[Sarge]

you can skip the BS and cut straight to the ? @ the bottom or read my ramblings.

So ever since late last year when I really got myself into Cigars I've been considering pipes. I had a few good cigars previously and cigars seemed easier than buying a pipe and getting into that world. How foolish of me. Both are very easy but complicated hobbies to get acquainted with. Both require patience and practice to smoke properly so that you don't ruin them. Part of my '11 to do list is get my hands on a [bent] pipe and start enjoying some pipe baccy as well. Something about those bent Sherlock Holmes style pipes I like over the straight ones. Definitely found a few estates & expensive pipes I really like. Anyway I've done some light reading on storing, which pipe to start with etc. It would be nice if I could take the consideration and decision making out of it and just have a pipe. abrakadabra. Nope didn't work, guess I need to work on my magical skills...

Clay, Corn Cob, Meerschaum or just get an Estate. Everyone has good reasons behind the suggestions I've read. I really agree with each side of each pipe. It seems there's a lot of different options & opinions out there on which pipes to start with, use, and how to store baccy, etc. A previous thread someone had suggested the College Starters kit so I've been considering that. Especially since it is cheap and I'd hate to spend a lot on something I might ruin or not particularly care for. well all things in due time. I'll figure that all out along the way come time...

that thread also pointed a few makers I should be looking into. thing of it is I'm really wondering what baccy to start with & get my mitts on. I often use the "New Posts" feature so I see a few names pop up here and there but I'm really at a loss as to what I should I be trying. It probably doesn't help that I have no idea which kind of blends or flavors I'll like either. A guy comes into the Casino from time to time and he smokes nothing but Captain Black White Pouch and that stuff smells awesome... back on point, Dunhill Nightcap is definitely a top the list. Currently I'm really tempted to purchase a few tins since most places seem to be sold out and Dunhill, most blends are scarce. Seems it wouldn't be a bad idea to buy some now just to have since it's the only thing I know for sure I want to try. And why not buy several tins to start aging for longer down the road. Worse case scenario I'm out a few ten spots and have a few tins to gift out down the road to a fellow BOTL. Also I'd like to try Early Morning but haven't seen that one available anywhere. Thing is I don't have money to be getting into pipes atm having just spent a lot on getting into cigars but it seems like a hot item I might not be able to come across when I do get into pipes. I'm really hoping w/in the next couple months I make the plunge and pull the trigger on a pipe. Or maybe find someone who will take a few cigars for one. anyway Even if it is just a cheap pipe I'm really getting to just buy something w/in the next few weeks hopefully. Probably won't be building much a collection anytime soon but I definitely want to start buying a few things I should be trying and get an idea of what the hot, scarce, rare blends I should be looking for are. So I'd like to get a list going in case I find some HTF stuff or just want to order some w/ a few cigars next time I place an order.

-So what blends in bulk and tins should I be looking to try and buy right away?
-also, probably kind of stupid but how many bowls do a tin normally load? Like the 50g Dunhill tins.

of course any info about pipes, etc is also appreciated. I'll continue to read up on the forums and research so hopefully I don't make as many mistakes w/ pipes as I have w/ cigars... thanks!

 

[UIVandal]

I would steer you away from a corncob or clay, simply because you want the "Bent sherlock holmes" type pipe. I've never seen a bent corncob, although I'm sure they exist.

Briar or Meerschaum tend to be the regulars. I smoke 3 briars and 1 meerschaum, and I like them both. I prefer my meerschaum for aromatics simply due to the fact that meerschaum breathes easily and absorbs moisture more effectively, something prevalent in aromatics. Correct me if I'm wrong, guys.

As far as "Hot, scarce, rare", I don't know a ton, but there are several that people on this forum seem to like:
Frog Morton
Samuel Gawith - Squadron Leader
Esoterica - Stonehaven
Esoterica - Penzance
Navy Flake

There are jillions more, but those are the few that I've seen mentioned OVER and OVER.

Smokingpipes.com has some swell pipes, and tinned tobacco to boot. They also sell cigars, although I haven't priced it so I don't know if it would be lucrative to just pick it all up from them.

I'll help however else I can!

