What Did You Smoke Today? (Pipe Edition)

[JimInks]

Flying Dutchman Match in a slight bend black sandblasted Lorenzo Elba Imperia 8636 with an amber colored acrylic stem.

[Horsefeathers]

Well, I've been like a kid waiting on Christmas the last few days. I ordered a pipe from Smokingpipes.com and have been anxiously awaiting it's arrival.
It's my first ever brand new briar and I am not disappointed. It's a Savinelli Standing 114 KS. Not an expensive one by any means but it is a good smoker.

I was trying to decide what to smoke in it first and figured my favorite Vaper would be a good one to start with. So I got a flake out of my tin of St. James Flake that came in the same order, rubbed it out and let it set for a couple of hours (if you've ever bought a Samuel Gawith flake, you know why) and here I am on the balcony with it.

Love it. It smokes like a dream.

http://i902.photobucket.com/albums/ac223/prgann/IMG_1578_zpszuupi4ek.jpg (http://s902.photobucket.com/user/prgann/media/IMG_1578_zpszuupi4ek.jpg.html)

Congrats on the new pipe!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7cy7vmv2Cs

[NeverBend]

2015 McClelland #2010 in a 1987 Capitello Jonico I smooth taper billiard.

Rain just kicked in to modify the mugginess.

[Aguineapig]

What a coincidence-- I'm smoking cube cut this afternoon also, in a MM Legend w/ lucite stem. Real great blend.

[JimInks]

Half way through this bowl of Edgeworth Ready Rubbed Match in a 1984 MM General cob.

[JimInks]

2012 Orlik Golden Sliced in a 1984 black sandblasted straight Dunhill Shell 4103 Billiard.

[JimInks]

Almost half way through this bowl of Troost Slices in an egg shaped medium bend smooth Burgundy colored 1985 Caminetto.

[JimInks]

Brebbia Balkan in a 2002 Ser Jacopo Delecta Fatta A Mano R1 sandblast Rhodesian with a smooth extension at the shank.

[JimInks]

Just finished smoking Edward G. Robinson's Pipe Blend in a 2014 Basil Meadows smooth slight bend squashed tomato with an aluminum band and a black pearl acrylic stem.

[JimInks]

2011 Villiger Maryland No. 333 in a 2004 smooth long stem Canadian Trever Talbot Ligne Bretagne Faite en Bretagne 4/3.

[Lostmason]

Sutliff Kentucky Blizzard in Swiss BBK

[JimInks]

St. James Flake in a 1986 three quarter bend Bacchus face CAO meer.

[Cool Breeze]

Had a bowl of Peterson Irish Flake in a cobb.

Then nearly immediately had a pretty large bowl of SG 1792 Flake.

The hiccups have gone away, now I'm waiting for the room to stop spinning..............:pipe:

[GWBowman]

Well, I've been like a kid waiting on Christmas the last few days. I ordered a pipe from Smokingpipes.com and have been anxiously awaiting it's arrival.
It's my first ever brand new briar and I am not disappointed. It's a Savinelli Standing 114 KS. Not an expensive one by any means but it is a good smoker.

I was trying to decide what to smoke in it first and figured my favorite Vaper would be a good one to start with. So I got a flake out of my tin of St. James Flake that came in the same order, rubbed it out and let it set for a couple of hours (if you've ever bought a Samuel Gawith flake, you know why) and here I am on the balcony with it.

Love it. It smokes like a dream.

http://i902.photobucket.com/albums/ac223/prgann/IMG_1578_zpszuupi4ek.jpg (http://s902.photobucket.com/user/prgann/media/IMG_1578_zpszuupi4ek.jpg.html)

I really like that. Good for you.

[JimInks]

Half way through this bowl of Jim's Evolving Work Blend in a 2003 Stanwell Golden Danish 56 Rusticated Canadian.

[JimInks]

MacBaren Burley London Blend in a 2001 black sandblasted three quarter bend Rinaldo Lithos YY bulldog with an amber colored stem.

[Cool Breeze]

Comoy's Cask 4 in a pre-Republic Peterson Shamrock.

[cpmcdill]

Sutliff Voodoo Queen in a Canterbury lovat

[Cool Breeze]

Last bowl of the night.

Frog Morton Cellar in a cobb.

[JimInks]

Couple minutes away from smoking Amphora Brown in a 1990s slight bend black Sasieni 4 Dot Ruff Root Dark 4 Dublin.

[JimInks]

The last of my open stash of Capstan Blue in a straight sandblasted black billiard 2013 PSF POY Kaywoodie with an amber colored lucite stem.

[JimInks]

Half way through this bowl of Angler's Dream in a slight bend 1984 Stanwell Antique 124 grain etched with a smooth front.

[JimInks]

The last of my stash of C&D Pegasus in a 2015 Basil Meadows smooth slight bend tomato military mount with an aluminum accent, horn ferrule, and cumberland p-lip stem.

[NeverBend]

2015 Gawith Hoggarth Bob's Chocolate Flake in a 1961 Barling's Make #5179 saddle billiard
Last of the GHBCF.

[JimInks]

Not far from finishing my start of the day smoke, which is Edgeworth Ready Rubbed Match in a 1978 smooth full bend Dr. Grabow Omega. Already hot and humid day, but I've finished my outside work. Time for ice tea with floaty li'l icebergs! And listening to the MLB trade talk on MLB TV.

[JimInks]

Part way from this bowl of Watch City Christmas Past 2014 in a 1978 smooth pointy bottom three quarter bend Sir Brent, shaped like a check mark.

[NeverBend]

2015 McClelland #2010 in a 1940s Barling EL smooth, saddle billiard.

[JimInks]

Troost Slices in an egg shaped medium bend smooth Burgundy colored 1985 Caminetto.

[NeverBend]

2015 Gawith Hoggarth Bright CR Flake in a 1986 Ser Jacopo R1 (rusticated) Maxima canadian.

[bluenoser]

Bald headed teacher in the mm Ozark

[cpmcdill]

Barking Dog match in a Comoy's bent bulldog

[JimInks]

First Responders in a medium bend raw sienna toned early Radice sandblast egg with bamboo craving on the shank.

[NeverBend]

2015 McClelland #2010 in a 1963 Barling Sandblast #6106 taper billiard. Finishing The Royal Succession (Maurice Druon) with some Diet Coke and ice.

[JimInks]

Edward G. Robinson's Pipe Blend in a 2014 Basil Meadows smooth slight bend squashed tomato with an aluminum band and a black pearl acrylic stem.

[JimInks]

MacBaren Burley London Blend in a 2015 three quarter bend two tone Chacom UPO Rouge squashed tomato with a black acrylic stem and shank.

[Tobias Lutz]

Some H&H Caramel Apple Pie in a straight billiard Gatlinburlier house pipe

[Scott W.]

Last night 2011 HV in my ehrlich Lovat
Tonight is Dunhill RY in my wiebe blowfish

Enjoying the pipe again

[JimInks]

Peter Heinrichs Curly Block in a straight 1968 Dunhill Shell bulldog.

