Being a new pipe smoker (cigars for 25 years), I am obviously going through the trials regarding tobacco, packing, lighting, etc.
The first few bowls were a bit difficult with re-lights and my ashtray looked like I was saving match sticks to build a full size cabin. And as I posted in a different thread, my tobacco choices (aros) are less than stellar in the flavor department but that’s mainly due to my 66 year old shot-to-hell taste buds among other variables.
I have tried many techniques mentioned here regarding extracting the flavor but so far, to no avail. I do want to repeat that so far, I have only tried Aros as I am waiting on the English and Virginians to arrive. Sounds a lot like Paul Revere.
I also cannot comment on tobaccos room notes as all of my smoking has currently been outside in the cold weather.
Currently, I am temporarily staying at a family’s cabin in NE Penna. as I am awaiting the purchase (hopefully) of a new home in upstate NY. This house has a shed that I will smoke in during the cold weather and should then be able to ascertain the aroma that I am curious about.
But as I continue to read/research threads, posts and articles, I am learning about what type of tobaccos may be right for me. I began purchasing 1 oz samples of Aros, and the other day I ordered some English and Virginia blends all in the quest of finding that elusive "game-changer". And I do realize that this could be a lengthy quest…but isn’t that half the fun?
I will also enjoy my journey in locating different styles of pipes and brands. In the meantime I have started with MM Country Gentleman and an inexpensive half bent Pear as I try to decide which style fits my comfort level. Hell, I even ordered an inexpensive Churchwarden to try.
I really enjoy experimenting in all phases of this and the one thing I discovered that has worked for ME, in the packing method, is to insert a pipe cleaner down the stem into the bowl and THEN pack with tobacco. Out of curiosity I even packed the tobacco very tight. The only problem with this method is while smoking, I keep poking myself in the eye with the pipe cleaner. Ba-dum-tiss…Sorry…
Seriously, this has resulted in now only having to re-light maybe two times with some slight tamping during the session. Now this successful method may be due to the tobacco being Aros which has some spring to it so this may not work with drier tobacco…but can’t wait to experiment.
But, like everything else, there are exceptions. For example, I have tried some quality Aros that have smoked beautifully (forgetting flavor) but yesterday I tried Sutliff Crème Brûlée in my Cob and even with my packing technique I had to relight about ten times. Moisture content was the same as all other Aros I currently have. The only deviation from the others was I let it sit out for an hour and then sit in the bowl for another 1/2 hour. This was only due to some chores I was doing. But it was difficult to keep lit. Next experiment will be to see how it does in my Pear.
The point of this post though, is the enjoyment I am deriving from a pipe. All of which I realize that this is why almost everyone smokes a pipe.
In my cigar days, I would sit on a porch or deck with the necessary glass of Sambuca. Enjoyable.
But with a pipe (no Sambuca), the feeling is different. As others have stated, there is a Zen like atmosphere resulting in a relaxing session. I find myself drawn to a porch chair and just reflecting.
As previously mentioned, I sold my house in the very congested area of SE Penna and am temporarily staying at a family’s cabin in the mountains of upstate Penna.
The weather here is cold as the other day, it was -5 during the night. And the next day it was 20* as we wait for an oncoming ‘noreaster that is supposed to bring a lot of snow. Has this deterred me from enjoying a bowl? Not at all. I sat out on the cabins porch, fired up my cob with a new bowl of Sutliff Vanilla Custard and sipped away.
Sitting back, I couldn’t help but just enjoy the surrounding area in the mountains encased with trees and peaceful quietness. A huge difference from my past congested, noisy neighborhood.
There is bright blue skies with no wind which makes the session comfortable. The state of mind has me reflecting and soon turns into a quiet meditative state. By nature I am a bitcher and complainer but I can honestly say that sitting back with my pipe has me feeling calmer and more relaxed. Of course, the beautiful surroundings helps also, but am sure if I was back in my old neighborhood, I’d be pissed about something, but I sure am curious if a pipe would have helped.
In my 4 weeks of piping, I discovered that I am definitely addicted; not to the tobacco but to the state of mind it puts me in.
I can only imagine how nice it will be in the warmer weather with that elusive "game-changer" tobacco.
The first few bowls were a bit difficult with re-lights and my ashtray looked like I was saving match sticks to build a full size cabin. And as I posted in a different thread, my tobacco choices (aros) are less than stellar in the flavor department but that’s mainly due to my 66 year old shot-to-hell taste buds among other variables.
I have tried many techniques mentioned here regarding extracting the flavor but so far, to no avail. I do want to repeat that so far, I have only tried Aros as I am waiting on the English and Virginians to arrive. Sounds a lot like Paul Revere.
I also cannot comment on tobaccos room notes as all of my smoking has currently been outside in the cold weather.
Currently, I am temporarily staying at a family’s cabin in NE Penna. as I am awaiting the purchase (hopefully) of a new home in upstate NY. This house has a shed that I will smoke in during the cold weather and should then be able to ascertain the aroma that I am curious about.
But as I continue to read/research threads, posts and articles, I am learning about what type of tobaccos may be right for me. I began purchasing 1 oz samples of Aros, and the other day I ordered some English and Virginia blends all in the quest of finding that elusive "game-changer". And I do realize that this could be a lengthy quest…but isn’t that half the fun?
I will also enjoy my journey in locating different styles of pipes and brands. In the meantime I have started with MM Country Gentleman and an inexpensive half bent Pear as I try to decide which style fits my comfort level. Hell, I even ordered an inexpensive Churchwarden to try.
I really enjoy experimenting in all phases of this and the one thing I discovered that has worked for ME, in the packing method, is to insert a pipe cleaner down the stem into the bowl and THEN pack with tobacco. Out of curiosity I even packed the tobacco very tight. The only problem with this method is while smoking, I keep poking myself in the eye with the pipe cleaner. Ba-dum-tiss…Sorry…
Seriously, this has resulted in now only having to re-light maybe two times with some slight tamping during the session. Now this successful method may be due to the tobacco being Aros which has some spring to it so this may not work with drier tobacco…but can’t wait to experiment.
But, like everything else, there are exceptions. For example, I have tried some quality Aros that have smoked beautifully (forgetting flavor) but yesterday I tried Sutliff Crème Brûlée in my Cob and even with my packing technique I had to relight about ten times. Moisture content was the same as all other Aros I currently have. The only deviation from the others was I let it sit out for an hour and then sit in the bowl for another 1/2 hour. This was only due to some chores I was doing. But it was difficult to keep lit. Next experiment will be to see how it does in my Pear.
The point of this post though, is the enjoyment I am deriving from a pipe. All of which I realize that this is why almost everyone smokes a pipe.
In my cigar days, I would sit on a porch or deck with the necessary glass of Sambuca. Enjoyable.
But with a pipe (no Sambuca), the feeling is different. As others have stated, there is a Zen like atmosphere resulting in a relaxing session. I find myself drawn to a porch chair and just reflecting.
As previously mentioned, I sold my house in the very congested area of SE Penna and am temporarily staying at a family’s cabin in the mountains of upstate Penna.
The weather here is cold as the other day, it was -5 during the night. And the next day it was 20* as we wait for an oncoming ‘noreaster that is supposed to bring a lot of snow. Has this deterred me from enjoying a bowl? Not at all. I sat out on the cabins porch, fired up my cob with a new bowl of Sutliff Vanilla Custard and sipped away.
Sitting back, I couldn’t help but just enjoy the surrounding area in the mountains encased with trees and peaceful quietness. A huge difference from my past congested, noisy neighborhood.
There is bright blue skies with no wind which makes the session comfortable. The state of mind has me reflecting and soon turns into a quiet meditative state. By nature I am a bitcher and complainer but I can honestly say that sitting back with my pipe has me feeling calmer and more relaxed. Of course, the beautiful surroundings helps also, but am sure if I was back in my old neighborhood, I’d be pissed about something, but I sure am curious if a pipe would have helped.
In my 4 weeks of piping, I discovered that I am definitely addicted; not to the tobacco but to the state of mind it puts me in.
I can only imagine how nice it will be in the warmer weather with that elusive "game-changer" tobacco.