Evan

 

[Firedawg]

welcome to the party sarge! I started out with a couple of corncobs (cheap as heck for 2.99 each to get the hang of it) bought my first briar pipe (kaywoodie estate on ebay)

Now I presume you have a B&M that carries bulk pipe tobacco. Check with them and see if they allow you to sample a bowl or 2 from them before buying, many do. The nice thing is it isnt that expensive to buy 1 oz of each and try it that way also. Also invest in mason jars! Mejiers has anchor hocking jars with rubber gaskets and snap tight lids for cheap (around 2.50 each) These are great for storing the bulk tobacco as you use it.

 

[UIVandal]

What the heck is Mejiers and where can I get some of these jars?

 

[Firedawg]

It is a local chain that might not be available in Idaho.

Meijer: Buy Online & In Stores | More Choices & More Convenience | 75 Years

they have these for 2.49 Anchor Hocking 98590 - 17 oz Heremes Jar, Clamp Top Lid, Crystal

found a great price here for 4! http://www.wasserstrom.com/restaurant-supplies-equipment/Product_108758

 

[Sarge]

welcome to the party sarge! I started out with a couple of corncobs (cheap as heck for 2.99 each to get the hang of it) bought my first briar pipe (kaywoodie estate on ebay)

Now I presume you have a B&M that carries bulk pipe tobacco. Check with them and see if they allow you to sample a bowl or 2 from them before buying, many do. The nice thing is it isnt that expensive to buy 1 oz of each and try it that way also. Also invest in mason jars! Mejiers has anchor hocking jars with rubber gaskets and snap tight lids for cheap (around 2.50 each) These are great for storing the bulk tobacco as you use it.

Lol not really... the B&M is a book store. The other is a Smoker Friendly and they don't have any pipe baccy just a small humidor, regular baccy selection and roll your own cigs shop. Actually I think they do have a couple brands of pouches now that I think of it but not much. Both are incredibly overpriced for cigars. The book store does have about 5 different bulk glass jugs of pipe baccy but that's all. Well they also have Captain Black and one or two other pouches but they don't have much. She told me it really hasn't taken off like the one 60 miles North of here. One look around and you'd see why. Anyway the lady who runs it does know me so she might allow me to sample some but based off their pricing of cigars I highly doubt it. Though it might be a good spot to pick up a pipe when I have a few extra bucks just to get me underway & I'll be sure she's in and ask for samples when I do.

yes, definitely getting some jars for bulk buys once I get rolling here. My only concern is how to store it. Dark place I'd assume. About the same temps as cigars? Also saw a thread w/ a link stating someone uses humi pillows in the jars to keep the baccy fresh? that kind of confused me. Chances are I'll just leave tins in tins and jar bulk stuff. maybe a smaller jar for use and larger for long term storing/aging of stuff. not sure, we'll see exactly how it plays out...

because I'll be likely doing all purchasing online I was really wondering what I should be looking to try. Both bulks and tins but more so tins, HTF stuff, and favorite blends/noobie stuff. I don't have that luxury of being able to go to a B&M for anything really. The lack of inventory along w/ the ridiculous pricing on the things I do want that they carry is what prevents me from using them. I'm really stuck w/ online vendors or taking a 2+ hour drive to find a decent Smoke Shop.

anyway, I just want to point out I'm not looking for just HTF stuff. I'm also looking for specific blends, brands, etc, I should be looking to get and trying as a noob or that are faves of everyone... also I'm really curious as to how many bowls a 50g tin of Dunhill would pack. How many sessions can I expect from one tin. Obviously it will depend on bowl size but even a general idea would be nice...

 

[gibson_es]

i believe the peterson 05 or XL11 shape pipes are what you are looking for, i am actually fixing to post up to find me one, as i have loved the XL11 for a while, and just never seem to get one, i have 6 pipes myself, 3 in rotation, all briars, 2 briars that are not yet usable, and a corncob i have designated to a particular baccy.

i dont like straight pipes, there just not for me, i like bent, i would like to suggest giving the savinelli alligator a look, i dont remember the shape of mine, and dont have box on hand, i will look later, but if you look them up you will see some straight and bent, mine is black.

i would also like to suggest an estate pipe, you can get a good quality pipe cheaper then a new one and not have to break it in. if you have anything you wanna ask me feel free to shoot me a PM, i dont know as much about pipes as i do cigars, not even close, but i do know a little and have no problem helping were i can.

as far what what baccy to get, i suggest trying a few kinds to see what you like,

i really love boswells christmas cookie, its an aero, its pretty cheap and possibly my favorite, but you have to order from boswell.

the mclelland holiday spirit is another favorite aero of mine, along with mCclelland best of show, it has a chocolaty nugget taste i love

christmas cheer is another good one, but keep in mind it wont really make you think of christmas. another favorite is the frog morton on the town. very good smoke, takes a few bowls to get used to it but when you do its hard to put it down.


there is a couple bent corncobs, to me, there not very bent though, there not what you might have in mind, i suggest going to missouri meersheums website and checking out there corncobs, good starter pipes.

