NPD: Mark Tinsky 2023 Christmas Bengal 2-Star

[Manawydan]

As I've been exploring my new pastime I've been trying out pipes from different makes and at different price points (within my budget). I now have seven pipes in total -- five factory pipes from Savinelli, Peterson, Stanwell, and Missouri Meerschaum, and two artisan pipes from JM Boswell and now Mark Tinsky. I've pored over the postings in these forums and probably looked at nearly all the pipes on SmokingPipes.com. At this stage in my journey I can say that I prefer bent to straight (I believe this is because of the cumulative effects of older print-advertising and TV shows -- they often showed a man in a business shirt or suit in the middle of work or some activity with a straight pipe. Makes me associate straight pipes with being productive. ). I also really lean toward bulldog/rhodesian-style or freehand pipes. I am sure my tastes will evolve over time as my interest, experience, and collection grows.

The pinnacle of my exploration thus far was just delivered by my postman: a Mark Tinsky 2023 2-Star Christmas Bengal pipe! In person it is even more stunning and feels wonderful in the hand. I can't wait to fire it up for the first time!

 

[kcghost]

Mark make wonderful pipes that smoke extremely well!! And if you need stem for a pipe Mark is a good guy to send it to.

 

[Manawydan]

Mark make wonderful pipes that smoke extremely well!! And if you need stem for a pipe Mark is a good guy to send it to.

Thanks! And good to know -- I might want a replacement (non-P-Lip) stem for my Pete.

 

[metalheadycigarguy]

Congrats on the new purchase. That's a great looking pipe. May it bring you many happy smokes.

 

[Manawydan]

I just smoked it for the first time. Filled the bowl with J.M. Boswell's Northwoods -- one of my favorite full-body English blends. Fired right up and smoked beautifully. No odd tastes at all. Felt great in the hand and mouth. And so stunning in the sunshine. This is officially my favorite pipe (though my Boswell is a close second).

 

[Bbailey324]

Nice acquisition. I've only got one of Mark's pipes and really enjoy it. Need to add another or two at some point.

 

[Manawydan]

Nice acquisition. I've only got one of Mark's pipes and really enjoy it. Need to add another or two at some point.

Thanks -- Mark is also really great to deal with. He was very helpful as I struggled over which pipe to get. I could definitely see getting another of his pipes down the road (when my money grows back).

 

[AroEnglish]

I just smoked it for the first time. Filled the bowl with J.M. Boswell's Northwoods -- one of my favorite full-body English blends. Fired right up and smoked beautifully. No odd tastes at all. Felt great in the hand and mouth. And so stunning in the sunshine. This is officially my favorite pipe (though my Boswell is a close second).

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What a fitting blend to choose for this pipe! My bulldog (not a Tinksy) was dedicated exclusively to Northwoods for a while.