Snuffers: I was wondering if you are aware of any snuff containing Cuban tobacco–preferably as the base. I am trying to recreate FT Santo Domingo and wanted to use something extant as a base. Thanks.

Yes, I have heard that but I am looking for a non-metholated snuff.

I read the description of Santo Domingo, and it says it is made from Zimbabwe dark fired tobacco. An historical description says Cuban tobacco. Am I right in guessing that they have changed the formulation, and that you are trying to recreate the original? If so, that is a fantastic project, and I wish you every success. You might have to start from scratch with Cuban leaf, and learn about the fermentation process, but I’m sure it will be worth the effort.

Precisely, the current F&T (Wilson’s) version is Zimbabwe while the historic version is Cuban leaf. I am quite intrigued by the old F&T blends and Santo Domingo in particular. I may have to source some Havana leaf but have no idea where to start. As I am in the US, this is especially problematic due to the embargo. Anyway, I figured if there was a Cuban leaf snuff already out there that would make things a tad bit easier.

Cuban cigars have Havana tobacco in them.

Yes, I think I am going to grind up some habanos and see what happens.

Braniff really needs to bring out a non mentholated snuff, I know the market they want likes menthol, but after sampling them I just cannot recommend, except if you are big on menthol. This one is not only disappointing, it frustrates.

I would think that some of the Dominican leaf would equal Cuban. There is just so much myth surrounding Cuban tobacco, At one time maybe, it was unique, climate and soil, although I do enjoy a good Cuban. They are pretty damn available, you just have to network. Remember there are at least 3 types of tobaccos in a good Cuban cigar.

“I read the description of Santo Domingo, and it says it is made from Zimbabwe dark fired tobacco.An historical description says Cuban tobacco. Am I right in guessing that they have changed the formulation, and that you are trying to recreate the original?” Strangely enough, the new Santo Domingo is (as far as olfactory memory serves) very close to the original. The same can’t be said for Bordeaux. Santo Domingo sold at a whopping sixteen bob per ounce in the 1960s so the few occasions I bought it at that time was by the quarter ounce.

@whalen I have a fair amount of decent habanos in a humidor that I am going to experiment on. Not great smokes by any means but good, decent Partagas Habaneros with a few years worth of age. Will also try some Dominican. I agree that much of habanos charm is myth, but there is something to be said for the old fashioned process of curing and aging the leaf which has not yet been abandoned there. @Philip I never had the pleasure of sampling the original blend. A little before my time I’m afraid. I recall reading something about SD being one of the most expensive in the F&T inventory. I suppose that if you were buying it by the 1/4 oz., that must have been true. Would like to know more about the flavor profile if you can recall.

I imagine that Wilson’s duplicated it as best as they could, but using tobaccos that they get from Zimbabwe. I’d be willing to bet that the price had something to do with it… I’m pretty sure (correct me if I’m wrong here) that Wilsons bought the F&T recipes. If the Zimbabwe fire cured stuff is the same or a similar variety of tobacco and the curing process was the same, the resulting snuff would be a close approximation. I do wonder if a home made version, without knowledge of the exact nature of the ‘secret blend’ used to flavor the snuff, would be closer to the original than this. I wouldn’t let this put you off though, because with the care and attention to detail that you could lavish upon the project, not to mention the premium tobacco, you may end up with something superior, or at least a pleasant variation on the theme. Think about how many different SP type snuffs there are. You could make a really fantastic ‘gormet’ snuff similar to but not the same as Santo Domingo.

@furious - Have you seen any of the youtube videos of the workers stacking and turning hands of tobacco in Dominica? They are real serious about proper conditioning of that leaf! I would sure like to try some of that tobacco. I say give that cigar a whirl and see what you can come up with. I know they give the cigar leaf plenty of love, and the climate is perfect. That Habanos tobacco has been naturally fermented and conditioned as well as any leaf can be. I believe that your quest is a good one, and worthy of the effort. Grind it, hydrate it and let it age.

Yes, I have seen the way that Dominican tobacco is treated. Great deal of respect for traditional methods. I will experiment with it as well. I am excited to try and create something akin to the old SD. Of course, I have no frame of reference with the old blend, but I want to give it a shot. Right now, I am trying to figure out more about the violet essence that was used to perfume the original blend. I have no idea where to get this from or how much to use. This is going to be quite an experience!! I have never made snuff before except for pulverizing some cob plug once. Need to get sieves and read up on hydration, perfuming, and aging.

It begins!

I would suppose one could purchase some of these cigars and use just the 100% aged cuban filler tobacco http://www.finckcigarcompany.com/products/group/category/havana\\_slims\\_rough\\_riders

I think you’ve choice a perfect snuff to recreate,do that make you probably able to extend your compréhension also your pleasure…And know how torecreate it can give more independence of spirit.