Dark Burley Tobacco

Dark Burley tobacco being packed for shipping

Dark Burley tobacco, a high-grade, air-cured leaf from the fields of Kentucky, delivers a mellow smoke and fine flavor. Known for its strong, raw flavor, it’s like a taste of pure untamed wildness. This versatile leaf performs well as a base for personal home mixtures or as a go-to, stand-alone smoke. But there’s more to Dark Burley than meets the eye. Join us as we delve into the intriguing world of Dark Burley tobacco, exploring its cultivation, processing, and the unique qualities that make it a favorite among seasoned smokers.

Introduction to Dark Burley Tobacco

Dark Burley tobacco, a high-grade, air-cured leaf, is known for its strong, raw flavor. This versatile leaf is a favorite among seasoned smokers and is a key component in many American tobacco blends.

Origin and Cultivation

Dark Burley tobacco originated in the fields of Kentucky, where it was first cultivated in the mid-19th century. The tobacco plant thrives in the region’s rich, fertile soil and temperate climate.

Evolution and Popularity

Over the years, Dark Burley tobacco has gained popularity for its unique flavor and versatility. It has become a staple in the tobacco industry, used in a variety of products from cigarettes to pipe tobacco.

Physical Attributes

Dark Burley tobacco leaves are known for their rich, dark color. They are larger and thicker than most other tobacco leaves, making them ideal for air-curing.

Flavor Profile

Dark Burley tobacco is known for its bold, nutty flavor. It delivers a mellow smoke and fine flavor, often described as a taste of pure untamed wildness.

Planting and Growing

Dark Burley tobacco seeds are planted in the early spring and require careful tending throughout the growing season. The plants are harvested in the late summer when the leaves have reached their peak maturity.

Harvesting and Curing

After harvesting, the leaves are air-cured, a process that allows them to dry naturally in the open air. This curing process gives Dark Burley tobacco its distinctive taste and aroma.

In Tobacco Blends

Dark Burley tobacco is a versatile leaf that performs well as a base for personal home mixtures. Its strong, raw flavor adds depth and complexity to any blend.

As a Standalone Smoke

For those who prefer a stronger, more robust smoke, Dark Burley tobacco can also be enjoyed on its own. Its bold flavor and high nicotine content make it a favorite among seasoned smokers.

The Impact of Dark Burley Tobacco on the Tobacco Industry

Dark Burley tobacco has had a significant impact on the tobacco industry. Its unique characteristics and versatility have made it a valuable commodity, contributing to the growth and evolution of the industry.

What are the different types of tobacco and how do they differ from Dark Burley tobacco?

There are several types of tobacco, each with its unique characteristics and flavors. Here’s how they differ from Dark Burley tobacco:

  1. Virginia Tobacco: This is a pleasant tasting tobacco grown in several Southern states. It is sweet and high in sugar, which makes it burn faster than Burley types. It mixes well with Burley or can be good as a standalone varietal .
  2. Latakia: This tobacco is grown in Syria and on the island of Cyprus. Its stems and leaves are cured to produce a strong, smoky flavor. Latakia is a primary tobacco used in English style blends .
  3. Turkish Tobacco: This type of tobacco is grown in Turkey, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East. These mild and fast-burning tobaccos are commonly used in more exotic English style blends and some cigarette blends .
  4. Black Tobacco: This is Burley tobacco that has been steamed for over 48 hours to achieve its color and exceptionally mild smoking characteristics .
  5. Aromatic Fire-cured Tobacco: Prior to the American Civil War, most tobacco grown in the US was fire-cured dark-leaf. This type of tobacco was planted in fertile lowlands, used a robust variety of leaf, and was either fire cured or air-cured. Aromatic fire-cured smoking tobacco is dark leaf, a robust variety of tobacco used as a condimental for pipe blends. It is cured by smoking over gentle fires .
  6. Type 22 Tobacco: This is a type of dark fire-cured tobacco, known as Eastern District fire-cured, produced principally in a section east of the Tennessee River in southern Kentucky and northern Tennessee .
  7. White Burley: This is a variant of Burley tobacco that is lighter in color and flavor compared to Dark Burley .

