Middle half for me. Top quarter is good but not rich enough, bottom quarter gets ashy notes and nicotine buildup.
I like messing with dichotomies.
I like messing with dichotomies.
Do you prefer the 1st or 2nd half of bowl better?
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In general the 2nd third is better for me, which doesn't mean a 1st third can't be good. A shitty 1st third means a equal shitty or even worse 2nd third.
Don't notice a difference. I just enjoy smoking my pipes.
If I'm smoking a burley or an aromatic it's usually the first half. Virginias seem to do better in the second half according to my tastes.
Second half. That's usually when the wife calls me inside, and when the smoke is the best. 
I a 4th 5th man myself. Just when it get really rich before it goes a bit acrid sometimes. Of course, there is much to be said for the 3rd 5th…
Mine is usually the part of the smoke just before the household awakens. For some reason my family has a special ability to know when I am in the groove (pipe smoking well, lost in a book or thought, calm, and well caffeinated) and disturbs my peace.
I'm not complaining. However, I am amazed at the consistency with which it happens.
I'm not complaining. However, I am amazed at the consistency with which it happens.
First half generally, since by the time I delve into the second a bit of clearing, humidity management and heavier compression is involved. Though sometimes the tobacco and packing are just right and it's a smooth smoke through the entire bowl.
Heh, makes me think of the optimism / pessimism question. Are you a bowl half empty or bowl half full person? :D
Heh, makes me think of the optimism / pessimism question. Are you a bowl half empty or bowl half full person? :D
I definitely prefer the stronger second half although that first puff off the top will always be the tastiest.
I'd say it depends on if the bowl was being filled or smoked. If filled it's half full, if smoked it's half empty.
You too, huh? I think it’s a conspiracy
First or second half of the bowl is no big thing for me. I don't like to smoke pipes with an unusually tall bowl so there in not enough time for the residue from the top of the bowl to build up in the bottom and cause a sower taste. 
Generally the second half. Seems to dry out a bit and normall don’t need to relight.Just seems more enjoyable
The first half usually tastes better for me. In addition to all the ways one can screw up the second half that have been enumerated above, I think my taste buds might fatigue easily.
I like the first half first immediately followed by the second half second as I have never had time to figure out another way. Although when short on time, sometimes I only smoke the second half. 
I enjoy them equally. I smoke the first half which tastes great, Then around the half way point I will gently stir the ash, dump it, scrape the sides of the walls and re tamp and then finish the last half of the bowl. The lower I go the more intense the flavors get and I enjoy those just as well.
