What to Expect With Aging Tobacco

Aging tobacco is one of the more rewarding parts of a tobacco hobby. Patience is rewarded with a more interesting product, allowing smokers to enjoy different profiles from the same tobacco. Aging tobacco brings open-ended results, and as such, it can be challenging to know what to expect. Newcomers in particular might not know what to expect when aging tobacco, and that’s why it’s important to age it properly and discover what you enjoy. Here are a few things to keep in mind when aging your tobacco.

1.     It Depends On The Tobacco

To start with, it’s important to note that different tobaccos age with varying speed and intensity. Some tobaccos are can improve relatively quickly. They mellow out, they’re less harsh, and they can take on sweeter and more pleasant flavor. Virginia tobacco in particular develops nicely as time passes, but don’t be afraid to try different tobaccos and blends. Take note of what you enjoy and what you don’t love, and it’ll be much easier to know what you want to age and what you want to smoke. Just remember that not all tobaccos will age in a way that you enjoy. Some benefit greatly from time, but if you enjoy the way a certain tobacco is smoking, enjoy it!

2.     Different Storage Ages It Differently

When aging tobacco, it’s important to know exactly what causes it to develop. Oxygen is the catalyst for change with tobacco, so keep this in mind when you age tobacco. A sealed container is the way to go. However, many people age tobacco in tobacco tins, which slows the process quite a bit. Because it’s vacuum sealed, a lack of oxygen slows the development. That’s why a mason jar is commonly recommended. Immerse the jar in hot water (roughly 140 degrees) with the lid on for about up to 15 minutes and the lid will eventually seal. Quickly remove the lid, add the tobacco, and reseal it. It will allow just enough oxygen to let it properly develop, but you won’t run the risk of any outside influences that cause unwanted flavors or appearance.

3.     Check The Same Tobacco At Regular Intervals

Finally, because aging tobacco can bring forth unique characteristics and amplify others, it’s important to check up on it every now and then to see how it’s developing. Every few months, try smoking some of it and take notes of how it has developed. You might find that it needs more time. On the other hand, you might prefer it with, say, six months of age instead of a year of age. Regardless, it’s beneficial to smoke it on occasion not only because it’s enjoyable, but because you might find that one blend has developed a completely unique profile, while another is going downhill. No one wants to waste their tobacco, so if it has developed into the product you want, you don’t have to risk losing quality with further aging.