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7/29/2026 11:14:21 PM EDT
[#1]
I would rather suck on something long and veiny like a Monte Cristo or cohiba cigar
7/29/2026 11:21:44 PM EDT
[#2]
I tried a pipe and didn't like it.
Live your life as you would wish to have lived, when you come to die. Confucius

When words lose their meaning, a people can move neither hand nor foot. Confucius
7/29/2026 11:55:45 PM EDT
[#3]


There are worse ways to spend some time
Lit Low Ready, LLC
litlowready.com
7/30/2026 12:31:58 AM EDT
[#4]
Quote History
Originally Posted By DamascusKnifemaker:
I have never smoked a pipe but I have one made by our own DKprof.

https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/78788/IMG_6019_JPG-1041849.jpg
View Quote


you need to light it up.
7/30/2026 12:38:52 AM EDT
[#5]
Quote History
Originally Posted By TexCorriente:
https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/276591/1000034038-3803219.jpg

There are worse ways to spend some time
View Quote


Just made the cut off. I was ordering all of the recommended tobacco's and even tossed in a cheap cob.

7/30/2026 12:39:21 AM EDT
[Last Edit: Keekleberrys][Edited] [#6]
Quote History
Originally Posted By 56xdx_Z:
I would rather suck on something long and veiny
View Quote

7/30/2026 1:41:29 AM EDT
[Last Edit: Keekleberrys][Edited] [#7]
I am getting the hang of packing pretty quickly. My pipe hasn’t gone out tonight and i lit it thirty minutes ago. Got a little bit of the gurgling that people talk about but only for a couple of pulls.

I was able to enjoy it very much.  Sitting out on the porch in the backyard and it’s still going.

Thank you everyone who offered advice.
7/30/2026 1:49:22 AM EDT
[Last Edit: Windustsearch][Edited] [#8]
Excellent.  Now you just need about 20 more pipes.
7/30/2026 1:51:58 AM EDT
[#9]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Windustsearch:
Excellent.  Now you just need about 20 more pipes.
View Quote


You are creating a monster.

7/30/2026 1:57:43 AM EDT
[#10]
Good selection.
7/30/2026 2:05:36 AM EDT
[Last Edit: Keekleberrys][Edited] [#11]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Windustsearch:
Good selection.
View Quote


I really appreciate all the insights you guys have been giving. I kept it going a really long time tonight id guess 45+ minutes to an hour. Had to relight a couple times towards the end (tamped a little when i did it but just guessing thats what im sposed to do here) got another 5 + minutes or so each time.

I am starting to understand that it’s part of the process/enjoyment.

My first night i couldn’t keep it lit more than 30 seconds to a minute lol.
7/30/2026 2:13:40 AM EDT
[#12]
Yes, it’s important to get a good solid head of steam at the beginning.  Light as many times as you have to, to get the top layer burning well.   That will usually let me smoke about 2/3 of the bowl before I need a relight.   Often as not, then I just gently shake out the white ash and refill with fresh tobacco, to continue smoking.   In my experience, there isn’t a lot to be gained by trying to finish the bowl all the way to the bottom - it’s usually too moist to burn well by then.
https://www.guntechtips.com
7/30/2026 5:13:20 AM EDT
[#13]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Keekleberrys:


You are creating a monster.

https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/12422/image-3803265.png
View Quote



Wow
You went all-in


Nice picks
7/30/2026 8:25:54 AM EDT
[Last Edit: TexCorriente][Edited] [#14]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Keekleberrys:


Just made the cut off. I was ordering all of the recommended tobacco's and even tossed in a cheap cob.

View Quote

Ha, well I'm glad to have contributed
That, Night Cap, and Three Nuns were the ARF recommdations the last time I recall a pipe thread.

