So you've decided to start smoking pipes. That's great! Pipes are a unique and enjoyable smoking experience, and once you get the hang of it, you'll be enjoying bowls of tobacco all day long. In this article, we will discuss everything that you need to know about pipe smoking for beginners. We'll cover the different types of pipes available, the different types of tobacco, as well as how to pack and light your pipe. By the time you finish reading this article, you'll be ready to start your journey into the wonderful world of pipe smoking!
Types of Pipes
There are a variety of different types of pipes available on the market, and each one has its own unique advantages and disadvantages. The most common types of pipes are listed below.
Briar Pipes: Briar pipes are made from the root burl of the briar tree, and they are considered to be the highest quality pipes available. Briar pipes are tough, durable, and resistant to heat and moisture, making them ideal for smoking tobacco.
Corncob Pipes: Corncob pipes are made from dried corn cobs that have been hollowed out and fitted with a stem and bowl. Corncob pipes are cheap, disposable, and easy to clean, making them a popular choice for beginners. However, they are not as durable as briar pipes and tend to absorb the taste of the tobacco, which can make it difficult to switch tobaccos later on.
Meerschaum Pipes: Meerschaum is a mineral that is found in the earth's oceans and seas. It is soft enough to be carved into pipes, and it has a natural ability to absorb tobacco flavors. Meerschaum pipes are rare and expensive, but they provide a unique smoking experience that is worth the price.
Crystal Pipes: Crystal pipes are made from glass or other types of transparent materials. They are generally not as durable as other types of pipes, but they are easy to clean and maintain. Additionally, they come in a variety of shapes and colors, making them a popular choice for collectors.
Pipe Tobacco
There are many different types of pipe tobacco available on the market, each with its own unique flavor and aroma. The most common varieties of pipe tobacco include the following:
Virginia Tobacco: Virginia tobacco is light in color and has a sweet, grassy flavor. It is the most popular type of tobacco for pipe smoking and is often used to blend with other tobaccos.
Burley Tobacco: Burley tobacco is dark in color and has a nutty, earthy flavor. It is a popular choice for blending with other tobaccos, and it is often used in cigars and cigarettes.
Latakia Tobacco: Latakia tobacco is dark and smoky in flavor. It is made from Syrian latakia leaves, which are fire-cured over oakwood fires. Latakia tobacco is often used in English blends and provides a strong, robust flavor.
Perique Tobacco: Perique tobacco is dark brown in color and has a spicy, peppery flavor. It is made from fermented green peppers and is often used in Virginia blends.
Packing and Lighting your Pipe
Once you have chosen a pipe and tobacco, it's time to pack and light your pipe! The packing and lighting method that you use will depend on the type of pipe that you have. Briar pipes are the most common type of pipe, so we'll use them as an example.
The first step is to fill the bowl of your pipe with tobacco. You can do this by using a tamper or your fingers to pack the tobacco into the bowl until it is full. Be careful not to overpack the tobacco, as this can make it difficult to smoke later on.
Next, you will need to light your pipe. You can do this by using a match or a lighter. Hold the flame of the match or lighter directly to the tobacco and allow it to burn for about 30 seconds. Once the tobacco is lit, take a few puffs to get it going and then set the match or lighter aside.
Now, it's time to enjoy your smoke! Puff on your pipe slowly and steadily, and try not to suck too hard on the stem. Take small sips of air in through your nose so that you can taste the flavor of the tobacco. When you finish smoking, gently tamp down (or press
) the ash at the bottom of the bowl with a tamper or your finger, then dump the ash into a trash can. Finally, reload your pipe with tobacco and repeat the process!
