Day 2... lessons learned

[Cyxelsid]

Ok, so, I am pretty toasty from the bourbon, so forgive the typos... I enjoyed my second smoking session this evening. Thanks to @cosmicfolklore I took it as a personal challenge to smoke as slowly as possible. Over a 2 1/2 hour period, I got 2 bowls in. I had a lot of relights at first, but once I got rolling, it went very well and I very much enjoyed sitting on my patio, listening to classic country music, drinking bourbon, and smoking my pipe. What a joy!

Ok, a couple of lessons learned:

1) Do not keep your mason jar of tobacco on the propane fire table next to a roaring fire. The jar gets very hot, and when you open it, it actually smokes a little. I am a newbie, but I am guessing that is not good.

2) When you pack your second bowl, make SURE your first pack is fully cleaned out, or the old ash clogs the stem.

3) I am not sure, as I have not smoked much nicotine in my life, but it seems that nicotine may actually enhance the alcohol, 'cause I got good and messed up on three glasses of bourbon that would normally give a good buzz.

Ok, well, now that I am all toasty, off to the comedy club with my wife and friends! Just for fun, I included some picks of my finished patio (just got it all put back together today) and my new official smoking spot in the rocking chair.

 

[AJL67]

Point 2: Good to keep a couple pipe cleaners handy, run one thought the stem and run one through the hole from the bowl then you can double it over and give the chamber a quick wipe with it. Good to just give them a once over after bowls.

 

[cosmicfolklore]

Three glasses of bourbon, and I tend yo forget where I left my pants. Might not just be the nicotine, ha ha.
Yeh, even a Virginia light blend when smoked slow and smoldering can load you down with nicotine. The bourbon probably didn’t hurt.

 

[Cyxelsid]

Three glasses of bourbon, and I tend yo forget where I left my pants. Might not just be the nicotine, ha ha.
Yeh, even a Virginia light blend when smoked slow and smoldering can load you down with nicotine. The bourbon probably didn’t hurt.

Well, not straight bourbon, bourbon and ginger beer. 3 over 2 1/2 hours.

 

[Cyxelsid]

Three glasses of bourbon, and I tend yo forget where I left my pants. Might not just be the nicotine, ha ha.
Yeh, even a Virginia light blend when smoked slow and smoldering can load you down with nicotine. The bourbon probably didn’t hurt.

But seriously, thanks for the advice! Really enjoyed my afternoon.

 

[Briar Tuck]

Three glasses of bourbon, and I tend yo forget where I left my pants. Might not just be the nicotine, ha ha.
Yeh, even a Virginia light blend when smoked slow and smoldering can load you down with nicotine. The bourbon probably didn’t hurt.

It all depends on the size of the glass!

 

[Briar Tuck]

Sounds like a great smoking session. For whatever reason I always seem to be doing something when I'm smoking my pipe. I need a good, relaxing, drinking, smoking, and listening to music session like that.

I've never tried bourbon with ginger beer. I'll have to give it a shot. It's damn good mixed with fresh made lemonade.

 

[mikeysmokes]

I've never tried bourbon with ginger beer. I'll have to give it a shot. It's damn good mixed with fresh made lemonade.

Also called a Kentucky mule... throw in some simple syrup and a splash of lime. For the Holidays, add a splash of cranberry! But just ginger and bourbon is fantastic by itself, although a better ginger beer is essential imo.

 

[Cyxelsid]

Also called a Kentucky mule... throw in some simple syrup and a splash of lime. For the Holidays, add a splash of cranberry! But just ginger and bourbon is fantastic by itself, although a better ginger beer is essential imo.

I absolutely agree! I also add a cocktail cherry and some of the cheery syrup. As for the ginger beer, I like Reed's Extra Bold or Cock 'N Bull. I also make my own.

 

[didimauw]

Looks like a great little smoke spot! Off to a good start! And I believe nicotine enhances everything, especially when smoked slowly. It's a real thing.

 

[OzPiper]

Got yourself a sweet corner to enjoy your pipe.
You're doing well.

I second @AJL67 's advice on pipe cleaners.
I always make sure I'm well stocked on those, along with matches.
Toghether with a Czech pipe tool (or a golf tee) they are the cheapest accessories you will need.

 

[kcghost]

One glass of bourbon and I'd be toasted, so you are one or two ahead of me. Running a pipe cleaner through the pipe after every smoke is a real good idea. Don't pack your pipe as tight and smoke as slow as you can. Relights are no problem.

 

[DeerparkDays]

Awesome smoking spot. You will enjoy many hours there I am sure. I’m building a smoking room off the side of a shed……well “outdoor office” is how I’m spinning it to my wife!

 

[hyperstar]

I could finish 2 pipes + 2 petit Robusto in 3 hours without getting dizzy.
But, I would end up throwing up in the bathroom if I drink 2 glasses of whisky while smoking.

 

[JOHN72]

Beautiful corner to smoke and relax drinking a good distillate. I am still adapting my smoking cave. In a week I will receive a wooden chest, I think when I finish decorating the room, I will continue to buy more whiskey, more tobacco and more damn pipes.

 

[Cyxelsid]

Toghether with a Czech pipe tool

The cheap starter pipe I bought came with a Czech pipe tool, pipe cleaners, and a stand. And yes, it has made things much easier. I plan to make a run to Tobacco Trader in Culver City this week and may buy a "real" pipe. I also plan to pick up some inexpensive cobb pipes.

 

[OzPiper]

The cheap starter pipe I bought came with a Czech pipe tool, pipe cleaners, and a stand. And yes, it has made things much easier. I plan to make a run to Tobacco Trader in Culver City this week and may buy a "real" pipe. I also plan to pick up some inexpensive cobb pipes.

Good way to start.

The majority of my pipes are estates.
I know some people have a disdain for estates or feel uncomfortable using something that belonged to another.
Others will only buy a pipe they have personally inspected.,

I love old Britwoods and Danish era Stanwells.
As these are no longer produced, the estate market is the only source.
I live in Sydney, Oz and there are NO B&Ms in town.

Sponsors SmokingPipes, Blue Room Briars and The Danish Pipe Shop are good sources of estates that are in very good condition and arrive in a well cleaned condition.
EBay can be a bit of a crap shoot.

 

[Michigan_Bill]

Great photos!

 

[Doctor Chopper]

I like your story and photos. Nicotine and alcohol are multiplicative, not additive.

 

[frozenchurchwarden]

1) Do not keep your mason jar of tobacco on the propane fire table next to a roaring fire. The jar gets very hot, and when you open it, it actually smokes a little. I am a newbie, but I am guessing that is not good.

Look up oven curing tobacco.
If it's a Virginia based blend you may have accidentally enhanced your tobacco.