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All New Pipes
Mike B.
Reviews
Rossi - Notte (8701)
Unbeatable
I have more expensive pipes, and I have cheaper. Filtered and unfiltered, and most shapes. This pipe is the one I find myself reaching for more than any of them. Even my favorite Brigham pipes often get passed over for this one. Lightweight and clenches really well (the bit is on the thinner side, which I find more comfortable). It has smoked great since day one. I realize preference is subjective, but if you are considering this one at all, I say go for it.
Half and Half - Half and Half 1.5oz
Classic for a reason…
I finally opened a pouch of this I have had for close to two years, on a warm but rainy morning, and was nothing but pleased. It was ready to smoke right out of the pouch. The flavor is not complex. It’s not going to knock your socks off, or have you contemplating its notes. It is a very cool burning, very pleasant, mild, slightly sweet smoke that completely fulfills its purpose. It’s an all day smoke, easy for easy mornings or knocking around the yard or shop. It’s an old standby from a time before the internet and a thousand available tobacco blends. It’s Americana, and while I may have more interesting and preferred tobaccos, this is one that I want to have on hand.
Balkan Sasieni - Balkan Sasieni 50g
Maybe The One
I had a tin of this sitting for about a year before I finally tried it, and the first light was delicious. And since then it has consistently been tasty and smooth, and most importantly it doesn’t bite. I may very well have found my “One” tobacco, though I enjoy others. Nightcap, Quiet Nights, Old Professor… these are all favorites on the deeper/heavier side, and I enjoy Presbyterian and 965, Chelsea Morning on the lighter side…this seems to be somewhere in between and really just hits the spot consistently. The room note is good/tolerable for others and the aroma good for the smoker. The flavor is natural and earthy. And on top of all that, the price is fair too!
Nørding - Fox Hound 2oz
Love the tin art…
First impressions: Smells great in the tin. Moisture for my tin was perfect. As far as flavor, there are hints of some earthy/nuttiness but overall pretty plain. No bite. A tad harsh at first but got better as I got through the bowl. Would be a safe all day smoke, and perhaps better in the morning, as the description says. I did not feel any nicotine (which is fine by me). I tried it in a new Rossi 8806. With some jar time and a broken in pipe it could be different, and everyone’s palate is different. As of now, I’ll say it’s good but not inspiring me to buy more.
Toscano - Master Aged Serie 1
When a pipe is not an option…
Had one of these the other day when it was too cold and windy to sit with a pipe. I enjoyed this more than some more expensive cigars I’ve had (and much more than some cheaper ones). A little black pepper and cedar maybe. Didn’t leave my mouth with an overbearing taste either. I’m a pipe man, but I’ll buy some more of these to have on hand. I appreciate also not having to keep them in a humidor.
Molina - Ambra Sandblasted (X860) (9mm)
Outstanding bargain
I just received this pipe, so I have not yet smoked it. But the draw is good, so I anticipate no problems there. But my initial impression is very positive. Pipe comes in its own box and pipe sock, and the fit and finish are very good. The tenon fits nice and snug and the pipe is comfortable and well put together. The yellow bit actually has a bit of a cream colored swirl through it, which you can’t really see in the pictures. It’s subtle but adds a bit more texture and visual interest. I am very impressed with this and the price is more than fair. This is my first, but certainly not last Molina pipe. UPDATE: Upon closer inspection, I see the finish is a little spotty near the ferrule on the shank. And the black stain has an iridescent sheen to it (sort of like a Sharpie marker). These don’t bother me because the price is so good, and it’s still a good looking pipe. Should make a good workhorse.
Filters & Adaptors - Brigham Rock Maple Inserts (8 Pack)
Great
I find myself reaching for my Brigham pipes more than anything else. They always smoke well, the proportions are ideal (for me), comfortable in hand and have strong visual appeal and quality. These “filters” do work for the intended purpose, which is absorbing excess moisture and maybe some of the nastier impurities from the smoke. They do not reduce flavor and a single filter will last quite a while. I highly recommend these and Brigham pipes.
