Natural and aromatic tobaccos: characteristics and differences
Finding the perfect tobacco for one's taste is a journey of continual discovery, and that is what makes pipe smoking so fascinating.
To navigate this quest, the smoker can choose between two main categories of pipe tobacco: natural and aromatic.
Two distinct worlds, each with their own characteristics, which we will explore in this guide to help you make a more informed choice for your next smoke.
Introduction: the choice between natural and aromatic tobacco
Choosing between a natural and a aromatic tobacco is a matter of personal taste, as each has unique characteristics that may be more or less appreciated by each smoker.
For this reason, it is essential to know their peculiarities so as to identify the blends best suited to one's preferences.
Experience plays a key role: only by trying different blends can you really understand which ones you enjoy the most. Indeed, without experimenting, it is difficult to define one's tastes.
In this guide, we want to offer an overview of how these two categories affect the smoking experience, helping you to make a more informed choice.
Why is it important to know the difference?
Knowing the difference between natural and aromatic tobaccos is essential to avoid unsatisfactory smoking experiences due to a choice that does not suit one's taste.
Flavorings, for example, are not suitable for everyone, and newcomers often choose them just because they give off a pleasant scent in the environment, without considering whether they are really suitable for their smoking experience.
Without the right knowledge and experimentation, one might think that one category is the ideal choice, when in fact it might be the other that offers a more satisfying experience.
How tobacco affects the smoking experience
Tobacco is undoubtedly the element that most affects the smoking experience.
A quality tobacco can make the smoking experience memorable, but the type also plays a key role: there are many varieties, each with unique characteristics, such as Virginia, Kentucky, and Burley.
The composition of the blend affects the perceived aromas and their balance. For example, a tobacco with a good percentage of Latakia will offer a smoke with an intensely smoky character.
Natural tobaccos vs aromatic tobaccos: which one to choose?
There is no better tobacco between natural and aromatic: the choice depends solely on the smoker's taste.
However, it is good to know that aromatic tobaccos are less suitable for beginners, as the high sugar content can easily cause tongue irritation if the smoking technique is not yet honed.
That said, the only way to find the most suitable blend is to experiment, trying different types of tobacco until you identify the one that best suits your taste.
What are natural tobaccos?
Natural tobaccos do not undergo any flavoring process and are the ideal choice for experienced smokers looking for an authentic experience.
This type of tobacco allows you to fully appreciate its inherent qualities without external influences, enhancing the natural aromatic nuances of each blend.
Definition of natural tobacco: without additives and chemical processing
Natural tobacco is free of additives and does not undergo chemical processing to alter its aroma or flavor. However, it may undergo natural flavoring, which enhances its characteristics without compromising its authenticity.
Main characteristics of natural tobaccos
The main characteristic of natural tobaccos is the total absence of artificial additives and flavorings. They do not undergo chemical processes that alter their aroma or flavor, thus maintaining the authentic characteristics of tobacco.
These tobaccos are used in various blends, such as English Mixtures, but are also available in single-origin versions. However, natural tobaccos can vary greatly from one another depending on the manufacturer, as several factors, in addition to flavoring, influence the flavor notes.
What remains constant is the smoker's ability to perceive the inherent qualities of each blend. In addition, compared to flavorings, natural tobaccos tend to offer greater aromatic persistence in smoke.
The main types of natural tobacco
Now let's look at some of the main types of natural tobacco: Virginia, Burley, Oriental, and Perique.
Virginia: sweet and mild
Virginia is known for its sweetish and mild aroma, ideal for summer smoking. It is especially good for beginners because of its easy burn and smooth flavor. In addition, it is one of the most versatile tobaccos, perfect both as a single-origin and in combination with other varieties.
Burley: robust and dry
Burley is often used as a base for many blends because of its ability to soften flavor and balance more intense flavorings. It is considered a neutral tobacco because it easily absorbs flavorings and adapts to different combinations. However, some smokers also enjoy it on its own.
