Dark Burley tobacco, with its rich, robust flavor and deep mahogany hue, has long been a staple in the tobacco industry. Often air-cured and sometimes fermented, this variety is known for its use in premium cigars and as a blending component in pipe tobaccos. Its earthy, nutty, and slightly dry flavor profile makes it a favorite among tobacco enthusiasts who seek a full-bodied smoking experience. Despite the challenges faced by the tobacco sector, Dark Burley maintains a strong position in the market, cherished for its unique characteristics and the artisanal methods used in its production.
Dark Burley in the 20th Century
As the 20th century dawned, Dark Burley gained popularity, becoming a staple in the tobacco industry. Its use in premium cigars and as a blending component in pipe tobaccos solidified its place in the market.
Planting and Growing
The cultivation of Dark Burley is a meticulous process that begins with the planting of seeds in nutrient-rich soil. The plants are carefully tended to ensure optimal growth, with farmers monitoring for pests and disease.
Harvesting and Curing
Once the leaves have matured, they are harvested and undergo a curing process. This often involves air-curing and sometimes fermentation, which enhances the tobacco’s flavor and color.
Flavor Profile
Dark Burley is known for its earthy, nutty, and slightly dry flavor profile. These characteristics make it a favorite among tobacco enthusiasts who seek a full-bodied smoking experience.
Uses in Tobacco Products
Dark Burley’s unique flavor and aroma make it a popular choice for a variety of tobacco products, including cigars, pipe tobacco, and certain types of cigarettes.
Complementary Tobacco Varieties
Dark Burley is often blended with other tobacco varieties to create a balanced and complex flavor profile. Its robust flavor complements lighter, sweeter tobaccos, adding depth and richness to the blend.
Creating a Balanced Blend
The art of blending involves carefully selecting and combining different tobacco varieties to achieve a desired flavor profile. Dark Burley, with its distinctive characteristics, plays a crucial role in this process.
Current Trends
Despite the challenges faced by the tobacco sector, Dark Burley maintains a strong position in the market. Its unique characteristics and the artisanal methods used in its production continue to appeal to discerning smokers.
The Future of Dark Burley
Looking ahead, the future of Dark Burley appears promising. As long as there are smokers who appreciate its unique flavor and aroma, there will be a place for Dark Burley in the tobacco industry.
what is the history of dark burley tobacco
The history of Dark Burley tobacco dates back to the mid-19th century. It was first cultivated by George Webb and Joseph Fore in 1864 on the farm of Captain Frederick Kautz near Higginsport, Ohio, using seed from Bracken County, Kentucky. They noticed that this variety of tobacco yielded a different type of light leaf shaded from white to yellow and cured differently. By 1866, they had harvested 20,000 pounds of Burley tobacco and sold it in 1867 at the St. Louis Fair for $58 per hundred pounds .
The tobacco quickly gained popularity due to its unique characteristics. It was high in nicotine, low in sugar, and responded best to air curing. After about six weeks of air-curing, when the leaves have changed from yellowish-green to brown, the stalks are taken to the stripping room where the leaves are removed and graded .
By 1883, Cincinnati had become the principal market for this tobacco, and it was grown throughout central Kentucky and Middle Tennessee. In 1880, Kentucky accounted for 36 percent of the total national tobacco production, and was first in the country, with nearly twice as much tobacco produced as by Virginia, then the second-place state .
Dark Burley tobacco is robust and smoky, with a strong flavor and aroma. The tobacco leaves are cured by exposing them to open fires or in heated barns, which gives them their distinct dark color and intense flavor. Dark-fired tobacco is often used in pipe tobacco, chewing tobacco, and a variety of cigars .
Over time, Burley tobacco has diversified, and in Kentucky, you can also find dark burley, which has been fermented to enhance its color and flavor . Dark Burley tobacco is a high-grade, air-cured leaf known for its strong, raw flavor. It originated in the fields of Kentucky and has become a staple in the tobacco industry, used in a variety of products from cigarettes to pipe tobacco .
what are the different types of burley tobacco
Burley tobacco is a versatile type of tobacco that comes in several varieties, each with its own unique characteristics. Here are some of the different types of Burley tobacco:
- White Burley: This is the original Burley tobacco, first cultivated in the mid-19th century. It is known for its light leaf shaded from white to yellow and is air-cured. It is high in nicotine, low in sugar, and is primarily used for cigarette production .
- Dark Burley: This variety has been fermented to enhance its color and flavor. It is a high-grade, air-cured leaf known for its strong, raw flavor. Dark Burley is used in a variety of tobacco products, from cigarettes to pipe tobacco .
