I Am Not Enjoying My Pipe!

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.

         Image source: wunderbuzz.co.uk

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.

New Smoker Pipe Tobaccos

As a new smoker, what kind of tobacco should I try? Aromatics? English Blends?

One reason I love the pipe is that the experience is unlike any other form of smoking. It is all about the amazing smells and tastes. Of course, everyone's tastes are unique, and it can take time to develop a "skilled palate" that is capable of discerning the subtleties of the different tobaccos. But most pipe tobaccos are wonderfully delightful in their aromas and flavors.

Many new smokers prefer to start with aromatics because of the sweet flavors and the very pleasing smells often associated with aromatic tobaccos. Tobaccos are called "aromatic" because of the flavorings and syrups (called "casings" and "top dressings") that are used to give these tobaccos their wonderful flavors and room notes (a "room note" is the odor everyone smells when the pipe is burning).

            Image Source: briarandbean.com

I started with aromatics myself and still love them. But I want to mention that many of the difficulties that new smokers encounter are directly related to issues associated with aromatics. Things like excessive tongue bite, difficulty keeping the pipe lit, pipe "gurgle" and problems with "goop" in the pipe, etc. are very common with aromatics precisely because of the casings and top dressings that are used to give aromatic tobaccos their distinctive tastes and smells. Not all aromatics are created equal, and some do not suffer from these issues, but as a general rule they can be more difficult to smoke than English blends, Oriental blends, and all-natural tobaccos. In other words, there is certainly nothing "forbidden" about jumping directly to English/Oriental/Natural blends if one is inclined to do so. Feel free to experiment with the different tobaccos. You may be pleasantly surprised by varieties you never would have expected to enjoy.

Non-aromatic or so-called natural blends (English, Orientals, Virginias, Burleys, etc.) can also be mild, but the tobacco flavors are much more pronounced and are not disguised by any added flavorings. These tobaccos tend to have tastes that many describe as woody, leathery, spicy, or peppery, although they surely are not limited to these flavor profiles. Even though conventional wisdom may tell you to start with an aromatic, if a more natural tobacco flavor appeals to you, by all means try an English blend to see how it suits you.

Even though starting with a non-aromatic tobacco is completely acceptable, I do recommend trying a mild English before jumping into to something with heavy amounts of Latakia or Perique. Both Latakia and Perique are strong tobaccos with distinct tastes/aromas that are popular among many long-time smokers, but they can often overwhelm the new smoker. (Latakia has a very potent flavor that reminds me of pine needles or a camp fire.)

Keep in mind that my comments here are merely suggestions. And don't be intimidated, so to speak, by some of the "tobacco snobs" out there. There is no rule about who may or may not try different tobaccos. Some beginners jump in to English blends and love it. Some life-long smokers still prefer heavily-cased aromatics. Of course, there is no "right" or "wrong" decision here; it's all a matter of preference. But in my experience, those that move too quickly to the stronger tobaccos tend to get discouraged and quit smoking altogether. While that may please the anti-smoking "terrorists," it's not what I would recommend.

First Pipe: Starter Pipes Recommendations

Do you have any recommendations for a good quality, but inexpensive, "starter pipe"?

 

The idea of a "starter pipe" can be a little bit misleading. Most folks try to buy the cheapest pipe they can find when they get started. I completely appreciate the desire to avoid spending tons of money on an expensive pipe until you're sure you like the hobby. Since a great many new pipe smokers quit the hobby during the first few months because they find it difficult and unrewarding, it makes good sense to proceed with caution when buying your first pipe.

        Photo Source: antiquestreasuresandtreats.com

However, a major reason for many of the early frustrations folk experience has to do with the cheap, drug store variety pipes that people often start with. Although there are exceptions, inexpensive and low quality pipes simply do not smoke as well as the higher quality pipes available from specialty shops.

But don't get me wrong. I'm not a "pipe snob" and I'm definitely not advocating that you purchase an expensive pipe to get started. Nor am I trying to push you towards a higher cost pipe. I simply wanted to point out that you shouldn't try to buy the cheapest pipe out there, because it will likely lead to a frustrating experience. Instead, I would recommend spending a reasonable amount on a less expensive--but good quality--smoking pipe. Of course, you need to stay within your budget, but don't hesitate to spend a little extra on a decent pipe. You'll be rewarded now and in the future, since most pipes last for many, many years with proper care.

All that being said, just about any pipe available in a specialty shop would make a fine "starter pipe". There are many pipes priced very comfortably around the $40.00 to $60.00 mark. There are pipes from world famous companies like Savinelli, Butz-Choquin, La Rocca, Paronelli, Big Ben, and others. Each of these companies offer outstanding quality pipes and should provide a fantastic smoking experience.

Of course, estate pipes (when available) also offer good value and have the advantage of being "pre-seasoned" by virtue of having been previously smoked, although they are completely cleaned and sanitized. If you look through current offerings on pipe merchant sites and don't see something you like, just keep checking, since they frequently update their stock.

If you simply cannot afford a decent briar pipe at the moment, I would recommend against buying "bargain basket" briar pipe. They are prone to issues resulting from poor craftsmanship and low-quality briar. Instead, pick up an inexpensive corn cob pipe from your local drug store or grocery store. These pipes typically smoke very well and will give a good idea of what to expect from the pipe smoking hobby. They don't last as long as briar, and they do not have the same smoking characteristics, but they do provide a decent smoking experience when the budget is extremely tight.

It would be my pleasure to help you with your decision to purchase. Whether you choose a pipe from a specialty shop, or simply pick up a corn cob pipe, I wish you well in your new hobby. I hope you come to enjoy the rich tradition and relaxing pleasure of a good pipe!