Beginner question from a longtime smoker

[tozert]

When I first started experimenting with pipe smoking, I found that the second half of every tobacco blend I tried tasted like ash. So, like you, I went back and forth between cigars (which were easy and flavoursome) and pipes. It took a long time to finally "get" the pipe. Packing method is very important. Think about your best cigar smokes that had the perfect draw. When you pack your pipe, test it to see if the draw resistance is just right. If it isn't, re-pack the bowl. You will eventually pack a perfect pipe every time. Like the others said above, dry that tobacco out a bit first. Think about how badly an over-humidified cigar smokes. Over-moist pipe tobacco won't burn well, and will develop that ash taste towards the second half of the bowl.

 

[woodsroad]

Another thought on the ash taste: Although you want to keep the bowl burning at a low temperature (slow smoulder), I often get that taste just as the bowl is going out. Almost a cigarette flavor. Not sure what the answer would be if this is your problem, but maybe a visit to your local pipe club would of help.
And welcome aboard, quint!

 

[obidonkenobi]

@jimaustin: Heh! Are you my doppleganger (or am I yours)? You started pipe smoking 30 years ago with Captain Black? So did I.

 

[rcanderson]

Zerohunter, I just tried the Ashton Artisan's Blend the other day and I am in love with it. I am trying several different blends, each bowl another blend, but yesterday all 4 bowls were Artesian Blend. I am definitely going to really stock up my cellar with that one. Are there other blends that you could recommend that are similar to that one?