What's new
  • BOTL UPCOMING MAINTENANCE

    Hi Everyone, as mentioned in my introduction post, BOTL needs quite a bit of updating, patching and whatever else I might come across. Over time BOTL may be unreachable on occasion as I do migrations or updates, etc. Just be patient - we'll be back! I'll generally try to keep these maintenances until later in the evenings.

Slipping down another slope?

Rating - 100%
1   0   0
Joined
Aug 11, 2011
Messages
1,283
Location
Modesto, CA
Well, I think that I have decided to take a more serious look at learning more about pipes and getting into them. I have read through some of the threads here and joined a pipe forum to poke around as well. I'm sure I'll have a few questions... okay a lot... as I progress down the rabbit hole, and appreciate all of the knowledge here. (I'll likely be cross posting my questions to the pipe forum as well to get different opinions - just wanted to let you all know so it doesn't come across as spammy)

My history with pipes is sporadic at best - I have tried them on and off but not too seriously nor consistently. Because of that I have a couple of Morgan Bones, an older unfinished bent Savinelli (not sure of the exact shape name), and a Dagner cob. My favorite shapes at the moment are Pokers and Fat Authors, but that doesn't mean I won't buy something else. I do want to pick up a few pipes but since I have some to start with I want to start by learning a bit more about tobaccos.

I am at a bit of a loss with so many shops having so many blends, but then I thought about it like cigars... find a maker that you like, and pick out cigars based on the tobaccos that you like, With pipe tobacco, the problem is that I don't know what I like yet. I know I prefer natural non-aromatics. (The only aromatic I would consider would be vanilla - maybe it is the cigar guy in me, but other than vanilla they are all too sweet or have flavors that I just don't care for.

To learn what I like I need to figure out which tobacco types I like, so...

I'm looking for recommendations... for each of the main tobacco types, what is the one tobacco that I should buy that best exemplifies that characteristics of that tobacco type/category? (Which Oriental tobacco is the best exemplar of Oriental tobaccos, etc)

Thanks for your input on the different tobacco categories - appreciate the guidance before I start shopping!
 
Rating - 100%
1   0   0
Joined
Jun 23, 2021
Messages
753
Well, I think that I have decided to take a more serious look at learning more about pipes and getting into them. I have read through some of the threads here and joined a pipe forum to poke around as well. I'm sure I'll have a few questions... okay a lot... as I progress down the rabbit hole, and appreciate all of the knowledge here. (I'll likely be cross posting my questions to the pipe forum as well to get different opinions - just wanted to let you all know so it doesn't come across as spammy)

My history with pipes is sporadic at best - I have tried them on and off but not too seriously nor consistently. Because of that I have a couple of Morgan Bones, an older unfinished bent Savinelli (not sure of the exact shape name), and a Dagner cob. My favorite shapes at the moment are Pokers and Fat Authors, but that doesn't mean I won't buy something else. I do want to pick up a few pipes but since I have some to start with I want to start by learning a bit more about tobaccos.

I am at a bit of a loss with so many shops having so many blends, but then I thought about it like cigars... find a maker that you like, and pick out cigars based on the tobaccos that you like, With pipe tobacco, the problem is that I don't know what I like yet. I know I prefer natural non-aromatics. (The only aromatic I would consider would be vanilla - maybe it is the cigar guy in me, but other than vanilla they are all too sweet or have flavors that I just don't care for.

To learn what I like I need to figure out which tobacco types I like, so...

I'm looking for recommendations... for each of the main tobacco types, what is the one tobacco that I should buy that best exemplifies that characteristics of that tobacco type/category? (Which Oriental tobacco is the best exemplar of Oriental tobaccos, etc)

Thanks for your input on the different tobacco categories - appreciate the guidance before I start shopping!
Welcome (back) to the club lol!

I would highly suggest checking out Muttonchop Piper and The Spurgeon Piper on YouTube they are both a wealth of knowledge and offer solid blend reviews.

I’ll have to think more on specific blend suggestions, but the country squire, watch city cigar, j.m boswell, the briar fellowship, and LJ peretti all make great blends outside of your normal tin/bulk options.

