[Dr. Worm]

When smoking cloves, do you generally inhale?

[jbm222]

mmmm.... djarum blacks....

yes, i inhale when smoking them. i figure they must be filtered for a reason.

I've never tried Djarum Vanilla. I've had the Blacks, Splash, Bali Hai, and Cherry. I'd say the Blacks are the best out of what i've tried. Altough if you plan on smoking several cloves in a short period of time, you might prefer one of the others. Blacks are sweeter and have a fuller flavor than any other Djarums i've tried, but because of this i can only smoke 1 or 2 a night.

[Dr. Worm]

What is all this filtered or unfiltered business about?

[jbm222]

Most common brands of cigarettes (Camel, Marlboro, etc) have little filters on the end that you stick in your mouth. It's that white thing. Filters trap tar and stuff that's bad for your lungs, only allowing smaller particals to pass through. Generally cigars don't filters. You get more flavor without one. But you also get more tar and harmful stuff. So generally you shouldn't inhale much if it's unfiltered, but if it is go ahead.

[ChrisHarbison]

Originally Posted by Dr. Worm

When smoking cloves, do you generally inhale?

You can if you want. You can smoke 'em like cigarettes or cigars, either way is good. However, I must warn you, inhaling cloves is far more unhealthy that inhaling cigarettes, so keep that in mind. It's not a good idea to inhale them regularly, they will make bleed if inhaled too much.

Now, that said, djarum blacks are much better than the supers in every way. My favorite brand, however, is Sampoerna Xtra.

As far as cigars, I don't smoke them much anymore, I gave them up for pipe tobacco. Pipes are definitely the preferable way to smoke.

[Dr. Worm]

I am getting pretty curious and excited about pipe smoking. A simple Wal-Mart pipe is good enough you say? Does the kind of tobacco I get matter? I don't even know what different options there are to choose from. Higher/lower quality? Different flavors? Guide me.

[ChrisHarbison]

Originally Posted by Dr. Worm

I am getting pretty curious and excited about pipe smoking. A simple Wal-Mart pipe is good enough you say? Does the kind of tobacco I get matter? I don't even know what different options there are to choose from. Higher/lower quality? Different flavors? Guide me.

There are so many types of pipe tobacco - it's like finding the perfect wine, there are so many that are good, you just have to find one you really like. My preference is called Durfur's Castle. It's a smooth aromatic blend that smells wonderful. I'd also recommend any of the honey blends, like Honey Clover, etc. Also, you can't go wrong with just a plain ole' everyday vanilla.

[SilverNitrate]

I'd like to say one thing...

AWESOME THREAD!!!

Oh... and so this won't be a cheap post... The Djarum Blacks definitely have the most clove flavor. (oh... and I don't know if you can still find this or not... but there used to be a "Clove Chewing Gum". My grandma used to have some of that lying around the house. It's almost as good as the smokes )

[BurntHombre]

Originally Posted by Dr. Worm

I am getting pretty curious and excited about pipe smoking. A simple Wal-Mart pipe is good enough you say? Does the kind of tobacco I get matter? I don't even know what different options there are to choose from. Higher/lower quality? Different flavors? Guide me.

Ah, pipes. Say, we need a smiley with a pipe!

Yes, a simple pipe is good enough. Even a corn cob pipe. But go ahead and get yourself a decent briar or even a meerschaum. You can spend as little as $20 or so, or you can go up into the multi-hundred dollar or even thousand dollar range.

Pipe smoking is somewhat of an art. You need to pack the tobacco correctly, light it correctly, and smoke it at just the right rate -- too slow and it will burn out. Too fast and you'll burn too hot, getting a little "bite" on your tongue and possibly damaging your pipe. Nevertheless, it's not difficult to learn. Read this how-to over at pipes.org for a good intro primer. This page describes what you need to begin enjoying your pipe.

As far as tobacco goes, feel free to start with a cheap pouch of aromatic pipe tobacco from your local drug store -- cherry-flavored, Captain Black, etc. It has a pleasing smell and is generally in good condition when you open the seal. When you're ready to move on to some quality tobaccos, I personally recommend the following:

-Nat Sherman 509
-Nat Sherman 507
-McClelland Arcadia
-Dunhill Standard Mixture

None of these are considered aromatic -- they have more of a rich, "British" flavor to them. Read up at pipes.org to learn more about the different types of tobacco and their characteristics.

When you really get into it, you can buy a block of briar and carve your own pipe. All you need is a dremel and you're set. I carved a nice little hexagonal pipe with a curved stem, and it wasn't too much trouble at all.

And stay away from cloves. Cloves are for kiddies.

[Athanasius]

Originally Posted by slap_j

I think pipes are sexy...but being able to hand roll a cigarette well is pretty damned sexy as well. Some people can even do with with one hand (and I really mean one handed...no rolling machines).

I also hand roll. *hip thrust*

[slap_j]

Originally Posted by Athanasius

I also hand roll. *hip thrust*

Oh. Well in that case, will you roll me one, cowboy? - Mia (Uma Thurman from Pulp Fiction)

[mlqurgw]

Originally Posted by Athanasius

If cloves are legal to buy in your state (they aren't in Utah)...just try your local tobacco shop. As for cigars, I really enjoy a Romeo y Julieta cedar wrapped cigar. So nice. Here's a tip...the cedar is to light the cigar with...you never light a cigar with a lighter. Light the cedar and then go in a circular motion around the tip of the cigar as you take puffs. If you don't get a cedar wrapped one...light it with a match. You'll also need to purchase a cigar punch or a cutter. These can be had for under a dollar at most tobacco shops.

If you want a cigar, your local mall probably has a "Tinder Box" store which would be easily accessible.

Don't inhale your cigar...you'll either puke or pass out.

I recommend, however, that you join the CGR Pipe Smoking Alliance. Charter members include me and John Roberson. We also got Benj started. You can purchase a pipe at Wal-Mart, I think they are $8.97 or whatever. I forget the maker, but they only carry one kind of pipe...so you are bound to get the right kind. It comes with a filter loaded into the stem, just take the stem off and take it out...it'll ruin your smoke. Also purchase a "tamping tool"...it helps you load your pipe and clean it out. You could smoke the "Presbyterian Mix" seen in my avatar...but I'd recommend starting with an aromatic, such as Vanilla. You'd have to go to the tobacconist to get your tobacco.

Pipe smoking is the most enjoyable form of smoking I know. It is also really sexy. You can read more about how to properly smoke a pipe here:
http://pipes.priss.org/howto.php

How do I join the Pipe Smoking Alliance? I have been enjoying a pipe for about 15 years. I have a very nice collection of many types of pipes. I have nothing to offer in the way of advice in this thread because you guys have got it pretty well covered.

[Role Modlin]

If you want a truly CCM smoking experience you can buy a pipe hand-crafted by former Newsboy Jody Davis. They are expensive but are said to be "top notch" pipes.

[BurntHombre]

Originally Posted by mlqurgw

How do I join the Pipe Smoking Alliance?

A member of the Pipe Smoking Alliance usually has the following characteristics:

1. He spends a large amount of time sitting in well-stuffed chairs in dimly lit rooms.
2. During conversation, he tends to hold his pipe in his mouth with one hand and nod his head frequently.
3. When making a point, he often removes the pipe from his mouth and points at people with its stem.
4. He is educated, discerning, introspective and genteel.
5. He is, generally speaking, a he.

[Role Modlin]

Originally Posted by Broccoli Fish

They'd better be, since the cheapest one I saw on the site is over $400!!

And upwards of $1200 for some of the others.