How is Dark Burley tobacco grown and harvested?

The cultivation and harvesting of Dark Burley tobacco involve a series of carefully planned steps to ensure the yield and quality of the crop .

Cultivation Process

The cultivation of Dark Burley tobacco begins with the sowing of seeds in a specially constructed seedbed. After two months, the seed has grown into a plant approximately 15-20 cm high, strong enough to continue its growth in the field for the next two to three months. During this period, the plants are carefully tended to maximize yield and quality .

Throughout the growing season, farmers make numerous decisions that impact the yield and quality of the crops. These decisions may include choosing appropriate varieties, planning effective pest control measures, or perhaps deciding the best time to top or harvest a crop .

Harvesting Methods

One of the most important management decisions in producing high-quality Dark Burley tobacco is deciding when to cut. The maturity of the crop should be the primary consideration, although weather conditions and the availability of labor are also factors. Tobacco cut at maturity but not allowed to become overripe will be easier to cure and have better cured leaf quality than immature or over-mature tobacco .

In general, Dark Burley tobacco is harvested by mid-September. Under good growing conditions, Burley tobacco crops will continue to add weight for the first four to five weeks after topping. Harvesting at six weeks or more after topping usually does not result in increased yields and often leads to decreased leaf quality .

After cutting, the large end of the stalk is fixed onto the sharpened end of a stick, which when loaded with a number of stalks is hung by hand in a tobacco barn for curing . The tobacco can then be left on the standing stick in the field to wilt before being picked up for housing .

Dark Burley tobacco is air-cured in barns where the heat and humidity come from natural ventilation. The curing process takes up to two months, during which the tobacco loses most of its natural sugars and develops a strong, almost cigar-like taste .

After curing, the stalks are hand-stripped, and the leaves are then graded by their position on the stalk . The tobacco is dried, packed in cases, and shipped to manufacturing centers around the world where it is blended and made into various tobacco products .

What are the most common uses of Dark Burley tobacco?

Dark Burley tobacco is a versatile leaf that is used in a variety of tobacco products due to its strong, raw flavor and high nicotine content. Here are some of the most common uses of Dark Burley tobacco:

  1. Cigarettes: Dark Burley tobacco is primarily used for cigarette production. Its strong flavor and high nicotine content make it a popular choice for many cigarette manufacturers .
  2. Pipe Tobacco: Dark Burley tobacco is a classic component in American pipe tobacco. It is bold and a bit spicy in flavor, somewhat reminiscent of cigar leaf. It mixes well with lighter tobaccos to add substance, flavor, and nicotine content . It is also often the most prominent ingredient in Cavendish because of its easy acceptance of flavoring .
  3. Tobacco Blends: Dark Burley tobacco is a key component in many tobacco blends. Its strong, raw flavor adds depth and complexity to any blend. It readily adopts and accents the flavors of other leaf with which it is blended .
  4. Chewing Tobacco: Dark Burley tobacco is also used in chewing tobacco. Its high nicotine content and strong flavor make it a popular choice for this type of product .
  5. Snuff: Dark Burley tobacco is used in snuff, a type of finely ground or pulverized tobacco that is inhaled or “snuffed” into the nasal cavity .
  6. Cigars: Dark Burley tobacco’s bold and spicy flavor is somewhat reminiscent of cigar leaf, making it a suitable component in some cigar blends .

How does the taste of Dark Burley tobacco compare to other types of tobacco?

Dark Burley tobacco is known for its strong, raw flavor that is often compared to burnt chocolate, cloves, and old wine . It is not sweet and if it resembles chocolate at all, it is akin to a 93% cacao dark chocolate or Baker’s unsweetened chocolate . It has a nutty taste with slight bitterness and undertones of cut vegetation .

In comparison, other types of tobacco have different flavor profiles. For instance, Virginia tobacco is sweet and high in sugar, which makes it burn faster than Burley types . Latakia, grown in Syria and on the island of Cyprus, has a strong, smoky flavor due to its stems and leaves being cured over fire . Turkish tobaccos are mild and fast-burning, commonly used in more exotic English style blends and some cigarette blends .

