Perique, a unique and rare type of tobacco, comes exclusively from a small swath of land near New Orleans. Known for its strong, powerful, and fruity aroma, it has a distinctive flavor that sets it apart from other tobacco types. This tobacco has a rich history and a fiery comeback story, making it a fascinating topic for tobacco enthusiasts. Whether you’re blending your own mix or seeking a new smoking experience, Perique offers a spicy twist that can transform your tobacco blend into something wholly ‘other’. Dive into the world of Perique and discover why it’s a favorite among connoisseurs.
Origin and Early Cultivation
The story of Perique tobacco begins in 1776 when the Acadians made their way into the region of Saint James Parish. Here, the Choctaw and Chickasaw tribes were already cultivating a variety of tobacco with a distinctive flavor .
The Role of Pierre Chenet
The transformation of this local tobacco into what we now know as Perique is credited to a farmer named Pierre Chenet. In 1824, Chenet began the labor-intensive technique of pressure-fermentation that characterizes Perique tobacco .
The Near Extinction and Revival
Over the years, the production of Perique faced several challenges, including a period in the late 1990s and early 2000s when it was on the brink of extinction. However, the purchase of the L.A. Poche Perique Tobacco company by Mark Ryan in 2005 marked a new era for Perique, ensuring its survival .
Cultivation and Harvesting
The cultivation of Perique begins with tiny seeds, planted in mid-March. After three months of growth, the mature plants produce leaves more than 18-inches long, which are harvested in June .
The Fermentation Process
The harvested leaves are hung in open-air barns before being packed tightly into used whiskey barrels. Here, they undergo a unique process of pressure fermentation .
The Role of Pressure and Time
The pressure fermentation process involves maintaining the tobacco under up to 30 tons of pressure for a period of 3 to 6 months. Every few months, the barrel is emptied, and the tobacco is turned and repacked .
The Flavor Profile
Perique is most commonly used as a blending tobacco due to its pungent characteristics. Fans of Perique define its flavor as spicy, earthy, and rich .
The Use of Perique in Blends
Perique is often used to enhance the flavor of other tobaccos, adding a unique depth and complexity to the blend .
The Role of Mark Ryan and Daughters & Ryan
Mark Ryan and his company, Daughters & Ryan, have played a significant role in preserving and innovating the production of Perique. Ryan was the first to experiment with putting other types of tobacco through the Perique process .
The Rarity and Value of Perique
Today, Perique is one of the rarest commercially grown tobaccos in the world. Its unique flavor profile and the labor-intensive process required for its production contribute to its high value .
what is the history of perique tobacco
Perique tobacco has a rich history that dates back to the 18th century. It is a type of tobacco from Saint James Parish, Louisiana, known for its strong, powerful, and fruity aroma. The Choctaw and Chickasaw tribes were cultivating a variety of tobacco with a distinctive flavor when the Acadians made their way into this region in 1776. A farmer named Pierre Chenet is credited with first turning this local tobacco into what is now known as Perique in 1824 .
Chenet learned the traditional Native American method of fermenting tobacco from the Choctaw and Chickasaw tribes and applied this process to the tobacco grown in the fertile soils of Saint James Parish. The resulting tobacco was highly prized for its unique flavor and aroma .
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 mid-20th century; 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 .
The production of Perique tobacco has faced challenges over the years. Its existence was in jeopardy more than once, first in the late 1990s and then in 2005. However, in 2005, the L.A. Poche Perique Tobacco company was purchased by Mark Ryan, and a new era for Perique began .
what are the unique characteristics of perique tobacco
Perique tobacco, originating from Saint James Parish, Louisiana, is known for its strong, powerful, and fruity aroma. It is a unique type of tobacco that is both a product and a process. The tobacco is grown from carefully selected seeds and once mature, the leaves are harvested and air-cured. After air-curing, the leaves are picked from the stalks and heavily wetted to prepare for the next step – pressure fermentation .
The unique characteristics of Perique tobacco are largely due to its fermentation process. The tobacco leaves are subjected to a unique process of pressure fermentation in oak barrels, which gives it its distinctive flavor. This process creates hundreds of volatile compounds responsible for the flavors of fruits and often found in wine. The finished tobacco is dark brown – nearly black – very moist with a fruity, slightly vinegary aroma .
Perique is often considered the truffle of pipe tobaccos by connoisseurs and is used as a component of various blended pipe tobaccos, as many people consider it too strong to be smoked pure. The amount of Perique added to a blend significantly influences its flavor profile. A little bit of Perique will tend to add spiciness and a stewed-plum flavor. The more Perique you add, the more complex flavors it has to offer, like mushroom and soy sauce, along with the stone fruit kind of notes .
