Tobacco Brown Burley, a unique blend with a rich history and distinct flavor, has been a staple in the tobacco industry for centuries. Its versatility and unique characteristics make it a favorite among tobacco enthusiasts. Join us as we delve into the intriguing world of Tobacco Brown Burley, exploring its cultivation, processing, and the art and science behind its unique flavor profile.
The Origin of Burley Tobacco
Burley tobacco’s origin can be traced back to 1864 when George Webb and Joseph Fore grew it on the farm of Captain Frederick Kautz near Higginsport, Ohio. They noticed that it yielded a different type of light leaf shaded from white to yellow and cured differently.
The Rise of Burley Tobacco
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. By 1883, Burley tobacco had become a significant part of the tobacco industry.
Planting and Growing Burley Tobacco
In the U.S., Burley tobacco plants are started from pelletized seeds placed in polystyrene trays floated on a bed. Transplanting begins in May and progresses through June with a small percentage set in July.
Challenges in Burley Tobacco Cultivation
Producers must contend with major diseases such as black shank and blue mold and insects like aphids. Despite these challenges, Burley tobacco is produced in many countries, with major production in Brazil, Malawi, and Argentina.
The Curing Process of Burley Tobacco
Burley tobacco is allowed to air-cure for eight or more weeks, turning from the normal pale green to yellow and then to brown. This curing process results in a tobacco that is light to dark brown in color.
The Flavor Profile of Burley Tobacco
Burley tobacco is known for its robust aroma and slight hint of cocoa in its taste. It is also known for its high nicotine content and low sugar content, which gives it a strong, almost cigar-like taste.
Burley Tobacco in Cigarettes
Burley tobacco is primarily used in cigarette production. Its unique characteristics make it a preferred choice for cigarette manufacturers.
Burley Tobacco in Pipe Tobacco
Burley tobacco is also used in pipe tobacco. It is known for its ability to absorb flavors from casings and toppings, making it a versatile choice for pipe tobacco blends.
what is burley tobacco and how is it different from other types of tobacco
Burley tobacco is a light air-cured tobacco primarily used for cigarette production. It is produced in an eight-state belt in the United States, with approximately 70% produced in Kentucky and Tennessee. Burley tobacco is also produced in other countries, including Brazil, Malawi, and Argentina. The origin of Burley tobacco is credited to George Webb and Joseph Fore in 1864, who grew it on the farm of Captain Frederick Kautz near Higginsport, Ohio, from seed from Bracken County, Kentucky. They noticed it yielded a different type of light leaf shaded from white to yellow, and it cured differently.
Burley tobacco is different from other types of tobacco in several ways. For instance, it is a mutation of the Virginia tobacco plant. The leaves of the Burley tobacco plant are brown, and the cultivation of the plants is more care-intensive. The cultivation areas of Burley tobacco are more limited than those of Virginia: it is mainly grown in the USA, Canada, Uganda, Central America, and Indonesia. After the basic tobacco is harvested, it must first be dried out. In the case of Virginia, the tobacco is usually hot-air dried using special equipment, while Burley tobacco is usually simply air-dried.
Burley tobacco 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. The air-curing process takes between three to twelve weeks and results in light tan to reddish-brown leaves. Burley is most commonly used in American blend cigarettes, Roll-Your-Own (RYO), and Make-Your-Own (MYO) products.
Burley tobacco has a bolder character than Virginia tobacco and is a little dry with faint hints of cocoa. After the Burley has been processed, the taste is medium to full-bodied, relatively dry, and contains a clearer note of cocoa. The total intensity in the taste is determined from the leaf position; a leaf positioned high on the tobacco plant gives it a bolder taste.
In contrast, Virginia tobacco is the mildest of all blending tobaccos and has the highest level of natural dextrose (sugar), which basically gives it a light sweet taste. Virginia is used in virtually all blends, is a good burner, and aids in lighting.
how is burley tobacco used in different types of tobacco products
Burley tobacco is used in a variety of tobacco products due to its unique characteristics. Here’s how it’s used in different types of tobacco products:
Cigarettes
Burley tobacco is primarily used for cigarette production. It is often blended with other types of tobacco, such as Virginia and Oriental, to create a balanced and flavorful smoke. The air-cured Burley leaves are known for their robust flavor, which adds depth to the cigarette blend. Typically, Burley tobacco is treated with sugars, such as molasses or licorice, to replace sugars lost in curing, which contributes to the overall taste of the cigarette.
Pipe Tobaccos
Burley leaves are also a staple in pipe tobaccos. Their rich, robust flavor and ability to absorb added flavors make them a popular choice for pipe tobacco blends. The air-curing process of Burley tobacco, which can take between three to twelve weeks, results in a leaf that provides a strong, flavorful smoke that is appreciated by pipe smokers.
Roll-Your-Own (RYO) and Make-Your-Own (MYO) Products
Burley tobacco is commonly used in Roll-Your-Own (RYO) and Make-Your-Own (MYO) products. Its robust flavor and air-cured nature make it a suitable choice for these types of tobacco products. The leaves can be easily manipulated and rolled, providing users with a personalized smoking experience.
