Filters that Minimize Taste Modification.

[smmirza]

Hello!
I have been dabbling with filters due to my exasperation with getting bit by my beloved Virginias. I know the general consensus is that you are better off without a filter due to the taste being diluted - and I agree that the tobacco is muted when smoked through a filter. However, I was wondering if there is a filter that does not affect the tobacco taste too much. Would be very much obliged if you could share your thoughts.
Godbless!

 

[krizzose]

Savinelli balsa or the Brigham maple inserts. However, a good argument could be made that neither are actually filters. The smoke is drawn through them, but rather around (Savinelli) or through a hole in the middle (Brigham) them . The wood absorbs excess moisture. IMO, for as littler it’s worth, neither affects the flavor at all. I also don’t think they will prevent tongue bite, but YMMV

 

[spartacus]

Maybe try smoking it out of a Churchwarden. Long stems seem to help with bite. Or, just smoke real slow.

 

[tobakenist]

Pick up a Peterson with a P-Lip, that will help with bite, the smoke is directed to the roof of the mouth and not the tongue.

 

[Scottmi]

Peterson System pipes and (any brand) 9mm filter pipe I think have helped me, while I have also been improving my technique..

 

[Davy]

Unfortunately, all filters will affect the taste. Have you tried aging your tobacco for a few years and revisiting? That often contributes to reducing the potential tongue bite, I find.

 

[fireground_piper]

Balsa filters don't impact the taste but it will depend on where your bite is coming from. The absorb moisture and some tar/particulate matter. Charcoal absorb more and will do more with different reasons for bite but do dull the flavors a bit.

If you haven't tried balsa yet, it's at least worth checking them out.

 

[Puff nstuff]

I'd say the balsa inserts and the 6mm paper filters are the least intrusive on taste. They do both slow the airstream and remove some moisture from smoke, which are both helpful. Maybe try drying your tobacco a bit more as well.

 

[kcghost]

Before you get a filter be sure your pipe isn't over packed and most importantly slow your pace of puffing down.

 

[smmirza]

Before you get a filter be sure your pipe isn't over packed and most importantly slow your pace of puffing down.

It just seems like my mouth is sensitive to smoke. I have tried doing all that I can but my mouth just feels raw the next day.

 

[smmirza]

I'd say the balsa inserts and the 6mm paper filters are the least intrusive on taste. They do both slow the airstream and remove some moisture from smoke, which are both helpful. Maybe try drying your tobacco a bit more as well.

Thank you for the recommendation, will check them out.

 

[EvertonFC]

All my pipes are 9mm filtered pipes and I use an assortment of activated charcoal 9mm filters (Savinelli, Elephant, Peterson). Honestly, I've not noticed a difference between the filters, nor have I noticed a difference between the filtered and unfiltered smoking experience in terms of taste. Maybe I'm just blissfully ignorant. All I know is I never get tongue bite.

 

[Chasing Embers]

Have you tried drying them out. There's also the case that some just can't smoke Virginias.

 

[vosBghos]

As others have said , and helped me out , dry it longer, experiment with packing, cadence, and brands/blends. For instance Mac Barren Va bites me but not the HH line. And aging really can tame. In my limited experience with filters I find experimenting with everything above yields a more satisfying smoke… as always YMMV. On the off chance you haven’t tried Peterson Flake I find it smokes smooth and cool right out the tin.

 

[anotherbob]

sip thw smoke

 

[bobpnm]

There is no substitute for experience. Dry tobacco and slow smoking. How dry? Experiment with it. For me, different with each blend. Actually, different from one tin/jar to the next of the same blend.

 

[Searock Fan]

When I smoke an aromatic it's usually in a Savinelli with a balsa insert. Other than reducing the moisture and smoothing out some roughness I don't see it's doing anything negative. It can make some unsmokable blends smokable. If you search this subject you'll find more info.

 

[EvertonFC]

Definitely follow the guidance of the forum and practice. However, I dry the hell out of my tobacco, sip and smoke slow, and still get tongue burned. If it weren't for filters I would have quit,

 

[john19]

+1 Vote for Savinelli Balsa.

 

[RustiePyles CPG]

It just seems like my mouth is sensitive to smoke. I have tried doing all that I can but my mouth just feels raw the next day.

Are you smoking Mac Barren?