- Kentucky Burley: This is a darker-colored Burley, also cured by direct fire, used especially to give more body to blends. It is characterized by a sweet taste and a medium-heavy-bodied leaf .
- Light Air-Cured (LAC) Burley: This type of Burley is typically cured in ventilated barns under natural conditions. The leaves are lighter green in color during growth due to a lower chlorophyll content, and thinner compared to most other air-cured tobaccos and Flue-Cured tobacco types .
- Dark Air-Cured (DAC) Burley: There are several different types and sub-types of DAC tobaccos grown around the world. Dark Fired-Cured tobacco, also known as Fire-Cured , is often physiologically similar to some Dark Air-Cured tobacco types. The curing process gives them their distinct dark color and intense flavor .
- Burley Varieties for Pipe Tobacco: Among the different varieties of tobacco used for pipes, Burley pipe tobacco holds a prominent position because of its rich history, unique taste, and wide range of applications. It is mainly used as a base for blends because of its high assimilation capacity .
what are the most popular brands of dark burley tobacco
Popular Brands of Dark Burley Tobacco:
Several brands have made a name for themselves in the world of Dark Burley tobacco. Here are some of the most popular ones:
- Cornell & Diehl: Known for their Dark Burley blend, Cornell & Diehl offers a high-grade, air-cured dark Burley from the fields of Kentucky. It is mild but delivers a fine flavor, making it versatile for personal mixture experimentation or as a standalone smoke .
- Mac Baren: Mac Baren’s HH Burley Flake is among the best pipe tobaccos containing Burley. It includes Dark Fired Kentucky and Burley from three different continents. Another popular blend from Mac Baren is the “Bold Kentucky,” a classic UK-style flake with bright Virginia and dark fired Kentucky Burley .
- Black Note: Black Note’s Burley blend captures the essence of renowned brands, offering a familiar and satisfying experience for those transitioning from traditional smoking. Its earthy, nutty, and slightly dry flavor is reminiscent of renowned cigarette brands like American Spirit, Marlboro, Lucky Strikes, Camel, Parliament, Benson .
- Caporal by Mac Baren: Caporal Rolling Tobacco is a mixture mainly made of dark tobaccos, for smokers who prefer a traditional fine cut mixture .
- Peter Stokkebye: Known for their premium blends, Peter Stokkebye offers a variety of Burley tobaccos that are popular among enthusiasts .
- Kentucky Select: This brand is known for its high-quality Burley blends, which are popular for their rich flavor and smooth smoke .
- Lane Limited: Lane Limited offers a variety of Burley blends that are popular among pipe smokers for their rich flavor and smooth smoke .
- Drew Estate: Known for their innovative blends, Drew Estate offers a variety of Burley tobaccos that are popular among enthusiasts .
Conclusion
Dark Burley tobacco, with its rich history, unique characteristics, and enduring popularity, continues to play a significant role in the tobacco industry. Its robust flavor, deep color, and versatility in blending make it a favorite among tobacco enthusiasts, ensuring its place in the market for years to come.
Statistics:
Kentucky is a major producer of Dark Burley tobacco. In 2021, Kentucky’s dark fire-cured tobacco production was estimated at 29.1 million pounds, up 40% from the previous year. Dark air-cured tobacco production was estimated at 16.2 million pounds, up 21% from the previous year .
FAQs:
- What is Dark Burley tobacco?
Dark Burley tobacco is a high-grade, air-cured tobacco known for its mild yet fine flavor . - Where is Dark Burley tobacco primarily grown?
Dark Burley tobacco is primarily grown in the United States, particularly in Kentucky . - How is Dark Burley tobacco cured?
Dark Burley tobacco is air-cured, a process that changes the tobacco leaf’s chemical and physical properties . - Why is Dark Burley tobacco popular in blends?
Dark Burley tobacco is popular in blends due to its versatility, unique flavor profile, and slow-burning properties . - What factors are considered when selecting a Dark Burley tobacco variety?
Factors to consider include the expected yield under ideal conditions and the quality of the crop . - How does the curing process affect the flavor of Dark Burley tobacco?
The curing process plays a significant role in the flavor of Dark Burley tobacco, contributing to its unique flavor profile . - Can Dark Burley tobacco be used as a standalone smoke?
Yes, Dark Burley tobacco can be used as a standalone smoke, delivering a fine flavor . - What is the production of Dark Burley tobacco in Kentucky?
In 2021, Kentucky’s dark fire-cured tobacco production was estimated at 29.1 million pounds . - Is Dark Burley tobacco used in personal mixture experimentation?