[JimInks]

Now smoking the best durn tobacco made today: Strang in a 1999 medium bend black sandblast Savinelli Tris 677KS apple with a cumberland stem.

[Alligator Gar]

TGIF. Now let's review tonight's festivities.
G&H Kendal Kentucky in a little cob.
G&H Dark Birdseye in the NB Barling.
Rubbed 2012 Full Virginia Flake in the Ser Jacopo S1 Maxima.
Last pipe before bed is a Grabow Westbrook with a tall bowl and a Canadian style stem. In that bowl dwells a generous helping of Red Rapparee.

[Alligator Gar]

Now smoking the best durn tobacco made today: Strang in a 1999 medium bend black sandblast Savinelli Tris 677KS apple with a cumberland stem.

I'm going to get some Motzek Strang. I don't know how or when but mark my words, it's going to happen.

[Cool Breeze]

St. James Flake in my newly acquired Savinelli 114 KS.

[Scott W.]

Now some 2010 christmas cheer in my bent Viking.
Christmas in July

[JimInks]

A couple of minutes away from smoking Tilbury in a smooth 2002 Peterson Sherlock Holmes Series Milverton.

[Cool Breeze]

Finishing the evening off with a bowl of Nightcap in a MM cob.
A very aptly named tobacco. Definitely my favorite end of the day, relaxing smoke.

[JimInks]

Not far from finishing this bowl of McClelland Top Hat in a 1982 near full bend egg shaped Ascorti Business KS with a black ferrule and saddle stem.

[JimInks]

Old Dark Fired in a smooth medium bend post-WW2 Pre-Republic Peterson Shamrock Killarney 9BC with a sterling silver band.

[JimInks]

Part way through this bowl of Heine's Blend in a 2013 medium bend Spillproof corndog cob.

[JimInks]

Just finished smoking Condor Long Cut an undated fancy designed tall, thin bowl medium bend Waren Zeichen Viennese Coffeehouse Bombay clay with a white acrylic stem.

[JimInks]

Half way through this bowl of 2012 Orlik Golden Sliced in a 1984 black sandblasted straight Dunhill Shell 4103 Billiard.

[Alligator Gar]

Deep into a bowl of SG Best Brown Flake stuffed in a Savi Trevi. Rubbed out a little tinder pile for the top of the bowl.

[Aguineapig]

A little D&R Rimboche SJ in a clay cutty this morning. That's all for today.

[JimInks]

Part way through this bowl of Tilbury in a straight 2012 Rekamepip made Sugar Barrel pipe.

[JimInks]

G&H Sweet Rum Twist in a 2002 IMP smooth full bend egg shaped meer.

[JimInks]

Edgeworth Ready Rubbed Match in an old medium bend grain etched undated Preben Holm Ben Wade Prominence B freehand.

[BryGuySC]

2014 Holiday Cheer in a Savinelli Roma.

[Cool Breeze]

Escudo in a Willard briar.

[Alligator Gar]

2010 GH Coniston Cut Plug in a 1940's-1959 Kaywoodie 12b Standard I just finished cleaning up.
http://i.imgur.com/aO6gaFV.png
My palate was ruined by a blind review I joined and now I think Lakelands are normal and even desirable.

[bluenoser]

Breaking in the new pipe with some CH

http://i734.photobucket.com/albums/ww347/Gsxblaze/temporary_111.jpg (http://s734.photobucket.com/user/Gsxblaze/media/temporary_111.jpg.html)

[JimInks]

Just finished Dunhill Elizabethan Match in a 2003 smooth three quarter bend Rinaldo Fiammata Odissea Titania 02 Silver Line 3 Straight Grain egg.

[JimInks]

2012 Anniversary Kake in a smooth 1981 Century full bend natural egg.

[JimInks]

Part way through this bowl of D&R Rowland Regular in a slight bend 1984 Stanwell Antique 124 grain etched with a smooth front.

[JimInks]

Listing this a few minutes early so I can concentrate on work for a while: Skipper’s Flake in a post WW2 Pre-Republic Peterson Dublin straight smooth X155 Bulldog with a sterling silver band.

[JimInks]

Almost finished smoking St. James Flake in a smooth three quarter bend early '70s Stanwell Design Choice 837 sitter with a vulcanite ferrule.

[JimInks]

Edward G. Robinson's Pipe Blend in a 1982 black sandblasted paneled slight bend Savinelli flat bottom sitter.

[JimInks]

Heine's Blend in a 1981 smooth full bend Mauro Series Two 315 p-lip that copies the Peterson system.

[Alligator Gar]

Just finished Dunhill Elizabethan Match in a 2003 smooth three quarter bend Rinaldo Fiammata Odissea Titania 02 Silver Line 3 Straight Grain egg.

It takes longer to describe that pipe than it does to smoke a bowl in it. :)

[JimInks]

It takes longer to describe that pipe than it does to smoke a bowl in it. :)

I know. Luckily, I keep my descriptions on file because I'd sure as hell drive myself crazy if I had to actually write that every time.

Almost finished smoking 2012 Orlik Golden Sliced in a 1984 black sandblasted straight Dunhill Shell 4103 Billiard. A bottle of Sprite is my drink.

[JimInks]

About a third of the way into smoking Jim's Va/Bur #1 in a 2003 smooth full bend, gold banded 3 Star Ferndown Tudor Root.

[JimInks]

Just finished smoking Jim’s B Blend in a smooth 1998 Parker 489 three quarter bend Billiard.

[JimInks]

HU Nashville County in a smooth 1979 Chippendale (Charatan second) Rhodesian 49. Starting to run low on this blend.

[JimInks]

Part way through this bowl of MacBaren Burley London Blend in a 2015 three quarter bend two tone Chacom UPO Rouge squashed tomato with a black acrylic stem and shank.

[JimInks]

Half way through this bowl of Jim’s C Blend in an early smooth Radice Tiger Eye G medium bend pipe with a bamboo-style carving on the shank.

[JimInks]

Just finished smoking D&R Rimboche A.B. in a 1980 three quarter bend long stem Ascorti New Dear KS egg.

[JimInks]

MacBaren Symphony in a slight bent black pattern etched 1979 Lorenzo Lorsan Sigma tilted top with a gray swirl colored stem.

[cpmcdill]

Frog Morton's Cellar in a Grabow

[JimInks]

St. James Flake in a small slight bend black sandblast 2000 D.R. Ardor Urano Ninfea Fatta A Mano author with a silver spigot military bit.

[JimInks]

Listing this early so I can concentrate on work for a while: Tilbury in a medium bend raw sienna toned early Radice sandblast egg with bamboo craving on the shank.

[Cool Breeze]

Giving the Peterson Irish Flake another try. I didn't want to just write it off after only one bowl, and after a long day today I wanted the Vitamin N hit that I knew it would provide.

I didn't hate it, but I'm still not won over either. Still on the fence.
However after 1/2 of a pretty large bowled pipe I am feeling the relaxing effects of the nicotine though. Or maybe that's the Jack and Coke. Whatever.