Perique tobacco is also known for its versatility. It harmonizes seamlessly with an array of tobacco types, including Virginia and Burley, creating captivating flavor symphonies. It is used in a variety of tobacco products, from pipe smoking to the creation of captivating cigarette blends .
what are some interesting statistics about tobacco perique
Perique tobacco, known for its strong, powerful, and fruity aroma, is a rare and unique type of tobacco grown exclusively in Saint James Parish, Louisiana. Here are some interesting statistics about Perique tobacco:
- Limited Production: As of May 2017, there were only 25 commercial Perique growers in Saint James Parish, highlighting the rarity and exclusivity of this tobacco .
- High Radical Production: In a study comparing different tobacco types, Saint James Perique tobacco was found to produce the highest levels of gas-phase radicals, varying nearly 8-fold among tobacco types .
- Use in Blends: Despite its strong flavor, Perique is not typically smoked pure. It is often blended with milder tobaccos to create a flavorful yet distinct blend. It is also used in the production of certain cigarettes, where it is blended with lighter tobaccos .
- Market Value: While specific market value data for Perique tobacco is not readily available, the overall tobacco manufacturing industry in the United States was valued at approximately 49.3 billion U.S. dollars in 2012 .
- Disease Threat: The Perique tobacco industry has faced threats from an unidentified disease that could potentially end tobacco production. However, if this disease can be controlled, and if the price can be maintained or lowered to keep the market stable or expanding, then the Perique tobacco industry will continue to flourish in St. James Parish .
- Unique Flavor Profile: The unique pressure-fermentation process used in the production of Perique tobacco creates hundreds of volatile compounds responsible for its distinctive flavors, often found in fruits and wine .
Conclusion: The Legacy and Future of Perique
The story of Perique tobacco is one of resilience and innovation. From its origins with the Choctaw and Chickasaw tribes to its near extinction and subsequent revival, Perique has remained a unique and valued part of the tobacco world. As we look to the future, the legacy of Perique serves as a reminder of the rich history and diversity of tobacco cultivation.
Statistics:
As of May 2017, there were 25 commercial growers of Perique tobacco in Saint James Parish . The world s production of pure Perique was stored in 27 oak whiskey barrels, amounting to 11,460 pounds, with an estimated additional 50,000 pounds of the Acadian Green River “faux” Perique .
FAQs:
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Who discovered Perique tobacco?
Pierre Chenet is credited with first turning this local tobacco into what is now known as Perique . -
What is Perique tobacco used for?
It is used as a “condiment tobacco” in nearly a hundred different brand name pipe tobacco blends . -
Where is Perique tobacco grown?
It is grown exclusively in Saint James Parish, Louisiana . -
Why is Perique tobacco so rare?
It is rare due to the specific regional conditions required for its cultivation and the labor-intensive process of its production . -
How is Perique tobacco made?
The tobacco is air-cured, then pressure-fermented in oak barrels under heavy pressure . -
Is Perique tobacco grown anywhere else?
Genuine Perique is only grown in Saint James Parish, Louisiana . -
Can Perique tobacco be smoked pure?
Pure Perique is very strong and is typically blended with other tobaccos . -
Does Perique tobacco have a distinctive taste?
Yes, it is known for its strong, powerful, and fruity aroma . -
Will Perique tobacco’s production continue to grow?
Interest in Perique has rebounded, suggesting potential growth in its production . -
What makes Perique tobacco unique?
Its unique flavor comes from the specific fermentation process and the regional conditions of Saint James Parish . -
How much Perique tobacco is produced annually?
The exact annual production varies, but as of the data, 11,460 pounds of pure Perique were stored . -
What are the challenges in growing Perique tobacco?
The challenges include maintaining the specific cultivation and fermentation process, as well as the limited suitable land area . -
How long has Perique tobacco been produced?
Perique has been shipped out of New Orleans for more than 250 years . -
What are some blends that contain Perique tobacco?
Blends include Blakeney s Best Acadian Ribbon, Mac Baren HH Acadian Perique, and Frog Morton on the Bayou . -
How does the Perique tobacco process compare to other tobaccos?
It is more labor-intensive and requires a unique high-pressure anaerobic fermentation process .
Books:
The book “Perique” by Charles Martin provides a history of Perique tobacco, with text and captioned photos .
Sources of information:
For more technical information on Perique tobacco, sources include “Volatile constituents of Perique tobacco” by ResearchGate and “A Closer Look at Perique” by various authors https://matt-lub.com/tobacco-perique.jsp.
Citations:
Authoritative sources on Perique tobacco include academic papers and books such as “Volatile Constituents of Perique Tobacco” and “Turkish or Oriental Tobaccos” by F. A. Wolf https://www.tobaccopipes.com/blog/what-is-periqueprocessed-katerini/
https://www.leffingwell.com/download/Volatile%20Constituents%20of%20Perique%20Tobacco4.pdf.