Pipes Magazine » General Pipe Smoking Discussion

1. 

   carpart67
   

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   Hello,

   I'm looking for a little advice regarding aromatic tobaccos. I'm a very novice pipe smoker. I'm going to try to stick with aromatics and learn how to smoke them properly. I think they suit my taste as I love sweets, and really enjoy the aroma.

   My first bowl of baccy was Captain Black Gold. I knew nothing about drying,packing,lighting,or tamping. I had pretty good success considering. The tobacco stayed lit fairly well, had some flavor and a great aroma. It was quite enjoyable.

   My 2nd bowl (last night)was EA Careys Grandma's Apple Pie. I know I should have let it dry longer than I did, but I got excited. I had a hard job keeping it lit, which I know is common with aromatics. My biggest concern however is that the tobacco had no flavor and a very weak, plain, aroma. I understand that it may take some time to be able to notice suttle flavors during smoking, but shouldn't the aroma be noticeable from the beginning? As silly as it sounds the room note is important to me as well.

   So I guess what I'm wondering is if I'm doing something wrong with the Grandmas Apple Pie tobacco, or is it perhaps just not my thing?

   I have a tin of Eileens Dreams to try as well, but I am waiting for my cob to arrive before trying it.

   Any help or tips would be appreciated.

   Posted 3 months ago #
2. 

   docrx
   

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   Keep going,Your doing just fine.Don't worry about rules,sit back enjoy and find what works for you!

   Posted 3 months ago #
3. 

   carpart67
   

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   So perhaps the apple pie just isn't as aromatic of an aromatic as I prefer? lol

   Posted 3 months ago #
4. 

   Spartan
   

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   You'll soon find out that many aromatics smells great. And have little to no flavor. In most cases to really appreciate the flavor you must gently blow the smoke through your nose without inhaling the smoke. This will help you "taste" the tobacco better.

   With the aid of members here you should be able to select from a higher quality aromatic that does indeed taste a little more like it smells.

   I would also reccomend venturing out into the whole of Virginias. I have found that in some ways they are in fact sweeter than many aro's. It sounds crazy I know, but it has a natural sweetness about it that's simply amazing. A gentle wheaty, lemongrass, and soft quality about the leaf that is an experience like no other.

   If you would be interested in trying a nice Virginia pm me your address and I'll send you a sample.

   Happy Smoking and welcome to the forums.

   "I was born to lose. So I'll die to win." -Breaking Benjamin

   Posted 3 months ago #
5. 

   carpart67
   

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   Hey Spartan,

   Thanks for the offer. PM will be sent shortly.

   The Eileens Dreams I picked up had very good reviews online. I have yet to try it. I couldn't find any info on the Careys Apple Pie. I have no local tobacco shops so I just ordered online on the fly, and the Apple Pie sounded good. I've read that most areos smell better than they taste so I was prepared for that. I'm thinking that the E Carey Apple Pie may just not be for me, as I don't even find it to smell very strong or appealing.

   Posted 3 months ago #
6. 

   tokerpipes
   

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   As an Aero smoker my self I can say try em all. enjoy

   If you can't pack it, light it, and smoke it then why do it. It's a dieing art that must be rekindled in all of us as fortold by our forefathers.
   
   Words to live by for all pipe smokers.

   Posted 3 months ago #
7. 

   lordofthepiperings
   

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   Yeah sometimes with aros the tin note doesn't carry over much into the flavour. Eileen's Dream is another one that's a little more subtle in the taste, but leaves a nice room note. If you're looking for blends that taste more like they smell in the tin then give the 7 Seas line from Mac Baren a try and the Mac Baren Vanilla Cream (loose/flake cut both are great). Also if you can get your hands on it a tin of Peterson's Holiday Season 2011. Definately don't forget to give some of the blends drying time. Almost all the tins of Mac Baren blends I've gotten have been pretty moist. Keep at it though. You'll find blends you love. That's one of the most fun parts of this hobby.

