Spirit Infusion

[Ernie Q]

I suspect why there is a difference between adding alcohol based spirits directly and letting the vapors infuse the tobacco comes down to volatile organic compounds vs soluble organic compounds. By the infusion method only the volitile compounds are imparted to the tobacco. When added directly to the tobacco all the soluble compounds are also imparted to the tobacco. Some of these may be giving the off flavors and burn characteristics.

I notice it mostly with barrel aged spirits. Lots of tannins may be be the culprit.
I remember when I was in college. I was already a pipe smoker and just starting with cigars. I decided it would be a good idea to literally soak a Henry clay cigar in rum for 24 hours and dry it out. That cigar tasted exactly like raw sweetness and nothing else. So whatever those compounds are, they effect differently depending on the way/amount they are applied and of course what level of tannins are in solution..

 

[Montag]

That makes sense. Most tannins are not volatile. Some tannins and related compounds react with nicotine. So, if a barrel aged spirit is directly added to tobacco there may be a reaction that is actually changing the tobacco itself.

 

[SouthernMan]

This is exactly the thread I needed! I've decided that big burley blends are not for me. I have some Epiphany, some ODF, Pegasus, Haunted Bookshop, no more than an ounce or two of each. I was thinking of dumping them all together to make a Bastard Burley Blend (BBB). But then the idea came to infuse them with bourbon, thus making a Bastard Bourbon Burley Blend (BBBB). I may give Haunted Bookshop one more try before giving up on it.

After reading this thread, I'm wondering if tequila might not be a better choice for burley. What other spices might work well with burley? Is there a good way to tone down the nicotine while I'm at it?

 

[Ozark Wizard]

 

[Ozark Wizard]

Seriously though,

Whiskey, Rum, Cognac and red wines work with Burley.

 

[Peifemeschder]

Spirits and tobacco the perfect mixture

 

[Ernie Q]

This is exactly the thread I needed! I've decided that big burley blends are not for me. I have some Epiphany, some ODF, Pegasus, Haunted Bookshop, no more than an ounce or two of each. I was thinking of dumping them all together to make a Bastard Burley Blend (BBB). But then the idea came to infuse them with bourbon, thus making a Bastard Bourbon Burley Blend (BBBB). I may give Haunted Bookshop one more try before giving up on it.

After reading this thread, I'm wondering if tequila might not be a better choice for burley. What other spices might work well with burley? Is there a good way to tone down the nicotine while I'm at it?

Tequila is something I've played with and it's interesting. It gives an almost chocolate aroma when infused...not what you'd expect.
Before you give up on Burley try some of the traditional Burleys if you can get them. Wessex Burley Flake, Solani Aged Burley...and the "drug store" blends...Sir Walter and Carter Hall.

 

[Ernie Q]

You eat a mega-carp-ton of popcorn.

 

[Yakster]

But is it infused?

 

[SouthernMan]

Before you give up on Burley try some of the traditional Burleys if you can get them. Wessex Burley Flake, Solani Aged Burley...and the "drug store" blends...Sir Walter and Carter Hall.

That’s just it, I really like Carter Hall and SWR. These other blends though, just not my thing. I think I’ll try the bourbon and see what results I get. I can always go back and do another infusion with tequila if I feel like it needs that chocolate note you mentioned.

 

[CurrerBellEyre]

I did this for a few weeks a while back when Mr Q first mentioned it. I used VA and burley with some bourbon and let it ride for 3 or 4 weeks. Every week I'd open the container and toss around the tobacco and top off the shot glass. Not only did the tobacco take on a nice essence, the booze did as well (there's no wasting hooch around here)

Interesting…how did it taste?

 

[CurrerBellEyre]

Interesting…how did it taste?

The hooch I should say

 

[Mr Beardsley]

Interesting…how did it taste?

Like it was put into a very weird barrel lol. There was a lot more musty woody flavor with a back note of tobacco

 

[Ernie Q]

Now you got me with tequila. Who or what blend has tequila?

Dunno. But tequila works great for spirit infusion.

 

[Yakster]

Dunno. But tequila works great for spirit infusion.

Sun Bear Mountain Flower has silver tequila and Stanwell - Corvado Tequila has tequila in it too.

 

[Ernie Q]

Sun Bear Mountain Flower has silver tequila and Stanwell - Corvado Tequila has tequila in it too.

When used in spirit infusion it gives a slight chocolate note.

 

[Archerdx]

What are thoughts on an Irish cream infusion?

 

[kschatey]

I have been doing spice infusions. I definitely works quite well!

 

[MakDragon]

Been rereading this thread. I have some Dogfish Head Honey Rum that I LOVE.
Gonna try this with this.

 

[Archerdx]

Couple more questions before I get this party started, I have a couple pounds of Stokkebye 314 dark fired that I throw in a lot of things. Would this be good solo, infused with baileys Irish cream? Is there a ratio of booze to tobacco? Thanks!