I'm not really enjoying my pipe. Do you have any advice?
I'm sorry to hear you're not getting much enjoyment from smoking a pipe. I'll be the first to say that pipe smoking isn't for everyone. But if you're truly interested in the hobby, stick with it a little bit longer. As with other things in life, smoking a pipe is somewhat of an acquired taste and there are certain skills that only come with time and experience.
On the surface, it may seem foolish to "force" ourselves to continue with something we don't like at first. But many things in life take some "getting used to," and there's no shame in that. Then after periods of putting up with it, we suddenly realize we now like it and have "acquired the taste".
I confess that my own beginnings at pipe smoking weren't filled with much enjoyment. I had no one to teach me, and I was greatly frustrated by things like how to properly fill the bowl and keep my pipe lit. In addition, the tobacco flavor was terrible, and my tongue burned like a son of a gun. At one point, I was ready to throw in the towel. But I pressed on, and now fully enjoy my pipes.
Unfortunately, a large number of beginning pipe smokers quit within the first several months, long before they can actually learn to enjoy the hobby. There are numerous reasons for why folks give up the pipe, but a little perseverance to get through the initial learning curve, along with some friendly guidance, can really make a difference. So here are a few general suggestions and thoughts that may help you.
First, make sure you have a decent pipe. You don't need to spend a fortune, but you should have a quality pipe that smokes well enough to allow you to concentrate on enjoying the experience instead of struggle with the pipe. There are many excellent pipes out there, but for a beginner, I would suggest an inexpensive Savinelli, Big Ben, Paronelli, or Stanwell pipe. All of these companies make outstanding quality pipes in a range of styles and prices. They are excellent smoking pipes and some are available with filters, which is also great for beginners. (Filters trap moisture, which makes the pipe smoke drier and cooler and helps prevent tongue-bite. Filters also help remove tar and other impurities, which reduces some of the health risks associated with smoking.)
Second, make sure you have selected a decent tobacco to smoke. This may sound obvious, but many beginners (including me when I first started) start out by smoking "drug store" tobaccos. While some of these aren't too bad, they tend to be inferior in quality, resulting in a bland or downright nasty smoking experience. Spending a little extra on premium tobacco or professionally blended tobaccos can make a huge difference. Most beginners--and many old pros--prefer aromatic tobaccos. In general, aromatics are tobaccos that have a flavoring sauce, called a "casing," added to the tobacco. Some common flavorings are vanilla, cherry, caramel, rum, etc. These tobaccos often also have "top dressings" which make the aroma of the burning tobacco more pleasant. Even though these additives improve the smell and enhance the taste of the tobacco, they are not intended to eliminate the natural flavors of the tobacco itself.
For this reason, most aromatic tobaccos do not taste as good as they smell, at least not initially. This is something that often frustrates new smokers. The tobacco may smell delicious in the pouch and then when it is smoked, it can be very disappointing. Part of this can be attributed to the pipe, the smoking technique, and so on. But even aromatic tobaccos involve subtleties and take some getting used to. After all, we're smoking tobacco, not cherries or vanilla! Although some would mock the idea of learning to taste the subtleties in tobacco, I believe it is a valid concept. It's the same with food or wine, for example. There are differences that an inexperienced palate may not be able to discern or appreciate. But patience and diligence will yield worthwhile results.
As you press forward, it may also help to remember that pipe smoking is so much more than merely tasting the flavors and smelling the aromas. It's about history, friendship, and the art and craft of filling, lighting, tamping, and even collecting pipes. Pipe smoking should never be about "enduring" anything. If after trying, you simply cannot enjoy it, then stop. Pipe smoking is a gentle pleasure to be savored, not a burdensome task to be completed.
Pipe smoking is often called the "art of patience." While it's not rocket science, it does take a while to develop the basic skills and ability to appreciate the various aspects of the hobby. It may take some time and practice, but if you stick with it, you will learn to enjoy and even cherish this rich, peaceful art.
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