Help getting started with first pipes, tobacco, etc.

[jtkuga]

Hi, first post here! Looking to join the world of Pipe Smoking and looking for a little advice. I have done a decent amount of research online, watched a lot of youtube videos and its all a bit overwhelming, but at some point I guess you need to pick a pipe and some tobacco and get going. I wanted to talk about the choices I'm considering and see if I'm on the right path! A little bit about me first, I'm 42, live in the Dallas, Tx area and I'm a former cigarette smoker, quit a little over 2 years ago. I don't miss cigarette smoke itself, but I absolutely miss the relaxation aspect of it. I miss it with my morning coffee, or an evening cocktail. I miss the social aspect as well, some people I barely talk to anymore that I quit cigarette smoking which is a shame. Anyway, I imagine going forward I would be smoking a pipe at night after the kids go down with an evening cocktail, or in the morning on the days I get to work from home when I'm alone on my back porch. I am prepared that pipe smoking may not be for me, but if I decide not to continue pipe smoking, I want to be because I did it the right way and it wasn't for me, not because I did not know what I was doing. I'm certainly aware of tongue bite and want to do my best to avoid it.

For Pipes I'm considering most likely a Peterson, but also a Savinelli. I have watched and read quite a bit, and there seem to be two camps out there, those that suggest a straight pipe like a Peterson 87 Straight Apple and those that suggest a Peterson System pipe like a 307 (or various 300 series) to avoid the tongue bite. I am also considering similar pipes from Savinelli. I will start with one pipe, but assuming I don't hate it, I would imagine buying a second one fairly quickly. So I would be interested I guess in a good "first two Pipes" that may compliment each other. I have never smoked pipe tobacco, so I'm just guessing, but I would imagine liking a mild aromatics. For price I'd like to keep it under $200 per pipe, but definitely under $300 per pipe.

For tobaccos, I was going to go with 5 tins. I am looking for a variety that would be beginner friendly. These are the tobaccos I came up with listening to videos and reading forums. 1. Cult Blood Red Moon 2. Peterson Early Morning Pipe 3. Kramer's Father Dempsey 4. Sutliff Eastfarthing 5. Cornell and Diehl Autumn Evening.

Just wanting to know if I'm heading in the right direction, and if not if someone could steer me that way. And just any other advice you guys have! Cheers!

 

[The Libertine]

I don't recommend starting with aromatics. They need a bit of experience to be smoked "correctly" to avoid tongue bite. I do recommend english tobaccos. They are more forgiving.

I wouldn't start with a Peterson or Savinelli but a corn cob since you've never smoked pupe tobacco. If you don't like to smoke pipe tobacco then buying a name brand briar would be a waste of money. Cobs are cheap and forgiving and last a while.

 

[dottlejockey]

Good advice from @The Libertine and i'd second the cob concept for a first pipe and maybe a few popular examples of different genres to try first, then - if it's suiting you - grab a couple nicer pipes and you're off to the races. I can vouch for Savinelli and Stanwell for production pipes and i know there is no shortage of Peterson fans everywhere.

Suggestions:
Amphora has some great blends to get the jist of genre: Burley, Virginia, Kentucky and Latakia, for example.

In any event, the approach you've listed above is not a bad idea either, if that suits you better. Do what you like and enjoy the journey. If you need further suggestions or help along the way, the forum will await.

 

[Pooh-Bah]

If you've got a local tobacconist and they've got a wicker basket or a cardboard box of $30-50 no-name brand briar pipes, get one - I haven't owned a bad basket pipe yet. Add in a Czech tool and a pack of pipe cleaners. I started with one so that if I didn't stick with the hobby I'd have something kinda handsome to put on a shelf as decoration, as opposed to the folksy charm/snowman bling of a neglected cob.

Of your considered tins, I've had experience only with the Cult and it's better than most Aromatic I've had, so far as the staying-power of it's flavor in the smoke.

