An introduction, some thoughts, and questions from a new smoker.

[lab1dobie]

Welcome Mitch. I started smoking a pipe when I was your age too. I started out with Borkum Riff Whiskey and a Dr. Grabow. My boss at the time was a great inspiration and gave me all kinds of advice on tobacco and pipes. The first thing he told me was until I could afford a "good pipe", get rid of the filter in the Dr. Grabow, that way you can better "taste" the tobacco. He also had me try a blend that was mild and aromatic without too much moisture and no bite. All these years later I'm still following his advice and I have many great pipes. The adventure with all the tobaccos available never ends. Enjoy!!

 

[meech]

Thanks for all the advice and warm welcomes guys.. I'll be sure to slow down a bit, and I had no idea about the light tamping.. I just would repack it down from time to time with the tamper.. I live about 45 minutes from Columbus, so I may just have to make a day of it and go check out some of those shops..
As far as passing up the tins, I like to go with house be it coffee, or what ever.. But with the info of shops renaming tobaccos I'll have to check some of the tins..
Regarding drying my tobacco do you guys have any tips? How should I go about it? Just leave it out on a paper towel or just open the bag up?
Also, its funny that it was mentioned to pick up a clay pipe and a corn cob. My dad is very interested in the hobbies of his children, and he dropped by today and gave me a clay pipe.. I'll have to pick up a corncob. And maybe I can get him back into pipes and away from smoking cigarettes..
Thanks again guys.. I was not expecting 20 replies in a day lol..

 

[stogie37]

Welcome Mitch - I'm just a ways North of you in Medina Ohio! As far as drying, either way (on a sheet of paper/paper towel, or simply leaving the bag open) - will work, the paper version tends to speed up the drying process.
Also, be sure to Google NASPC. This is a great pipe club based in Columbus. They have an excellent show each year in August. I'll be there again this year - it's always a great time.

 

[philip]

Here are a few more ideas:
To Dry or Not to Dry

 

[clanobucklin]

Welcome aboard and enjoy the ride. If I offer any advice to a newbee don't be afraid to try new things re pipes an tobacco. I once had some curmudgeon say he didn't like burleys - so for years I didn't smoke them...what a mistake. Now I absolutely love burley blends.

 

[ohin3]

I usually leave the bag, tin or mason jar closed and just take out a bowl at a time for drying. I spread it out on a piece of paper for 15 min to an hour or 2 depending on the tobacco and the humidity conditions. I like to use the rule of thumb that tobacco is dry enough when you tightly pinch a wad of it between your middle finger, index finger and thumb and it forms a clump that doesn't remain stuck together as a clump but quickly falls apart. It's too wet if it stays stuck in a clump and too dry if it crushes into dust.

 

[ohin3]

That dust is also great to keep around to top a freshly packed bowl as a sort of kindling.

 

[mluyckx]

Welcome aboard.
The guys pretty much covered it. Let it dry a bit, slow down, tamp less than you think you need to, pack less that you think you need, etc... And never hesitate to ask a question here. Lots of a good chaps on this forum.

Is there an actual Pipesmagazine magazine?

You're looking at it ;-)
Besides that, sit down, relax and enjoy the ride. It's what I've been doing and hey.. I'm still around :puffpipe:

 

[barkar]

That dark blend you bought is likely high in black cav. Your a man after my own heart if you like aromatics with a good amount of black cav. in the mix. The down side I find that most aromatics that as you say are dark tend to be a bit moist when you first open it. The fellows above have already explained how to dry the tobacco but I will tell you I usually open pouch and fluff up the tobacco so its not all stuck together like a candy bar and just leave pouch open for about 2 hours. After that things seem ok.....enjoy.

 

[briarbird]

Welcome!

 

[terry]

Welcome to the forum!

 

[alingeorgia]

I've smoked Grabows for years. Take the filter out and throw it away. Never put another one in it. If your pipe gets hot, give it a little rest. If you've smoked a lot of dope, you know what happens when you overheat your pipe. Same thing. That should solve your moisture problem. I smoke 1Q blended with Mac Baren's Black Ambrosia out of a tin. Can't beat it.

 

[meech]

Trust me Alingeorgia, the filter was removed and thrown away about part way through the second smoke.
Also, I've taken all of the advice given. Drying out the tobacco not only helped out with the gurgling, but I think it tastes better, and I liked it a lot to begin with! As far as the lighter tamping goes it does help out with keeping the pipe lit, not that I mind re-lighting. Well now I kind of do, as I've run out of matches and I really dislike the lighter taste. Also I've slowed down my smoking and not only does it help with the heat issue, but I enjoyed my smoke more. I've normally get about 45 minutes with my new pipe, which was perfect. I like to end my days by watching an episode of Dr. Who on netflix and smoking a nice bowl, and tonight the credits were rolling and I had almost another twenty minutes left in my pipe.
Thanks for all the tips everyone!