One of the forum members gifted me samples of two flakes and a plug. Since I have never tried either form, I don't think it would be fair to review the blends. I don't have enough experience to give a valid opinion.
But let me review the experience. First, there was frost on the garage, so kerosine heater was on for most of the time. I usually load two pipes and alternate between them, as they go out. I loaded my Mr Brog Scoot with the flake. I crumpled it up and stuffed it in the pipe. There was more tobacco than the bowl could handle. I could not get it to stay lit. So I unloaded it and put most of the pipe. Now it works better. Still tough to keep lit.
Decided to load a no-name bulldog with part of the Vaper plug sample. I could not find a knife in the garage, so I just broke of hunks and crumpled it into the bowl. Sat down in my chair and found the carving knives next to it. Since it was not over packed, it lit quickly and stayed lit. Now I sit back and enjoy both pipes. Both were staying lit and I had to tamp one out, when I wanted to smoke the other. Finally, the cold and nicotine told me it was time to go back inside. If the reviews of a blend show 5 of 5 in the strength category, believe them. I was a little woozy afterwards.
Overall, it was a relaxing way to spend an hour or so of vacation. I need to spend more time with these blends, in order to learn more how to prepare them and how to discern their nuiances. I also need to either get a smaller pipe or only load it part way. I am not a nicotine heavyweight.
Winton
But let me review the experience. First, there was frost on the garage, so kerosine heater was on for most of the time. I usually load two pipes and alternate between them, as they go out. I loaded my Mr Brog Scoot with the flake. I crumpled it up and stuffed it in the pipe. There was more tobacco than the bowl could handle. I could not get it to stay lit. So I unloaded it and put most of the pipe. Now it works better. Still tough to keep lit.
Decided to load a no-name bulldog with part of the Vaper plug sample. I could not find a knife in the garage, so I just broke of hunks and crumpled it into the bowl. Sat down in my chair and found the carving knives next to it. Since it was not over packed, it lit quickly and stayed lit. Now I sit back and enjoy both pipes. Both were staying lit and I had to tamp one out, when I wanted to smoke the other. Finally, the cold and nicotine told me it was time to go back inside. If the reviews of a blend show 5 of 5 in the strength category, believe them. I was a little woozy afterwards.
Overall, it was a relaxing way to spend an hour or so of vacation. I need to spend more time with these blends, in order to learn more how to prepare them and how to discern their nuiances. I also need to either get a smaller pipe or only load it part way. I am not a nicotine heavyweight.
Winton
