Tip from Russ on smoking and packing

carytobacco · May 9, 2015

I saw the post from Tuss on Facebook regarding smoking the pipe more slowly. I am definitely guilty of smoking too fast, and this heating up the tobacco too much.
I didn't realize that this is caused sometimes from packing the bowl too tight, and so I've been focusing on a looser pack. I have enjoyed smoking more since I have done so. It's always good to occasionally have good reminders like this when bad habits creep in.

monty55 · May 9, 2015

It took me a while to figure some of this out, and I'm still working on it... constantly. The sipping I had to learn tended to change from bowl to bowl. I tended to over pack at first, and then pack too loosely later. It's that balance that is a challenge to achieve for me sometimes. Even today I know how certain cuts should be packed, but I have found that a lot of the time it is really individualistic to the blend just as much as the cut to achieve that perfect flavor we all yearn for.

spartanfan · May 9, 2015

Bowl size and shape, tobacco cut and moisture and I'm sure some other variable make for a sometimes frustrating learning curve to get to a perfect smoke. I wish I could say I have mastered them all but it is very much an going education. Thanks to the pipe community and resources like this it sure does make it easier.

settersbrace · May 9, 2015

So the tip you are referring to is to slow down? How about a link to this post you speak of. Not everyone is on FB.

newbroom · May 9, 2015

It took me a while to figure some of this out, and I'm still working on it... constantly.

Each new bowl is an opportunity for success. Each will have its own unique circumstances and variables.

Understanding what you're trying to accomplish goes a long way toward success. Understanding what you want to avoid is helpful.

Chasing Embers · May 9, 2015

Each pipe breaths differently too. I try to keep the same airflow in a pipe when filled as it is empty. Before lighting, I give the tobacco a slight press to give the draw just the smallest bit of resistance.

av8scuba · May 9, 2015

I too had to relearn to slow down. It is amazing how much better the smoke was/is. It's not always about learning new things, but un-learning bad habits. Thanks for the reminder. : puffy

:

mso489 · May 9, 2015

One good thing about flake is that, unless you really muscle down when packing, you won't pack the flake too tight, and after a charring light, and a tamping, the pack will be about right, tight enough but not impermeable to air flow. Some flake seems to take right off and you don't need to relight until much later in the smoke. This might be a benefit to those who haven't tried flake before, or not so much.

settersbrace · May 9, 2015

Finding flakes to be more and more my tobacco of choice especially if I'm outdoors. True too about the packing and if the gods are smiling it'll take off and smolder for a good loong time. Smoked some FVF last night that seemed to last forever.

lostandfound · May 9, 2015

Flakes all day.
I do find that I tamp too hard sometimes. Which is very bothersome when I'm smoking one of my many pipes that won't pass a pipe cleaner because the airway in the stem is too narrow.... :x

maxx · May 9, 2015

I tried the swirl method.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=3Qn8oWE0DEM

I also tried a push and twist, which packs tighter. Still experimenting.

maxx · May 9, 2015

That was the wrong video. Here's what I meant to show.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=0XHYPso7TXs&feature=player_embedded

carytobacco · May 9, 2015

https://www.facebook.com/PipesandCigars/posts/948272051879666
Link

buroak · May 10, 2015

Each new bowl is an opportunity for success. Each will have its own unique circumstances and variables.

Understanding what you're trying to accomplish goes a long way toward success. Understanding what you want to avoid is helpful.
One good thing about flake is that, unless you really muscle down when packing, you won't pack the flake too tight, and after a charring light, and a tamping, the pack will be about right, tight enough but not impermeable to air flow. Some flake seems to take right off and you don't need to relight until much later in the smoke. This might be a benefit to those who haven't tried flake before, or not so much.

Well put, sirs, well put.

jmui · May 10, 2015

I think for me it is hard to slowly sip sometimes because I worry too much about it going out and having to relight. When I was a beginner pipe smoker, like most, I had a tough time keeping my tobacco going. Today, I am sometimes successful in a nice slow smoke and sometimes not. Always still learning. Of course there is always the packing of the bowl that has impact on the smoke as well. So much to consider. It's kind of a love hate thing sometimes.
I love pipe smoking, but wish I can master that slow smoke. Patience is everything I guess. And that is the hardest part for me.

lostandfound · May 10, 2015

Piping is but an exercise in patience my friend.

brass · May 11, 2015

I like the resistance to be similar to that of sipping on a milk shake - not a thick one. For me, it works on big pipes, little pipes, tall pipes and fat pipes.
Doesn't really matter whether I stack, layer, ball it, or fill and tamp, as long as I get the right resistance.I read of the milk shake test here and it may have been the single best tip I've adopted.

curl · May 11, 2015

I had never seen the swirl method before.

I can't wait to try after work tonight.

blendtobac · May 11, 2015

Besides being better for the tongue, the main reason for my Facebook post goes back to what Neill Archer Roan wrote about combustion. If the temperature is right, the flavor elements of tobaccos will aerosolize so you can taste them properly. If the temperature gets too hot you'll get nothing but combustion by-products that will leave you with a charred, ashy taste. Overall, there's just no advantage to smoking fast and hot.
Russ

settersbrace · May 11, 2015

Good point Russ, I've related on these forums many times how in my own experience the most flavorful part of the bowl is when it seems to be barely lit. With just enough two finger manipulation over the bowl it's often extended for some time. Just this evening as I was grilling on the deck I had hit mid bowl on some Dunhill navy roll and I hit that "sweet" spot. I pulled the food off and took in the kitchen and resumed concentrating on the pipe. My wife was like, "really?!, your not going to eat? Your going to keep smoking that stupid pipe?" I replied, "YES dear, I am". When I'm in the zone, I'm in the zone.

Tip from Russ on smoking and packing

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