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I've been a pipe smoker for almost 25 yrs now. I found that it was a rough go when I 1st began because I was still a teenager. Everyone thought there was some other pipe weed in my briar. I have pipes handed down from my grandfather who smoked them in ww2 and I never met him. While my father doesn't smoke a pipe, he was kind enough to give me my grandfather's when I was 18. I smoke them once a year. The day he returned from the war.
Great points! I’d also add smoke slower than you think you should, tamp lighter than you think you should, pack your bowl looser than you think you should and dry your tobacco more than you think you should. Don’t worry about not smoking every bit of tobacco. Early on I struggled with all of these things. I started smoking a pipe in 2006 and discovered the ytpc much later. I persevered through lots of hot wet bowls! Great content as always! Stay well!
Dear Allen, Good day to you Sir. After discovering your channel yesterday morning, which was a wet and windy day here in the West Yorkshire countryside over here in England, I spent the rest of the day sat in my armchair watching your videos accompanied by my Churchwarden, a tin of Pertersons Night Cap and a bottle of Whiskey while listening to your calming, smooth and slow Southern tones and commentary. In summary a fine Saturday spent in great company. It was a joy to discover your channel. Keep up the good work Sir and thank you for sharing your experience and wisdom.
I’m about three years into my pipe smoking journey. One valuable thing I have learned is that while I’m smoking a pipe I can’t seem to do much of anything other than to sit down, relax and enjoy. In an age of activity, busyness, distraction and noise quietly choosing which pipe and which blend to smoke, finding that quiet, sheltered place and then carefully go through the motions of filling the bowl and lighting up is a peaceful experience. It becomes a time of both physically and mentally winding down, a time of reflection and planning. It can also be a time of just being in the moment. I can’t think of many activities that can offer that
I'm only just starting my pipe smoking journey, and I've definitely found this to be the case. It's also been a great occasion to get outside and touch grass.
Quality can be found in a corn cob , Missouri corn cobs are a good start if you want to start pipe smoking , I have one and then I also have a Hardcastle bent , a Caramela rustic Savinelli , and three Falcon pipes of various styles, all good Quality pipes and very enjoyable for whatever occasion or mood that takes you , I give up smoking 38 years ago , I have now turned 71 , I was diagnosed with Prostrate cancer two years ago I am on medication, the consultant said just carry on enjoying your life , so I decided to take up smoking a pipe which is now and again I find it helps me relax and it takes you to another level of thinking 💭 it slows you down in a nice way into a thoughtfulness about things in life and the things around you , so like your video and your presentation delivered with a calming effect. Thank you 😊 for sharing your thoughts . A fan from England U K .
it seems to be a universal thing that pipe smokers are considered, articulate, well put together men. that is the main selling point to me... it's what i aspire to
I'm just a few months into my journey as a pipe smoker, and I'm thankful for those of you who so readily share your wisdom and knowledge to helps folks like myself. What has become abundantly clear to me is that pipe smoking is not merely something you do, but it is a manner of life. That manner of life has an unwritten code. This is a patient man's endeavor; not something that will be mastered overnight, and there is great joy in the journey with great men and conversation along the way.
You asked for the beginners journey: Just moved to Wyoming to slow down and enjoy life and freedom, having come from the least free state in the union. Being a cigarette & vape smoker, I wanted to smoke for pleasure now. I had a rough start without a tamper, not knowing quantity to put in the pipe, keeping it lit, getting a piece of tobacco stuck in the tube and not figuring that out for two different failed sessions, packing too tight where I burned everything, packing too loosely where I got very strong hits with a bowl of ash after two minutes. I've progressed - but slowly. Having an experienced smoker around would have been a blessing. Heck, I'd even pay to have a video session with one since I'd have to wear hiking boots to get to my neighbor. I never realized the skill needed for what I thought was a simple task. I'm humbled.
