Well chaps, after checking in with the Met office it was confirmed during the sortie briefing that Op 'Patio Pipe' was on. This was the first sortie with my newly acquired Growley courtesy of Brian. I loaded her up with SG Black Cherry (same as my last smoke to facilitate a direct comparison), and then it was contact, chocks away.
Now, as you're all aware I'm no connoiseur yet (I'm working on it) so I'll just share my observations from a novice's perspective, making a comparison to my trusty contempary Parker:
The pipe smoked cooler.
The bowl didn't get as warm/hot to the touch. For the most part it was hardly noticeable.
I experienced no gurgle - this was a first for me.
It tasted different. I seemed to have access to a greater range of tastes. Sweeter.
I relit perhaps 50% less; no biggy (as discussed elsewhere) but interesting nonetheless.
It felt great in the hand. Lighter, and I loved the way my index finger naturally rested over the shoulder.
It was barely noticeable in the mouth as the stem is so thin.
I was smoking for a good hour, previously a rarity.
I was smiling from ear to ear.
I felt very smug.
All in all, an immensly satisfying experience. Thank you Brian. You have introduced me to the real world of pipe smoking...
Now, as you're all aware I'm no connoiseur yet (I'm working on it) so I'll just share my observations from a novice's perspective, making a comparison to my trusty contempary Parker:
The pipe smoked cooler.
The bowl didn't get as warm/hot to the touch. For the most part it was hardly noticeable.
I experienced no gurgle - this was a first for me.
It tasted different. I seemed to have access to a greater range of tastes. Sweeter.
I relit perhaps 50% less; no biggy (as discussed elsewhere) but interesting nonetheless.
It felt great in the hand. Lighter, and I loved the way my index finger naturally rested over the shoulder.
It was barely noticeable in the mouth as the stem is so thin.
I was smoking for a good hour, previously a rarity.
I was smiling from ear to ear.
I felt very smug.
All in all, an immensly satisfying experience. Thank you Brian. You have introduced me to the real world of pipe smoking...