My Definition of "a Sip"

[boudreaux]

It may be buried somewhere in these forum threads, but I thought I would share what I just discovered about this topic - "A sip."
Sipping is mentioned throughout various threads as the key to successful enjoyment of a tobacco. But what exactly is a sip?
By experimentation - most recently today, on a second visit to a bowl of Peter Stokkeybe's Nougat aromatic in an MM cob, I found that a sip is this: a very small draw on the pipe for a very short duration. Sounds simple enough, but it somehow eluded me until just now, when I drew a bit longer than an actual very short sip and rediscovered the awful taste that I'd complained about in another thread.
I'm sure that it was beneficial that the bowl of tobacco also had a day's rest to further dry. It's also crucial that you take just a very short draw, because the tobacco will burn faster, necessitating more frequent gentle tamping.
So there you have it, in my opinion. Small and very short draw, and keep a box of matches or your lighter handy for relights as necessary. Bear in mind that relights vary with each blend.

 

[kashmir]

If you clench pipe, by definition, your sips will be short, and frequent, leading to a cooler, more flavorful smoke. The added bonus is you never have to relight. The idea is to keep the ember barely burning. A cool smoulder is what I call it. With a bit of practice, your piping and breathing become one, and pretty soon your lost in the blend, paying no mind to the mechanics of the pipe. I like to imagine its what a musician experiences when he's competent enough on his instrument that he can focus solely on the music.

 

[boudreaux]

Thank you for the reminder, Kashmir, but I've not been able to feel comfortable clenching as yet. Also not good at multi-tasking with a pipe in my mouth. It is better suited to a quiet, contemplative event for me.
I do respect your opinions, though, and I always read them.

 

[waznyf]

I see merits to both theories. Personally, I am in the quiet contemplative event boat, but I certainly do enjoy my pipe quite a bit more when it is not the only thing I focus on. To me, it depends on the day, the pipe, and the tobacco as to whether or not my "sip"/enjoyment of the pipe will be increased.

Hopefully over time, it will not matter what I am doing. It all comes with time
-Frank

 

[kashmir]

Thanks coalsmoke. I just know what works for me, and thought to pass it on. Of course, everyone will have their own take on it. And I suppose there are a myriad of ways to smoke a pipe.

 

[tslex]

Good point well made, Kashmir.
For me the sip is just the effortless draw. More of a swallow than a breath
After 30 years, it's unconscious. Relights are rare unless I have to set the pipe down.

 

[boudreaux]

LOL I've yet to reach the one light pinnacle of success, but I'm patient.

 

[allan]

Kashmir
Your example of a musician's competency is spot on as with other endeavors where the expert is at one with their art-whatever it may be
Allan

 

[kashmir]

Zen & the Art of Pipe Maintenance comes to mind. LOL.
“Is it hard?' Not if you have the right attitudes. Its having the right attitudes thats hard.”

― Robert M. Pirsig, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance.

 

[oldredbeard]

I completely agree Kashmir. It took me a while to get comfortable with clenching, then when I did, wahla. You are certainly right on the money sir. :wink: