"Unusual Pipes" No. 7

I know there is a shape called "Apple" but I have never seen one before that was quite such a literal example of it's namesake. This pipe is a creation of "Mr. Groum's Pipes". Amazing detail on this wooden sculpture, especially on the bowl lid. I would think an apple-scented aromatic would be the most appropriate blend to smoke in this pipe.

New Acquisition for 07/27/2007

Finally! Another new Boswell! This is one of my all-time favorite shapes of his, the chubby apple. They fit great in the hand, light in the jaw and of course since it's a Boswell, a perfect smoker. I just cannot get enough of these pipes!

"Unusual Pipes" No. 6

This is a compilation of several unusual pipes that I found on the web a few years ago. On this picture one can see a "Hammer" pipe, a "Soccer Ball" pipe and a freehand that looks like a whiskey barrel. I don't remember where I found this picture or who the pipemaker is but I do hope that you enjoy these unusual pipes.

For the Love of Virginia Flakes

How I do love Virginia tobacco! I love the bright golden leaf, the brown, the sweet red, the dark stoved, shag, loose-cut, plug and partially rubbed ones. No Virginia, however, is as good (to me anyways) as the Virginia flake.

For the past few months I have been smoking a lot of Burleys with the occasional bowl of a good GLP english. Coming off this expedition I took up the Virginias once again and have been re-discovering the joys of this leaf. I smoke these flakes intact with no rubbing out.

I've long been a fan of the McClelland Matured Virginia "Brown Label" blends so I decided to begin my journey there. Each one of these exquisite tobaccos has it's own personality and characteristics that make them a delight with every bowl. This is not an endorsement of McClelland, although I do recommend them highly, but rather a statement of my appreciation for the subtle nuances of Virginias presented in a fine flake form.

Virginia No. 24 is a darker Virginia and it has some sharp notes and a rich full flavor. It matures further down the bowl as the tobacco cooks presenting a wide spectrum of flavors. Sweet, tangy, tart, dark but mostly just plain good.

Virginia No. 22 is a brighter leaf with a light flavor with an emphasis on the tangy flavors. I enjoy this one as a morning smoke as the bright zest of the leaf wakes me up and charges my batteries.

Virginia No. 27 is a nice mixture of sweetness and tang. It has a pleasant room note and a gentle light flavor. The more it cooks, the more robust it gets. This is a great mid-day smoke!

There are many other great Virginias from McClelland that cover the entire range of this magnificent leaf. I look forward to revisiting the "Reserve Series" blends like Blackwoods Flake and St. James Woods.

Won't you join me in a bowl of matured Virginia with a favorite beverage (mine is fresh strong coffee). Forget the world for a while, sit back and enjoy the show of flavors.

"Unusual Pipes" No. 5

Here's another unusual pipe for you all to enjoy. I'm not sure who the creator of this pipe is. What would one name such a pipe as this? Any suggestions?

"Unusual Pipes" No. 4

I'm not sure what to call this particular pipe. I'm inclined to think of a canoe or a slipper but it really is just...unusual!

I like the strips of smooth briar against the dark rusticated wood. This must have taken a very long time to create.

"Unusual Pipes" No. 3

This is a Viprati pipe and it has one of the finest displays of straight grain that I've ever seen. This is the "pipe side" of the piece. You can see the awesome grain pattern on the bowl walls and the silver extention. There is a thin layer of briar spread over the back of the pipe shape that acts like a canvas for the celebration of the grain on the other side which is here:

Is that a beautiful sight or what? It just makes me want to burst into song..."Amazing grain...how sweet the lines....."

The Ultimate Cross-Grain

I did not feel that this particular pipe fell into the "Unusual" category but is more of an "Ultimate". This pipe was made by Luigi Viprati and it is a huge piece with the finest cross-grain I have ever seen. Luigi really shows the grain patterns well by putting the straight grain on the rim of the bowl and the walls all superior birds-eye. I am not sure, but the stem looks like it may be made of genuine Amber. The pipe is spruced up even more by the implementation of a silver extention.

I hope you enjoy this magnificent specimen of briar.

Unusual Pipes No. 2"

Being the Fourth of July, I thought I would stick with the theme and present this pipe for the "Unusual Pipes" feature. I am not sure who made this pipe but the only visible nomenclature is "USA". This would be a perfect pipe to be smoking today while watching some fireworks or at a BBQ.

"Unusual Pipes" No. 1

Welcome to a new feature I would like to present here called "Unusual Pipes". I want to share photos of pipes that are prime examples of thinking outside the box. So without further ado, here is our first one!

This is called a "Liberty Bell" pipe and it was made to celebrate the American Bicentennial back in 1976. I'm not sure who exactly made this pipe, but it is certainly unique!

New Pipe Information Resource

A friend of mine recently started a great new site for compiling vast information on pipes, tobacco and the hobby of pipesmoking. Check out The Pipe Filter!