Pipe smoking, a lost art.

[GilaMinumBeer]

How are flakes different than regular pipe tobacco? Is it just different form, or is there actually a difference in how it smokes/flavor?

Some are just a PITA to prepare for smoking, IMO. Otherwise, they aren't. Flake compared to "regular" is just a packaging method. A different form. I prefer ready rubbed tobacco but do not shy away from plug, coin, squares (cube cut), flakes, etc.. they just mean a bit more work to make ready to smoke. Although some just fold the coins or flake and stuff them in to smoke like Ace suggests. I've never had much luck doing that.

Packed my cob a few times last night while throwing a ball around for the puppy. Wife moved my regular pipe and I couldn't find it. The cob has such a hard draw on it that it makes it hard to enjoy more than a small pinch. I need to get down to the shop to try some more blends or a tin of that Tsuge stuff you guys talk about. I don't like the two blends I have left. They aren't horrible, just not a fan. Have aged whiskey and seville. Probably doesn't mean anything to you guys, but hopefully the shop will know what the blends were and help me identify what I didn't like.

If I were to wager a guess, and assuming these are bulk blends, I'd expect teh aged whiskey to be a Peter Stokkbye product. Black Cavendish, Burley, and Virgina in the mix. Most likely you didn't like the whiskey flavoring.

No idea on the seville.

 

[TheCADJockey]

No idea on the seville.

My friend suggested the seville, it's what he smokes. It smells heavenly when he smokes it; I don't get any pleasure out of it myself.

 

[GilaMinumBeer]

My friend suggested the seville, it's what he smokes. It smells heavenly when he smokes it; I don't get any pleasure out of it myself.

All I come up with on a search is pipes and cigars by that name. No tobacco blend. So, it is likely a blend specific to that store.

 

[Billy-Klubb]

bwahahahahhaaaa!!!! you did what?!?

Packed my cob a few times last night while throwing a ball around for the puppy.

sorry. I went Jr. High for a moment.


please. continue.ipe:

 

[BrewingTravisty]

I gotta question. How many times do y'all generally relight your pipe? I've gotten to where I generally don't have to, and I used to get frustrated when my pipe went out on me but I read its actually not a bad thing if it does.

If I do have to relight, it's maybe once sometimes twice a bowl (my bowls usually last give or take 30 minutes). Am I doing it right? Or should I slow down on my puffing and not worry if it goes out? I do get a bite every now and then but no as often as when I first started.

Sorry for what is probably way too long of a post for such a simple question lol I just want to make sure that I'm getting my technique down and getting the most out of my tobacco.

 

[BrewinHooligan]

I gotta question. How many times do y'all generally relight your pipe? I've gotten to where I generally don't have to, and I used to get frustrated when my pipe went out on me but I read its actually not a bad thing if it does.

If I do have to relight, it's maybe once sometimes twice a bowl (my bowls usually last give or take 30 minutes). Am I doing it right? Or should I slow down on my puffing and not worry if it goes out? I do get a bite every now and then but no as often as when I first started.

Sorry for what is probably way too long of a post for such a simple question lol I just want to make sure that I'm getting my technique down and getting the most out of my tobacco.

Depends on the pipe, the tobacco, the ambient humidity, how you packed the bowl, etc. the best flavors come from smoking slow enough to just keep it lit. Sometimes I relight 1-3 times, sometimes it's a bunch more. I never stressed it that much, it's just part of the process. When I would try to smoke too fast to keep lit I had lots of problems with tongue bite.

 

[BrewingTravisty]

Depends on the pipe, the tobacco, the ambient humidity, how you packed the bowl, etc. the best flavors come from smoking slow enough to just keep it lit. Sometimes I relight 1-3 times, sometimes it's a bunch more. I never stressed it that much, it's just part of the process. When I would try to smoke too fast to keep lit I had lots of problems with tongue bite.

That's kind of what I'm learning, that when I obsess over keeping it lit I tend to not enjoy it. So I've been trying to find the right balance of keeping it lit but just barely. I've learned with lane 1Q I'm able to keep it lit no problem without experiencing any bite or anything. The other tobacco's have been hit or miss.

I'm thinking of getting away from aromatics though because they've been leaving a bit to be desired flavor wise. Lane 1Q is the only one I've tried that I really enjoy so far. Though it seems a little mild to me.

