I am looking into getting my first tobacco pipe. I was wondering if I could get some advice on what a good choice would be, and what a good blend of tobacco would be to start out on. Thank you.
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If you have a local tobacco shop that sells pipes, head up there and ask to see a few things in your price range. Hold them, see if they're comfortable in your hand, aesthetically pleasing, etc... Some brands that I've heard great things about or had good experiences with are: Nording, Bjarne (I own two and love them), Peterson (ordering one in the next week or so), Savinelli, and Stanwell (also ordering one in the next week).
As far as tobacco goes, there are a TON of blends to try out. Part of the enjoyment, for me at least, is trying new tobaccos and finding new favorites. I'm partial to burleys and aromatics, but I enjoy straight Virginias as well. A few to try (and this is my opinion only, your tastes may be completely different):
Boswell's Burley ( www.boswellpipes.com )
Paradise ( www.boswellpipes.com )
G.L. Pease Union Square - a straight Virginia ( www.smokingpipes.com , www.cupojoes.com , www.pipesandcigars.com )
C&D Kajun Kake - a Virginia/Perique blend ( www.smokingpipes.com , www.cupojoes.com , www.pipesandcigars.com )
Those are only a few of the tobaccos that I enjoy. Your local tobacconist can help you out as well. They can give you an idea of what you might like, based on your particular tastes. A good tobacconist is well versed when it comes to suggesting stuff like that. Plus most will give you a small sample to try out if you bring your pipe with you. If you don't have a local shop you can frequent, there are a few great online retailers that you can visit. The ones mentioned above, plus www.4noggins.com , and on occasion www.lilbrown.com .
Also, if you are without a local shop, check out www.tobaccoreviews.com for ideas of what you might like. Just remember that tastes are completely subjective, and just because a review says that it's the greatest thing since sliced bread, doesn't mean that it will be to you.
As far as tobacco goes, there are a TON of blends to try out. Part of the enjoyment, for me at least, is trying new tobaccos and finding new favorites. I'm partial to burleys and aromatics, but I enjoy straight Virginias as well. A few to try (and this is my opinion only, your tastes may be completely different):
Boswell's Burley ( www.boswellpipes.com )
Paradise ( www.boswellpipes.com )
G.L. Pease Union Square - a straight Virginia ( www.smokingpipes.com , www.cupojoes.com , www.pipesandcigars.com )
C&D Kajun Kake - a Virginia/Perique blend ( www.smokingpipes.com , www.cupojoes.com , www.pipesandcigars.com )
Those are only a few of the tobaccos that I enjoy. Your local tobacconist can help you out as well. They can give you an idea of what you might like, based on your particular tastes. A good tobacconist is well versed when it comes to suggesting stuff like that. Plus most will give you a small sample to try out if you bring your pipe with you. If you don't have a local shop you can frequent, there are a few great online retailers that you can visit. The ones mentioned above, plus www.4noggins.com , and on occasion www.lilbrown.com .
Also, if you are without a local shop, check out www.tobaccoreviews.com for ideas of what you might like. Just remember that tastes are completely subjective, and just because a review says that it's the greatest thing since sliced bread, doesn't mean that it will be to you.
Welcome Stadiumsax! Welcome to PM.com, the forums, and the wonderful world of pipe smoking (ersatz "Eden").
I endorse Bullwinkle's suggestion 110%.
My personal opinion is to avoid aromatic blends. Although the purported flavors and aromas are enticing, they require a more sophisticated smoking technique to avoid tongue bite, gurgle, wet dottle, and other issues that you don't need to deal with right now. Aromatic flavors will also mask the racy tobacco tastes that an inexperienced palate should learn to discern.
LOL -- As Fred will hasten to add, I'm an anti cob-ite; but maybe a cheap meer would be the ticket -- and he would be your go-to guy with that.
I endorse Bullwinkle's suggestion 110%.
My personal opinion is to avoid aromatic blends. Although the purported flavors and aromas are enticing, they require a more sophisticated smoking technique to avoid tongue bite, gurgle, wet dottle, and other issues that you don't need to deal with right now. Aromatic flavors will also mask the racy tobacco tastes that an inexperienced palate should learn to discern.
