Pipe Smoking Tips & Tricks
Well this post on pipe smoking tips and tricks you may just learn something. Check out the tips and see if they help out your pipe smoking experience. If you’ve got a tip feel free to post it in the comments section. I’ll add it to the list to help out the next pipe smoker that stops by.
Tips for Choosing your First Pipe
- Don’t buy a brand new briar pipe as your first pipe. I recommended you purchase a corn cob pipe for your first cheap tobacco pipe, but if that doesn’t suite your fancy consider a meerschaum or an broken-in estate pipe.
- Purchase a couple different styles of corn cob pipes to get a feel for what is comfortable to you. It will make your decision much easier when you want to upgrade to a briar or meerschaum pipe.
Tips for Choosing Pipe Tobacco
- Captain Black pipe tobacco is the most popular tobacco ever sold. A must try.
- Beginner pipe smokers are highly recommended to start out smoking an aromatic blend of pipe tobacco.
- Try to smoke several bowls of the same tobacco to get a good feeling for the taste. Mixing several tobacco in the same pipe will change the taste, so be careful how much mixing and matching you do.
- New tins of tobacco may need moisture adjustments. Generally a new tin is a tad wet, so let it sit out on a napkin for a few minutes before packing your pipe.
- Never pinch your tobacco when packing your pipe.
- Reference TobaccoReviews for the best tobacco reviews on the net.
General Pipe Smoking Tips
- Pack the tobacco very loose on the bottom. Remember your pipe is like a furnace which feeds the flame from the bottom. Packing your pipe to tightly on the bottom will make it difficult to draw air through the stem.
- The draw on your pipe should have little to no resistance. Experiment. Find what works for you.
- If your pipe goes out while smoking don’t be scared to relight.
- If you have to relight consider dumping some of the ash from the bowl.
Just finished reading all of your posts on pipe smoking.
All very good and helpful.
I do have two questions though.
1. How long should it take to smoke one average size bowl?
2. Do you inhale or is it like smoking a cigar?
To answer your questions Jim B:
1. 20-30 minutes. Depends on your personal pace, and the volume of your pipe’s bowl. There all different of course.
2. Do not inhale. I draw the smoke into my mouth as if drinking through a straw, and then slowly allow it to spill out of my mouth and up into my nose. As it flows up into my nostrils, I control the volume by exhaling slightly. Some people inhale because they are used to smoking cigarettes. This is bad for you obviously because the smoke is essentially unfiltered. It is nearly impossible to avoid getting some smoke into your lungs, but once you get the hang of it, it’s no worse than living in a smoggy city like L.A.!
The combination of taste/smell is where it’s at for me. Pipe smoking is not about the nicotine buzz. It’s about the symphony of flavors on your palate.
It depends on a few variables. One being what type of tobacco- ribbon, flake, rubbed or unrubbed etc. .
Two being the size of pipe. Three being what type of conditions the pipe is being smoked in, like if indoors or out. windy or calm.
But if you want a general number I would venture to say between thirty minutes too about forty five (give or take). I hope that this helps
Pipe-smoking is a lifestyle choice and one should not enter into this if one is worried about trifling details such as second-hand smoke, cowboy up and enjoy your life; something is going to kill us all anyway, mine as well be something we enjoy doing!!!
Totally with Jon Von! Enjoying my Peterson (one of the pretty green one’s lol) with a “lightly flavoured” coffee! It’s a beautiful thing.
Thanks for the info. I need some help. I’ve burned through the bowls of two briar pipes, both bought new, within 5-6 weeks after purchase. What am I doing wrong? I smoke about 6 bowls a day.
Mee too friend!
Steve, Sounds like your smoking your pipe to fast. I would suggest you slow down and ’smell the roses’
Also are you smoking the same briar pipe 6 times per day? Briar pipes need a chance to dry out before your next smoke which can take several days. I would recommend a meerschaum pipe if you’re going to be smoking the same pipe multiple time throughout the day.
Good luck and keep us posted.
Pipesmoking is one of life’s greatest pleasures. I have been a pipesmoker for many years and for those of you new at it, be patient! It’s worth every ounce (of patience) to learn how. I smoke custom blend tobacco and spend a little more on pipes now, but that is where I’m at with it. Start with the basics and you will be enjoying pipesmoking soon.
