Casing and Topping

Casing and topping is the shared name for the two-stage process, covering the liquid application of taste and scent compounds to leaf, used in pipe tobacco production. In the industry, casing refers to the base mixture worked deep into the tobacco, while topping refers to the final touch applied to the surface just before packaging.

The two terms are frequently confused with each other, yet their purposes, timing of application, and effect on the smoke differ markedly. Moreover, casing is not exclusive to aromatic blends: a large portion of commercial pipe tobaccos, including those that appear natural, are cased to some degree.

Casing

Casing is a liquid mixture applied during the early and middle stages of processing. The tobacco is dipped into this "casing" or wetted by spraying; it is then rested so the leaf can absorb the liquid, and processed in large rotating drums. Typical components include sugar, molasses, licorice root, cocoa, and fruit extracts; exact recipes vary by producer and are usually kept as trade secrets. Humectants — chiefly propylene glycol and glycerin — are also often added to the mixture. The purpose of casing is not to give the leaf a foreign taste but to soften the tobacco's own character, balance its bitterness, and enrich its body; a well-made casing is expected to go unnoticed on its own. This is why casing is likened to marinating in cooking, while topping is likened to a sauce drizzled over the finished dish.