Sir Walter Raleigh - Aromatic 1.5oz
Reliable Standby
This is one of the first I had a good experience with. The aroma is exactly what I associate with a traditional pipe aroma (which I suppose is subjective). Anyway, it smells great. Pretty good flavor. If you’re starting out, this could be a good one to try.
Sutliff - 526 - Old Professor
Heavy and Rich
It sounds like this one might be done for. Which is a shame because it’s one of my favorite bulk tobaccos, and delivers on its name and description. Similar to Nightcap and BlackHouse, but not the same as either.
Peterson - My Mixture 965 50g
Grows on ya
When I was getting started, my palate could not accept this as worth the devotion that surrounds it. It just smelled like cigarettes to me, and didn’t taste any better (I was probably smoking too hot anyway). But now after revisiting with a little more experience under my belt, all the subtleties are there, and it’s smooth and tangy/savory nature has revealed itself to me. I’m glad I didn’t throw it out and glad I have a few tins. I’ll eventually buy more. I see why it’s been a favorite all this time.
Books - Pipes and Tobacco - J. W. Cundall
Historical Treasure
We seldom stop to consider how fortunate we are to live in a time where old pamphlets like this one (few of them likely survived the 120 years) are hunted down and reprinted for preservation. The writer was witty and passionate about the subject matter. The content has aged well and is mostly still relevant, with an humorous undercurrent throughout. I appreciate this being reproduced and preserved.
Books - The X Pipe and Other Mystagogic Stories for the Pipe Smoker
Thought provoking, and a bit of Fun!
I love buying books, but am quite frugal, usually searching for best prices on used books. I hesitated at $28 for a single book from an unknown (to me) author, but eventually pulled the trigger, as this was the only option. Well I’m not even half way through, the $28 is long gone and I’ve enjoyed everything I’ve read so far. The book is well written and engaging, with stories and topics varied enough to keep the reader looking forward to what’s next. The opening story, ‘The Christmas Pipe’, was a warming story and was reminiscent somehow, to me, of Kipling’s ‘In the Interests of the Brethren’ (most likely for the simple reason that they both center on men gathering together and tobacco, but the tone is similar). If you are on the fence about this book, just go ahead and buy it. Our interest is niche and it’ll feel good to support the hobby and have it on the shelf. And even better, you’ll get a lot out of reading it.
Missouri Meerschaum - Iconic Legend Bent (6mm)
Nicest for the price
The Iconic Legend is a great cob. For $9 you get the familiar sweet smoke of a corn cob, and the stain on these make them infinitely more appealing. In my experience, MM’s usually don’t live up to their photographic representation. But I’ve ordered a few of these and have been happy with each. No, the stem is not acrylic, but it is not advertised as such. These are great for upgrading with other stems as well.
Presbyterian - Presbyterian 50g
Has me thinking about conversion…
What a pleasant, mild smoke! The first bowl was nice. All the usual descriptors: nutty, smoky, mildly sweet, etc. One might find it bland or boring because it is all so mild, and all the flavors meld perfectly. The experience was good, but subtle. The next day I found myself thinking about how good it was. I continued thinking about it for a couple of weeks and finally have been able to revisit it again. I’m not quite sure what is separating it from other Englishes (some admittedly tastier), but I just love it. Perhaps it’s just quality, or the right amount for each component. Could easily be an all day smoke, and seems good for all seasons. I can see why it has been around all this time and I’m going to make sure I always have some on hand.
G. L. Pease - Quiet Nights 2oz
There is No Equal
I had been wanting to try this, but was waiting for a calm, mild evening when I could avoid distractions. From the tin note to the last puff, I found this to be all the things mentioned in the description and by the reviews of others. There’s something special going on with this one. I have never had anything like it.
Missouri Meerschaum - Fall Apple 2023
My favorite Cob
The example I received met all of my expectations. Other MM pipes I have ordered which are supposed to be stained a darker color usually are not as dark as pictured. This one is. It is richly stained and very handsome. The stem is quality and with the brass band it all comes together better than I expected. The band does rest slightly crooked on the shank, but I find that common with MM, and it isn’t so bad that it bothers me. Great looking pipe and I hope they keeping making them available. Smokes great too!
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