LOL -- As Fred will hasten to add, I'm an anti cob-ite; but maybe a cheap meer would be the ticket -- and he would be your go-to guy with that.
Inexpensive briar and some Peter Stockkebye of your choice . Alas I too have succumbed to the dislike of corn cob pipes . Dont forget the most important thing pipe cleaners .
I do think its wise to start with a cob to see if you like smoking a pipe. Once you decide you like it, then take the next step and toss the cob out if the car while you are cruising on the interstate so you don't look like you dropped out of the 9th grade to marry a cousin you got in trouble and go get a good briar. The ad at the top of the page for pipesandcigars.com has great prices and service.
Thank you guys for the feed back! I will be sure to look into the Corn Cob pipes. I like the fact they are not to heavy on the wallet, because I do not want to go and spend too much money and have it turn out that I do not find it enjoyable.
IMO, starting out with a cob insures that you will not find it enjoyable. They're not heavy on the wallet because they're crappy.
I still say Bullwinkle's advice nails it; but as Hauntedmyst said, P&C.com has good prices... on pipes too! Check their specials.
I still say Bullwinkle's advice nails it; but as Hauntedmyst said, P&C.com has good prices... on pipes too! Check their specials.
I'll add that a Corn Cob is a very inexpensive way to start. I will also add that you can get a Dr. Grabow briar pipe for relatively cheap (around $25-$30), that will introduce you to the world of briar pipes without too much strain on your wallet. I started (about 6 months ago) with a YelloBole made of a synthetic compound and quickly moved onto a Corn Cob because a CC doesn't have the issues with the moisture of some tobacco that a true briar would. The CC's are also extremely cheap, so if you mess it up, it won't cost a ton of money to get a replacement.
As to the tobacco choice, I would actually steer clear of most tobaccos that get high ratings ( check out Tobaccoreviews.com, since the more experienced palate seems to find these tobaccos enjoyable, while the newbie such as myself (and probably yourself) find them to be too much. I suggest a Black Cavendish to start with as it is a mild tobacco that will allow you to focus more on technique than on the flavor/enjoyment of the tobacco. It also has the aroma that most people (at least the people I know) associate with pipe smoking. Also hit up the local tobacconist for suggestions and help. Any tobacconist worth his salt will be able to help you in many ways that online research and forum (such as this one) cannot.
As a newbie myself, I suggest you find and try every technique for packing your pipe to discover which works best for you, as this is one of the more important things you'll need to learn to begin to enjoy your smoking experience. Also try not to get discouraged by having to re-light multiple times in any given smoking session. No one (save those talented few) can go through a whole bowlful without relighting at least a few times.
Lastly, don't be afraid to check out the many pipe-smoking forums and websites to ask questions and look for info. The Internet is no substitute for a local pipe-smoker to learn the ropes from, but if you're like me and are not fortunate to have one that you can go to, the web is an adequate substitute, but it will require more work on your part to find the information you need.
This response kinda ran away from me, but I'm just trying to point you in the right direction so that you can be informed and make decisions that will assist you in you endeavors. As a final word, if you do choose to take up pipe-smoking as a hobby, be aware of 2 very contagious and hard to control urges that come with the hobby: PAD (Pipe Acquisition Disorder) & TAD (Tobacco Acquisition Disorder). As most of us here and on other forums will attest, while both are extremely enjoyable, if not kept in check, they can become costly and very time-consuming.
Good luck, take your time in learning the basics, ask lots of questions, but most of all, enjoy this new world you've discovered.
-Jason
As to the tobacco choice, I would actually steer clear of most tobaccos that get high ratings ( check out Tobaccoreviews.com, since the more experienced palate seems to find these tobaccos enjoyable, while the newbie such as myself (and probably yourself) find them to be too much. I suggest a Black Cavendish to start with as it is a mild tobacco that will allow you to focus more on technique than on the flavor/enjoyment of the tobacco. It also has the aroma that most people (at least the people I know) associate with pipe smoking. Also hit up the local tobacconist for suggestions and help. Any tobacconist worth his salt will be able to help you in many ways that online research and forum (such as this one) cannot.