Oriental: spicy and complex
Oriental is a condiment tobacco with a spicy character, mainly used in English Mixtures to enrich its flavor profile. It is not a single variety, but a broad family that includes more than 40 types of tobacco. It is used to give greater complexity and sweetness to blends.
Perique: strong and fermented
Perique is a rare and valuable tobacco, characterized by an intense and spicy aroma. Because of its intensity, it is used in small amounts as a seasoning within blends, giving them a unique and strong touch.
The processing of natural tobacco
Although natural tobacco does not undergo flavoring treatments, this does not mean that it is not processed.
The processes are much less invasive than those of aromatic tobaccos, they still serve to regulate the level of sugars in the leaves. This is critical, as it directly affects the combustibility and moisture of the tobacco.
Pros and cons of natural tobacco
The main advantage of natural tobacco is the purity of the smoking experience, free of added artificial flavors. This allows one to fully appreciate the authentic characteristics of tobacco, capturing every nuance. It also allows the alternation and balance between different tobaccos to be perceived more clearly in blends, providing a richer and more complex experience.
There are no real disadvantages to smoking natural tobacco, except that it may not be suitable for those seeking sweeter or more aromatic flavors. However, this depends solely on the personal tastes of the smoker.
What are aromatic tobaccos?
Aromatic tobaccos undergo a flavoring process in which specific additives are added to give them special fragrances. This treatment allows the tobacco's flavor profile to be enhanced, making it sweeter, fruitier or spicier depending on the substances used.
Some blenders resort to flavoring not only to enrich the taste of the tobacco, but also to smooth out any harshness, making the smoke smoother.
Definition and characteristics of aromatic tobaccos
Aromatic tobaccos are treated with specific substances to give them artificial fragrances through a process of flavoring.
This processing determines the flavor profile of the tobacco, which can vary among different fragrances, such as vanilla, cherry, honey, or whiskey.
Aromatic blends generally have a base of Virginia and Black Cavendish, with the possible addition of Burley.
How are tobaccos flavored?
The process of flavoring pipe tobaccos varies according to the desired final characteristics.
Typically, Air-Cured and Flue-Cured tobacco blends are used, which undergo thermodynamic treatments that affect pressure, moisture and temperature. These processes promote fermentation, flavor absorption, and tobacco fragrance.
The additives used are food grade and serve mainly to smooth out any harshness in the tobacco, enhancing its natural aromatic notes or adding new ones. The most common include softeners, humectants and flavorings that impart fragrance to the smoke.
Not all flavorings can be used: it is essential that they are persistent even after burning, ensuring a stable flavor profile during smoking.
Flavoring tobacco at home is possible with a simple method: just dissolve a natural additive in warm distilled water (2-3% concentration) and let it sit for 1-2 days with the tobacco. This will absorb the aromas, although its moisture content will increase slightly.
Popular types of aromatic tobaccos
Flavored tobaccos offer a wide range of scents and flavors, from classic vanilla, cherry, and whiskey to more complex blends that combine several flavorings. Some blends, such as Clan and Sunday's Fantasy, are distinguished by their more layered flavor notes, the result of a combination of multiple flavors.
Let's look together at some of the most popular variants and the most representative tobaccos in each category.
Honey Tobacco
One of the best honey tobaccos is Samuel Gawith Black Forest, a blend of Black Cavendish with a low nicotine content. It is distinguished by the high quality of Black Cavendish and a flavor that remains persistent throughout the smoke.
Rum Tobacco
Some of the best rum tobaccos include:
- Rattray's Tower Bridge, a blend of yellow and red Virginians, enriched not only by the aroma of rum, but also by notes of vanilla and exotic fruits.
- Samuel Gawith Navy Flake, a particular blend because it contains Latakia. Here Virginia is predominant, while Latakia and rum aroma combine to add complexity to the smoke.
Vanilla Tobacco
Some of the best vanilla tobaccos include:
- Skandinavik Sungold
- Borkum Riff Sungold
- Mac Baren Classic Loose Cut
- Brebbia Opera
These tobaccos have a similar composition, with a base of Black Cavendish, Virginia and Burley. The main difference between them lies in the quality of the tobaccos used, while the vanilla flavoring is almost the same.
