Intro Post

[instrument6]

Greetings Vapers !

Been scrolling this site for a while now and finally set up an account...

I began cold maceration of several tobaccos 4+ months back.

Last night, I started filtering one of the batches and, after filtering to 2 microns with vaccuum, I had a nice looking liquid (100% PG) with a lovely dark amber color. However, when I mixed it up to a 70/30 p/v ratio, the outcome was decidedly much lighter in color than what I am going for.

So, I have two ideas here for increasing the depth of absorption, extracting more flavor concentrated in a darker end base product for final mixing with VG and nic :

1.) I read somewhere that prior to start of cold maceration process, there is a way to "open the leaf cells". I have done some searching but am struggling to find a method for doing this that is NATURAL... any ideas on this? What about just putting the leaves through a shredder? Would that break up the epidermal layer allowing for better results from cold maceration?

2.) What about REPEATED cold macerations? So, after 3 months first maceration, filter off liquid into NEW jar with fresh tobacco for 2x, and even repeat once more for 3x?

If anyone could provide some feedback or insights on this that would be so great!

Thanks and nice to meet you all - happy to be in a place full of people passionate for a worthwhile hobby!

Peace.

 

[BrotherBob]

Greetings Vapers !

Welcome and glad you joined.

 

[bombastinator]

Plant cell walls are tough, thick things. I could see wire brushing both sides of a undried leaf, or perhaps muddling with a mortar and pestle, but I can also see a shredder helping. I was going to suggest asking why you thought color even mattered but you were apparently taking it as a concentration indicator.

 

[Inaevadn]

That's a cool project you've got going. I've never tried cold maceration myself, but I've heard of people using a coffee grinder to break up the tobacco leaves before starting the process. As for repeated macerations, that sounds like it could work, but you might end up with a really harsh flavor if you overdo it. Maybe try it on a small batch first to see how it turns out?

 

[somdcomputerguy]

Welcome to ECF, instrument6.