GLP on Casing and Flavoring - Very Interesting

[indigosmoke]

Just came across this from Greg Pease. Having recently read the reviews on Frog Morton on TR I found it interesting after reading all the back and forth on whether or not Frog Morton is cased or flavored. Thought I'd share for others new to pipe smoking. It was an eye opener for me.

Myth: I only smoke uncased tobaccos.
In fact, very few, if any, tobaccos on the market today are NOT cased. Casing is the process of adding sugars and flavouring agents before the leaf is further processed. The raw leaf is be soaked or sprayed with a heavy solution of sugars and flavourings like liquorice, vanilla, tonquin, and so on. The amount of sauce absorbed by the leaf depends on the method of application, the structure of the leaf, and the length of time the leaf is in contact with the sauce before further processing. The leaf is then processed as usual. It can be conditioned and cut, or pressed and held to allow further fermentation. It can be heated, steamed, toasted, or just allowed to “bulk” in the atmosphere.

Raw tobacco, frankly, usually doesn't taste very good, and has poor smoking characteristics. Very few smokers have ever experienced tobaccos, especially virginias and burleys, that do not have SOME sort of casing applied. It's not the casing that turns smokers of “pure” tobacco off; it's the flavourings. When used delicately, they enhance the flavour of the tobacco itself. When used heavily, as in most American style aromatic tobaccos, they can overpower the underlying tobacco flavours.

Q: So, are your tobaccos cased?
A: Some of the leaf we use is cased by the primary processor according to our specifications. In some cases, we do additional casing before blending. So, the answer is yes. It's an important and necessary step in providing the best possible smoking experience, and that's what it's all about, right?

Myth: I don't smoke flavoured tobaccos...
Almost all tobaccos sold are flavoured in some way. Again, raw tobacco is not always the most pleasant thing to smoke, so it needs a little help. Flavourings can be applied with the casing, or after processing, in which case they are known as top-dressings. The difference is subtle, but important. Top dressings provide specific aromas in the tin, but tend to dissipate or flame off when the tobacco is smoked, or even just allowed to air out. The flavourings in the casing is deeper in the leaf, fully absorbed, and is therefore less ephemeral. As with so many things, the dose makes the poison. Just as a little salt can enhance a dish without making it salty, the right amount of flavouring can enhance the taste of the tobacco without overpowering it.

So, you do use flavourings...
Of course. In addition to the flavouring agents in the casing sauces, we do, in some cases, add a top dressing as well. We use natural products. Some of the blends are topped with rum, brandy or whisky. Others have additional natural flavours added. If you're asking the question, we must be doing it right.

[Walter MItty]

An interesting read, and proof that less is more. I am not too surprised to read this but it is nice to see the subject brought up by one of the top producers in the business. The secret is in the techniques and quality of the ingredients.

I would love to take a tour of one of their facilities. Having an agricultural background it is just the kind of thing that I enjoy.

[commonsenseman]

I've read that before, great article. I wonder if that's the big difference between cigar & pipe tobacco?? Cigar tobacco seems to be much more "natural" tasting. While it is fermented, I think very few cigars have any flavoring added. With pipe tobacco I can certainly understand that most of it has some type of flavoring added, it's still delicious though!

[indigosmoke]

Originally Posted by commonsenseman

I've read that before, great article. I wonder if that's the big difference between cigar & pipe tobacco?? Cigar tobacco seems to be much more "natural" tasting. While it is fermented, I think very few cigars have any flavoring added. With pipe tobacco I can certainly understand that most of it has some type of flavoring added, it's still delicious though!

I agree, it's a great article. The entire GL Pease website is very well done. Btw- I'm loving the Frog Morton. Of the 15 or so blends I've tried so far it's my favorite. I like the mildness, the sweetness, the touch of latakia, the cool smoke, low nic. Many of the other blends I've tried have been what I would call spicy, although I'm probably not using the term as it is properly used in tobacco reviews. But what I mean basically is that they leave a sort of burn in the mouth, like hot sauce. Not tongue burn, but a very peppery quality. Maybe it's the perique? I have no idea, but although I like that spice on occassion, I enjoy the sweetness and woodsiness (that can't be a word, can it?) of the Frog Morton more as an everyday kind of smoke. It hits me just right somehow. Thanks again.

[commonsenseman]

Originally Posted by indigosmoke

I agree, it's a great article. The entire GL Pease website is very well done. Btw- I'm loving the Frog Morton. Of the 15 or so blends I've tried so far it's my favorite. I like the mildness, the sweetness, the touch of latakia, the cool smoke, low nic. Many of the other blends I've tried have been what I would call spicy, although I'm probably not using the term as it is properly used in tobacco reviews. But what I mean basically is that they leave a sort of burn in the mouth, like hot sauce. Not tongue burn, but a very peppery quality. Maybe it's the perique? I have no idea, but although I like that spice on occassion, I enjoy the sweetness and woodsiness (that can't be a word, can it?) of the Frog Morton more as an everyday kind of smoke. It hits me just right somehow. Thanks again.

Glad you like the FM, it is a darn tasty smoke. I agree with your description of the flavor as well, I'd call it even "campfire-like". I really looking forward to trying FMATB as well. Since it has Syrian Latakia it should be fairly different.

I'm pretty sure the spicy-ness you're talking about is due to Perique. I love Va/Pers, but lately I've been on a Virginia & Burley kick. My tastes seem to change all of the time.