The Magic Of Clay

[Chasing Embers]

I've had this little Gouda clay in my collection for years and never gave it a second thought. It came in a pipe lot I won on eBay and was just kept in the closet to look at from time to time. I got it out and, on a lark, cleaned it and loaded it with HH Burley Flake. Nothing but a cool burn of pure tobacco goodness. This may lead to the purchase of a few more clays!

 

[anthonyrosenthal74]

I keep meaning to get a few more clays too. They're great for trying new blends or if you just want to go old-school.

 

[workman]

Is it different from meerschaum?

 

[mikethompson]

I've never heard anything bad about a clay pipe in terms of smoking experience. I'd love to get a cheap one in the rotation as well.

 

[Chasing Embers]

Is it different from meerschaum?

None of the chalkiness like the first few meer smokes.

 

[64alex]

I think clay is still the best material for making pipes. If you are looking for a pipe which is truly neutral not imparting its own flavor to tobacco but rendering only the true tobacco flavor they are the best. They are indeed used by the blenders to taste their blends. If you like the tavern pipe you have I strongly recommend buying a double walled clay pipe with a vulcanite (or lucite stem) as they are much cooler and don't burn your hand (and your lip) and are more resistant. Lepeltier is still making them and I have one which is great or you can find some old models.

 

[Chasing Embers]

I really like those and the addition of a removable stem makes them really attractive.

 

[hakchuma]

I have a longer clay pipe. Coolest and most dry smoke I've ever had. I've only had it for about a month. I purchased extra long pipe cleaners so I run it through the pipe every smoke. I'm always amazed that the pipe cleaner is perfectly dry after running it through the pipe. Told my wife it's the best pipe I've ever smoked, just wouldn't smoke it in public though.

 

[Chasing Embers]

I've ran four bowls through this one now and am very impressed with it. I too found a dry pipe cleaner.

 

[jpmcwjr]

Gouda, huh? I've eaten smoked Gouda but never smoked a Gouda. Crazy.

 

[Chasing Embers]

Gouda, huh?

Dutch made clays.

 

[jpmcwjr]

Yes, out of cheese!

 

[Chasing Embers]

Gouda is just a Dutch city known for its cheese and pottery.

 

[sparroa]

Where can you buy these double walled Lepeltier clays or anything similar?

 

[npod]

Told my wife it's the best pipe I've ever smoked

Oh my! I would never do that. I’d tell her the cheap clay is O.K., but “honey, I really do need the high end briar.”
I need to get a clay pipe.

 

[Chasing Embers]

Oh my! I would never do that. I’d tell her the cheap clay is O.K., but “honey, I really do need the high end briar.”

Mine has no say in my pipe expenditures. She actually buys me pipes and tobacco.

 

[64alex]

[Where can you buy these double walled Lepeltier clays or anything similar?]
http://www.lepeltier-pipes.com/

 

[chilllucky]

Just ordered a Lepeltier!

 

[unkleyoda]

Those are the gouda kind of pipes.

 

[madox07]

I have been having my eye on this German made clay, church warden length ... just didn't get around to ordering it. I always meant to try clays, but haven't managed to put that wish high enough in the priority list yet. Chasing Embers sure makes these choices easier, I might actually order the darn thing :puffpipe: