Perique, a unique and rare type of tobacco, has a rich history and a distinct processing method that sets it apart from other tobaccos. This tobacco, which comes exclusively from a small swath of land near New Orleans, has been the subject of intrigue and fascination for many years. Its existence has been in jeopardy more than once, but thanks to the efforts of dedicated individuals, Perique has not only survived but thrived, becoming a beloved component in many tobacco blends. Join us as we delve into the world of Perique, exploring its history, its processing, and its impact on the world of tobacco.
The Native American Influence
The Choctaw and Chickasaw tribes originally cultivated this tobacco, using techniques that have been passed down through generations and are still in use today.
The Harvesting Process
Perique tobacco is harvested leaf by leaf, rather than the whole plant, allowing each leaf to reach its peak before being picked.
The Fermentation Technique
The leaves are then subjected to a pressure-fermentation process, a method unique to Perique. This process gives the tobacco its unique flavor and aroma.
The Flavor Profile
Perique is known for its strong, powerful flavor with hints of pepper, figs, and dark fruit. It’s a taste that’s as unique as the tobacco itself.
The Aroma
The aroma of Perique is equally distinctive, with a rich, earthy scent that’s often described as fermented fruit.
The Condiment Tobacco
Perique is often used as a ‘condiment’ in tobacco blends, adding a spicy kick that enhances the overall flavor profile.
Popular Perique Blends
Some popular blends featuring Perique include Escudo Navy De Luxe and Dunhill’s Nightcap.
The Brink of Extinction
In the late 20th century, Perique was on the brink of extinction. However, thanks to the efforts of a few dedicated individuals, this unique tobacco was saved from disappearing forever.
The Renaissance
Today, Perique is experiencing a renaissance, with a growing number of tobacco enthusiasts discovering and appreciating its unique qualities.
What is Faux Perique?
Faux Perique is a term used to describe tobaccos that attempt to mimic the flavor and aroma of Perique but don’t undergo the same rigorous process.
How to Identify Genuine Perique
Genuine Perique has a distinct flavor and aroma that can’t be replicated. It’s also darker in color and has a unique texture compared to other tobaccos.
what is the history of tobacco perique
Perique tobacco, known for its strong, powerful, and fruity aroma, is a unique type of tobacco originating from Saint James Parish, Louisiana. The history of Perique tobacco dates back to 1776 when the Acadians arrived in the region. The Choctaw and Chickasaw tribes were already cultivating a variety of tobacco with a distinctive flavor. A farmer named Pierre Chenet is credited with first turning this local tobacco into what is now known as Perique in 1824 through a labor-intensive technique.
In the early 1800s, an Acadian settler adapted the process and began using wooden boxes for fermentation. In the 1900s, there were three processors of Perique: the Roussels, who industrialized Perique by fermenting it in whiskey barrels before stopping production around the 1950s; the Guglielmo s, who closed up shop in the late 70s; and the Poches, who started in 1917. In 2005, Mark Ryan of Daughters and Ryan Tobacco in North Carolina purchased L.A. Poche Perique Tobacco in Convent, Louisiana from the Poche family.
Perique tobacco has faced extinction more than once, first in the late 1990s and then in 2005. However, the purchase of the L.A. Poche Perique Tobacco company by Mark Ryan in 2005 marked a new era for Perique.
The production process of Perique tobacco is labor-intensive and takes about a year at the very minimum. This, in combination with the limited crop supply, makes Perique rare and very expensive. Despite its rarity and the labor-intensive production process, the distinctive flavor profile of Perique tobacco makes it a sought-after variety in the world of tobacco.
what are the different ways to consume tobacco perique
Perique tobacco, known for its strong, powerful, and fruity aroma, can be consumed in several ways:
- Pipe Smoking: Perique is often used as a component of various blended pipe tobaccos. Many people consider it too strong to be smoked pure, so it’s typically mixed with other types of tobacco to create unique blends.
- Chewing: Historically, fresh and moist Perique was also chewed. However, it’s no longer sold for this purpose.
- Cigarettes and Cigars: Perique can be used in cigarettes and cigars, although it’s not as common due to its strong flavor https://victoryseeds.com/products/perique-tobacco.
- Distilled Tobacco Liqueur: Perique tobacco leaves can be distilled to create a tobacco liqueur.
what are the most popular brands of tobacco perique
Perique tobacco is a unique type of tobacco known for its strong, powerful, and fruity aroma. It is used by several popular brands to create distinctive blends. Here are some of the most popular brands that use Perique tobacco:
- Cornell & Diehl: This brand has an exclusive partnership with 31 Farms, which has been producing Perique tobacco since the 1700s. They offer a variety of blends that are Perique-forward, providing a full experience of the leaf’s flavor profile.
- G.L. Pease: Known for its high-quality blends, G.L. Pease uses Perique in several of its products, including the Drucquer & Sons First Amendment.
- Dunhill: This brand, now under the Peterson Tobacco brand, uses Perique in its Nightcap blend.
- Ashton: The Artisan’s Blend from Ashton harmonizes Virginia and Turkish tobaccos with Latakia and a touch of Perique.
- Peterson: Peterson uses Perique in its Irish Cask and Elizabethan blends.
- Samuel Gawith: This brand uses Perique in its St James Flake and Cabbie’s Mixture.
- Tabacalera Incorporada: This Philippine-based cigar manufacturer uses Louisiana Perique alongside Brazilian and Philippine filler tobacco in its 1881 Perique, Don Juan Urquijo Perique, and the 1881 Perique Bold cigars.
- Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Company: This company uses Perique in its Natural American Spirit cigarettes, marketed in a black box (Perique Rich Robust) and in a gray box (Perique Rich Smooth).
Conclusion: The Legacy of Perique
Perique is more than just a tobacco; it’s a testament to the rich history and tradition of St. James Parish. Its unique processing, distinct flavor, and aroma make it a treasure in the world of tobacco.
Statistics on Perique Tobacco
Consumption
While Perique is a sought-after tobacco variety, it’s not the most smoked type. More Burley is smoked in pipes than any other kind of tobacco.
Production
Perique tobacco is a minor tobacco type produced by subjecting the leaf of a Red Burley to a partial fermentation process.
Recommended Books on Perique Tobacco
For those interested in delving deeper into the history and production of Perique tobacco, “Perique: Photographs by Charles Martin” is an excellent book that provides a comprehensive history of Perique tobacco.
Sources of Information on Perique Tobacco
There are several authoritative sources for information on Perique tobacco, including the U.S. Food & Drug Administration https://www.fda.gov/media/135680/download, Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perique, and various tobacco forums and blogs https://pipesmagazine.com/forums/threads/i-asked-questions-about-perique.57422/.
Citations
- U.S. Food & Drug Administration. (n.d.). https://www.fda.gov/media/135680/download
- Wikipedia. (n.d.). Perique. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perique
- Pipes Magazine. (n.d.). I asked questions about Perique… https://pipesmagazine.com/forums/threads/i-asked-questions-about-perique.57422/
- Amazon. (n.d.). Perique: Photographs by Charles Martin. https://www.amazon.com/Perique-Photographs-Charles-Martin/dp/0917860624
Conclusion
Perique tobacco, with its unique characteristics and rich history, continues to captivate the hearts of tobacco connoisseurs. Despite its rarity and the labor-intensive production process, the distinctive flavor profile of Perique tobacco makes it a sought-after variety in the world of tobacco.