Pipe Tobacco: Virginia
Virginia tobacco is one of the world's most prized and cultivated varieties. Beloved for its sweet, light and aromatic flavor, Virginia is a popular choice among tobacco enthusiasts around the world.
In this article, we will learn about its characteristics and how it affects smoking, but first let's find out its history!
It takes its name from the American state where it was first grown. During the 16th century, Europeans, particularly the English, imported tobacco seeds from America to start growing them in the British colony of Virginia.
This new variety of tobacco was immediately successful because it was distinguished from other types by its mild and sweet aroma, unlike Burley, for example.
The characteristics of Virginia pipe tobacco
The yellow/gold leaves of this tobacco immediately jump out at you, turning orange when dried and cured.
Its sweet flavor comes from its natural sugar content, making it especially pleasant in summer smokes.
One of the most appreciated characteristics is the slow and even combustion, which makes Virginia perfect for smoking in blends because it mixes well with other tobacco varieties.
Versatility is perhaps the main strength of Virginia, because it can be smoked either pure or in combination with other tobaccos, so as to create unique blends.
As for the manufacturing process, it assumes great importance in obtaining its distinctive flavor.
The leaves, once harvested, are left to dry and then undergo a light fermentation. This emphasizes the sweet flavor while eliminating the bitterness and astringency that can be present in fresh leaves.
Interesting how some whiskey producers use Virginia tobacco leaves to smoke their malts.
This process imparts a tobacco flavor to the whiskey, as well as greater complexity of aroma.
How Virginia tobaccos affect smoking
This is a fairly easy tobacco to smoke, suitable even for novices because of its known sweetness.
Added to this is that it has a good burn, so you won't have to worry about relighting it all the time.
The only thing to consider is its sugar content, which can cause your tongue to heat up and a slight tingling sensation.
Smoking it you will be able to detect a hay aroma, in each of its variations, while, depending on the specific Virginia you choose, you will be able to appreciate notes of various kinds, but generally fruity or cake-like.
When smoked pure, Virginia leads the smoker to veer toward English Mixtures, because it is the tobacco that is its base, paired with Perique and Kentucky.
What are the best Virginia pipe tobaccos
Among the best Virginia pipe tobaccos is the current replacement for Dunhill Royal Yacht, namely Robert McConnell's Paddington, a Virginia characterized by excellent aromatic notes. But alas, the Royal Yacht presented superior aromatic expression.
Also noteworthy are the Golden Glow and Full Virginia Flake, both by Samuel Gawith, with the former lighter than the latter.
Next, I point out the Peterson Sherlock Holmes and Rattray's Hal O' The Wynd.
As for the latter, Virginia, while not the basis of an English Mixture, is nicely supported by Kentucky and Perique.
Here, the light and sweet notes are contrasted with the structure of Kentucky and the spiciness of Perique.
Finally, I point out the Amphora-branded Virginia, prized for its good value for money.