I haven't tried the suggested latakia blend which I got, yet.
Lit Low Ready, LLC
litlowready.com
7/30/2026 10:11:34 AM EDT
[#15]
Quote History
Originally Posted By TexCorriente:
https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/276591/1000034038-3803219.jpg

There are worse ways to spend some time
View Quote


965 is always a solid choice.
7/30/2026 10:23:58 AM EDT
[Last Edit: Trumpet][Edited] [#16]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Keekleberrys:


You are creating a monster.

https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/12422/image-3803265.png
View Quote


I'm telling ya, get a tin of GL Pease Haddo's Delight.  Shit is amazing.  I was never a smoker of aromatics, but this is like an aromatic with flavor.
7/30/2026 5:04:14 PM EDT
[#17]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Keekleberrys:


I really appreciate all the insights you guys have been giving. I kept it going a really long time tonight id guess 45+ minutes to an hour. Had to relight a couple times towards the end (tamped a little when i did it but just guessing thats what im sposed to do here) got another 5 + minutes or so each time.

I am starting to understand that it’s part of the process/enjoyment.

My first night i couldn’t keep it lit more than 30 seconds to a minute lol.
View Quote


Towards the end, you've usually burned the center out and relights are just starting the edges.
Drier tobacco minimizes this, but it's a thing.
Happiness=UPS+ORMD

See my youtube page at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvx8dT3bnLFUvuEQ-N3Z6rg
7/30/2026 5:07:57 PM EDT
[#18]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Keekleberrys:


You are creating a monster.

https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/12422/image-3803265.png
View Quote


I hope you enjoy the ones I see there I recommended.

Oh, here, while you have your wallet out, these are excellent for storage.
Happiness=UPS+ORMD

See my youtube page at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvx8dT3bnLFUvuEQ-N3Z6rg
7/30/2026 5:41:25 PM EDT
[#19]
Dammit, this thread made me spend money, too. I stopped by my local cigar shop and picked up a nice Savinelli Roma briar after work.

I like my corn cob, but my cheap Amazon briar just sucks. Definitely starting it with some Squadron Leader after dinner.
7/30/2026 5:43:22 PM EDT
[#20]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Trumpet:


965 is always a solid choice.
View Quote
It benefits a lot from sitting for about a year.
7/30/2026 10:24:18 PM EDT
[#21]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Windustsearch:
It benefits a lot from sitting for about a year.
View Quote

Everything does!  At one point before I quit, I had cases of 20 year old Three Nuns, Escudo, etc.  I still have a few tins of stuff and jars of blends I made up from when I was a tobacconist 20+ years ago.  Nothing was quite as mouth watering as cracking open a decades old tin of Va, and seeing it covered in crystals...
7/30/2026 11:45:35 PM EDT
[#22]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Trumpet:

Everything does!  At one point before I quit, I had cases of 20 year old Three Nuns, Escudo, etc.  I still have a few tins of stuff and jars of blends I made up from when I was a tobacconist 20+ years ago.  Nothing was quite as mouth watering as cracking open a decades old tin of Va, and seeing it covered in crystals...
View Quote
Now I gotta smoke some tonight.

Attached File
7/31/2026 1:22:59 AM EDT
[#23]
It was nice in the backyard tonight
7/31/2026 10:36:39 AM EDT
[#24]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Windustsearch:
Excellent.  Aromatics smell good.
View Quote

I never smoked a cigarette or pipe in my life.  But my uncle smoked Cherry tobacco in his pipe and his house smelled good.
Growing up I always like going to his house just for the smell.
Soldier for Life
7/31/2026 10:45:49 AM EDT
[#25]
I tried some Peter Stokkebye Nougat this morning, and wasn't overly impressed.

It tasted rather bland compared to blends like Sutliff Vanilla Custard or Creme Brulee.
7/31/2026 11:13:44 AM EDT
[#26]
Quote History
Originally Posted By ConcernedCitizen:
I tried some Peter Stokkebye Nougat this morning, and wasn't overly impressed.