I also second the endorsement for Amphora - you can get a sampler set of a couple pouches of their blends for $50 or $60 (iirc). Between that and a basket pipe, you're looking at maybe $100 for a complete set of good quality training wheels on your pipely adventure.

 

[elvishrunes]

Yeah I think you’re on the right track, Rossi is a discount Sav line in case you didn’t know and can get a good pipe for around 70$... Cob is a good cheap starter option for most, but you seem like you might like it, so skip the cob and go briar, better with little aftertaste… Rossi, Sav or Pete are good first choices, but I wouldn’t pay more than 100-125$ at this point, and yes just get one, the second one will take care of itself if you like the hobby…. Any shape too.

I‘d say those are good tobacco choices, pretty diverse types, but the Amphora sampler pack as mentioned can get you the major genres for pretty inexpensive to start. Buy a czech pipe tool, cleaners, and glass jars to store your smoke…. Enjoy. It’s much better than cigarettes because you don’t inhale, but still get a great buzz of the nic

 

[TriedPiper]

Never smoked cigarettes (regularly anyhow) only cigars occasionally. Just getting started in pipes really. You are already on the right track. Learn all you can, great advice here and YT. YT is not too bad but there is some stuff on YT that just gets repeated like it was gospel. You'll know.

My advice (I'm no expert) is to keep taking in what you can and then put it into practice. Just like anything, practice is your best teacher. The experiences where the light bulb goes on and I think to myself ah!...now I get it. Don't get discouraged, it's worth pressing on. Like my Dad used to say, practice, practice, practice. The great thing about this hobby is everybody gets to make it work their own way. There is no ONE right way.

Great advice about the aromatics here. That's what got me interested, but non-aro's are easier to get started with IMHO.

 

[proteus]

Missouri Meerschaum. Start there. Any cob will work. Briars from the major brands, you know them, between 100 and 250 are very good quality and probably won't be able to tell much difference give or take until you gain experience perhaps. After about 250 through 400 you start to get fancy things which aren't going to help you smoke but will help your eye mainly. After 400 or so you'll be paying for the name and the status of a famous maker.

As to tobacco go to tobaccoreviews.com and this site. Look for @JimInks reviews, as well as @pipestud. Then you get a gauge of your tastes match theirs. Mine tend to match mostly though we do have differences. This effort only gives you an idea. The only way to truly know is to buy 1 oz sample from smokingpipes.com and keep notes. CD has nice tasting journals but you can make your own too.

Once you move along in your experience you'll be able to tell what you'll like just from knowing the tobacco that's in the mix and the makers own character to create textures and flavors that you like.

You will end up buying lots of tobacco and pipes in the end so that's something to manage.

Hotel Pipe Smoking you can checkout but you can't leave. Eventually you'll catch pipe acquisition disorder and tobacco acquisition disorder; both of which there are no cures.

You will become an expert negotiator with yourself and possibly any spouse you might have. You'll learn how to justify your next purchase.

And that is the fun of this hobby.

 

[Snook]

Not much to add that hasn't already been said here. I think you're on the right track. Don't get overwhelmed watching videos or reading on the internet. Everyone does things differently when it comes to pipe selection, tobacco choice, filling, lighting, tamping, cleaning... you name it. Just experiment and find what works to you. The only points of advice I have to offer from my own experience:

• Err on the side of packing the bowl too light. Every tobacco is different as far as cut and what-not, so each one will be different. Start light and you can always pack a little more. But if you pack too tight, you have to take it all out and start all over again if you can't get a good test draw.
• As stated by others, aromatics are a little harder to smoke because of the moisture. Try some Virginia/burley blends with little or no toppings, maybe. I'd say be careful with English/Balkan/stuff with Latakia and the like, because of nicotine content (made me sick as a dog the first few tries), but that might not be a problem for you since you were a cigarette smoker before.
• Smoke slow. Sip, don't gulp. You're not trying to make big clouds like a vape or something. If you feel like you're smoking slowly, take it even slower. This can't be stressed enough in order to build a good technique and save you from months of frustration as far as tongue bite and the like is concerned.
• Don't get too hung up on pipe brands or shapes; I haven't found one vs. the other to really smoke all that differently. Briars vs. cobs vs. meerschaum, however, does create a slightly different experience.

