pipe tobacco storage

[Mr. Imperial]

Howdy folks,

Apologies if this has been dealt with elsewhere; I surfed around and didn't find much.

I'm interested in learning about the various methods you gents have of storing your pipe tobacco. I read in one thread about the possibility of problems leaving bulk tobacco in the bag in which you bring it home from the shop. Yet I imagine tinned tobacco is just fine sitting in the tin?

Anyway, what I'm basically working with now is a bunch of different blends staying in their original bag. I have them in a cigar box with one of those humidifier coin-looking things (that you soak in water first...you know what I mean). I have no idea if that has any effect if it's not in direct contact with the tobacco. I've seen people storing tobacco in mason jars, or the glass canister sort of things you might keep in your kitchen, with one of those humidifiers glued to the underside of the lid.

So, what are your thoughts? Is tobacco, like coffee beans, to be enjoyed quickly once it's bagged/hits the air/not stored tremendously air-tight? How quickly does the quality of the tobacco decrease the more you leave it in the bag? I've heard a lot of different opinions about that, too.

Maybe we can get some kind of compendium going here. Pictures, ideas, whatever.

 

[buyandhold2018]

The best solution I've found is to transfer any tobacco (that isn't going to be smoked in the next few weeks) into Mason/Jam jars. This is also a fantastic way to age bulk blends. Don't stuff the tobacco in, only fill it 3/4 full, like a McClelland tin.

Here is also a good article that may interest you...

http://pipesmagazine.com/python/pipe-tobacco/pipe-tobacco-storage/

 

[jwhite]

Tobacco in Ziploc will keep for a while but will dry out more quickly and even if kept moist will go flat quicker loosing volatile essential oils faster than if in better storage, (this is a bigger problem with aromatics than natural blends but this still occurs with them too). You may notice you can smell your tobacco through the bag this is because they are gas permeable. You can expect 2-4 weeks in the bag alone or in an opened tin depending on relative humidity and exposure to light. Storing tobacco in unopened tins is fine. Many of us use mason jars as storage. They are inexpensive, highly effective, and readily available. I like to use wide mouth jars because it is easier to load a pipe from the jar without having to fool around much, just keep them in a dark cupboard for long term storage. I also use bail top jars for favorite tobaccos as I find them more attractive on my desk. Humidity disks are handy for roll pouches if you use them daily, but I don't need them with my jars. I find fairly dry tobacco to burn cooler and easier. I like it dry but still pliable, you don't want it so dry it crumbles or crunches.

 

[Mr. Imperial]

The best solution I've found is to transfer any tobacco (that isn't going to be smoked in the next few weeks) into Mason/Jam jars. This is also a fantastic way to age bulk blends. Don't stuff the tobacco in, only fill it 3/4 full, like a McClelland tin.

Here is also a good article that may interest you...

http://pipesmagazine.com/python/pipe-tobacco/pipe-tobacco-storage/

Awesome article. I should've been able to find that myself .

Tobacco in Ziploc will keep for a while but will dry out more quickly and even if kept moist will go flat quicker loosing volatile essential oils faster than if in better storage, (this is a bigger problem with aromatics than natural blends but this still occurs with them too). You may notice you can smell your tobacco through the bag this is because they are gas permeable. You can expect 2-4 weeks in the bag alone or in an opened tin depending on relative humidity and exposure to light. Storing tobacco in unopened tins is fine. Many of us use mason jars as storage. They are inexpensive, highly effective, and readily available. I like to use wide mouth jars because it is easier to load a pipe from the jar without having to fool around much, just keep them in a dark cupboard for long term storage. I also use bail top jars for favorite tobaccos as I find them more attractive on my desk. Humidity disks are handy for roll pouches if you use them daily, but I don't need them with my jars. I find fairly dry tobacco to burn cooler and easier. I like it dry but still pliable, you don't want it so dry it crumbles or crunches.

Thanks for this!

 

[msandoval858]

I am definately a proponent of the mason jar. Perfect storage for pipe tobacco and they come in a few different sizes. I have never had an issue with any tobaccos drying out on me storing them this way.

 

[RichGem]

Tupperware-type containers work for me. And they're low cost too.

 

[Psicko]

I am a staunch supporter of mason jars. They come in many different sizes. Make sure you get the widemouth ones when possible. It just makes it a bit easier to get the baccy out. At least for me. Plus they are cheap. I like to break up a pound of baccy into smaller jars.

OXO makes some good airtight canisters, with the pushbutton on top. Those are expensive though. For a bit more, you can order a dozen mason jars.

 

[kg0mz]

I use canning jars. I sterilize them, create the vacuum seal, and all that routine. Maybe overkill. I am about ready to crack open a jar of Stonehaven that has been aging a couple of years. I am glad I stocked up. I think I have a couple of pounds in 4 oz. jars.

 

[Mr. Imperial]

Well, my next-door-neighbor happened to have a dozen or so unused Mason jars, and my wife picked up a box of new lids+rings at the Amish store, so it looks like I'm set!

 

[Bloodhound]

I spend $6 and get 4 squat Mason brand Jam jars...the small ones and I trans fer my 2 & 4 oz mags of local blends into them...for aging and slow usage on tobaccos I smoke infrequently. Cheap and much better than baggies...masking tape lable with a date and your set.