As a newbie myself, I suggest you find and try every technique for packing your pipe to discover which works best for you, as this is one of the more important things you'll need to learn to begin to enjoy your smoking experience. Also try not to get discouraged by having to re-light multiple times in any given smoking session. No one (save those talented few) can go through a whole bowlful without relighting at least a few times.
Lastly, don't be afraid to check out the many pipe-smoking forums and websites to ask questions and look for info. The Internet is no substitute for a local pipe-smoker to learn the ropes from, but if you're like me and are not fortunate to have one that you can go to, the web is an adequate substitute, but it will require more work on your part to find the information you need.
This response kinda ran away from me, but I'm just trying to point you in the right direction so that you can be informed and make decisions that will assist you in you endeavors. As a final word, if you do choose to take up pipe-smoking as a hobby, be aware of 2 very contagious and hard to control urges that come with the hobby: PAD (Pipe Acquisition Disorder) & TAD (Tobacco Acquisition Disorder). As most of us here and on other forums will attest, while both are extremely enjoyable, if not kept in check, they can become costly and very time-consuming.
Good luck, take your time in learning the basics, ask lots of questions, but most of all, enjoy this new world you've discovered.
-Jason
Welcome Stadium,
I have to agree that an inexpensive "briar" pipe would be the way to go. e.g. Dr. Graybow. Avoid those with a lacquer finish because they tend to get hot to the touch.
While I do respect the opinions of those who advocate starting with a cob, I cannot agree.
I have had a cob now for over 20 years. I smoke it more now than in the past.
It still tastes like a cob pipe. It flavors the tobacco, and in my opinion, simply lacks the mass, for a truly good smoke. One other problem is they tend to have filters in them. They can be smoked without a filter but you could find that you have a hot ember on your tongue in the late stages of your smoke.
As for tobacco, Cortezattic recommends avoiding Aromatics, and I agree his opinion to some degree.
A heavy Cherry or Vanilla flavor could very well give you a well burnt tounge. (bite)
I can recommend that you aquire some Lane 1Q. It is a bulk tobacco and very popular, many local shops name it things like Wilshire or Yorkshire. If you ask for "1Q" they will know what you want. You can find it easily online or in your local shop. It is sweet, mild, and burns well, it also has a pleasant aroma. (Room Note) It will prompt, from those around you, "that smells good".
Please feel free to ask more questions, and dive right in with your opinions.
Again; welcome to the fraternity.
I have to agree that an inexpensive "briar" pipe would be the way to go. e.g. Dr. Graybow. Avoid those with a lacquer finish because they tend to get hot to the touch.
While I do respect the opinions of those who advocate starting with a cob, I cannot agree.
I have had a cob now for over 20 years. I smoke it more now than in the past.
It still tastes like a cob pipe. It flavors the tobacco, and in my opinion, simply lacks the mass, for a truly good smoke. One other problem is they tend to have filters in them. They can be smoked without a filter but you could find that you have a hot ember on your tongue in the late stages of your smoke.
As for tobacco, Cortezattic recommends avoiding Aromatics, and I agree his opinion to some degree.
A heavy Cherry or Vanilla flavor could very well give you a well burnt tounge. (bite)
I can recommend that you aquire some Lane 1Q. It is a bulk tobacco and very popular, many local shops name it things like Wilshire or Yorkshire. If you ask for "1Q" they will know what you want. You can find it easily online or in your local shop. It is sweet, mild, and burns well, it also has a pleasant aroma. (Room Note) It will prompt, from those around you, "that smells good".
Please feel free to ask more questions, and dive right in with your opinions.
Again; welcome to the fraternity.
Welcome to the forum. Are you a sax player? Tenor, Alto?
I'll put my 2 cents worth in, and remember what they say about opinions?...just like buttholes...everyone has one and the other persons always stinks.