Feel free to reach out with any questions. I’m probably not the MOST knowledgeable here, but I have a habit of deep diving every hobby I have so I know a thing or two.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Rating - 100%
62   0   0
Joined
Oct 31, 2009
Messages
56,462
Location
DC/Tampa
Welcome to the madness @MaytagMan I'd suggest getting some blends both aro and non aro from Watch City Cigars. Ernie is a Masshole but definitely knows his stuff. They are well blended and reasonably priced. Savinelli are some of the best factory made pipes out there and are a good starting point before you go down the rabbit hole.I'd suggest going on smoking pipes and buying savinelli when they are on sale. If you don't feel like spending that much for briar you can always get a corn cob and see how you like smoking a pipe in general. Missouri Meerschaum https://corncobpipe.com/ is a great place to get corn cobs. If you want to custom handmade pipe without breaking the bank $150 to $180 Neal Monier is outstanding. http://pipesmokersdens.com/threads/bent-dublin.29125/
 
Rating - 100%
1   0   0
Joined
Jun 23, 2021
Messages
753
Welcome to the madness @MaytagMan I'd suggest getting some blends both aro and non aro from Watch City Cigars. Ernie is a Masshole but definitely knows his stuff. They are well blended and reasonably priced. Savinelli are some of the best factory made pipes out there and are a good starting point before you go down the rabbit hole.I'd suggest going on smoking pipes and buying savinelli when they are on sale. If you don't feel like spending that much for briar you can always get a corn cob and see how you like smoking a pipe in general. Missouri Meerschaum https://corncobpipe.com/ is a great place to get corn cobs. If you want to custom handmade pipe without breaking the bank $150 to $180 Neal Monier is outstanding. http://pipesmokersdens.com/threads/bent-dublin.29125/
Two things from this:

1. What blends do you recommend from watch city? I’ve been wanting to give them a try.

2. I had no idea that was Neil’s price range I’ve always thought his were a good bit more than that. I’ll have to grab one soon.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Rating - 100%
62   0   0
Joined
Oct 31, 2009
Messages
56,462
Location
DC/Tampa
Two things from this:

1. What blends do you recommend from watch city? I’ve been wanting to give them a try.

2. I had no idea that was Neil’s price range I’ve always thought his were a good bit more than that. I’ll have to grab one soon.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Voriental
Old Dominion
Terrapin Station
English Ernie-ental

Neal has a blast for $150. Grab it
 
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
Joined
Sep 1, 2018
Messages
5,304
Location
Atlantaish
Two things from this:

1. What blends do you recommend from watch city? I’ve been wanting to give them a try.

2. I had no idea that was Neil’s price range I’ve always thought his were a good bit more than that. I’ll have to grab one soon.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

The Churchwarden
Noreaster
Ahabs Comfort (if you really like Latakia)
 
Rating - 100%
1   0   0
Joined
Aug 11, 2011
Messages
1,283
Location
Modesto, CA
Welcome (back) to the club lol!

I would highly suggest checking out Muttonchop Piper and The Spurgeon Piper on YouTube they are both a wealth of knowledge and offer solid blend reviews.

I’ll have to think more on specific blend suggestions, but the country squire, watch city cigar, j.m boswell, the briar fellowship, and LJ peretti all make great blends outside of your normal tin/bulk options.

Feel free to reach out with any questions. I’m probably not the MOST knowledgeable here, but I have a habit of deep diving every hobby I have so I know a thing or two.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Thanks! I'll definitely check out those channels for ideas, and have added the sites you mentioned to explore too!

I know what you mean about deep diving... I do the same thing!
 
Rating - 100%
1   0   0
Joined
Aug 11, 2011
Messages
1,283
Location
Modesto, CA
Welcome to the madness @MaytagMan I'd suggest getting some blends both aro and non aro from Watch City Cigars. Ernie is a Masshole but definitely knows his stuff. They are well blended and reasonably priced. Savinelli are some of the best factory made pipes out there and are a good starting point before you go down the rabbit hole.I'd suggest going on smoking pipes and buying savinelli when they are on sale. If you don't feel like spending that much for briar you can always get a corn cob and see how you like smoking a pipe in general. Missouri Meerschaum https://corncobpipe.com/ is a great place to get corn cobs. If you want to custom handmade pipe without breaking the bank $150 to $180 Neal Monier is outstanding. http://pipesmokersdens.com/threads/bent-dublin.29125/
Thanks for the info! So many people have mentioned Watch City that they are definitely at the top of my list to check out.