Chocolate tobacco and other sweet notes
For chocolate lovers, an excellent choice is the Samuel Gawith Chocolate Cake. This is a blend reminiscent of English Mixtures due to its composition of Virginia, Burley, and Latakia.
The dark chocolate notes are prominent but never intrusive, adding an intriguing nuance to the smoky taste of Latakia and the sweetness of Virginia.
Best flavored tobacco brands
The best aromatic tobacco brands include Skandinavik, Mac Baren, and Borkum Riff.
These are joined by lesser brands such as Samuel Gawith, Rattray's, and G.L. Pease, which, while devoting only a portion of their production to flavored blends, offer different compositions from the more standardized ones.
This gives more personality and variety to these blends than those produced by the multinationals.
Pros and cons of aromatic tobaccos
The main advantage of aromatic tobaccos is the ability to enjoy additional flavors in addition to the natural flavors in the blend.
They are also an ideal choice when smoking in the presence of non-smokers, as they release a more pleasant scent than natural tobaccos.
However, some smokers find that, in the long run, these tobaccos can be cloying, preferring shorter charges.
Another possible disadvantage concerns newcomers: if you do not yet have a good smoking technique and inhale with intense and frequent draws, the higher sugar content could cause tongue irritation.
Main differences between natural and aromatic tobaccos
The main differences between natural and aromatic tobaccos concern flavoring and composition.
Aromatic tobaccos undergo a process that adds extra flavors, such as chocolate, licorice, leather, coffee, or whiskey, while natural blends exclusively retain the scents and nuances specific to the tobacco varieties used, providing a more authentic and genuine smoking experience.
Another important distinction is composition: aromatic tobaccos follow a fixed formula based on Virginia, Black Cavendish, and Burley, while natural blends vary according to the manufacturer's choice.
Taste and aroma differences
Aromatic tobaccos have a sweeter taste than natural tobaccos due to the flavoring process, but some smokers find the experience slightly cloying over time as they are artificially added flavorings. This makes aromatic tobaccos unsuitable for all tastes.
Natural tobaccos, on the other hand, offer a flavor profile that is more faithful to their component tobaccos. For example, a blend containing Virginia will give off hay notes, while one with Latakia will have the characteristic woody, smoky aroma.
As for scenting, aromatic tobaccos release a pleasant odor into the environment that recalls the aroma with which they were treated. However, a common mistake among beginners is to believe that the flavor in smoke exactly matches that perceived from the outside.
Intensity and duration of smoking
Most smokers perceive aromatic tobaccos as more intense than natural, as the flavoring adds complexity to the blend.
Regarding the duration of the smoke, there are no significant differences between natural and aromatic tobaccos: both offer an experience that depends more on the cut and moisture level of the tobacco than on its type.
How do they react to combustion?
There is not a big difference in combustion between natural and aromatic tobaccos.
However, extra care is needed with aromatic tobaccos: the high sugar content can indeed scald the tongue if the smoke is not handled properly.
To avoid this problem, it is essential to maintain a slow and regular smoking pace, avoiding compulsive or too intense draws, so as to savor the flavors to the fullest without overheating the tobacco.
What type of tobacco pipe is best suited for each tobacco?
There is no specific type of tobacco pipe for natural or aromatic tobaccos.
In general, we do not think there are any particular tobacco pipes exclusively suited for certain categories of tobaccos or blends (except the Shape Pot for Flake cut tobaccos).
Which tobacco to choose based on one's smoking experience?
The variety of pipe tobaccos available on the market is vast, and each offers a unique smoking experience.
For this reason, many smokers, especially beginners, may find it difficult to choose the one best suited to their preferences.
Although personal experience is the best way to refine one's taste, expert advice can prove invaluable in navigating the many options and making more informed choices from the start.
Is natural tobacco more suitable for experienced smokers?
Natural tobacco is the most authentic and traditional form of tobacco consumption and is often the preferred choice of experienced smokers.
