Can't keep Squadron Leader lit

[dojomatic]

Ok, I'm at a loss. I can't keep this tobacco lit no matter what I do. I'm a new pipe smoker, but I haven't had this problem with any other tobacco including goopy aromatics. I tried drying a bowlful for a couple of hours, but it didn't help much. I emptied the whole tin and spread it out on paper and left it to dry overnight and I was still having problems. I even tried the microwave and dried it to where it was crispy, but not breaking up into powder. This help a little, but it affected the taste too much and it still burned pretty bad. I tried the 3 step method, the frank method, air pocket, etc. I packed it anywhere from very loose to tight. I tried 3 different pipes. I cant keep it lit for more than a few seconds. It seems like they could line firefighter suits out of this thing. I am in an air conditioned house with humidity around 45% so I doubt environment is a factor.
Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

[portascat]

self sealing fuel tanks...

 

[thesmokindragon]

SG is known for their dripin wet tins dry that boy out (I leave the tin open for about a day (depending on humidity) and she is good to go!

 

[dojomatic]

@northartist: One of the pipes I tried uses a filter, the other two do not. I did notice that the smaller the bowl, the worse it burns for me.
This morning when I did the pinch test to determine how moist it was, it stuck together for a moment and slowly unraveled. Is it still too moist? I have some aros that react similarly with the pinch test and smoke fine. The SL used to stick together in a tight wad even after a couple of hours of drying.

 

[thesmokindragon]

I would put a little aside and give it a little more dry time and test that,

Also make sure of the pack, I have noticed a heavy hand/tight pack and she will

Also fight the staying Lit (just yesterday) but when she is happy or baby so will u be

 

[tonypuff]

Dry that bad boy out! no matter what blend i get my hands on i always set it out on a piece of paper under my desk lamp for 15-20 minutes till its almost crunchy, never had gurgle, never had to relight.

 

[fred]

Set the tin aside for awhile and allow it to stabilize. I can't speak to the Briar experience with this blend, but it burns to a gray ash in a Meerschaum....

 

[cyndi]

Is there an air vent where you're sitting? I've noticed that when I've got the ceiling fan on or when the AC is blowing, I can't keep anything lit. It was 103 degrees today, so everything was on. You can also try covering half the bowl with your hand and see if the slight vacuum helps.

 

[dojomatic]

@cyndi No fans or vents where I'm sitting. I too find it hard to keep my pipe lit when there's a breeze. I'm not sure why and it puzzles me a little, since I've read that smoking outside often makes your pipe burn too hot.
As far as the SL, I left the last 1/3 of the tin out on a sheet of paper for about 12 hours. It's a little better now, but it could be dryer. Will leave it out and try again tonight. I do notice the flavor is muted somewhat the dryer it gets.

 

[hauntedmyst]

If you take a little lighter fluid, just a little squirt and spray it on the tobacco when its out drying and mix it up and try it, it should burn well.

 

[dojomatic]

Wow! The lighter fluid worked like a charm! The tobacco burned really well, as did the pipe! :D
Ok, ok. So I dried the SL some more, it was just short of crispy and I thought it was quite dry. I smoked it in a pipe with a large-ish bowl and good air flow. And the end result: It was ok. It required more relights that is the norm for me, but it was smokeable, unlike before. I don't know what it is about this one that gives me so much trouble. Maybe I was packing it too tight when it was wet and now too loose when it's dry?

 

[juni]

Just throw it away, it is nasty stuff anyway - not for smoking...
Just kidding, I think all you need is a looser packing and letting it dry for 30 minutes or so.

 

[mukihr]

hmmm... this is a strange problem - i had Squadron Leader a while ago and had no problems in smoking it at all... and i like my tobaccoes wet.... this is really strange...

 

[juni]

I actually had the same problem with SG's Sam's Flake and the only cure I could come up with is letting it "mature" in a jar for a couple of months.

 

[dd951]

A month or so ago I got 2 tins of SL. I opened one of them, it was perfect, one of the best smokes I have ever had. I got A few more tins from SP.com, opened one of them fri night. When I opened the tin the tin note was awesome, but the tobacco when mashed would not spring back, it would not stay lit and smoked very hot. I am going to take Freds advice and sit it back. the other unopened tins I have will get dated and go into the celler.

 

[dojomatic]

Update:

I dried the SG some more and packed it a bit tighter and voila!, I was able to keep it lit. At least to what I'm capable of with my newbie skill set. I got an an hour and 20 minutes almost to the bottome of the bowl with 6 relights. I guess this sucker really needs to shed some water right out of the tin! You guys weren't kidding! As far as taste goes, it was alright. I did enjoy it, but it didn't blow my socks off. It was pretty smooth and nicely balanced and there was no bite at all this time. Every now and then I got this mildly sweet and sour note that was fantastic, but I couldn't produce it with consistency. I'll break out another tin after a few months for another go. I got a lot of "new to me" stuff I want to try first. And I want to try it again with a bit more experience.