It tasted rather bland compared to blends like Sutliff Vanilla Custard or Creme Brulee.
View Quote

I opened a sample bag of Peter Stokkebye natural dutch cavendish last night. The pipe guy at my local Cigars Int'l recommended it. It was good, but I was dumb and didn't let it dry out nearly enough and burned the shit out of my tongue while lighting it
8/2/2026 1:16:21 AM EDT
[#27]
8/2/2026 2:04:15 AM EDT
[#28]
Attached File
8/2/2026 3:51:53 AM EDT
[#29]
Quote History
View Quote


Looks like you got a stockpile there
8/2/2026 3:59:58 AM EDT
[#30]
My grandfather occasionally smoked a pipe. The smell was kinda nice.
8/2/2026 4:12:39 AM EDT
[#31]
noobs

Attached File
8/2/2026 6:25:00 AM EDT
[#32]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Keekleberrys:
I am getting the hang of packing pretty quickly. My pipe hasn’t gone out tonight and i lit it thirty minutes ago. Got a little bit of the gurgling that people talk about but only for a couple of pulls.

I was able to enjoy it very much.  Sitting out on the porch in the backyard and it’s still going.

Thank you everyone who offered advice.
View Quote


It took me a long time to pack a pipe well. Different cuts, moisture, etc will all affect it. You'll have a few frustrating smokes, and bowls you have to start over, but eventually it'll be something you get right automatically with no issue.
8/3/2026 12:34:08 AM EDT
[#33]
It is time
8/3/2026 1:09:04 AM EDT
[#34]
wellwerewaiting.gif
Happiness=UPS+ORMD

See my youtube page at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvx8dT3bnLFUvuEQ-N3Z6rg
8/3/2026 1:29:26 AM EDT
[#35]
Quote History
Originally Posted By stimpsonjcat:
wellwerewaiting.gif
View Quote

8/4/2026 1:56:47 AM EDT
[Last Edit: Keekleberrys][Edited] [#36]
I got my shipment. I started with the cult moon in my church warden cuz i decided i already liked cherry. Gonna try some non aromatics in my new cob pipe

Which should i start with.

8/4/2026 2:06:52 AM EDT
[Last Edit: Keekleberrys][Edited] [#37]
Also i am like 99% certain my earlier flame outs were because there was shit in the airway. I just got some longer church warden pipe cleaners and had a flame out. Poked it one time and we were flame on again.
8/4/2026 9:12:16 AM EDT
[#38]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Keekleberrys:
Gonna try some non aromatics in my new cob pipehttps://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/12422/IMG_1140-3805882.jpg

Which should i start with.

View Quote


965.  That will tell you whether you like Latakia or not.  3 Nuns is also a good basic VA.   Those are kind of two attractors in the field of English blends; most of them can be said to cluster around one pole or the other.  
https://www.guntechtips.com
8/4/2026 11:47:19 AM EDT
[#39]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Keekleberrys:
Also i am like 99% certain my earlier flame outs were because there was shit in the airway. I just got some longer church warden pipe cleaners and had a flame out. Poked it one time and we were flame on again.
View Quote


Yep.
I prefer pipes that take filters because it means any clogs are before the filter and much easier to clear.
Happiness=UPS+ORMD

See my youtube page at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvx8dT3bnLFUvuEQ-N3Z6rg
8/5/2026 12:08:20 AM EDT
[Last Edit: Keekleberrys][Edited] [#40]
Quote History
Originally Posted By ken_mays:


965.  That will tell you whether you like Latakia or not.  3 Nuns is also a good basic VA.   Those are kind of two attractors in the field of English blends; most of them can be said to cluster around one pole or the other.  
View Quote View All Quotes
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Quote History
Originally Posted By ken_mays:
Originally Posted By Keekleberrys:
Gonna try some non aromatics in my new cob pipehttps://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/12422/IMG_1140-3805882.jpg

Which should i start with.



965.  That will tell you whether you like Latakia or not.  3 Nuns is also a good basic VA.   Those are kind of two attractors in the field of English blends; most of them can be said to cluster around one pole or the other.  


Hmm. I smelled it and was kinda turned off but willing to keep an open mind. Is this like a cilantro situation?

I really do like the cult blood moon. Havent tried any of the other aromatics or non aromatics from the new order yet.
8/5/2026 12:27:41 AM EDT
[Last Edit: ConcernedCitizen][Edited] [#41]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Keekleberrys:


Hmm. I smelled it and was kinda turned off but willing to keep an open mind. Is this like a cilantro situation?

