Country Squire Parson's Blend in a
T. Cristiano VSQ, and then again in a
MO Meerschaum Boone. Very mild Burley-based aromatic. Enjoyed it. Sweet without being sticky, and it had a nutty and almost "cooked mushroom" note. Oak-y.I have a growing suspicion that I prefer Burleys to Virginias...
Pictured are pipes that were delivered today. Santa came late.

Brigham Voyageur 136, Peterson 2025 Halloween System Standard 305 with P-lip, and Ismail Çelebi dragon egg meerschaum. (Ismail Çelebi is very nice, BTW.)
There's something about that Brigham that feels like an old friend already. It's a "woodsy" sort of pipe; very appropriate to the area in which I live.
Have been trying to hunt down a Brigham Voyageur 165, to no avail. The only one I found is in Canada, and it's only available for in-store purchase. It's the big bent "acorn" that looks like a pinecone. Maybe they'll make some more next year.
Finished "The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle" by Stuart Turton and I wholeheartedly recommend it. Very, very different sort of murder mystery; everything that takes place/has taken place is continually changing. I had no idea how it would end until it did. Bonus philosophical theme pertaining to redemption and forgiveness. Kept my brain interested and engaged.
Hope you all had a pleasant holiday, and are heading into a pleasant weekend.
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