Caught the addiction

[sailortodd]

So I have now caught the pipe bug. I went from a pipe a day smoker for the last several weeks to now having smoked four bowls in twenty four hours. Of course it was in part a trial of the three pipe tobaccos currently in my inventory, as well as a trial of my two pipes. I also ordered two cobs to supplement my two briars, and three new blends, which is why I say addiction. I always had a casual appreciation for pipe smoking, but I am now actively refining my palate and seeking to further my pipe smoking practice.
Learned a few things in my trials yesterday, too. I have hitherto been packing my tobacco way too tight. I packed looser than I thought I should, and found a richer flavor in my tobacco, a drier and therefore cooler smoke, but also sadly a quicker smoke. I also learned that one of my pipes needs a much more thorough cleaning. That sweet, rich flavor I had in one yesterday was bitter and nearly unsmokable in the other today. Due to that, I have some pipe cleaning solvent coming my way. I had been running a pipe cleaner through it after each use, but I probably should have been doubling it up, taking it apart and using q-tips on the otherwise unreachable parts. I went through a handful of q-tips today before I got a somewhat clean one after the swab.
Hopefully my newly earned knowledge will lead to an even further appreciation for the pipe.

 

[markw4mms]

First off, welcome aboard! It does sound like you've caught the affliction so to speak. I'm glad you're picking up on the techniques that make your smoking more pleasurable. You never stop learning, and it always keeps getting better as you gain more experience. Happy puffing!

 

[admin]

Welcome to the brotherhood Sailor Todd. If you are a sailor, you should be smoking a pipe. Maybe you should get some Navy Flake style tobacco too. :wink:
Most people pack their pipes too tight when they are a newbie.
Here's another tip - don't tamp on every re-light. I almost still have a bad habit of doing that. I actually reach for the tamper each time I go to re-light, and then I stop myself and say, "step away from the tamper".
Only tamp when you can't re-light without doing so and you will have a better smoke.

 

[groundsar]

Welcome to the place. The group as a whole is very informative and helpful. I've learned a lot reading through the posts on here.

I'm pretty new to this as well and it seems I still haven't found quite the right pack for me. Good news though, I'm gonna keep at it until my smokes are long,smooth and cool

 

[docwatson]

The so called pipe bug is a good one to catch. More enjoyment can't be found in a vertical position!! The blends to be savored are endless, and different pipes are all part of the fun.

Enjoy your new affliction.

 

[withnail]

Welcome to the wonderful world of pipes and tobacco blends. It sounds like you are approaching choosing the right blends. Try a lot of different blends, noting what is in them and you quickly find the tobaccos you enjoy them most.

 

[philip]

Yup, he's got it...
glazed eyes,

sweat on the brow,

drool dribbling down the chin...
all classic TAD/PAD symptoms... best affliction you'll ever love.
Welcome to the crew. Now go spread the contagion.

 

[pstlpkr]

Again: Welcome aboard Sailortodd
I here offer a couple of unsolicited tips/cautions about cleaning your pipes.
I got the impression that you may desire to "thoroughly" clean your pipe after each use.

Everyone knows a good clean and sweetened pipe will always enhance the flavorful experience of good blend.

However; you should never remove the stem from a "warm" pipe to access the interior of the shank.

Over time this will (in all likelihood) cause the stem to loosen, and that will require some corrective action in the future.
The second unsolicited tip: Pipe cleaning solvent isn't necessary. Grain Alcohol like Everclear is an excellent cleaner. But, (in my humble opinion) one should also consider the "sweetening" factor when choosing an alcohol for cleaning. I prefer to use Ezra Brooks, for two reasons. First; when you pipe has been "sweetened" it imparts a very pleasing taste to the first and sometimes the second bowl smoked in that pipe. Secondly; one can always pour one's self a short-n-neat to "sweeten your pipes". :wink:
Happy Puffing!

Thank you for your service on this Veteran's Day.
::

 

[macnutz]

I suppose it is an affliction, of sorts. But, as afflictions go, it isn't so bad.
Like yourself I'm in the early stages of terminal TADS, trying not to let it progress into PADS, as well. The only treatment tends to be expensive. :puffpipe:
The world of tobacco is fascinating and much larger and more complex than I would have guessed. As others have suggested it seems to keep getting better as I learn more and sample new things.
BTW, I think using cobs to expand your choices and give the briars a rest, is a very good idea. That is what I'm doing.

 

[philip]

Hey Todd,
I hate to throw too much temptation your way, but judging from your avatar, I think you might like
this pipe from Lepeltier Pipes.

 

[sailortodd]

Thanks for the warm welcome, and while the advice may be unsolicited, it is not unwelcome. Learning through shared experience is much less painful than learning through own experience.

I got the impression that you may desire to "thoroughly" clean your pipe after each use.

Everyone knows a good clean and sweetened pipe will always enhance the flavorful experience of good blend.

However; you should never remove the stem from a "warm" pipe to access the interior of the shank.

Over time this will (in all likelihood) cause the stem to loosen, and that will require some corrective action in the future.

Luckily I learned this early on. My practice lately has been to run a pipe cleaner through from the mouthpiece with stem and shank still coupled, and then an hour or so later (and maybe not even after every smoke, but at least often) take it apart to use another pipe cleaner and such.
As for the pipe cleaning solvent, unfortunately I cannot have the cleaner I would like on the ship. Ezra Brooks would be nice, but Navy regs won't allow it, so for now I have to opt for the pipe sweetener I can get from the online tobacco retailers. It'll work well enough for now.
Philip, thanks for sharing the pipe link. I'll have to bookmark that for some later date when I have the space for it. It'd make a nice touch in my wife's curio, could be the start of my own shelf in it and make the curio a little less girly. How are clay pipes for smoking purposes? A completely different experience from briar or cob?

 

[philip]

I don't have a lot of experience with clays. I think their biggest attraction is that, because you don't let cake build up in them, they don't alter the taste of the tobacco. That makes them good for trying out new blends.