With Tangiers Hookah Tobacco you can always guarantee a rich, full-bodied smoking experience. This American-made shisha has garnered a cult following among serious hookah enthusiasts. Unlike other brands that are "fluff-packed," Tangiers demands a dense pack, a process that can be intimidating for those who just started their Tangiers experience. This article will walk you through the essential steps of preparing, packing, and storing your Tangiers Hookah Tobacco.
How to Pack a Tangiers Hookah Tobacco
The most crucial step to have great smoke from Tangiers shisha is the packing method. This is where most people go wrong, leading to a harsh, burnt taste or a lack of flavor. The key principle is to create a "dense pack" without over-packing.
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Acclimation (Optional but Recommended)
Tangiers tobacco can sometimes be sensitive to changes in the environment. If your Tangiers Hookah Tobacco is new or has been sitting for a while, it may need to be "acclimated." This process involves simply spreading the tobacco out on a paper towel or tray and leaving it exposed to the air for a few hours. This allows the glycerin and flavorings to re-saturate the leaves, ensuring a more consistent burn. You'll know it's ready when the tobacco has a glossy, almost wet appearance.
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Choose the Right Bowl
A phunnel bowl is the only way to go to Tangiers. A traditional Egyptian bowl won't work because the juice from the Tangiers tobacco will simply drain down the stem, resulting in a dry, flavorless smoke. A phunnel bowl has a raised central spire with holes around the top, which keeps the juices in the bowl, ensuring a longer-lasting and more flavorful session.
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The "Dense Pack" Method
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Fluff and Drop: Begin by taking a small amount of Tangiers shisha from your container. Using your fingers or a fork, gently fluff the tobacco to break up any clumps.
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Sprinkle into the Bowl: Sprinkle the fluffy tobacco into your phunnel bowl, letting it fall naturally. Don't press it down yet.
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The Press: Once the bowl is loosely filled, take a fork or a pokey tool and gently press the tobacco down. You want to press it until the surface of the Tangiers tobacco is just below the rim of the bowl. The goal is to create a uniform, dense layer of tobacco. There should be no loose pockets or air gaps. The surface should be flat and even.
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Check the Airflow: Use a toothpick or a pokey tool to poke a few small holes through the dense pack, reaching all the way to the bottom of the bowl. This ensures proper airflow and heat distribution.
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Heat Management
Tangiers Hookah Tobacco requires more heat than other brands. Start with 3 natural charcoal cubes, and after a few minutes, you may need to add a fourth. Be patient and give the coals time to heat the tobacco. Once the session starts, you can adjust the number of coals as needed. A heat management device (HMD) like the Kaloud Lotus can also be very effective for controlling the heat.
How to Store Tangiers Hookah Tobacco
Proper storage is key to maintaining the quality and longevity of your Tangiers shisha. Tangiers is particularly sensitive to air exposure, which can cause the tobacco to dry out and lose its flavor.
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Airtight Container: The best way to store your Tangiers Hookah Tobacco is in an airtight container. This could be a specialized tobacco jar, a Mason jar, or even a simple Ziploc bag with the air squeezed out.
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Cool, Dark Place: Store the container in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight and heat. A cupboard or pantry is an ideal location.
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Avoid the Refrigerator: Do not store Tangiers in the refrigerator. The cold temperature can cause the glycerin to crystallize, which will affect the smoke quality.
Following these simple storage tips will ensure that your Tangiers tobacco remains fresh and flavorful for months to come.
What Other Products Does Tangiers Have?
While Tangiers is best known for its signature hookah tobacco, the company offers a few other products that are popular among the hookah community.
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Phunnel Bowls: Tangiers produces its own line of phunnel bowls, specifically designed to work perfectly with their hookah tobacco. These bowls are known for their high quality and durability.
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Tangiers F-Line: For those who enjoy an extra kick, Tangiers offers the "F-Line," which stands for "F'd up." This line of tobacco is infused with a caffeine solution, providing a unique buzz along with the nicotine rush.
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Noir, Burley, and Birquq Lines: Tangiers offers three main lines of its hookah tobacco, each with a different level of nicotine and a unique flavor profile.
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Noir: The original line. It has a high nicotine content and a robust flavor.
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Burley: The strongest line. It is made from burley tobacco leaves, which are air-cured and have a very high nicotine content. This line is not for the faint of heart.
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Birquq: A lower nicotine option. It is made from a different blend of tobacco leaves and is generally easier to pack and manage, making it a good choice for those who are new to the brand.
Preparing Tangiers Hookah Tobacco may feel like a delicate process, but with the right technique and a little patience, you can unlock a truly unparalleled smoking experience. The dense pack method, proper heat management, and careful storage are all essential steps in the journey to a flavorful and satisfying session. Once you've mastered the art of preparing Tangiers, you'll understand why it's considered the gold standard of hookah shisha.
