It’s almost like words can take on additional meanings and uses by society over time.
I understand this may be mind blowing to some people.
I understand this may be mind blowing to some people.
Is there a general consensus on what blend a new piper should start on?
- Thread starter WLY
- Start date
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For beginning pipe smokers I recommend selecting a pipe and starting tobacco that are inexpensive and reliable. Reliable in the sense that if things aren't going right it's the smoker to blame not the pipe or tobacco. By this criteria, a MM Cob and a codger blend is the place to start. Carter Hall would be my choice. Later you can branch into other genres and forms as taste dictates.
^^^ This
The most common complaint I've heard from newer pipe smokers: "I can't keep it lit."
Many of the codger blends were also made for roll-your-own cigarettes & tend to burn easily.
Gravity fill some Carter Hall, Prince Albert, or Sir Walter Raleigh to the rim of the bowl. Press down on the rim with the part of your thumb beneath the knuckle, fire it up, & go slow.
It's either the Supreme Court, or Congress, right?
FWIW...
No, I don't believe pipe smokers should be referred to as pipers.
Nor do I think urban dictionary should dictate usage of words.
Nor do I really care...
No, I don't believe pipe smokers should be referred to as pipers.
Nor do I think urban dictionary should dictate usage of words.
Nor do I really care...
I’ve flown in airplanes that play the Bagpipes.
Language changes over time. I suppose the idea of being called a piper resonates better with younger pipe smokers. If it makes them happy, so be it.
Change is a universal constant. Ha Ha. But it is so true.
Encouraging younger smokers to feel welcomed enough to redefine pipe smoking, even in ways that we might not recognize is their right to do so. The torch is passed from generation to generation, but each generation must keep it lit with the fuel of their own zeitgeist. You can quote me on that.
My generation carefully broke in pipes using a method. We kept our carbon cake in tact and prided ourselves on building it up.
It ruffles my feathers when I read people mock these ideas, but...
So be it.
I won't be referring to myself as a piper anytime ever. But, if others feel more comfortable doing so, God Bless them.
What doesn't change is the joy and peace of mind smoking a pipe gives the soul.
To quote a well known pipe smoker...
"So, to then, do these thoughts
Crown me,
For when in solitude,
Which is bliss,
I think of you."
Change is a universal constant. Ha Ha. But it is so true.
Encouraging younger smokers to feel welcomed enough to redefine pipe smoking, even in ways that we might not recognize is their right to do so. The torch is passed from generation to generation, but each generation must keep it lit with the fuel of their own zeitgeist. You can quote me on that.
My generation carefully broke in pipes using a method. We kept our carbon cake in tact and prided ourselves on building it up.
It ruffles my feathers when I read people mock these ideas, but...
So be it.
I won't be referring to myself as a piper anytime ever. But, if others feel more comfortable doing so, God Bless them.
What doesn't change is the joy and peace of mind smoking a pipe gives the soul.
To quote a well known pipe smoker...
"So, to then, do these thoughts
Crown me,
For when in solitude,
Which is bliss,
I think of you."
No consensus. Many old standbys come to mind, and they will do for most new smokers. However, some people take immediately to strong blends, while others must have very mild. Some are allergic to red Virginias and other Virginias, and some like burley at first puff and it makes others throw up.
So everyone can make a suggestion -- something mild to medium, an old standard liked by many, a codger blend, a premium blend, aromatic, non-, and etc. If asked, I'd probably name something innocuous, but if I misjudged and was talking to a strong tobacco guy or gal, that would be wrong.
So everyone can make a suggestion -- something mild to medium, an old standard liked by many, a codger blend, a premium blend, aromatic, non-, and etc. If asked, I'd probably name something innocuous, but if I misjudged and was talking to a strong tobacco guy or gal, that would be wrong.
Warehouse... the starting wage is less than McDonald's and Walmart so we get all their "throwaways" that can't cut it there. I have tried to leave multiple times but in the time I have worked there I have more than doubled my wage and they keep giving me more money, so I keep chewing on my tongue and cleaning metaphorical bedsheets. "Jack is but a slave before the mast" and all that.
Thank you all for the recommendations.
My first oz was an aromatic, it smelled wonderful out of the jar but tasted nothing like it. Took me a while to learn how to keep it lit without biting my tongue.
now I'm on an English blend, no more tongue bite but I can't keep it lit. I will finish what I have on hand and maybe I will have learned how to keep it lit then.
My first oz was an aromatic, it smelled wonderful out of the jar but tasted nothing like it. Took me a while to learn how to keep it lit without biting my tongue.
now I'm on an English blend, no more tongue bite but I can't keep it lit. I will finish what I have on hand and maybe I will have learned how to keep it lit then.
Make sure it's not too moist. Pinch some of it, pick it up and then drop it. If it stays clumped together it is too moist, in that case pull out a little more than you think will pack your pipe and spread it out on a clean surface to dry for 5-20min depending on how moist it is. Also if you pack too loose or tight you will have trouble keeping it lit. Lots of videos on youtube about how to pack a pipe, most people do it differently, trial and error is your best teacher there.
Sure. In this world where a man can be called a woman, why not? Apples are oranges, and grapes no longer want to be involved in wine making. Go at it.
Every new pipesmoker should try the four primary genres: Virginia, English, Burley, Aromatic.
Of course there's near infinite variety within and inbetween genres, but as a minimum effort just to make sure you haven't ignored any major flavor groups it would be best to try a tin from each genre.
And for people totally new to tobacco remember it's going to take a few weeks for your tastebuds to adapt, the same as eating Thai curry for the first time, overwhelmed tastebuds can't properly convey flavor.
Captain Black Royal was my son's first blend. Easy smoking blend that really doesn't tax your mouth. Mainly Cavendish with a bit of Va thrown in. I think mine was Blood Red Moon. Or was it Guilty Pleasure. Can't remember. I know I bought those two along with Dunhill Navy Roll.
I’ve bought a bunch of codger blends because they’re accessible. Liked a few but also some can be a pain to keep lit. I assume the moisture content is higher to increase shelf life. I’m fortunate to have a couple tobacconists in town. Autumn Evening is my current favorite.
From one piper to another welcome to the forum. I would say start with the best tobacco you can afford to buy comfortably. I started with captain black and Carter hall. I wish I would have known about the good blends right off like some Cornell & Diehl or Mac Barren HH blends. Now-a-days over the counter blends aren’t as cheap as they used to be anyways.