To a connoisseur, pipe smoking is more than a smoking habit. Oftentimes it is a pleasurable hobby, an observation encouraged by the range of flavors that make pipe smoking a relaxing and most enjoyable activity. Even the most discerning connoisseur is attracted by its variety of flavors, with many enthusiasts even creating their own blends and unique tastes. Beginners to the art, however, often find themselves overwhelmed by these vast yet tasty choices, which is the reason why a pipe tobacco sampler is the perfect way to first savor the spicy, sweet and flavored allure of pipe smoking.
One of the most highly recommended pipe tobacco sampler is sweet tobacco, which is known for its subtle yet biting taste. One of the best example of this variety is the Virginia-harvested flue-cure tobacco, whose leaves give off a subtle yet sweet flavor. The Ohio blend Burley tobacco, meanwhile, has a nuttier yet richer flavor combined with a sweetness derived from added sugars. The Kentucky-based Green River Valley tobacco, on the other hand, is known for its mild yet sweet taste. Other varieties combine the Burley, Virginia, and Green River tobacco to create even more flavors.
A spicy pipe tobacco sampler offers a first taste to many of these varieties, which could range from bold to sharper flavors, with most of the richness resulting from the curing process and not the leaves. One good example of a spice tobacco is the perique, which is grown in Louisiana. Perigue derives its strong yet fruity taste from a steeping process that allow the leaves to cook in their own juices. The process takes about 10 months before the leaves are processed and sold. Latakia is a foreign spice tobacco which is fire-cured then blended with aromatic herbs and woods. The Oriental tobacco is sun-dried which helps explain its natural yet spicy flavor. Spice tobaccos are often used in smaller amounts compared with sweeter, milder tobaccos. The two can be combined, however, to create a different and unique flavor.
Cavendish tobacco is a name easily known among pipe smokers and tobacconists although the name itself refers to the process of curing tobacco rather than a type of leaf. Cavendish tobacco combines many leaves, which are pressed then fermented to give the leaves their smooth yet mild taste. What sets the Cavendish tobacco from the rest is its amazing range of flavors. A simple Cavendish pipe tobacco sampler, for example, oftens contain a mixture of distinctive flavors like chocolate, vanilla, rum, strawberry, coconut, walnut and cherry. Though new to the addition, chocolate has since gained a following among tobacco enthusiasts. Black Cavendish is distinctive for its fire-cure process which gives it a subtle caramel flavor.
For beginners new to the hobby of pipe smoking, a pipe tobacco sampler is the best way to sample, experience and savor these amazing range of flavors, aromas, and tastes. Samples are often packaged with 5 to 20 varieties of flavors. Some often consist of similar flavors like spice tobaccos that come with an additional sampler of natural sweet flavors and foreign blends minus the cost of a full purchase. The pipe tobacco sample may also come with additional flavors new to pipe smoking enthusiasts. It should be noted, however, that chemical additives increase flavor as opposed to preservatives that prolong shelf life. Whether sweet, flavored or spicy, tobaccos create their own special experience. And a pipe tobacco sampler is the best and less expensive way to savor and enjoy these offerings.
The culture which surrounds pipe smoking is quite similar to that of the fine wine. Pipe smoking can be enjoyed by any person and even people who are smoking the pipe for the first time can get enough of information to get started. People who have been smoking for years around have immense knowledge and knows the vocabulary associated with pipe smoking so much so that they are able to talk about a specific brand of tobacco or a kind of pipe with ease. People who are new to pipe smoking can acknowledge themselves by having a good pipe tobacco sampler, a starter pipe, and a little time.
The first step is to get the right kind of pipe. There are some pipes in the market that cost few hundred dollars but there is no need to buy these costly pieces. Most of the experienced smokers advise buying a middle of the road briar pipe for the starters. They are not very delicate, easy to use and are priced around 30 dollars. They last long and do not deteriorate like corncob pipes. Most of the long time smokers prefer the Meerschaum pipe but it is very costly and need a long time to break-in.
After selecting the pipe, you have to decide on the kind of tobacco which you will be smoking. Tobaccos differ in aroma, taste and smoothness and most of the shops categorize them based on their performance in each of these categories. It is better to start with a small amount of mild, smooth tobacco in the beginning while you become used to with your smoking apparatus. After gaining some experience, you can order a pipe tobacco sampler which will offer you a better idea of the available flavors and help you to know your preferences in pipe smoking.
Now that you have bought your sampler and the pipe, you are ready to begin smoking. There are few devices which you may use for lighting the bowl of your pipe. Some of the smokers feel that both matches and lighters are perfect for lighting while others believe that only a butane lighter lights the pipe properly. No matter which lighting method you choose, make sure that you do not burn yourself or the new pipe while lighting the bowl of the pipe.
People who have just started pipe smoking often feel confused and restrained by the various choices available in the market for choosing the type of pipe and tobaccos from the available varieties. But in reality, you have to just start by having a pipe tobacco sampler and a good briar pipe. After starting, you will be in a better position to refine the tastes and puff with the best of them.
