Questions You Thought Were Too Dumb to Ask (Pipes Edition)

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Originally Posted by Nachman

Question 1: is not a dumb question at all. Many tobaccos improve with a little rest. Just put it in a canning jar and let it rest for a few days and it often improves the taste.
Question 2: Is there a question in there? With practice your technique and packing will improve and the pipe will go out less. Smoking slow improves flavour and prevents tongue bite, but I am a fine one to talk. I smoke like a freight train. I just tend to smoke tobacco that can stand hard puffing. Aeros and Virginias are prone to tongue bite and lighter tobaccos more than the stout, heavy ones. Most of what I smoke fall definitely into the heavy category so I don't get bit often.

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Thanks! So I take it "resting" tobacco is more to do with the tin being opened for the first time, rather than stabilizing humidity after travel like with cigars?

Ha, yeah I guess I didn't really get around to asking question 2.... With cigars the ideal is supposed to be to puff once or twice a minute. Is it the same with pipes, and is that even possible without constant relights? I did get tongue bite with that Firedance today. :p I might try drying out a little next time.

Most people say about once a minute. It could vary with the tobacco and the pipe. Getting it too hot can cause problems for the taste, the pipe and the tongue.

I take a soft puff every 10- 20 seconds, roughly.

It doesn't get hot, or go out often. I rarely dry pipe tobacco, but Firedance Flake comes really wet (as do most Sam Gawith tobacco's). You might benefit from some drying time on a paper plate.

what color should my pipe be after I smoke top hat?

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Originally Posted by Lynn

what color should my pipe be after I smoke top hat?

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Green so everyone else knows to be envious.

How many LBs should a man in his fifties cellar.

Depends on how much you smoke. I'd think more in terms of "years worth of tobacco" than in absolute weight.

Another factor to consider is how much room you'll have to store the tobacco.

Bulging tins. Good or bad?

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Originally Posted by Alligator Gar

Bulging tins. Good or bad?

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I'm no expert but I don't see how it could be good. Bulging would almost certainly increase the chances of the seal being comprimised.