I'm starting to wonder if the only real difference is in leaf size and thickness. Physical characteristics. I realize they have different chemical makeups but when you get right down to it and roll a cigar it seems the only real difference in taste comes from aging. I've had some expensive cigars, many cheap cigars and to tell you the truth some of the best were ones i handrolled from 2-3 year old burley. i think about this like i think about red wine: maybe some people really can dinstinguish all kinds of flavors, notes etc, but i'm no sommelier and find myself happy with just about any dry, real (red)wine. well this year i am betting i cant tell the difference with tobacco either, and just growing one type that has the size and chems i want. if the flavor ends up the same i think i'll be a 1 variety guy.
Just how different are all the varieties anyway?
- Thread starter SmokesAhoy
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Smokes,
When I remove different varieties from my kiln--now fully aged, each is distinct in flavor, pH, burn characteristics, aroma, moisture uptake rates, ash color and general appearance. While tobacco certainly differs when handled differently, if it's all handled the same way, different varieties give you something different.
My personal opinion is that any aged leaf will be improved by blending with just about any other aged leaf. I think you can get in the ballpark of a nice selection of blends by growing four distinct varieties, separating their leaf positions, and adjusting the blend ratios. I would view being limited to a single variety as a missed opportunity.
I currently have 43 varieties started for this year. That is not entirely sane, but will provide a substantial array of seed and tastings. I expect to reduce the number of varieties significantly next year, but don't anticipate going below about a dozen. (Hell, just the unique Turkish varieties tally up to 9 varieties this year. Each of the 6 Oriental varieties I grew last year can be identified blindfolded, when fully aged, once they're lit.)
On the flip side, most cigarette smokers settle on a single brand for years at a time, and are satisfied with that.
Bob
When I remove different varieties from my kiln--now fully aged, each is distinct in flavor, pH, burn characteristics, aroma, moisture uptake rates, ash color and general appearance. While tobacco certainly differs when handled differently, if it's all handled the same way, different varieties give you something different.
My personal opinion is that any aged leaf will be improved by blending with just about any other aged leaf. I think you can get in the ballpark of a nice selection of blends by growing four distinct varieties, separating their leaf positions, and adjusting the blend ratios. I would view being limited to a single variety as a missed opportunity.
I currently have 43 varieties started for this year. That is not entirely sane, but will provide a substantial array of seed and tastings. I expect to reduce the number of varieties significantly next year, but don't anticipate going below about a dozen. (Hell, just the unique Turkish varieties tally up to 9 varieties this year. Each of the 6 Oriental varieties I grew last year can be identified blindfolded, when fully aged, once they're lit.)
On the flip side, most cigarette smokers settle on a single brand for years at a time, and are satisfied with that.
Bob
Perhaps "expect" was too strong a verb. I am considering appointing a blue ribbon committee to study the possibility of evaluating a reduction in the number of varieties during the mid-term time frame, if such a reduction is found to be in keeping with the existing goals of the enterprise and predictable future constraints and aspirations.
Bob, maybe.
Bob, maybe.
BarG
Founding Member
Try relating going to smoking Whole Leaf numerous varietys to 43 yrs. of marlboro. I used to think smoking was a habit, Now its fun. [I smoke less now and enjoy it more].
Why not just ask our esteemed government to do it. They will form a committee of "experts" and you won't have to worry about a decision for years. :<))
John
BarG
Founding Member
This link makes a good read on classifications of tobacco leaves, regions where grown, types of tobacco and specifics on what they are used for. http://www.archive.org/stream/tobaccoleavesbei00brenrich/tobaccoleavesbei00brenrich_djvu.txt
I found this in one of my saved files from a year ago and understand it much better now than I did then.
I found this in one of my saved files from a year ago and understand it much better now than I did then.
Rayshields
Well-Known Member
Good post BarG, I didn't have time to read it all right now, but I saved it. It has a lot of historical information on tobacco. This plant has a long rich history in this country and many others.
BarG,
That's a good read that I somehow missed in the past. As with many older books on tobacco, you have to take some of the information with a grain of salt. The author is a physician with amateur (though extensive) knowledge of the subject.
For anyone interested in reading the book, I would encourage you to download the (much larger) .pdf version. [click "other formats"]. It's easier to read, and avoids the frequent gibberish of the OCR text-only version.
Bob
That's a good read that I somehow missed in the past. As with many older books on tobacco, you have to take some of the information with a grain of salt. The author is a physician with amateur (though extensive) knowledge of the subject.
Here, the description is mostly correct. Anyone who has grown Little Dutch will immediately notice that the leaf is anything but small and short. It is, in fact, nearly 3 feet long. The rest of the description is reasonable. Of course, even in 1915, Little Dutch was and still is used primarily for cigars, rather than pipe tobacco.Brennan W.A.: Tobacco Leaf said:
For anyone interested in reading the book, I would encourage you to download the (much larger) .pdf version. [click "other formats"]. It's easier to read, and avoids the frequent gibberish of the OCR text-only version.
Bob
BarG
Founding Member
Bob, I saved this file shortly after joining the forum and was hesitant to post till I did a search for a duplicate link. I didn't realize there was another larger version while reading this morning. It had an interesting bit towards the end on improving combustibility which I found interesting.
This is interesting...
"N. Crispa. Grown in Syria and largely in Central Asia. Used as a cigarette tobacco in the Orient."
"N. Crispa. Grown in Syria and largely in Central Asia. Used as a cigarette tobacco in the Orient."
I grabbed the PDF. This is just too important of a document to risk being lost due to budget cuts or any other excuse.
BarG
Founding Member
This is meant as a compliment on how to answer a question Bob, so please take it with the fun intended.
Have you ever thought of running for public office because you could sure give them a run for there money, If you had a mind to!
I'll make a motion DeluxeStogie be named Mayor of FTT
All in favor say "Hot Damn"
All in favor say "Hot Damn"
Hot Damn (but reckon he's too smart to take the job.)
John
John
BarG
Founding Member
Hot double Damn! I bet your right John, He probably has his hands full with me and you as an Admin.
Rayshields
Well-Known Member
Since no one else is seeking this office, I make a motion that we dispense with the formalities and elect him by acclamation...do I hear a second?
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