[JimInks]

A couple minutes away from smoking Brebbia Balkan in a 2002 Ser Jacopo Delecta Fatta A Mano R1 sandblast Rhodesian with a smooth extension at the shank.

[JimInks]

D&R Rowland Regular in a three quarter bend 1983 Jobey Danski 2 straight grain freehand rough top sitter.

[JimInks]

Flying Dutchman Match in a slight bend black sandblasted Lorenzo Elba Imperia 8636 with an amber colored acrylic stem.

[JimInks]

Just finished smoking Watch City Christmas Past 2014 in a 1978 smooth pointy bottom three quarter bend Sir Brent, shaped like a check mark.

[JimInks]

Time for a short smoke: Vincent Manil La Brumeuse Semois in a straight 2012 MM Pony Express cob.

[JimInks]

Troost Slices in an egg shaped medium bend smooth Burgundy colored 1985 Caminetto.

[JimInks]

Half way through this bowl of Velvan Plug in a 2002 IMP smooth full bend egg shaped meer.

[Emperor Zurg]

Peter Stokkebye Aromatic Dutch Sliced with a sprinkle of H&H Larry's Blend to smoky it up.

Amazing the difference the Larry's Blend made; The tiny sprinkle (maybe 10%) of LB TOTALLY concealed the flavor of the ADS. Tasted like not much more than a very weak version of LB. I enjoy both these blends but mixed it wasn't very good. Live and learn.

Could have been the pipe too. Smoked it in my glass bottom, semi churchwarden Country Gentleman. This pipe seems to tone down the flavor of certain blends... I'm not sure why.

[JimInks]

Condor Long Cut an undated fancy designed tall, thin bowl medium bend Waren Zeichen Viennese Coffeehouse Bombay clay with a white acrylic stem.

[JimInks]

Just finished smoking Castello Old Antiquari in a 2003 medium bent Ural meer with a lined and etched egg shaped bowl.

[JimInks]

Brebbia Balkan in a 1990s smooth Peterson Captain Pete XL80 bulldog. This will finish the sample.

[Alligator Gar]

I'm breaking in a new Meer with some C&D Big-n-Burley.
http://i.imgur.com/SaQCBk1.png
To those who think I'm smoking my wife's pipe because it has a flower on it, I'll have you know that is a tobacco flower and therefor fun for the whole family.

[JimInks]

The absolutely delicious Peter Heinrichs Curly Block in a 2002 black pebble finish straight Cavicchi C. Fatto A Mano Billiard.

[Bruck]

I'm breaking in a new Meer with some C&D Big-n-Burley.


How is it? I've been exploring burleys lately. Nice meer BTW.

[Bruck]

Burnin up some vintage 1993 Velvet in an MM General. Very nice!
Washing it down with a Hamms :)

http://ivyenvy.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/ham-0011.jpg

[cpmcdill]

Home made English Blend in a Grabow

[Alligator Gar]

C&D Pirate Kake in an unfinished Savinelli. Campfire with a ristra thrown on it.

[Cool Breeze]

Fvf

[Alligator Gar]

How is it? I've been exploring burleys lately. Nice meer BTW.

I've been doing the same. I like it. I've also got #1,2 and 4 C&D Burley Flake and I like 4 all right. Also tried Old Joe Krantz in a small cob this weekend and thought well of it. You interested in trying some burleys? I've got plenty.

[JimInks]

Part way through this bowl of 2012 Anniversary Kake in a smooth 1981 Century full bend natural egg.

[Lynn]

hunters blend tonight

[c.ortiz108]

G&H Louisiana Flake, courtesy of tmoran. I was expecting more of a tonquin/bourbon flavor from the casing it's supposed to have. I need to try another bowl to judge it on it's own merits now that I know it's more of a straight up VaPer.

[Cool Breeze]

Currently smoking a concoction I mixed up.

There's some cheap cherry cavendish from Walgreens, some Paladin black cherry and some straight virginia.

It's pretty good, if you like cherry blends. ( I do sometimes )

[JimInks]

Listing this a few minutes early: D&R Rowland Regular in a 1988 smooth full bend Peterson System Standard XL 315. I'll have enough left for one more bowl.

[Cool Breeze]

For the last bowl of the night, Samuel Gawith Navy Flake.
Man, I love this stuff.

[JimInks]

Edward G. Robinson's Pipe Blend in a 1982 black sandblasted paneled slight bend Savinelli flat bottom sitter.

[JimInks]

About half way through this bowl of Jim's Va/Bur #1 in the first pipe Trever Talbot made when he went to France many years ago. It's a smooth straight Algerian briar Billiard bowl with a long Canadian stem, unbranded.

[JimInks]

Almost finished smoking Edgeworth Ready Rubbed Match in a 1978 smooth full bend Dr. Grabow Omega.

[JimInks]

Couple minutes away from smoking the last of my stash of Solani Blue 369 in a 2002 IMP smooth full bend egg shaped meer.

[BryGuySC]

(From last night)
Samuel Gawith Navy Flake in a 1960s Barling.

[JimInks]

Just finishing Sergeant Miller’s Inker’s Mixture in a 1970s slight bend black sandblasted Comoy's Silver Cloud 624 sitter.

[JimInks]

Watch City Christmas Past 2014 in a 1978 smooth pointy bottom three quarter bend Sir Brent, shaped like a check mark.

[Aguineapig]

D&R Rimboche S.J. in a straight 5th avenue cob. Such a nice, affordable blend. develops in the bowl just like a VA should, and man that Perique is smooooooth.

[JimInks]

2012 Orlik Golden Sliced in a 1984 black sandblasted straight Dunhill Shell 4103 Billiard.

[JimInks]

MacBaren Symphony in a slight bent black pattern etched 1979 Lorenzo Lorsan Sigma tilted top with a gray swirl colored stem.

[NeverBend]

G&H Louisiana Flake, courtesy of @tmoran (http://www.cigarbum.com/forum/members/tmoran.html). I was expecting more of a tonquin/bourbon flavor from the casing it's supposed to have. I need to try another bowl to judge it on it's own merits now that I know it's more of a straight up VaPer.

Hi Chico,

Louisiana Flake isn't cased, it has a top sauce and the difference between the two methods is pretty substantial. Casing is the infusing or processing of tobacco with aroma(s) while top saucing is adding a scent to a (mostly) finished tobacco.

Top sauces burn off during smoking with some affect to the aroma while casing is an integral part of the tobacco so that the aroma is heavily noted. You might say that casing is an attempt to make the tobacco smoke like it smells while top saucing attempts to add a flavor note.

Tonquin, like coumarin, is an extract of the tonka bean and, in my experience (McConnell) it’s a stand alone saucing agent. Specific companies tend to use one or the other. McConnell and Sobranie used a coumarin based solution, generally without other scents. 1792 Flake is sauced (pretty heavily) with tonquin but I don’t detect it in Louisiana Flake (a favorite tobacco of mine).

