Square vs. Round Tins - Cellaring

Oddjob27

I bought my first "square" tins while on my honeymoon last month, Squadron Leader. And I just purchased a few tins of Orlik Golden Slice. It got me thinking because I have heard that the square tins don't cellar as well or "more risky" due to the shape. Anyone have any info about square vs. round tins when it comes to cellaring? Thanks!

PappyJoe

My opinion is that as long as the square tin has not been opened or compromised in a way that it's lost its vacuum, it is just fine for cellaring. I've been told - but haven't experimented with it - that with the round tins you can actually open them and then if you decided to cellar it can warm it up in the oven for a short period of time, replace the lid and it will reseal as it cools. 

I have some square tins that have been in my cellar for 4 or 5 years and they still seem to be sealed.

Mangoandy

25yr old square tin of Caledonian Virginia tobacco (RIP) opened and uncompromised. Seal present. Tobacco was like day one, but WONDERFULLY cellared to a delicious treat.

mapletop

I have purchased quite a few tins that are square over the years and I have had a few that leaked.

They were all 50g MacBaren HH Latakia

I considered that it may have just been a manufacturing error but they were purchased over a few years time, so who knows.

I did consider a solution though if your concerned, and that was to use my Food Saver vacuum sealer to over wrap them.

thebadgerpiper

I've never had an issue with my square tins, but I could see how they might be more unreliable than round tins. Personally, I'm not a fan of round tins when they're used with flake tobacco. C&D doesn't bother me when they do it with the way they package their blends, but Orlik will do it with their larger selections of GS. I'd much rather have the square tins.

riobrusa

For me makes no difference, as long as you keep the tins sealed and in safe place they will be ok.

KenofAhwlby

Now, wouldn’t square times  stack better?

PappyJoe

@KenofAhwlby Not really. The round tins are bigger and forms a more stable tower when you stack them. 

TaylorJDutton

How does one check to make sure coin/square tins are still sealed?

mapletop

@TaylorJDutton The way I knew and maybe part of the cause as well was when I picked up the tin and touch the lid I noticed it sort of teetered corner to corner.

Mangoandy

Just preference, but I prefer the little square tins. Just bought some Solani 633. Neither vacuum sealed in the tin or the bagged insert. Immediately went into a mason jar and the cellar. If I'm at all worried I do the same.
@thebadgerpiper - Totally agree with Orlik GS. 

ghostsofpompeii

In terms of pure aesthetics as a collector of tobacco tins I prefer the round ones. But in terms of popping a tin and retaining freshness, I find the round tins can retain freshness longer than a square tin. Once the seal is broken a round tin can still be twisted shut somewhat. But once a square tin is popped the clock starts ticking.