first part of bowl

[theginguy]

Hey all,

I have a question. I'm learning the pretty well, how to pack, how to light, how to tamp, how sip, etc... But I've encountered a small imediate problem.

It seems that no matter what I do, the first half of my bowls are pretty bland. It's not until I get closer to the bottom that things get better for me, i.e., more richer flavor, more smoothness, etc.... Is that becaus, the bowl is getting warm?

Anyway, any suggests, on getting a better smoke in the first half

 

[theginguy]

I think I just solved my problem. Aging. I tried the fast aging method I read about at Vegaspipes. I set 3 tins, squadron leader, bracken flake and 1792, on my dashboard and let them cook for an hour. I just tried the bracken flake and it was really good, big improvement.

I'm starting to really like Samuel Gawith. I just need to age them a little.

 

[Dios de Fuego]

The flavors tend build up as you get closer to the bottom, thus creating a more complex/flavorful smoke. At least for me. There are a couple factors that could effect the beginning as well as the whole smoke. One is age, but also a good seasoned pipe can help with this as well. Drying a tobacco before smoking if it is wet can help also, as wet tobacco tends to be less flavorful. Hope this helps.
-Taylor

 

[Mr_Wolf]

I think I just solved my problem. Aging. I tried the fast aging method I read about at Vegaspipes. I set 3 tins, squadron leader, bracken flake and 1792, on my dashboard and let them cook for an hour. I just tried the bracken flake and it was really good, big improvement.

I'm starting to really like Samuel Gawith. I just need to age them a little.

Try SG's Full Virginia Flake, Kendal Cream, Chocolate Flake and Best Brown too. I found that the 1792 was a little strong for me. Good but strong. Firedance was so-so.

They're all pretty moist, so let them dry out a while first. When I don't have too much time, I put a flake on a paper towel and microwave for 10 seconds, let cool then rub it out. With flakes, don't pack the bowl too tight. Also go easy on the tamping.

 

[rramstad]

It may be that the top is loosely packed compared to the bottom.

It may also be that the tobacco is not properly dryed.

I don't like to microwave or toast my tobacco and I live in a marine climate. What I typically do is heat up a small bowl or dish in the toaster or microwave, not too hot, maybe just a couple of minutes, and then put my tobacco in it. The warmth of the glass or ceramic helps speed the drying process, but not too much... if it can get smokable in 10 minutes, or so, I'm very happy.

 

[NullSmurf]

It may be that the top is loosely packed compared to the bottom.

It may also be that the tobacco is not properly dryed.

I don't like to microwave or toast my tobacco and I live in a marine climate. What I typically do is heat up a small bowl or dish in the toaster or microwave, not too hot, maybe just a couple of minutes, and then put my tobacco in it. The warmth of the glass or ceramic helps speed the drying process, but not too much... if it can get smokable in 10 minutes, or so, I'm very happy.

I do the same thing, but I'm thinking I need to try that dashboard method

 

[Q_The_Cop]

Aye, this may be why I have a hell of a time keeping my Squadron Leader lit. May have to try drying it out a bit on the ole dashboard. Thanks for the tip!

 

[theginguy]

Yes. I went back to being meticulous about my prep.

Everyone's tips really helped me get out of being lazy, which I'm prone to do.

Yesterday, I set out the before mentioned blends on saucers to let them dry. After an hour or so, they were pretty dry, but not too dry as to totally fall apart into dust when I rubbed them out. They still had a little moister left in them, but not like they were straight out of the tin.

I also payed much more attention on how I loaded them. I did the three pinch method, very easy on the first pinch, a little harder on the second and hardest on the last top pinch, creating, what I hoped, would be more of an evenly packed bowl.

The end result was much better for me.

All three smoked a lot better..... albeit, still better when I approached mid-bowl... but better through and through.

Thanks for the suggestions....

But, after trying several other "non-Samuel Gawith" blends.... I'm starting to think that this might be a Samuel Gawith tobacco trait. Because other blends that I've smoked were a lot more consistent through out the whole bowl.

 

[LilBastage]

Remember that heating the tobacco can change the flavor. Sometimes it's good, sometimes not. There are degrees, of course, and an hour on the dashboard isn't going to effect it as much as 3 hours or all day. A few seconds in the microwave isn't going to effect it as much as 2 minutes or 5.


Experimentation is fun.