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All New Pipes
CURMUDGEON
About Me:
Retired Army, Retired Telecommunications engineer, come to think of it really retired living in the sticks and loving it,
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Reviews
Filters & Adaptors - Nording Filters - Keystone 100g
Aromatic smokers, you need these
Some (if not many) aromatics are very wet. Use of these will eliminate "wet" smoking. Much drier smoke. These were out of stock for a long time so I used denicool crystals and the worked ok in a pinch, but Nording keystones are a step above and there are certain tobaccos that I wont smoke without dropping a few in the bowl first.
Drucquer & Sons - The Merry Monk 100g
Too much burley for me.
Nothing really stands out for me, kind of an OK blend but not something I'd go out of my way for..I'm going to jar the remainder up for a couple years to see how it ages, but I suspect I'll be adding a touch of Cavendish to level it out.
Cornell & Diehl - Black Duck 2oz
Try it
This would be a good blend for aromatic smokers to try an occasional English blend especially if you like a little more burley. The begining of the bowl almost seems too mild but the flavors build toward the middle and finish strongly. Not my favorite C&D blend but I can see the appeal.
Cornell & Diehl - Cross-Eyed Cricket 2oz
Still can't decide, Aromatic or English?
Let's face it, one of the best things of pipe smoking is exploring different offering from the world's tobacconists. There are only a few tobaccos but all are influenced by growing regions, seasons, weather, and handling among other factors. After that the skill of those who actually do the blending comes into play along with us...what do we like. I'm primarily an aro smoker, roughly 60% of the time, the rest of the time whatever suits my mood up to and including pure latikia or perique. That doesn't stop me from exploring and with the expansion of STG and the loss of MacBaren or Sutliff favorites, I decided that I'd expand my knowledge of C&D blends. And now to this blend...the statement of "English or aromatic, you decide" caught my eye and the use of unsweetened Cavendish with the latikia and perique was intriguing to say the least. No tobacco overwhelms any other and the casing is very light so more of the tobacco flavor comes through. I'm pretty sure this will be one of my all-time favorites though I'm not sure I can consider it in my aromatic rotation or the English part, but I won't get caught without a supply of this like I did when McClellend went away. This is a blend for everyone. Though not a factor, the tin art is pretty cool. On edit: After 5 decades of pipe smoking, I've never designated one as my "desert island" smoke...until now. This is the one...it has become my all day every day smoke...I can't get enough of this.
Cornell & Diehl - Latakia
Yep, it's latakia
Many pipe smokers eventually try their own blends and latakia is used often, Though I'm mostly an aro smoker, sometime I want a little spice so I'll a add little of this to an aro for a change. Sometimes I'll even smoke this all by itself for a different taste. Most long time smokers keep this around to change the flavor profile of their daily smoke or if they're trying a new blend and it's wimpy: just add a bit of this and it won't be. If you're trying your hand at blending, you need latakia and C&D has some of the best.
Kopp - Limited Edition: Ahoy 100g
Nice room note, not much flavor
This was like smoking air, not even close to the flavor I was expecting...just nothing there for me. For Kopp brands, I'll stick with Drake or Rackham which I'd recommend for any aromatic smoker.
Gawith Hoggarth & Co. - Sweet Peach 50g
Too mild, not enough peach, not much taste
If you're a beginning pipe smoker, this would be OK to start out with this. Mild, no bite but does need 30 minutes of drying before packing your pipe. Adding a pinch of perique made it more interesting so I'll try it with some latikia to spice it up even more. Won't be buying more.
Vauen - Auenland 50g
Peaches!
Boy, this tin note promises peaches and the smoke delivers. Mild, tasty, and sweet. I smoke a lot of aros and often the tin note is not what the smoke delivers...not true in this case. I don't taste oranges, but I don't smell oranges when I open the tin, but I definitely taste the peaches, kind of canned peaches in heavy syrup and I'm OK with that because I like canned peaches. It's a break from the standard aro fare of vanilla, chocolate, rum, cherry and so on. It does help to dry it 15-20 minutes before packing, though the casing doesn't seem to be heavy so it's OK straight from the tin. Though I'll not add it to any regular rotation, I will keep a couple tins of this around for a change.
