Balance Ratings

[Jahman7]

I'm trying to classify the following tobaccos into a "balance rating" system that I can use to guestimate the balance of a blend between "sweet" and "nicotine rich" where "0" would represent perfectly balanced between the two.

Anyone want to offer their take on this? I'm no expert in this arena and would like any input one can provide.

I know there are lots of nuances that can affect the balance and this over-simplification may disrupt the most acute palate, but in my case, it's a good "starting point". Tweaking the blend after this step will require smoking it. This is a "pre-smoke" classification.

Balance Rating		Class
4​	Sweet (max=5) ​	Orientals
3​		Latakia
3​		Cavendish
3​		Bright Virginia
1​		White Burley
-0.5​		Red Virginia
-2​		Dark Burley
-2.5​		Perique
-3.5​		Dark Fired Kentucky
-5​	Nic Rich (max=-5)	Rustica

 

[deluxestogie]

Some forum members may disagree with my opinion on this, but I feel that "sweet" vs. "nicotine rich" is a false scale. Furthermore, Latakia, Cavendish, and Perique are methods, rather than a specific tobacco. For example, Cyprus Latakia is usually processed using a Basma-type Oriental, but Latakia can be fired using other varieties. Cavendish (the process, rather than the "cut") can be created using virtually any tobacco variety. Likewise, perique can be made from any tobacco variety. Although "Dark Fire-cured" is a process, it is also a USDA market class with relatively distinct plant characteristics—that are also shared by the USDA market class, "Dark Air-cured".

Bob

 

[Juxtaposer-]

Now I want some White Burley!

 

[Jahman7]

Some forum members may disagree with my opinion on this, but I feel that "sweet" vs. "nicotine rich" is a false scale. Furthermore, Latakia, Cavendish, and Perique are methods, rather than a specific tobacco. For example, Cyprus Latakia is usually processed using a Basma-type Oriental, but Latakia can be fired using other varieties. Cavendish (the process, rather than the "cut") can be created using virtually any tobacco variety. Likewise, perique can be made from any tobacco variety. Although "Dark Fire-cured" is a process, it is also a USDA market class with relatively distinct plant characteristics—that are also shared by the USDA market class, "Dark Air-cured".

Bob

I understand, and I agree this may be an over generalization of each class of tobacco... But I'm looking at it from 30,000 feet in the air...

Generally, I think of each tobacco class this way:

For none processed types: the more it is curred via natural processes, the higher the pH and lower the sugar count. So, Flue Cured would be higher in sugar. Fire cured would be middle of the road, and air Cured would be lowest in sugars.

When a tobacco is low in sugars, it is not necessarily high in nicotine, but what nicotine it contains becomes more noticable.

Regarding the processed tobaccos such as perique, latakia, and Cavendish, the processing either introduces sugars, which generally makes the tobacco flavor sweet, and thus hiding the absorption of nicotines, or it subdues or alters the sugars (such as with perique) which causes the nicotines to be more readily present and available for absorption.

So... With this in mind, I'm attempting to quantify the highly generalized, 30,000 foot in the air, viewpoint of each tobacco.

I figure experienced smokers could offer a bit from their idea of this, hopefully more than just "it ain't possible and a waste of time." but most smokers are looking at the problem from the ground. I need them to join me up here in the sky to look at it from this vantage point and then offer some input from your expertise.

 

[KroBar]

Then you have Dark Air Cured, which is sweet like candy when smoked cool, or used orally, but doesn't contain much sugar, AND it's Super high in Nicotine

 

[Juxtaposer-]

From 29,000 feet I look at balancing the PH values. Your chart reasonably presents that view already. Just remember, if you want to take measurements, it is the PH value of the smoke that counts and not the unsmoked tobacco blend.

 

[Jahman7]

Here is a helpful article related to this topic: https://www.smokingpipes.com/smokingpipesblog/single.cfm/post/nicotine-and-pipe-tobacco-blending

I have updated my ratings based on this and other information I have found from others:

	Balance Rating	Class
Sweet	5​	Latakia
	4​	Orientals
	3​	Cavendish
	3​	Bright Virginia
	1​	Red Virginia
	-1​	White Burley
	-2​	Medium Burley/Light Fire Cured
	-3​	Dark Burley/Dark Fire Cured
	-3​	Perique
	-4​	Dark Fired Kentucky
Nic	-5​	Rustica