Resting a Briar Pipe

Is it really necessary to rest the briar between smokes?

Although I am not rigid about it, my own general practice and recommendation is to smoke only one bowl per pipe per day (although I don't smoke a pipe every day). I do not hold this view out of some strange allegiance to tradition or the so-called "rules" of pipe smoking. Instead, I believe allowing a pipe to "rest" or dry for at least twenty-four hours produces the best tasting smoke and provides the safest care for the pipe.

• If you choose to repeatedly smoke the same pipe on the same day, here are a couple general tips to help keep things tasting sweet and to protect your pipe from damage:
• If you must smoke the same pipe repeatedly, try to let it rest for at least an hour or two between smokes. That way the briar can "catch its breath," so to speak. The short rest period won't let the briar dry completely, but it will help reduce gurgling and nasty flavor during subsequent smokes. And run a pipe cleaner through the stem several times right after each smoke to absorb any standing moisture.
• Try smoking tobaccos that tend to burn drier and avoid multiple bowls if the weather conditions are particularly humid. Although moisture is an inevitable byproduct of combustion, these things help reduce moisture build-up after each smoke.

         Image source: ignatescu-manea.ro

The key is to avoid smoking an excessively wet or hot pipe. This is what causes stress to the wood. When the pipe gets too wet, you will know. The heel of the tobacco chamber will be soaked (not just damp) and the pipe will gurgle more than usual. Lots of moisture will also be present in the shank and stem. All of this will contribute to nasty tasting smoke, uncomfortable tongue bite, and excessive stress on the wood, which can potentially lead to cracks and such. At this point, it's time to set the pipe aside and let it rest for several days to ensure adequate drying.

Also if you smoke a pipe more than once in a day, the pipe will need special attention when cleaning. I recommend using a bristle pipe cleaner dipped in alcohol or pipe sweetener to really scrub the shank and stem after the day's worth of smoking. Of course, be sure to let the pipe cool completely before removing the stem. But if the pipe isn't thoroughly cleaned, it will sour more rapidly than normal due to the greater than normal build-up of tar and other residue.