While the vast majority of tobacco enthusiasts may prefer cigars, there is still a dedicated (and staunch) minority that prefers the enjoyable ritual of smoking a pipe. While the vast majority of tobacco enthusiasts may prefer cigars, there is still a dedicated (and staunch) minority that prefers the enjoyable ritual of smoking a pipe.
Pipe smoking is cathartic, relaxing, introspective, and a full-sensory experience that allows you to enjoy the savors of a smoke wreath through taste, scent, and sight. There are countless types of pipe tobacco to sample, and many different types of tobacco pipes that are true works of art.
So, if you’re thinking about trying it for the first time, here are a few things you need to know.
Smoking Accessories
Every Pipe Smoker Should HaveSmoking a pipe is markedly different from smoking a cigar. While cigar smokers need a cutter or punch and typically use jet lighters, what you’ll need as a pipe smoker is a little bit different. You’ll need:
- A way to light the pipe. Some smokers prefer matches, others use pipe lighters. Do not use a jet lighter, as you’ll likely scorch the tobacco and the rim of your pipe’s bowl. Soft flame lighters or pipe lighters only.
- A tamper. You must have a tamper to properly pack and light your pipe. Most pipe tools contain not only a tamper but also a pick, used for aeration and cleaning, and a reamer used to scrape out the bowl during cleaning.
- Pipe cleaners. Pipe cleaners are necessary for removing residue from the inside of the stem after smoking; allowing residue to accumulate will make the pipe and tobacco taste sour.
- Humidification accessories. Pipe tobacco should be stored at a constant temperature and humidity (see below) and protected from light.
Storing Bulk Pipe
Tobacco When you buy bulk tobacco, it is imperative that you store it properly in order to prevent it from drying out and losing flavor. Dry tobacco tastes terrible and will not take a consistent light.
It should be stored in a jar, tin, or humidor, at around 70℉ and at 70% humidity, protected from direct light sources. Storing tobacco products in bulk also helps the aging process.
Packing a Pipe
When you pack a pipe, you do not want the tobacco to be packed too tightly or too loosely. Too tight, and it will be difficult to draw; too loose, and the pipe will go out repeatedly.
Start by filling your bowl to the rim with tobacco. Pack it down evenly using your tamper til the bowl is just more than ⅓ full. Fill it up to the rim once more and tamp it down until it is just over ⅔ full.
Tamp it down until it feels springy, but does not unravel or expand when the tamper is removed. You can fill it to the rim and tamp it down in the same manner once more, but this pipe is now ready to light.
Lighting a Pipe
Lighting a pipe takes some skill but is not as hard as some would have you believe. Once your pipe is packed, strike a light or light your lighter, then apply the flame over the top of the tobacco, about a centimeter over the top.
Draw in evenly through your mouth taking steady puffs – not too quick or too short. As you draw, circulate the flame over the top of the tobacco to achieve an even light.
This is the first light; after you have lit the top of the pack, take your tamper and tamp it down gently to pack it back into place, while simultaneously drawing.
After this first light, repeat the process one more time, then enjoy the experience. Try not to take more than a few series of puffs per minute to prevent the pipe from burning too hot.
Where to Buy Bulk Pipe Tobacco?
There are plenty of places to get a good price on bulk pipe tobacco online but we suggest Rocky’s Cigars online at RockysCigars.com.
They carry a wide range of top brands, such as Peter Stokkebye, Lane, and Sutliff, with favorite blends, such as Lane’s BC-A and RLP-6, featured in their catalog.
They also carry a wide range of pipe smoking accessories (and plenty of the top cigars, if that’s your sort of thing, too). Check out their collections via the link above or contact them at 888-216-5834 for more information.
