Intrigue on the topic of Perique tobacco often centers around its unique and labor-intensive processing method, which is reminiscent of the way grapes are transformed into wine. This rare tobacco, grown only in a small area of Louisiana, undergoes a pressure-fermentation process in hickory whiskey barrels, a tradition that dates back to the early 1800s. The result is a rich, complex flavor profile that is highly sought after by tobacco connoisseurs and used to add depth to various tobacco blends. The scarcity and distinct character of Perique make it a subject of fascination and appreciation among those who seek out the finest in tobacco craftsmanship.
Origin and Early Cultivation
The history of Perique tobacco dates back to 1776 when the Acadians made their way into the region of Saint James Parish. The local Choctaw and Chickasaw tribes were already cultivating a variety of tobacco with a distinctive flavor.
Pierre Chenet and the Birth of Perique
In 1824, a farmer named Pierre Chenet is credited with first turning this local tobacco into what is now known as Perique. Chenet’s labor-intensive technique transformed the local tobacco into a variety with a unique and powerful aroma.
The Survival and Revival of Perique
Despite facing extinction more than once, Perique tobacco has survived and thrived, thanks to the efforts of individuals like Mark Ryan, who purchased the L.A. Poche Perique Tobacco company in 2005 and ushered in a new era for Perique.
Unique Features of Perique
Perique is a rare and precious tobacco variety. It is known for its unique characteristics, including its dark color and distinctive aroma. It is often described as having a cooked-fruit, musty, mushroom-like aroma .
Flavor Profile and Aroma
The flavor of Perique is often defined as spicy, earthy, and rich. When used in blends, it can add a strong, peppery, and bitter cigar-like flavor.
Cultivation and Harvesting
Perique tobacco starts out as tiny seeds, which are planted in mid-March. After three months of growth, the mature plants produce leaves more than 18-inches long, which are harvested in June.
Fermentation and Aging
After harvesting, the leaves are hung on wires in open-air barns before being placed in oak whiskey barrels to age. Every six weeks, the barrels are opened, the liquid is drained off, and the leaves are turned to continue the fermentation process.
Role of Perique in Tobacco Blends
Perique is most commonly used as a blending tobacco due to its pungent characteristics. It can add a unique flavor and aroma to a variety of tobacco blends.
Tips for Blending with Perique
When using Perique in blends, it should be used sparingly due to its strong flavor. A large percentage in a blend can provide a strong, peppery, bitter flavor.
what is perique tobacco and how is it made
Perique tobacco is a unique type of tobacco known for its strong, powerful, and fruity aroma. It originates from Saint James Parish, Louisiana. The tobacco plants are manually kept suckerless and pruned to exactly 12 leaves through their early growth. In late June, when the leaves are a dark, rich green and the plants are 24 30 inches tall, the whole plant is harvested in the late evening and hung to dry in a sideless curing barn.
The process of making Perique tobacco is quite unique and involves pressure fermentation. After the tobacco leaves are harvested, they are packed tightly into used whiskey barrels and kept under up to 30 tons of pressure. Every few months, the barrel is emptied, and the tobacco is turned and repacked . This process breaks down the cell walls of the tobacco leaves, releasing the oils and flavors that give Perique tobacco its characteristic taste.
The Perique tobacco stays in the barrels for a minimum of a year before it’s ready to sell, and during that time in the barrel, the leaves are taken out at least three times and aired out and turned by hand before being returned. This process of taking the tobacco out, aeration, and reintroducing anaerobic fermentation is called ‘turning’. The result is a flavor that fans define as spicy, earthy, and rich.
what are the unique characteristics of perique tobacco
Perique tobacco, originating from Saint James Parish, Louisiana, is known for its strong, powerful, and fruity aroma. It is a unique type of tobacco that is both a variety and a process. The tobacco plants are manually kept suckerless and pruned to exactly 12 leaves through their early growth. In late June, when the leaves are a dark, rich green and the plants are 24 30 inches tall, the whole plant is harvested in the late evening and hung to dry in a sideless curing barn.
