Topping Off?

[groovediggerdan]

Sometimes I'll get so into a bowl I'm smoking that it'll run out quicker than I'd hoped (Luxury Bullseye Flake as of late). What's the GAPP (Generally Accepted Piping Protocol) for just taking a pinch and throwing it on top of your existing ember and getting it going? Any adverse effect from "topping off" like this? Thanks!
-Dan

 

[jpmcwjr]

Dan-
It's generally accepted that if you find a certain way of smoking pleasurable for you, it's great, quite acceptable, and who cares if it's generally! I have done that a few times, but generally I'll just load another pipe, as I am often surrounded by pipes, be it home, car or golf bag.
No adverse impact on prior year's earnings or balance sheet....

 

[keith929]

Dan-
The generally accepted rule is there are no rules.

Do what you like!

 

[groovediggerdan]

That's kinda what I was thinking, but it's nice to have some encouragement! I'm a puffer, and hate wasting a powerful ember so I'm going for it...if this $20 Stanwell (now on sale for $40!) burns up like space junk on re-entry because of it, well by God she had a good run.

 

[brightleaf]

A variation on topping off I like to do is to layer my tobacco. Putting a stronger tobacco on the bottom and then a less flavorful tobacco on top. Then I will add a second pinch of the top tobacco halfway through the smoke.

 

[cosmicfolklore]

Dan, I do that from time to time, and enjoy it. As I always hear, never tell a cowboy how to ride his horse, so of it gets you there, ride on. ::

 

[groovediggerdan]

A variation on topping off I like to do is to layer my tobacco.

Hadn't thought of that! Some interesting possibilities I'm sure! I'd be curious to know if a particular mix of blends rings some bells for you all, e.g. Vaper followed by an English, etc. (I know those who dedicate pipes to certain blends may not go for that).

 

[Chasing Embers]

Now you're getting into parfait layer packing.

 

[brightleaf]

Some of the ones I have done more than once are C&D Sarsaparilla topped with a Virginia and Mac Baren's HH Bold Kentucky topped with Virginia.

 

[cosmicfolklore]

Oooooo, parfaits... ODF base, with a straight Virginia middle, and a sprinkling of a vanilla aromatic on top. You get all three flavors throughout, but they change in intensity as it burns down.

 

[groovediggerdan]

Now you're getting into parfait layer packing.

Please, enlighten me on the Tobacco Trifle! :D

 

[jpmcwjr]

Yes, parfaits! Tutti Frutti! On-a-rooty!
My parfaits are of two sorts: a good English topped by an even better one; and dry tobacco in the bottom topped by slightly moister on top.

 

[exbenedict]

<p>Looks like we have a bunch of chefs and accountants in the house!

 

[Chasing Embers]

My favorite is Yenidje Highlander on the bottom, Red Cake in the middle, and straight Yenidje on top.

 

[3rdguy]

My bowls tend to puff up so I knock off the top until it drops down nicely. Then I add the leftover back on for a bonus hit

 

[curl]

My typical parfait is burley on top, Va or VaPer in the middle, and finish with an English blend.
Oftentimes, the top layer is an aromatic that gets a happy reaction from the people nearby. Bald Headed Teacher seems to be well liked.

 

[Chasing Embers]

Top your bowl with a nasal snuff like White Elephant, and call me next year after the nicotine coma to let me know what you thought of it. :mrgreen:

 

[thomasw]

I love adding a flake of either ODF or BK to a VA or a burley flake. My favourite now is BK + Capstan Blue.

 

[3rdguy]

Top your bowl with a nasal snuff like White Elephant, and call me next year after the nicotine coma to let me know what you thought of it. :mrgreen:

I think the Elephant is pretty hard to come by in the U.S.?

 

[derekflint]

I don't think it works well......I would just start a new bowl.