First point of order: Fresh Toque Quit in an acrylic bullet from the same joint kicks like a mule. Second point: While the newbie guide in FAGs/Guide works wonders, it would be nice to see some more… for lack of a better word, advanced lessons. Like where to go from there and that kind of stuff. For example, what I found out in my meagre time with snuff, that WoS Vanilla and Irish Coffee, being of a coarse grind, were easier for a beginner like myself, as opposed to Toque line. And again in the Toque snuffs, most of the flavours are of coarser grind than WnH (which, if I understood right, is a ‘dry toast’). What I mean is, that once I got the hang of Toques, the WoS’ became a lot easier. I know this is kind of a ‘learn as you go’ kind of a thing, but it would be nice to have a semi-complete list of different brands and flavours, in order of enjoyment provided for a beginner. Sort of like, try the mild and coarse WoS first, then move to Toque, then try some toasts and so on. While the forum search is all good and dandy, it can be a chore to find this kind of information. Third point of order: Bullets and other methods of snuffing. Same deal as with the second point. Which methods GENERALLY work best for which types of snuffs. This comes, again, from personal experience: the acrylic bullets don’t work too well with ‘waxy’ snuffs, such as both WoS and Toque Vanilla. And contrary to some info on somewhere here, I found it doesn’t work that well with Toque WnH either. While this is probably common sense for the seasoned snuffer, a newbie is in for a lot of trial and error. Summa summarum, it would be nice to see a more advanced level guides on the FAQs/Guide section. As I am in no position to actually write such guides up, I thought I’d atleast throw the idea out there. pax, -Jack
Ok I floated what I consider the “must try” list among the ISTA membership. I got very little feedback. Its not my list of personal favorites, but it is comprehesive to include a few samples from nearly every style of snuff. The problem is this list is rather long. To simplify, its best to try two or three snuffs from every company and two or three from every style. Reading reviews at snuffreviews.com is a great way to learn too. As for snufftaking methods, I try to match the method with the type of snuff. For most English and American styles, especially for the finer grinds the pinch method works the best, allowing the most control over how fast and how far the snuff goes in. Practice is the best way to learn it. For most German snuffs, I sniff them off my hand. For particularly course snuffs like schmalzlers I use one of several snuff spoons I have. For ridiculously course snuffs, likeTaxi, I use the push and shove method, and just sort of pack them in. My nose can’t generate enough suction to snuff them properly. Bullets, I rarely use. I fond that they don’t deliver enough, and when used with fine grinds, they take away the control gained with the pinch method, and subesequently cause pain. For course snuffs, they are useless, as they just clog up. Your results may vary, but this is what I’ve concluded for myself. I agree with you that the FAQ section needs some updating. Only the admin can make changes though. Where to go next? Have you tried the Fribourg & Treyer range?
Thanks for the feedback, Xander. And I found the same to be true for bullets: I just wasn’t getting it right with Toque WnH, until I, excuse the bad pun, bit the bullet and went back to using the anatomical snuff box. I’m getting a lot more out of that particular snuff now. But I do feel trying the bullets out improved the control I have drastically, so it’s not all wasted. And Fribourg & Treyer are on the list to try next, have been for a while now. Tho that might be a while off, as I have enough snuff to last me well into next year.
When I was a real n00b, I got a Dholakia sample. Sparrow Cool was one of the offerings, Sparrow Cool in a bullet…made me cry.
Yes, Roderick, but I find Toque Peach would make an excellent starter. When its fresh and moist its very smooth. The ones you mention are gentle though.
I personaly hate the started snuff idea. I found early on that the finer snuffs where easier to control that they where more consistent in their uptake so to speak.
Thank you both Roderick and Xander. Now there’s a few sure ones for my next order from Toque. But again, I think of all of Toque line as a slightly more of advanced or atleast intemediary level snuffs, as they are rather fine. Of course I can’t speak for the entire selection, but this seems to be the trend with the flavours I have tried so far. Aww, bobly bob bobbity bob bob bob. This is just something I thought was true, as it seemed to be so on my part. Mainly that the finer snuffs took some getting used to, and once I was fine with them, the coarser snuffs were easier. But that is just my subjective view. Sure, we could do quantative tests with our friends, give people who don’t snuff some and see what they think. To some, give coarse first, then fine and vice versa. See which one they think is easier. Or just ask the new snuffers here and see what they thought of their first tries. I trust most of the seasoned snuffers here have long ago mastered the control, so it would be moot to ask them. No disrespect implied or intended.
I’m finding I like using a bullet for Quit. Good practice for my newbie sniffing technique, although a bit of a harsh taskmaster. If I take too deep a sniff, I know it instantly, and regret it. Especially since I flavored my tin of Quit with a slightly generous amount of peppermint oil. But negative reinforcement does have its advantages.