Andrew K.
Badges

Clarin Clay - The Canadian One (Tobacco Clay)
Great, but a little short
I rarely smoke clay pipes, but am making a run at this one. Call it ‘Clay May’. Overall, quite impressed. The material and workmanship is best in class, which one should expect at this price point. My largest complaint is that this model is short for aesthetic reasons, and smokes hotter than other clays I’ve tried. At this length and price it would be extremely nice to be able to clench something that doesn’t feel like a ceramic tile, either with a rubberized coating on the bit or with a fastened stem that can be removed for purists. The length also only leaves a small portion to hold when the pipe gets hot. Either of these improvements would make this a go-to pipe in my collection.

Stands & Pouches - Neal Yarm Tilt Head 4 Tier 48 Pipe Stand Walnut/Maple
Design and Finish Both Lacking
Like many, I am afflicted with serial pipe acquisition disorder (SPAD) and have run out of space on my existing pipe racks. I purchased this hoping to consolidate much of my collection and save them the indignity of resting in a box on my dresser. First and foremost, SP went above and beyond with the shipping and packing material - the item was thoughtfully wrapped and delivered in an oversized box. Now the downsides: 1. Finish is lacking in all the cuts. This is effectively fresh from the lumberyard where the pipes sit, just cookie cutter holes with felt seats. The felt on the “neck” portion of the stand is just penny stick-one from a craft store, with no sanding under, just rough wood - many of which fell off or were not properly applied in the first place. There are sharp edges everywhere. You will probably scratch the stummels removing pipes from this rack, as there’s a rough 90° edge in every spot. 2. The design for this rack is also lacking. Specifically, the bottom rack struggles to fit straight or bent pipes over 5”. I almost snapped a stem fitting one pipe in, and it’s evident that there is excess wood behind the stands that serves no purpose other than obstructing the stems of the pipes on the lower rack. A staggered construction arguably could have made the rack more versatile and saved space. 3. The quality is not commensurate with the price. This is $690 after taxes. I could maybe see $300, but the design, finish, and attention to detail are not there to make this a premium (vice merely a niche) product.

Sillem's - Councilor 1695 50g
Lighter VA/Per
After proper dry time, I get a slight shredded coconut taste. Overall a very agreeable vaper flake that’s worth stocking up on.

Cobblestone - Outdoors Hiking 1.75oz
Everyman’s Solani ABF
Having a tin of this and Solani Aged Burley Flake at the same time, this blend compares very favorably. The sweetness, burley character, and casing have a very similar balance between the blends.

G. L. Pease - Géométrie 2oz
Herbal, sweet, and complex
This feels like it’s in the same neighborhood as Bankside. The components are generally in the same neighborhood for quality and flavor. The red VAs are especially good in this first batch and react well to a flake cut. Reminds me of Carolina Red Flake, which is a huge compliment and suggests a high sugar content. The orientals are more herbal and less acerbic than most. Think a floral gin with a sweeter tonic. IMO, this is best served by a flake cut in a narrower bowl.

Presbyterian - Ordained 50g
Light & Sweet
I don’t get the animus to Presbyterian blends branching out - Ordained is among the best blends I’ve smoked in the last year, and presents as a modest Virginia with a perfect flake cut. It is very well behaved alight and gives off an apple butter casing vibe, which works with the tart Virginia varietals used. If we can use food as an analogy, this is a culinary neighbor to having your mother’s lemon bars at a church potluck.

Rattray's - Highland Targe 100g
Quintessential Scottish Blend
The flavors I pick up are cavendish, Latakia, and Virginia in that order. I’d compare to sensation this blend evokes to a toasty Krispy Kreme donut, without the cloying sweetness. Overall a very palatable introduction to Scottish blends, as distinct from classical English mixtures. Strong recommendation for beginners, though more experienced pipe smokers may crave something more aggressive.

Cornell & Diehl - Kelly's Coin 2oz
Bur/cav?
Burley & Cavendish make strange bedfellows in my book. This is by no means a “bad” blend, but it’s not one I can smoke regularly. Many of the other reviews hit the high points, but it’s worth clarifying this is more burley than cavendish and more palate-puckeringly strong than smooth. I’m a 3 pipes a day smoker, as something flat and strong I might not recommend this to a beginner or someone who is smoking more than one bowl in a sitting. Pro tip: go slow or start while seated.

Tabac De La Semois - La Volute 3.5oz
Bizzaro Burley
This is a high quality tobacco - dry and unorthodox by American standards. It smokes fast and relatively cool, with a ton of body. While a lot of American Burley blends are one-trick ponies, this blend has two or three powerful, distinctive notes that come out at different temperatures. Why the middling rating? I wouldn’t suggest smoking this on its own, it can be overwhelming on a clean palate, and has a bitter edge I’d suggest cutting with a drink. Would be challenging as an all-day smoke and isn’t something a new pipe smoker “has to try” even though it is super well behaved and easy to light. This is a boredom buster for experienced pipe smokers and burley fanatics.

Low Country - Guendalose 2oz
Full bodied, spicy, and sweet
Only recently discovered this blend after coming to really like Waccama & Edisto. This feels like the stronger older brother of the three. Much has been said of the cigar-like taste - as a regular cigar smoker I can see the comparison, but this has a well-rounded cavendish spice that is a little darker in sensation than most cigar leaf flavors. Probably best w/ 3-4 years of age. Suggest this if you like a more gingerbread/medium espresso flavor set. On the robust side.

Samuel Gawith - 1792 Flake 8oz
8oz packaging not ideal for aging
This is far and away one of my favorite blends, for all the reasons outlined in the reviews of the 2oz tins. It should be noted though, buying gawith blends in this 8oz format means the tobacco arrives in a plastic tray with shrink wrap, like a TV dinner. I’m not sure this is the best venue for long term aging, so word to the wise, have some jars available if you intend to store this blend for a longer timeframe.

G. L. Pease - Bankside 2oz
Pleasantly Surprised
I generally smoke VaPer blends and have an aversion to Latakia from smoking the heavier stuff. Here, the lats are more condimental and don’t distract from the dark VAs or Perique. They also add a creamier texture than your average bright, spicy vaper blend, which I appreciated. Overall, I expect to stock up on this as a blend in my weekly rotation.

Peterson
FRESH! 
System Spigot Smooth (B42) P-Lip

Currently Out of Stock
002-029-68349

Peterson
Newgrange Spigot (X220) Fishtail

Currently Out of Stock
002-029-65119