This afternoon I set about topping some tobacco in order to make a light vanilla aro (similar in some ways to my beloved Dan SVHD). I thought it would be fun to document the steps.

Step one:

I pulled half a pound of ribbon cut blending Virginia out of my cellar and spread it out on two metal trays:



Step Two:

I combined Cuarenta Y Tres, pure vanilla extract, and some simple syrup in an aluminum pan.



Step Three:

I brought it to a low boil and then turned the heat down to a simmer



Step Four:

Once most of the excess water was gone, I removed the reduction from the burner



continued in next post...