What's smoldering in your pipe?

[physiognomy]

Time to get this started... I think it is always interesting to read what people are smoking & possibly learn of a new blend to try in the process.

Tonight I'm thinking I will start with Old Gowrie before moving to something a little heavier...

[zmancbr]

Nothing I suck at pipe smoking so I stick to only cigars....

[tdp]

Whiskey Cavendish from Jerri's. I picked a little up on an in-store recommendation and it's a nice smooth smoke.

[opusfxd]

Champagne I picked up from the Tobacco Leaf on Alameda.

[physiognomy]

Smoking my last scraps of Esoterica Stonehaven tonight that was gifted by Scott back when I was just getting started (end of last summer). This is one flake that you have to dry out well imho. The nutty burley flavors come through better during the first half of the bowl before the dark VAs combine to make an almost cigar like smoke. Not one to pull out when room note is an issue. The only reason I haven't picked up more of this blend is that it only comes in 8oz bags.

[physiognomy]

Just lately I've been experimenting a bit by mixing Orlik Golden Sliced with different blends & have been very happy with the results. For one it has helped me get through a tin I really don't appreciate on its own. Just too bland for my tastes as I prefer a sweeter & deeper flavored Va. Tonight my mix was with Rattray's Old Gowrie & found another winner. Hard to pinpoint what it added, but I think the combination was better than the two blends on their own.

[tdp]

Just killed the last of a 2 oz. tin of Krumble Kake. You can really taste the Latakia in it, but maybe the stuff is a little too young. I'm torn on ordering some to put down, but I'd probably stick with Penzance instead.

[tdp]

Tonight I'm working on a bowl of Wessex Burley Slice for after work. It's burley, all right. The initial sweetness of some very mild topping went away after several false lights, and gave way to the real burley flavor. I'm smoking the flake whole instead of rubbing it out, so it's burning very cool now and tastes fine.

[webjunkie]

Butternut Burley while I work on a term paper. Not sure how I feel about this blend yet.

[physiognomy]

Just folded a couple of Escudo coins in half & twisted them into a sandblasted Jirsa. At the end of my first tin & I think I'm finally getting this blend. It seems to be one where rubbing out the flakes changes it into an entirely different beast. At first I had trouble with getting it to burn well, but topping off the bowl with some fines definitely helps with getting the flakes going...

Tonight I'm working on a bowl of Wessex Burley Slice...

Glad to hear you are a fan. I've been enjoying quite a bit of this lately myself. Try mixing in a pinch of a VA sometime. Tasty stuff!

[tdp]

Funny you should mention a VA Peter ... I'm having a nice Dunhill Light Flake tonight, so I went from pure burley to pure virginia. I may have to try the mix at some point here.

[webjunkie]

H&H Marble Kake... nummy

[mojo65]

Just folded a couple of Escudo coins in half & twisted them into a sandblasted Jirsa. [QUOTE]

Peter, Could you translate that into English? :th_dancing-chicken:

[QUOTE]It seems to be one where rubbing out the flakes changes it into an entirely different beast. At first I had trouble with getting it to burn well, but topping off the bowl with some fines definitely helps with getting the flakes going...

DAM a whole new set of terms to learn.............:confused:

[opusfxd]

[QUOTE=physiognomy;6901]Just folded a couple of Escudo coins in half & twisted them into a sandblasted Jirsa. [QUOTE]

Peter, Could you translate that into English? :th_dancing-chicken:



DAM a whole new set of terms to learn.............:confused:

Allow me. He mashed some baccy up and put it in his pipe. :sifone:

[physiognomy]

Peter, Could you translate that into English? :th_dancing-chicken:

LOL... Dave had it right.

http://www.historyworld.co.uk/content/escudo.jpg

Escudo is a Virginia/Perique blend (yes, more terminology) that is rolled & cut into round flakes or 'coins'. You have the choice of breaking them up by hand (rubbing out) or folding them & stuffing them whole into your pipe. I prefer the latter...

[mojo65]

Well I aint never...... :17428: Kind of odd cutting a cigar up to stuff it in a pipe....:rofl:




;);)

[opusfxd]

It does look quite nummy though. How does it compare with the jar stuff you find at the shops?

