Yesterday's Lineup: Morning smoke,
MM Minicob with Captain Black Cherry Cavendish. Afternoon smoke,
McQueen Miniature "Seafarer", with Black Frigate. Evening smoke, 1st part of 2nd break in smoke on the
Mr. Brog #31 Birdie, stuffed with
Captain Black Dark Cavendish. Interspersed with a few
cheap flavoured cigars throughout the day. Details of smokes and my new toy for those interested is in
Skippable Drivel below the shot. Nice day out, and my first task is to grab my camera and photograph the Amanitas that are popping up all over. Then slicing and dicing and drying.
Skippable Drivel: First thing I'll comment on is my new toy in the picture - the metal match, $31 bucks on Amazon. It's terrific, a great pipe lighter. easy to control, flame consistent, and certainly eye catching, for those who care about such things. The minicob shows my amazing ability to destroy pipe bowls. Hoping the new frill will help here - it's certainly more controllable than matches or the usual Yusud retro-lighter that I usually use.
The
minicob smoke was a back to usual, at the computer chomping away at the pipe, scanning the morning gnus, a nice smoke with the over-the-top cherry coughdrop offering from Capt Black.
The break-in procedure continues with the three pipes involved, over six days with a Sunday break. Load the pipe, smoke half of it, and the other half the next day. I like this system, as it "spreads the wealth" and is easier on the tongue. Break in smokes always taste yuchhhh. Will do the second smoke with the visible half bowl today. Yah, it's gonna take longer than the usually "hell bent for leather and lets go for it" manner in which I approached this unpleasant task before, but it's way more tolerable, and I can concentrate on the smoking qualities of the pipe a bit better, without all the whining.
This Brog is a great smoker - and I'd recommend it to those who want a cheap pipe that looks good, smokes great, and can be taken anywhere without cause for concern. I have a feeling Brog would sell more pipes if he upped his prices, but he does have a cult following. This pipe is also terrific in the hand. Takes a filter, which I'm using out of curiosity, as I don't use them. Seems to help with the break-in procedure.
The
McQueen Miniature Seafarer is dedicated to Black Frigate. I've tried other lats in the pipe, and it doesn't seem to object, but it truly shines with BF, so BF it is. I use the gravity feed system taught to me by the Captain, and for whatever reason, I get astounding time from this wee bowl (it's actually smaller than the minicob, believe it or not.) If I don't get half an hour, it's my fault. Wonderful for a tobacco that I love and have in limited supply. Pipe is really sweet to smoke, too.
I included the
crabapples not only as a prop, but I've discovered that sweet-sour apples AND cherries are the best thing for tongue bite i've tried so far. Absolutely amazing. Instant relief. Just passing this on. Better than apple cider vinegar or cold coffee by quite a bit.
Be back late tonight, and will try to catch up on comments for the next half hour or so as I have breakfast. Have a great Tuesday.