PUFF AND PONDER
About Me:
Passionate about quality pipes & fine tobacco. Always exploring new blends & craftsmanship. Enjoying the journey, one bowl at a time.
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Reviews


Tampers & Tools - Larry Blackett Tamper - Pewter Thor's Hammer
Absolute First Class!
My kids couldn't resist getting me this tamper for Christmas. I think it was more for them than me haha Nonetheless, I really enjoy this tamper. It is quite heavy so there is no need for applying any pressure when tampering your bowl. Will be buying more tampers in the future.

John Aylesbury - Dragon Flake 50g
Incredible
This was not what I was expecting. For an aromatic, this blend has some delicious flavor! From the initial light to end of the bowl, I get flavors of vanilla and caramel. My family also loves the way it smells. Will definitely be buying more!

Capstan - Flake Yellow 1.75oz
Does Not Disappoint
There has been a lot of panic buying of Capstan since Mac Baren announced they are merging with STG, so I figured I needed to buy a few tins to see what the commotion was all about. I’m glad I did! This Virginia is so good! The flakes came properly moist, and only needed a few minutes to dry before packing and lighting. The flavor is mild to medium with hints of dried fruits, and hay. The room note like any other Virginia I’ve had reminds me of Raisins and Ketchup. I can’t wait to let this cellar for a few years and try it again!

Mac Baren - HH Pure Virginia 1.75oz
Delicious Blend
Just bought a few of these tins in a panic mode due to Mac Baren closing their doors, and boy am I glad I did that. The tin is incredible. I immediately get hit with aromas of raisins, tomatoes fresh off the vines, and of all things… ketchup haha. The tin came already with a year of age and while it tasted great it did have a bit of bite to it, so I think I need to let it go for at least another year. Not to worry! That’s why I bought them. To cellar. Great blend!

Lane Limited - 1-Q
Sweet Sweet Vanilla
Great aromatic! Girlfriend loves the room note. For me the flavor is mild but has a nice subtle hint of vanilla. Easy to light and keeps a good even burn. I bought just a 2oz bag for now but I think I will definitely be purchasing more in the future. Good stuff.

Peterson - Hyde Park 50g
Fantastic Blend
One of the better English blends I’ve had. I’m not sure if you’d really consider this an English blend or just a Virgina blend, but nonetheless it is very subtle and has a wonderful Virginia sweetness to it. I was lucky enough to get a tin that already had 5 years age to it! I’ll need to buy a newer tin to compare apples to apples but I’m loving this aged blend so far!

Cornell & Diehl - Corn Cob Pipe and A Button Nose Ready Rubbed 2oz
Hot Chocolate
C&D did not disappoint with this tin. When they said it would smell like hot cocoa and marshmallows they weren’t lying! My kids had been urging me to get this tobacco for some time, and they were so excited last night to sit on the back porch with me while I fired my first bowl of Corn Cob Pipe and A Button Nose. The room note was incredible. Subtle tones of chocolate filled the air. Flavor didn’t disappoint either. I was able to pull out the natural tobacco flavor which I pleasantly surprised with, as well as hints of chocolate. I didn’t really get much marshmallows taste, only the smell from the room and tin. With that being said, this is a fantastic holiday blend by C&D and worth giving a try!

Cornell & Diehl - Autumn Evening 2oz
That Aroma is Intoxicating!!!
Ok. Why has it taken me this long to try Autumn Evening?! The tin note hugs your nose with aromas of maple, and butterscotch. The smell after lighting my bowl had my girlfriend think I was making waffles. The flavor is subtle with hints of maple and caramel. While those are the main flavors I could taste, the natural flavor of the Virginia didn’t go unnoticed. C&D really knocked it out of the park with this one! I will definitely be ordering another tin of this.

Cult - Blood Red Moon 50g
Wonderful Aroma, Decent Flavor
This blend has gotten a ton of hype and I can see why. The tin note on Blood Red Moon is unlike any other cherry tobacco I’ve had. It doesn’t smell like fake cherry flavoring or cough syrup and there is a slight chocolate note hiding in the back. The flavor definitely has deep cherry flavoring, although I did not get a ton of chocolate until towards the middle of the bowl. The only negative thing I will say is make sure you have one pipe that you dedicate to this blend as it will definitely give you ghost pipe. Unfortunately, I made that mistake with my Savinelli and I can’t seem to shake that cherry taste. Would still recommend giving it a try!

Cornell & Diehl - Golden Days of Yore 2oz
Merry Christmas!!!
Wow! What a Christmas blend! Brings me back to my childhood with the smell of cinnamon and nutmeg. That tin smell to quality of smoke is superior to many other Christmas blends I’ve tried. Although it’s only October, I’m already feeling the Christmas Spirit! Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas everyone!!!

Peterson - Early Morning Pipe 50g
Great Beginner English Blend
I’m new to pipe smoking so I wanted an English Blend that wasn’t going to be too overwhelming. I had seen many other pipe smokers recommend Peterson’s Early Morning Pipe so I figured I’d give it a try. The initial tin notes were not what I was expecting, to be honest, I wasn’t sure what I was expecting. They were by no means off putting, but had strong aromas of camp fire, bbq, and a hint of sweetness. When I packed my first bowl, I was pleasantly surprised by how subtle and light the smoke was. The flavor was mild but had great flavor. Definitely grew on me as the days went on. I will definitely be keeping this blend in my rotation and cellaring a few tins!

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Blog's Commented on

A Smoker's Guide to Palate Refinement
  • ► Great read! I'm new to pipe smoking and have been wanting to hone in on pulling out certain flavors and nuances of the different blends I'm purchasing. This article has definitely helped me get closer to achieving that goal!
The Flavor Wheel: The Perfect Tasting Notes Companion
  • ► I need to purchase the C&D's tasting journal. I'm a new pipe smoker and I think it can definitely elevate my pipe smoking experience. Great article!