The unique characteristics of Perique tobacco are largely due to its unique fermentation process. After air-curing, the leaves are picked from the stalks and heavily wetted to prepare it for the next step. They are then packed tightly into used whiskey barrels and kept under up to 30 tons of pressure. Every few months, the barrel is emptied, and the tobacco is turned and repacked. This process breaks down the cell walls of the tobacco leaves, releasing the oils and flavors that give Perique tobacco its characteristic taste .
The finished tobacco is dark brown – nearly black – very moist with a fruity, slightly vinegary aroma. The fruity aroma is the result of hundreds of volatile compounds created by anaerobic fermentation. Many of these are responsible for the flavors of fruits and are often found in wine.
Perique tobacco is often used in small amounts to add flavor and depth to other types of tobacco, rather than being used on its own. The amount of Perique added to a blend is a significant factor in its flavor profile. A little bit of Perique will tend to add spiciness and a stewed-plum flavor. The more Perique you add, the more complex flavors it has to offer, like mushroom and soy sauce, along with the stone fruit kind of notes.
how is perique tobacco used in pipe blends
Perique tobacco is an incredibly versatile blending component and is used to create numerous mixtures, often serving as a condimental tobacco to add nuance or complexity to a blend . It is used in varying proportions depending on the desired flavor profile of the blend.
For example, blends like Escudo and Navy Rolls tend to use about 12% perique . However, it can be used in fairly high proportions (up to 30%) without overshadowing a milder flavored tobacco like a lemon leaf Virginia.
Perique tobacco is known for its distinctive cooked-fruit, musty, mushroom-like aroma and cool-smoking character. It can add a spicy, fruity, or earthy note to a blend, and its strength can give a nicotine boost to milder tobaccos.
When blending your own mixes, it’s important to consider the cut of the Perique tobacco. For instance, a medium length ribbon cut blends better with other ribbon cut tobaccos.
Conclusion
Perique tobacco, with its unique characteristics and rich history, continues to be a cherished variety among tobacco enthusiasts. Its distinctive flavor and aroma make it a valuable addition to various tobacco blends, enhancing their complexity and depth.
Statistics on Perique Tobacco
Consumption Statistics
While Perique tobacco is not the most smoked type of tobacco, it is highly valued for its unique flavor and aroma.
Production Statistics
The production of Perique tobacco is labor-intensive and takes at least a year, making it a rare and expensive type of tobacco.
Frequently Asked Questions about Perique Tobacco
- What is the origin of Perique tobacco?
- What makes Perique tobacco unique?
- How is Perique tobacco produced?
- Why is Perique tobacco so expensive?
- What is the flavor profile of Perique tobacco?
- How popular is Perique tobacco among smokers?
- How does the fermentation process affect the flavor of Perique tobacco?
- What are the best ways to enjoy Perique tobacco?
- What are some popular blends that use Perique tobacco?
- How does Perique tobacco compare to other types of tobacco?
- What are some interesting facts about Perique tobacco?
- What are some recommended books on Perique tobacco?
- Where can I find more information on Perique tobacco?
- What are some authoritative sources on Perique tobacco?
- What are some common misconceptions about Perique tobacco?
Recommended Books on Perique Tobacco
“Perique: Photographs by Charles Martin” is an excellent book that provides a detailed history of Perique tobacco https://www.amazon.com/Perique-Photographs-Charles-Martin/dp/0917860624. Another recommended book is “Ninety More Pipe Blends,” which includes a special chapter on Specialty Yeast Perique https://fairtradetobacco.com/threads/book-ninety-more-pipe-blends-download-free-book.11103/.
Sources of Information on Perique Tobacco
Information on Perique tobacco can be found in various sources, including scientific articles, books, and online forums. Some of these sources include the U.S. Food & Drug Administration https://www.fda.gov/media/135680/download, Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perique, and ResearchGate https://www.researchgate.net/publication/228489250_Volatile_constituents_of_Perique_tobacco.
Citations on Perique Tobacco
- U.S. Food & Drug Administration https://www.fda.gov/media/135680/download
- Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perique
- ResearchGate https://www.researchgate.net/publication/228489250_Volatile_constituents_of_Perique_tobacco
- Tobacco Reviews https://www.tobaccoreviews.com/blend/1688/mcclelland-blending-perique/?pagenumber=1
- Fair Trade Tobacco https://fairtradetobacco.com/threads/perique-dipping-tobbaco.11435/