 

[BrewinHooligan]

That's kind of what I'm learning, that when I obsess over keeping it lit I tend to not enjoy it. So I've been trying to find the right balance of keeping it lit but just barely. I've learned with lane 1Q I'm able to keep it lit no problem without experiencing any bite or anything. The other tobacco's have been hit or miss.

I'm thinking of getting away from aromatics though because they've been leaving a bit to be desired flavor wise. Lane 1Q is the only one I've tried that I really enjoy so far. Though it seems a little mild to me.

Try a bunch of different styles. Keep notes on what you like and dislike. When it comes to tobacco, there isn't much I don't like except cigarettes, chemical tasting aromatics, and infused cigars. Natural flavors are what I want. Pipesandcigars.com has a great selection of bulk blends. Mississippi River by Seattle Pipe Club is a world class English blend that is available in bulk as small as 1oz samples. Peter Stokkebye is another brand they carry in bulk that is wallet friendly but very good, their offerings smoke well over their pricepoint, especially their flakes. Their luxury twist flake is a pure Virginia flake lightly topped with a caramel flavoring and is a great smoke any time of day. Hell, in a few weeks after I settle into my new place I will put together a bunch of small samples of a bunch of different things for you to try.

 

[GilaMinumBeer]

Though it seems a little mild to me.

When it comes to the aromatics, that is what you really want. A mild, soft, flavored note in the background. Because otherwise they have that chemical taste BH mentions and are not pleasant.

 

[Billy-Klubb]

I just ordered 3 Missouri Meerschaums, another can of Molto Dolce, a tin of CAO Bella Vanilla, and a tin of Cornell & Diehl Briar Fox. I've had my MM for 7-8 years. I bought it as a joke (in regards to my 12 teeth), but have thoroughly enjoyed it. it's time to put it to rest and break in a new one or three.

 

[GilaMinumBeer]

I just ordered 3 Missouri Meerschaums, another can of Molto Dolce, a tin of CAO Bella Vanilla, and a tin of Cornell & Diehl Briar Fox. I've had my MM for 7-8 years. I bought it as a joke (in regards to my 12 teeth), but have thoroughly enjoyed it. it's time to put it to rest and break in a new one or three.

Cancel your order and get the bag of 10 factory seconds straight from the MM website. It's a fantastic deal on some very good pipes.

http://corncobpipe.com/10-pipe-grab-bag-of-smokable-seconds.html

 

[BrewingTravisty]

Try a bunch of different styles. Keep notes on what you like and dislike. When it comes to tobacco, there isn't much I don't like except cigarettes, chemical tasting aromatics, and infused cigars. Natural flavors are what I want. Pipesandcigars.com has a great selection of bulk blends. Mississippi River by Seattle Pipe Club is a world class English blend that is available in bulk as small as 1oz samples. Peter Stokkebye is another brand they carry in bulk that is wallet friendly but very good, their offerings smoke well over their pricepoint, especially their flakes. Their luxury twist flake is a pure Virginia flake lightly topped with a caramel flavoring and is a great smoke any time of day. Hell, in a few weeks after I settle into my new place I will put together a bunch of small samples of a bunch of different things for you to try.

That's really kind of you! That would be amazing. I won't lie, I smelled some of the non-aromatics and while they don't smell terrible, they smell a little intimidating haha

Right now I have an ounce of champagne and peaches and cream. Both of which are ok, though lane 1Q is much better. I know that when I smoked a pipe before, I had a blend that I believe was Virginia and black Cavendish that I really liked. I believe it was a non aromatic but I don't remember what it was. I bought it in a 2 ounce tin.

 

[BrewingTravisty]

When it comes to the aromatics, that is what you really want. A mild, soft, flavored note in the background. Because otherwise they have that chemical taste BH mentions and are not pleasant.

Yeah I'm learning that. This peaches and cream I have tastes a little chemically. I'm thinking of going to some non-aromatics because I'd like a little Fuller flavor out of it. I will say that even though 1Q is mild, I am starting to really enjoy it. The more I smoke it the more I'm picking up on the flavors. And I'm glad I started with it, since it doesn't have much bite unless you really puff on it.