 

[UIVandal]

For storage, a clear mason jar works great, as well as the tins they come in, unopened.

Pouches can be stored in their pouch, but don't store incredibly well.

a humi pillow is worthless in an airtight jar, and I would argue that it might be a breeding ground for mold.

Try the pouch tobaccos, and be sure to try the jar blends. Some places have decent jar aero's, and they are fairly homogeneous from place to place (Cherries, Chocolates, Rums).

 

[Sarge]

i would also like to suggest an estate pipe, you can get a good quality pipe cheaper then a new one and not have to break it in. if you have anything you wanna ask me feel free to shoot me a PM, i dont know as much about pipes as i do cigars, not even close, but i do know a little and have no problem helping were i can.

i really love boswells christmas cookie, its an aero, its pretty cheap and possibly my favorite, but you have to order from boswell.

the mclelland holiday spirit is another favorite aero of mine, along with mCclelland best of show, it has a chocolaty nugget taste i love

that's a good point... I need to read up on breaking in a pipe and perhaps one already broke in would be best. I just know it would be several months before I'm in a position that I'm comfortable spending money on a more expensive pipe. Maybe I'll look for a cheaper one to hold me over and get started, get a good feeling and if it's something I want to pursue jump right into an estate... thanks

I suppose the Holiday Spirit is pretty much sold out now online since the the Holidays are over? I now I had a hell of a time finding some Viaje Holiday blend recently when I came across them.

 

[Firedawg]

Sign up for the noobie pipe trade that might help also.

 

[gibson_es]

that's a good point... I need to read up on breaking in a pipe and perhaps one already broke in would be best. I just know it would be several months before I'm in a position that I'm comfortable spending money on a more expensive pipe. Maybe I'll look for a cheaper one to hold me over and get started, get a good feeling and if it's something I want to pursue jump right into an estate... thanks

I suppose the Holiday Spirit is pretty much sold out now online since the the Holidays are over? I now I had a hell of a time finding some Viaje Holiday blend recently when I came across them.

the holiday spirit is still around, its not really a highly sought after baccy. 4noggins has it right now, i have smoked through about 2 tins worth in less then two months, givin how many other choices i have thats saying something, i dont have a lot of anything but i have a little of everything. lol.

i forgot to touch base on storing, if your smoking it, store it in a good mason jar, ball works just fine, no need for humi devices inside really. just put the baccy in, label jar. if its an unopened tin, leave it alone, if its in a pouch i would put in it a jar, some people dont. but i do.

look around ebay, and post in the pipes WTB section, you can find good estates cheap. and im sure if you state you want a really bent pipe, of good quality, and name a price your willing to spend, someone here would be able to help find you something. thats the route i would go it were me.

 

[shannensmall]

I'm still very new also, but like you came over from cigars. You're probably not going to care for aromatics (smell good baccy) at first. You want full flavored unmessed with tobacco. So with that in mind you should be looking at English blends and Virginia blends. English are often advised to the new smoker due to them being more forgiving on lack of packing and smoking technique. But I found that the sweetness of Virginia blends satisfy my sweet tooth that I've gain from loving Maduro cigars.

I can't really offer you a whole lot of options based on what I've tried. But
I can include some that have peeked my interest from the reviews I've read.

Some I have tried and do recommend:
Dunhill Virginia Flake, my mix 965, and standard mix. 965 and standard are good English blends.
McClelland Dominican Glory Maduro

Instead of putting up a list a mile long, I'm going to give you this link, TobaccoReviews.com - The largest collection of pipe tobacco reviews on the internet and tell you to py extra attention to the reviews done on Dunhill, McClelland, Samuel Gawith, G L Peace, and Gawith, Hoggarth. After countless hours of research, these manufacturers seem to have blends that look like they fit the flavor profiles a cigar smoker is more accustomed to. There are countless others but theses seem like a good start.

