I might get there some day WK but i think you're light years ahead of me in smoking experience; because of that, I'm wanting to experience the nuances of various types and blends that folks say they taste. I figured the best way to do that, at least for now, is to dedicate some to the basic fab four and see what I can learn through experience. Right now they sit commercial kitchen 4-bin silverware thingy that's marked VA, Bur, Aro, and Eng; someday they may all crawl into the same collective barrel.Whalehead King wrote: ↑Sat Sep 08, 2018 5:55 pm I don't dedicate pipes. I like the pipes I like and I trust them for their smoke-ability. If a bowl is 'tainted' by what I had in it before, it doesn't bother me as long as the pipe doesn't gurgle and has a decent draw. Every smoke is unique. Variety is the spice of life. I find predictability and homogeneity hobgoblins. I am open to new tastes.
I've never understood the idea of dedicating a pipe to one particular blend or type of blend. It's not like I don't have enough pipes that I couldn't dedicate a few of them. I do. I just don't bother. It seems like too much to keep track of. I don't know. Do people keep post it notes on their pipe rack that says what each pipe is for? I'll smoke something in a pipe and then I'll pack it with something else totally different while the bowl is still warm. I'm a devil-may-care pipe smoker.
I don't dedicate my mouth to one experience. I eat and drink whatever the heck I want in no particular order. I like to mix flavors on one plate or even on one fork. I am the same with a pipe. I know I'm in a minority on this issue. I am open to whatever possibilities a ghost will bring. Am I missing out on pure burley or VaPers goodness? Probably. That particular epiphany isn't high on my agenda. I just wanna smoke my pipe and go about my business with contentment. Rapture doesn't interest me. I get enough of that elsewhere.
This isn't meant to besmirch those who do dedicate pipes and keep notes on top notes and undertones on a spread sheet. I'm a simple man. To look at me, I'm not a codger, but in my bones, I kinda am. Wanna share some tobacco with me? Okay. I'll pack it in this pipe that I happen to have in my pocket and we can talk over the cracker barrel about the state of the world while we enjoy a good smoke over a game of checkers. You'll beat me at checkers.
I like what I like in my routine and the less that interferes with my routine of not paying attention, the better. My routine isn't everyone's cup of tea, I well know. I'm not a busy man, just a simple one. I am a man preoccupied with the things that interest me. Ghosts don't interest me. It's as simple as that. Nothing more and nothing less, hence dedicated pipes is not part of whatever voodoo it is that I do. Mixture 79 followed by Accountant's Mixture in the same bowl in a two hour period? It wouldn't be the first time. It may not be for everyone but it works fine for me.
My advice to anyone looking to try a new routine is: TRY IT OUT. If it works follow it. Dedicating pipes doesn't work for me. YMMV.
Ya know what would be fun, remember those arcade machines that had all the toys in them and you stuck your quarter in there and guided the robot claw to try and pick up the toy? Get one and throw all your pipes in there
