How to Properly Store Pipe Tobacco

There’s nothing quite as enjoyable as smoking good pipe tobacco. The entire process is something special. However, ensuring a great smoke requires a bit of effort. One such task that many smokers ignore is properly storing pipe tobacco. Storing pipe tobacco isn’t difficult, but there are some aspects to proper storage that tend to go underappreciated. Improper storage can damage the integrity of the tobacco, so strong storage habits can go a long way. Here are a few tips on safely storing it to maintain quality and taste.

Use Fresh Storage Options

When storing pipe tobacco, it’s important to note that any old container won’t do. Mason jars are commonly used, and they are excellent for storing tobacco. However, make sure they haven’t been used to store anything else - even if it has been cleaned, it can impart unintended aromas and flavors to the tobacco, and that’s the last thing you want. Instead of using an old storage container, consider investing in a set of mason jars. A fresh set of mason jars isn’t very pricey, and having dedicated storage options makes organization and the entire process of enjoying a pipe much simpler.

Keep It By Itself

Another tip is to store your pipe tobacco by itself. This means that it’s not recommended to store it with cigars, either. It won’t do much to the pipe tobacco, but the characteristics of it will gradually seep into the cigar, changing the intended flavor profile. This also means not to store your tobacco in a humidor. The same issue will occur - it’ll pull moisture from the tobacco, imparting the profile of the tobacco into the humidor itself. Needless to say, this greatly affects cigars stored in the same humidor. Instead, simply keep your pipe tobacco in a container by itself. The container should maintain proper humidity and should be stored away from light.

Treat It Like You’re Cellaring Wine

Storing tobacco is similar to storing wine in many ways. It requires certain humidity levels, no UV light exposure, and proper temperature. Regardless of whether or not you’re aging your tobacco, treating it with respect maintains the integrity of the tobacco. Poorly stored tobacco can burn your tongue, taste bad, and feel harsh on your throat. Smoking it simply isn’t a pleasant experience. Treat it with the same respect you would a great bottle of wine. Considering how easy and cost-effective it is to store it properly, there’s no reason to take the risk. Invest in some air-tight jars, buy your favorite tobacco, and enjoy it!