DO NOT RUSH THE PIPE!!! best part of the video, his intensity peaks and he's absolutely right. Every time I slowed down and gave each step it's required focus my diligence was rewarded with an easier more relaxing smoke. Every time I rushed even one step it severely compromised the relaxation and contemplation cause I had to focus on keeping my pipe going. DO NOT RUSH THE PIPE!!!
I also had no idea what I was doing when I got started. One thing I am glad I did, albeit not knowing any differently, was to start with english blends rather than aromatics. I feel this allowed me to train my pallet to discern tobacco flavours rather than toppings or casings. I also instantly fell in love with english blends from the start. Others may have had a different experience, but I am glad this was mine.
I began smoking a pipe when I was fresh out of high school. I enjoyed the smell and the taste. However, there were no mentors for me. My estranged father left his pipes when he divorced my mother. Any pipe store I went to at the time was more interested in selling than teaching. And when advice was asked for, they would often attempt to bolster their egos by informing me what I should like and what I should not if I were to truly wanted to be a pipe smoker. This didn't sit well with me and so I stopped going. Eventually I stopped smoking at all. As I reach my mid-forties I find myself wanting to go back to it. I am pleased to see you and other smokers in communities like this assisting each other instead of trying to intimidate newcomers. I am learning a lot. Thank you!
I'm an off and on pipe smokers going back to the late 80's when I smoked a Dr Grabow and Captain Black's. I had to hide it from my parents so my college funding wouldn't be adversely effected. I've smoked off an on since then. My advice is to not fret the relight. So many new smokers want to smoke it to ashes with one light like the old codgers do. Which leads to smoking too fast and tongue bite. My enjoyment increased exponentially when I stopped caring about how many times I relit the pipe. Sit back, take your time and enjoy the moment.
Excellent advice, thank you. Having much more enjoyable time now I have slowed down. I used to smoke cigarettes and found it difficult to take my time, but now smoking a bowl takes me half an hour instead of 5 minutes!
Great thoughts. One further bit of advice i would offer is based on a mistake I’ve made, and something I have to intentionally curb further inclination toward. If you find something you like, buy some more. It is a constant temptation to always only be trying something new. New is great, but I need to slow down and make sure I have tobacco blends I really enjoy on hand. This also helps curb my tobacco acquisition frenzy.
Having been interested in pipesmanship in college, I’m now picking this back up in my mid thirties. Thank you for the excellent advice and excellent channel!
It's just that wonderful feeling, finding a calm peaceful place, open a new tin, a new journey just sitting there smoking the pipe, letting the things and thoughts fly. As the rest of the world does Wat it does......
I started smoking a pipe back in 1971 influenced by my then, father in law! He was a lawyer and judge and enjoyed both pipes and cigars. I too, learned by doing mostly with occasional tips acquired at tobacco shops. Your point about taking the time and slowing down are key! I am 72 yrs. old now and relish the time contemplating life over a fine bowl of quality leaf! Thanks for the valuable reminder of the basics!
Hello I just found you a few days ago your page popped up as a recommendation. I am taking the small steps getting back into the hobby. I came into the hobby on my own no one in my family smoked pipes. I found Mutton Chop Piper and his vids pretty much taught me the basics. I love what you do for the community. You are very knowledgeable and you give an honest opinion without bias. I feel that is the best way to help people who are beginners or on the fence. Thank you for all you do for the community.
Love your channel very nice and straight forward Pipe oriented. I started pipe smoking in the 90s but since didn't have the knowledge I end up giving up. Now thanks to Internet I can enjoy this wonderful experience .
hello I would just like to say I appreciate you making your videos. I'm 27 years old and I've been smoking cigars for years but have been interested in pipe smoking for a while now. I was watching your videos last night and subscribed to your channel. I went to my local tobacconist and bought a pipe and a cherry blend tobacco today and I'm in love. I love your videos talking about faith reading General discussion acting like a proper gentleman I think that that's lacking today. I look forward to spending time on your website looking through your products and watching your videos in the future. thank you
Im still in the first month with my pipe. Coming from years with the cigar a lot of the points you make are the same. I enjoy my reflective solitude and a good smoke is a part of it. Its starting to come together. Im getting the flow of it and the flavor from the blends. Just having and easier and more enjoyable experience. Thanks to you and other great teachers in the pipe community for the knowledge.
