Not Sure What’s Going On...

[MacQuarrie]

EDIT: Fixed Capitalization in Title (See Rule 9)

I’ve been smoking off and on for several years. Not sure if I’m doing it right or not, just followed the guys at the Tinder Box directions on how to pack a pipe and then went on my way. Anyway, I picked up my pipe again after several years of not smoking about three weeks ago. I love the vanilla blend from my local shop but in the last few days something has happened. The first few days the vanilla flavor literally made my mouth water. It was so good and so pleasant. I was enjoying every bowl. For the last week or so now the flavor is gone or at least barely there. All I really get is a smoke or ash flavor. The first pack and light seems to be the only time I get the richness of the blend. What happened? Thanks in advance and Merry Christmas to everyone.

 

[anotherbob]

I’ve been smoking off and on for several years. Not sure if I’m doing it right or not, just followed the guys at the Tinder Box directions on how to pack a pipe and then went on my way. Anyway, I picked up my pipe again after several years of not smoking about three weeks ago. I love the vanilla blend from my local shop but in the last few days something has happened. The first few days the vanilla flavor literally made my mouth water. It was so good and so pleasant. I was enjoying every bowl. For the last week or so now the flavor is gone or at least barely there. All I really get is a smoke or ash flavor. The first pack and light seems to be the only time I get the richness of the blend. What happened? Thanks in advance and Merry Christmas to everyone.

sip the smoke. When you start smoking faster and hotter the tobacco really losses some flavor. I always find the reviews of blends that say all I taste is ash this blends sucks funny because what I hear is I haven't learned how to properly pace a smoke. Just focus on sipping and if it starts to taste like that wait a little bit for the pipe to cool down and don't worry about if the pipe goes out nothing wrong with relights especially if you have a soft flame, zippo, or wooden matches (and some people swear by hemp wicks, never tried that). Should sort out the issue.

 

[ashdigger]

sip the smoke. When you start smoking faster and hotter the tobacco really losses some flavor. I always find the reviews of blends that say all I taste is ash this blends sucks funny because what I hear is I haven't learned how to properly pace a smoke. Just focus on sipping and if it starts to taste like that wait a little bit for the pipe to cool down and don't worry about if the pipe goes out nothing wrong with relights especially if you have a soft flame, zippo, or wooden matches (and some people swear by hemp wicks, never tried that). Should sort out the issue.

This is the answer. Great advice.

 

[Grangerous]

Clean your pipe.

 

[bullet08]

You need more pipes. Not really, but it a good excuse.

 

[hoosierpipeguy]

But a cheap cob, try the blend in that. Chances are, your pipe needs a thorough cleaning. Dry the tobacco a bit more, make sure not to pack it too tight. Packing moist tobacco too tight is a sure way to get it to heat up and taste ashy and bitter.

 

[samuelgawith01]

I agree with the other smokers.You may be experiencing burnout, also.Take a break for a few days.

 

[mso489]

What those guys said. Also, you might want to try a non-flavored blend or two, to get the tobacco-only experience, plus the sipping, and so on. Pipe smoking is exceedingly simple, but there are lots of little ways to get it enjoyable and keep it there. All this should be casual and mostly self-initiated, the way you like it, and all should be well. Always, some smokes are better than others.

 

[edger]

You could toss the tobacco and smoke dried vanilla bean.
Seriously, good advice above. Persevere!

 

[travis]

One other point. If you're taking up the pipe after a long lay-off, it may just be that your taste buds need to be reacclimated to the weed. 'Course sipping and cleaning you pipes are both excellent ideas.

 

[hairvise]

This is the answer. Great advice.

Ditto this advice. Also, let it go out and before you relight, draw on the pipe and see if the flavor comes through. That often works for me— it helps me to “get” the flavor I’m looking for when I’m smoking properly.

 

[MacQuarrie]

This is the answer. Great advice.

The one positive note from the ash and smoke result was while having a Caol Ila whisky last night, an Islay whisky with slightly peaty and smoky notes, it really highlighted the smoke and peat flavors of the scotch.

Clean your pipe.

I do run a pipe cleaner through it afterwards. I’m not sure how to clean it beyond that.

 

[puff_not_snuff]

it's called over thinking.

 

[Grangerous]

The one positive note from the ash and smoke result was while having a Caol Ila whisky last night, an Islay whisky with slightly peaty and smoky notes, it really highlighted the smoke and peat flavors of the scotch.

I do run a pipe cleaner through it afterwards. I’m not sure how to clean it beyond that.

Mac
Welcome to the forum. I wasn’t being snarky. Cleaning your pipe was my first thought.

Search the site for “Water Flush”. A clean pipe always provides a tasty smoke.

Sorry I didn’t get back to you sooner. My wife awoke feeling very poorly this morning and I didn’t know what I was gonna do.

Then I saw that BIG “M” in your name and I remembered.

McDonalds serves breakfast ALL DAY!!!

 

[Chasing Embers]

You packed it too tightly.

 

[JOHN72]

To boil the tobacco in her bowl,and enjoy it slowly...........?

 

[sablebrush52]

Familiarity breeds contempt. If you only smoke one thing you will eventually stop tasting it.
Vary it up. You’ll pick up more flavors.
Clean your pipe. Running “a” pipe cleaner through the airway is good for unblocking and sopping up a little moisture. Cleaning, it ain’t.

 

[Zack Miller]

Clean your pipe. Don’t use the same pipe more than once or twice a day at most. They need rest.