Mastering the art of pipe smoking can be daunting, but it’s not as tricky as it looks. Find out how to choose, pack, and light the best pipe for you.
Smoking a pipe seems easy enough, but there’s more to it than putting in a few pinches of tobacco, lighting it, and puffing away. Having the right tools and mastering the right techniques unlocks a richer, more enjoyable flavour and ensures a smooth, even burn every time.
In this guide, we demystify the art of pipe smoking by covering the basics, from choosing the right pipe to finding a quality tobacco blend for a smooth experience and packing and lighting it.
How to Choose a Pipe
Choosing the perfect tobacco pipe at a tobacconist such as the Black Swan Shoppe becomes much easier when you consider material, shape, and size.
Look for a pipe material that’s durable, moisture-absorbent, heat-resistant, and won’t taint the tobacco’s flavour. Pipes made of briar wood are the gold standard for pipe-making as they have excellent heat resistance, are highly porous, and are very durable.
Then, select a pipe shape that appeals to your personal style. You can choose from traditional straight pipes, bent pipes, artisanal one-of-a-kind pipes, freeform or novelty shapes. If you’re a beginner, a traditional bent pipe is best as it is the easiest to pack and to smoke. However, once you’ve mastered this, you can move on to different shapes and styles to see which one suits you best.
Lastly, whatever shape you choose, it’s recommended that you opt for a medium-length stem (approximately 15cm) and a standard-size bowl (between 3 and 3.5cm in depth). These dimensions strike a balance between comfort and functionality.
A medium-length stem allows the smoke to travel farther, giving it time to cool, which enhances the flavour and reduces tongue bite. At the same time, the length of the stem makes it easier to balance and hold, so it’s more comfortable for extended smoking sessions.
A standard-size bowl (3-3.5cm depth) is versatile. It accommodates various tobacco cuts and provides a reasonable smoking duration without overwhelming a beginner. This bowl size also ensures even burning, ensuring you enjoy the full complexity of the tobacco without relighting it frequently.
How to Choose Pipe Tobacco
There’s an incredible range of pipe tobacco blends to choose from, each with a different aroma and flavour.
Start with one that’s mild, medium-bodied, straightforward, and slightly sweet, such as Virginia tobacco. Burley blends are another great option for beginners, offering a nutty flavour and a slower burn, which is ideal for learning proper smoking techniques.
Aromatic tobaccos often flavoured with vanilla, cherry, or other sweeteners, can be enjoyable, too, but may require more maintenance to prevent residue buildup in the pipe. Latakia and Perique are popular choices for more experienced smokers who appreciate complex, bold flavours.
You can always expand your choices as you become more familiar with smoking a pipe. Experimenting with different cuts such as ribbon, flake, or plug can also help you discover what packs and smokes best for your style.
How to Pack and Light a Pipe
Packing and lighting a pipe successfully is a process. This is how you do it:
Prepare the pipe: Use a pipe cleaner or blow gently through the stem to clear dust, debris, or moisture from the stem and shank.
Pack tobacco in the bowl: Place a pinch of good-quality pipe tobacco in the bowl’s chamber, filling it halfway and making sure the tobacco is loose. Add a small pinch to make the chamber three-quarters full, and press down gently with a tamper or your finger. Add more tobacco to fill the chamber to the rim and press gently, ensuring it remains slightly below or level with the rim.
Apply the Charring Light: Use a pipe lighter or match to apply the first light, holding the flame above the tobacco and moving it slowly in a circle while taking a couple of draws to char the tobacco. Use a tamper or your finger to pack the tobacco down gently.
Apply the True Light: Light the pipe again, using a pipe lighter or match, taking a couple of draws to ensure the tobacco lights evenly. Now that you’ve lit your pipe properly, puff routinely and pack the tobacco occasionally to keep it lit.
Choose a Reputable Provider
Quality is important when it comes to pipe smoking, as you want tools and products you can trust. Choose a reputable provider, such as the Black Swan Shoppe, and always consider your personal tastes when deciding on a pipe and a tobacco blend.