2007-09-25
I JUST STARTED TO SMOKING PIPE BUT SEEM TO GET CRAVINGS FOR SIGARETES
THE PIPE DOESN,T FULL MY NEED OF SMOKING I SMOKE PIPE AND SIGARETES
Hey,
I just smoked my first ever pipe. I only smoked half a bowl and had a couple of problems.
1 - I had to relight the thing about 12 times!
2 - The smoke was very harsh. I got what I assume was “burning tongue” but on the roof of my mouth and the back of my throat.
However, I also go some very subtle hints of delicious flavours and I’m sure that I’m going to love pipe-smoking! I’m putting the 2 problems down to it being my first time, and not being experienced with packing and burning it.
Fingers crossed though!
it does take time to learn how to ride a bike right??
so the pipe needs a bit of patient handling.
hope u will get the hang of it, light up and best wishes.
Sounds to me like your not packing your bowl tight enough if your having to relight that much and its burning that hot. Also, do you have a filter in your pipe? If not you should get one to help with the heat. When you put in the tobacco pack it once lightly light it, pack it a second time, and light it, and pack it a third time lightly and light it. After the third light you should be ready to rock n roll.
If you’re getting tongue bite it’s probably because you’re drawing too quickly and causing the pipe to burn hot. You need to puff slowly, relax and enjoy the flavor. If it goes out . . . so what, relight.
I have been a pipe smoker now for over 35 years, it’s a pleasant hobby that seems to attract thoughtful, pleasant people. Here’s a couple of suggestions to help:
1. If the pipe won’t stay lit, it’s likely that the tobacco isn’t packed quite right. It should give some resistance when you draw through the pipe but should not be difficult. Correctly packed, you should be able to keep any pipe lit after the true light by controlling draw and as necessary, lightly tamping down any “fluffed” ash in the bowl (do not pack). If a crust forms on the top and makes draw too hard, you can use the pointed end of a tamper to open a small path and restore a normal draw.
2. Flavored tobaccos tend to be wet. Burning any tobacco produces additional water. If you run the pipe hot you will end up steaming your tongue and mouth, (the “bite” sensation). Learning to control draw and breathing (slower is better) will help keep the pipe cooler. The best taste seems to occur when the pipe is so cool it is almost ready to go out (this is not so easy to do, but can be learned with time). It is at this point that the natural oils and sugars in the tobacco tend to blend into the smoke uncharred and the moisture level is reduced (no hot steam).
3. The tobacco blend can make quite a difference. Most new smokers start with something like Captain Black or a Cherry blend. Women, an important consideration for many of us (since we prefer to live with them
) seem to appreciate the fragrant aromas better. My sweetheart retains veto rights on any new blends brought into the house.
As time goes by, many pipe smokers are attracted to the spicy, smoky, woodsy flavor of latakia based English blends. My current favorite is McClelland’s Bombay Court - but it may not find favor with the ladies as many may find the smoke a bit too pungent for their noses.
Many experienced smokers like Virginias. Smoked cool they are quite sweet and flavorful and the smoke’s aroma is not so strong and offensive to your better halves as the English blends. They are challenging for a “newbie” to enjoy though, as they are quite likely to “bite” and char if run too hot.
Relax and enjoy!
I would like to get a pipe for my boyfriend for Christmas. I checked out Missouri Meerschaum Company’s website- (corncobpipe.com) to see what type to buy, but I’m still lost! He would be a begginner pipe smoker. Any suggestions which pipe to buy from that site?
Thank you!!!!
Hey, hey, sounds like a great gift. I suggest finding a local “smoke” or cigarette shop if you have one around, or even Main line drug store oddly enough will have a low cost, but good starters pipe. I use those for freinds joining me too, or the occasional “night out” with buddies. These are low priced, yet very effective at getting one started. The most important is the packing, and slow enjoyable “draws” of the pleasured smoke.
Good Luck and enjoy from one low budget piper to a newbie…
I rather enjoyed your articles on pipe smoking. I read them casually while breaking in my newest pipe. I started smoking a pipe about 10 years ago, and lost my favorite pipe whilst moving. I chose to go with a new pipe. And if you are a beginner pipe smoker and go this route, do not be discouraged with a slight bitter taste from your smoke, it’s part of the process. However, once the pipe gets burned in, you will be enjoying the full richness and aroma of your smoke. Again, as beginners go, a cob pipe and one of the various flavors of capt. black’s tobacco’s will get you going for fairly cheap.
