Tinned Tobacco Maintenance

[Plazma]

I bought a 50g tin of Sherlock the other day and it is opened. Since they're vacuum packed to keep air out, now that I've broken the seal air is in the container, how do I maintain the tobacco so its not a dried out terrible mess when I come back to smoking it?

[Requiem]

Keep the tin in a cool place and the tobacco should be fine for at least 1 month.
For extra-safety, you can also place the tin inside a zip-bag.
If you think you're not getting back to that tobacco for a long time, it´s better to store it in a mason jar.

[DSturg369]

Agreed.....

If you plan to smoke it all within 30 days or so, keeping it in the tin will be fine..... Provided you don't have unusually dry air where you live and you keep it out of high temps and away from direct sunlight.

If planning to keep it longer, transfer to a mason-type jar with a new lid.

[Plazma]

A few new questions about tinned tobacco.

The Sherlock I bought is really compressed like a puck of tobacco, I can flake it apart easily but is that because the tobacco needs to be dried out a little bit? I packed it into a missouri meer that is brand new It was a rough bowl to get though. Reminiscent of smoking a cigar which isn't what I was hoping for. I plan to try and put some in my other pipe which has somewhat of a cake on it.

Second question, about the the mason jars, what's the best way to sterilize these jars before putting in the tobacco? I'm assuming a mason jar because they've got those D-locks on them, but once you've capped them isn't there still air trapped in there? how do I revacuum the jar if that's at all possible.

[DSturg369]

Originally Posted by Plazma

A few new questions about tinned tobacco.

The Sherlock I bought is really compressed like a puck of tobacco, I can flake it apart easily but is that because the tobacco needs to be dried out a little bit? I packed it into a missouri meer that is brand new It was a rough bowl to get though. Reminiscent of smoking a cigar which isn't what I was hoping for. I plan to try and put some in my other pipe which has somewhat of a cake on it.

Most tobaccos the come in a tin will benifit from a little drying time, as is my experience anyways. How much depends on your own preferences in tobacco humidities. For me, I like all my tobaccos on the dry side and allow some up to 24 hours or more in a bowl. Once dried to a level I like, I'll rub it out and load a bowl. The choice of pipe is a personal choice but it shouldn't matter all that much, especially in a meer. Also, don't overlook the common cob pipe, but be sure to get a quality one such as a MM Cob. No affiliation, I just like the brand.

Originally Posted by Plazma

Second question, about the the mason jars, what's the best way to sterilize these jars before putting in the tobacco? I'm assuming a mason jar because they've got those D-locks on them, but once you've capped them isn't there still air trapped in there? how do I revacuum the jar if that's at all possible.

If using used jars, the dishwasher should be fine for cleaning. Using bleach or the like is overkill IMHO but some seem to like it. New jars could also benifit from a good washing to clear any dust that may have collected but isn't really necessary as most new jars come with lids and rings to prevent this from happening. As for a vacume seal, it isn't necessary. Some air in the jar is OK and is infact needed to allow the tobacco to age propperly, if this is yor goal. The d-lock type jars or the standard screw-on lids/rings will both work fine, just be sure to use new lids and/or seals. As the jars settle they will seal themselves, without heating the jars beforehand.

Hope this helps.

[WWhermit]

Originally Posted by Plazma

A few new questions about tinned tobacco.

The Sherlock I bought is really compressed like a puck of tobacco, I can flake it apart easily but is that because the tobacco needs to be dried out a little bit? I packed it into a missouri meer that is brand new It was a rough bowl to get though. Reminiscent of smoking a cigar which isn't what I was hoping for. I plan to try and put some in my other pipe which has somewhat of a cake on it.

Second question, about the the mason jars, what's the best way to sterilize these jars before putting in the tobacco? I'm assuming a mason jar because they've got those D-locks on them, but once you've capped them isn't there still air trapped in there? how do I revacuum the jar if that's at all possible.

To sterilize a mason jar, I just put it in the microwave with water, and boil the water for about3 minutes. Also, boil the lide at the same time in a small saucepan.

I wouldn't recommend using the jars with the locks. Those rubber gaskets, over time, will impart a rubber taste to the tobacco. Most people say that chances are slim, but if you store tobacco long term, like 5 years plus, theres a good chance it will affect the flavor.

WWhermit