White Burley, a variant of Burley tobacco, is more mellow, evoking nutty and chocolate flavors, and flavors of cocoa .

Conclusion

Dark Burley tobacco is a unique and versatile leaf that has left a significant mark on the tobacco industry. From its rich, bold flavor to its unique cultivation and processing techniques, it offers a smoking experience like no other. Whether enjoyed on its own or as part of a blend, Dark Burley tobacco delivers a taste of pure untamed wildness that is sure to satisfy any tobacco enthusiast.

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 . The cultivation and processing of Dark Burley tobacco involve careful tending throughout the growing season, with the plants harvested in late summer when the leaves have reached their peak maturity. After harvesting, the leaves are air-cured, a process that allows them to dry naturally in the open air, giving Dark Burley tobacco its distinctive taste and aroma .

Statistics:

Kentucky ranks 1st in burley, fire-cured, and dark-cured tobacco production, and 2nd in total tobacco production in the nation. In 2021, Kentucky burley tobacco production was estimated at 71.8 million pounds, yield was estimated at 2,050 pounds per acre, and harvested acreage was estimated at 35,000 acres. Production of Kentucky dark fire-cured tobacco is estimated at 29.1 million pounds, up 40% from the previous year. Dark air-cured tobacco production is estimated at 16.2 million pounds, up 21% from last year .

FAQs:

  1. What is Dark Burley tobacco? Dark Burley tobacco is a high-grade, air-cured leaf known for its strong, raw flavor .
  2. Where is Dark Burley tobacco grown? Dark Burley tobacco is primarily grown in the fields of Kentucky .
  3. Why is Dark Burley tobacco popular? Dark Burley tobacco is popular for its unique flavor and versatility. It is a key component in many American tobacco blends .
  4. How is Dark Burley tobacco processed? After harvesting, the leaves of Dark Burley tobacco are air-cured, a process that allows them to dry naturally in the open air .
  5. Is Dark Burley tobacco used in cigarettes? Yes, Dark Burley tobacco is used in a variety of products, including cigarettes .
  6. Can Dark Burley tobacco be used in pipe tobacco? Yes, Dark Burley tobacco is also used in pipe tobacco .
  7. Does Dark Burley tobacco have a distinctive taste? Yes, Dark Burley tobacco is known for its bold, nutty flavor .
  8. Will the production of Dark Burley tobacco increase? The production of Dark Burley tobacco could potentially increase for individual growers who stay in the industry amidst an overall declining market .
  9. Who are the main producers of Dark Burley tobacco? The main producers of Dark Burley tobacco are located in Kentucky, which ranks 1st in burley, fire-cured, and dark-cured tobacco production .
  10. What is the yield of Dark Burley tobacco per acre? The yield of Dark Burley tobacco was estimated at 2,050 pounds per acre in 2021 .
  11. What is the estimated production of Dark Burley tobacco? In 2021, Kentucky burley tobacco production was estimated at 71.8 million pounds .
  12. How has the production of Dark Burley tobacco changed over the years? The production of Kentucky dark fire-cured tobacco increased by 40% from the previous year .
  13. What is the harvested acreage for Dark Burley tobacco? The harvested acreage for Dark Burley tobacco was estimated at 35,000 acres in 2021 .
  14. What is the flavor profile of Dark Burley tobacco? Dark Burley tobacco delivers a mellow smoke and fine flavor, often described as a taste of pure untamed wildness .
  15. How does Dark Burley tobacco perform in tobacco blends? Dark Burley tobacco is a versatile leaf that performs well as a base for personal home mixtures. Its strong, raw flavor adds depth and complexity to any blend .

Books:

  1. “A History of Burley Tobacco in East Tennessee & Western North Carolina” by Billy Yeargin and Christopher Bickers .
  2. “Burley: Kentucky Tobacco in a New Century” by Ann K. Ferrell.

