On the notion that some of your pipes smoke wetter than others, or just don't deliver a clean fresh taste, here's a theory that may be worth trying out: The theory is the briar was not fully cured and/or dried and that contributes to a less than stellar smoke, and it can be mitigated.
So, as an experiment, which will be work, this may help. Load your pipe with very dry tobacco, and be sure to smoke all the way down. Do this for 20-30 smokes. Resting not required. The heat should start to drive moisture out of the stummel. Imperceptibly. It will feel like work, but the important thing is no moisture remain in the bowl, including the heel. It may be preferable to smoke just partial loads, as long as the heat gets high enough to drive out moisture from the briar.
Anyone undertaking this please post your results in a few weeks or months.
So, as an experiment, which will be work, this may help. Load your pipe with very dry tobacco, and be sure to smoke all the way down. Do this for 20-30 smokes. Resting not required. The heat should start to drive moisture out of the stummel. Imperceptibly. It will feel like work, but the important thing is no moisture remain in the bowl, including the heel. It may be preferable to smoke just partial loads, as long as the heat gets high enough to drive out moisture from the briar.
Anyone undertaking this please post your results in a few weeks or months.