Bright Leaf or Lemon

[btenn4]

Are there major differences in smokability and/or flavor if one were to use Virginia Bright Leaf instead of Lemon in a blend? I know that Bright Leaf refers to Virginia leaves from the third stalk position on the plant (just above Lemon), which would mean it would be slightly stronger, more medium bodied, and have more nicotine, but is the difference very noticeable, or is it mostly just a subtle difference?

Also, on a side note, I have seen people mention that the tips of tobacco leaves have the most amount of nicotine (due to more sun exposure), so if I were looking to create a low nicotine flue cured blend, would removing the top 1/3 section of the leaf result in a more milder smoke?

 

[deluxestogie]

people mention that the tips of tobacco leaves have the most amount of nicotine (due to more sun exposure)

Nicotine is produced in the roots, not the leaves. I have seen no data that would suggest that the "tip of the leaf" myth is true. Also, the variations between one bale of tobacco from one grower during one growing season vs. the next bale are likely greater than any predictable flavor/aroma/strength difference between "lemon" and "bright".

Bob

 

[btenn4]

Nicotine is produced in the roots, not the leaves. I have seen no data that would suggest that the "tip of the leaf" myth is true. Also, the variations between one bale of tobacco from one grower during one growing season vs. the next bale are likely greater than any predictable flavor/aroma/strength difference between "lemon" and "bright".

Bob

Understood, much appreciated!