Next time you visit L.C. check out Bargain World Thrift Store at 1700 E College Street. It's a block south of The Cigar Club, as you cross under I-210. Only open Wed, Thu, & Fri from 10am to 5 pm. Still got that pile of Big Green ceramic that I'd let go for a decent slightly used pipe. We could do lunch at Waffle House.
That’s more of a half bent, so it may pass the pipe cleaner test. I like Chris’s suggestion about letting the Escudo dry a bit. Also, puffing a little too fast can lead to gurgle. You might try slowing down just a bit, and lightly tamping a little more often. The secret to tamping is to do it before you think you need it. That will keep a better compression on the tobacco, and help it burn evenly with a slower smoking cadence.
Tin note is sweet & fruity. Sort of plum but there's something else I haven't been able to pin down. Moisture content is just right, and the tin was packed tight. I transferred to a pint jar so it's fluffed up now. Packs & lights easily and stays lit without effort. I tried several bowls in an old cob but that pipe has developed too many leaks around the stem. Switched to the bent briar and it's even better. Not a Cavendish or Perique flavor, but still a sweet component. Could be light on vitamin N. I'll need to dress for the weather and slowly work a full load to see. I was having issues with the pictured pipe - a Schowa briar. The tenon got sloppy loose so I used a Q-tip and a little melted candle wax inside the mortise. Now everything holds in place, doesn't slip or spin. I was afraid the bowl would fall loose from the stem.
This is another pipe with a red dot. Marked "pipe makers" smokes good in my humble opinion. Good ole C&D Bayou Nights in it on the way to work.
Now that, sir, is a great looking pipe! Great color, shape, rustication, and the lucite stem really goes well with it.
One of my favorite combos, have a cob with CM every day. I also mix my CM with OJK for a little nic increase at times.
Also a cold, rainy end-afternoon here... an escapade of 30-40 minutes to relax a bit from work. Gasparini and Frog Morton’s Cellar
