HELP NEEDED! Can't Light! C&D Blockade Runner

[rencastil]

I've been smoking my pipe for years now. Suddenly, I am befuddled by this particular Tobacco. Although I have been smoking tobacco for years, I've always bought "from the jars." Recently, I've gotten into tins. Today I bought a tin of Cornell & Diehl, Inc: Blockade Runner. I can't keep it lit. I've dried it a little by air, broken up the block a bit (it comes as a cube), and even nuked a little. HOwever, not only can I not light it, but it "jams" my pipe. The only smoke I get is what is fizzing out from the bowl.
PLEASE HELP!

 

[tarheel1]

Hmm I don't have any problems even when I don't dry iit out. I just break it up well and lightly pack it.

 

[cobguy]

I've always bought "from the jars."

The crumble cakes, flakes and plugs take way more drying than the bulk ribbon cuts in general.
Dry longer and pack lighter ... gravity pack for a crumble is usually what I prefer.
Good luck and happy puffing! ::

 

[fmgee]

I have not had Blockade Runner but it sounds like it is one of those tobaccos that expands a lot when you light it (I find Gaslight does this)? If so my suggestion would be to really rub it out and try gravity fill only so it still has some space in there one it starts to expand.

 

[blackbeard]

Cornell & Diehl, Inc: Blockade Runner - anyone else sense the irony in the brand vs problem at hand?
Everyone pretty much covered my thoughts.

 

[Chasing Embers]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=00lLHMZ2-gU&feature=youtube_gdata_player

 

[skraps]

I have found this helps....

 

[Chasing Embers]

I use that same lighter on aros!

 

[perdurabo]

Let it dry..Let it dry- Shut up Elsa!
Yea let dry for a few hours? Let us know how it goes. I want to try BR. Review chant about to commence.

 

[rencastil]

Everyone,
Crisis was averted. The above suggestions, minus the torch, were more than helpful. This afternoon, I enjoyed an hour and half of pleasurable smoking.
- R.

 

[mso489]

Let gravity do the work, like the guys say. The alternative would be to really rub it out rigorously and dry it for a day or two. But start with the gravity method. The less work it is, the more you'll like the tobacco. Oops. I see the crisis was averted. Never mind.

 

[fmgee]

rencastil: I am glad it worked out. And how was the blend? It is one I am considering getting.

 

[rencastil]

fmgee: I find the blend, pleasurable - yet not my all time favorite. However, don't let me spoil the fun. I am new to this crumble cake tobacco, so my smokes have been less sublime. What I am missing, right now, is that flavor of rum. At first, its like: "YES!" Then over time, perhaps as the oils/moisture dries as it continues to burn, the flavor is less noticeable. Like I said, pleasurable. I will need more time with this particular tin in order to formulate a more experienced response. As I am still a novice - an amateur, if you will - my palate has much to mature.