I do not have a filter but I have followed the wisdom of members here who use a paper towel for the bowl and pipe cleaners after use.I don’t believe I have a refined palate either, but i do taste the corn. Do you use filters? Or clean your cob? I’ve heard people don’t even stick a pipe cleaner in their cobs...
It seems they charred quickly and I’ve gone to using a match thats allowed to burn past the head and onto the pine shaft to light.
I really enjoy a Latakia blend and so that’s what I taste along with the other species.