Keep Calm and Smoke a Pipe...

With the plethora of 'KEEP CALM' posters flying freely around the net and in our shops, I thought I'd make one with my own flavour to it. I have not been a pipe smoker for very long, but in a very short time I have been swept up by its charm. As an avid real Ale drinker I adore the variety of the tipple and the excitement of coming across a new brew. I see smoking a pipe to be of a similar ilk, as there are so many 'brews' and mixes to be tried, with tobacconists often creating their own blends for you to dip into. And much like Ale, you learn to take the rough with the smooth and appreciate that the flavours can change dramatically throughout a barrels (tins) lifetime, as the air gets inside and mixes everything up :{,

There is also the paraphernalia that accompanies the indulgence, a gentlemans pipe can reflect much his persona or mood, and can again change the flavours achieved from your chosen leaf mix. Above is my current favorite pipe, a Mr Brog's No.66 briar pipe, hand crafted in Poland, I like to think by Mr Brogs himself. It does not have a very large bowl so is perfect for a 20-30 min smoke, and so far has been a very cool ride.

To assist me on my current journey I have taken a particular liking to Orlik's Bull's Eye. Produced in a roll and presented a 'discs', I like the way the virginia and cavendish tobaccos are easy to separate so that you can 'build' up the bowl in a way you prefer. In my limited experience, I would say it is a smooth smoke with lots of natural earthy flavours and an aroma that everybody seems to enjoy, I'd thoroughly recommend it to pipe smokers just starting out.

Enjoy :{,