Enjoy!
may your burn be slow and your flavor be full
Just checked your site out for the first time. I’ve been smoking pipes for several years now and the experience just gets better with age. Lately I’ve been smoking Falcon pipes (for those who don’t know they have an aluminum shank and bowl base with wood screw on bowl). Just curious if you or anyone has tried these and what reactions might be.
Keep up the good work!
Hey everyone,
For beginners out there, a few pieces of advice. I strayed away from smoking for awhile and recently have come back. As far as tobacco goes, spend the little extra and go to a smoke shop. As popular as Capt. Black is… and having smoked before, I was dissapoined when I grabbed a pouch just because I was itching to get back in. I went to the smoke shop the next day and got myself a great aromatic blend… was well worth the wait and money.
Take your time… enjoy. Rushing the experience is one of the worst things you can do.
Randomly over the past couple of weeks i have been toying with the idea of trying the pleasure of pipe smoking. Today i got myself a pipe, aromatic tobacco & some tapered pipe-cleaners. I have to admit that the art of smoking a pipe is somewhat more of a challenge than i originally anticipated.
Like in the comments above - my smokes up till now have been slightly bitter and have burnt quite hot. Although i have been taking shallow frequent puffs & tampering, the quantity of the smoke produced is quite small. I am unsure that the quality of the tobacco i have bought isn’t of a good quality (Aromatic loose un-branded blend).
I have followed countless tutorials on how to pack my bowl properly - First layer been not too tight, second layer with a slight pressure with my tampering tool. When i light up, i scorch the surface tobacco to produce a slight layer of ash which i lightly tamper down. I then re-light whilst drawing shallow, long tokes and get a decent quality of smoke for a few moments. The burn then seems to die down.
I’m sure that the quality of the tobacco is an important issue but i’ll put this down to my in-experience. I’m after the tobacco that got me curious in the pipe thing in the first place. The tobacco that gives off a great aroma. The tobacco that you can almost smell when watching The Lord Of The Rings whan Gandalf & the Hobbits are smoking their pipe-weed. Its a sweet warm smell. Do you have any recommendations?
The smoke that this tobacco produces is undesirable compared to the smell you get when you’ve been in the presence of a pipe smoker who walk on by in the park.
Thanks
Keep up your efforts, and practice practice…is all it takes. I am no pro, but have learned by re
ading this exact information here and got it. A big tip to all is to have a couple of pipes or plenty of patience to let the pipe “dry” out between “excercises”. As for my first year of sampling various tobacco. I defy anyone to not find the superior pleasure of the “Cherry Almond” blend from Tinder Box. It is fabulous, all around.
Enjoy, don’t give up.
I’m a beginner too. Ironically, you should probably do the opposite of what the poster just above recommends for beginners. You should probably start with Captain Black. Captain Black is available in every drug store and has that stereotypical wonderful aroma that nonsmokers always compliment you on. It’s very mild, and that’s why experienced smokers, or former cigarette smokers, find it less than satisfying. But we’re beginners! For us it’s pleasant tasting, not hot or bitey, and everyone else loves the smell. Start with that and move up to more sophisticated blends when and if you feel the need to. There are lots of reviews on pipesandtobacco.com. It’s a misconception that all pipe tobaccos smell good. A lot of highly rated ones don’t. But don’t buy something just because it’s highly rated. A lot of them produce heavy, powerful smoke, possibly with tangy, spicey, or other unusual flavor notes. Some of these are for hardcore smokers and not for the weak of heart. Out of the tobaccos that receive 4 star ratings, Trout Stream blend sounds intriguing to me. I’t supposed to smell and taste wonderful, but is obviously much more well thought of than Captain Black or any other “drugstore blend”.
Oh, and one other thing I forgot to mention. You didn’t says what kind of pipe you were using but I would really recommend you start with a corncob. Despite what you might perceive as the “hillbilly” look of it, corncob pipes smoke cool. The bitter and hot tastes you are getting may also be due in part to smoking an inferior or not broken in wooden pipe. A $5 corncob from the drugstore is going to smoke better than a brand new $35 wooden pipe from the same drugstore for sure. It might be a different story if you bought a $200 estate briar pipe that was already well broken in. I couldn’t tell you myself. I haven’t shelled out that kind of green.