[physiognomy]

Sitting back with my pipe tonight after Dawn & I put up our Christmas tree... Always a fun time as we spark up the fireplace & mix up some strong hot chocolate. The tree looks pretty good now if I must say so myself... Since it seemed like a special occasion I pulled some early 90's Balkan Sobranie Original Smoking Mixture. I hope folks knew how spoiled they were back when this stuff was available. Sipped slowly this comes close to pipe smoking heaven for me. Definitely the fullest flavored Latakia blend I have had the opportunity to smoke & the nicotine lets you know it is there as well. Flavor wise the rich smokey sweetness of Syrian Latakia dominates, while the Yenidje adds spice. Light, but smooth Virginia rounds it out... Good, good stuff!

It does look quite nummy though. How does it compare with the jar stuff you find at the shops?

Like night & day for the most part imho ;) ... That said, there are some very good bulk blends out there. Look for non-aromatics by McClellands and Peter Stokkebye to start with. I think Escudo is comparable (though not the same) to PS Luxury Bullseye Flake & some even prefer it to Escudo. At $6-7 for 2oz it is also pretty affordable.

[tdp]

Oh Balkan Sobranie is tasty stuff. Legendary tobacco.

I grabbed a Mac Baren No. 8 at Jerri's last time I was down there, and I'm pretty tempted to pop it open tonight, so that'll probably be what's smoking. I may post a review.

[tdp]

Oh Balkan Sobranie is tasty stuff. Legendary tobacco.

I grabbed a Mac Baren No. 8 at Jerri's last time I was down there, and I'm pretty tempted to pop it open tonight, so that'll probably be what's smoking. I may post a review.

I am now smoking a dirty gym sock. I think it'll improve the flavor in my aromatics pipe.

[opusfxd]

Dunhill Nightcap is meeting it's maker tonight while I watch the hockey game.

[webjunkie]

Tried some Gawith and Hoggarth Ennerdale flake this morning in a basket billiard. Don't know about this blend. I'm on the fence. It's either just just okay, or not good at all. :confused:

[opusfxd]

Black and Tan from the Tabacco Leaf off of Alameda. I'm undecided on this one. Gonna have to try it again but even at a much drier state than I got it at, it's burning kind of hot.

[physiognomy]

Smoking my first bowl of E. Hoffman Co. Spilman Mixture... So far it is shows to be a tasty light english with some nutty burley flavors adding to the mix. Hopefully others enjoy the samples I shared around last night...

[opusfxd]

Fired up my second half bowl in my churchwarden with some Beacon tonight. The first half did a number on my tongue, guess I didn't let it dry enough, but the second half was quite nice, no further details due to the roasted buds and new bowl.

[NullSmurf]

Mmmmm, Boswell's Sweet Tea.

[mhailey]

Rocky Mountain High from the tobacco shop off Leatsdale while watching Pale Rider.

Matt

[mojo65]

Nothing beats a good piece of hickory! Excellent movie!:sifone:

[physiognomy]

I smoked some Iwan Ries Gourmet English in my natural Sav tonight while watching the Avs lose to the Redwings http://www.cfrhn.com/images/icons/icon13.gif...

[opusfxd]

Those guys looked tired from the get go. I got to go tonight, thanks honey!

[mhailey]

a nice bowl of dunhill 965. I'm on the fence about this blend, and I'm not sure how I like it. On some days I just love it, others not so much. I tend to like it more on cold days, when I just hunker down and don't do much. On nice warm summer days, not so much.

Oh, drinking a nice cold Fosters, and watching Master and Commander.

Matt

[physiognomy]

I smoked some Partagas picadura granulada tonight in my Blackruf volcano. My god this stuff is strong! Burns a little fast, but was very tasty once I slowed down & puffed carefully. Reminded me of a VR Clasicos with a little extra kick. I'm looking forward to trying this again.

... Oh, drinking a nice cold Fosters

Those Canadians know how to make beer... ;)

[mhailey]

I'm about to fire up some Sambuca I bought after the poker game, in which was soundly defeated. Never had this before, but is smelled nice.

Matt

[physiognomy]

Spilman Mixture in a Bari Wiking tonight... My tin still hasn't begun to dry out & I opened it over a month ago. Smoking nicely though...

[physiognomy]

Spilman Mixture in a Bari Wiking tonight... My tin still hasn't begun to dry out & I opened it over a month ago. Smoking nicely though...

