Rod:
I'm a newbie to CP, but I've been smoking pipes off and on for over twenty years. I smoke cigars more often becase they are quicker, easier and I love 'em. I
worked at a Tinder Box for two years while I was going to college and I started a pipe collection that has since taken over my office at home. Beware ! If you have the collecting bug at all, pipes can be VERY addictive.
The definition of a good pipe (for most people) is one that smokes COOL and DRY. The shape or size is totally up to you. The most common material is "briar" which is the root burl of the Heath tree which grows in the Mediterranean region. The burl has to be cured (have the sap and resin dried out of it). Most Italian makers cure theirs in the sun and most other makers (England, France, Denmark, etc, etc) use a kiln to dry them out. In my experience, a good Italian pipe will "break-in" and start smoking cool and dry faster than those of other makers. I have some lovely old English Dunhills and Charatans, but I reach for my Ascortis or Caminettos more often.
My favorite pipes are "Le Nuvole" made by Maurizio Tombari. He's a one-man operation who makes some unique shapes and his pipes are INCREDIBLE smokes.
His website is www.pipe.it Also check out the auction sites for pipes, both new and
used (used ones are easy to sterilize and can be a great bargain).
Pipe tobaccos come in either aromatic (flavored) or non-aromatic (often called
English blends). I smoke both, but much prefer the English blends : they have more flavor and do not smell like cherry or rum, they smell more like a campfire.
They taste somewhat like a heavy full-flavored cigar.
If you send me a PM with your address, I'll send you a starter kit. I've got a few pipes new in the box that I will never use and they really should be smoked, shouldn't they ?