As for your want to find HTF tobaccos, Dunhill was on that list, but recent corporate changes have reintroduced it into the US market. How long and if it will be readily available, I don't know.

Pretty much anything by Samuel Gawith, especially the Full Virginia Flake.

Peterson Irish Flake

Esoterica Penzance, and Stonehaven

There are probably more, but these seem to be among the most talked about, but never in stock.

For pipes, you are definitely going to want more than one pipe. Preferably 3 corncobs to start with, yes they come in a bent shape. One for English blends, one for Virginias, and one for aromatics (if you ever want to give them a try) You want 3 pipes because the 3 main blends genres will impart their flavor on the pipe (ghost), mostly the English and aros do this, But if you smoke English a few times out of a pipe and then try to smoke a Virginia out of the same pipe, you will still taste the English. Cobs are cheap enough that 3 starter pipes won't put you out much. Missouri Corn Cob

With $ being a lil tight you can smoke out of the cobs and buy your more expensive pipes one at a time here and there, spreading it out so it doesn't hurt the bank account as bad.

 

[Nachman]

I too was a cigar smoker before I took up the pipe. Started cigars in 1956 and bought my first pipe in 1963. As a cigar smoker I recommend you skip the aromatic tobaccos and go straight to English blends. Dunhill makes some of the best and my favorite is London Mixture. If you like full flavored cigars I would recommend GL Pease Robusto. It has some cigar leaf in it, but remember, no pipe tobacco tastes like a cigar. However Robusto is very full bodied and satisfies. Another full bodied blend is Dunhill Nightcap. If you are a Macanudo smoker Samuel Gawith Squadron Leader or Skiff Mixture would be more to your liking if you can find some. GL Pease Chelsea Morning or Piccadilli would also be good.

 

[Sarge]

I too was a cigar smoker before I took up the pipe. Started cigars in 1956 and bought my first pipe in 1963. As a cigar smoker I recommend you skip the aromatic tobaccos and go straight to English blends. Dunhill makes some of the best and my favorite is London Mixture. If you like full flavored cigars I would recommend GL Pease Robusto. It has some cigar leaf in it, but remember, no pipe tobacco tastes like a cigar. However Robusto is very full bodied and satisfies. Another full bodied blend is Dunhill Nightcap. If you are a Macanudo smoker Samuel Gawith Squadron Leader or Skiff Mixture would be more to your liking if you can find some. GL Pease Chelsea Morning or Piccadilli would also be good.

yes, I might eventually try some aromatics but chances are I'll stick to the normal stuff. Definitely just looking for English, Virginia, Flakes, normal blends I should be looking into and trying... Something that smells good and that I wouldn't mind smoking inside is always a plus as well. Hopefully in the coming years if I ever buy a house I'll be able to get a nice little ventilated smoke room/closet built right away to enjoy my cigars, and maybe even pipes in.

I have yet to try a Macanudo though with a name like Squadron Leader I'll have to look into it. I've smoked well over 100 different cigars in the last 4 or so months I've gotten into them but there's still obviously quite a bit I've yet to try. I really enjoy all sorts of cigars, very few I particularly love. But I enjoy & prefer anything from medium to full depending on mood, etc. but have an appreciation and taste for them all, even a light smoke is nice occasionally if it's taste is incredible. Some very nice explanations and suggestions, thank you. :tu

Night Cap is definitely a top my list & perhaps the first tin of pipe baccy I will order. As soon as I place an order I'll be ordering several tins of Night Cap so hopefully I enjoy it. I was going to order earlier tonight but it's a good thing I didn't. Was tempted to buy several RyJ Love Story but after looking @ my CC statement online I eventually realized my Liga Privada T52 Sampler shipped (in stock @ CI now) plus taking a 2nd look at this full humidor, tupperdor along with a few shipping bags w/ boveda packs I realized I better lay off cigar buying for a month or so until I can smoke some of these. Have to build myself a new humidor this Summer for mass storage since this 3 drawer has proved to be useless and small. I do wish I could find some Night Cap in bulk because it seems that with the tins you're paying 1/3 the price just for tin. The one place I say it was $3.60/ounce where as it's like $9 something per tin (50 grams).

I'd also like to mention if you know of any good sites to purchase from. I only have two sites bookmarked (pipes&cigars.com & that site linked in my original post, forget the name) so I definitely need to find some sources.

all this talk I'm kinda getting excited to get my hands on some goodies and start another great class of baccy.