It’s nearly impossible to miss the casing in a tobacco while top sauce detection seems to be based on the individual. I seem to have a threshold, below which I’m only vaguely aware of it and above I smell it more intensely but some smokers smell any top sauce.

Pete

[c.ortiz108]

Hi Chico,

Louisiana Flake isn't cased, it has a top sauce and the difference between the two methods is pretty substantial. Casing is the infusing or processing of tobacco with aroma(s) while top saucing is adding a scent to a (mostly) finished tobacco.

Top sauces burn off during smoking with some affect to the aroma while casing is an integral part of the tobacco so that the aroma is heavily noted. You might say that casing is an attempt to make the tobacco smoke like it smells while top saucing attempts to add a flavor note.

Tonquin, like coumarin, is an extract of the tonka bean and, in my experience (McConnell) it’s a stand alone saucing agent. Specific companies tend to use one or the other. McConnell and Sobranie used a coumarin based solution, generally without other scents. 1792 Flake is sauced (pretty heavily) with tonquin but I don’t detect it in Louisiana Flake (a favorite tobacco of mine).

It’s nearly impossible to miss the casing in a tobacco while top sauce detection seems to be based on the individual. I seem to have a threshold, below which I’m only vaguely aware of it and above I smell it more intensely but some smokers smell any top sauce.

Pete


Thanks - very informative. I didn't know any of that, and thought topping and casing were interchangeable terms. So far straight VAs, VaPers etc. are just too subtle for me, and it's the Oriental/Latakias I'm appreciating most. I'm going to give LA Flake another try soon. In fact, maybe I'll smoke a few VA blends in a row to try to figure them out better.

So is there a difference between the coumarin and tonquin flavors, considering they come from the same bean? And which McConnell blend(s) use it?

[JimInks]

Part way through this bowl of Peter Stokkebye Nougat in a 1975 medium bend sandblasted looking, smooth on the sides yellow Pioneer meer.

[NeverBend]

Thanks - very informative. I didn't know any of that, and thought topping and casing were interchangeable terms. So far straight VAs, VaPers etc. are just too subtle for me, and it's the Oriental/Latakias I'm appreciating most. I'm going to give LA Flake another try soon. In fact, maybe I'll smoke a few VA blends in a row to try to figure them out better.

So is there a difference between the coumarin and tonquin flavors, considering they come from the same bean? And which McConnell blend(s) use it?

I don’t believe that you were alone in thinking that casing and top sauce are interchangeable terms. The difference can be illustrated by burley that readily accepts flavors and is the base for most aromatics and virginia that doesn’t (readily) accept flavors and in consequence is usually top sauced instead.

This is a great explanation of coumarin: Coumarin wiki (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coumarin)

I don’t know how tonquin is derived but I assume it to be a different method from coumarin, perhaps not an extract but rather a ground part of the tonka bean made into a solution.

I notice tonquin far more than I notice coumarin or possibly it’s used more liberally. I found that in McConnell and Sobranie mixtures the coumarin enhanced the natural aromas and added a binding faint sweetness that tastes integral to the leaf rather than artificially added. The result is a smooth, rich smoke and I doubt that anyone will duplicate the classic mixtures from these companies without using coumarin. McConnell and Sobranie used the best leaf and knew how to use coumarin as a top sauce to great effect.

I don’t know of any company that still uses coumarin. McConnell used it until they closed in 1989 but I don’t know about Sobranie. McConnell made their own line, Rattray’s, (my brand) Elephant & Castle, Ehrlich’s, Charatan and others. Some of these marques have been made by Kohlhase in Germany since 1989 but without coumarin (evident in the first German tin of Red Rapparee that I tried). Not all McConnell made mixtures used coumarin, but most of the English and Balkans were sauced with it.

Coumarin mixtures seem to age well, at least for a time, but the underlying tobacco may not. Tobacco packed under pressure ages faster than when packed loose. Latakia loses potency quicker than virginia, so very old latakia mixtures packed under pressure, like the 50-gram Sobranie #759 (black) start going downhill (imo) after about 8 years. It’s possible that coumarin actually degrades the tobacco and certainly McConnell and Sobranie didn’t make mixtures in the 1980s with the expectation that they’d be stored for many years.

I smoked hundreds of tins of McConnell (and Sobranie) so if coumarin is dangerous I’d probably have already grown another head.

I think it’s very normal to prefer latakia mixtures in the first years of smoking, it’s a big and direct flavor and they’re generally more forgiving with things like a tight pack than virginia. Flakes are a little more difficult to become comfortable in smoking but it’s nothing more than practice.

Pete

[JimInks]

Almost finished smoking G&H Rich Dark Honeydew in a straight 2014 MM Pride Legend.

[JimInks]

Dunhill My Mixture BB1938 in a full bend black pebble finish 2001 Rinaldo Lithos YY8 Titania Silver Line egg. Running low on this blend now.

[JimInks]

D&R Ryback in a 1970s smooth medium bend Stanwell Rego 969-48 Design Choice 837 sitter with a vulcanite stem and ferrule.

[NeverBend]

2000 Rattray's Red Raparee in a (late) 1940s Barling's Make Ye Olde Wood EXEXEL #251 Fossil (sandblast) taper billiard.

Took this bad boy out of the cobwebs and I should do it more often.

Paul Desmond, Take Ten playing very cool man, water with ice and some pasta salad.

[Cool Breeze]

Early Morning Pipe in a MM Hardwood

[JimInks]

Part way through this bowl of the best durn tobacco made today: Strang in a 2003 smooth medium bent straight grain Ardor Venere Extra signed by Dorelio Rovera Dublin.

[Cool Breeze]

Almost done with a bowl of St. James Flake in a cob

[Alligator Gar]

Sitting in a rocking chair in downtown Raleigh smoking a bowl of Chelsea Morning in the Vauen.

[Bruck]

I've been doing the same. I like it. I've also got #1,2 and 4 C&D Burley Flake and I like 4 all right. Also tried Old Joe Krantz in a small cob this weekend and thought well of it. You interested in trying some burleys? I've got plenty.

Might be fun to do a little swappin. You might be interested in some homemade flake perhaps, or some of the vintage stuff I've been nabbing on e-bay. I"ll PM you.

[Alligator Gar]

Might be fun to do a little swappin. You might be interested in some homemade flake perhaps, or some of the vintage stuff I've been nabbing on e-bay. I"ll PM you.

Definitely need to do this.

[JimInks]

About a third of the way through this bowl of Saint Bruno Flake in a 2003 IMP horn Meer.

[BryGuySC]

Rattray's Hal O' the Wynd in a cob while working on the ol' bike - trying to get the front wheel ready to go.

[JimInks]

The last of my stash of D&R Rowland Regular in a 1988 smooth full bend Peterson System Standard XL 315.

[JimInks]

Listing this a few minutes early: FVF in a 2014 Savinelli Gaius smooth brown slight bend black acrylic stem and ferrule 320KS author.