Enjoyed your video and helpful reminders. I've recently returned to pipe smoking, after a some 40 year break. Back in my late 20's I inherited some briar pipes that my father (WW II vet) smoked, and smoked them for a couple of years, while children were young. For over 20 years our family has vacationed together annually at Cocoa Beach. My sons always enjoyed a cigar or two, but I declined to partake. Recently, at the urging of my wife, one of my son's bought me a briar pipe, similar to my father's, thinking I'd smoke a pipe with them when they enjoyed cigars...hence my return to occasional pipe smoking. I'd forgotten how enjoyable it was and, now, have the time in retirement to do so. I added a second pipe, to alternate, which is a Savinelli Roma Rusticated 606 KS, and enjoy both filtered and non-filtered.
Just started smoking pipe. Found this cheap and terrible Fujima plastic pipe in my shed from the previous tenant. Bought Captain Black Royal and I love it and received my first compliment today of how good it smelled. I have already received tongue bite as well, 😅. To be expected surely. Anyhow I’m learning and will be purchasing a Peterson pipe for my first pipe. Going to lean on the “I’ll know it when I see it” attitude when going to make my purchase. Willing to accept any and all pointers! Thanks gentlemen!
Once again great video. Very sage advice that I wish I had when I started down the pipe road. I also had the same experience with Seattle Pipe Club blends. I let them on the shelf nearly 2 years and when I revisited them a whole new world of flavor opened up for me.
What a wonderful video, thank you. There is a lot of great advice here. The area of your home where you filmed this looks warm and inviting. I love the restful vibe.
Great video, Alan. I agree, everyone's pipe smoking journey should, indeed, be their own. Videos such as yours provide a wealth of insight and information, it is so very important that new pipe smokers understand to follow what interests them; types of pipes, flavor of tobaccos, etc... as opposed to sticking with what's popular. Don't be afraid to try new things, even if they are not enjoyed by the majority, one may be surprised.
Very instructive, and I appreciate all your advice. Thank you. One thing I came across upon starting my pipe smoking journey was heating up my pipe to the point of not wanting to touch the bowl. But slowing down and really enjoying the taste of my blend has helped me out with that problem, immensely. Thanks again, keep doing what you are doing.
I am new at pipe smoking, I really appreciate the knowledge that you have imparted concerning the important details of how to best enjoy a true smoking experience, thank you so much.
Ex heavy cigarette smoker (1-2 packs a day) switched to pipe smoking ~2 years ago. I mainly switched because my cardio was really bad and i started coughing more and more. Coughing stopped immediatly and my cardio got waaay better. All around feel much healthier now. I dont know what science/doctors say, but the change from inhaling deep into the lungs to mouth smoking pipes was tremendous for me.
As an ex cigarette smoker how does the nicotine in pipe tobacco affect you? I currently smoke cigarettes and vape and to be honest neither of those two things gives the same result as it did in the beginning. To me this isn't a big problem, I don't smoke because I like getting head rushes lol. But I am still curious as to what you have noticed
@@bennett7658 i think the inhaling part of cigarettes gives the harder and faster kick, but i feel the nicotin rush may be stronger in pipe tobacco after a while, once your mouth absorbs it, because you smoke longer on your pipe and i think the nicotine in a bowl is stronger/more. Also it depends on how fast and hot you smoke your pipe. You have more control i feel.
Very informative and enjoyable! Some good points that I never thought of.... I am certain these will increase my smoking pleasure! Thank you for posting!
