I think it's time to fix one...

Now. About to toast some Stokkebye Luxury Twist in an Algerian briar.

I think I'm going to PIF this 1792. I do enjoy it when I can get it lit but it's a lot of trouble and not worth it to me especially when I'm just trying to relax. Anybody interested?

... right about now... Just toasted the top. Still on Luxury Twist Flake, tonight in a Roma rusticated.

The only SG Flake I've tried is the Full Virginia. I find it incredibly tedious to prepare, far more wet and thick sliced than flake I usually buy. I've smoked pounds of flake, and I can't keep it lit unless I dry it out and fully rub it.

I think I'll have to pass, as I've heard 1792 is really high in vitamin N, and I'm sensitive to that. Maybe there will be another taker.

Or, as another alternative, you could try drying the 1792 in an oven. I've never tried this, and can't remember where I read it now. But as I recall, someone would dry really wet tobacco by spreading in a pan, and putting it in a 200 degree oven for something like 10 minutes, maybe a little more. You could start with 5 minutes and check it, then another 5 if needed, and so on, if that is something you were interested in. I've just done some drying of FVF, but not in an oven. I left the glass jar open for around 24 hours, and it is some drier, but will require another 24 hours left open, or more. FVF was so good the first time I tried it, think it's worth the effort.

Sure, I'd love to give it a try!

I have had some luck on FVF by breaking up the flake a bit and drying for 3 hours, followed by fully rubbing out. Then I spread it out and dry for another hour. Then I pack a bowl and let it sit in the pipe for 24 more hours.

And yeah, it's a good flake...that I need 30 hour lead time on. I think I may try drying it in a jar like you have.

Christmas in June! I received my order from Pipes and Cigars today:
4 oz Hearth & Home AJ's VaPer (VaPer with unflavored Cavendish)
4 oz Hearth & Home Lousiana Red (VaPer with darker red Virginias)
5 oz Sam Gawith Medium Virginia Broken Flake, bulk
2oz Peter Stokkebye 701 Virginia (straight Virginia, mostly gold, light colored)
3.5 oz tin Orlik Golden Sliced (Virginia flake)
1.75 oz tins (2) Capstan Original Flake (Virginia)

Deciding which to try first was like a kid at Christmas trying to decide which toy to pick up first! I decided on AJ's VaPer, in my Neerup rusticated poker, with a taller somewhat narrower bowl. At first light, the Perique was definitely in the forefront. There is no small amount of Perique in this blend, but it isn't overpowering. Then the Virginias kicked in, with their natural sweetness, and later I could tell the cavendish was coming in with a smoothness to round things out. Now, as I continue this pipe of AJ's VaPer, the flavors are melded into a very fine smoke. I'll have to try several bowls before deciding, but I could easily see ordering a pound of this to cellar in mason jars to allow some aging, although it is quite fine right out of the package. This isn't a powerhouse type blend, so if you're looking for something to knock your socks off, I don't think this would be it. No vitamin N yet, and I'm about halfway through the first bowl.

I'm undecided about having this exclusively for a few days, to see if my initial favorable opinion holds, or if I want to get into one of the others. I'll most likely age the Golden Sliced and Capstan. Decisions, decisions...

Wow! Nice haul there. I will be looking forward to your review of the Louisiana Red. I've been eyeing it for awhile just never pulled the trigger on it.

I will be out of pipe smoking commission for awhile. (Dental surgery) I will be following the thread and wishing though. Hope everybody is having good smokes.

Hope the surgery goes well, and you have a quick recovery!

Hey guys. Been MIA for a few due to being so busy lately. Figured I'd put up a PotD pic though. First time I've ever tried Half and Half and was kinda surprised. I usually figure if you can get it at a gas station, it's probably not any good. I may have to rethink that though. This tobacco is actually kinda nice. Very mellow cools smoke and a nice room note. I'm thinking the problem I've had with most brands I've grabbed at gas stations or pharmacies, etc; is that they tend to be past their prime (the packs are usually dust covered), and dried up. This stuff was fresh and perfectly moist. I may have to grab a tin from Pipes and Cigars.

And keep an eye on my postings. I've got a package coming in from a pipe maker for testing and review. It's a secret for now, but I think you guys will love it!

Pm your address I'll ship it out when I get a chance

I can't tell for sure if that is a tub or pouch. If it's a tub, then it's more likely to have been better sealed. I've heard a number of people say that a tub of Carter Hall or Prince Albert are much better than the pouches. There are a number of old "Drugstore" brands that still have signicant followings, so I'm not surprised!

And I look forward to seeing your surprise!

It's a pouch. They wanted $45 for the 8 oz tin! Hence why I am a long time fan of Pipes and Cigars.com, lol. I have also noted the same though. I have heard some old timers say that Carter Hall is a good smooth smoke, but every time I had tried it (from the local Rite Aid in a dust covered box), it was so dry and harsh. I'm guessing due to being VERY out of date though, as I had the same problem with some Borkum Riff I had bought there as well. However the same Borkum Riff from a local tobaccanist was great! So definitely not the tobaccos themselves I'm beginning to think, and more the fact that the packs from certain places are just older than dirt. lol

Nice!

Rest well my friend. We will keep one burning for you.

Definitely age the Capstan if it's current production. Orlik will be great now or aged.

Pipe O' the Day​

Angelo Italian briar, Villiger 1888 After Dinner (VaPer flake)​

Can't wait to see the new piece!