Pipe tobacco additive free ?

[Thom]

Originally Posted by tzaddi

Speaking to my earlier post, I just updated the "Cigar Birthing" thread with some new photos illustrating my endeavor to create a pipe blend using tobacco that I have grown. Check it out if you are so inclined.

Growing your own tobacco is one way to ensure what you are smoking is additive free tobacco, but it is a long road to hoe.

Wow - Good stuff brotha - I envy you

Doesnt get more organic that !!

[smokehouse]

This is all said by Gl Pease, cut and pasted from another board about the subject.


"Some terminology needs to be clear. I believe I've said that the majority of pipe tobaccos are cased, which involves the application of sugars and SOMETIMES added flavouring agents. Usually, these are natural products like liquorice, anise, even small amounts of vanilla or cocoa. There aren't too many tobaccos that don't benefit from some enhancement. Virginias that are low in natural sugar can be quite harsh, whilst some high-sugar VAs don't necessarily have the depth of flavour necessary to provide a good smoking experience. Depending on the leaf available, they can be blended to good effect, getting a good sugar level, and providing a good level of flavour depth.

The number of ingredients that are commonly found in tobaccos "believed" to be uncased and unflavoured is long and colourful. It stopped surprising me a long time ago to find something "interesting" in a "natural" blend.

Some tobaccos will take on more citrus notes, others will be somewhat floral (Kentucky dark-fired, for instance, has a distinctly floral nose when combined with VAs, as do some African tobaccos), while others will exhibit hints of pear, apricot, even apple. Figs are often mentioned in association with aged VAs, especially if perique is involved.

Sometimes, flavourings are used to enhance the natural tendencies of the leaf. For instance, I chose to top Barbary Coast with brandy because of the other "Christmas pudding" aromas that were present in the tobacco. It all comes together more cohesively with a little help from the booze.

I'm with you. There's nothing blends that are enhanced with natural flavours, as long as it's not done in a heavy handed manner.

You'd be amazed by how much liqourice and cocoa the cigarette industry uses!" GL Pease