Tobacco Perique

Vintage illustration of Tobacco Perique plant

Tobacco Perique: A Unique Blend with a Rich History

Tobacco Perique, a name that resonates with mystery and allure. This unique blend, known for its distinctive aroma and flavor, has been the subject of fascination for tobacco enthusiasts around the world. But what is it about Tobacco Perique that sets it apart? What secrets does it hold?

The world of tobacco is as diverse as it is intriguing, and among its many variants, one stands out for its unique characteristics and rich history – Tobacco Perique. This type of tobacco, originating from Saint James Parish, Louisiana, is known for its strong, powerful, and fruity aroma, making it a favorite among tobacco connoisseurs.

The Role of Pierre Chenet

The story of Tobacco Perique begins with a farmer named Pierre Chenet. In 1824, Chenet is credited with turning a local tobacco variant into what we now know as Perique through a labor-intensive technique of pressure-fermentation.

The Influence of Native American Tribes

However, the roots of this tobacco go even further back. When the Acadians made their way into the region in 1776, they found the Choctaw and Chickasaw tribes cultivating a variety of tobacco with a distinctive flavor. This variety would later form the basis of Perique.

Cultivation and Harvesting

The cultivation of Perique tobacco is a meticulous process. The plants are manually kept suckerless and pruned to exactly 12 leaves during their early growth. In late June, when the leaves are a dark, rich green, the whole plant is harvested and hung to dry in a sideless curing barn.

The Pressure-Fermentation Technique

Once the leaves have partially dried, they are moistened with water and stemmed by hand. The leaves are then rolled into “torquettes” and packed into hickory whiskey barrels. The tobacco is kept under pressure using oak blocks and massive screw jacks, forcing nearly all the air out of the still-moist leaves. This process of pressure-fermentation gives Perique its unique characteristics.

Appearance and Aroma

The finished Perique tobacco is dark brown, nearly black, and very moist. It has a fruity, slightly vinegary aroma, the result of hundreds of volatile compounds created by the anaerobic fermentation of the tobacco.

Flavor Profile

Often considered the truffle of pipe tobaccos, Perique is known for its strong, unique flavor. It’s used as a component of various blended pipe tobaccos, as many people consider it too strong to be smoked pure.

In Pipe Tobaccos

Perique has long been a favorite component in pipe tobaccos, adding a unique depth and richness to the blend.

In Cigars and Cigarettes

In addition to pipe tobaccos, Perique is also found in certain brands of cigarettes and cigars. For instance, the Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Company’s Perique cigarettes blend Perique with lighter tobaccos. The Mysterioso line of cigars by the Connecticut Valley Tobacconist also features Perique.

The Revival of Interest

By the late 1990s, Perique had fallen out of favor, and the number of farmers growing it had dwindled to just one. However, interest in the variety rebounded, and as of May 2017, the number of growers planting Perique tobacco commercially in Saint James Parish has risen to 25.

Perique Liqueur

Innovations with Perique continue to this day. Distiller Ted Breaux has been distilling Perique Liqueur de Tabac, a liqueur from Perique tobacco, since 2006. This unique product further showcases the versatility and appeal of Perique.

Conclusion

Tobacco Perique is more than just a type of tobacco. It’s a testament to the rich history and cultural heritage of Saint James Parish, Louisiana. Its unique production process, distinctive characteristics, and versatile uses make it a fascinating subject for tobacco enthusiasts and historians alike. As we continue to explore and innovate with this unique blend, who knows what the future holds for Tobacco Perique?

Technical sources:

Tobacco Perique is a unique type of tobacco known for its strong, powerful, and fruity aroma. It originates from Saint James Parish, Louisiana. The tobacco is credited to a farmer named Pierre Chenet who, in 1824, turned a local tobacco variant into what we now know as Perique through a labor-intensive technique of pressure-fermentation[1].

Statistics:

The tobacco manufacturing industry in the United States has remained relatively stable in recent years. In 2012, the industry was valued at approximately 49.3 billion U.S. dollars. By 2021, this had increased to over 49.4 billion[2] . Despite a decline in tobacco production in the U.S. since the turn of the 21st century, the U.S. remains one of the leading tobacco producers in the world[2].

FAQs:

  1. What is Tobacco Perique?
    Tobacco Perique is a unique type of tobacco known for its strong, powerful, and fruity aroma. It originates from Saint James Parish, Louisiana.
  2. Who discovered Tobacco Perique?
    Tobacco Perique is credited to a farmer named Pierre Chenet who, in 1824, turned a local tobacco variant into what we now know as Perique.
  3. How is Tobacco Perique produced?
    Tobacco Perique is produced through a labor-intensive technique of pressure-fermentation.
  4. Why is Tobacco Perique unique?
    Tobacco Perique is unique due to its strong, powerful, and fruity aroma, which is a result of its unique production process.
  5. Where is Tobacco Perique grown?
    Tobacco Perique is grown in Saint James Parish, Louisiana.
  6. Can Tobacco Perique be used in cigarettes?
    Yes, Tobacco Perique can be used in cigarettes. It is often blended with lighter tobaccos.
  7. Does Tobacco Perique have a fruity aroma?
    Yes, Tobacco Perique is known for its fruity aroma.
  8. Will the production of Tobacco Perique increase in the future?
    The production of Tobacco Perique depends on various factors, including market demand and cultivation conditions.
  9. What is the market value of the tobacco industry in the U.S.?
    As of 2021, the market value of the tobacco industry in the U.S. was over 49.4 billion U.S. dollars.
  10. Is the U.S. a leading producer of tobacco?
    Yes, despite a decline in production, the U.S. remains one of the leading tobacco producers in the world.

Sources of information:

  1. Wikipedia: Perique https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perique
  2. Statista: Tobacco manufacturing: U.S. market value 2012-2022 https://www.statista.com/statistics/491709/tobacco-unmanufactured-exports-value-us-by-country/
  3. Goodreads: Epiphanies by Pam Crane https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35074766-the-mystery-of-the-perique

Footnotes

  1. Wikipedia. (n.d.). Perique. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perique
  2. Statista. (n.d.). Tobacco manufacturing: U.S. market value 2012-2022. Retrieved from https://www.statista.com/statistics/491709/tobacco-unmanufactured-exports-value-us-by-country/
  3. Goodreads. (n.d.). Epiphanies by Pam Crane. Retrieved from https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35074766-the-mystery-of-the-perique