[JimInks]

Almost half way through this bowl of Edward G. Robinson's Pipe Blend in a 2014 Basil Meadows smooth slight bend squashed tomato with an aluminum band and a black pearl acrylic stem.

[JimInks]

Almost finished smoking Edgeworth Ready Rubbed Match in a 1979 straight smooth Dr. Grabow Grand Duke 45 pot.

[JimInks]

Heine's Blend in the very first pipe I ever bought ($2.49) in 1974; a smooth three quarter bend Dr. Grabow Omega. An under rated OTC.

[JimInks]

Amphora Brown in a 1990s slight bend black Sasieni 4 Dot Ruff Root Dark 4 Dublin.

[NeverBend]

2015 Gawith Hoggarth Bright CR Flake in a 2000s Ser Jacopo Picta #23, smooth oval shank, taper billiard with filigree silver band.

[Emperor Zurg]

Drying out some GL Pease Gaslight. A very nice tobacco IMO

[c.ortiz108]

I don’t believe that you were alone in thinking that casing and top sauce are interchangeable terms. The difference can be illustrated by burley that readily accepts flavors and is the base for most aromatics and virginia that doesn’t (readily) accept flavors and in consequence is usually top sauced instead.

This is a great explanation of coumarin: Coumarin wiki (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coumarin)

I don’t know how tonquin is derived but I assume it to be a different method from coumarin, perhaps not an extract but rather a ground part of the tonka bean made into a solution.

I notice tonquin far more than I notice coumarin or possibly it’s used more liberally. I found that in McConnell and Sobranie mixtures the coumarin enhanced the natural aromas and added a binding faint sweetness that tastes integral to the leaf rather than artificially added. The result is a smooth, rich smoke and I doubt that anyone will duplicate the classic mixtures from these companies without using coumarin. McConnell and Sobranie used the best leaf and knew how to use coumarin as a top sauce to great effect.

I don’t know of any company that still uses coumarin. McConnell used it until they closed in 1989 but I don’t know about Sobranie. McConnell made their own line, Rattray’s, (my brand) Elephant & Castle, Ehrlich’s, Charatan and others. Some of these marques have been made by Kohlhase in Germany since 1989 but without coumarin (evident in the first German tin of Red Rapparee that I tried). Not all McConnell made mixtures used coumarin, but most of the English and Balkans were sauced with it.

Coumarin mixtures seem to age well, at least for a time, but the underlying tobacco may not. Tobacco packed under pressure ages faster than when packed loose. Latakia loses potency quicker than virginia, so very old latakia mixtures packed under pressure, like the 50-gram Sobranie #759 (black) start going downhill (imo) after about 8 years. It’s possible that coumarin actually degrades the tobacco and certainly McConnell and Sobranie didn’t make mixtures in the 1980s with the expectation that they’d be stored for many years.

I smoked hundreds of tins of McConnell (and Sobranie) so if coumarin is dangerous I’d probably have already grown another head.

I think it’s very normal to prefer latakia mixtures in the first years of smoking, it’s a big and direct flavor and they’re generally more forgiving with things like a tight pack than virginia. Flakes are a little more difficult to become comfortable in smoking but it’s nothing more than practice.

Pete

Thanks, Pete - another really interesting post. I tried a search on TR for blends with coumarin and they don't even have it as a category. Only about 10 have tonquin, and most of those are SG or GH.

What's your opinion of the K&K versions of the McConnell blends? Do they hold a candle, or even have similar flavor profiles? I've only had the Original Oriental and it's one of my favorite tobaccos so far (out of the merely dozen or so I've tried).

I was really interested to read about Elephant & Castle and your posts about it in a thread I found on another forum. Are you still blending, and do you have any recommendations that might be along the lines what E&C produced? Sounds like some pretty amazing blends!

Another reason I like latakias is that my dad smoked them, so to me it's what pipe tobacco is "supposed" to be. I've always liked smoky stuff in general, like Islay whiskies, smoked cheeses etc. My burley and VA uncertainties might be party due to being a former cigarette smoker. The VA I've enjoyed most so far was Firedance Flake, which is odd since I thought I didn't like strong aros.

(Sorry for threadjacking guys, but I wasn't sure what kind of new thread to start since we're touching on a lot of topics here - hope nobody minds).

[JimInks]

MacBaren Virginia #1 in a late '90s half smooth/half etched freehand sitter, medium bend Nielsen Viggo.

[JimInks]

Just finished smoking Jim’s C Blend in a smooth medium bend straight grain 2001 Karl Erik Ekstravagant brandy with a leaf engraved silver band. Next is St. James Flake in a straight sandblasted pre-transition Barling Exel 249 Fossil T.V.F. black billiard with a silver band and military bit.

[NeverBend]

Thanks, Pete - another really interesting post. I tried a search on TR for blends with coumarin and they don't even have it as a category. Only about 10 have tonquin, and most of those are SG or GH.

What's your opinion of the K&K versions of the McConnell blends? Do they hold a candle, or even have similar flavor profiles? I've only had the Original Oriental and it's one of my favorite tobaccos so far (out of the merely dozen or so I've tried).

I was really interested to read about Elephant & Castle and your posts about it in a thread I found on another forum. Are you still blending, and do you have any recommendations that might be along the lines what E&C produced? Sounds like some pretty amazing blends!

Another reason I like latakias is that my dad smoked them, so to me it's what pipe tobacco is "supposed" to be. I've always liked smoky stuff in general, like Islay whiskies, smoked cheeses etc. My burley and VA uncertainties might be party due to being a former cigarette smoker. The VA I've enjoyed most so far was Firedance Flake, which is odd since I thought I didn't like strong aros.

(Sorry for threadjacking guys, but I wasn't sure what kind of new thread to start since we're touching on a lot of topics here - hope nobody minds).

Hi Chico,

I'll answer you in a new thread.

I opened a tin of Samuel Gawith 1792 Flake from 2000. Still has a big tonquin nose although not as bright as when new.

smoking now...
2000 Samuel Gawith 1792 Flake in a 1930s Barling's Make Ye Olde Wood saddle billiard (group 4 size).

smoked before...
2015 Orilik Golden Sliced in an April 1983 Ser Jacopo Gemma Granato taper stout billiard with an engraved gold and silver band.

Pete

[JimInks]

SPC Mississippi River in a 2003 medium bent Ural meer with a lined and etched egg shaped bowl.

[JimInks]

Skipper’s Flake in a post WW2 Pre-Republic Peterson Dublin straight smooth X155 Bulldog with a sterling silver band. Starting to run low on this now.

[JimInks]

Having a short smoke:Vincent Manil La Brumeuse Semois in a straight 2012 MM Pony Express cob.

[Alligator Gar]

GH Balkan Mixture in a GBD Clubhouse. Also scored a bag of Stonehaven from Pipes by George in Raleigh this morning. Great shop and great guy. Sad I didn't have time to accept his invitation to smoke a bowl with him.

[JimInks]

MacBaren Burley London Blend in a 2001 black sandblasted three quarter bend Rinaldo Lithos YY bulldog with an amber colored stem.

