Newbie Pipe Smoker from the UK

[paulthepipe]

Hi Everyone!
Paulthepipe here! I am an ex-smoker of cigarettes (given up for over 2 years now!) enjoyer of cuban cigars (been smoking them fairly regularly for about 2 years now) and brand new pipe smoker!
So new to pipe smoking that after I bought my very first briar no name rusticated bent stem at the weekend, I have just literally today began the process of breaking in my new pipe with my first ever third of a bowl of Mac Baren Vanilla Cream! Decided to go straight with a briar but nothing too expensive, invest the time in breaking it in patiently and go with the aromatics to start with.
Looking forward to conversing with people on here and enjoying my journey!
All the best everyone!
Paul

 

[mattmars]

Welcome to the forum paul. Be prepared to interact with some of the most knowledgeable and generally awesome people around. I will say that I, too, started with the aromatics and have recently started a dislike for them as they tend to lack the depth of "flavor" that I enjoy. I know it's difficult in the UK to acquire tobacco, but branch out and also get a few more pipes for a decent rotation.

 

[ejames]

Welcome Paul!

 

[paulthepipe]

Thank you everyone that has extended a welcome! I am really quite excited to be embarking on this new hobby/experience/lifestyle.
Mlyvers - Thanks for the advice! I will do just that! Half bowl here I come!

 

[spartan]

Welcome paulthepipe!
I still get that excited everytime I light up a bowl lol

 

[tokerpipes]

Welcome here is some free pointers to help you out. Enjoy the experience.
Words to live by for Pipe Smokers.

Make sure that your pipe is cleaned before loading and packing fresh tobacco.

Use Less Tobacco Than You Think You Need.

Pack Looser Than You Think You Need To.

Always Check the Draw of the Pipe Before Lighting.

Always leave at least 1/8 of an inch of space from the top of the tobacco to the rim.

Perform a Charring Light.

Tamp Less Frequently and With Less Pressure.

And its ok to relight.

 

[gwynclan]

Paul glad to have you with us. Remember pipe smoking should be relaxing and not stressful.

Cheers

Jeff

 

[crpntr1]

::Welcome aboard Paul, lots of helpful folks here to help get you going.

 

[mluyckx]

Welcome aboard Paul !
Much has been said already and yes, we're usually a friendly bunch ;-)
Sit back, buckle up and enjoy the ride :puffpipe:

 

[marmal4de]

You lucky guy, Sam G lives in your backyard, sample his wares and rejoice.

 

[biloxi123]

Welcome Paul!

 

[smokenscotch]

Welcome Paul, great choice with the MacBaren Vanilla Cream, sweet tasting baccy. Have fun here.

 

[aaronbear]

Welcome Paul I am fairly new to the pipe world too also from UK , Suffolk actually, these guys are the friendliest bunch full of experience and knowledge you wont go far wrong mixing with these guys they made me feel quite welcome.

 

[bentmike]

Hello paulthepipe, welcome! Lots of good info and company here. Enjoy.

 

[markw4mms]

Welcome aboard, Paul!

 

[shawn]

Welcome aboard. I have learned much from the brothers/sisters here.

 

[standardgewehr]

Welcome! I envy your easy access to St. Bruno and other high quality "over the counter" tobaccos!

 

[shaintiques]

Welcome Paul, You will find the folks here very helpful How's the Vanilla Cream, it is on my list of tobaccos to try.

 

[juni]

Welcome to the forums. ::
Vanilla Cream is pretty decent. It is a sometimes smoke for me as I tend to prefer not heavily aromatic tobaccos.
I also remember the careful breaking in of a pipe when I started out. Now I just fill the bowl to the top and make sure to smoke it slowly. Anyone else do that to new pipes?

 

[brian64]

Welcome Paul! You found the right place for all the pipe info and feedback you need. Always glad to see a new member to the hobby. Enjoy! ::