Recommendations on Pipe Tobacco

**TimmyBoston** · 10-24-2006, 10:39 PM

I'm on the prowl for some pipe tobacco to try for my new little hobby. I'm lookin' for some recommendations on what I should purchase. One thing though, please keep rec's to items that can be purchased online or in stores. I hate getting my hopes by hearing great things about discontinued products. Thanks so much, I appreciate it.

So what should I try?

**Xert** · 10-24-2006, 11:27 PM

Penzance, Penzance, and more Penzance.

**MasonM** · 10-25-2006, 04:41 AM

As pipe tobacco preferences are so personal, I'd just sample a wide variety until you decide which ones you prefer.

I am especially fond of mild vanilla casings and have several vanilla varieties. I am not really all that fond of the aromatics in general though.

If you have a good tobacconist near you, you should visit them and pick up some small amounts of whatever varieties they have on hand to get an idea of where your preferences lie. I would also try the different ones at different times of the day as well. I like an English blend in the mornings, something with a bit of vanilla in the evenings, and often just plain burley/Virginia blend during the day.

Make sure to try the tobacconist's house blends if he has any. My favorite blend is a house blend from Strauss Tobacconist in Florence, KY called Losantiville.

**rikrdo** · 10-25-2006, 04:48 AM

www.smokingpipes.com
www.jrcigars.com

2 of my favorite places to shop.
I would echo Mason's advise...find a local B&M and talk to the proprietor.
They will start you in the right direction.

MacBaren London Burley Blend is very mild, easy going and tasty.
Rattray's Marlin Flake is an excellent example of a Virginia.

**ouch** · 10-25-2006, 05:21 AM

I would echo the recommendation of Penzance, with the added caveat that it is prone to drying out to the point of detriment more than any other tobacco I've ever tried. When you pop a fresh tin, though, it is sublime.

I don't have much open right now (as opposed to the 30-50 I would usually keep open), but I'll send you a few samples.

**fatt_tony** · 10-25-2006, 06:00 AM

Not to hijack but what about recommendations on a good starter pipe, not too pricey but smokeable quality.

**ouch** · 10-25-2006, 07:50 AM

Can't go wrong with a Butz-Choquin, Stanwell, or Savinelli.

**Scotto** · 10-25-2006, 07:53 AM

Dr. Grabow

**rikrdo** · 10-25-2006, 08:07 AM

Originally Posted by Scotto

Dr. Grabow

.................Dont !

**kozulich** · 10-25-2006, 11:33 AM

Originally Posted by ouch

Can't go wrong with a Butz-Choquin, Stanwell, or Savinelli.

I'll second the recommendation for BC (that's Butz-Choquin). Both of mine are stellar, pretty too. I also got them for a great price on closeout at our local briar shop. Sometimes a longer stem pipe helps avoid over-hot smoke, a common novice blunder, and I would recommend a small to medium bowl, since purists say that you should smoke it all the way to the bottom. Oh, also, a pre-charred bowl is an advantage for shortening the break in period.

**boboakalfb** · 10-25-2006, 01:57 PM

Originally Posted by MasonM

I am especially fond of mild vanilla casings and have several vanilla varieties. I am not really all that fond of the aromatics in general though.

If you have a good tobacconist near you, you should visit them and pick up some small amounts of whatever varieties they have on hand to get an idea of where your preferences lie. I would also try the different ones at different times of the day as well. I like an English blend in the mornings, something with a bit of vanilla in the evenings, and often just plain burley/Virginia blend during the day.

Hey Mason,

My knowledge of pipe tobacco is very limited. What Vanilla varieties would you suggest?

My experience with aromatics always seemed to be a tradeoff between scent and taste. I would like a couple to have on hand when my wife will be outside with me so she wouldn't mind the smell of the smoke.

Unfortunately I don't have a knowledgable B&M store nearby to offer advice. I would appreciate it if others chimed in as well with suggestions.

**NMMB** · 10-25-2006, 02:39 PM

So, today I bought a pipe - I blame all of you!

I keep hearing (reading) you talk about this blend and that blend and it sounds so great... that and the photos you post (pipes, tins, etc). I quit cigarettes several months ago (late June - with only one relapse) but have continued to enjoy an occasional cigar (less than one per week - on average)... I think that moving to an occasional cigar has made me appreciate a finer smoke-able (as opposed to a cigarette). This newfound appreciation of a better smoke has made me more curious about pipes, I guess.

I stopped at a little news stand earlier to get a pack of gum and noticed a case of pipes that looked like they had been sitting there for quite a while (dusty case). The guy behind the counter didn't seem to know anything about pipes (that made 2 of us!)... Still, I decided to buy one The pipe appears to be a Brigham System Pipe (shape 23 - I think). Now what do I do? Please help.