Should I get pipe tobacco?

[gordebak]

I'm new to this thing, and I started with some tobacco I already had from rolling my own cigarettes. So I basically use cigarette tobacco in my pipe, which I enjoy. I don't like flavored tobaccos, so basic tobacco is fine for me.
But is pipe tobacco and cigarette tobacco that different, other than the flavors? If I smoke non-flavored tobaccos, should I really try pipe tobaccos? Does it make a real difference?

 

[tschiraldi]

Completely different! I don't like flavored (Aromatic) tobaccos either! If you like natural tobacco flavors, try a Virginia blend. I highly recommend both Wessex Gold Virginia Flake and Orlik Golden Slices. If you like a smoky, kinda' camp fire-y sort of thing, then try a Latakia mixture. There are many! Maybe something on the lighter side, Latakia wise, like Early Morning Pipe. Please, please, please stop smoking cigarette tobacco in your pipe!!!

 

[mcitinner1]

Welcome...I think you should try a few samples that sound good to you. Use pipesandcigars.com and tobaccoreviews.com to see descriptions of interesting to you, blends. In fact, I'll attach a link to a list of blends I have. You pick out several from the jars, say eight of them, and I'll send them to you, no charge, just to get you going.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1CpyXnN6T_qPO7M_2JPbfzHwiomCeIjVP3q0qmlS5Q8k/edit#heading=h.bme4pmfmkifn

 

[gordebak]

@tschiraldi: Thanks! I was waiting this answer actually.
@mcitinner1: OMG! Thank you! You're very generous. I don't want you to spend a lot on shipping though, since I live in Turkey. I will go to my usual tobacconist today, and see if I can find something good. But thank you very much for the offer.

 

[darwin]

Just to be clear here if you are inhaling your cigarette tobacco while smoking your pipe you should of course stop but please force yourself to not inhale regular tinned pipe tobacco. For one thing it's much harsher than most cigarette tobacco and secondly it will provide plenty of nicotine even when not inhaled.

 

[gordebak]

@darwin: Yeah, I know about the inhaling thing. I don't inhale my pipe smoke, but clearly I'm getting enough nicotine because I don't feel the need for a cigarette. Actually, my cigarette tobacco tastes and feels much better when smoked from a pipe without inhaling.

 

[newbroom]

I did the very same thing. I began with a pipe from the drug store / pharmacy, and some ribbon cut roll your own, primarily cigarette tobacco I had been ....rolling.

I found this site and read descriptions of tastes, flavors and transcendental experiences and began to explore PIPE tobacco.

Did it make a difference?

Yes.

I went from inhaling the pipe to actually sipping and tasting the tobacco and to enjoy a variety of pipe tobacco flavors.

You are on the right track to freedom from those coffin nails and to a cornucopia of tasty tobacco blends.

I suggest you stay with burley based blends to start. There is more nicotine in it than other varietals to help with that itch. ::

 

[gordebak]

@newbroom: Thanks! If pipe tobacco is better than this, I'm definitely going to get me some.

 

[newbroom]

Enjoy the discovery! Pipe tobacco instantly tells you that it is rich by its tin note, typically.

Sure, some of it smells off putting at first...for many, Latakia stinks, but don't let that deter you from sampling it.

My first 'love' was simple Sir Walter Raleigh.

Its cube cut loaded more easily than ribbon, and within the first few ounces I'd smoked, I learned how to taste more and more of the flavor it offered.

The tongue and palate require a certain amount of conditioning in the beginning, and the palate is affected by the chemistry you have happening in your mouth...I find that tea and water along with a pipe help clear the tongue and cool it. Coffee is a must in the morning, of course, but it tends to coat the tongue.

Alcohol and tobacco are a volatile combination and I've suspended use of alcohol as a result.

To summarize: I've quit smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol since I've smoked a pipe. Health benefits? You bet!

