new to smoking

[wanlail]

ok, so i just picked up some pipe smoking while its beyond cold outside so that i don't have to spend so much time out there like i do for cigars. Plus, i've noticed i get much more flavor faster.... anyways, i think i've got the packing technique down, (sprinkle to fill bowl, tamp down to about half, mound some more up to fill bowl?) , whenever i light, i have tried using my butane but it is kindof awkward. is there a nice alternative to getting the bowl all lit instead of one hot spot? also, am i packing it too tight? I can't get the pipe to stay lit for more than 15 or 20 seconds without constant puffs. I have tried smoking it hot and ended up with burnt tongue.

also, what are some good mixes to try? sofar, i've had a virginia and cavendish mix that i love, but its a little mild for my taste.

 

[lmno1]

ok, so i just picked up some pipe smoking while its beyond cold outside so that i don't have to spend so much time out there like i do for cigars. Plus, i've noticed i get much more flavor faster.... anyways, i think i've got the packing technique down, (sprinkle to fill bowl, tamp down to about half, mound some more up to fill bowl?) , whenever i light, i have tried using my butane but it is kindof awkward. is there a nice alternative to getting the bowl all lit instead of one hot spot? also, am i packing it too tight? I can't get the pipe to stay lit for more than 15 or 20 seconds without constant puffs. I have tried smoking it hot and ended up with burnt tongue.

also, what are some good mixes to try? sofar, i've had a virginia and cavendish mix that i love, but its a little mild for my taste.

I've had some simillar trouble. It seems this combination of things helps: I use fire place matches, easier way to light. I do a first light, take a few slow draws, trying to get it all lit. Then let it go out. Second light, then tamp as I slowly draw. For some reason, this seems to even out the burn across the bowl.

I'm still trying different blends to see what I like. I'm really enjoying McClelland's Frog Morton on the Bayou, and interested in some other MC blends. You could try Tobaccoreviews.com. But it's kind of hard to gauge what's good. One man's trash is another mans treasure.