Sources of information:

  1. “Burley and Dark Tobacco Production Guide” – Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment – University of Kentucky https://www2.ca.uky.edu/agc/pubs/ID/ID160/ID160.pdf.
  2. “Tobacco – KyFoodandFarm.info” https://www.kyfoodandfarm.info/tobacco.
  3. “Cornell & Diehl – Dark Burley – Tobacco Reviews” https://www.tobaccoreviews.com/blend/261/cornell-diehl-dark-burley/.
  4. “A History of Burley Tobacco in East Tennessee & Western North Carolina – Amazon” https://www.amazon.com/History-Tobacco-Tennessee-Western-Carolina/dp/1626199604.
  5. “Burley, Dark Air, Fire Cured, and Maryland Type Tobacco Changes Effective for the 2023 and Succeeding Crop Years – RMA (usda.gov)” https://www.rma.usda.gov/en/Policy-and-Procedure/Bulletins-and-Memos/2022/PM-22-073.
  6. “Burley | tobacco – Britannica” https://www.britannica.com/plant/Burley-tobacco.
  7. “Tobacco Trouble: Number of combined burley and dark acres drops below 500 | Features” https://www.messenger-inquirer.com/features/tobacco-trouble-number-of-combined-burley-and-dark-acres-drops-below-500/article_01514104-7756-54c4-98fd-d29cff8aead9.html.
  8. “Frequently Asked Questions | Burley Tobacco Growers Cooperative Association Settlement” https://www.btgcasettlement.com/frequently-asked-questions.php.
  9. “A History of Burley Tobacco in East Tennessee & Western North Carolina (Paperback) | Face in a Book” https://www.getyourfaceinabook.com/book/9781626199606.
  10. “Tobacco Industry: Sources of Historical Research” https://guides.loc.gov/tobacco-industry/research-industry.
  11. “Burley (tobacco) – Wikipedia” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burley_(tobacco).
  12. “Variability of TSNA in U.S. Tobacco and Moist Smokeless Tobacco Products – PMC – NCBI” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7317684/.
  13. “Burley? :: Pipe Tobacco Discussion :: Pipe Smokers Forums of PipesMagazine.com” https://pipesmagazine.com/forums/threads/burley.30788/.

Citations:

  1. Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment – University of Kentucky. (2023). Burley and Dark Tobacco Production Guide https://www2.ca.uky.edu/agc/pubs/ID/ID160/ID160.pdf.
  2. KyFoodandFarm.info. (2023). Tobacco https://www.kyfoodandfarm.info/tobacco.
  3. Tobacco Reviews. (2023). Cornell & Diehl – Dark Burley https://www.tobaccoreviews.com/blend/261/cornell-diehl-dark-burley/.
  4. Yeargin, B., & Bickers, C. (2023). A History of Burley Tobacco in East Tennessee & Western North Carolina https://www.getyourfaceinabook.com/book/9781626199606.
  5. Risk Management Agency (RMA). (2022). Burley, Dark Air, Fire Cured, and Maryland Type Tobacco Changes Effective for the 2023 and Succeeding Crop Years https://www.rma.usda.gov/en/Policy-and-Procedure/Bulletins-and-Memos/2022/PM-22-073.
  6. Britannica. (2023). Burley | tobacco https://www.britannica.com/plant/Burley-tobacco.
  7. Messenger-Inquirer. (2023). Tobacco Trouble: Number of combined burley and dark acres drops below 500 | Features https://www.messenger-inquirer.com/features/tobacco-trouble-number-of-combined-burley-and-dark-acres-drops-below-500/article_01514104-7756-54c4-98fd-d29cff8aead9.html.
  8. Burley Tobacco Growers Cooperative Association Settlement. (2023). Frequently Asked Questions https://www.btgcasettlement.com/frequently-asked-questions.php.
  9. Face in a Book. (2023). A History of Burley Tobacco in East Tennessee & Western North Carolina (Paperback) https://www.getyourfaceinabook.com/book/9781626199606.
  10. Library of Congress. (2023). Tobacco Industry: Sources of Historical Research https://guides.loc.gov/tobacco-industry/research-industry.
  11. Wikipedia. (2023). Burley (tobacco) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burley_(tobacco).
  12. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). (2023). Variability of TSNA in U.S. Tobacco
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