 

[GilaMinumBeer]

Yeah I'm learning that. This peaches and cream I have tastes a little chemically. I'm thinking of going to some non-aromatics because I'd like a little Fuller flavor out of it. I will say that even though 1Q is mild, I am starting to really enjoy it. The more I smoke it the more I'm picking up on the flavors. And I'm glad I started with it, since it doesn't have much bite unless you really puff on it.

I've found it best to avoid most tobaccos with the fruit/flavor in the name. Cherry whatever, Peaches and, Vanilla this and that, Rum something, Creamy Butterscotch, etc...

They usually come across to me as very chemical/medicinal and cloying.

With the exception of VBC. I came across that by surprise not knowing what the VBC acronym was for. It screams vanilla, smells like a vanilla candle, and I find it fantastic alone and in house blends.

 

[BrewingTravisty]

I've found it best to avoid most tobaccos with the fruit/flavor in the name. Cherry whatever, Peaches and, Vanilla this and that, Rum something, Creamy Butterscotch, etc...

They usually come across to me as very chemical/medicinal and cloying.

With the exception of VBC. I came across that by surprise not knowing what the VBC acronym was for. It screams vanilla, smells like a vanilla candle, and I find it fantastic alone and in house blends.

I'll have to check that out. I've been mixing the peaches and cream with some 1Q, which helps. It smells amazing though lol it smells like peaches and cream oatmeal. When I first smelled the tobacco I wanted to eat it xP

 

[Billy-Klubb]

Cancel your order and get the bag of 10 factory seconds straight from the MM website. It's a fantastic deal on some very good pipes.

http://corncobpipe.com/10-pipe-grab-bag-of-smokable-seconds.html

it's already shipped. but I'll keep it in mind after taxes! thanks bruva!

 

[Billy-Klubb]

I had a dream that the Briar Fox showed up and it was like a 20 pound brick. and every time I tried to break some off and rub it out, it just made smaller bricks. but the big one always stayed the same size.

 

[1977Brewer]

I had a dream that the Briar Fox showed up and it was like a 20 pound brick. and every time I tried to break some off and rub it out, it just made smaller bricks. but the big one always stayed the same size.

No more acid before bed.

There's a bucket of MM's on the counter at the tobaccy shop by where I work, but he only sells pouches. I know I can grab some Captain Black and absolutely love it. I'll look for tins at the nicer joint in my town afterward. I'm gonna kick the Pall Malls for good I hope.

 

[Billy-Klubb]

No more acid before bed.

There's a bucket of MM's on the counter at the tobaccy shop by where I work, but he only sells pouches. I know I can grab some Captain Black and absolutely love it. I'll look for tins at the nicer joint in my town afterward. I'm gonna kick the Pall Malls for good I hope.

Cancel your order and get the bag of 10 factory seconds straight from the MM website. It's a fantastic deal on some very good pipes.

http://corncobpipe.com/10-pipe-grab-bag-of-smokable-seconds.html

check out the cob deal here.^ after taxes I'm gonna get this.

 

[1977Brewer]

check out the cob deal here.^ after taxes I'm gonna get this.

I'll make back 30 bucks selling them at work. Lotsa smokers at work. Few tobacco smokers.

 

[Billy-Klubb]

I'll make back 30 bucks selling them at work. Lotsa smokers at work. Few tobacco smokers.

hahaa!! they're weeding ours out at my work. pun intended.

 

[GilaMinumBeer]

University Flake is less aromatic than I'd hoped for. Very little of the plum/berry notes it is accredited for.

Royal Yacht kicks my arse with the nicotine every time.

Three star bronze has finally "opened" up to what I got from it the first time I tried. A truely lovely butterscotch sweetness and a room note to make you drool.

Full Virginia has proven challenging to keep at the right moisture levels but is always a pleasant smoke.

P&C has yet to ship the GH&C Dark Flake scented. Perpetual backorder, but I've not been charged so, meh.

 

[TheCADJockey]

Three star bronze has finally "opened" up to what I got from it the first time I tried. A truely lovely butterscotch sweetness and a room note to make you drool.

Woah. I might have drooled a little just reading that. Then again, I generally have a hard time controlling my face as it is.

 

[BrewingTravisty]

Does anyone have any suggestions on a pipe? Preferably with a decent sized bowl, and bent stem. I've got a small cheap pipe for taking out so I wouldn't mind a bigger pipe, something I can just puff on while sitting at home. The styles I've seen that caught my eye are calabash styles and churchwardens, but I'm open to suggestions.

