The Art of Smoking a Pipe
Smoking a pipe is a time to relax, to put aside the day’s hectic pace. Because we need to pay attention to what the tobacco is doing inside the bowl we shouldn’t do much of anything else except maybe take a walk or sit on the porch. Driving or any other mechanical work which needs our undivided attention should not be done while we are smoking.
Learning how to pack, to light and smoke a pipe is an ability that needs to be developed. Getting it right the first time is nearly impossible. And, in order to get good at it the novice must be patient and practice. Making mistakes is part of the learning process.
Guide to Smoking a Pipe Correctly
1. Start with a clean pipe - Before you reach for your tobacco make sure your pipe is dry and free of any dottle ( left-over tobacco and ashes ). If your pipe is not clean, your tobacco will have a bitter taste and the aroma will not be attractive.
2. Prepare your tobacco - Take a large pinch of tobacco and place it on a paper towel. If it has knots or clumps remove them. If it is too moist, let it sit for a few minutes so it will dry a bit.
3. Fill your bowl - The first pinch should be loose. Tamp it lightly. If you tamp it too hard you will end up with a rock and it will not draw. Try drawing, if you can’t, start over. The second pinch tamp it a little more firmly and so on and so forth until your pipe is filled. Remember that when you tamp the second pinch your are re-tamping the ones below. A last draw before lighting, if there is no resistance, you are good to go.
4. Light your pipe - Do not use a torch lighter. You will burn the wood and that will leave an ugly burn mark which might not be removed. Use matches or a regular butane lighter with a flame adjusted for pipes. Light the tobacco in a circular motion. At this point draw lightly, most tobaccos and particularly the longer cuts, uncurl and loosen when they are lit for the first time. Tamp it lightly, very lightly and re light it if it goes out. If the smoke is too hot you are puffing too fast. Slow down and take your time, you will find your own rhythm. In case your pipe gets too wet run a pipe cleaner, without taking the pipe apart, just push it in, leave it in for a minute and pull it out.
At this point you know the basics to start enjoying your new pipe and tobacco. Enjoy.
Jim Bennington has been in the pipe and cigar business for over 20 years in Boca Raton, FL . At www.bocabenningtons.com you will find many other articles concerning the pipe and the cigar.
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