Does Bowl Shape and Size Affect Taste/Burn of Tobacco?

[GallicRooster86]

EDIT: Fixed Capitalization in Title ( See Rule 9 )

I’m curious if there’s science behind it, but does the shape or size of the bowl affect the taste of the tobacco and how? I have read that some smokers have tried different blends in different pipes and had different results.

I was breaking in my new Savinelli Bings Favorite with some EMP and notice it didn’t taste the same. Like it was lacking flavor. Also, I should note that I tried out their balsa filter during this time. I don’t use filters so this was also new to me. The bowl seems a little smaller than my other pipes.

Could the filter affect taste as well?

 

[bent1]

Good question. For me, I prefer straight virginias (flake, ribbon, ready rub) in a straight tapered bowl 3/4“ bore. Burley prominent blends, I like 13/16” - 7/8” bore, any taper.

Regarding the filters, for me, it tends to mute the flavor somewhat. Some blends I like a filter though. Just my observations.

 

[solideogloria86]

1. A new pipe usually lacks flavor. It requires a few smokes to break in a new pipe.
2. In my experience filters also kill flavor. Some disagree

Different bowl shapes and sizes can effect flavor though. Exactly which shape does what is also highly debated. I've found large wide bowls work well for mixtures. Gl Pease likes them for flakes.

 

[Ahi Ka]

If pipes are in the same condition - which could include everything from quality of briar, drilling, cleaning, seasoning/ghosting - I would assume any differences would come down to how the bowl shape allows the tobacco to burn. I certainly have pipes I prefer to smoke certain genres and/or tobacco cuts in but apart from appearing to enjoy it more I don’t know ‘the science’.

I did read the other day about how the length/diameter (bore?) ratio and draw of a cigar will affect how it burns and this would impact flavour

 

[ChuckMijo]

Short and sweet answer.... absolutely not. One doesn’t affect the other.

 

[cosmicfolklore]

Yes and yes

 

[Ahi Ka]

Yes and yes

Wow a direct answer without a codger rant! Are you feeling ok?

 

[edger]

Too much science can ruin a good smoke.

 

[cosmicfolklore]

Wow a direct answer without a codger rant! Are you feeling ok?

You know... on here, you can lay out the truth a million times, show proof, over and over... and people will believe the stupidest of things anyways, because humans are essentially stupid.
Soooo... “¯\_(ツ)_/¯“

 

[kcghost]

Everything effects the taste.

 

[saltedplug]

Although bowl geometry analyses may be more accurate than predicting the outcome of dousing, my take is that such results are murky at best.

In a few words: No, nada, zilch, ninguna cosa.

 

[hoosierpipeguy]

Many think it does, many think it doesn't. I absolutely believe bowl geometry affects the burn and the taste. Smoke a Red Virginia in a tall tapered bowl and smoke it again in a wide straight bowl. Doesn't even taste like the same blend to me. Jim Inks often comments in his review about the recommended bowl size to fully appreciate the blend.

 

[cosmicfolklore]

Plus, the filter question. Come on guys, does anyone think a filter doesn't affect taste?

 

[jpmcwjr]

Too many variables! If you think it does, it does for you.

 

[mso489]

There are so many variables, the major one being the technique and preferences of the pipe smoker. I find broad chambers good for complex blends of five or more tobaccos, my idea being that more different tobaccos get going at once in the ember and give a fuller sense of the blend. But I hasten to add that this may be subject to my particular way of smoking and my sense of taste. So it is as much finding what works for you than any immutable rules that work for everyone. Definitely try around with different pipes with different blends. I think some pipes really enhance specific blends, but dependent on who is smoking them.

 

[Jwebb90]

Yes, bowl shaping does impact flavor. Don’t know how or why but it does. However, the change in flavor for you is quite possibly due to you smoking it in a new pipe. As others have said, they need some time to break in before they start tasting right. Some pipes smoke great out the gate and others need time. It all depends.

I have only tried a filter a handful of times and did not care for it. I found that it impacted the flavor negatively.

 

[krizzose]

Plus, the filter question. Come on guys, does anyone think a filter doesn't affect taste?

But he asked about the Savinelli balsa insert, and one could argue that it's not a filter, at least not in the same way a medico paper filter or a 9mm charcoal filter is.

 

[krizzose]

I absolutely believe bowl geometry affects the burn and the taste.

it is as much finding what works for you

I agree with these guys on both points. You have to experiment to see what you like the best among the different experiences you get from differently shaped bowls. For example, I don't like to smoke Virginias (especially flakes) in a bowl that's much wider than .75" if I can help it, unless it's a VaOr, in which case I like a much wider bowl. I have no idea if that matches up with some objective standard of correctness, but neither do I care because I like the results.

 

[gamzultovah]

Yes... try Newminster Superior Navy Flake in a pot style pipe and then, an Arne Jacobsen style pipe and you’ll see the difference. This is a simple blend so it should be quite noticeable.

 

[brut666]

I'm not sure if it scientific or not but for me, I tend to use a slightly narrower, taller bowl for flakes as for me it seems to taste better ??‍.