Just for starters, you can walk in a tobacco shop, plop down $5-7.00 dollars on a cob pipe and ask for 2 ounces of some Lane 1Q blend(as pstlpkr suggested), and you're off and running. The CC pipe can be used to get your feet wet and see if this for you, and the 1Q blend is one of the biggest selling blends of all time, people around you will ask what you are smoking, and it's been around because of those two things forever. If you find it's not for you, then you're out a whole $12.00 or so. If it puts a smile on your face that would take 3 Undertakers to wipe off, then the skies the limit on blends to try (3593 on tobaccoreview.com alone), and pipes to drool over up to 1k dollars or so.
Post back up what you end up doing for us.
I'll put my 2 cents worth in, and remember what they say about opinions?...just like buttholes...everyone has one and the other persons always stinks.
Just for starters, you can walk in a tobacco shop, plop down $5-7.00 dollars on a cob pipe and ask for 2 ounces of some Lane 1Q blend(as pstlpkr suggested), and you're off and running. The CC pipe can be used to get your feet wet and see if this for you, and the 1Q blend is one of the biggest selling blends of all time, people around you will ask what you are smoking, and it's been around because of those two things forever. If you find it's not for you, then you're out a whole $12.00 or so. If it puts a smile on your face that would take 3 Undertakers to wipe off, then the skies the limit on blends to try (3593 on tobaccoreview.com alone), and pipes to drool over up to 1k dollars or so.
Post back up what you end up doing for us.
if you get a cob pipe, get a missouri meercham. they are AMERICAN made, not some toxic sludge pos from china...
many years ago my 1st tobacco was borkum rif, and now i can hardley tolerate it. as soon as i get what i have smoked i'll never get any more. i say this because as you gain experiance your tastes will change.
prince albert is a nice mass market tobacco to experiment with, and it's cheap...
many years ago my 1st tobacco was borkum rif, and now i can hardley tolerate it. as soon as i get what i have smoked i'll never get any more. i say this because as you gain experiance your tastes will change.
prince albert is a nice mass market tobacco to experiment with, and it's cheap...
Lordnoble had some interesting ideas I thought. I picking out a pipe I would go with a straight or slightly bent stem. The engineering is more difficult with a bigger bent. Plus cleaning your pipe--yes don't forget pipe cleaners--is easier.
As a newbie you are going to try lots of different tobacco, so just jump in.
As a newbie you are going to try lots of different tobacco, so just jump in.
Thank you all again you have given me a lot to think about. Also to hobie1dog I am a sax player, I play both Alto and Soprano.
Welcome man, feel free to always ask questions. I started smoking when I was around 9 or 10. I am 21 now and I still learn new things everyday, especially from asking. Best of luck and have fun, that is what it's about after all...
I started with Captain Black (white label) as my first tobacco. My first pipe was a Dr. Grabo. Not the best way to start.
I would suggest going to your nearest tobacconist and purchase a decent quality estate pipe. Most have been somewhat refurbished and you won't have the break in period you get with a new pipe. The folks in the shop can help you with all this. And don't be shy, tell them you are new to this. That will help them to point you in the right direction.
Welcome and good luck!
I would suggest going to your nearest tobacconist and purchase a decent quality estate pipe. Most have been somewhat refurbished and you won't have the break in period you get with a new pipe. The folks in the shop can help you with all this. And don't be shy, tell them you are new to this. That will help them to point you in the right direction.
Welcome and good luck!
Hey- welcome to our little corner of heaven, SadiumSax! I also suggest trying a corn cob pipe, as they're cheap, simple, and "good enough" for a starter pipe. Posted in another thread, pstlpkr suggested testing pipes with a pipe cleaner before buying, and rejecting anything you can't get the cleaner through easily (pipe stem to bowl), and I think that's a wonderful suggestion.
As far as tobacco is concerned, its all subjective, so eventually you'll have to try many different kinds of things to get a handle on what you like. I strongly suggest you stick to buying pouches or small quantities of bulk tobacco until you get more of an idea of what you like. Few things suck as much as reading the ADVERTISING copy on a can of pipe tobacco or web page, shelling out the $$, and getting it home and finding out it smokes and tastes like a three year old gym sock you lost... in your basement. Before your basement flooded. Twice. I'm just saying- buy smaller quantities so you don't end up with a mountain of unwanted pipe-weed.