   Posted 3 months ago #
8. 

   bentmike
   

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   Hi carpart, My favorites are Peterson's Nutty Cut and Sunset Breeze. Also been wanting to try the Mac Baren 7 seas blends. Spartan offers good advice about the Virginias. After spending a summer smoking more basic Virginias I can really pick out the Virginia flavor when smoking my favorite aromatics.

   Oh so many choices!

   Posted 3 months ago #
9. 

   dhizzy
   

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   +1 on the seven seas advice from lordofthepiperings

   By the eternal! There is a man whose form should be cast in deathless bronze and the statue placed in every college in the land. It is not book-learning young men need, nor instruction about this and that, but a stiffening of the vertebrae which will cause them to be loyal to a trust, to act promptly, concentrate their energies; do the thing - "carry a message to Garcia!" Elbert Hubbard "A Message to Garcia" 1899

   Posted 3 months ago #
10. 

    lordofthepiperings
    

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    Word of advice on the 7 Seas blends, you can get them in bulk on a lot of online retailers. So, a 1oz sample is usually under $3. I'd think a 1oz sample would be sufficent to findout if you like the blend or not. Also Lane Limited's 1Q is a popular aro and can be found cheaper in bulk online as well.

    Posted 3 months ago #
11. 

    jchaplick
    

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    Personally, I started on aros but soon gave them up for VA's and Va/Pers, I never could really get enough flavor through the aros and I am much happier now, of course this is me.

    Just try everything and figure out what you like

    Congress seems to believe that 'Children are our future' is a phrase coined by tobacco advertisers.
    Jef I. Richards

    Posted 3 months ago #
12. 

    tokerpipes
    

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    You could also find a nice flavorful Va or Per and top the bowl with the areo so you can get the best of both worlds. I like to do this often.

    Posted 3 months ago #
13. 

    classicgeek
    

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    Keep on trying. As your experience grows, you'll be able to pick out more subtleties in the flavour. Smoke slow (even if you are risking your pipe going out - not the end of the world!) because that's when you get the most flavour.

    Even among aromatics, there is a huge variation in the balance of flavour, room note, etc., so it shouldn't be surprising to you. Eileen's Dream is one with an amazing room note and tin note, but doesn't impart much taste in my experience. So I usually put a pinch or two of a latakia-heavy blend in the bowl along with it, just to liven it up.

    Simon

    Posted 3 months ago #
14. 

    pipedisciple
    

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    I smoke both english and aromatics, personally liking the aromatics, but the key is experiment and find what you enjoy, some like Burley, some like Virginas but your the one smoking it and there alot of tobacco blends. Take your time, experiment find what suites you the best and by all means take your time and enjoy it. That's the whole idea. Happy smoking. Sam

    Posted 3 months ago #
15. 

    carpart67
    

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    Thanks for all the tips guys. I'll think I'll have to pick up a few samples of some of the mentioned tobacco sometime. I'll have to wait a little while, as I've spent quite abit just recently on pipe cleaning supplies,tobacco,pipes, etc.

    Having to purchase online as opposed to loack makes it harder to easily experiment.

    Posted 3 months ago #
16. 

    Jud
    

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    I personally prefer, when I smoke an aro, a lighter one in the Danish style. I primarily want to taste tobacco, with hints of this or that. Prince Al Cherry Vanilla fits that to a "T", of the OTC aros. And it is not wet and goopy at all, so you don't need to dry it out.

    Thought in the early morning, solace in time of woes,
    Peace in the hush of the twilight, balm ere my eyelids close
    Rudyard Kipling

    Posted 3 months ago #
17. 

    nsfisher
    

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    was prob a very mild blend. git urself a smoke of 7 seas royal, thats about right and flovor comes out nicely and its a great beginner aro. lots of flavour there

    Now i gotta larn how to reed and rite good

    Posted 3 months ago #
18. 

    pipeinhand
    

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    +1 from docrx.

    Try everything, some will work and some will not. There are no rules.

    There is nothing like being left alone again, to walk peacefully with oneself in the woods.
    To boil one's coffee and fill one's pipe, and to think idly and slowly as one does it.