I'll keep my eyes on some different sites and pick up a couple of Savinellis for sure. I have Bones and a Cop as well, and I definitely don't mind spending the extra coin to upgrade a bit if the quality of the pipe and the smoking experience warrant it.

I tried a bowl on Thurs night and it wasn't a complete disaster, so there's that lol... Looking at the link to the pipemaker - Is PSD a worthwhile forum to read through? I started on BoB - I'm all for looking for good info, but the more forums I join the less I'll end up being able to post lol
 
Rating - 100%
62   0   0
Joined
Oct 31, 2009
Messages
56,462
Location
DC/Tampa
Thanks for the info! So many people have mentioned Watch City that they are definitely at the top of my list to check out.

I'll keep my eyes on some different sites and pick up a couple of Savinellis for sure. I have Bones and a Cop as well, and I definitely don't mind spending the extra coin to upgrade a bit if the quality of the pipe and the smoking experience warrant it.

I tried a bowl on Thurs night and it wasn't a complete disaster, so there's that lol... Looking at the link to the pipemaker - Is PSD a worthwhile forum to read through? I started on BoB - I'm all for looking for good info, but the more forums I join the less I'll end up being able to post lol

PSD and Pipesmagazine are 2 great sites.....imho
 
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
Joined
Sep 1, 2018
Messages
5,304
Location
Atlantaish
PSD is the only other forum I'm a part of. I've learned a lot from PSD, many members there are very knowledgeable & helpful.
Lots of great pipe makers are members there and sell on the forum at very reasonable prices, which is nice obviously if you're in the market. Also alot of good deals on Estate pipes come up regularly.
 
Rating - 100%
1   0   0
Joined
Aug 11, 2011
Messages
1,283
Location
Modesto, CA
PSD is the only other forum I'm a part of. I've learned a lot from PSD, many members there are very knowledgeable & helpful.
Lots of great pipe makers are members there and sell on the forum at very reasonable prices, which is nice obviously if you're in the market. Also alot of good deals on Estate pipes come up regularly.
Thanks for the info!

…Well it looks like they are not taking new registrations so I’ll have to lurk as a guest…. Some great info there to read through - Based on a the list there and one I solicited at another spot, I’m making a list to tobaccos to try as I familiarize myself with things.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Rating - 100%
1   0   0
Joined
Aug 11, 2011
Messages
1,283
Location
Modesto, CA
Okay compiling a few lists I've found, I made a master list of tobaccos to try by type. I guess the thing to do now is order a handful of once quantities to get started and keep track of my likes. I'll probably start with Virginias since they are at the top of my list... Here goes nothing!
 
Rating - 100%
1   0   0
Joined
Jun 23, 2021
Messages
753
Okay compiling a few lists I've found, I made a master list of tobaccos to try by type. I guess the thing to do now is order a handful of once quantities to get started and keep track of my likes. I'll probably start with Virginias since they are at the top of my list... Here goes nothing!
I’ve got a bunch of VA/VaPer blends feel free to shoot me a message and I’d be happy to send samples if you want to save some money


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Rating - 100%
16   0   0
Joined
Jan 17, 2021
Messages
2,664
Hey I forgot one. Warped kings stride. Absolutely must try. Jp kulp from cigarbid sent me a tin after a cigar trade years ago. I went and ordered more after trying it. He also sent some frog Morton which I thought was super cool. He was a good brother for sure.
 
Rating - 100%
62   0   0
Joined
Oct 31, 2009
Messages
56,462
Location
DC/Tampa
Hey I forgot one. Warped kings stride. Absolutely must try. Jp kulp from cigarbid sent me a tin after a cigar trade years ago. I went and ordered more after trying it. He also sent some frog Morton which I thought was super cool. He was a good brother for sure.

It's a shame they don't make Frog Morton any more.
 
Top