Tongue Bite on First/Char Light

[Hillcrest]

Seems I’m having quite a few issues coming back from my hiatus! One thing I’ve noticed so far is that I am giving myself pretty bad tongue but on the char light and initial light of my pipe which sorta throws me off for the rest of the bowl. It seems like I can’t get my top layer of tobacco lit unless I go crazy on it. Any advice?

I tried to reproduce your experience this morning and couldn't. The only thing I can think of is this: don't fill the pipe all the way to the rim, don't tamp it flat before lighting, leave some loose strands or bits on top to light easier ... the rest will catch as you puff. Hope that helps.

 

[Chasing Embers]

Sounds like you're packing too tight and drawing too hard.

 

[LeafErikson]

I would try packing lighter, holding the lighter further above the bowl so it just kisses the top, and drawing a little slower. As Sable said, it also might be the tobacco you’re smoking. Is it a Virginia blend? Try a burley or an English blend if it’s a straight Virginia.

 

[jpmcwjr]

You could also dry the tobacco considerably more.
Some of us don't do a "charring light"- unless the first light "isn't"

 

[PipeIT]

Barely Light, and only Take A Few Sips, then Let It Go Out!

Now Repeat After Me! LOL




Don’t push yourself, especially with something like smoking, go easy.

 

[jpmcwjr]

Barely Light, and only Take A Few Sips, then Let It Go Out!

Now Repeat After Me!

Don’t push yourself, especially with something like smoking, go easy.

Some editing.

That's fine if you really need to do a char light, and then actually light the tobacco.