Oops again. I think that the reviews are on http://www.tobaccoreviews.com, and the “Trout Stream blend” I mentioned is for sale on http://www.pipesandtobacco.com.
I have to admit, I went to a pipe store today after visting a great English Pub in this United States of America, called the “Man of Kent”. Afterwords, my fiance and I went down to this pipe shop to buy a pipe and some pipe tobacco. Mind you, I’ve been saying that I wanted to smoke a pipe again, after all these years ( I smoked a pipe in college, and I smoked Dunhill pipe tobacco). Little did I know, what the price of pipes are these days (I’m still searching for my Briar pipe from my college days). I found this long pipe, that reminds me of “Mad Men” on AMC. The long pipe from the 60’s look. I loved it. Surprised that the pipe was more than I thought it would be. I then had to get all the other accessories, which the store owner was happy to oblige with and had the knowledge of. Smoking a pipe is incredible. I love the aromoa and the taste that lingers in your mouth. Its unfortunate that in this day and age, whereas, smoking is bad for you, I’ve decided to take up smoking a pipe again. It sure as hell beats cigarettes. And I don’t inhale like I did when I smoked a cigarette. Its a desirable taste thats left in the mouth and filters up through the nostrils. Top that off with a nice Scotch and I’m in heaven.
Just about to go out and get myself a pipe for the first time. I’m 38yo and have been having dreams about walking into my ggrandfathers house where he had at least a collection of 10-12 pipes that he would have one of them in his hand/mouth every time I stepped through the doors. What a welcome smell and sight it was. Since he’s no longer around to ask and his pipes went with him to the grave, I was hoping for some help. Not bragging but….money isn’t an object so….what would you all suggest for a pipe or pipes and then, what starting tobac would you all recommend. I want that soft, warm, sweet smell that I remember. It was never spicy….always soft and sweet. Thanks in advance.
I’m just starting out myself, so I don’t have any pipe recommendations. But, I checked out tobacco reviews at http://www.tobaccoreviews.com (I’m pretty sure that’s the right address) and I went with a couple of the most highly rated aromatics there. I’m loving them both and definitely recommend them. They are:
Berry Cobbler - from Boswell’s
Middle Earth blend - from The Pipe Room (It’s reviewed as Middle Earth Blend, but they now sell it as King Arthur Blend [trademark issues?])
My friends Dad, used to smoke when we were young. I have always loved the smell and admired his collection. I had no idea there are so many kinds and I now can ID what he had on the rack. I dont know what kind of tobacco he smoked so Im going to have to try out some of them, but I remember a black and white can on the shelf, and I think it was Capt Black.
Anyways My wife is getting me an estate pipe for christmas, so I figured I better damn well know how to smoke by then, so I picked up a corncob pipe, some mild aromatic tobacco, and a tamper tool kit.
wish me luck
Advice desired…I began pipe smoking a year ago and love it. I got my wonderful step son started too, he’s real cigar officiando, and enjoys the pipe now and then too. We don’t live close so it’s always a blast when we visit. Anyway, I have to learn how to acquire the ability to drink Scotch! for god sakes you all are talking about it here, it’s practically in the plumbing of the “lounges” he and I visit. He loves it, I just need to know how the heck I can get that liquid steel wool down my throat.
Any advice would be great…puff…….puff……………….puff
Scotch is an aquired taste. I love scotch!! For beginners I suggest Clan McGregor, it’s cheap and has a nice smooth flavor like J&B and Dewar’s. Johnny Walker Red and Balentines are pretty mild as well. If you can get used to the taste of those then try the hotter stuff like Glenfidich and Glenlivit. Chivas Regal is not a good scotch for a beginner to drink first. I’ll drink just about anything and my favorite drink is a boilermaker but when I just wanna sit and relax and enjoy a good pipe smoke and a nice cool drink I prefer scotch. You don’t rush scotch, you should enjoy it slowly. Lots of ice helps too. I you don’t like it straight try water or tonic.
I can’t believe I said tonic
! I meant soda water. Sorry about that. My bad. Too many boilermakers lol!
i am having my first pipe right now with a bourbon flavoured tabacco and loving every minute of it.
