Humidifying tobacco is necessary for a very simple reason: it makes smoking more pleasant at the tasting level, because it allows you to appreciate the aromatic notes of the tobacco in their fullness.
Once you open the pouch or tin, to keep the tobacco properly, you should use the right containers and methods, also depending on the degree of moisture you want.
Why humidify pipe tobacco
Humidifying pipe tobacco is important to maintain the right balance in terms of moisture, because a surplus of the latter causes an imbalance in the aromatic notes in smoke, making it bitter.
It should be added that the presence of water in the tobacco causes a more difficult smoke, because the tobacco pipe tends to go out more easily. Then, repeated relighting of the tobacco pipe only accentuates the unpleasant aromatic notes.
On the other hand, a tobacco that is too dry will burn far too fast.
Between an excessively dry tobacco and one that is too moist, in our opinion, the first is always preferable, since, by maintaining a low temperature on a dry tobacco, the aromatic notes will certainly be more pleasant than the same tobacco, but very moist.
Finally, it should be considered that if tobacco comes into contact with water, it is easy for mold to form.
How to humidify pipe tobacco: 4 methods
There are 4 main methods to humidify tobacco, let's see them together!
Humidifying stone
A humidifying stone is an earthenware stone that is widely used among tobacco pipe smokers because of its ease of use.
Just take one, dip it in water and insert it into the container where the tobacco is stored.
The only care to take is not to place it in close contact with the tobacco, as it prevents even humidification, with the risk of mold forming in the part of the tobacco adjacent to the stone.
Bormioli Vase
The Bormioli Vase provides an airtight seal for the tobacco inside the container, so it will keep for a long time.
If you intend to rehumidify a tobacco, place the humidifying stone inside the Bormioli Vase, making sure that it is not in close contact with the tobacco.
Alternatively, Boveda humidifiers, which provide constant humidification, are equally effective and are available in different moisture percentages, from 40% to 79%.
In addition to Bormioli jars, there are also ceramic tobacco storage jars on the market, equipped with a sponge at their top, which releases moisture.
In this case, however, it is a good idea to stir the tobacco inside every 2-3 days, so that the moisture inside is more homogeneous and to avoid finding yourself with a tobacco base that is too moist or dry.
We also point out aluminum jars equipped with a hygrometer, which allows you to visualize the degree of moisture inside.
Distilled water
Distilled water is used to soak the humidifying stone, but also to wet the sponge inside aluminum or ceramic pots.
Tap water should never be used for this purpose because it contains limestone, which negatively alters the aroma of the tobacco being smoked.
