Question for pipe smokers who enjoy good smoking?

Question

I'm thinking of taking up the habit, and was wondering what the difference is in smoking quality between what they call a church warden length mouth piece, and a regular length pipe. Is it more effort to get the smoke? IS the smoke cooler? DOes it affect flavor?

Thanks.

Answer 1

Well the smoke is cooler, but you do tend to look like Gandalf from "The Lord of the rings" with the churchwarden pipe. The capacity of these pipes is usually pretty small as well.

If you want a cool smoke with a pipe you could consider a corncob pipe like one used by General MacArthur; these are inexpensive and work well for a beginner. However, there is a stigma against these as being a bit Hillbilly in appearance.

If you want a cool and unmoist smoke I would look at 2 pipes if you can afford them: The Kirsten Pipe, which collects and cools smokes in a really neat aluminum body. This pipe was designed by an aeronautical engineer and is pretty neat. I have one and it is quite good. If you want something with more of an air of class you might consider the Peterson system pipe. These pipes come in many styles and are of high quality, they also have a design which collects the gunk that is the bane of all pipe smokers...

Another factor in both flavor AND how hot the smoke is is the quality of the tobacco. I would recommend something like Cordell and Diehl and select the tobacco that most fits your taste.
All their tobaccos are great and most will burn pretty cool. Cheap tobaccos often burn hot and will "bite" your tongue.

In summary, the pipe you buy is part of your OWN style. If you like the look of the churchwarden then buy one. If it is of high quality I am sure you will be satisfied. Just buy good tobacco;)

I have included a link to Cordell and Diehl reviews below.

Answer 2

Pipe smoking is a great hobby. Check out these two websites that have great information on methods and different pipes.

http://www.pipes.org
http://www.smokersforums.org