shain, Thanks. It doesn't have any taste. That's the beauty of Bamboo. It's a grass that cures into silicon laden wood. I think it's much like a cob, that also doesn't add to the flavor.
I also discovered that it's interior is much like a thick paper that absorbs moisture. There's no gurgling or "drinking" the tar/fluid, (I guess that what they call it).
The issue is heat, as it's get hot to the touch. I solved that by double walling the pot with a second sleeve of bamboo, held in place by small wedges. This creates an air gap, (an idea I borrowed from the "radiator" style pipes).
Here's an example, (the goo is raw honey I use to promote caking):
I'm only starting out with a my first briar pipes, some restores and few second hand bowls. I'll have a better comparison in the weeks to come. But I'm really liking the Bamboo.