James D.
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Reviews
Old German Clay - Antique Studded Cutty
Perfect
This pipe is perfect in my opinion. The design makes for a solid register on the bowl and is aesthetically pleasing. the stem is very comfortable to clinch and easy to remove from the bowl for cleaning. Chamber is a decent size and provides a middle ground of smoke time, not too long, not too short.
Old German Clay - Crimped Panel
Smaller than expected
The pipe is a nice little piece, but is small. The stem is very petite and the chamber is small in diameter, they show .58 inch i believe it is closer to .45 inch. The depth of the chamber is what makes it a decent smoke, being a bit over 1 inch in depth. Does smoke very well with everything being said.
Old German Clay - Ship of the Line
Decent nice smoker, missing details.
Pipe is a great smoker, the pipe I recieved had some artwork problems. The stem also seems like it is profiled wrong. Instead if being thin on top and bottom thickness of the bite, it is very tall but skinny, as if it needs to be rotated 180 degrees. Other than those issues, good cool smoke and decent size bowl for a small pipe. 20-25 minute smokes from my experience.
Old German Clay - Eagle's Talons
Wonderful
One of the best clays I have bought to date. The bowl is nice and even, smooth draw, and can provide around 30 minute smoke. As with all my clays, provides a cool and dry smoke. Definitely happy with this pipe.
Old Dominion - Venus Clay Pipe
Beautiful pipe, lacking in QC
I absolutely love the pipe art. Its a beautiful pipe, but not very functional. I have recieved 2 of these that the bowl has a huge cavity where the venus body is. Bought the first one and thought, maybe i just got a dud. Ordered a second one and same thing. So apparently this is just a production issue. I've had to back fill the cavity with a calk mixture just to make one of them actually usable. Im sorry, if I pay for a pipe it needs to be functional out of the box. Especially a clay that costs 2 to 3 times what another usable clay costs. If I got one with the actual chamber in proper order and without a huge cavity in it, this would be a perfect pipe.
Cornell & Diehl - Haunted Bookshop Cake 2oz
Tasty, but strong.
When I popped this tin, I wasn't sure what to expect. I have heard many different options and thoughts on this blend. It is a beautiful arrangement of tobaccos. Big, bold and flavor packed. The only downside is the nic level. If you're not a nicotine fiend, it may just pop through your skull. I made the mistake of smoking this blend in the biggest pipe I have in my collection. The smoke was so enjoyable I didnt want to set it down, but the head swim said otherwise. The Burley is iconic, the virgins help to settle it down and the perique gives the classic fruity spice with all the right ratios. When enjoyed in a smaller bowl this blend is perfect, just alittle strong for a large bowl in my opinion.
Cornell & Diehl - Founding Fathers
Great aero
This bend was a very pleasant surprise. Very cool and smooth for a aero, and has a wonderful room note and taste. You'll be met by a idealistic "pipe tobacco smell" when you open this blend. Sweet richness with hints of fresh tobacco, fruit and a pinch of nuts. This is one you do not want to pass up. The flavor is very tasty with heavy sweet fruit and a traditional tobacco flavor peaking out. This can be enjoyed all day if you want, or just as a tasty refresher for someone wanting a change. Out of the batch I've smoked on, I have not noticed any tongue bite and burns very smooth and steady. Room note is just as pleasant as the tin note. Definitely a winner when it comes to heavy flavored/cased aeros.
Carter Hall - Carter Hall 14oz
Smooth all day smoke
Good ol' carter hall. If Prince Albert is too heavy for you, give this a try. The room note is lighter, the smoke is smoother and creamy. I got into CH when PA was missing in action. The first couple bowls I smoked seemed very plain. The more I smoked, the better it got. CH does alot with some aging on it for those who prefer a richer smoke. You get a large hit of buttery cream with slight nuttiness in the background. Ive never experienced tongue bite from this blend, and seems to burn even and steadily. It is a very mild smoke without much going on, but that is what makes it enjoyable. If you are new to pipe smoking, this blend is a must try.
Prince Albert - Prince Albert 14oz
Memories
I grew up smelling PA all the time and was my very first tobacco to smoke. My grandfather only smoked PA and refused anything else. After many years, the minute I popped the tub was like being met with an old friend. Some say this blend has changed, in my opinion it is the same great blend that I always was very fond of. The room note is very pleasant but not over powering. Smoke delivers a smooth but bold toasted nutty flavor with a hint of molasses. As with all Burley blends, gives a thick plume of smoke. If you have never had PA, get you a tub. Even if you don't like the smoke, the tobacco makes for a great air freshener.
Old German Clay - Antique Shell
Great smoke
This pipe offers a great smoke. Very neutral and cool smoke, even with back to back smokes. This pipe has quickly became one of, if not my favorite. The only negative I can say the pipe I recieved had a large crack by the stem on the bottom of the bowl. Thankfully its just aesthetic, and does not cause issues with functionality. If it wasn't for this issue, I would definitely give it 5 stars.
Cornell & Diehl - Billy Budd
Decent smoke
Tin note is pretty latakia heavy. Honestly expected alittle more from this blend. The Burley is there, but very submissive. The Virginia's are alot more present to my palate, and the cigar leaf does give just a hit of a leather to it. All and all is a decent smoke. Can bite if its fresh from tin upon light up and relights. Room note is nice for an English. Not my favorite, but definitely not bad. Give it a try, maybe itll be right up your alley.
Cornell & Diehl - Watchman's Reach 2oz
Holy wow
One of if not the best Virginia blends I've ever had. If you're hesitant on trying, trust me, just go for it. I almost passed on this blend on my order, and im so glad i did not. Im not a huge Virginia fan, but this blend is beautiful. Some bright citrus notes, that mellow into a soft sweet. As the bowl progresses, begin to get richer and bolder flavor. Nearly a roasted/candied nut and fruit with a light woody/hay like finish. Tobacco was sampled in a fresh MM Raven, so no possibility of ghosting from other tobacco. Room note is very pleasant and wife approved. The only down to this tobacco is it is so good, you have to remember to slow down. Very clean and no tongue bite straight out of tin, unless you just get carried away. Will definitely be ordering more! C&D, you hit this one out of the park!
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