That's all I can think of for now. Good to have you here and happy smokes!

 

[SmokeyJock]

I'm only going to be repeating what others have already said here but, to emphasise, buy a cob first. Not only are they cheap, they also require no breaking in so you're more likely to have an enjoyable smoke right from the start (and you're not going to damage a new and expensive briar pipe by smoking too hot when you don't know what you're doing yet). Get yourself a Missouri Meerschaum cob. You can't go wrong with Early Morning Pipe, but I'd dry it out a little before smoking. Aromatics are where everyone thinks they should start and they never are. I'd recommend Early Morning Pipe and a burley based blend like Solani's Aged Burley Flake - Haunted Bookshop also seems pretty popular in the US. Again, as others have already said, when you pack a bowl pack light. Try just gravity filling the pipe until the last pinch, then press that one in gently so that it's still springy to touch. You can tamp it down later if you need to. Finally, don't overthink it, and don't worry about the number of relights you need! It will all come with time seemingly without you trying. Happy smoking!

 

[JoeW]

Since you're in the Dallas area, you're relatively close to the Ole Grapevine Cigar & Tobacco Shop. They have a nice selection of Peterson and Savinelli pipes that you can see and hold to see what might suit you. They also have a basket of briars and some MM cobs at decent prices, as well as some jars of bulk tobaccos and a decent selection of tins. If you want some in-person guidance, they can help you there.

There's plenty of good advice here about tobaccos, so I won't repeat, but I'll say that Blood Red Moon is the most forgiving and tasty aromatic I've tried. Very strong cherry, if that appeals to you.

Otherwise, the best advice I have to offer is to take your time and practice a lot. It may be frustrating at first, but stick with it: you'll need to figure out plenty of things for yourself, but it's worth the effort. Welcome to the hobby!

 

[OzPiper]

I’m going to go against most the advice given here

I tell people getting into wine that if they start off with a bottle of 2-buck chuck, they’re are going to wonder what the fuss is about and go back to drinking Bourbon and Coke. If you start out with something decent, you’re more likely to get enthused

Likewise with pipes and tobacco - start with something decent
(I’m not dissing cobs, by the way. They ARE cheap, and smoke easier than most briars)
But most of all, get a pipe you REALLY like the look off, be it straight or bent.
My preference would be a straight for your first - less likely to gurgle. And easy to run a pipe cleaner through if it does.

Savinelli and Peterson are good brands and have lots of fans.
They come in several grades and finishes.
And at different price points - it will be easy to find one within your price range.

As for tobacco, I agree with most of the advice given here.
An English (with Latakia) or Balkan (orientals) are easier to keep alight and have a more familiar flavour profile if you have a background of cigars or cigarettes
Virginias and (some) aromatics are prone to giving tongue bite
I loved English/Balkan blends right from the go.
After a couple of years, I now really enjoy Virginias/VaPers and I’m back to smoking aromatics.
I’m trying to get a handle on Burley blends - still learning and feeling my way around the vast array of genres and blends available.

Look for shag (the finest) cuts to start with - easier to keep alight.
Flakes and coins are better left until you have a bit more experience under your belt.

Happy

 

[dottlejockey]

... get a pipe you REALLY like the look of...
My preference would be a straight for your first - less likely to gurgle. And easy to run a pipe cleaner through if it does.

Look for shag (the finest) cuts to start with - easier to keep alight.
Flakes and coins are better left until you have a bit more experience under your belt.