 

[gibson_es]

maybe im the odd ball, lol. i too came from cigars, obviously. lol, i love a good maduro, and for some reason i love a good aeromatic, but the good ones are in a pile of metocre ones.

that dont mean i prefer them over an english or virginia.... there all equal to me.

 

[UIVandal]

I too fancy a decent aromatic, which is not to say I only like aromatics.

 

[shannensmall]

maybe im the odd ball, lol. i too came from cigars, obviously. lol, i love a good maduro, and for some reason i love a good aeromatic, but the good ones are in a pile of metocre ones.

that dont mean i prefer them over an english or virginia.... there all equal to me.

I always thought you were an odd bird. LOL

I too enjoy the one (house blend) I have. Cheap drug store ones (smoked way back in the day) not so much. I smoke it every now and then for a change of pace, but probably smoke 10-15 bowls of Virginia or English to 1 bowl of aro.

Sarge, check out cupojoes.com, 4noggins.com, smokingpipes.com, and pipsandcigars.com Right now cupojoes seems to have the most Dunhill in stock, although it's a lil more expensive. At least their website shows it in stock. As I understand it, they seem to have a hard time keeping an active inventory listed on their site, so you would be better off to call them before placing an order.

 

[gibson_es]

I always thought you were an odd bird. LOL

I too enjoy the one (house blend) I have. Cheap drug store ones (smoked way back in the day) not so much. I smoke it every now and then for a change of pace, but probably smoke 10-15 bowls of Virginia or English to 1 bowl of aro.

Sarge, check out cupojoes.com, 4noggins.com, smokingpipes.com, and pipsandcigars.com Right now cupojoes seems to have the most Dunhill in stock, although it's a lil more expensive. At least their website shows it in stock. As I understand it, they seem to have a hard time keeping an active inventory listed on their site, so you would be better off to call them before placing an order.

lol! mot big on the drug store kind either, though i really wanna try the sugar barrel, and will order some soon, i like:

boswelsss christmas cookie
holiday spirit
autumn evening
maple street (diamond in the rough if you ask me)
uhles christmans blend

so basically "christmasy" type auros. lol

but i do love a good bowl of christmas cheer, stonehaven, FMOTT, ect... and cant wait to order some dominican glory maduro and give it a shot....my issue is i keep spending my money on cigars! lol.

 

[CaptainBlenderman]

that's a good point... I need to read up on breaking in a pipe and perhaps one already broke in would be best. I just know it would be several months before I'm in a position that I'm comfortable spending money on a more expensive pipe. Maybe I'll look for a cheaper one to hold me over and get started, get a good feeling and if it's something I want to pursue jump right into an estate... thanks.

I started with pipes, then cigars. My first pipe was a Savenelli second that I picked up at a B&M for $30. My second pipe was from a cheap bin at the same shop and I spent $19 on it but smoked it a lot more often than the Savenelli. You never know what you are going to latch onto... The point is, I would agree that starting out with something cheap is okay while you get the hang of it. As you get seasoned, spend your time and money seeking out a more expensive pipe. My whole pipe world blew open when I finally inherited some pipes from my dad and smoked a pipe worth a lot more than $19. After that, I never smoked my cheapies again, but I don't regret starting out with them. Unfortunately, I already gave them away to another budding pipe smoker or I would gladly have passed them on to you.

I love pipes and cigars both...I've never gotten into English, but I have smoked both aromatics and non-aromatics (Virginia, I think) and have enjoyed both, depending on mood. I will say that when I first started, I went with very mild and aromatic blends. Now, when I'm in the mood for an aromatic, I tend to go with something a little more bold (spicy). I really haven't gotten past bulk tobaccos at the local B&Ms though. I've never spent the money on tins to know what I'm missing but this forum has definitely convinced me that I need to! I will say I have never partaken in the drugstore variety pipe tobacco, never wanted to, never will. Being that you are way up there in God's country, I can imagine your limitations for B&Ms. All of these recommendations sound solid. I'll be checking some of them out myself!

 

[TXsmoker]

I will say I have never partaken in the drugstore variety pipe tobacco, never wanted to, never will

What about Sugar Barrel? Its a Drug store blend, buts its good stuff. Add a little Tambo (and I do mean only a little) and youve got one of my favorite smokes.