I learnt to drink scotch straight over a very very long time, i found the trick was to get into it slowly start by mixing it with coke (i know i will get flamed for that) then head on over to soda water then finally ice. I still can’t drink it neat but with ice its fantastic. And i agree J&B is a great place to start very very smooth
Gently sip and taste, don’t just drink! With a really nice scotch, you want it served as neat as you can handle until you get used to the taste.
). Honour your guests with a serving of the good stuff. Then continue with the regular stuff… it’s easier to handle then, and your guests don’t just kill your private stash!. Same holds true when you order in the pub. AND with this approach, I’ve learned that I can sip neat tequila or rum that has been distilled with similar levels of care and attention as the finer scotches. Tequila was simply just vile until I got to taste the stuff that wealthy Mexicans enjoy (rather than the stuff they send to us!)
With any kind of beer, wine or neat alcohol, be willing to splurge a little more for your first sip. When it comes to scotch, if you have a choice between different ages, say a 12 year or 17 year Lagavulin (or other recommended favorites), I choose the 17 year… they are typically aged in wooden casks that have a mellowing effect, and makes it more palateable. You can settle for something different after, but savour every sip of the first scotch. Let it sit on your tongue for a moment before you swallow the sip.
If I bought a bottle of scotch to entertain at home, I would buy two… a 17 year is much less expensive than a 25 year, but much more pleasant than a 7 to 12 year. Buy a fine bottle and a drinking bottle (if you ever need more than one drink
Don’t drown it (the good stuff) in ice (just one or two small cubes), water or soda, as you’ll diminish the subtle flavors in the scotch (the oakey flavor from the cask, maybe some mossy scents from the peat…) that’s a whole other topic… I haven’t tried it with a pipe yet, but I think I’ll enjoy it!
I must admit I find the advice on “learning” to drink scotch a bit interesting. The entire point of this activity is pleasure, this isn’t learning to enjoy broccoli because it is good for you. If you don’t like scotch, then you don’t like scotch. I love scotch, but unfortunately the cheaper the scotch the less palatable to those who don’t like whiskey. While I drink bourban and scotch with ice, never with a pipe. The liquid in my opinion should not be icy against the warm tobacco, but rather be warming as well. If you don’t like scotch, no worries, consider other mellow liqour such as cognac, calvados, or even a nice bourban. Try a couple until you find something you like.
When someone is trying straight alcohol, be it scotch or a nice brandy, the most important thing is to swallow twice on each sip. Sounds funny , sure, but I promise it works. Take a sip, and then swallow twice back to back. Don’t let your tongue leave the roof of your mouth (everyone swallow right now and pay attention, your tongue presses against the roof of your mouth.) It’s hard without actually drinking something, but it’s easy after taking a sip of your drink. This will kill the burning sensation and allow you to actually taste the flavor of the scotch. After a relatively short time, you will become aclimated to the strength of straight scotch and crave it. I’m going to pour a drink. Enjoy. mp
I’ve been a cigarette smoker for many years and no longer find it a pleasurable experience. Looking for something MORE from my smoking. I’m not into the whole quitting thing. So I’ve been considering taking up the pipe. Just wanted to say that I’ve found this site most helpful. Thankyou for being around. So I’m gonna get started and I’ll let you know how it all turns out. Cheers.
If you want something more from your smoking, smoke weed.
weed is the spice of life i love to first smoke a nice bowl of this not so legal aromatic and then switch to my ordinary briar for a nice slow enjoyable experience with my favorite vanilla-almond blend
Hahaha good to see 13 year olds reading this!
I’ve just taken up pipe smoking and am enjoying it very much. I started with a tobac blend that was recommended by the owner of my local smoke shop, The Briar and Bean. It’s nice, but I’m looking for something a bit more aromatic and “sweet” smelling. Any recommendations?
I just started smoking pipe, my uncle actually got me into it, being a long time cig and cigar smoker i wanted something more,
went out bought a beautiful briar pipe, and some mango tango tobacco from Tinder Box and ive loved every puff.
Still having a lil trouble packing, but its all about practice.
Questiong though, is there a HUGE difference between briar and meerschaum pipes…i only ask because i rele like the look of the meerschaum, but i love the smoke of the briar having never tried the meerschaum.
Is pipe smoking addicting? I want to take it up but just as a casual hobby.
