I've been pipe smoking infrequently for about 5 years or so. Before that, I'd infrequently smoke a cheap cigar or Backwood while camping, at a bonfire, on a nice fall hike, etc., mostly randomly. I've never smoked regularly, never touched a cigarette.
I've been slowly increasing, but still, I don't think I average more than 3-5 bowls a week or an absolute maximum of a bowl a day. My standard has been a rather mild tobacco (Reserve 1928), but I've decided it's time to branch out, try new things. I've done the standard Lane 1Q path, have it along with some RLP-6; they're both reasonably enjoyable, but seem thin or "empty". Likeable, but not my top choice.
I assume it's partially the Nicotine that gives a mild, relaxed, pensive feeling, but it's difficult to tell if it's chemical or just the pure enjoyment. I can skip days or weeks without thinking about it.
In branching out, trying various samples I've ordered, I've just hit McClelland #402 (Chocolate Creme), a rather lovely Va Cavendish blend. It's enjoyable enough to possibly compete with my favorite (1928) and warrant a bulk buy. But there's a catch in the back of my mind.
As I sit here sipping it from a cob with a generous bowl, this is not just a pensive feeling, but a whole body sensation. I'm sure this sounds silly to you seasoned smokers, but having no real context with which to compare, I can only assume this a full Nicotine buzz. *Very* relaxed physically, stomach going, "Hey there, what's going on?" just a little and maybe even a slightly raised pulse.
As I said, I've never had any issue putting down the pipe any time I want. After 44 years on this planet and the stupid things I've done in my time, I think the evidence bears out that I don't have a particularly addictive personality. But as I consider perhaps stocking up on this relatively stronger blend, I'm pondering if I *should* order it. I'm not particularly fond of the idea of getting "hooked", having seen friends and family members struggle to quit cigarettes. I know pipe smoking is *very* different, but it seems difficult to find balanced, objective information.
Realizing I'm on a pipe smoker's forum, I'm not looking to judge anyone nor am I trying to start a holy war. Rather, I very much enjoy sipping on a pipe, but don't want it to turn into a problem. I'd appreciate your thoughts or wisdom on this subject.
Many thanks...
I've been slowly increasing, but still, I don't think I average more than 3-5 bowls a week or an absolute maximum of a bowl a day. My standard has been a rather mild tobacco (Reserve 1928), but I've decided it's time to branch out, try new things. I've done the standard Lane 1Q path, have it along with some RLP-6; they're both reasonably enjoyable, but seem thin or "empty". Likeable, but not my top choice.
I assume it's partially the Nicotine that gives a mild, relaxed, pensive feeling, but it's difficult to tell if it's chemical or just the pure enjoyment. I can skip days or weeks without thinking about it.
In branching out, trying various samples I've ordered, I've just hit McClelland #402 (Chocolate Creme), a rather lovely Va Cavendish blend. It's enjoyable enough to possibly compete with my favorite (1928) and warrant a bulk buy. But there's a catch in the back of my mind.
As I sit here sipping it from a cob with a generous bowl, this is not just a pensive feeling, but a whole body sensation. I'm sure this sounds silly to you seasoned smokers, but having no real context with which to compare, I can only assume this a full Nicotine buzz. *Very* relaxed physically, stomach going, "Hey there, what's going on?" just a little and maybe even a slightly raised pulse.
As I said, I've never had any issue putting down the pipe any time I want. After 44 years on this planet and the stupid things I've done in my time, I think the evidence bears out that I don't have a particularly addictive personality. But as I consider perhaps stocking up on this relatively stronger blend, I'm pondering if I *should* order it. I'm not particularly fond of the idea of getting "hooked", having seen friends and family members struggle to quit cigarettes. I know pipe smoking is *very* different, but it seems difficult to find balanced, objective information.
Realizing I'm on a pipe smoker's forum, I'm not looking to judge anyone nor am I trying to start a holy war. Rather, I very much enjoy sipping on a pipe, but don't want it to turn into a problem. I'd appreciate your thoughts or wisdom on this subject.
Many thanks...