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

[c.ortiz108]

I have one really dumb question, and one that's a bit more legit:

1. (the really dumb one) Pipe tobacco doesn't have to "rest" before smoking like cigars, right, and is good to go ROTT?

2. I keep reading to "slow down". But when I slow down my pipe goes out. Admittedly I'm smoking a very damp Firedance Flake (courtesy of @Tobias Lutz , and the first aro I've actually really liked!). I rubbed it out instead of trying to smoke it "whole". Unless I pretty much continually lightly puff on it, I basically need to re-light for every puff. I've gone through almost a whole little box of matches!

[Nachman]

I have one really dumb question, and one that's a bit more legit:

1. (the really dumb one) Pipe tobacco doesn't have to "rest" before smoking like cigars, right, and is good to go ROTT?

2. I keep reading to "slow down". But when I slow down my pipe goes out. Admittedly I'm smoking a very damp Firedance Flake (courtesy of @Tobias Lutz , and the first aro I've actually really liked!). I rubbed it out instead of trying to smoke it "whole". Unless I pretty much continually lightly puff on it, I basically need to re-light for every puff. I've gone through almost a whole little box of matches!

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.

[c.ortiz108]

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.

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. I might try drying out a little next time.

[GWBowman]

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.