I went for the Spilman Mix again tonight in a Tsuge brandy... This blend is really starting to grow on me. I think the flavors are opening up now that it has dried a little more (still a bit moist) & I'm finding it stays lit much easier. I'd recommend it to those looking for a lighter, but flavorful English...

[mhailey]

Another bowl of Sambuca while walking to the Tea Party rally at the Capital to check it out. What a scene! I think I could get to like this one, and put it in a regular rotation, if I didn't have to drive all the way to HMS to get it.

Matt

[physiognomy]

I was feeling like a cigar this morning, but the thought of sitting in comfort at Delaney's tomorrow made me hold off... I pulled a jar of SG Bracken Flake that has been sitting since '07. The flakes rub out nicely & I find that this reviewers thoughts sum up the flavors & strength nicely -

"... Bracken is a medium to full bodied flake that is exceptionally smooth, earthy and has an illusive fruity sweetness. I agree that it needs to be smoked slowly as there are many flavors that can be experienced as its sipped; cherry, licorice, sweet maduro leaf and chocolate to name a few. It can also get temperamental if rushed and since I usually feel the same way, no problems there. I detect the fruitiness in the topping when smelling the flake which is similar to cherry as well as anise. Both are done conservatively in my estimation and exploit both the tanginess of the Virginia as well as the spiciness of the Kentucky respectively; brilliant blending from a great tobacco house. As the bowl progresses these flavors all intermingle in a simple yet intriguing way. Not highly complex but very delicious.

I agree that this is a strong tobacco however I find it more than manageable if smoked as intended... (Lord Byron)"

[mhailey]

I was turning on the sprinkler system, and cleaning up after my dog, with a nice bowl of Samuel Gawith Firedance Flake. I enjoy this aromatic, with nice flavors of Blackberry and vanilla. It rubs out nicely and burns evenly with few relights. Made the job of cleaning up after my dog much more enjoyable.

Matt

[opusfxd]

I'm enjoying a bowl of John's Mix I picked up at the Tobacco Leaf at lunch today. I didn't let it dry out enough so I'm getting a bit of a bite with it but the underlying tones are good.

I guess its a blend that the owner came up with 40 years ago. Either way, good enough story. It has a bit of latakia in it and I don't know what else yet. I can't give it a full review as I've put it in a new briar I picked up as well. Dang impulse buys. Pics posted in another thread.

[webjunkie]

Squadron Leader in an old Dr. Grabow Regal. English blends are growing on me.

[physiognomy]

It is pipe season... Decided to start it off tonight with some Balkan Sobranie in a huge freehand MM cobb. Time to sort my cellar and pull some favorites to the front...

[webjunkie]

Just popped open a tin of McClelland Grey Havens that's been mocking me from the pipe shelf for a couple of months now.

[b0rderman]

Smoking off the last of the bowl of the 2009 MC Christmas on my front steps right now. Maybe ignorance is bliss here but I am loving this stuff.

[mhailey]

Had a nice bowl of Vanilla Bean in my Jirsa from Tweksbury last night while watching a little of the Twins v. Yankees

[webjunkie]

McC British Woods in a Schoenleber Dublin

[physiognomy]

Feeling better tonight... Fired up the fireplace & lit some C&D Bayou Night that has been sitting in my cellar for a few years. I forgot how cool this blend burns... Wonderful balanced full flavors.

[webjunkie]

More McC British Woods... I'm sensing a pattern here.

[opusfxd]

Leave it to Daniel to hit me at the herf with an out of production Dunhill Elizabethan that was good in my churchill last night. Thank you sir!

[webjunkie]

Leave it to Daniel to hit me at the herf with an out of production Dunhill Elizabethan that was good in my churchill last night. Thank you sir!

You're very welcome, Dave. Elizabethan Mix isn't actually discontinued, but the American distributer dropped the whole Dunhill line. There keep being rumors about a new distributor but so far nothing.

[opusfxd]

You're very welcome, Dave. Elizabethan Mix isn't actually discontinued, but the American distributer dropped the whole Dunhill line. There keep being rumors about a new distributor but so far nothing.

Close enough. Makes it about as hard to get as a cuban...... oh wait......

[physiognomy]

McC Grey Havens this morning... More thoughts posted in the review forum .

[physiognomy]

'06 McC Christmas Cheer after some unsuccessful Christmas shopping tonight... Dawn loves the room note, so it might be time to pick up some '09 :D

[physiognomy]

PS Luxury Bullseye Flake tonight in a Armallini billiard...

