From the Midwest - no idea where to start!

OK, well it's been some months now and I've been occasionally puffing away. I have a couple problems I'd like some direction with:

- I've tried a few blends now and just started a couple aromatics (Lane Limited 1-Q, RLP-6, HGL. Sutliff Danish, Black and Gold. Sutliff Rum Raisin, Black Rasp. Stokkebye Peaches & Cream....I've not tried all these yet but I have them). My problem? They all taste the same to me. Now I'm what most would consider an advanced cook, I cook a lot. I consider my palate pretty good. That said, I'm not getting anything from the pipe other than the same taste no matter how or what I smoke. I'm already assuming I'm doing something wrong.

- Can't keep it lit. The aromatics are really hard to keep lit but even the dryer blends, if I don't puff every few seconds, then I'm relighting constantly. I've followed the online instructions for packing but not much luck. Could it be that the pipes are still too fresh? I only get to smoke a bowl 2-3x a week so that could be it. I'm smoking a Dr. Grabow and a cob alternately.

- Hot. The bowl gets dang hot. Probably because I'm puffing on the pipe every 5 seconds to keep it going?

Other than that I'm having fun!

I can't really add to what has been said above, except that I'm exactly the same as you.

I can taste an array of flavours when eating or drinking. With a pipe, all I taste is smoke... Nothing else.

The nuances that I get are from smelling the smoke as I breath out. That's where the pleasure comes for me.

Also, try the Frank method of packing your pipe. It might help you...

I can relate. I picked pipe smoking again last year after a 30+ year hiatus. My experience has been similar in trying to find the taste. The key for me has been learning to pack properly, which differs depending on pipe, tobacco, environment, and likely a few others that I’ve yet to discover. Proper packing helps with good cadence and keeping the pipe lit without over puffing and over heating the pipe. It’s taken awhile, but I’m getting there and you will too.

Edit:  Forgot the tamping.  Light, well timed tamping makes the pipe smoking experience much more enjoyable.

Will do.  Actually, though I didn't know it, I "snorkle" all the time.  Habit from college ;-)  The light tamp makes sense.




Will try that!



OK, I was already leaning that direction. I have no interest in aromatics BUT my brother, who is also getting into pipes, asked me to order some up. Frankly I don;t get it, I can't even tell they smell particularly different. And yes, they are WET! I have been tamping pretty firm as I read it should draw like a thin malt. Will try lighter.



Ditto!



BBQ...I just snagged a 120gal propane tank to mimic Franklin's offset! The build begins.
Yes, I'm trying a lot to a hang of this.

Now I am thinking I'd like to start picking up some inexpensive pipes but where to begin? I used to drool over the meerschaums as a kid (we used to have at least 2 dedicated pipe shops in our small town of 150k....now we have none).

Welcome from Pittsburgh.

Mr Brog may be worth a look if you're looking for cheap pipes. I think their pipes are pear wood, but my brother likes them. I think you'll be hard pressed to find a briar that cheap, unless it's an estate pipe (fancy word for used). Even a Dr Grabow will likely cost you around $40. That is where I'd recommend you start.

Cool avatar, dumont. 👍

Also from Illinois. And new here myself. so, welcome. There are as many options for a starter as there are people. But, I would suggest looking for an estate pipe for that cost range. Of course, “estate” just men’s used. but you can find a very decent briar for $25-45. And I would choose on looks for first pipe and with not too short a stem. This keeps the smoke out of your face and the heat away from your tongue (at least until you get proficient at pipe smoking). Be persistent, it is a little bit art and a little bit science.
If I can help with a pipe, check out my Facebook page SI Pipe Dude.

Also, to the long in the tooth collectors: Can you help identify a maker that turned up in a collection I just bought? Looks to be a first initial (A) and a last name stating with an (M). See photo if I can get it loaded here. Sorry, I haven’t learned how to floppy a picture into this post yet. So, last name starts with an M and loos to be “Martell” or something close. Also looks to end in double LL

Carter Hall will resolve most of the issues you cite.

OK, the training goes on!

I've picked up a couple "estate" pipes from the local antique shop. Prices were pretty good at about $15 each.

1. Savinelli Capri Bruna (can't make out the number)
2. Harden Court Algerian Briar

As I know nothing about vintage pipes I have no idea if I overpaid or if these are decent pipes.  I knew the names and I liked them so I bought them.

I'd like a little direction on sanitizing and refurbing them.  The bowls, shank, etc look good on both pipes but do need cleaning.  The bit on the Savinelli is broken.  I'd have to regrind and shorten it quite a bit to be usable.  I have the skill but is it advisable or should I just source a new stem entirely?

Can one of you gents point me in the right direction on these estate pipes?

If I'm not mistaken, that Savinelli is a Root Briar. For $15 that's a bargain.
I'd have a new stem made. Members here can point you towards trusted pipe makers [We have a few skilled craftsman here who might offer that service]

Get yourself some isopropyl alcohol. Soak and clean the mouthpieces. Fill the bowl and tenon with cottonwool that's soaked in ISO. Leave for 24 hours and this will sanitize your pipes.

When I first started to build a rotation I made a few poor purchases of estate pipes.
Lesson learned; now I only buy estate pipes from a couple of trusted vendors pipe who professionally refurbish them.
One does not need spend big $$$ for a good pipe. My MM Cobs and Dr Grabow pipes get as much use, if not more, than my fancier George Jensen, Savinelli, Rossi and Lorenzo pipes for example.

Here's a seller from whom I've bought many pipes [too many!] mostly vintage old stock briars. markenpipes.com Excellent prices for quality pipes.
Check out the brand new 80's Venini briars. I've got 6 Venini's, just having bought another two just recently from this website. Both were under $35; bargain. Decent sized bowls with thick chamber walls.
Postage from Germany is $8usd for up to 6-8 pipes.