New to pipes and tried a few different tins. Seeking advice and also sharing my amateurish reviews

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TheZaxx

Lurker
Jun 5, 2025
10
16
Hello. I’ve just recently within the last few months started smoking pipes. Didn’t have much to go off of at first aside from what the guy at my local tobacco (mainly cigar-focused) store advised, but I’ve since done a bit of research and would like to share a newbie’s snippet of tobacco reviews. There is purpose behind this: in addition to hoping my readers find it humorous, if you feel I’m missing something or have any advice regarding any of these blends, or what to try next, please let me know!

I still have all the below in jars, even if I was late finding out I needed to jar them late by a couple months. Added hydration packs to the mason jars where necessary. Nonetheless, the reviews are based on my “straight out of the tin” impressions.

Peterson Nightcap: I told the cashier at the tobacco lounge when I first set out to try a pipe my normal go to for cigars, and he recommended Nightcap for my first go at pipe tobacco. But the problem is that with cigars I’m an entirely social smoker and don’t do it more than once every month or two (read: low nicotine tolerance). So this smelled and tasted just fine, but 1. I’m still too green to pick apart flavors and 2. The high nicotine content had me feeling like someone hit me between the eyes.

Esoterica Margate: the guy at the shop also recommended this one. I’ve since found out I struck gold and didn’t even know it at the time (sorry, they were out last time I was there). Same issues with Nightcap applied here, but it was even stronger - as if a young Tyson time traveled from 1986 to hit me between the eyes. Felt drunk for about 90 seconds after every puff.

Peterson Early Morning Pipe: reminded me of smoking a Chex cereal for some reason. A good starter tobacco that had me craving coffee.

Peterson Old Dublin: smooth, easy smoke. Nice taste too, and I really enjoyed drinking some unsweetened earl grey tea alongside it. No complaints and it ranks high on my admittedly short list.

Cult Blood Red Moon: my absolute FAVORITE so far. Tastes and smells like a delicious cherry vanilla. A lot of re lighting, more than normal even for this newbie, but that’s a small complaint in my book. My wife likes the smell of it too. Of course it’s out everywhere I’ve looked to restock recently, but I still have a bit remaining jarred up.

CAO Eileen’s Dream: ok this one got rave reviews online, but I found it disappointing. Couldn’t smell the vanilla (or any of the other promised aromas), and the middle 20 or so minutes of my smoke had this sharply bitter metallic taste like a steel mug filled with stomach acid that was left in the sun. Am I somehow smoking this one wrong? Or does it need to sit in a jar for a while before smoking (or both)?
 

BingBong

Lifer
Apr 26, 2024
2,752
12,442
London UK
Well done, we need a nicotine assessor - most of us are too pickled in the stuff to pick up on it. Can't believe you got some Margate, sounds amazing.

But now the bad news. I think Cult Blood Red Moon is a goner. Others may know better, and know comparable blends still available.

PS: Five Brothers. Don't.
 
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Oddball

Part of the Furniture Now
Dec 29, 2022
515
2,757
TN
Just be sure to eat first.
I never feel nicotine unless I smoke with coffee first thing in the Morning, which is super rare.

Otherwise keep at it and you'll find your stride.
I wouldn't bother with the moisture jar things, the jars if sealed clean and tight should keep the bak in good shape.
 

TheZaxx

Lurker
Jun 5, 2025
10
16
Oof - I saw CBRM may have been discontinued on a few threads from years ago, so figured that since I had been still finding it that it must’ve gotten rescued. Any idea what’s going on there? Also, any good substitutes?

What do you recommend eating beforehand to avoid the nicotine knockout?

Also, regarding storage: is there any real difference between mason jars with clasps and rubber seals vs those with the screw-on tin lids?
 
Last edited:

Oddball

Part of the Furniture Now
Dec 29, 2022
515
2,757
TN
a meal...
as in smoke after you eat.
To alleviate the OD while smoking, keep some hard candy handy.
That feeling is a sudden drop in blood sugar.
 

TheZaxx

Lurker
Jun 5, 2025
10
16
Oh I gotcha. Still coming from the cigar world where that might mean “smoke after a steak dinner.” Appreciate it!
 
