Good article I found

[willh]

I stumbled on this article yesterday, and it kind of goes along with what I've thought for a while. I'm sure there are TONS of opinions on this subject, but I figured I would share this article with you guys. Let me know what you think.
http://www.greatnorthernpipeclub.org/Myth.htm

 

[pstlpkr]

Will, that was an interesting article.

And, you are right that

there are TONS of opinions on this subject

.

There have been some intense discussions here on Pipesmagazine.com.

As far as elitism is concerned; there are some that prefer meerschaum over briar, cobs over briar, and brand loyalty while simply a matter personal preference and can be very intense.

Meerschaum generally, and cobs consistently; tend to be lighter than briar pipes.

However, I believe it is the craftsmanship that is the greatest influence on the pipe smoker that determines his/her preference. Craftsmanship in this context is not only the drilling alignment, but the aesthetic aspects as well.

I am of the same opinion with

Dr. Fred Hanna, Ph.D

that

Each pipe smokes differently whether compared to others of the same or different brands.

However; the only taste difference between briar and other materials (that I have noticed in my experience) is imparted by cobs and apple wood pipes. I have never noted any difference in taste between briars from different regions. I am not saying that briar from various sources is not a contributing factor to the quality of the smoking experience, quite the reverse. As for meerschaum vs. briar, I can detect no difference once the pipe has been smoked several times. But, the actual physical/mechanical aspects of the smoke can be quite different. (relights, heat transmission, etc.)

I personally prefer pipes made by Claudio Cavicchi. His technical skill and near magician like manipulation of the block to reveal beautiful grain holds his greatest appeal for me. I do not know Claudio's source of briar, but it is definitely superior to all others in my collection. They are all outstanding smokers, and are better smokers than any others in my collection. But, they don't impart a different taste, nor do any of my other pipes with these exceptions; my cob, and apple wood pipes.

I don't think I have a point to make other than, generally speaking, good briar in concert with quality craftsmanship equals a good pipe.

 

[willh]

I don't think I have a point to make other than, generally speaking, good briar in concert with quality craftsmanship equals a good pipe.

Exactly. Craftsmanship plays a big part in the pipes that I lean toward. I'm not incredibly picky, but I like a pipe to be well made. As far as brand loyalty, I personally like Bjarne. They tend to be drilled right, good quality briar, and aesthetically I love their shapes. Another that I've fallen in love with is Randy Wiley. I just received my first in the mail today, and it is gorgeous. That's not to say that I don't like other brands, and intend to buy them. But speaking as someone who doesn't own really expensive pipes, I'm not sure I can objectively say that something like an $800 pipe smokes like a $50 one. At this point in my pipe hobby, I can honestly say that of the pipes I own, I favor my handmade pipes. There's something about them that I love. Not that I don't enjoy my other pipes immensely, it's just that I think I really like the fact that someone took the time to carve it by hand.

Taste wise, I can't tell a difference between my Bjarnes and my no name Italian pipes. I've heard that different shapes can be good for different types of tobacco, but I think that's kind of like having different glasses for different drinks. Wine in one glass, scotch in one, brandy in another... That sort of thing. Perhaps the shape allows different burning characteristics. I'm not sure about any of that, though... just kind of going on what I've heard.

 

[moth]

I can personally guarantee that smoking the same blend in two differently shaped pipes will yield different nuances within that blend. The major difference I've found so far is the diameter to height ratio of the chamber. Wide-chambered pipes will give you a fresh smoke, while chimneys will offer a deeper, more mature experience.

Personally, I enjoy my (usually Syrian) Latakia in a chamber at least 3/4" in diameter. Same goes for dry orientals. I take my Va-Per and sweeter blends in narrow chambers so that I can watch the flavors evolve.

Of course the length and curvature of the pipe are also to be factored in, but while they do affect one's smoking experience, I doubt they alter the flavor.

 

[willh]

From what I've read, I've noticed that a lot of people like their Va blends in a taller chimney style pipe.

 

[docgarr]

I tried to retrieve the article but when I clicked on the link I got an error message. Anyway I wish my palatte was so refined to notice nuances in the same tobacco in different pipes. I just don't know or even care to notice. I'll never be a Tad Gage!

 

[cortezattic]

Doc, go back and read Moth's observations. I think he's spot-on; and if you try to verify what he says by experiment, I think you'll agree with him too! Now, whether it's worth doing so just to parse-out a blend nuance is another matter.

 

[admin]

That's an article that is very interesting and usually causes great debate.

 

[funn]

Very interesting article.The "highest" grade pipes I own are, 1 Dunhill,3 Charatans,1 Tinskey,several Kabiks and a Caminetto Moustache. The Kabiks and the Tinskey are great smokes. I don't smoke the others as much as I should, with them being higher grades(?)

My Petersons,Savinellis,Stanwells get the majority of the workouts. In between those I can tell some differences,but IMHO in rare instances,plumbing, young briar,etc. once a good cake is built or the pipe is broken in they all seem to serve the same purpose. Enjoyment! I enjoy a hot dog as much as a steak. Should we include the "lowly" cob in these discussions? My best smokers are my MMs. Consistently!

What about the pipe that smokes mediocorely(Funn Dictionary) until you put Prince Albert in it?