For pipe tobacco aficionados, proper storage is crucial for keeping tobacco fresh and maintaining its peak flavor. Unlike cigars, pipe tobacco is much more delicate and can lose its subtle nuances and aroma rapidly when stored incorrectly. However, with some simple tips on storage containers, humidity, temperature, and light, you can keep your favorite blends tasting great for months or even years.
Selecting Storage Containers
The first key to storing pipe tobacco is using the right containers. For short term storage up to a couple months, pouches, zipper bags, and the original sealed tins work well enough. However, for long term storage of 6 months or longer, you’ll want to use airtight glass jars or resealable metal tins. Look for containers made specifically for tobacco storage that have rubber gaskets or silicone seals to really lock in freshness. The containers should be opaque to block out light and have tight sealing lids to prevent air exchange.
Wide mouth jars in sizes like quart or half-gallon are ideal for storing bulk tobacco, allowing for easy access and less crushing of the leaves. Narrow mouth quart jars are good for smaller amounts, while large mouth pint jars provide a nice in-between option. Some other great options are vintage metal tea tins, lever lid tins, and wooden tobacco jars with rubber gaskets.
When choosing containers, make sure they are large enough to leave some headspace between the tobacco and the lid, about 1-2 inches. This prevents you from having to excessively crush the tobacco to close the jar, which can negatively impact the flavor. The extra space also allows for some humidity changes without condensing water inside the container.
Monitoring Humidity
Proper humidity is also essential for keeping pipe tobacco fresh. You want to aim for a moisture content around 12-18% to prevent dry, crumbly tobacco or mold growth. Using a hygrometer is the best way to monitor humidity levels inside your storage containers. Cigar hygrometers work perfectly, just be sure to calibrate it correctly before use. Place the hygrometer in the container with your tobacco for 24-48 hours while humidity stabilizes before taking readings.
If the humidity drops below 12%, you can add humidifiers to raise it. Cigar humidifier tubes or pouches with a water-based gel work great. Just watch that you don’t over-humidify, as moisture levels above 18% can ruin pipe tobacco and encourage mold. Keeping some silica gel desiccant packets in the jar will help regulate excess ambient humidity.
Ideal Temperature Range
Proper temperature is also key for storage. Ideal conditions are around 60-70°F. Warmer temperatures above 75°F will accelerate the aging process and cause flavors to fade quicker. Freezing temperatures below 32°F can also damage tobacco. The most important thing is keeping storage temperature consistent and avoiding extreme fluctuations.
Choose an area in your home that stays around 65°F, like a basement. Cellars or wine refrigerators also work very well to maintain a stable temperature. If you don’t have areas that stay cool, even a bedroom closet works better than a hot attic or garage. You can also use a thermometer with minimum and maximum readings to monitor conditions inside your storage containers.
Keeping Out Light
Lastly, light exposure will also fade and oxidize pipe tobacco rapidly. Store containers away from direct sunlight, preferably in total darkness. Placing containers in a closed cabinet, closet, or drawer is ideal. If storing in see-through glass jars, use opaque outer packaging like boxes to block light or cover with a dark bag. Even indoor light can degrade tobacco over time, so darkness is best.
Additional Storage Tips
Here are a few other tips for keeping pipe tobacco in peak condition:
- Let newly opened tobacco rest 24-48 hours in the storage container before sealing for ideal humidity equilibration.
- Use separate, dedicated jars for each blend to prevent flavor cross-contamination.
- Label jars clearly with blend name, date opened, and any notes.
- Keep an inventory list if storing a large collection of different blends.
- Periodically check jars every 4-6 weeks and monitor tobacco quality.
- Finish open blends within 6 months for optimal freshness.
- For aging, select blends known to improve over many years. Virginias, VaPers, and Englishes age particularly well.
- When cellaring tobacco long-term, try to keep entire unopened tins to maintain the original seal as long as possible.
- Transfer tobacco quickly between containers to limit air exposure. Use clean hands or instruments like chopsticks to minimize touching.
- Consider freezing tobacco for 72 hours before long term storage to kill any beetle eggs.
Picking the Right Tobacco Blends for Aging
If you want to age tobacco for improvement over years, certain blends perform better than others. Here are good choices to consider cellaring:
- Virginias – Sweeten with age, with more citrus and hay notes developing.
- Virginia/Perique (VaPer) Blends – The perique ferments further, increasing spice notes.
- English & Balkan – Latakia becomes smoother, orientals mellow and integrate.
- Burley Blends – Cocoa and nutty flavors increase.
- Virginia Flake Tobaccos – Flavor deepens as sugars caramelize.
- Smoky Scotch-style Blends – The peaty whisky tones become more pronounced.
Avoid heavily cased aromatics, as the flavors tend to fade and dry out over time. Stick with pure tobaccos to get the most improvement.
Maintaining Your Cellar
Here are some final tips for maintaining a long term tobacco cellar:
- Use a storage log or spreadsheet to track your inventory and record aging observations over time.
- Set reminders to periodically inspect jars and tins for any potential issues.
- Over time, gently rotate and consolidate partial jars for freshness.
- Share aged vintage blends with friends so they can be enjoyed at their peak.
- Let your senses guide you – when tobacco no longer smells, tastes or feels pleasant, it may be past prime.
- Clean jars thoroughly before reuse and replace any with damaged seals or lid issues.
With the right containers, conditions and blends, your pipe tobacco cellar will provide many years of evolving flavor. Follow these guidelines and adjust for what works best in your specific environment. Aged tobacco is a treasure – with a little diligence, you can discover and maintain its hidden magic. Your pipe-smoking future self will thank you!
