Frankly, I smoke about five different blends in five different pipes each day. At 5:30 PM, I continue to smoke more pipes and blends while I enjoy my cocktail hour with a Wskey Manhatten. This does not create any problem for me.
Been recently finding absinthe mixed with about 3 or 4 parts water to every part absinthe works pretty well. Some whiskies and beers too, even the a Dr Pepper with some aromatics works quite well if you take it slowly.