    Posted 3 months ago #
19. 

    Mick
    

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    Mac Baren Vanilla Cream

    ^^^ +1 on that one ^^^

    As a newbie, the loose cut was easier to pack and smoke. Do let it try a little bit before loading the pipe. I do it with most tobacco's anyway.

    On the Va and VA/Per comments, +1 on those as well. I smoke them during the day, the last bowl of the night is usually reserved for an aro. Kinda like a dessert before going to bed thing

    "The fact is, squire, the moment a man takes to a pipe, he becomes a philosopher. It's the poor man's friend; it calms the mind, soothes the temper, and makes a man patient under difficulties. It has made more good men, good husbands, kind masters, indulgent fathers, than any other blessed thing on this universal earth."
    -"Sam Slick, the clockmaker" aka T.C.Haliburton

    Posted 3 months ago #
20. 

    carpart67
    

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    Thanks for all the tips guys. I think I will try some 7 Seas in the future as well as some virginias. Unfortunately all I can get locally is Captain Black, Sail, Borkum Riff, or Amphora. The closest "tobacco shop" (not even sure how good it is) is 2 hours away, so I'm stuck ordering online. Since I'm in Canada shipping is a killer. Even though tobacco is cheaper in the US shipping makes it uneconomical for a few ounces, so I'll have to wait until I can place a larger order.

    In the meantime I may pick up some CBW for giggles. It seems quite popular for an OTC aromatic. My grandfather smoked Captain Black every day, so if anything it will bring back some fond memories.

    Posted 3 months ago #
21. 

    hnryclay
    

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    Do not despair CBW is a good smoke... and has been for a lot of years, cheap is not always bad.

    Posted 3 months ago #
22. 

    Philip
    

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    I'm going to try to stick with aromatics and learn how to smoke them properly.

    
    Welcome to the forum, carpart67.

    It may be difficult to decide just what "properly" is if aromatics are all you smoke.
    Virginias, Burleys and English blends may hold some pleasant surprises for you if you give them a try.

    But I think you have an admirable desire to "get it right".

    Enjoy. And keep us informed how you are doing as you learn.

    Posted 3 months ago #
23. 

    shaintiques
    

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    The most flavorful aromatic ive smoked is molto dolce by sutliff.

    I know what I need, smoke, I can't recall the last time I tasted it....Gandalf in the mines of Moria.
    
    "we shall have to share pipes, as good friends must at a pinch'....'I keep a treasure or two near my skin, as precious as rings to me. Here's one: my old wooden pipe. And here's another an unused one...He held up a small pipe with a wide flattened bowl, and handed it to Gimli. 'Does that settle the score between us', said Merry. 'Most noble hobbit, it leaves me deep in your debt."

    Posted 3 months ago #
24. 

    Jud
    

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    Thanks for all the tips guys. I think I will try some 7 Seas in the future as well as some virginias. Unfortunately all I can get locally is Captain Black, Sail, Borkum Riff, or Amphora.

    Try some Sail. I have smoked all three - Yellow, Ivory, and Green - although it has been a long time since I smoked the Ivory. Lightly topped, and some decent flavors. I remember the Ivory as being rather uninteresting.
    I have never smoked Amphora, but it's another old Dutch line that has been around for years.

    Posted 3 months ago #
25. 

    Anonymous
    

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    great suggustions here for you carpart67. just one note: your packing, do not pack too tight or loose. you want the load to be springy after loading, also make sure you tap during the smoking period.... and yes some dry time will help with keeping the tobac burning... smoke all the way to the bottom of bowl to insure total break in of your pipe. good luck to you, and welcome to the forum.

    take care.

    mike lyvers.