I really do like the cult blood moon. Havent tried any of the other aromatics or non aromatics from the new order yet.
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Quote History
Originally Posted By Keekleberrys:
Originally Posted By ken_mays:
Originally Posted By Keekleberrys:
Gonna try some non aromatics in my new cob pipehttps://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/12422/IMG_1140-3805882.jpg

Which should i start with.



965.  That will tell you whether you like Latakia or not.  3 Nuns is also a good basic VA.   Those are kind of two attractors in the field of English blends; most of them can be said to cluster around one pole or the other.  


Hmm. I smelled it and was kinda turned off but willing to keep an open mind. Is this like a cilantro situation?

I really do like the cult blood moon. Havent tried any of the other aromatics or non aromatics from the new order yet.

I'd recommend trying Early Morning Pipe before jumping into the 965. It should be a bit milder.

When it comes to Latakia, it's kind of like peaty Scotch. Some like the smoky flavor, some don't.
8/5/2026 12:51:15 AM EDT
[#42]
Quote History
Originally Posted By stimpsonjcat:


Yep.
I prefer pipes that take filters because it means any clogs are before the filter and much easier to clear.
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Quote History
Originally Posted By stimpsonjcat:
Originally Posted By Keekleberrys:
Also i am like 99% certain my earlier flame outs were because there was shit in the airway. I just got some longer church warden pipe cleaners and had a flame out. Poked it one time and we were flame on again.


Yep.
I prefer pipes that take filters because it means any clogs are before the filter and much easier to clear.


Is inserting a pipe cleaner into the bowl/airway prior to packing to keep the small bits out, and then withdrawing it when lighting a valid tactic?
8/5/2026 2:40:51 AM EDT
[#43]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Keekleberrys:


Is inserting a pipe cleaner into the bowl/airway prior to packing to keep the small bits out, and then withdrawing it when lighting a valid tactic?
View Quote


Sure, just more trouble than it’s worth IMO.  Chances are you will draw any tiny fragments into the draw hole anyway as you light it.
https://www.guntechtips.com
8/5/2026 10:55:37 AM EDT
[#44]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Keekleberrys:


Hmm. I smelled it and was kinda turned off but willing to keep an open mind. Is this like a cilantro situation?

I really do like the cult blood moon. Havent tried any of the other aromatics or non aromatics from the new order yet.
View Quote


What you will realize quickly is that English/VA blends are all about the flavor. Room note/scent is secondary.  The taste of latakia is much more subtle than the smell (at least IMO). 99.9% of aromatics are the opposite; what you smell in the room is NOT what you'll taste.  Also, keep in mind aromatics have to get their flavorings from somewhere, and that usually means sprayed-on artificial stuff, which also gets "goopier" and makes them more likely to necessitate a filter.
8/5/2026 9:56:55 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Samal][Edited] [#45]
I am an English/Balkan/Orental smoker with a good VaPer thrown in between.  I bought into the last two trends with C&D limited releases and picked up a couple tins of Midnight Orchard and the latest craze - Sun Bear.  Both smelled great, but smoked uneventfully for me. no matter what aromatic I pick, I end up unsatisfied.

Plum Pudding, Atlas Balkan, Star of the East, and Mad Fiddler Flake are my go-to tobaccos.  None of these are probably suitable for a beginner smoker, but nothing compares with a good Latakia, Izmir or Perique flavor mixed with a Virginia and some Fire-Cured Kentucky
IDF, A.A. 215, "Scorpion" Company. 1993-1996
8/5/2026 10:31:15 PM EDT
[Last Edit: ConcernedCitizen][Edited] [#46]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Samal:
I am an English/Balkan/Orental smoker with a good VaPer thrown in between.  I bought into the last two trends with C&D limited releases and picked up a couple tins of Midnight Orchard and the latest craze - Sun Bear.  Both smelled great, but smoked uneventfully for me. no matter what aromatic I pick, I end up unsatisfied.