All great points! Especially TAKING YOUR TIME! I know when I first was learning I had only you tube to learn from and I didn't know how to pack the bowl of my dr. gabow pipe I smoked it for a while but it always seemed too smoke too wet and hot I ended up saling it to a fellow soldier and I tried a cob pipe and very quick burned a hole straight through the side and it wasn't until I went to Kentucky to visit my uncle that I met a man that taught the art to me he was a Amish fellow and I had taken out some tobacco and was loading up another cob I had just bought and as I loaded it he came to me and asked if he could teach me how to pack and I learned that day how enjoyable it could be with proper teacher and a willingness to learn how to smoke a pipe. The older gentleman got my address and we wrote each other about a year but now has passed as his wife wrote me telling me he went to be with the lord. while I was stationed in Hawaii I still have that pipe that I enjoyed with him and occasionally pull it out and smoke it and every time someone will pull up in the driveway whether it be my mail man or whoever and I always get a complement.
Very informative and certainly helpful. Very true to settle into the blends and daunting? Ones pallet and taste surly develop and change over time for me at least! Thank you for your presentations and please continue with them!
Appreciate seeing someone committed to setting initial expectations for people beginning to learn to smoke a pipe. I remember learning so much in my first job post-college at Georgetown Tobacco and Pipe during the two years I worked with them. Your guidance is dead-on, especially with respect to "slow down." So many of the type-A customers we served struggled to enjoy smoking a pipe, because their lives and lifestyles didn't allow them those pauses in their days to enjoy it. My one addition would be to stock up mightily on Long's pipe cleaners and not be thrifty about using them, especially at the first hint of a gurgle. They are the most important of consumables! I would love some detail on your Madeira. Never had it, but soon hope to.
Tried getting into pipe smoking back in 08-09 when I was in the Army, but didn't have access to all these great videos, nor the time. Just started up again, smoking what I could get near me, i.e. Captain Black. Just found out there is a tobacco shop/cigar lounge that focuses on cigars with some pipes and pipe tobacco. Just picked up my first tin of Petersons My Mixture 965 and immediately fell in love with it on the first smoke. Thanks for all you do, guys like The Pipe Cottage, Spurgeon Piper and so on and so forth.
I am 24 and I have smoked herbs for longer than I can mention however recently I have gotten into tobacco pipe smoking considering both activities have you puffing and contemplating, I have already begun to enjoy it thus far however this video as well as a video the creator was in on another channel, has added greater to the pleasurable experience of relaxing with a pipe!! Would love to see a livestream sometime where everyone can smoke and ask questions as a community
Good Evening Dr. Harrelson. I caught a replay of your interview with George Bruno. That motivated me to purchase my first pipe and a couple tobaccos from a local Shoppe ( Savinelle 626). My journey begins….
Twenty years ago I walked into a Tobacco shop and bought a corncob pipe and a few pouch blends. I mostly just smoked it while on three week backpacking trips. Ten years later I bought my first briars at a Flea Market that I still have today. I knew nothing of tinned tobaccos, McClelland, Sutlif, The Country Squire. It was Captain Black, Borkrum Riff, and other bulk Wal-Mart items. Fast forward to 2017. I bought an estate lot of pipes and I got tins of tobacco with the pipes. I got my first English blend with it. Now in 2021 I ordered two more estate lots and refurbished the pipes. In one lot there was a Savenelli D'Oro lightly smoked. In another a Dracula Peterson. Along with Whitehall's, Norwood's, and unnamed pipes of artisan fashion. I learned that I'm a English Blend guy. The Latakia is a flavor I savor! Thank you.
Thanks for this. I had my first smoke last night and the very first thing that I have learnt is that pipe smoking demands that you must slow down and take your time. I enjoyed the smoking experience, a Gawith Hoggarth 'Spirit of Scotland', very much and look forward to discovering more tobaccos over the years.
Great video. I struggle with PAD(Pipe acquiring disease) and smoking to fast. I often think beginners watch these veteran YTPC and see their vast collections of pipes and think that is what you need to enjoy pipes. I wish I could go back and just buy a good 7 or 10 day rotation of workhorse pipes with good value but not necessarily high price. I would have focused more on cellaring and acquiring premium tobaccos and learn to slow down everytime to enjoy them more.