    Posted 3 months ago #
26. 

    funn
    

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    I've found recently (past 3 years) in my pipe smoking life (since the 60's) that if you pack an aromatic lightly and smoke slowly you can taste the flavoring along with the tobacconess (Funn Dictionary) of the blend. This doesn't work with the cheaper blends made with inferior tobaccos. But this has greatly enhanced my appreciation of aromatics. I do smoke everything,English,Virginias, Burley, Blends, Mixtures,cross-overs, unders, etc...
    You have to smoke different tobaccos with different techniques as I found with viginias. you can't puff and/or pack an English like an Aromatic, Burley or etc...just MHO...

    Posted 3 months ago #
27. 

    echopipe
    

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    I don't know if this has been thrown out there yet or not but pipesandcigars has samplers. A great way to explore. I "think" stand by me has aeros , English and Virginia's in the sampler.about 2 oz of each.
    have fun

    Posted 3 months ago #
28. 

    Uberam3rica
    

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    7 Seas would be my recommendation. Id also recommend that you at least try english or balkan blends. I was given a small sample of an english and it was love at first puff. I now smoke mostly english blends

    As long as I got a pipe full of baccy and a nose full of snuff, I'm a happy camper
    Cigarettes are an addiction, cigars are a hobby, pipes are a religion

    Posted 3 months ago #
29. 

    bailey331
    

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    As a new guy myself I found this all so very informative. Thanks guys.

    Posted 3 months ago #
30. 

    julesholling
    

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    I mainly smoke aro's too and my favourite by far has to Peterson's christmas 2011. Fantastic smoke and you can really taste all the flavours coming through.
    Also try Dans Vanilla Honeydew. Beautiful

    Posted 3 months ago #
31. 

    smokinggun
    

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    Hi carpart, My favorites are Peterson's Nutty Cut and Sunset Breeze. Also been wanting to try the Mac Baren 7 seas blends. Spartan offers good advice about the Virginias. After spending a summer smoking more basic Virginias I can really pick out the Virginia flavor when smoking my favorite aromatics.

    Oh so many choices! [:-)]

    I love Peterson's Nutty Cut, by far my favorite areo I have tried. I have not tried Sunset Breeze but I have read it's really nice, I would like to try that as well.

    The following link is a peak inside my brain:
    http://blackpoisonousrivers.tumblr.com/

    Posted 3 months ago #
32. 

    hnryclay
    

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    The Peterson's Special Reserve 2011 is no small blend in it's own right...
    Smoke slow, sip the smoke, enjoy!

    Posted 3 months ago #
33. 

    carpart67
    

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    Thanks guys. I have a few more questions.

    I'm going to order some sample sizes of lane 1-Q and a few Mac Baren 7 Seas blends. (I'm thinking Royal, Regular and Gold)

    Have any of you tried Lane RLP-6? I was thinking of getting some of that as well.

    How likely are these blends to ghost a briar? I'm an occasional smoker so it will take me a while to try all the blends, but I'd prefer to keep the briar in rotation as opposed to using the cob many times in a row.

    Lastly when you're out and about how do you dry your aromatic blends? Do you dry the tobacco before putting it in the pouch and heading out?

    Thanks!

    Posted 3 months ago #
34. 

    romeowood
    

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    Smooth and slow are your best bets, as stated. Check the availability of Borkum Riff at your local tobacconist as well--an excellent line of "OTC" (or, as I prefer, "mass market") tobaccos that are very solid Danish-style aromatics. I'll have a review of them up soon, in fact.
    And as regards the Eileen's Dream: it is a very subtle blend, but of very high quality; I was halfway through my first tin before I "got it"--but once I did, I LOVED it. Goes great with an Irish coffee.

    Posted 3 months ago #
35. 

    mikemacrdlnds
    

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    I like Peterson Connoisseur's Choice, Luxury Blend and Gold Blend, all nice Aromatics. I had a little of Luxury and Gold left, mixed them, very nice.

    Posted 3 months ago #
36. 

    smokey422
    

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    Smokingpipes.com has C&D aromatic samplers available or you can order direct from C&D and get any blend you want. Talk to Craig Tarler if he's available; he has a ton of experience with directing new pipe smokers to the best tobaccos for them. You can call C&D at 800-433-0080 and place your order.

    Smokey

    Posted 3 months ago #

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