My birthday is coming up this month, so I'll probably have about $50 from that to spend. I can't go much over whatever I get for my birthday, since times are a bit tough but I'd really like a nicer pipe. The one I have only lasts for about 20 minutes.

 

[GilaMinumBeer]

For $50 you can forget about a decent calabash. Churchwardens at that price and below can be finicky.

Why not save some of that cash and just get the MM grab bag and have 11 pipes on hand?

When I bought, it included 2 of the largest pipes (country gentleman and a general) and the rest were their standard pipes.

Otherwise, I suggest you just go visit a smoke shop and check out their basket pipes (many have lower priced pipes on display that they consider basket) or seek out some of the Grabow pipes online. I have a Grabow Big Pipe Textured and it is a great pipe with a huge bowl.

 

[BrewingTravisty]

For $50 you can forget about a decent calabash. Churchwardens at that price and below can be finicky.

Why not save some of that cash and just get the MM grab bag and have 11 pipes on hand?

When I bought, it included 2 of the largest pipes (country gentleman and a general) and the rest were their standard pipes.

Otherwise, I suggest you just go visit a smoke shop and check out their basket pipes (many have lower priced pipes on display that they consider basket) or seek out some of the Grabow pipes online. I have a Grabow Big Pipe Textured and it is a great pipe with a huge bowl.

I thought about betting an MM grab bag. Are they all straight stems? And I didn't figure I could get a calabash at that price range but I figured it was worth asking lol just in case. I've seen plenty of churchwardens but I'm leery of buying a cheaper pipe without knowing if it's good. A lot of them look like they're made mainly to be props for LOTR fans lol

I may just suck it up and wait 'til I have money in a few months. Maybe spend that $50 on different tobaccos. I just wish this pipe smoked longer lol 20 minutes in is when I'm just really starting to enjoy the smoke and relax.

 

[GilaMinumBeer]

I thought about betting an MM grab bag. Are they all straight stems? And I didn't figure I could get a calabash at that price range but I figured it was worth asking lol just in case. I've seen plenty of churchwardens but I'm leery of buying a cheaper pipe without knowing if it's good. A lot of them look like they're made mainly to be props for LOTR fans lol

I may just suck it up and wait 'til I have money in a few months. Maybe spend that $50 on different tobaccos. I just wish this pipe smoked longer lol 20 minutes in is when I'm just really starting to enjoy the smoke and relax.

No. Not all of them were straight stems. But, with MM, the upside is that you can buy bent stems for $0.50 each and they are all standard. My favorite is the freehand bent.

It "may" be possible to find a calabash for that price on ebay from someone who doesn't really know what they have.

For the price, you can't beat MM, Grabow, or some of the Lorenzo Spitfire.

I especially like the Grabow and Spitfire filtro because they are easy to clean with nothing more than a paper towel if you happen to not have a pipe cleaner on hand.

 

[Billy-Klubb]

my 3 MMs came in today along with a can of Briar Fox, Molto Dolce, and a tin of Bella Vanilla. not sure if I want to open that Briar Fox or put it in the cellar. the new can of Molto Dolce is gonna hide away, but I already had a bowl of the Bella.

 

[BrewingTravisty]

No. Not all of them were straight stems. But, with MM, the upside is that you can buy bent stems for $0.50 each and they are all standard. My favorite is the freehand bent.

It "may" be possible to find a calabash for that price on ebay from someone who doesn't really know what they have.

For the price, you can't beat MM, Grabow, or some of the Lorenzo Spitfire.

I especially like the Grabow and Spitfire filtro because they are easy to clean with nothing more than a paper towel if you happen to not have a pipe cleaner on hand.

Awesome! Thanks for the advice, I'll look into those. This pipe isn't hard to clean which I like. I ran out of pipe cleaners so until I get some more I've just been using paper towels, and I'll leave them in at night to absorb any moisture.

 

[GilaMinumBeer]

Awesome! Thanks for the advice, I'll look into those. This pipe isn't hard to clean which I like. I ran out of pipe cleaners so until I get some more I've just been using paper towels, and I'll leave them in at night to absorb any moisture.

Also, do bear in mind that ghe size of a calabash is misleading. Most, if not all proper calabash pipes have a meerschaum bowl insert.