What a difference a variable or two can make!

[Behike54]

Well, today was one of those awakenings where a light bulb just goes off.

I felt like I never really experience what others have said about a typical (or even remotely typical) Va or Vaper experience. Today I realized it could have been the wrong pipe or what I smoked before, or both.

I loaded my new Quagliata with some Limerick and BLAMO! Great flavors, superb burn, and that med/med-small bowl last a long-ass time. When the planets align, the results can be pretty inspiring.

Coming from cigars, I tended to load my menu, softer/lighter smokes to more heavier/bigger ones.

I assumed that an aro would be lighter than a Va, so I would smoke that first. In retrospect and the characteristics of Virginias, it is a cleaner, brighter, and complex smoke, all those qualities were either diminished or obliterated by what I smoked before. Throw in a quality pipe in a size conducive to burning flake tobacco and HOLY COW! I felt like I was finally cooking with gas, if that makes any sense?


That Quagliata was such a great investment and value and will be delegated to Va/Vapers. (Limerick only has 5% perique but I think it adds body and structure, as opposed to augmenting the flavors. I am sure my thoughts might change with more bowls of the Limerick, but my main point is that variables are great when things come together for a great smoke. It's a journey alright! :cheers:

 

[kieveryuu]

A post like this just makes me all the more excited to try the Va that I have been waiting for the right weather to enjoy.

Good on you man.

 

[dshpipes]

Fantastic! It's a great thing when the stars align. :cheers:

 

[Natch]

Fantastic! It's a great thing when the stars align. :cheers:

Except, of course, when it's December 21 of this year, when the entire universe is going to break into a galactic Mayan bunny-hop of death! :lol: :roll:

Out of curiosity, what was your mood when you sat down to smoked this bowl? I find that the pipe and tobacco have to work together, but often my emotional state as I lite is also an important intangible in the equation.

Natch

 

[Kyle Weiss]

Natch, funny you bring that up.

I partially gauge how much I like a particular tobacco depending on how capable it is at shoving a bad mood back into the darkness from whence it came.

8)

 

[Behike54]

Fantastic! It's a great thing when the stars align. :cheers:

Out of curiosity, what was your mood when you sat down to smoked this bowl? I find that the pipe and tobacco have to work together, but often my emotional state as I lite is also an important intangible in the equation.

Natch

A little anxious. First time smoking a premium pipe and, as I mentioned, I tried to alter the order in which I smoked. If the pipe and tobacco didn't work, I was gonna be bummed.

It was EPIC!

Kyle, I agree with you about being able to transcend or push back something that was "bringing me down, menge!"

 

[mike_68]

Like that elusive "perfect" golf shot or day when you are the only guy in the boat pullin' in fish, the pipe's "Ah-Ha" moments are what keep us coming back!

 

[MisterE]

Fantastic! It's a great thing when the stars align. :cheers:

Except, of course, when it's December 21 of this year, when the entire universe is going to break into a galactic Mayan bunny-hop of death! :lol: :roll:

Out of curiosity, what was your mood when you sat down to smoked this bowl? I find that the pipe and tobacco have to work together, but often my emotional state as I lite is also an important intangible in the equation.

Natch

Well, if the 2012 Mayan Prophecy comes to pass I'll have the best seat in the house to experience it! :lol!:

I find that indeed my emotional state is a definite factor in the enjoyment. If I've got a lot on my mind, anxious, or my head is "squirrely" even the perfect pipe/tobacco combination is not as good. I think part of the enjoyment is being "there" to experience it in all regards. The pipe moments can help me get back to a more peaceful centered state at times too. Knowing this about myself means that the "special" tobaccos only come out when I'm in the state of mind to really experience it. I know it sounds a little esoteric to some, maybe, but to me it makes a huge difference.