Robncars 2021 Flue Cure

[Robncars]

Big Gem. Couple came out mottled.

This is how I came up with to hang them in the flue chamber.

Decent picture of the flue chamber getting loaded.
Thats a 30qt aluminum turkey pot in the bottom right. Needed to set the pot on the electric skillet but its above the leaves.

 

[Robncars]

I was really busy and I put the crockpot on to rehydrate the leaves in the flue after the run with staghorn and rustica. I left it on overnight 12hrs (fell asleep) instead of just 3-4 hrs. After setting the leaves in plastic boxes the rustica was pretty damp, after a night in the boxes at 123⁰ the staghorn also feels too damp.
The Small Stalk Black Mammoth and Big Gem both feel right so ill probably check them after a couple days but the other 2 ill have to open for a bit to dry them out

 

[Robncars]

I think it qualifies for "dryer than a popcorn fart" outside today

 

[Pharmguy]

Yep. It's that yellowing stage that varies with variety and priming level.

I’m currently on day 3 of a flue cure. I have 3 bundles hanging. One of them is almost completely yellow the other two seem to be yellowing slower. Should I bump up heat to next step or wait until all are yellow? This is my first flue cure so I’m not super familiar with hands on experience.

I added a circulation fan after the picture was taken.
Thanks,
Trevor

 

[deluxestogie]

This is a sequence from 9 years ago.

This final photo is the same batch, same date, but viewed in direct sunlight, instead of a flash.

Bob

 

[Pharmguy]

Got it. That answers that question. Next question, what do you do with cured leaves in between batches? I read, earlier in this thread, putting them in a box with paper is an option, but not great as it is better to immediately start kilning process. Is that correct? Eventually I’ll have a basic understanding of all this and won’t need to ask so many questions.
Thanks,
Trevor

 

[deluxestogie]

Flue-cured leaf is usually not subsequently kilned. The finishing is complete. I store mine stacked flat (no paper or other stuff) at low case in vapor-proof poly-nylon bags (same as what you get when you order tobacco from WLT).

From 2017.

Bob

 

[Robncars]

Got it. That answers that question. Next question, what do you do with cured leaves in between batches? I read, earlier in this thread, putting them in a box with paper is an option, but not great as it is better to immediately start kilning process. Is that correct? Eventually I’ll have a basic understanding of all this and won’t need to ask so many questions.
Thanks,
Trevor

In a box with paper was done to yellow leaves of differing varieties and priming levels. I use my flue chamber to force age after curing. I use tubs with a seal and hold them around 80% rh at 120-125⁰ for at least a month. They come out nice.
I then start destemming and grinding for chewing tobacco.
Don't worry I still ask questions. These guys are pretty patient with us lol.

 

[Robncars]

Ok you guys have to give me a break. All my leaves got hopper and wind damage but I think I did a pretty good job here

 

[deluxestogie]

That appears to be a cigar. Were you flue-curing your cigar varieties?

Bob

 

[Robncars]

That appears to be a cigar. Were you flue-curing your cigar varieties?

Bob

Not specifically. More like I flue cured my leaf for chewing tobacco but I broke my foot and found that rolling cigars is relaxing to me. I dont smoke. So its like a party favor or gift or idk...

Its 4" long and 1" around. I used different leaves and different colors to see what I could come up with.

 

[Robncars]

Im sure a true cigar enthusiast would question my morals but it looks nice I think

 

[deluxestogie]

I think your cigar looks good. I commend your rolling. The source of my question was the issue of flue-curing cigar variety tobaccos, since that usually doesn't taste very good when smoked. (You could, of course, just bite off a chunk, and chew it.)

Take care of your foot.

Bob

 

[Robncars]

I think your cigar looks good. I commend your rolling. The source of my question was the issue of flue-curing cigar variety tobaccos, since that usually doesn't taste very good when smoked. (You could, of course, just bite off a chunk, and chew it.)

Take care of your foot.

Bob

That was a good laugh @deluxestogie, I probably could bite off and chew on one and for a true cigar enthusiast thats probably the best use for that cigar lmao.

My brother tried one and a guy that comes to my work tried a couple and they liked them but my brother is uncultured swine and they other guy is a kid that wouldn't know a Cuban from a swisher so idk if they are any good but I like rolling them

 

[Robncars]

I figured that was the source of your question. I love learning and in this instance I just learned how to roll cigars and am trying to get them nice looking. Couple of my caps were loose and didn't look right but this one was good.

 

[Homegrowngoodnes]

Im still a virgin when it comes to rolling cigars though this might be a hobby also to help me relax after work...maybe a glass of bourbon n a gar or pipe while sitting in a rocking chair on my front porch n cleaning my shotgun? Lol jk

 

[Robncars]

So I found an antique Tech 1 tobacco shredder. I cleaned it up and sharpened the blades. It works good. I like this method way better than a blender