New Pipes Taste Bad...Be Patient

[Fight'n Hampsters]

For the longest time (about two years) I had only three pipes in my rotation. One for anything with Latakia in it, the other for Virginia’s, burleys and the like and one that I put anything in. When I began to smoke more frequently I decided to get a few more pipes to allow for more rest time in between smokes. To that end I bought three new pipes this month, all of them having the black carbon like stuff on the inside of the bowls.

I have been using them as often as I can to ‘break them in’ and have been reminded of something I forgot.

New pipes taste bad (at least in my experience).

My favorite blends taste off when smoked in them. I can’t wait to get them past this point.

Which also reminds me that if someone is just beginning this hobby and has a new pipe they could get the wrong impression of how enjoyable this hobby really is if they do not hang in there and push past the bland point with their new pipes.

Also don’t decide of you like a blend or not if you are smoking it in a new pipe. It will taste different once the pipe has some miles on it.

Just some thoughts, for what its worth.

 

[Rob_In_MO]

Occasionally the bowl coatings can cause that to happen, or at least contribute to the experience. Of course the bowl coatings can usually be removed with a little light sanding, if someone wants to start with fresh Briar.

 

[Fight'n Hampsters]

Occasionally the bowl coatings can cause that to happen, or at least contribute to the experience. Of course the bowl coatings can usually be removed with a little light sanding, if someone wants to start with fresh Briar.

I've wondered about this. I assume they put it in there to facilitate cake building.

 

[Rob_In_MO]

Occasionally the bowl coatings can cause that to happen, or at least contribute to the experience. Of course the bowl coatings can usually be removed with a little light sanding, if someone wants to start with fresh Briar.

I've wondered about this. I assume they put it in there to facilitate cake building.

That's been my experience at least. Here is a whole can of worms on that subject if you're interested in reading more about the topic of bowl coatings.

 

[Kyle Weiss]

Some briar tastes bad right out of the gate, regardless of bowl coatings. Some briar tastes wonderful.

Most of it works itself out eventually, some just sooner rather than later.

Bless us this cake, Lord, for we know we need it. :lol:

8)

 

[dshpipes]

In my personal opinion, I much prefer an uncoated chamber to a coated one. It just tastes better.

However... https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=kcDMaHT1khI

 

[idbowman]

A pouch or so of Carter Hall will cure what ails ya.

Cheap, quick, and easy way to break a new pipe in and build up a bit of cake (with or without the bowl coating).

 

[Rob_In_MO]

A pouch or so of Carter Hall will cure what ails ya.

Cheap, quick, and easy way to break a new pipe in and build up a bit of cake (with or without the bowl coating).

Carter Hall - that's probably the best and most neutral blend to use for cake building on a new pipe, unless you already know what type of blends you'll be smoking in it: English, VA, etc. If you already have a tobacco preference for the new pipe, then I'd say just start with what you plan on smoking in it.

 

[sisyphus]

any Burley really. CH, PA, BLB, SF and ERR all get used for break in here, and I can't say one does a better job than the rest. They sure do put some heel cake in a new bowl faster than anything else.

 

[Kyle Weiss]

Carter Hall is now a guilty pleasure of mine, but it's easy stuff to get a new pipe through a half-dozen to a baker's dozen bowls to start it out on the right track.

Union Square and EMP, respectively for a VA pipe or a Lat pipe, really can do a good job letting you know what the brair will taste like.

Also, about 8% (give or take) of any given straight Latakia mixed with Carter Hall tastes really good. Nice change of pace.

8)

 

[monbla256]

quote]

If you already have a tobacco preference for the new pipe, then I'd say just start with what you plan on smoking in it.

This or as i do, a nice Red Va Flake which does a great job of putting a break-in cake.

 

[Kyle Weiss]

Red VA does a good job helping me decide if the briar tastes alright straight outta the gate. Good, sweet, new briar and Red VA can lend almost a nutmeg flavor that is strongest when the pipe is being broken in--I kind of look forward to that, and it doesn't last long.

8)