Really intrigued by pipes, but can't put my finger on it.

[atison]

So I have resisted pipes for a while now (for multiple reasons including flak for taking up another hobby and the "old man" comments all coming from my lovely wife) but my intrigue is getting the best of me.

My uncle used to smoke a pipe and I have fond memories of the smell of his lit pipe and the general aroma in the air of his house, clothes and car. I couldn't tell you what he smoked but I think my first foray into pipe tobacco is going to be to chase that scent. It had a sweet aroma but wasn't forward with the sweetness (maybe vanilla) and made me think of leather and wood. It had no resemblance what soever to any cigar flavors that I have ever had.

I steer clear of "flavored" cigars of any kind (although I don't knock them and have and will try them on occasion) as they just don't do anything for me like a well blended straight tobacco cigar does. I would like to go into pipes with the same initial path but wondering if that hint of sweetness comes from any of the non aromatic blends or if I have to go aromatic to get that note I am after?

Also, as spring arrives and my wife joins me outdoors more in the evenings after we put the kids down, I am looking forward to piping to give her some more pleasurable scents other than my "stinky cigars".

 

[ZippoGeek]

For me, the pipe has always been a bit of a black art. It takes practice and patience. If you're better at these disciplines than me...you'll make a fine piper! Just be prepared for the inevitable learning curve and you won't be disappointed...

Cigars are just easier (lower maintenance) in my opinion. My $.02 -- YMMV.

 

[atison]

Yeah, part of the intrigue for me is the process and/or art of it. I also like the thought of being able varying my smoke times by how much I put in the bowl and the greater flavor range pipes offer.

 

[CVAC085]

Plus, depending on if you enjoy a certain blend you can have an ounce or more to revisit and enjoy.

And it's pretty cool that should you need to put it down, you can come back to it a short time later and relight and enjoy.


Sent from my cellular device via Tap to Talk

 

[Cigary43]

My first pipe was experienced in the early 80's and loved it from the start. Couldn't agree more as to the learning curve associated with pipes because once you get the recipe down...it's a great marriage. I think smoking pipes is obvious...of course it's the taste but another thing is the ritual of it...just as a woodworker will enjoy his time working the wood...and celebrating his results afterwards...same with a pipe because you "work" the tobacco into the bowl...getting it set up where it burns for more than 5 minutes where you are constantly relighting only to taste more of the heat than the tobacco. Once you've found the right way to pack...how to light, when to tap and when to aerate ....when you've hit that magic you sit back and ....relax. It's all about patience and I used to watch my uncles smoke their pipes and how much care they put into each bowl and would sit back for a half hour at a time w/o relighting...friggin amazing...it was an art form and of course the aroma was great. I'd sit there and watch them and it became rote to them...I don't even think they thought about it as it was like breathing in and out. One of the best things about pipes...it forces you to relax whether you want to or not..it requires patience if you really want to enjoy the full benefits of piping. At 61 I don't care what others think about calling me old...I like it..it affords me the luxury of my memories instead of hurrying through the rest of my life and missing out on things I always wanted to do and think about.

 

[daleo8803]

Pipes are a great way to FORCE yourself to relax. You can't rush it. If you do it will bite you! Lol I smoke more cigars than pipes(60/40). But there are times when I know I want a strong smoke I grab my pipe or when I'm driving around. If I have to put my pipe down it won't bother it.

My grandfather smoked a pipe.I loved going to their house because it smelled of pipe tobacco and fresh gingerbread cookies! Lol

 

[atison]

Well, I had some time at lunch today so I jumped right in. MM Cob at Walgreens and a trip to my B&M for an ounce each of two of their house blends (McCllelands) some pipe cleaners and a czech tool and I am off (And a CH Headley Grange and Four Kicks of course).

I picked up cigars with some buddies from the neighborhood and took to it mostly because of the relaxation it provided, then grew to really appreciate the flavors and nuances that can be found. I am excited to venture down the piping path as I only see more of the same.

Thanks for your thoughts. I am sure I will be posting soon about how to remedy tongue bite .

 

[Doc Sixstring]

Well, I had some time at lunch today so I jumped right in. MM Cob at Walgreens and a trip to my B&M for an ounce each of two of their house blends (McCllelands) some pipe cleaners and a czech tool and I am off (And a CH Headley Grange and Four Kicks of course).

I picked up cigars with some buddies from the neighborhood and took to it mostly because of the relaxation it provided, then grew to really appreciate the flavors and nuances that can be found. I am excited to venture down the piping path as I only see more of the same.

Thanks for your thoughts. I am sure I will be posting soon about how to remedy tongue bite .

Go slow, that's how you remedy tongue bite. Slower than you think. Relights aren't frowned upon, and in fact can give you that crystal clear burst of flavour you're looking for. You started off well with a MM cob, what kind of blends did you get? Most B&Ms try to start their pipers on Aromatics and I couldn't disagree more... hope you got at least one VA/Lat/Burley forward blend that isn't heavily cased.

From your description of woodsy, leathery, and vanilla, McClelland's Frog Morton series might be what you're looking for. I like original Frog Morton and Frog Morton Cellar.

 

[atison]

My B&M has all McClellands in their house jars. I got a "front porch" and a "Battle of Franklin" (shop is in Franklin TN) as they said it was their most popular. Both are I believe Virginia's and I confirmed that neither of those are aromatics. Wish I would have grabbed an ounce of the Vanilla Black Cavendish though after reading about it as it may be what I am ultimately chasing.

