In his comment to my last posting; Cortezattic asked me: “Have the good habits become a permanent part of your smoking practices; or do you lapse into carelessness when not concentrating on duration?” Good question.

I have been thinking about the implications of Mr. Attic’s question, more so than its literal meaning. First I should answer the question directly. Yes, I have made a concerted effort to apply some of the technical aspects of the slow smoke to my pleasure smokes. And, yes I have lapsed into carelessness during those same smokes. And, I think I know why. I’ve been in hurry to relax. The following doesn’t apply to that every day utilitarian pipe, but rather to that evening pleasure pipe.

Specifically; what are those practices that I have tried to add to my pipe smoking? Good tobacco preparation, careful packing, a good two match light, slow shallow pulls, careful tamping and concentration are all on that list. However, when one is anticipating that after dinner pipe and one or two good single malts to wash away the day, it’s just so easy to pick up the usual pipe then plop, stuff, and puff.

Keep the above in mind while you consider the following. Some questions have arisen lately about excess dottle, and pipes that go out too easily. I think that these common issues are directly attributable to skipping the preparation of one’s tobacco, then stuffing any handy pipe in a rush to get the relaxation started. I submit that it is possible to curtail this practice simply by taking a little time to choose what tobacco will best suit your mood and intentions, the same with your choice of pipe. Do I want something sweet? Or, do I want something light? Do I want piss off the War Department and smoke Latakia in the den? Now, which pipe will my choice of tobacco smoke best in? Do I want to clench so I can read? Or, do I want that calabash to fondle while I listen to Vivaldi? Do I want smoke my Caviichi Apple or my Stubby Cob out on the back porch in solitude and silence? I think that if one takes the time to choose his tobacco and his pipe carefully, then the desire to prepare the tobacco carefully (attending to every detail) and packing the bowl just as carefully will build the an-ti-ci………pation. Now you can give that little bit of heaven a seductive two match light, and take that first luxurious draw. The rest will come naturally, enhancing the whole experience. So, just slow down.