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Rossi320

Part of the Furniture Now
Jul 4, 2023
589
924
Northumberland county, pa
Only smoke when I feel like it....there are times when I want to but don't have a pipe around I but I have chew..so that is a problem.....my go to local tobacconist in my area says he tried all tobaccos (expensive and designer)and he has a go to blend. I have to say he is right in some regard but I still like to try them and see for myself and see what I like
 

n_irwin

Can't Leave
Apr 15, 2022
349
1,680
Texas, USA
Also, regarding storage: is there any real difference between mason jars with clasps and rubber seals vs those with the screw-on tin lids?

Stick with the traditional Mason jar with lid and screw on ring. The rubber seals on the clasp-style jars will wear out over time and won’t serve you well for long term storage.
 
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Reactions: TheZaxx
Jan 28, 2018
15,698
195,119
68
Sarasota, FL
Forget the mason jars. Buy some mylar bags. Apothecary jars probably okay for a year or two. If you can't from Cigars, surprised nicotine is an issue.
 
Jun 23, 2019
2,260
15,152
Hello. I’ve just recently within the last few months started smoking pipes. Didn’t have much to go off of at first aside from what the guy at my local tobacco (mainly cigar-focused) store advised, but I’ve since done a bit of research and would like to share a newbie’s snippet of tobacco reviews. There is purpose behind this: in addition to hoping my readers find it humorous, if you feel I’m missing something or have any advice regarding any of these blends, or what to try next, please let me know!

I still have all the below in jars, even if I was late finding out I needed to jar them late by a couple months. Added hydration packs to the mason jars where necessary. Nonetheless, the reviews are based on my “straight out of the tin” impressions.

Peterson Nightcap: I told the cashier at the tobacco lounge when I first set out to try a pipe my normal go to for cigars, and he recommended Nightcap for my first go at pipe tobacco. But the problem is that with cigars I’m an entirely social smoker and don’t do it more than once every month or two (read: low nicotine tolerance). So this smelled and tasted just fine, but 1. I’m still too green to pick apart flavors and 2. The high nicotine content had me feeling like someone hit me between the eyes.

Esoterica Margate: the guy at the shop also recommended this one. I’ve since found out I struck gold and didn’t even know it at the time (sorry, they were out last time I was there). Same issues with Nightcap applied here, but it was even stronger - as if a young Tyson time traveled from 1986 to hit me between the eyes. Felt drunk for about 90 seconds after every puff.

Peterson Early Morning Pipe: reminded me of smoking a Chex cereal for some reason. A good starter tobacco that had me craving coffee.

Peterson Old Dublin: smooth, easy smoke. Nice taste too, and I really enjoyed drinking some unsweetened earl grey tea alongside it. No complaints and it ranks high on my admittedly short list.

Cult Blood Red Moon: my absolute FAVORITE so far. Tastes and smells like a delicious cherry vanilla. A lot of re lighting, more than normal even for this newbie, but that’s a small complaint in my book. My wife likes the smell of it too. Of course it’s out everywhere I’ve looked to restock recently, but I still have a bit remaining jarred up.

CAO Eileen’s Dream: ok this one got rave reviews online, but I found it disappointing. Couldn’t smell the vanilla (or any of the other promised aromas), and the middle 20 or so minutes of my smoke had this sharply bitter metallic taste like a steel mug filled with stomach acid that was left in the sun. Am I somehow smoking this one wrong? Or does it need to sit in a jar for a while before smoking (or both)?

Coming from cigars as well, I started with Nightcap too, back then it was still Dunhill's Nightcap, but I immediately fell in love with that latakia taste - " the gas" if you will.

If you take your time and prepare them properly, aromatics can be a great way to get into pipe tobacco. If you can get your hands on some KBV Sakura I think you'd like that. (Or any of KBV concoctions).
 
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ChubbyOldHiker

Might Stick Around
Jan 29, 2025
58
144
Kenner, LA
I got CBRM from SP this past March. They are out now, but you can set up an alert to tell you when they get more in.

Agreed, it’s delicious. It will dry out a little if you try, smokes way better.