Flavoring your own tobacco

PipeProfessor · July 2016

Anyone flavor their own tobacco and makes their own blend? If so, what tips do you have?

PipeProfessor · July 2016

I've tried LorrAnne food grade oils, but to no avail

any tips?

drac2485 · July 2016

Only thing I have ever heard is flavoring with alcohol but I think I'd rather just drink it along with the smoke. It would be interesting to see if anyone has experience.

PipeProfessor · July 2016

@drac2485, @pappyjoe mentioned in a post about wishing there was a blend infused with a dark heavy beer...I say we twist his arm to try it!

Woodsman · October 2016

I liked Wally Frank's " Old King Cole" and managed to chase down the ingredients through a member on another forum.

It's mainly Black Cavendish with a little Latakia and sprayed heavily with Madiera Wine allowing the tobacco to dry between applications.

Note: Black Cavendish is often heavily treated with Propylene Glycol which doesn't dry out. I find that the alcohol in the Madiera cause the glycol to dry off faster. I dry in Winter time on cold, dry nights and get good results. The tobacco feels dry to the touch when I jar it but more moisture appears to the right amount after a while in the jar..

'

motie2 · February 2017

I've added drops of Jonah's Curse Black Spiced Rum to a few blends. Seems to work out well after sitting in asealed container for a bit.....

Woodsman · February 2017

A little whiskey goes good with anything.

Michael308 · January 2019

Well we will see. I took Wilshire blend and spritzed a portion with Captain Morgan Cannon Blast and another portion with Irishman whiskey. Will let them sit for about 5 hours and see if they need any dry time. Looking forward to giving them a try.

thepipe · January 2019

use a little dried fig leaf added to the bottom of the bowl. I use fig leaf from a plant in my yard which I dehydrate and crumble in the bowl.

motie2 · January 2019

@thepipe -- Please, satisfy my curiosity: Why did you decide to do this? Why fig leaves?

riobrusa · January 2019

Many years ago, was starting smoking pipes, mixed very thin slices of apple with Half and Half and let stand for while. The result was a nice and big mold in my "mixture". Since them never more tried ad nothing to my tobacco.

PappyJoe · January 2019

The most I've done is add some fresh orange peels to a jar of tobacco, but that's more for adding moisture than flavor. Then again, it may be why I like blends like Rattray's Exotic Passion (previously known as Exotic Orange).

AnantaAndroscoggin · January 2019

Back when I was a young pipe smoker, I remember that someone once said that if you don't want slices of apple to change the taste of your tobacco (he never mentioned mold), that another wet-ish way to keep the tobacco from drying out entirely was to use a slice of a potato, with no change caused to the flavor. I guess if mold is a problem, one should check the container often and regularly changing out the slice if need be.

(Unlike Dan Quayle, most Mainers can spell potato, even those of us who are not farmers up in The County.)

Michael308 · January 2019

Well I tried the Irishman blend this morning.... It was awesome! Looking forward to trying the Captain Morgan blend later today.

DerekJ · January 2019

I haven't tried blending but I got some menthol flavoring from leafonly.com, I thought it would make this oddly fruity local blend into a minty summer afternoon treat.

AnantaAndroscoggin · January 2019

@DerekJ that leafonly site is an interesting one.

motie2 · January 2019

Learn from the pros at RJ Reynolds? Attached is a selection from the FREE PIPE SMOKING LIBRARY folder.

motie2 · February 2019

@pappyjoe -- If I remember correctly, you like orange "flavored(?)" blends. Have you tried Peterson Luxury Blend?
It's described as having ....
<<"....sweet flue-cured tobaccos with smooth Burleys and a lightly-sweet, steamed black Cavendish. To this mixture, a scintillating note of orange is added and is further sweetened with honey and vanilla. Mellow, yet uniquely flavorful, Luxury Blend is a great example of European-style aromatics.>>

PappyJoe · February 2019

@motie2 - Nope. Haven't tried that one. Yet.

ghostsofpompeii · February 2019

I've used Watkin's food grade flavor extracts to mixed results. You can find a variety of flavors ... just use a light tough when adding the flavoring. I currently have vanilla, rum, amaretto, anise, root beer, orange, and caramel flavoring which I use in different blends. I've tried booze but failed miserably. Note to self: never try flavoring tobacco with Absente again ... gave me a migraine headache.

motie2 · February 2019

I've had success adding black spiced rum (Jonah's Curse) to pipe tobacco. I boiled the rum down to get rid of some of the alcohol and water content. The trick is drying out the flavored tobacco.

motie2 · 4:08PM

To flavor pipe tobacco, you can either enhance natural flavors through curing and fermentation or add artificial flavors through casing and topping. Casing involves adding sweeteners and other flavorings during the blending process, while topping is typically applied to the surface of the tobacco. You can also experiment with adding liquids like alcohol (vodka, rum) or flavor extracts (vanilla) to your tobacco.

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

1. Curing and Fermentation:

Curing: This process dries the tobacco leaves, affecting their flavor profile.

Fermentation: This controlled process develops complex flavor compounds within the tobacco.

2. Casing:

What it is:
Casing is the application of a liquid solution to the tobacco before or during the blending process.
Purpose:
It's used to enhance smoothness, add sweetness, and adjust the overall flavor.
Common ingredients:
Sugars (white, brown, invert), honey, molasses, vanilla, anise, licorice.
How it works:
Alcohol is often used as a carrier to help the flavor penetrate the tobacco, and it evaporates, leaving behind the flavor.

3. Topping:

What it is: Topping is the application of flavorings to the surface of the tobacco, often after the casing process.

Purpose: To add specific flavors and aromas to the tobacco. Common ingredients: Fruits, berries, spices, and other flavorings.

4. Adding Liquids Directly to Tobacco:

Experimentation:
You can experiment with adding liquids like vodka, rum, whiskey, or flavor extracts (vanilla, almond).

Application:

Apply a small amount of liquid to the tobacco, ensuring it's evenly distributed, and allow it to dry.

Caution:

Use small amounts to avoid over-saturating the tobacco and potentially ruining it, says a user on Quora. Essential oils should be diluted in water before adding.

5. Enhancing Natural Flavors:

Patience: Allow your tobacco to age and develop its natural flavors over time.

Proper storage: Store your tobacco in a cool, dark, and airtight container to preserve its flavor and prevent drying. Proper smoking technique: Pay attention to your draw and cadence to avoid burning the tobacco and losing flavor.

6. Other tips:

Start with small amounts: When experimenting with new flavors, start with small amounts of flavoring and gradually increase it to your desired level.

Use a tray for mixing: A large tray can be helpful for evenly distributing flavorings. Dry tobacco thoroughly: Ensure that the tobacco is properly dried after adding any liquids to prevent mold. Consider the tobacco blend: Some tobacco blends naturally lend themselves to certain flavors. Be patient: Developing the perfect flavor profile can take time and experimentation.

By understanding the different methods of flavoring pipe tobacco, you can create a customized smoking experience that suits your preferences.

~ Gemini

Flavoring your own tobacco

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