If I do it randomly, will I not be able to stop, and will I crave it like
with cigarettes?
Its all up to you. Only you can say ‘when’. Tobacco is tobacco no matter how you smoke it. I have a humidor full of stogies but I rarely get to have one as I don’t smoke around the house. I do it when I go fishing or shooting out in the desert.
Yes and No, are you going to crave it like that cig after lunch well maybe but not the same way certainly not as badly, plus as someone mentioned in perhaps this thread or another, smoking a pipe takes some skills, if you don’t pack it right you will be relighting the thing over and over, a good bowl should last 30-45 minutes if your good at it(packing, charring up the firstlayer and then repacking etc.) So in other words a cig can just be lit and smoked, no brain neccesary. But a pipe takes about five minutes of prep if your a intermediate, or like 45 seconds if your good at it, but the whole vibe with pipes is taking your time. Have something to do, a good book, cup of coffee, or a nice quiet place to enjoy a view.
Occaisional, no you will not get addicted even one bow a day isn’t that much really, I smoke my pipe maybe 2-4 times a week, but sometimes I end up smoking it many times in a day, again it’s all about how you feel. I hope you live on your own, cause this is definately not something you could hide from your parents the smell is too strong.
My recommendation is that you google up a pipe and cigar shop, and take a little drive out there and just go in and look and chat with someone. To be honest most people are so intimidated in those places, they walk in and all these old dudes are puffing fat cigars and pipes and one feels timid saying,”How do I do that ?” but you shouldn’t because that is what the employees are there for, and yes they are not some weird elite crowd that frowns on beginers. They will teach you help you pick out something good and get you started. I would suggest you skip all that corn cob rubbish and just get a descent pipe save up about a hundred bucks, and you will come home with a good pipe and a few types of tobbacco and some cleaning tools, with probably a good twenty or so left over, depending on how good a pipe you got.
My first pipe was a 45 dollar churchwarden, recently I saw the same pipe selling for 125 dollars guess they do go up in value, my last pipe I wanted something nicer so I went with Tim West model that cost me about 200 something, but really when you go in there talk with the pros and see that most pipes they sell cost in the thousands, well then 45 bucks for something that doesn’t taste like A**, doesn’t seem so bad.
Good Luck.
Just got my first pipe and it was a Peterson Churchwarden as well. very cool pipe. I like the fact that the smoke doesnt go into my face as much with a longstem.
Bottom line when chosing your first pipe: try out everything that appeals to your eye. hold them and get a feel for it. A good store will be friendly and patient with you so hold as many as you like then get the one that calls out!
Well i just smoked my first pipe like 2 days ago. My brother came home from college and was smoking a pipe and I had asked if i could join him. He said he had already smoked out of one but i could use it any way if I dried it with a pipe cleaner. I took my time on it he showed me a lot of things and whats everything is called and all the jazz, and I found it rather enjoyable. So I am going to try to get into pipe smoking but don’t know where to get a decent pipe. My brother told me not to get a corncob pipe, and i have enough patience to break in a new pipe. Theres no place good enough around where I live and was looking for a decent type or brand of pipe that I could buy I have about 50 dollars to spend on pipe. Any ideas?
I
listen a really good pipe is great if you can afford it but i defiantly dont recomend a corn cob pipe i have a ceramic pipe thats called a yello-bole and the style of mine is nova but theres a hundre3d different style and they range from 13 to 20 dollars go with that it will last you as long as you want and has a good taste i also recomend not gettin the pipes with insertable paper filtes go with the tiny metal spoons all you have to do is wipe them off as opposed to buying a new filter as far as tobbacos go dont get capt.black get either middeltons cherry or half and half burley and bright if you want taste for smell go with borkun riff cherry cavendish or jamestowne traditon aromatic mixture
enjoy slowly and burn long peace
Hi; I’m totally new to pipe smoking. There’s some people at my law school that are into the “hookah nights.” It seems to be all the rage and it got me to thinking of a pipe for the longest time but I want a so-called normal version.
I went to a shop Saturday to purchase a pipe and I realized right away that some research into the selection of pipes would be necessary; I’m grateful for the information at this site!
One thing I haven’t seen discussed is the effect of heating and cooling of the bowl. Are there any issues with the rapid heating and cooling of the walls of the bowl when the user lights the tobacco? Also, are there techniques that are better than others when doing this?
