Penzance problem

[Z.Kramer]

I bought a tin of Penzance from Barclay Rex, and was a little surprised when I opened it. I was expecting decent presentation from such a well reputed brand (especially since I paid $14.25 for the tin).

There was about 3/4-1" of empty space on one side of the tin, and the last two flakes were already crumbling. The tobacco and the wrapper were also sopping wet. Is this to be expected, or did someone tap into my tin at the store before I purchased it?

I have attached a picture.

[BigDaddyJ]

That definitely looks kind of strange to me. All of the Penzance tins that I have purchased in the past have been completely full.

How was the seal when you opened it? Did it open easily by hand or did you need to use a coin or some other object to get the tin open?

[cp478]

sounds and looks fishy!

[Z.Kramer]

Originally Posted by BigDaddyJ

That definitely looks kind of strange to me. All of the Penzance tins that I have purchased in the past have been completely full.

How was the seal when you opened it? Did it open easily by hand or did you need to use a coin or some other object to get the tin open?

Thanks for the input.

I did use a coin, but just because that is what I am used to. Now that I think of it, the tin definitely opened much more easily than others I have opened before. It seems that there was something funny going on. No point in worrying much more about it, but I am glad to know that it was out of the ordinary.

Now to decide if I should smoke it anyway.

[Hermit]

If the seal was broken,
it would be dry not wet. No?

[Z.Kramer]

Originally Posted by Hermit

If the seal was broken,
it would be dry not wet. No?

I considered that, which is one of the reasons I am concerned about smoking it. Although I bought it in the summer, and it does get quite humid around here.

I thought about trying to bring the tin back, but I first it over a month ago, and I doubt the fellows at Barclay Rex would believe me (they were quite snobbish towards me last time I was there).

[RJpuffs]

Originally Posted by Z.Kramer

I considered that, which is one of the reasons I am concerned about smoking it. Although I bought it in the summer, and it does get quite humid around here.

I thought about trying to bring the tin back, but I first it over a month ago, and I doubt the fellows at Barclay Rex would believe me (they were quite snobbish towards me last time I was there).

As long as you don't see any "mold" (fuzzy white stuff) and it isn't dried out, you should be fine. The tin may have been dropped, impacting the baccy all to one side. Or the seal may have been compromised, but the impact de-compromised it. Who knows. But if it is smokable, by all means, smoke that sucker!

[Z.Kramer]

Originally Posted by RJpuffs

As long as you don't see any "mold" (fuzzy white stuff) and it isn't dried out, you should be fine. The tin may have been dropped, impacting the baccy all to one side. Or the seal may have been compromised, but the impact de-compromised it. Who knows. But if it is smokable, by all means, smoke that sucker!

Much to my chagrin, upon closer inspection, it seems that the flakes have grown mold spots! Oh well, I suppose I will have to spend another $14.25 (+ 18%tax here!) to try this famous tobacco.

[Requiem]

Some flakes get white little spots which are not mold (SG's flakes, at least).
Don´t throw away the tin and show it to a veteran pipe smoker, if possible.

[Z.Kramer]

Originally Posted by Requiem

Some flakes get white little spots which are not mold (SG's flakes, at least).
Don´t throw away the tin and show it to a veteran pipe smoker, if possible.

Hmm, very interesting, because that is exactly what it looks like: littel white spots. Thanks for the input, I will bring the tin with me next time I go to the B&M.

Unfortunately I don't know a single veteran pipe smoker anywhere near me.

[Vrbas]

Don't touch that junt! It got mAnK on it!

[RJpuffs]

Originally Posted by Z.Kramer

Much to my chagrin, upon closer inspection, it seems that the flakes have grown mold spots! Oh well, I suppose I will have to spend another $14.25 (+ 18%tax here!) to try this famous tobacco.

Mold is fuzzy, it sticks up and waves around if you blow over it.

Plume (like a cigar) is sugary residue that forms as oils evaporate or are eaten by aging microbes. Plume good. Mold bad.