New to the Pipe game, quick question.

[De46vil]

I recently picked up some Missouri Meerschaum cobs. I have the packing and smoking pretty much figured out, but I get a plastic taste from the pipe. Well, I assume it's the pipe. I smoked with the filter, then removed the filter, but there was no difference. I was hoping to get the methodology figured out before buying a decent Briar. Is there something I am potentially doing wrong, or do I just need to pick up a decent Briar?

Thanks in advance for any opinions.

 

[Agentskull]

Ok. Just to check. You are using a soft flame and not a torch?

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[derfatdutchman]

Hmm, I can't say I've ever had that problem from a cobb. It could just be the stem, I have a very nice little freehand pipe that the vulcanite stem smells and tastes like burnt tires. I've cleaned the stem, soaked it pipe sweetener, whiskey, rum, vodka and a tried some other suggestions and its still the same.

 

[De46vil]

Ok. Just to check. You are using a soft flame and not a torch?

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I have a soft flame and I have used matches as well.

 

[javajunkie]

i love my cobs, but HATE the cheap vinyl stem. if you want to keep practicing before you invest in briar, look up "forever stems". vulcanite or lucite made to fit cobs. one stem changed over several cob bowls and you have a pretty good system going. i recommend walker briar works, they do good work and are super nice people. maybe another $20-30, depending on your pick, and IMO worth it.

also, what tobacco have you been burning? good prep and smoking skills are never going to save a mix 79 or borkum riff cherry from tasting really off. o)

 

[SmokeAndMirrors]

I have never heard of this. Could possibly be some kind of lining on the inside? Does that even exist?

 

[thejavaman]

I had the same issue with my cob when I first started out. I soaked a few bristle pipe cleaners in bourbon & cleaned the stem & bowl really good, then ran a few regular pipe cleaners through it & let it dry overnight & it seemed to take care of 95% of the problem. A decent briar pipe will make a world of difference regardless of what you do though really.

What tobacco are you smoking in it? And most importantly, what's your address so I can send you a few "starter samples"?

 

[De46vil]

Thanks for the advice Java. I think i will just invest in a decent Briar and go from there.

As far as the tobacco goes, I have only had the Lane 1Q so far. Local shop said it was good for beginners. I said i smoke full bodied cigars, he said it doesnt translate. BS, this stuff is like smoking flavored air.

Been doing some research on what I want to try so I can pick it up.

 

[thejavaman]

Thanks for the advice Java. I think i will just invest in a decent Briar and go from there.

As far as the tobacco goes, I have only had the Lane 1Q so far. Local shop said it was good for beginners. I said i smoke full bodied cigars, he said it doesnt translate. BS, this stuff is like smoking flavored air.

Been doing some research on what I want to try so I can pick it up.

I personally hated Lane 1Q, so that could be 95% of the problem.

Didn't see your address anywhere in that post....

 

[De46vil]

Good to know someone else doesn't love it. Keep reading how it's one of everyone's favorites. Guess it's like cigars that "everyone" buys, just the people that don't search out the good stuff.

 

[TonyRome]

I had the same issue with my cob when I first started out. I soaked a few bristle pipe cleaners in bourbon & cleaned the stem & bowl really good, then ran a few regular pipe cleaners through it & let it dry overnight & it seemed to take care of 95% of the problem. A decent briar pipe will make a world of difference regardless of what you do though really.

What tobacco are you smoking in it? And most importantly, what's your address so I can send you a few "starter samples"?

You put your address on here you are going to be knee deep in the madness!! Your mailbox will not survive!!

 

[Agentskull]

Dunhill nightcap has pretty broad appeal.

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[thejavaman]

Good to know someone else doesn't love it. Keep reading how it's one of everyone's favorites. Guess it's like cigars that "everyone" buys, just the people that don't search out the good stuff.

You'll prolly like blends with lots of Latakia in them like I do since you prefer fuller cigars (it damn well does translate, IMO). My offer stands if you want a few different blends to try out. PM me if so.

 

[Agentskull]

Yeah. If it wasn't for some of the brothers I don't know if I would have stayed into pipes. Their blends really helped me as a starting point

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[De46vil]

Thanks for the suggestion Agent.

I appreciate it Java, but I'm good. Thanks again.

 

[thejavaman]

Some Lat-heavy blends off the top of my head that I really like for a reference point:

Dunhill 965
Butera Latakia Blend #1
Hearth & Home Blackhouse
McClelland Frog Morton Cellar
McClelland Blue Mountain
McClelland 3 Oaks Syrian
GL Pease Abingdon
GL Pease Charring Cross
GL Pease Kensington
Esoterica Penzance
Cornell & Diehl (Hermit) 10 Russians
Cornell & Diehl Black Frigate

Hard to beat the value on one of these "knock around" briars if you're just starting out & don't want to drop a lot of cash too:

http://www.smokershaven.com/basketpipestraight.aspx

 

[Agentskull]

Yeah, sorry I wasn't much help on your initial topic. As for the Dunhill if you try it let me know what you think. I am pretty sure we had a thread somewhere with good starter baccy's somewhere. Ill have to look back. Enjoy man, I don't get to my pipes as often as I would like, but it can be a great experience. There are some really knowledgeable pipers here. Which I am not one.

 

[nhewett]

Loving this thread! I am in the same boat. Big time cigar junkie but new to pipes. I picked up a Savinelli Trevi and some tins.

So far I have:
Samual Gawith Full Virginia Flake
Villiger 1888 Early Day
Peterson Irish Oak


Looking at some Frog Morton tins next?


Cannot wait to try more!!!

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[De46vil]

Some Lat-heavy blends off the top of my head that I really like for a reference point:

Dunhill 965
Butera Latakia Blend #1
Hearth & Home Blackhouse
McClelland Frog Morton Cellar
McClelland Blue Mountain
McClelland 3 Oaks Syrian
GL Pease Abingdon
GL Pease Charring Cross
GL Pease Kensington
Esoterica Penzance
Cornell & Diehl (Hermit) 10 Russians
Cornell & Diehl Black Frigate

Hard to beat the value on one of these "knock around" briars if you're just starting out & don't want to drop a lot of cash too:

http://www.smokershaven.com/basketpipestraight.aspx

Thanks for the list. A few of those I was already planning to pick up.

 

[Grrrrr609]

i love my cobs, but HATE the cheap vinyl stem. if you want to keep practicing before you invest in briar, look up "forever stems". vulcanite or lucite made to fit cobs. one stem changed over several cob bowls and you have a pretty good system going. i recommend walker briar works, they do good work and are super nice people. maybe another $20-30, depending on your pick, and IMO worth it.

also, what tobacco have you been burning? good prep and smoking skills are never going to save a mix 79 or borkum riff cherry from tasting really off. o)

+1

Cobs are great for experimenting with different blends. I have a ton of briars but still smoke my cob. I have gotten the taste you describe and it comes from the stem. It faded away after several bowls.

Lane 1Q is the most popular selling pipe baccy in the country. Its just ok to me. I have smoked it but not one I keep going back to. If you retrohale your cigars might I suggest trying some Dunhill 965 and retrohale, or snork as Ive heard it called. Its one of my fav blends for retrohaling.