Ideal Pipe Shapes for Non-Latakia "Kitchen Sink" Blends.

[half-light]

Hello friends,

I'm thinking of trying out some of C&D's "The Old Ones" blends, like "Dreams of Kadath" (dark-fired kentucky, katerini, perique, virginia, burley, black cav) and "Miskatonic Mixture" (virginia, katerini, perique, black cav). Not sure if I have a pipe on hand which is particularly well suited to these blends, however. Any recommendations on ideal briar shapes for the purpose? (I already have a bunch of cobs - specifically looking for briars).

 

[Ahi Ka]

While not my own experience, many forum members say that a pot shaped pipe, or something with a larger chamber size (by this I assume width) can help with blends which have many components in them.

 

[half-light]

Ah. I've definitely heard that in relation to Balkan and English blends - makes sense it would apply also to other things with many components.

 

[craig61a]

My personal preference would be a pipe with a chamber diameter of .75" - .80", and a depth of 1.6" - 1.75".

That's totally subjective on my part. There are many reasons to consider why a particular bowl might be the best for a particular blend. Number and type of component tobaccos, the amount of time you want to spend smoking that particular tobacco, etc.

There isn't a "one size fits all" solution here.

There are some generalities which apply. Straight Virginias usually smoke best in smaller diameter chambers, Aromatics usually smoke better in large diameter chambers, etc.

Ultimately it boils down to personal preference. We're all different. I prefer New England style clam chowder, while someone else prefers Manhattan style clam chowder... They both contain clams, but with a twist.

Same with pipes as far as I'm concerned.

 

[Chasing Embers]

Any recommendations on ideal briar shapes for the purpose?

Whichever ones you are drawn to. Tobacco moisture, packing, and smoking cadence are going to affect it more than chamber dimensions. The shape of the pipe isn't going to affect it at all.

 

[karam]

Personally I haven't found a difference based on chamber dimensions, or straight vs bents. I have a preference for straight pipes but this is aesthetic. I have a couple of bent and half bent pipes which are excellent smokers no matter the blend thrown at them.