[NeverBend]

2015 McClelland #2010 in a 1982 Ser Jacopo Gemma Rubino canadian. Ice water, Bela Fleck and the Flecktones, finishing up The She Wolf on a lovely night.

Yanks lost 2-1, Mets won 8-6.

Matt Harvey threw 88 pitches, 64 for strikes, left leading 8-0. His pitching line: 7-2-0-0-0-6. Dazzling.
Four relievers made a game of it so that Familia got a save! Their combined line: 2-8-6-6-2-2. Ugh.

[JimInks]

Edward G. Robinson's Pipe Blend in a 2014 Basil Meadows smooth slight bend squashed tomato with an aluminum band and a black pearl acrylic stem.

[JimInks]

2011 Villiger Maryland No. 333 in a 2004 smooth long stem Canadian Trever Talbot Ligne Bretagne Faite en Bretagne 4/3.

[Cool Breeze]

Frog Morton Cellar in a cob

[JimInks]

Listing this a few minutes early: Tilbury in a medium bend raw sienna toned early Radice sandblast egg with bamboo craving on the shank.

[JimInks]

HU Nashville County in a smooth 1979 Chippendale (Charatan second) Rhodesian 49. Have enough for about three bowls.

[JimInks]

Old Dark Fired in a smooth medium bend post-WW2 Pre-Republic Peterson Shamrock Killarney 9BC with a sterling silver band.

[JimInks]

About half way through this bowl of Edgeworth Ready Rubbed Match in a medium bend 2002 MM Legend cob.

[JimInks]

Just finished smoking D&R Vengeur Regular in a smooth 1998 Parker 489 three quarter bend Billiard.

Post up, you smokers! Help a Maytag repair smoker out.

[JimInks]

Just finished smoking 2012 Orlik Golden Sliced in a 1984 black sandblasted straight Dunhill Shell 4103 Billiard.

[JimInks]

Just finished smoking Jim's Half Va., Half Burley w/Per in a 1970s slight bend Caminetto business 134 poker with a gold acrylic stem.

[JimInks]

Now smoking John Barrett’s Burley Blend in a smooth slight bend 2015 John Barrett long shank poker. Just got the pipe and tobacco!

[JimInks]

Just finished smoking Jim's Va/Bur #1 in a 2003 smooth full bend, gold banded 3 Star Ferndown Tudor Root.

[JimInks]

In the middle of a short smoke: Vincent Manil La Brumeuse Semois in a straight 2012 MM Pony Express cob.

[pdq_wizzard]

Pulled the cable provider about a year ago, so going old / new school. Going to listen to the debate over the radio on my smartphone. And enjoy some. ..

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/08/06/3fe5f0aaafe475c8c1a7e7bbe876a0f7.jpg

sent from my bag phone

[JimInks]

Part way through this bowl of 2012 Anniversary Kake in a smooth 1981 Century full bend natural egg.

[cpmcdill]

Moonshine Pipe Co XXX Blend in a WDC Wellington Jumbo

[pdq_wizzard]

On to some ....

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/08/06/bb55782bf8691dfb4e3ee1ac8d108cf6.jpg

sent from my bag phone

[JimInks]

Half way through this bowl of MacBaren Burley London Blend in a 2015 three quarter bend two tone Chacom UPO Rouge squashed tomato with a black acrylic stem and shank.

[Alligator Gar]

The Balkan Sobranie in an unfinished Sav, This pipe is turning nut-brown.

[JimInks]

Skipper’s Flake in a post WW2 Pre-Republic Peterson Dublin straight smooth X155 Bulldog with a sterling silver band. Running low on this blend.

[Cool Breeze]

St. James Flake in a cob

You probably think I only own 3-4 different tobaccos because I post the same ones over and over here. :pipe:

I tend to get on a certain kick and ride the hell out of it. :)

[JimInks]

Just finished smoking Angler's Dream in a slight bend 1984 Stanwell Antique 124 grain etched with a smooth front.

[JimInks]

Edward G. Robinson's Pipe Blend in a 1982 black sandblasted paneled slight bend Savinelli flat bottom sitter.

[JimInks]

McClelland Top Hat in a 1982 near full bend egg shaped Ascorti Business KS with a black ferrule and saddle stem. Running low on this blend now.

[El Whedo]

OK.

So, last night at the "debate" I was smoking Drama Reserve. This little weed in a polyester suit with a name tag keeps telling me that I can't smoke at the podium. I told him to chill, and I would be done quickly as I only had one plank in my platform: Everyone Gets Bacon.

Well, the little weed wouldn't stop whining, so I switched to Full Virginia Flake and really started to fog the place up whilst slamming shots of VO.

Like I said, My platform had but one plank: Everyone Gets Bacon, but they sure weren't gonna let me say it. Especially Donny. He interrupted me every time I even thought about opening my mouth.

So I had a few more shots.

Then I went home and had more shots and a bowl of Homborger Veermaster in a MM cob with a forever stem. Then, a few more shots.

I woke up this morning hung over, but a bowl of St James Flake in a Falcon during my morning commute up the mountain to work helped a lot.

[JimInks]

Just finishing this bowl of Sergeant Miller’s Inker’s Mixture in a 1970s slight bend black sandblasted Comoy's Silver Cloud 624 sitter.

[JimInks]

Peacehaven in a 2014 smooth quarter bend Basil Meadows horn with a cumberland stem and p-lip.

[Aguineapig]

Engine #99 in the Country gent with lucite stem. This pipe is getting more and more loved as I'm finding the lat blends smoking good in it.

[JimInks]

John Barrett’s Burley Blend in a smooth slight bend 2015 John Barrett long shank poker.

[JimInks]

Straight Cut Plug Burley in an undated (1970s?) unbranded straight paneled sandblasted Tanshell Dunhill second.

[JimInks]

G&H Brown Irish Sweet Chocolate Rose in a 2002 IMP smooth full bend egg shaped meer.

[bluenoser]

Bald headed teacher in the old MM Ozark

[JimInks]

Troost Slices in an egg shaped medium bend smooth Burgundy colored 1985 Caminetto. Have enough left for a couple more bowls.

[cpmcdill]

C&D Habana Daydream in a WDC Wellington Jumbo

[JimInks]

2012 Anniversary Kake in a 2014 John Barrett smooth short shank slight bend olive wood poker.

[Bruck]

St. James Flake in a cob

You probably think I only own 3-4 different tobaccos because I post the same ones over and over here. :pipe:

I tend to get on a certain kick and ride the hell out of it. :)

Most pipe smokers (not us geeks) smoke one brand and one brand only. They'll get a can of Captain Black for example, and smoke that exclusively, and then when that can is empty, they get another can.

[Bruck]

OK.

So, last night at the "debate" I was smoking Drama Reserve. This little weed in a polyester suit with a name tag keeps telling me that I can't smoke at the podium. I told him to chill, and I would be done quickly as I only had one plank in my platform: Everyone Gets Bacon.

Well, the little weed wouldn't stop whining, so I switched to Full Virginia Flake and really started to fog the place up whilst slamming shots of VO.