Good advice! I agree, if a cob doesn't suit your aesthetic taste, defer to one that does. However, i also like a lower end meerschaum for a first pipe. It was the advantage of needing less care than a briar, short of a quick swab with a cleaner. Smoke as often as you'd like and enjoy the benefits of a bit less ghosting and potential moisture issues. They make great tasting pipes and can be used to sample several blends.

 

[badbriar]

I'll second the suggestion to get a decent cob pipe. You will not regret it!

 

[OzPiper]

In my curiosity to discover the differences between materials I have pipes made of briar, olive wood, morta, cherry wood, corn cob, meerschaum, gourd calabashes, clay, porcelain and even ivory.

My conclusion - unless you have the acutely tuned tastebuds of a @JimInks, the differences are minimal once the pipes have been broken in.
What matters most is the drilling

 

[jtkuga]

I am appreciating all of the suggestions! Please keep them coming they are certainly shaping my plans!

 

[PaulRVA]

Kramer’s is a great blend to try and EMP is also another.
As said above stay clear of aromatics for now.
I wouldn’t advise getting any pipe you’d be upset with if you made some mistakes like charring or teeth chatter.
Peterson and Savinelli won’t mistreat you and straight pipes will be easier to learn the basics on and get comfortable with.
As a former cigarette guy this isn't a replacement and the nicotine fix can be a lot different and more than you would expect depending on the blend.
Remember this is a learning process and it takes some time, frustration and trial and error.
Good Luck and Happy Smokes !

 

[Michigan_Bill]

Two rules:

1. Have fun.
2. Enjoy!

 

[minerLuke]

I second the advice to just start out with a cob, once you start to get the hang of pipe smoking you can start buying whatever you like. But unlike drinking a good bottle of wine, pipe smoking has a very definite learning curve, there isn't much point in buying nicer pipe tobaccos right away when mostly what you'll not be tasting much of is the tobacco itself. Any of the standard over the counter type burley based blends like Prince Albert, Carter Hall or even Captain Black Dark would be a good place to start. If the prospect of those isn't enticing enough, any milder English/Balkan ribbon cut blend would be fine to start with as well. Your first task is to just get down the mechanics of loading, lighting and smoking a bowl of pipe tobacco. You are certainly welcome to jump right in to a Savinelli or Petersen or whatever, heck just skip all the foreplay and dive right into a Dunhill or a Castello! But digging out your first steaming, soaking wet, half burnt bowls of semi charred pipe tobacco will probably sting less in a cheap cob. I am a former cig smoker as well and your past history of smoking cigarettes will definetly work against you when you first try a pipe. It can never be emphasized enough that you simply can't huff on the end of your pipe like a cigarette!!! None of this meant to deter you in the least, smoking tobacco out of a pipe really is so easy you can train a monkey to do it. But it just takes a bit of practice to get going!

 

[Sigmund]

Well, since the OP is in the US where good tobacco is cheap I sugget he buy good tobacco. Not the most expensive stuff he can find but some good bulk blends. Stay away from the convienience store pouches that are often doused in PG. They will burn hot and make you wonder why you even thought about a pipe. They can be smoked but they are best in the hands of those who have their basic skills down.

A cob is fine, brar is fine. It all depends on your budget. I woudnt start buying pipes at several hundred bucks until you know what you like. A solid affordable pipe will really work as well (not crap from ali express).

 

[jtkuga]

Really appreciate the advice! Great forum! A few follow up questions/comments:

1. A generous member of this community has helped me acquire a pipe at a very good price so I have that issue out of the way!

2. Should I only use one "family" of tobacco in this pipe? Should I not mix aromatics and non aromatics? Are there any rules on that?

3. Most people here seem to believe I should start with non-aromatics and I will do that. The reason I had some aromatic blends in there is a couple of youtube guys (Mutton Chop Piper, Pipe cottage) had suggested them to start. Are those not people I should listen to or just a difference of opinion?

Thanks again and looking forward to smoking my first pipe!