Eeny, Meeny, Miny , Moe

[Pierre1965]

Let’s have some fun. On March 1st I’ll be opening a jar of McClellands 5100 from 03 / 1999 to celebrate it’s 21st birthday. I think this calls for some thought as to which pipe gets the honor and would do the tobacco justice. In the attached picture are the pipes from my hoard that made the final list. From the top... a virgin meerschaum, two Vauen churchwardens, a Stanwell Danish Quaint, a Jobey Stromboli, a Savinelli Porto Cervo 305, a Kaywoodie 12B Bulldog, a Ranz freehand or a “hand” carved Ehrlich signed Hap 1963. Help me choose wisely.

 

[smokeyweb]

Pop the cherry on that virgin meer!

 

[lightmybriar]

I’d rule out the meer, if it were me. A brand new meerschaum, in my experience, is so absorbant that it detracts from the smoke the first few times. That may just be me, though.

If I were picking, I’d choose one of the churchwardens, which are very nice looking!

 

[B.Fee]

Coin toss between meerschaum and Keywoodie.

 

[anthonyrosenthal74]

I'd go for the meer. The taste won't be affected by whatever has been in the other pipes. And I recall some of the best flavor I've gotten out of a blend was on the very first smoke of a couple of my meers.

 

[hauntedmyst]

I'm not a big fan of meers but in this case, I have to agree with the majority, go with the meer for the purest taste.

 

[lukasstrifeson]

No cob??!

From your selection, purely for taste, I'd take the meerschaum.

EDIT: also wanted to ask if you have any other vintages of the 5100 to compare? Would be very keen to see a ~10y comparison.

 

[mortonbriar]

Its a meer formality.

 

[Chasing Embers]

It, like all tobacco, will work fine in whatever pipe you smoke it in.

Still finding it amusing that a blasé blending tobacco that was openly dismissed as bland and monochromatic just three or four years ago is now garnering such praise.

 

[Chasing Embers]

I’d rule out the meer, if it were me. A brand new meerschaum, in my experience, is so absorbant that it detracts from the smoke the first few times. That may just be me, though.

If I were picking, I’d choose one of the churchwardens, which are very nice looking!

I agree. A meer saturated with tobacco oils really shines but a new one yields a muted, chalky taste.

 

[alaskanpiper]

Churchweezy fosheezy

 

[indoeuro]

The Stanwell or the Savinelli. The 305 is a great shape.

 

[Slacey]

I'd go for the Meer just because it's so bloody awesome looking.

 

[gervais]

The churchwarden under the meer is my vote. Let us know the verdict! Enjoy

 

[mikethompson]

Whatever is to the top right of that Kaywoodie stands out for me.

 

[Rebub24]

My vote is for the Meerschaum. It hasn't been used and will be clean tasting allowing for you to fully enjoy all of the flavor of the 5100

 

[Sonorisis]

I'd go with the Stanwell. Danish pipes bring out something in Virginias that is special in my experience.

 

[sablebrush52]

I know a couple of Barlings that wouldn't mind being packed with that.

 

[Pierre1965]

I know a couple of Barlings that wouldn't mind being packed with that.

I'll make you a deal... I'll send you some 5100 to put in your Barling and you send me a Barling to put some 5100 in. Then we'll both be happy Admittedly this deal may favor me a little, but just thought I'd put it out there.

 

[sablebrush52]

I'll make you a deal... I'll send you some 5100 to put in your Barling and you send me a Barling to put some 5100 in. Then we'll both be happy Admittedly this deal may favor me a little, but just thought I'd put it out there.

If any of the Barlings really begin to whine and complain, I'll open a jar of mine and tell them to like it or lump it and threaten them with Holly's Non Plus Ultra. But I appreciate the offer.