[physiognomy]

Elizabethan Mixture in a Stanwell billiard while we were putting up our tree tonight...

[mhailey]

While in St. Louis, I had a nice bowl of Autum Evening. I love that stuff, a very nice maple flavor (for those of us that love the aromatics).

[webjunkie]

I keep hearing good things about Autumn Evening, sounds like I need to pick up a tin to try.

[webjunkie]

A 50/50 mix of Prince Albert and McClelland's 5100. I like the taste of PA, but I find it a bit harsh, but mixing it with a pure VA tames the harshness and adds some sweetness to the nutty burley flavor of the PA.

Working on breaking the new Tsuge Natural, although I wouldn't really call it breaking it in because it is smoking very nicely.

[webjunkie]

Working on breaking the new Tsuge Natural,

Obviously that should read breaking in and not breaking. Why would I want to break such a wonderful pipe?

[webjunkie]

McClelland British Woods in a Peterson Kildare 440.

Great way to finish off a rather dismal weekend and to start off a new week, with the smokiness of the latakia and the sweetness of the virginias underneath.

[physiognomy]

I haven't smoked much of anything lately, but I packed some '06 Christmas Cheer in a Pete churchwarden last night & it smoked great. They say absence makes the heart grow fonder...

[mhailey]

Now that I have a TV back in my man cave, I enjoyed a nice bowl of Oh Be Joyful from Tweksbury last night, while watching Space Cowboys, and enjoying a cold glass of skim milk.

Matt

[webjunkie]

GLP Abingdon in a Tsuge.

The more I smoke this blend, the more I like it. It keeps getting more and more deep and complex.

[Painter]

Butternut Burley while I work on a term paper. Not sure how I feel about this blend yet.

For me Butternut Burley is a pleasant but not particularly exciting smoke. However, it's one of my regulars, especially since my wife does not object to the room note. Sometimes I spike it up with a little 5 Brothers.

[webjunkie]

For me Butternut Burley is a pleasant but not particularly exciting smoke. However, it's one of my regulars, especially since my wife does not object to the room note. Sometimes I spike it up with a little 5 Brothers.

Hey Dave, good to see you on the board. Why not introduce yourself so the rest of the guys can say hi.

At the moment Butternut Burley continues to be a sometimes smoke for me, generally when I'm in the mood for a light aromatic.

[physiognomy]

SG Bracken Flake in an old Iwan Ries Blackruf volcano... Couldn't find my picadura granulada & wanted something strong, so I grabbed this jar from my cellar. Not one I smoke often, but it satisfies when I'm in this mood for something different. I also like the amount of smoke this blend gives when dried well...

[webjunkie]

McC 5100 in a Schoenleber Dublin. Pipe was freshly reamed and cleaned out since I was smoking some latakia heavy blends in (what can I say, everything tastes good in this pipe). Ghost banished and it's ready for some good smoking tomorrow. Hopefully the snow won't put a damper on the fun.

[mhailey]

A very nice bowl of Dunhill Light Flake. Man I love this blend. Creamy, sweet, but no too sweet. Just nice natural taste of Virgina tobacco. Too bad it is no longer available. What friggen genious decided to discontinue the dunhill line?? Not a smart move, IMHO.

[moglman]

After spending most of the weekend preparing tax stuff for a meeting with the accountant this week, I had a bowl of C&D Easy Times while watching the later periods of the hockey gold medal game. I hadn't had that (or much else from a pipe) in a long while but I very much like the blend.

[physiognomy]

I didn't get outside for a cigar before the sunshine was gone this afternoon... My pipes were a little dusty, but this Reiner Blend #71 (Long Golden Flake) is really hitting the spot in a UPCA Stanwell billiard. I'm glad I cracked the seal on this tin & will have to pick up another for the cellar before long. Sweet VAs balanced well with some burley... Tasty!

[physiognomy]

Relaxing on the couch tonight with a glass of Samuel Smith Taddy Porter & it seemed like time to dust off my pipes... I grabbed a sample jar with some '90s Balkan Sobranie gifted by Ray & am quietly enjoying my MM freehand cob. Thanks for the generous gift!

[mhailey]

Last night I had a nice bowl of "Oh Be Joyful" while enjoying a nice big glass of cold skim milk, and watching "The Happening" by M. Night Shamalyn (Sp??). That movie was horrible. Really??? Plants are killing us?? That can't be it, plants????