 

[gordebak]

Great to hear that newbroom! Good riddance!
I usually smoke tobaccos with tea or coffee already, and I love it. I don't drink alcohol much, only occasionally. And I feel like I got rid of cigarettes already, because a few days had passed and I haven't smoked a single cigarette. I used to smoke two packs a day, so it is just unbelievable for me. I couldn't spend an hour without a cigarette, and now, none!
For now, I smoke my pipe more than most people around here. About 12 bowls a day, but in a small sized pipe. But this is still an unbelievable achievement for me. In time, I'd like to reduce my pipe smoking too. Maybe to 4-5 bowls a day would be fine for me. For now, I can't rest my pipe after use, because I only have one pipe, but I haven't experienced a sour taste either. That maybe because after every bowl I clean the pipe. A corncob by MM is on its way to me, so I will be able to rest my pipe every other day. If I like the cob, -I think I will- I might buy some more cobs.
I put my eye on some Turkish pipe tobacco right now. Most of the American or European tobaccos are too expensive here, because of the importing expenses and taxes. I can order online, but that doesn't make much difference. I know, buying pipe tobaccos is much cheaper than cigarettes, but I used to roll my own cigarettes, and I used to buy an inexpensive but very good local tobacco. So cigarette was super cheap for me. Now with pipe smoking, I want to keep my expenses low.

 

[pagan]

If you can find some Carter Hall, Lane 1Q or Captain Black those would be a good start as well as the many Virginia blends

 

[kanse]

gordebak

Do you want mild/strong blends is one question.

And the other is, so you want it to taste like cigarettes or want some

New experiences?

 

[gordebak]

@kanse: Thanks! I'm not sure I'm ready to sail to new experiences yet, because I fear that I might crave for cigarettes. But that might be an illogical fear, because the essential thing is nicotine of course. I like medium strength tobaccos usually. Not mild, not strong, just right if I may say so. But I know for sure that I don't like aromatics very much. Maybe some coffee or cocoa flavor, but mildly...

 

[kanse]

If ordering tobacco on a constant basis is out of question,

Finding a good supply of rough cut Turkish a good idea,

Also, you could order some blending Latakia and spice it up a bit.

 

[gordebak]

Yeah, I didn't think about blending! Silly me! I can do it. Thanks.

 

[newbroom]

For now, I smoke my pipe more than most people around here. About 12 bowls a day,

I did the same thing.

That's too much for a newbie and you will suffer consequences. It's part of the learning curve.

Happy that you have had success avoiding those sticks.

Coffee in the a.m. for me only. It coats my tongue some. I used to drink it all day. Another area of moderation in my life attributable to my enjoyment of pipe tobacco. Caffeine has been my all day companion for years, but no more.

 

[gordebak]

@newbroom: By consequences, you mean burning out my pipe, or something else? Edit: And yeah, right now tea is my all day companion. I guess I will drink it more moderately in time. I think I'm younger you, newbroom! Although I don't know how old you are.

 

[kanse]

http://www.tobaccoreviews.com/blend/3445/tabac-turc-turk-pipo-tutunu-turkish-pipe-tobacco

Have you tried that?

It's quite outstanding apparently, and exclusive to Turkey.
Also, I live in Gurjistan so we are neighbours in a sense.

 

[gordebak]

@kanse: Thanks! I'm really embarrassed that I didn't know about that. I'll look into it for sure.
And, hello neightbor!

 

[mso489]

It sounds like your access to tobacco is limited, and the prices in your area are prohibitive. To the degree that you can, I would suggest that you try small samples of various non-aromatic (unflavored) blends. Even when you find something you like, I'd keep the quantities you buy small, since your taste will change and develop. Some blends you don't like may taste much better some months later, so store then in tight jars to keep them good. I would definitely move to blends intended for pipes. Some of the plain Virginia meant for roll-your-own cigarettes is smokeable in pipes, but it's far from the best experience. Welcome aboard, and good luck.