Plum Pudding, Atlas Balkan, Star of the East, and Mad Fiddler Flake are my go-to tobaccos.  None of these are probably suitable for a beginner smoker, but nothing compares with a good Latakia, Izmir or Perique flavor mixed with a Virginia and some Fire-Cured Kentucky
View Quote

I saw the Sun Bear release, but I'm not one to jump on hype trains. I'd hate to fall in love with something that may never be available again.

I do have a tin of both the regular Plum Pudding and the Special Reserve version, but have only tried the regular one so far. Definitely an excellent blend, and this is coming from someone who predominantly prefers aromatics.

As far as Latakia goes, I was pleasantly surprised by Pirate Kake. I was a bit hesitant at first due to it being 75% Latakia, but it's actually one of my current favorites at the moment.

This is the most recent tin I've opened:



It's a little on the moist side straight out of the tin, so it does need a few relights, but the flavor is good in my opinion. It did give me a very slight tongue bite, but that's likely due to smoking a bit faster than usual in order to keep it lit.

This really has been a fun hobby to get into, and even after smoking for over a year now, I still feel like I've barely touched the surface.
8/5/2026 10:35:45 PM EDT
[#47]
You just have to try a bunch of different ones.  You'll eventually settle on what you like and then after that your tastes will change and you'll need to be trying all kinds of stuff.

One you don't like at all right now might be one of your favorites in a couple of years.
8/5/2026 10:41:13 PM EDT
[#48]
Quote History
Originally Posted By ConcernedCitizen:

I saw the Sun Bear release, but I'm not one to jump on hype trains. I'd hate to fall in love with something that may never be available again.

I do have a tin of both the regular Plum Pudding and the Special Reserve version, but have only tried the regular one so far. Definitely an excellent blend, and this is coming from someone who predominantly prefers aromatics.

As far as Latakia goes, I was pleasantly surprised by Pirate Kake. I was a bit hesitant at first due to it being 75% Latakia, but it's actually one of my current favorites at the moment.

This is the most recent tin I've opened:

https://www.pipesandcigars.com/dw/image/v2/BKCV_PRD/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-stg-master-catalog/default/dw1bd2426f/PC/BR1-TP-1000.png?sw=450

It's a little on the moist side straight out of the tin, so it does need a few relights, but the flavor is good in my opinion. It did give me a very slight tongue bite, but that's likely due to smoking a bit faster than usual in order to keep it lit.

This really has been a fun hobby to get into, and even after smoking for over a year now, I still feel like I've barely touched the surface.
View Quote


Funny, Plum Pudding and Pirate Kake were the two C&D tobaccos I bought 30 years ago when I was getting serious about pipe smoking.  At the time I thought they were both horrible, for different reasons, compared to the Dunhill and McClelland blends that I was used to.  This year I tried C&D again and I'm glad I did -- the nasty, musty funk that I remember is missing now.  

Anyway, finding VA predominant blends that don't bite is one sub-specialty of this hobby that I've enjoyed.   During that journey, I've learned that Mac Baren was a lost cause if you didn't like tongue bite.
https://www.guntechtips.com
8/5/2026 10:41:26 PM EDT
[Last Edit: ConcernedCitizen][Edited] [#49]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Windustsearch:
You just have to try a bunch of different ones.  You'll eventually settle on what you like and then after that your tastes will change and you'll need to be trying all kinds of stuff.

One you don't like at all right now might be one of your favorites in a couple of years.
View Quote

Especially if you "cellar" them and let them age, from what I've read. That seems to make a huge difference compared to fresh tobacco of the same type.
8/5/2026 10:43:01 PM EDT
[#50]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Elijah1:


But men smoke something with Latakia in it
View Quote

This.  

Aromatics are the vape of pipe smokers.  If you want to taste fruit flavors eat a friggin jolly rancher or something.  

It’s like “coffee drinkers” who put creamer sugar and caramel in the cup until they can’t taste the beans.  

Find some tobaccos with no flavors and minimal casing/additives.   Mix to preference.   Virginia, cavendish, Latakia etc


And yeah that’s a dang nice pipe.  I also use churchwardens.

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