Like I said, My platform had but one plank: Everyone Gets Bacon, but they sure weren't gonna let me say it. Especially Donny. He interrupted me every time I even thought about opening my mouth.

So I had a few more shots.

Then I went home and had more shots and a bowl of Homborger Veermaster in a MM cob with a forever stem. Then, a few more shots.

I woke up this morning hung over, but a bowl of St James Flake in a Falcon during my morning commute up the mountain to work helped a lot.

I wish I had a nickel for every time that happened to me :)

[BryGuySC]

Ten minutes into what was shaping up to be a wonderful pipeful of Samuel Gawith Navy Flake, the bottom dropped out of the sky and I got rained out. :(

[Bruck]

Smoking some homemade flake in a Nordling Rustic. This flake is from last summer, one of my early forays into flake fab. It started out as some topped VA that our friend Tobias Lutz sent me, plus some additional VA and burley plus some of my own flavoring. It's okay, but like I say, one of my early concoctions.

As an aside... we're in the process of getting the floors redone on the main floor of our house - replacing cheap contractor carpet with some nice hardwood (stranded bamboo - harder than diamond). So we have to move furniture back and forth like a giant thumb puzzle while the flooring guy works in different sections. The other day I had to empty my tobacco cabinet which held about 40 jars of various sizes, each with a different blend, including many I had forgotten about, and most with an inch or less in the bottom. So I'm concentrating on using up the remnants, including the flake I'm smoking right now.

[Cool Breeze]

Most pipe smokers (not us geeks) smoke one brand and one brand only. They'll get a can of Captain Black for example, and smoke that exclusively, and then when that can is empty, they get another can.

I haven't really thought about that, but I reckon it makes sense.
Most cigarette smokers smoke the same cigs every day.

I like a little variety in life though. :pipe:

[Cool Breeze]

Escudo in a cob for me tonight.

Haven't decided yet if it will be my only bowl of the evening or not.

[JimInks]

Dunhill My Mixture BB1938 in a 2002 Ser Jacopo Delecta Fatta A Mano R1 sandblast Rhodesian with a smooth extension at the shank. Have enough for about three bowls.

[JimInks]

Listing this early so I can concentrate on work for a while: Skipper’s Flake in a post WW2 Pre-Republic Peterson Dublin straight smooth X155 Bulldog with a sterling silver band. Have enough left for a bowl or so.

[JimInks]

Listing this early: Tilbury in a three quarter bend 1983 Jobey Danski 2 straight grain freehand rough top sitter.

[JimInks]

MacBaren Navy Flake in a 1981 Ascorti Black Billiard Business with a military bit.

[Tobias Lutz]

Some 1982 Deerstalker in a Dr. Grabow straight, smooth Patriot.

Thanks again, NeverBend

[Alligator Gar]

OK.

So, last night at the "debate" I was smoking Drama Reserve. This little weed in a polyester suit with a name tag keeps telling me that I can't smoke at the podium. I told him to chill, and I would be done quickly as I only had one plank in my platform: Everyone Gets Bacon.

Well, the little weed wouldn't stop whining, so I switched to Full Virginia Flake and really started to fog the place up whilst slamming shots of VO.

Like I said, My platform had but one plank: Everyone Gets Bacon, but they sure weren't gonna let me say it. Especially Donny. He interrupted me every time I even thought about opening my mouth.

So I had a few more shots.

Then I went home and had more shots and a bowl of Homborger Veermaster in a MM cob with a forever stem. Then, a few more shots.

I woke up this morning hung over, but a bowl of St James Flake in a Falcon during my morning commute up the mountain to work helped a lot.

Sounds like you had drama in reserve.

[Alligator Gar]

Started today with a little Flor de Rafael Gonzalez and gently transitioned to a meer full of SG Brown No. 4 Finest Kendall Twist.

[Aguineapig]

Troost Aromatic Cavendish in a MM Legend w/ lucite stem. I like this, it's similar to Virginia #1, but the cavendish adds a little extra sweetness, burns very nice.

[Alligator Gar]

Continuing the gentle transition of cigar to pipe with GH Dark Plug Unscented. Sliced razor thin and folded into a wide Posella.

http://i.imgur.com/DEHA6x7.png

[JimInks]

Starting off my smoking day with Troost Slices in an egg shaped medium bend smooth Burgundy colored 1985 Caminetto. Have just enough for one more bowl.

[JimInks]

2012 Orlik Golden Sliced in a 1984 black sandblasted straight Dunhill Shell 4103 Billiard.

[JimInks]

Grousemoor in an undated fancy designed tall, thin bowl medium bend Waren Zeichen Viennese Coffeehouse Bombay clay with a white acrylic stem.

[Alligator Gar]

In keeping with today's cigar leaf theme, I'm enjoying a bowl of John Patton's Spyglass in a Grabow Westbrook.

http://i.imgur.com/K11L51b.png

[GWBowman]

In keeping with today's cigar leaf theme, I'm enjoying a bowl of John Patton's Spyglass in a Grabow Westbrook.

http://i.imgur.com/K11L51b.png

Wow! at the grain on that one!

[JimInks]

Now smoking the best durn tobacco made today: Strang in a 2003 smooth medium bent straight grain Ardor Venere Extra signed by Dorelio Rovera Dublin.

[El Whedo]

I've been too lazy to clean my pipes the last few days, but haven't been willing to go without a smoke, so today has been cobs, and the Falcon.

I had PA in a cob this morning after breakfast, out on the porch. Then a bowl of Firedance in a cob on the porch in the late morning. Lastly, a bowl of St James Flake in a Falcon as I did the workday commute up the mountain this early afternoon.

[NeverBend]

In keeping with today's cigar leaf theme, I'm enjoying a bowl of John Patton's Spyglass in a Grabow Westbrook.

http://i.imgur.com/K11L51b.png

Evening Jim,

Did you restore this pipe? Best looking Grabow (to me) that I've ever seen, nasty nice Liverpool and I think it has some age. Can you show a pic the bowl top and nomenclature?

[Cool Breeze]

Captain Black White and Carter Hall mixed 50/50 in a cob.

Getting my aromatic fix. I'll be good for the next month now. :pipe:

[JimInks]

Just finished smoking Peter Stokkebye Nougat in a 1975 medium bend sandblasted looking, smooth on the sides yellow Pioneer meer.

[JimInks]

Vincent Manil La Brumeuse Semois in a straight 2012 MM Pony Express cob.

[Haebar]

Smoking some Peterson St. Patricks Day 2015 in my Captain Black billiard.

[JimInks]

Skipper’s Flake in a post WW2 Pre-Republic Peterson Dublin straight smooth X155 Bulldog with a sterling silver band. Have enough left for one more bowl.

[Alligator Gar]

Evening Jim,

Did you restore this pipe? Best looking Grabow (to me) that I've ever seen, nasty nice Liverpool and I think it has some age. Can you show a pic the bowl top and nomenclature?

