time around, but if you have any specific questions I can help you with, please feel free to give a call or email me (800-494-9144/russo[at]pipesandcigars[dot]com), and I will do the best I can to work with you to solve problems or get some answers. In the meantime, load up a bowl, get your favorite beverage, settle into your chair with a good book and some music and watch the snow fall.
Resources
- New Pipes Pipes, pipes and more pipes. Here we have one of the premier selections of briar pipes in the world. From Peterson pipes to Savinelli pipes and everything in between, the briar pipes you want at prices you can afford!
- Estate/Used pipes Estate pipes or Used pipes have been offered by tobacconists for years. This is a great way to buy a high grade and or beef up a collection with out maximum outlay.
- Pipe Gift Sets Packs Need a gift for the pipe smoker in your life? This page will direct you to an assortmant of gift packs. Some featuring a pipe with tobaccos and some just featuring tobaccos. Either way there is something for every pipe smoker!
- Filters and Inserts Pipe filters have long been a standard for a drier smoke as well as having the benefit of removing some unwanted ingredients found in pipe tobacco. Nicotine and irritants are trapped in the absorbent filters.
- Pipe Tools This section is devoted to pipe hardware or pipe tools. Keeping your pipe clean is part of the ritual. These tools enhance your experience and allows you the honor of taking care of a prized possesion. You’ll see it all here from the very expensive to the really inexpensive.
- Tobacco & Pipe Pouches From the inexpensive to the outrageous (not really it just sounded good)! However, we have some terrific deals on pipe tobacco pouches. Whether for everyday or weekend use, you can find something for the pipesmoker you love! NEW LaRocca Nappa leather tobacco pouches just in!
- Pipe Cleaners Standard, bristled, churchwarden, fluffy and tapered pipe cleaners from – BJ Long’s, Comoy’s, Dill’s and Ream & Klean. A pipe cleaner for every need!
- Polishes & Wipes Sweetener, Buffing Cloths, Polishes and Wipes for both pipe and stem. All the goodies you need to keep your puffer looking good and in perfect working order.
- Pipe Lighters When it comes to putting the heat to the briar there is no substitution for a great pipe lighter. Convenient and always at the ready. We have tried to include lighters in all ranges for the brothers of the pipe.
- Stands & Racks Looking for a great way to display your pipes? Here you can select from an assortment of makes, styles, and colors that are sure to please the eye and grab attention to those you hold dear.
- Pipe Literature Love the hobby? Want to learn more? The best place to start is Pipes and Tobaccos Magazine. Richard Carleton Hacker has written several books on Scotch, Cigars and Pipes and his pipe books are required reading by any hobbyist.
