Anyone tried casing with Islay Scotch?

[DaleB]

Just curious whether anyone who, like me, is a fan of "smoky" tastes like Latakia and Islay Scotch has tried using some Islay to bring leaf into high case before pressing into a plug. That's what I'm thinking of doing. I have some Kirkland Islay here -- it's OK, but certainly not on par with Lagavulin or Laphroaig. I wouldn't mind using some of it in lieu of plain water to plump up some leaf for pressing. I'll do it some time in the next couple of weeks, I was just curious whether it's been done already or not. I've no idea how much flavor it would actually impart to the tobacco. I've tried a couple of "bourbon whiskey" aromatics, but I think they were just sprayed with some fake bourbon flavoring ranged from disappointing to downright disgusting (Borkum Riff).

 

[GreenDragon]

I only use either Rum or Scotch as my casing liquids when prepping my blends for pressing / aging. Definitely makes for a wonderful nose in a blend. You will never get the same flavor as an aromatic, but it does bring a subtle complexity to the table. Experiment and have fun!

 

[DaleB]

You will never get the same flavor as an aromatic

God, I hope not. They're horrible. I'm hoping for something a little smoky, and an undertone of peat would be a bonus. I'll give it a try when I have some time and report back.

 

[deluxestogie]

Smoke curing with peat

I live in Ireland, where peat is often used for curing various types of meat and fish (I've been particularly successful with venison). So, while considering the options of a latakia cure, I began to wonder: what would peat do for smoke-cured tobacco? (not for a Latakia-type, except in that...

fairtradetobacco.com

Bob

 

[DaleB]

Thanks for that link, Bob. I note that in the ensuing 5+ years, no one has reported back with results or impressions from either peat smoking the leaf, or dousing with Islay. As we don't have a lot of Scottish peat here in Nebraska, I'll try some smoky Scotch and see what happens.

 

[Bottenslam]

Wait smokey scotch or smoky Scott? Was thinking of recomending that one for this, its straight up 5 year old Carol ila, inexpensive and very phenolic, The sofistication of caol ila is there, but its a angry one (Makes a mean scotch souer also)

 

[cigarillofingers]

I've got a 5cl minature of The Peated Malt Old Ballantrauan that is going to go into a casing mix in the not too distant future, half for a snifter half for the leaf!