As you know I have been attempting to explore the secrets of the “slow smoke”, and I believe that most of what I have thus far conveyed has been valid. However, with a lot of searching I have discovered a couple of things that had never occurred to me prior to finding them. I have to admit that I was somewhat crestfallen. But, tearing down misconceptions is what this entire exercise has been all about. So, here goes.

There is an organization called the United Pipe Clubs of America. http://www.unitedpipeclubs.org/Default.aspx?pageId=505690 This organization has established a set of guidelines designed to level the playing field, as it were. Just follow the link to “Leaning Center”, then to “Smoking Contest Preparation” to get to the basic outline of the UPCA’s procedures and standards for a member club’s Pipe Smoking Contests. The 2010 U.S. National Slow Smoke Championship will be held on May 02, 2010. Here is the web address for the details, and there is a link for registration on this page as well. http://www.unitedpipeclubs.org/Default.aspx?pageId=505660

Prior to writing this and discovering the above, I was ignorant of these standards. I knew about the tampers and the amount of tobacco (3 grams), but that was about it. Since finding the above information I have been attempting to set a new benchmark for myself while adhering to the UPCA’s standards, to the best of my ability. I have only one pipe that fits the general prescribed parameters. It is a classic “apple shape” Cavicchi. Since swapping over to the Cavicchi from my free form Bjarne, and using only my largest diameter dowel style tamper, my times have not been as good. My new bench mark is one hour and twelve minuets. My average time is down from the Bjarne, but I am steadily improving on it and will set a new benchmark soon.

A thorough cleaning of your practice pipe is in order before each new attempt to better your benchmark. Considering that a new pipe is to be used in a UPCA smoking competition, a very clean pipe is essential to a good practice session. Special attention should be paid to the cake in the bowl. Make it as smooth and thin as is possible without damaging your pipe (of course). The airway should be as clean as possible, and the draft hole unobstructed. Your pipe must be absolutely dry. The measurements of your practice pipe should approximate the dimensions listed on the 2010 Smoking Contest Details page, as closely as possible.

As for tobacco preparation and packing your pipe, I think technique is a matter of preference, and practice. As for me, I start by raiding the printer paper stock, here at the house, for one piece of paper. For us old-school guys that’s a piece of typing paper. I also concur with the creasing it down the middle. For me, the most important aspect of the packing process is insuring that the tobacco is in consistently sized pieces. Not so small that they are instantly consumed by the ember or match, nor so big that they won’t easily light either. The UPCA says to rub the tobacco in your “dry” palms, this is a good practice. But I would tear any significantly large pieces individually to avoid creating too much dust, and you won’t waste any significant time by trying to rub the large pieces of tobacco to consistency. Bringing your tobacco to your preferred size and consistency takes practice as well.

Then pack the bowl in a 3 stage manner. I extend that to 5 or 6 stages. Remember you only have 5 minutes according to the UPCA rules. The UPCA recommends that you use the fine “leftovers” as tinder. This isn’t a bad idea, just remember to localize where this is in the bowl so you don’t light the entire surface of the bowl. This can be facilitated by creating a small indentation in the surface of the tobacco with the tip of your little finger, and filling it with the dust. I’m still lighting only about a quarter of the surface area, and feeding from the top. This is difficult considering the tamper restrictions.

Preparing the tamper provided is crucial, and not for the reason that the UPCA states. If you can round the edges sufficiently to effect a real reduction in the diameter of the tamper’s end, then managing the mini-bowl becomes much easier. Under the UPCA’s restrictions; feeding from the top can be problematic, but worth your while. Employing the mini-bowl methodology as your strategy can enhance your performance toward the win. It just takes some practice.

I have really enjoyed conveying my exploration. I have learned a lot. Someday I may take a shot at the “Championship”. But until that time; there will always be the occasional local competitions, on International Pipe Smoking Day, or Father’s Day, you know the ones, where the rules aren’t governed by a “higher authority”. The one’s where a tin of good tobacco is up for grabs or something of even greater value “bragging rights”, like back in my college days where you “run what you brung”.

Pleasant smoking everyone.