There are MANY different variables that go into a pipe tobacco:
Types of tobacco:
Virginia, Burley, Cavendish, Latakia, Oriental, Perique... more. I have found that I really dislike Burley, but love Virginia and Latakia...
These can be cured in various ways:
Air Cured, Flu-cured, Fire-cured, Steamed, and more. This will change the way a tobacco tastes.
These are all combined in various ways to create (or not) mixtures/blends:
Aromatics are sweeter and smell nicer to you and people around you, but often have flavorings (which you may or may not like) that mask or enhance the tobacco.
English Blends can be almost anything, but usually contain no special flavoring agent and do contain Latakia tobacco, a special type.
Danish Blends Uh... I don't know what makes something a Danish blend, I just know (or think I know) that its a style... anybody help me on this one?
Then they can be "finished" in various ways: Riff cut, fine-cut, ready-rubbed, ribbon cut, flakes, cakes, plugs, twists... Though I recommend sticking with "Ready-Rubbed" until you learn more about those others.
... In the end, you'll have to try a little bit of everything. But don't let one bad bowl ruin a nice hobby; you might LOVE the next bowl of something you try!
Recommendations?
For a Pipe:
A good starter pipe might be a Missouri Meerchaum (Corncob), or a Dr. Grabow, which I like better than Kaywoodie or Medco.
A better quality pipe I can recommend without reservation is a Savinelli, specifically from thier "Duca Carlo" line- run you about $60 online. I have 2, and I love them. Don't be frightened by the different "filter" system, its a good pipe.
For Tobacco:
Drug Store Blends: Prince Albert, Middleton's, Captain Black Royal (Blue)
Mac Baren "Mixture" (Scottish) and Vanilla Cream
GL Pease Westminster or Chelsea Morning
Good luck! Let us know how it goes!
As far as tobacco is concerned, its all subjective, so eventually you'll have to try many different kinds of things to get a handle on what you like. I strongly suggest you stick to buying pouches or small quantities of bulk tobacco until you get more of an idea of what you like. Few things suck as much as reading the ADVERTISING copy on a can of pipe tobacco or web page, shelling out the $$, and getting it home and finding out it smokes and tastes like a three year old gym sock you lost... in your basement. Before your basement flooded. Twice. I'm just saying- buy smaller quantities so you don't end up with a mountain of unwanted pipe-weed.
There are MANY different variables that go into a pipe tobacco:
Types of tobacco:
Virginia, Burley, Cavendish, Latakia, Oriental, Perique... more. I have found that I really dislike Burley, but love Virginia and Latakia...
These can be cured in various ways:
Air Cured, Flu-cured, Fire-cured, Steamed, and more. This will change the way a tobacco tastes.
These are all combined in various ways to create (or not) mixtures/blends:
Aromatics are sweeter and smell nicer to you and people around you, but often have flavorings (which you may or may not like) that mask or enhance the tobacco.
English Blends can be almost anything, but usually contain no special flavoring agent and do contain Latakia tobacco, a special type.
Danish Blends Uh... I don't know what makes something a Danish blend, I just know (or think I know) that its a style... anybody help me on this one?
Then they can be "finished" in various ways: Riff cut, fine-cut, ready-rubbed, ribbon cut, flakes, cakes, plugs, twists... Though I recommend sticking with "Ready-Rubbed" until you learn more about those others.
... In the end, you'll have to try a little bit of everything. But don't let one bad bowl ruin a nice hobby; you might LOVE the next bowl of something you try!
Recommendations?
For a Pipe:
A good starter pipe might be a Missouri Meerchaum (Corncob), or a Dr. Grabow, which I like better than Kaywoodie or Medco.
A better quality pipe I can recommend without reservation is a Savinelli, specifically from thier "Duca Carlo" line- run you about $60 online. I have 2, and I love them. Don't be frightened by the different "filter" system, its a good pipe.
For Tobacco:
Drug Store Blends: Prince Albert, Middleton's, Captain Black Royal (Blue)
Mac Baren "Mixture" (Scottish) and Vanilla Cream
GL Pease Westminster or Chelsea Morning
Good luck! Let us know how it goes!
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