On deck for tonight, after we eat the Chinese food I just ordered, a bowl of Dunhill 965, or maybe some Dunbar or Escudo (boy I need to make up my mind) again with a nice big glass of cold skim milk (really that is the perfect pairing with almost any smoke, IMHO).

[mhailey]

Sitting in my man cave, flipping back and forth between the History Channel, Death Wish 4, and The Chronicles of Riddick, enjoying a nice glass of skim milk, and a bowl of "manager's special" from Jerri's (don't know the name of it, but I got 3.5 ozs for $3) in my new Peterson poker. Kind of an amaretto taste from what I can pick up. Good stuff.

[physiognomy]

Sitting by the fire enjoying my favorite Bari pipe tonight...

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5203/5318318189_5e0cc6638a_z.jpg

A few months back, I was gifted a generous amount of the revered Balkan Sobranie Mixture No. 759 & I decided it was the perfect way to ring in the new year. I've mentioned my soft spot for the Original Smoking Mixture before, but this stuff is really something else... I'll get my thoughts together and post a review later.

[physiognomy]

I still haven't got around to posting up my thoughts on the BS#759, but I'm enjoying another gift tonight...

I'm smoking some aged Virginia flake from a friend & long-time pipe smoker who had the foresight to stash away many of his favorites before they disappeared... I will chat with him later this week & see if I can't find out more info on this mystery flake.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5091/5452808984_fcded13b18_z.jpg

The sweet aroma from the bag is strong before I even opened it. These flakes are wet & almost seem oily/sticky, but dry nicely once rubbed out. It lit well & so far is smoking very nicely... The flavors initially were strong with sweet virginias that were full, smooth, & on a completely new level compared to anything else I have smoked. I don't have a great deal of experience with aged tobacco, but it seems to me that they produce a good amount of mouth-coating smoke... This one is no exception. I'm nearly half way through the bowl now & beginning to think there is something else in the mix here. Possibly some orientals, perique, or just some natural spiciness to the Virginia? Either way, this stuff is tasty & I'm off to enjoy!

[physiognomy]

Dunhill MM965 in a Iwan Ries branded Savinelli with my coffee this morning...

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5260/5520746750_954b2b0097_z.jpg

[physiognomy]

GLP Maltese Falcon in a Tsuge brandy tonight... Pretty tasty & smooth for a newly opened tin. The tobacco is still a little wet for my liking, but I'm enjoying it so far.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5020/5562884125_4489062737_z.jpg

[physiognomy]

'02 McC Dominican Glory Maduro in a Nording bent egg...

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6010/6209251499_23f2125979_z.jpg

[b0rderman]

mmmmmmmmmmm

[webjunkie]

mmmmmmmmmmm

I second that. Sounds tasty Peter.

[physiognomy]

I started breaking in my new Tsuge brandy with some Peter Heinrichs Special Curly last night... I can definitely recommend this blend if you are looking for a milder VaPer. Sweet and flavorful, but not as much spice as you would get from Escudo or the like. I'm looking forward to trying it in again this evening...

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7016/6754934129_53b2ed604f_z.jpg

[physiognomy]

More Peter Heinrichs Special Curly in a Nording egg tonight... This stuff is even smoother after sitting out to dry a little.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-GViX0QJBJKw/Tx9lHTpzfoI/AAAAAAAABhg/2ERj15oGq9U/s720/Nording%252520Coffee.jpg

[physiognomy]

G.L. Pease Triple Play in the little Tsuge... Wow, this stuff has some kick to it! Like one of the reviews mentions, I was hoping for Virginia to shine through in this blend, but I'm getting mostly burley & a touch of Perique. I'll likely reach for this blend the next time I'm looking for something on the stronger side....

http://www.tobaccoreviews.com/blend_detail.cfm?ALPHA=N&TID=4409

[physiognomy]

Charles Fairmorn Lancer's Slices in a Bari Wiking tonight... Sweet VA leaf mixed with a good amount of full & smokey Latakia. I must admit that the pungent smell of these flakes had me expecting a smoke similar to Penzance, but I found this to be a lighter tobacco. It isn't lacking in flavor by any means, just a lighter mix without the orientals. There is good balance here & I look forward to trying this blend again.

http://www.tobaccoreviews.com/blend_detail.cfm?ALPHA=L&TID=2482