Two Smokes and eating a bit of crow. Kinda reminds me of my blatant dismissal of Autumn Evening until all of a sudden I realized it was a great tobacco. Well, here I am again, somewhat contrite.
Took my new
Mr. Brog "ugly" last night, and once I picked it up and held it, it weren't so ugly after all. Along with my new Rhodesian Meer and L'il Pete, I have no pipes that better fit my hand. I'm not a clencher, but almost always hold a pipe in my left hand, changing to the right only occasionally.
First smoke last night, the break in, with the
Mr. Brog no. 52 "Scoot", was with
Captain Black Dark, a pure Cavendish recommended by Telescopes as the best type of tobacco for a break in. I have to agree.
2nd smoke this afternoon, with a similar profile tobacco,
Borkum Riff Black Cavendish, was also very good (if any break in smoke can be very good), and the photo shows how big this pipe actually is. Rest of the story might very well be of interest to many, including pipe analysis and ergonomics, but I'll put that under
Skippable Drivel so you can proceed to other posts as desired.
Skippable Drivel:
Yup. It's a cheap pipe. Cost me 20 bucks US and $6.95 shipping from Poland. Got it within a week. But it ain't so ugly any more.
Design: very intelligent. It's pear wood, and in my experience with this wood, it's a bit like ash. Break it in very carefully or you'll scorch it. Once it's broken in, it's great. If you scorch it, pitch it. There is a lot of wood on this pipe, and if you proceed carefully, there is very little heat eminating from the pipe itself.
Ergonomics: My Mom always said I "came out wrong". I have absolutely huge hands - for those of you with piano perspective, I can stretch an 11th with both hands. I've short arms, long legs, at present am about 5' 5.5", and wear size 14 shoes. Hard to knock off my feet. Sway out of time when I play violin. Drove conductors and accompanists nuts. This pipe is made for big hands especially if you don't clench. That's for cobs outdoors, imho.
Smoking Qualities: As good as anything I own - nice easy draw (I've had only the two smokes with the installed 9mm filter, will remove it tomorrow on 3rd smoke. Reminds me of my Savinelli "Avorio" in draw with a filter; really looking forward to trying it tomorrow without. Expecting it to be even better, as was the Avorio.
It's only a medium bowl, about the same size as my Ropp J16, but got 75 minutes out of the Captain Black, about 60 with the BR, which burns slightly faster.
Construction Quality: First rate. I can't see any flaws, except, yah, I've already scorched the inner lip of the pipe, as I've done with every pipe I've ever owned. Unfortunately, a rusticated version was not available from Mr. Brogshop. This is absolutely the best smoking cheap pipe I've owned, and holds it's own with anything else I have. Apparently Poland is filled with pipe smokers, Brog caters to everyone. They have upper class much more expensive pipes - and yes, I have one on the way. I'm a fan. Don't hesitate to get one of his pipes. You'll be surprised. Oh yeah, btw, my two Brog Nosewarmers cost over twice what this boat cost, just fyi.
Amazing how an ugly duckling can turn into a swan. Also see now why many pipes I've rolled my eyes at are so beloved by their owners. Maybe one day I'll grow up, eh? But not today. Maybe tomorrow. Time to hit it - although I'm feeling better my stamina is not yet that great. To be continued . . . . .
Castello's style immediately shows solidity and power.