This is because it allows tobacco to be tasted in all its purity, without altering its organoleptic characteristics.
Many smokers find flavorings overly sweet or artificial, whereas a natural tobacco offers a more genuine and balanced experience, without ever being cloying.
Is aromatic tobacco ideal for beginners?
Aromatic tobaccos are not an ideal option for beginners because of their high sugar content.
If the smoker has not yet acquired good technique, with slow and regular puffs, he or she risks burning the tongue.
For this reason, natural blends are often more suitable for first-time pipe smokers.
Another common mistake among novices is to believe that aromatic tobacco tastes the same as the scent it gives off in the environment. In reality, the aroma perceived on the outside does not correspond to what will be experienced in smoke.
How to experiment with new tobaccos without making the wrong choice
Making mistakes is part of experimentation, otherwise it would not be called that.
The important thing is to make informed choices, without being influenced by hearsay or inexperienced opinions.
In the passion for slow smoking, mistakes are part of the journey. One should not be discouraged if a blend does not suit one's taste: every experience, even the least successful, brings one closer and closer to the perfect tobacco, because it teaches something new.
How to properly store natural and aromatic tobaccos?
Proper tobacco storage is essential, both for natural and aromatic tobaccos.
Proper storage allows the aromatic qualities and proper moisture to remain intact, thus ensuring a consistently satisfying smoke.
Let's look in detail at how best to store tobacco to preserve its freshness and aroma over time.
The importance of moisture in tobacco storage
Moisture is a key factor that affects the quality of the smoke, affecting both the combustion and taste of the tobacco.
Ideally, a balance should be found: a tobacco that is too moist will be difficult to light and may develop bitter notes due to excess water, while one that is too dry will burn too quickly.
For this reason, proper storage is essential.
If you want to learn more about this topic, find all the details in our dedicated article by clicking on the button below.
FIND OUT HOW TO STORE PIPE TOBACCO
Storage differences between natural and aromatic tobaccos
There are no differences between natural and aromatic tobaccos in terms of storage.
The important thing is to follow the general guidelines for keeping tobacco in optimal condition
Airtight jars vs. original packaging: what to use?
To best store tobaccos, whether natural or aromatic, it is ideal to use airtight jars, which help preserve the flavor and the right level of moisture.
Leaving tobacco in its original packaging can only be a solution if you will consume it in a short time, thus preventing it from losing its characteristics.
Conclusion: which tobacco is best for you?
By this point in your reading, you should have a clearer idea about the differences between natural and aromatic tobaccos.
If you want an authentic smoking experience, where you can savor the natural and characteristic notes of the tobaccos that make up a blend, then a natural tobacco is the ideal choice.
If, on the other hand, you prefer to enrich your smoking with additional flavors, such as vanilla, cherry, or coffee, in addition to those of the tobacco, a aromatic tobacco may be more suitable for you.
In addition, aromatic tobaccos release a sweeter and more pleasant scent into the environment.
Summary of the main differences between natural and aromatic tobaccos
- Flavoring: aromatic tobaccos undergo chemical processes that change their flavor profile, while natural tobaccos are treated with minimal processing that preserves their original flavors.
- Burning: aromatic tobaccos, due to their high sugar content, can overheat the tobacco pipe more easily if smoked with the wrong technique, while natural tobaccos are more tolerant to the mistakes of less experienced smokers.
- Aromas: aromatic tobaccos offer added fragrances that can be cloying in the long run, while naturals provide a more authentic experience by enhancing the tobacco's typical notes.
- Composition: natural tobaccos can vary in composition, while aromatic tobaccos have a fixed base of Black Cavendish and Virginia, sometimes with the addition of Burley.
How to find your ideal tobacco
To find your ideal tobacco, just know the main categories of blends, such as natural and aromatic, and choose according to their characteristics, taking into account your preferences.
Where to buy high-quality natural and aromatic tobaccos
To buy high-quality natural and aromatic tobaccos, it is advisable to go to well-stocked tobacco shops, such as Tabaccheria Giovannozzi in Foggia.