Chewing Tobacco
While not as common, Burley tobacco is sometimes used in chewing tobacco. The robust flavor of Burley leaves can contribute to the overall taste of the product.
what are the most popular types of tobacco blends that use burley tobacco
Burley tobacco is a versatile tobacco variety that is used in several popular tobacco blends due to its unique properties. Here are some of the most popular types of tobacco blends that incorporate Burley tobacco:
- American Blend Cigarettes: Burley tobacco is a key component in the American blend used for cigarettes, which typically includes a mix of Burley, Virginia, and Oriental tobaccos. The Burley provides body and a robust flavor to the blend.
- Pipe Tobacco Blends: In pipe tobaccos, Burley is appreciated for its rich, earthy flavors and is often paired with a variety of other components. It is a common ingredient in many pipe tobacco blends, providing a strong base that can be flavored with a wide range of aromatics.
- Cavendish Tobacco: Burley is the varietal of choice for producing steamed and fermented Cavendish tobaccos due to its thicker and more durable leaf. It can be found in both flavored and unflavored Cavendish blends.
- Chewing Tobacco: Although not as common, Burley tobacco is sometimes used in chewing tobacco products, contributing to the overall taste with its robust flavor.
- Roll-Your-Own (RYO) and Make-Your-Own (MYO) Tobacco: Burley’s robust flavor and air-cured nature make it suitable for RYO and MYO tobacco products, where it can be easily manipulated and rolled for a personalized smoking experience.
- Flavored and Aromatic Blends: Burley’s ability to absorb added flavors makes it a popular choice for flavored and aromatic blends. It can be found in products with a variety of flavorings such as cherry, citrus, menthol, rum, vanilla, amaretto, and fruit.
- English and Balkan Blends: In English and Balkan blends, Burley is used to add body and strength without overwhelming the blend’s other components, such as Latakia and Oriental tobaccos.
- Burley-Based Pipe Tobaccos: Some pipe tobaccos are specifically designed to showcase the natural qualities of Burley, often featuring it as the dominant tobacco in the blend.
- Dark Fired Kentucky Blends: Burley that has been dark-fired, such as Kentucky Burley, is used to give more body to blends and is characterized by a sweet taste and a medium-heavy-bodied leaf.
Conclusion
Tobacco Brown Burley plays a significant role in the tobacco industry due to its unique characteristics and versatility. Despite the health risks associated with its high nicotine content, strategies are in place to reduce these risks, making Burley tobacco a continued staple in the industry.
FAQs:
- What is the primary use of Burley tobacco?
Burley tobacco is primarily used for cigarette production due to its light air-cured properties and flavor profile. - How is Burley tobacco cured?
It is air-cured, which involves hanging the tobacco in open barns to dry naturally over a period of one to two months. - Where did Burley tobacco originate?
Burley tobacco originated in the late 1800s in Kentucky and Tennessee. - What are the key characteristics of Burley tobacco?
Burley tobacco is known for its light to dark brown color, robust aroma, and slight hint of cocoa in its taste. - How does Burley tobacco’s nicotine content compare to other types?
Burley tobacco is high in nicotine content compared to other tobacco types. - What challenges do Burley tobacco farmers face?
Farmers must manage diseases like black shank and blue mold, as well as pests such as aphids. - Can Burley tobacco be used in pipe tobacco blends?
Yes, it is also used in pipe tobacco blends due to its ability to absorb flavors. - What makes Burley tobacco suitable for cigarette production?
Its unique characteristics, including its curing process and flavor profile, make it a preferred choice for cigarette manufacturers. - How does the flavor of Burley tobacco differ from other tobaccos?
Burley tobacco has a strong, almost cigar-like taste due to its high nicotine and low sugar content. - Where is Burley tobacco predominantly grown in the United States?
It is produced in an eight-state belt, with a significant portion coming from Tennessee. - What is the historical significance of Burley tobacco in agriculture?
It has been an important cash crop, especially in regions like western North Carolina. - Does the color of Burley tobacco change during curing?
Yes, it changes from pale green to yellow and then to brown during the air-curing process. - What are the environmental requirements for curing Burley tobacco?
The curing process requires a well-ventilated barn and natural airflow. - How long has Burley tobacco been cultivated?
Burley tobacco has been cultivated for over 100 years. - What are the modern trends in Burley tobacco production?
Production is evolving with changes in consumer preferences and regulations.
Books:
For those interested in learning more about Burley tobacco, the following books are recommended:
- “Tobacco Culture: Farming Kentucky s Burley Belt” by John van Willigen and Susan C. Eastwood https://dh.wcu.edu/index.php/2010/08/30/burley-tobacco/
- “How to Cultivate, Cure and Prepare for Market; White Burley Tobacco and Its Culture; Seed Leaf Tobacco and Its Culture” https://www.amazon.com/Tobacco-Cultivate-Prepare-Culture-Classic/dp/0331389770
Citations:
Authoritative sources on the subject of Burley tobacco include:
- AEU-93 Burley Curing Technology https://burleytobaccoextension.ca.uky.edu/files/aeu-93_burley_curing_technology.pdf
- The Cultural Ecology and Structuration of Burley Tobacco Production in Madison County, North Carolina https://dh.wcu.edu/index.php/2010/08/30/burley-tobacco/
- The 2023-2024 Burley and Dark Tobacco Production Guide https://www2.ca.uky.edu/agcomm/pubs/ID/ID160/ID160.pdf
- Wikipedia’s entry on Burley (tobacco) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burley_(tobacco)