The first time I tried it was 2021, and it was a nice experience. I’m not a fan per say, but as I explain below, I’m changing one more variable this time, using filters, maybe using filters it will turn me into a fan…
In 2021, I’d only been a year back at pipes, so I’d definitely say at that point, my palate and experiences are not where they are now.
Even coming up to 4 years back as of this November, I feel like I know a lot more, and then there are times when I definitely feel like I’m still learning.
The one thing I have truly realized now, is that the chamber size, and the quality of the smoking material, cob, meerschaum, clay, briar, along with tobacco preparation, and smoking style/cadence can seriously affect the outcome of the smoking experience.
So, here I am reaching 4 years, I’m smoking filters now, I have to, so I can avoid irritation.
Which brings me to, Rouxgaroux with it’s Reds would irritate me, but let me tell you, once I played around with different chamber sizes, preparation, and smoking cadence, I started to really experience an amazing medley going on. Floral, tangy, citrus, bread, fruit raisin plum fig, pepper… The floral notes reminded me of KBV Verge Engine Overdrive.
So, my point being, no matter how experienced, always be sure to change as many variables as possible for a better outcome, if something isn’t being enjoyed, or enjoyed as much as before.
The way I see it, a blend would seriously have to be down right nasty to not be enjoyed, if pipe smokers changed as many variables as I’ve mentioned above.
Filters I see get a bad rap, but if you have a good pipe and use good filters, especially meerschaum filters, you don’t loose the flavors, and many times, the combustion of smoke and by products of it, I’ve seen actually can get in the way of flavor. I’m also noticing that a good pipe and good filters can actually make flavors more noticeable.
So I say to anyone, unless you seriously abhor a particular blend, find a decent pipe with a 9mm filter, and try the balsa, charcoal, meerschaum filters with these blends to see how you like it.
I have an order on the way from this drop, can’t wait to see how this is experienced with filters…