Do your tastes change with the seasons?

I've not been smoking pipes for long, so I haven't experienced a full year of seasons yet...but I am finding that, as the weather changes so do my tastes in tobacco.

Summer seemed to fit Aromatics and citrusy Virginia blends. Then, as autumn came around, I found myself tending towards the spiciness of VaPers or straight Virginia, with an occasional detour back to the faithful standby of St Bruno (maybe that's the one they mean when they refer to "man's best friend").

Now that it's actually snowy and wintry, I'm tending towards the smoky aromas and tastes of "English" and "Balkan" blends, with an occasional Aromatic at home in the evening.

Alternatively, it might just be that my palate is developing as my experience grows and my tastes change coincidentally...I'll update next year!

Smoking Metal

FALCON Bantam -Classic-Oxford

Whilst I'm rapidly becoming a fan (and collector) of Peterson pipes, I'm also a fan of Falcons...the deceptively simple design and sturdy construction makes them great for work. They bounce if you drop them and they're virtually indestructible*!

*Under normal usage conditions! :-)

Pipe Parts and Shape Names

Pipe Parts and Shape Names

A useful guide to the parts of a pipe, together with some of the most common and popular shapes.

Fingers crossed.

There have already been a couple of enquiries, so hopefully there will be a few of us at the first meeting.

Anything you want to see?

Is there anything you'd like to see added to this blog?

How long to finish a pipe?

Eventually, I'd like to see us having a "slow smoking" competition (current world record is 3hrs 10minutes to smoke 3 grammes of tobacco!).

Here are the official CIPC Regulations. If you want to practice, here's some preparation guidance from UPCA.

Additionally, the UK Federation of Pipe Clubs are bringing back the UK Pipe Smoking Championships...they're currently looking for a venue (which could be difficult with current UK legislation).

Support your local tobacconist.

We're very fortunate to have 3 good, specialist tobacconists here in Edinburgh (I believe there's only one in London).

There's The Cigar Box on the Royal Mile (just across from St Giles). Mainly cigars (the clue is in the name) but there is a decent selection of tinned and loose tobacco. Full range of Samuel Gawith and Dunhill blends, along with Ashton and Davidoff.

We've also got Robert Graham on Rose Street (between Castle Street and Charlotte Square). Nice selection of pipes and some excellent tobacco.

There's also The Pipe Shop on Leith Walk (near the bottom on the left hand side as you head down). Friendly, helpful staff and a massive selection of bulk and tinned tobaccos. They've got a lovely selection of pipes on display, both briar and meeschaum.

A date for your diaries!

I'd like to announce that the first meeting of the Edinburgh Pipe Club will take place at 7pm on Thursday 9th December at The Cuddie Brae near Fort Kinnaird.

It's handy for Newcraighall station, right next to the A1 and on a main bus route (LRT #30).

They've got a decent sized outside seating area (feel free to smoke to your heart's content) and do a full range of food and drink.

Unless there are any problems, further meetings will be scheduled for the second Thursday of each month thereafter.

Me/We?

Having read back on these posts I must apologise for the slightly schizophrenic nature of them...some are "we" and some are "me".
This has been due to it being just myself (Peter) doing stuff so far. Hopefully, this will change after the first meeting of EPC.

EPC NEEDS YOU!

Do you live in or near Edinburgh?
Do you smoke a pipe?
Or are you thinking about taking it up?
Bought a new pipe and worried that no-one else appreciates it as much as you?
Need help or feedback on your technique?
Got a favourite tobacco you'd like to tell someone about?

If you can answer yes to any of these questions, then maybe we can help!

If you'd like to be added to the mailing list to receive updates and information on the next meeting, just send an email to EdinburghPipeClub@gmail.com

The International Peterson Pipe Club ~ Runboard

The International Peterson Pipe Club ~ Runboard

Found this thanks to Jim's Blog...The Peterson Pipe Collector

Peterson Pipes of Dublin

Peterson Pipes of Dublin

I'm still a new convert to the delights of Peterson pipes and tobacco...but I'm catching up.

Pipedia

Pipedia

A very detailed resource on all things pipe.

Pipes: Logos & Estampilles - Logos & Markings

Pipes: Logos & Estampilles - Logos & Markings

A very useful site for identifying that unknown "estate" pipe.

Who's who?

It seems a bit ambitious to declare myself the founder of EPC, but by necessity that's what I am!

My name's Peter, although some of you may know me already as Pumpkin from Smokers Forums and B&B (among other places).

I don't think I fit many people's image of a pipe smoker; I'm (only) 43 and don't possess a flat cap. I've been smoking for over 25 years but, until recently, it was only cigarettes I smoked, with a very occasional cigar for special occasions.

My original interest in pipe smoking was just to have an alternative to cigarettes, particularly at work, as I thought a pipe would be an alternative to one of those silly plastic Nicorette Inhalators.

You've got to start somewhere.

Welcome to the Blog of the fledgling Edinburgh Pipe Club.

Hopefully, in time, there will be a lot more content here. As it is, I haven't even found a venue to host our meetings yet...although winter in Scotland is probably not ideal as we're restricted to smoking outside in public. So far there's only one member.


I had the idea of starting a Pipe Club here in Edinburgh as, apart from some forums on the internet, being a pipe smoker can seem quite solitary in this day and age. If there is any interest, I'd hope that we can start by enjoying a bowl of our favourite tobacco (or even a new one we've not tried before) whilst having a chat and enjoying a drink (alcoholic or otherwise).

Welcome to the EPC's blog.