They both smell fantastic though.

 

[Lindseylucc]

I agree the frog Morton range is a good smoke

 

[The_Rev]

One way to school yourself on non-aromatics is to work through the Dunhill line, particularly Early Morning Pipe, Nightcap, and MM 965. Like learning your ABCs. Also, might I suggest Dunhill Flake as well to try a straight Virginia. Work through all the Dunhills thoughtfully and you get a great basic education in your likes/dislikes. Buy a Djeep lighter too. They work better than Bics.

 

[The_Rev]

And watch Mr. McGrane take months off your learning curve.

 

[The_Rev]

Tamping lightly is the key. Keeping the lit baccy in contact with what's below. Just enjoy. Don't sweat relights. And relax. That's the point.

 

[MeerschaumMarauder]

I love pipes. After years of cigars, I have migrated to pipes more.

My favorite are Latakia/balkan style blends. Not a huge fan of aromatics, but there are some good ones out there.

Frog morton cellar is a good blend. I believe it is slightly aromatic, but a good intro to pipe smoking I feel.


The missouri meer cobs are great pipes.

 

[herfdog]

A wise and experienced young dog once told me "I know pipes can be intriguing, and you curious mind wants to know, but don't put your finger on it, it's waaaay too hot"

Or was it me?


A good pipe is essential. I don't mean 300$ pipe, corn cob are good. But Chinese knockoff pipes might be causing problems. I had one and couldn't keep it lit. Change the pipe but keep everything else: same lighter, same baccy, same dog and all works good. Relights are normal and packing is an art. Look at the previously posted video, works great.

Have fun

 

[atison]

Update:

Short version: OH WOW. It had me at hello. Smooth doesn't even begin to describe a pipe. Retrohale is where its at and is ridiculously smoother than retohaling a cigar. Relights galore. Relaxing. Sweet. Mild.

Update: So I had some time to myself last night and decided to give my new MM cob a go with one of the McClelland blends I picked up (house name so not sure which one but it is a Virginia non aro). Went with the 1-2-3 packing method and fired it up, false light, tamp and lit the bowl completely. Immediately I was greeted with a mouthful of sweet mild tobacco goodness. Nothing I have ever gotten from any cigar.

Relights galore throughout the 45 minute smoke. I think that was due to two things. Wet tobacco, fear of the tongue bite, not getting the whole surface of the bowl lit and too much tamping (maybe packing technique too). I never got any real tongue bite but could feel a twinge of sensitivity towards the end and when I would really try to get it warmed up. With that said, unlike a cigar, the flavor was never compromised. Now, there were moments where I got a woosh of that great pipe goodness that I am chasing (still can't put my finger on the exact notes I am after but I think vanilla is in there).

All in all it was an incredibly satisfying and relaxing experience, even with all the new techniques and processes to deal with. The weather on the back deck was a bit chilly (low 30's) and a tad breezy which made the cheap bic I was using a challenge on relights.

I enjoyed it so much I just had to fire up another one this morning and actually had it in the car after dropping the kids off at school, which is new territory for me as I don't smoke in the car and not sure the wife will appreciate that but hoping the lighter smoke, more pleasing aroma and techniques of window/vent will keep it at bay.

The smoke this morning was equally pleasurable if not slightly more. I didn't sweat the packing as much, didn't even have a tamper with me. Just fired it up and puffed away. Didn't have quite as many relights but still about every 5 minutes or so. Loved being able to have a quick smoke on the way to work (20 minutes) and not being out much for dumping the bowl when done.

One thing that is really hooking me though is the general aroma that stays with me after the smoke. I feel like it buries into your nose and gives you a little hint of it every now and then and I can't get enough of it. With a cigar, there are a few that I like when they stay with me after a smoke, but in general, there is a staleness that lingers that isn't always pleasing and it completely coats everything on you. A pipe seems more subtle like a splash of cologne.

Thanks for all the info around here to get me off to a good start. I am sure things will improve but hurdling over some of the learning curve helps.

 

[Lindseylucc]

Glad to hear your enjoying it that's the big thing about pipe smoking is the relaxation that comes with it and the fact that the after smell is way better than cigars makes people a little bit more easy going about it.
I'd suggest getting some biotene for when you get any tongue bite it will sort it out pretty quick. Even if it's only a little bite

 

[herfdog]

Think about investing in a pipe Zippo. Or a normal Zippo. It's miles ahead of a Bic for pipes.

 

[MeerschaumMarauder]

Think about investing in a pipe Zippo. Or a normal Zippo. It's miles ahead of a Bic for pipes.

Pipe zippo is the way to go if you enjoy it.

Tons on eBay for short money.

 

[Stugots]

I am a novice pipe smoker but do LOVE the ritual. If you enjoy the ritual of cigar smoking (the cutting, warming, lighting, retro-haling, etc.) then you will truly enjoy the art of pipe smoking. The time it takes to simply learn how to pack your pipe correctly is a blast. If you add to that the lighting, puffing, poking, tapping and everything else it will keep you busy for sure. Also, it adds a nice variation to the type of smoking you get to do. Pipe smoke has a really different flavor and a nice sweet aroma.