Well, an aromatic like Trout Stream will naturally burn a little hotter than a VA or latakia blend, and the short shank has to enhance that characteristic. Try another blend. I do recommend matches for lighting and just giving the tobacco a kiss of flame, just char it, don't get it flaming. But, even though I'm a 100% latakia blend smoker, I've always had issues with nosewarmer style pipes (but love the look). The only exception has been the Al Pascia Curvy, reverse calabash pipe. It is as cool as a cucumber, even if I'm careless with the packing and lighting.