Yes, Dark Burley tobacco is versatile and performs well as a base for personal mixture experimentation . - What is the estimated production of dark air-cured tobacco?
Dark air-cured tobacco production was estimated at 16.2 million pounds in 2021 . - What are the physical properties of Dark Burley tobacco after curing?
After curing, Dark Burley tobacco changes from the green and yellowish stages to tan and brown aromatic leaf . - What are the chemical properties of Dark Burley tobacco after curing?
The chemical properties of Dark Burley tobacco change significantly during the curing process, contributing to its unique flavor profile . - What is the impact of the growing season on the yield and quality of Dark Burley tobacco?
The decisions made during the growing season significantly impact the yield and quality of Dark Burley tobacco crops . - How does Dark Burley tobacco perform in blends?
Dark Burley tobacco performs well in blends due to its versatility, unique flavor profile, and slow-burning properties . - What is the flavor profile of Dark Burley tobacco?
Dark Burley tobacco has a mild yet fine flavor, often described as nutty and slightly bitter .
Sources of information:
- University of Kentucky, University of Tennessee, Virginia Tech, and NC State University’s Burley and Dark Tobacco Production Guide https://www2.ca.uky.edu/agcomm/pubs/ID/ID160/ID160.pdf
- Burley Tobacco Curing Advisory https://burleytobaccoextension.ca.uky.edu/files/fact_sheet_4-09.pdf
- Cornell & Diehl Dark Burley https://www.tobaccoreviews.com/blend/261/cornell-diehl-dark-burley/
- KyFoodandFarm.info https://www.kyfoodandfarm.info/tobacco
- Heirloom Organics’ Guide to Growing Burley Tobacco https://www.heirloom-organics.com/guide/va/1/guidetogrowingburleytobacco.html
- Pipe Tobacco Reviews https://pipesmagazine.com/forums/threads/burley-processing-what-is-the-difference-in-taste.68867/
- Maharishi Central University’s article on Dark Burley Tobacco https://maharishicentraluniversity.org/dark-burley-tobacco-a-versatile-and-bold-blend.html
- Wikipedia’s article on Burley Tobacco https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burley_(tobacco)
- Burley Tobacco Extension’s Production Guide https://burleytobaccoextension.ca.uky.edu/production-guide
- Fair Trade Tobacco’s forum on Processing Burley https://fairtradetobacco.com/threads/processing-burley.10527/
- Tobacconist Magazine’s article on Pipe Tobacco Basics https://www.chesapeakepipeandcigar.com/pipe-tobacco/know-your-pipe-tobaccos/
- National Center for Biotechnology Information’s article on Variability of TSNA in U.S. Tobacco and Moist Smokeless Tobacco Products https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7317684/
- PMI’s article on Tobacco Farming https://www.pmi.com/tobacco-economics/tobacco-farming-and-curing
Citations:
- University of Kentucky, University of Tennessee, Virginia Tech, and NC State University’s Burley and Dark Tobacco Production Guide https://www2.ca.uky.edu/agcomm/pubs/ID/ID160/ID160.pdf
- Burley Tobacco Curing Advisory https://burleytobaccoextension.ca.uky.edu/files/fact_sheet_4-09.pdf
- Cornell & Diehl Dark Burley https://www.tobaccoreviews.com/blend/261/cornell-diehl-dark-burley/
- KyFoodandFarm.info https://www.kyfoodandfarm.info/tobacco
- Heirloom Organics’ Guide to Growing Burley Tobacco https://www.heirloom-organics.com/guide/va/1/guidetogrowingburleytobacco.html
- Pipe Tobacco Reviews https://pipesmagazine.com/forums/threads/burley-processing-what-is-the-difference-in-taste.68867/
- Maharishi Central University’s article on Dark Burley Tobacco https://maharishicentraluniversity.org/dark-burley-tobacco-a-versatile-and-bold-blend.html
- Wikipedia’s article on Burley Tobacco https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burley_(tobacco)
- Burley Tobacco Extension’s Production Guide https://burleytobaccoextension.ca.uky.edu/production-guide
- Fair Trade Tobacco’s forum on Processing Burley https://fairtradetobacco.com/threads/processing-burley.10527/
- Tobacconist Magazine’s article on Pipe Tobacco Basics https://www.chesapeakepipeandcigar.com/pipe-tobacco/know-your-pipe-tobaccos/
- National Center for Biotechnology Information’s article on Variability of TSNA in U.S. Tobacco and Moist Smokeless Tobacco Products https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7317684/
- PMI’s article on Tobacco Farming https://www.pmi.com/tobacco-economics/tobacco-farming-and-curing