Pete,
This pipe is mysterious. I would love to know more about it. I'll make a new post so we don't hijack WDYST.

[Alligator Gar]

George,
I'm going to make a post about it as it's a bit of a mystery to me. I've made a couple imgur albums, as the picture today doesn't do it justice.

[Cool Breeze]

FVF in my Standing Savinelli.

[JimInks]

Listing this a few minutes early: half a bowl of Saint Bruno Flake in a 2002 IMP smooth full bend egg shaped meer. This will finish my open stash.

[JimInks]

Dunhill My Mixture BB1938 in a 2002 Ser Jacopo Delecta Fatta A Mano R1 sandblast Rhodesian with a smooth extension at the shank. Have enough for one more bowl.

[JimInks]

Listing this a couple minutes early: Edward G. Robinson's Pipe Blend in a 1982 black sandblasted paneled slight bend Savinelli flat bottom sitter.

[TreySC]

Tried a bowl of McClelland 2015 last night and couldn't get it to work right. Tried Dunhill early morning today it was a little more successful but I definitely need to work on my technique.

[Cool Breeze]

Last bowl of the night (probably).

SG Navy Flake in a cob.

[JimInks]

Almost finished smoking Edgeworth Ready Rubbed Match in a medium bend 2002 MM Legend cob.

[JimInks]

MacBaren Symphony in a slight bent black pattern etched 1979 Lorenzo Lorsan Sigma tilted top with a gray swirl colored stem.

[BryGuySC]

Had a nice bowl of Samuel Gawith Navy Flake while tearing down my brakes. Of course, I have to order more parts. :blue:

[JimInks]

Amphora Brown in a 1990s slight bend black Sasieni 4 Dot Ruff Root Dark 4 Dublin.

[JimInks]

The last of this tin of Troost Slices in an egg shaped medium bend smooth Burgundy colored 1985 Caminetto. Sure did enjoy it.

[NeverBend]

2015 McClelland #2010 in a 1979 Mastro de Paja 2B part sandblasted, FULL bent, oval shank coke can billiard.

To be specific, the shank of this pipe angles ever so slightly upwards and the bit slightly downwards near the button so that the airway 'wiggles' just a bit but it's level from bowl to bit, however, for me this is a FULL bent. :)

Sitting outside on a magnificent day doing much needed smoking pipe maintenance.

[Tobias Lutz]

Some Penzance in a 1983 BC Millesime

[JimInks]

Just finished smoking Jim's Evolving Work Blend in a smooth 1976 Canadian GBD Seventy Six 256.

[JimInks]

About half way through this bowl of G&H Dark Flake Unscented in a 2013 bent MM Missouri Pride Legend.

[JimInks]

St. James Flake in a straight sandblasted pre-transition Barling Exel 249 Fossil T.V.F. black billiard with a silver band and military bit.

[NeverBend]

Still tying to figure out how to post images from my Chrome book &/or from Tapatalk.

2000 Samuel Gawith 1792 Flake in a 1982 See Jacopo Gemma Rubino.

Started a thread to test sending image with Tapatalk. The pic shows the lovely plume that this tobacco acquired in it's 15 year hibernation.

Sent from my Dragon Touch M10X using Tapatalk

[JimInks]

Just finished smoking Dunhill My Mixture BB1938 in a 2002 Ser Jacopo Delecta Fatta A Mano R1 sandblast Rhodesian with a smooth extension at the shank.

[JimInks]

2007 MacBaren Matured Virginia in a slight bend 2013 MM Pride cob.

[JimInks]

Peter Heinrichs Curly Block in a 2002 black pebble finish straight Cavicchi C. Fatto A Mano Billiard.

[NeverBend]

2015 Gawith Hoggarth Curly Cut deLuxe Sliced in a 1985 Ser Jacopo (Rowlette) saddle panel.

[bluenoser]

A bowl of CH in the unnamed pear wood

[Cool Breeze]

Well, earlier today, about 5:30 or 6:00 it was still close to 100 degrees but I was really in the mood for a bowl of tobacco. With the hot weather it just screamed "Virginia" so I rooted around in my tobacco looking for a good one.

I decided to treat myself and pulled out some 30+ year old MacBaren Virginia No. 1 that was graciously sent to me by Haebar a while back. I smoked it in a pre-Republic Peterson Shamrock (my dedicated VA/Vaper pipe).
I've been hoarding the stuff and forcing myself not to smoke it up too fast because I don't know when I'll get a chance to get my grubby little hands on some decades old tobacco again. I've still got 2-3 bowls left of it and you can bet I'll be hoarding it even more religiously.

Man it was good. Great Virginia flavors and so so smooth.
What a treat.

[Cool Breeze]

Now I'm nearly done with a bowl of SG Navy Flake. Can't get enough of this stuff either.

Man, so many great tobaccos, so little time to smoke them.

[JimInks]

The last of this tin of Skipper’s Flake in a post WW2 Pre-Republic Peterson Dublin straight smooth X155 Bulldog with a sterling silver band. A very enjoyable tobacco.

[JimInks]

Almost finished smoking Jim's Va/Bur #1 in a 2003 smooth Peterson Sherlock Holmes Series Baskerville.

[JimInks]

Holiday Excursion in a 2002 Ser Jacopo Delecta Fatta A Mano R1 sandblast Rhodesian with a smooth extension at the shank.

[JimInks]

Part way through this bowl of MacBaren Burley London Blend in a 2001 black sandblasted three quarter bend Rinaldo Lithos YY bulldog with an amber colored stem.

[JimInks]

Heine's Blend in the third pipe I ever bought ($1.95), a 1974 smooth straight French briar Hadley Apple.

[BryGuySC]

I've been hoarding the stuff and forcing myself not to smoke it up too fast because I don't know when I'll get a chance to get my grubby little hands on some decades old tobacco again. I've still got 2-3 bowls left of it and you can bet I'll be hoarding it even more religiously.

Me too! Exactly the same!

[JimInks]

Starting off my smoking day with 2012 Orlik Golden Sliced in a 1984 black sandblasted straight Dunhill Shell 4103 Billiard.

[JimInks]

About half way through this bowl of MacBaren Virginia #1 in a late '90s half smooth/half etched freehand sitter, medium bend Nielsen Viggo.

[JimInks]

Just finished smoking Jim's Test VaPer in a 2003 medium bent straight grain Two dot 2 P. Ardor Venere Extra Bucaneve with a silver ferrule signed by Dorelio Rovera.

[JimInks]

John Barrett’s Burley Blend in a smooth slight bend 2015 John Barrett long walnut shank rock maple poker.

[JimInks]

2011 SPC Mississippi River 1949 medium bend Dunhill Shell.

[Aguineapig]

5100 Red Cake this morning in a NOS German Dublin. Later, a half bowl of Red Odessa in a Kaywoodie panel, that I DGT'd after a few minutes till tomorrow morning.

[JimInks]

Almost finished smoking Jim’s C Blend in a smooth medium bend straight grain 2001 Karl Erik Ekstravagant brandy with a leaf engraved silver band.