I found pipe smoking recently about 2 months ago packed a cob with some EMP, loved it thank lord for internet for helping me learn this wonderful, relaxing art
Excellent points and presentation. If I could go back to beginning of my own pipe journey, I wish someone would have pointed me to some quality leaf, I know it would have made things more enjoyable instead of having discovered that so late into the hobby. Thank you sir and be well, JB.
What no iPad? Great content!!! Your narratives are like story telling from a great story teller. Ah, pipe smoking...good friends, food, conversation, and drink (bourbon). For myself, I still write with a fountain pen, read real books that one can make notes in. I will be looking forward to listen to your narratives. We have lost so much in this time.
I wish I had watched this a year or so, when I rekindled my pipe dream. I started as a 14 year old, and came back after many decades of just Cigars. Switching, or rotating, one's pipes is important. I burned up a cob and all but ruined a meerschaum lined pipe before I knew this. "Slow down!" is also a key point that I had to learn the hard way. Good advise. Cheers.
I have never smoked a pipe. But have great interest in becoming a pipe smoker and am in the process of gaining knowledge on the subject and hope to soon start. Watching videos like yours are helpful. Thank you
I started smoking a pipe on Aug 12, 2022. I thank you and George Bruno. Has been an amazing journey so far and another great hobby that has brought me joy to life. So many flavors and moments have entered my life over these last few months. My latest issue has been getting the pipe to hot during my enjoyment. To many toks on an evening I return home from work. I will continue to learn as I might have all my pipes burned the inside. Need to look up on how to fix. Have 9 pipes and 25 tins waiting for me to introduce myself. Thank you for your work!
Great video again, and nice intro/outro music as well, very fitting. I do agree very much so with what you said about coming back to a blend if you don’t like it. My favorite blend Elizabethan was like that for me, I did not like it at first, then four months later it became my favorite. Also if you first try a pipe like me, don’t give up after trying one style of blends. I wanted so bad to be an aromatic guy but they bit the heck out of me. Then I fell in love with VaPers and English. Don’t give up!
I started smoking the pipe many years ago, while in the military, and I remember really enjoying it. Alas, my better half did not approve of it and I made the decision to quit. That was some 20 odd years ago, and I find myself wanting to return to the pipe. I have spent some money on a quality pipe, and some on an inexpensive one to help me revive my interest as I make mistakes. I will definitely take your advice on taking it slow, taking the time to get it right. I also have a friend who is a regular pipe smoker, and I will lean on his expertise. I enjoy your content here very much and it has been helpful in my decision making.
65 year old newbie here....Grandpa smoked a pipe... i have a beard, and a friend thought a pipe would look good on me, so they got me one a couple of weeks ago (a small Dr Grabow (Lark?)... Now i want a Peterson quarter bent Bulldog, and a 4 panel Dunhill in the worst way ! Thank you for your videos and advice, ' tis much appreciated !
Great video. You talked about being willing to learn but I would also add similarly not to make assumptions about what you will and won't like. When I started smoking I had an idea in my head about what pipe shapes and tobacco blends that I would prefer and that did not bear out. You must be open to new experiences and not bind yourself to any preconceptions you might have had before your started.
Thank you for the advice, I am in my 3rd week of smoking a pipe and I keep catching myself rushing the experience when I know it would be better if I slowed down. I do want quality and I have learned you need different pipes. I got two, and probably will get another. Thanks for your video on the brands you enjoy, I have sweet dreams, and no bite delight being shipped right now.
Thank you for your videos, they are very informative. Living in Idaho it is difficult to find a pipe tobacco shop, in order to ask questions. Keep up the wonderful work and God Bless!
A bit late to the club, but I just got a pipe and a bag of Captain Black original and cherry! The tobacco shop I went to did not have much to pick from. Cheers from TN!