Last, I hope someone might advise which would be better: a pipe with a metal insert or the used briar type of pipe that has been mentioned here? I just don’t care for the corncob type. Is the only disadvantage with the metal insert increased noise from condensation? If so, would cleaning the pipe each time make a difference?
Well, any advice here would be appreciated.
Scott
Hey, another newbie here.
I’ve been smoking Backwoods cigars for several years (I love how they come in a foil pack to keep in some moisture, plus the Honey Berry ones can’t be beat, and they’re great for a relaxing smoke while wrenching on my car or whatever).
Picked up a corn cob pipe last week on a whim, and after reading a few of these pages, picked up some Captain Black Royal tonight. Gave it a try, I can tell this will take some practice!
Gonna get a pipe tool very soon.
Are there any recommendations here for good flavored pipe tobacco? Something like cherry or honey would probably be great.
Stokkebyes Luxury Twist Flake cupojoes.com or pipesandcigars.com. Kind of a natural honey/vanilla taste.
Even though I am a minor, I am basically hooked to smoking a pipe even though I never have had one. Just the sense of having one and being able to say, “Yes, I do own and smoke a pipe.”, is grand. There are only three things I want to do before I die, and one of those is defintly to smoke a pipe.
Garret–Captain Black sells cherry as well, here:http://www.thepiperoom.com/tobacco/CaptainBlack/captainblack.html
Anybody smoke all the way to the bottom of the bowl? If so, do you have issues with ash/tobacco getting in your mouth? Also, how exactly does one remove the ash while smoking? I have a Peterson system 303, and though it’s dry, I do get nasty particulates in my mouth if I smoke to the bottom of the bowl.
Mort, you may not be tamping your tobacco enough as you smoke down to the bottom. the more compact the last shreds of tobacco are, the less ash will creep up into the draught hole. You could also try a filter pipe.
Ash is best removed by stirring it up with your pipe tool and tipping it out into the ashtray. Be careful not to dig too deep or you will be down into the embers. You can also tip ash out after tamping if necessary.
Hope this helps.
I have been smoking cigars for several years now and have realized that the cheaper the cigar, the cheaper the flavor. Just recently though, I was introduced to pipe smoking and purchased a meerchaum along with some tobaccos from OVTC. The Civil War series is fantastic. I have also tried English Cavendish and find it a great relaxing tobacco. The Civil War series smokes wonderfully with a good coffee.
The one issue that I find the most problematic is packing the bowl. If I pack it according to the article as mentioned, it does not stay lit long and I have to tamp it frequently. If I pack the bowl tighter, it smokes better with fewer tamps involved.
I have also found that when the bowl of the meerchaum is warm, it smokes much better than when it is cold. The second bowl always tastes better than the the first but there are times when I do not want to have a second bowl right away. How do I get the same results?
Thanks and happy puffing!
Hey, I quit cigs 4 years ago after smoking them for 15 years. Recently I picked up a corncob pipe, don’t know why, just had a strange affection to pipe smoking, so I want to try it out, but the question is - does it have the same effects as smoking cigarettes for the first time i.e. dizzziness, vertigo etc? Sounds stupid, I know
I’ve recently taken up pipe smoking. I’m trying to fade out the cigarrettes. Anyway, there seem to be lots of questions here about pipes–how to find inexpensive ones, etc. Man, there is a place called “Attic Treasures” in Madison, GA, that has thousands of estate pipes and unsmoked pipes from the 50s for prices between 5 and 20 dollars. I’m talking imported briar pipes. I’ve got two already and am cursing myself for not getting a baker’s dozen. They are all beautiful–real works of art and they must have fallen off a truck because it is ridiculous how cheap they are. If you are looking for a first time pipe, don’t get a corncob; drive to Madison, GA, and get an imported antique briar for $15. They have a webiste. It might be possible to get him to ship you some.
hey I got my first pipe a few days ago. I skipped the corn cob and went straight to the briar because my friend had one and i loved it. Ive smoked it twice a day for the past 2 days, but my mouth and tounge feel really burnt. Any reason why this is happening? I tried take slower puffs but I still get the burning sensation in my mouth.
