Is Pipe Smoking Something That Grows on You?

[Moshtaraq]

Hi,

I'm new to pipesmoking. Did it a couple of years ago and gave it a second chance today. I'm facing the same problem I had years ago: I only get 1 taste and it's just a harsh unpleasant taste...

I remember my first beer being kind of the same, just a glass of bitter water. Now I love beer and search for new ones al the time. I was wondering if pipe smoking is just like that?

Thanks,
Mosh

 

[BROBS]

Hi,

I'm new to pipesmoking. Did it a couple of years ago and gave it a second chance today. I'm facing the same problem I had years ago: I only get 1 taste and it's just a harsh unpleasant taste...

I remember my first beer being kind of the same, just a glass of bitter water. Now I love beer and search for new ones al the time. I was wondering if pipe smoking is just like that?

Thanks,
Mosh

yes, that's a comparison I make all the time. ?

 

[Moshtaraq]

But I disliked the taste so profoundly. There was supposed to be a 'honey' flavour but I was only getting that harsh taste. When does this get better?

 

[Richmond B. Funkenhouser]

That's exactly what it was like for me. It took me quite a few smokes to get it figured out... an improvement in technique will help the taste as well. That comes from doing it.

 

[Moshtaraq]

A pipe a day till I get the hang of it then

 

[Country Bladesmith]

You may be smoking too hard/fast. To me all tobacco tastes almost the same (bitter and burnt) if smoked too hard.

 

[Moshtaraq]

You may be smoking too hard/fast. To me all tobacco tastes almost the same (bitter and burnt) if smoked too hard.

I will certainly improve my technique but I was smoking very slowly barely keeping it lit. Thanks for the advice, time will learn I guess.

 

[Country Bladesmith]

I will certainly improve my technique but I was smoking very slowly barely keeping it lit. Thanks for the advice, time will learn I guess.

No problem. And you may have fine technique. Hard to diagnose that kind of stuff on a forum. It’s just that usually when people mention bitterness, harshness, etc, they’re usually getting the tobacco too hot.
I came from cigars, and it took me a little while to get the tobacco to taste the way I knew it should. There’s definitely a learning curve.
Which blends have you tried?

Edit to add: Moisture can cause harshness too. Drying tobacco helps.

 

[Moshtaraq]

Which blends have you tried?

in my previous attempt an aromatic: McBaren vanilla but no vanilla.
And now Davidoff Argentina which is supposed to have a hint of honey. I know it's not a lot but I didn't want to spend more money on something I don't like.

 

[Richmond B. Funkenhouser]

Get you some OTCs (over the couter), you will still probably have to order them though. Some Examples are:

Prince Albert
Carter Hall
Sir Walter Raleigh (regular or aromatic)
Five Brothers
Half and Half

There are more that fit the bill, those are my favorites / easiest to enjoy.

 

[Moshtaraq]

Get you some OTCs (over the couter), you will still probably have to order them though.

I don't really know what you mean by that, what kind of blends are those?

 

[Country Bladesmith]

I don't really know what you mean by that, what kind of blends are those?

OTC = over the counter. These used to be blends that were readily available at drug/grocery stores.

 

[Richmond B. Funkenhouser]

I don't really know what you mean by that, what kind of blends are those?

Older blends that used to be sold in grocery stores and drug stores.. you may find these at some gas stations or cigarette stores as well. Where I live I mostly can't find pipe tobacco so I have to order this stuff.

Tobaccoreviews.com is a good place to read descriptions.

 

[Moshtaraq]

And those OTC blends are easier to appreciate?

 

[Richmond B. Funkenhouser]

And those OTC blends are easier to appreciate?

In my opinion yes. The process of smoking them is easier and the flavors are more one note. Disclaimer though, I'm no expert by any means. This is just my opinion.

 

[Country Bladesmith]

And those OTC blends are easier to appreciate?

Most of them have a mild/mellow taste. Not a bad place to start, and they’re still enjoyable later, too.

 

[smokey789]

I tried a mix from a sort of local tobacco/pipe shop. It was good, but also strong. Then, I tried something from a tobacco company and it was mild and nutty, but dry. Probably some burley in there. Anyway, I had a hard time with tongue bite. Much of that is due to drawing or puffing too much , too often, or too long.
Pipe smoking is something that you enjoy like a high end coffee, wine, whisky or bourbon. It's even much as you said with beer. You can taste what you are drinking and it's different from the last one of a different type or grain or brewing style.
It may be that your beer is affecting your smoking. Maybe, just for a little experiment, try smoking it with something else to drink? There are mild and strong blends. Good luck. It isn't a big deal if you decide to put it down. You must be happy with whatever you are doing.

 

[Moshtaraq]

Oh I'm not drinking anything with my pipe, it was just an analogy. Good call on trying multiple things so I can compare.

 

[Chasing Embers]

Loved it from the start. Smoked my first pipe at 17 and three decades later it's been an every day thing.

 

[Moshtaraq]

Loved it from the start. Smoked my first pipe at 17 and three decades later it's been an every day thing.

I really like the idea of it and the ritual and the calmness but the taste is not something to write home about.