EDIT: Fixed Capitalization in Title (See Rule 9) - Bob
Hi all,
I've been a cob smoker for a while. Recently got curious about briars, but didn't want to spend a ton. A seller on eBay sells unfinished, factory second briar pipes very cheaply. Figuring I could do any sanding/finishing work myself, and customize them to my preference, I ordered some.
They came rough and with small pits in the wood, which doesn't bother me. Sanded the bowl and the bit on one of them to a nice satin-smooth surface, applied some mineral oil to the outside of the briar, and once it dried, lit it up.
I packed it full of some year+-old Carter Hall, which seemed to have dried a bit. Tasted nice and sweet to begin with, but a third of the way through the bowl, I started getting ashy liquid coming up the stem, and it tasted horrible.
I assumed that the briar was dry enough, but now I'm thinking that it may need to be dried further, at a very low temp in the oven perhaps, so that it will become more absorbent. I have never had moisture problems like this in any of my cobs. Is it a wood-seasoning issue or a tobacco issue? Like I said though, the Carter Hall seemed drier than when I opened the pouch.
Expertise and expertise greatly appreciated.
(Photo shows the one I finished next to an identical, unfinished pipe)
Hi all,
I've been a cob smoker for a while. Recently got curious about briars, but didn't want to spend a ton. A seller on eBay sells unfinished, factory second briar pipes very cheaply. Figuring I could do any sanding/finishing work myself, and customize them to my preference, I ordered some.
They came rough and with small pits in the wood, which doesn't bother me. Sanded the bowl and the bit on one of them to a nice satin-smooth surface, applied some mineral oil to the outside of the briar, and once it dried, lit it up.
I packed it full of some year+-old Carter Hall, which seemed to have dried a bit. Tasted nice and sweet to begin with, but a third of the way through the bowl, I started getting ashy liquid coming up the stem, and it tasted horrible.
I assumed that the briar was dry enough, but now I'm thinking that it may need to be dried further, at a very low temp in the oven perhaps, so that it will become more absorbent. I have never had moisture problems like this in any of my cobs. Is it a wood-seasoning issue or a tobacco issue? Like I said though, the Carter Hall seemed drier than when I opened the pouch.
Expertise and expertise greatly appreciated.
(Photo shows the one I finished next to an identical, unfinished pipe)
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