Bobby,
A lot of the tongue bite, or burning sensation that you experience isn’t just caused by heat. I’m not sure if it is the nicotine, another chemical in the smoke, or even from the ash itself (which is a very strong alkaline). This is totally normal from what I’ve heard (although I’m not very experienced) and the only thing I could recommend is a milder tobacco or to smoke less. I haven’t smoked long enough to tell you whether or not this fades as you smoke more but my best guess would say it will as you become more used to it.
John
If you’re drawing slowly and still getting tongue bite you might consider having more than one pipe available. You’re suppose to rotate your pipes. They need a chance to rest . . . they burn hot. Moderation is the key, I guess, so take it slow, relax and enjoy your pipe.
Just lit my first pipe (a briar) and it is alot harder than I thought, had to start over twice before it worked right
. I’m using a mild Danish blend of Black Cavendish, Virginia and Burleys from W.O.Larsen. I find it quite pleasing. This site was helpfull so thanks. (Damn it’s gone out again 
)
Question. I’m thinking about smoking a pipe, but my worry is that I’ll get addicted to the nicotine. Would that happen just like a normal cigarette or since you’re just puffing the smoke in your mouth, there’s a lower risk of nicotine addiction. I know I sound new, that’s because I’m thinking about it, forgive me for sounding stupid.
Cedric,
I was worried about the same thing when I started and I don’t feel I am addicted at all. I usually smoke on the weekends, at parties but it is not convenient for me to smoke during the week so I don’t and I don’t feel the need to.
I am sure there is some risk to addiction, both mentally and physically. How easily you will be able to control it depends on you. However, I think that the chance of becoming addicted through smoking a pipe is pretty slim because you likely won’t be doing it as often, and won’t be getting as much nicotine as with cigarettes.
John
I purchased my first Briar pipe last night and was warned both here and in the store that I would have trouble keeping the pipe lit.
I didn’t. I think I must have done something wrong. The burn was hot, as expected, since the pipe is brand new. I didn’t get the aromatic flavor/scent that I know I’ll eventually get once the pipe is broken in.
Maybe I smoked too quickly?
Any thoughts? Thanks!
Mikey,
From what you said, if I had to guess I would say you are smoking it too quickly. I smoked very fast when I first started and only slowed back when I realized the damage I was causing to the inside of my pipe (luckily it was a briar so it wasn’t a big deal). Now that I have upgraded to a few briars, I pack more loosely (my other big mistake was packing too tight) and smoke slower. Hold your pipe by the bowl when you smoke and if it is uncomfortably warm, you may want to slow down.
Especially on a new pipe, I would think you want to smoke slower and cooler to give it a chance to build a cake. The cake protects the wood from damage, as well as other numerous benefits. Smoking fast can cause too much heat which may damage the wood and reduce the life of your pipe. The hot burn can also cause a wetter smoke with a less pleasant flavor.
John
Ok Guys here’s one for you all.
I wouldnt call myself an experienced pipe smokers however I certainly am not a complete newbie. I own a nember of pipes and have gone through a process of enjoying loads of tobaccos. All in all I have been smoking seriously for over a year and can pack and keep the pipe well alight throughout the smoke. I understand how to cake a pipe etc. NOW TO THE POINT.
I only smoke about a bowl throughout the day but I do find that I wake up with a very dry mounth and lips the day after smoking. Do any experienced smokers have this problem, is it the norm. If its not the norm how to I sort this one. I have tried all sorts of weak tobacoos and no joy.
Any ideas please…!!!
Kit
KIT,
I can’t comment on this much from a smoker’s perspective as I am quite new myself.
However, to me it sounds like you are somewhat dehydrated (many people are in a constant state of being somewhat dehydrated - myself included)
We grew up with wood heat, and the house was very dry all the time. I used to have this problem(or something very similar) for a while and I eventually realized I just wasn’t drinking enough water.
So my advice is to:
A) Try to stay more hydrated all the time. Carry a bottle of water with you when you can, and you will tend to drink a lot more water. It is healthy for you in many ways and will hopefully solve your problem
AND/OR
B) Drink a glass of water before you go to bed. In addition to helping your problem, you will probably feel better overall. It will help your body rest, and to keep itself cool during the night which will also contribute to a better rest.
John
When I smoke, I tend to have a problem with it getting too wet and then the foul tasting liquid gets into my mouth. Do you have any tips for me for a dryer smoke?
Thanks.