I hate the last in the bowl...but...

[isteen]

Being pretty new to pipe smoking, I have the last 10 minutes of the bowl.

It taste bad, but I have found out, that if I don't smoke a bowl right to the bitter end, my pipe just end up smelling sour and disgusting (mainly according to the wife).
How do you guys go about it?

 

[chuckw]

I suspect you are using OTC blends like Capt. Black, Half and Half, Paladin, Carter Hall, ect. Those blends contain a humectant to keep them fresh while setting on a shelf in a warehouse and dealers shelf.

You may also have saliva draining back into the pipe and making a soggy mess in the heel of the bowl.

You didn't mention how many pipes you have or how often you smoke. A pipe needs at least 24 hours to rest between smokes to allow the moisture to dry out, more if you are smoking one of the OTC blends. The pipes need to be cleaned after they cool to room temprature after each bowl too. A couple of pipe cleaners to clean the smoke hole, the mortice and interior of the stem will do wonders for the smoking experience.
If you have a pipe store (B&M) nearby, they should allow you to try several of their blends.
Please allow me to suggest trying tobaccos from Cornell and Diehl and McCellands. Cornell and Diehl will work with you to try to determine what you like and suggest blends to try. They have sampler packs of several tobaccos in 2 oz. packages. A call or e-mail to them and they will be more than happy to assist you. You may find their tobacco a little dry because all they use is distilled water to moisten them.
There are many blenders out there and thousands of blends that can be found on the internet.
I have no affiliation with any of the above mentioned companies.

 

[isteen]

Hi Chuck

I have 2-3 pipes I use regularly, but you're rigt - the last bit in the bowl is a soggy mess.

I can actually hear the moisture making noises when I smoke the last bit - I sometimes bite the bullet, at smoke the last bit ;-)

Someone told me the pipe will smell bad, if I don't some it to the very end.

I usually smoke Mac Barens various blends, and since I live in Denmark, I'm not familiar with the brands you mention.

A place to get various samples are just the place I'm looking for. I actually suggested Mac Baren to make small samples, so that people can try out different flavours and types of tobacco.

Unfortunately Cornell and Diehl are located in the US, so I don't really think getting samples from them is an option.

 

[igloo]

Try and pack the bottom a little looser and the top firmer . Once you clean the stem form the pipe cleaner into a horseshoe and kinda brush out the bowl . As for the girgles probably smoking to fast try to set a rythm and relax .Some blends are too wet , try and air dry some ahead of time . As for the wife some something with a lot of latika then switch back she will be so greatful she wont complain as much . LOL

 

[isteen]

Thanks for the tips igloo - I'll try the all ;-)))

 

[admin]

When the pipe starts to gurgle, stop smoking for a minute or two, then push a pipe cleaner into the stem and try to get it all the way into the bowl. Let it sit there for 20 - 30 seconds to soak up the moisture.
Another benefit of pushing a pipe cleaner into the bowl while smoking is that it will remove any little pieces of tobacco that may be clogging the stem or air hole. Sometimes this happens and you do not realize it as you can still get some smoke. The stem can become partially clogged, which makes you suck harder, makes the tobacco too hot, creates moisture and the gurgle.

 

[ghost45]

Your Tobacco may be to moist so try letting your tobacco dry out for a little while.

 

[isteen]

Hi guys.

Problem solved!

As you suggested, I tried another tobacco - My Own Blend by Paul Olsen.

Not as "wet" as Mac Baren - that...and your other suggestion, not packing the bowl so hard as I used to, gave me a much better smoking experience.
Thanks to all who contributed
Puffing on...
Steen

 

[chuckw]

Excellant Steen. Let the Mac Baren tobacco dry out a little and it should be good too.

I apoligise for the USA referenced tobaccos. I didn't realize you lived in Denmark

 

[igloo]

Ah excellant happy smoking .

 

[isteen]

Excellant Steen. Let the Mac Baren tobacco dry out a little and it should be good too.

I apoligise for the USA referenced tobaccos. I didn't realize you lived in Denmark

No need to appologize Chuck ;-)

I actually dropped Mac Baren altogether - I found MOB and WØ Larsen as better tobaccos.

 

[dunendain]

Steen, with some of the wetter blends, you may want to put them on a plate for 30 minutes before smoking. It helped me stop the gurgles. Good luck my friend.

 

[isteen]

Steen, with some of the wetter blends, you may want to put them on a plate for 30 minutes before smoking. It helped me stop the gurgles. Good luck my friend.

Thanks mate ;-)

I'll try that, when I buy my next Sweet Dublin Vanilla...