Peterson - De Luxe Navy Rolls 50g
It'll do...on update better than that
Not exactly the same as the Dunhill blend, but very close, maybe the leaf quality of the Virginia is not the same. The Perique is fine and like the original blend does not overwhelm the rest and works consistently throughout the bowl. If you're interested in trying a VaPer, try this one. On edit: wish this wasn't as pricey as it is, I'd smoke more of it, but maybe that's a good thing. Aging it a couple months made a difference; just delicious. Like any flake. I fold and stuff this...one coin fills a 1.5 depth bowl, .79-.81 d bowl almost perfectly.
Rattray's - Black Mallory 100g
Very dry
Don't know if I got a bad tin or what, but I found this to be very dry, almost as dry as Semois burley offerings...that alone would cause me to toss it if i can't rehydrate it. The saving grace is how tasty I found it as I really, really don't like English blends with Latikia that overwhelm the other tobacco in the blend and this does not though I'll probably blend this with a little HGL for a small change in flavor profile. Thinking I'll jar 50g of the tin and experiment with the rest just because I can. The best I can forsee is smoking a bowl of this every couple of weeks and slowing down my cadence as the dryness makes it burn really hot.
Lane Limited - RLP-6
What 1Q will be when it grows up
Very similar to 1Q in blend and flavor profile, but a little more robust. Definitely a keeper...I could see this as an all day smoke if I weren't addicted to another blend...still and all, into the regular rotation.
Filters & Adaptors - White Elephant 6mm Filters - Meerschaum (45 Pack)
Maybe the best filter out there
I started using filters a few months ago after many, many years of smoking non filtered pipes( I still do, just not often). Because I had no experience with filters, I tried them all. Charcoal alters the taste more than these and balsa is probably the least altering, but because of the shape allows more particulates to pass which I'm trying to avoid. The other filters do a more than adequate job at reducing moisture, but these are best for taste. That being said, I'll use up all the others but buy only these in the future.
Cornell & Diehl - Nutty Irishman 2oz
Very nice, lots of flavor interesting finish
Little stronger that the 2 indicated, more like a 3, but mild enough for the new or inexperienced smoker. For the non aromatic lover it's worth a try. The hazelnut is present from the charing light and present through the entire bowl. I didn't get the cinnamon or honey until the middle of the bowl and then only faintly. The Irish Mist showed up towards the bottom of the bowl. I found this smoked much better in a billiard than in a dublin (my favorite shape) as the bottom was a little less spicy. Room note was pleasant according to my wife who is my room note judges my smeller isn't as accurate as some. Well balanced and none of the different leafs overwhelm the others and a perfect moisture right from the tin (3 months in the tin)...absolutely no bite; my cadence is quicker than most so that's something I'm very concerned about. As far as I'm concered, the best C&D aro so I'll be buying more of this this.
Cornell & Diehl - Briar Fox 2oz
Not what I pictured
It's not a bad blend, but it smokes hot for me. The top of the bowl is very nice, but my room note judge (my wife) says it smells like cigarettes and as most ex-smokers, hates it and I have to admit , the middle of the bowl does remind me of Lucky Strikes. The bottom of the bowl is very spicy and I'm still trying to figure that out. It was young, just tinned about 2 months ago so I'll jar it and try again in a year or two.
Cult - Blood Red Moon 50g
Easy smoke
I avoided any cherry cased tobacco for almost 60 years after my first disastrous attempt to smoke cherry blend...mouthful of scorpions. The reviews caused me to try this, and a need to find a room note that couldn't possibly offend even the most vocal anti smoker. No tongue bite. Great tin and room note. The cherry and chocolate notes come through as described. It's not very strong so a new smoker will probably find it easy to smoke ( just dry it out for 30 minutes or so, but it's fine right out of the tin). Even if you're not an aro smoker, this might be a nice change of pace. My wife likes it, and that's important. I ordered another ten tins, just to make sure I had some always around....if it's out of stock, it's probably my fault...sorry
Cornell & Diehl - Belmont Station 2oz
Not quite as described
All I got out of this was the dark Kentucky...it overwhelmed everything else it claimed and the vanilla wasn't present at all. Pretty spicy for an aromatic with Cavendish though the bag note was pleasant. I also thought the strength was a bit more than indicated. I'll pass pass along the remainder of the 2 ounces in bulk I bought.
Filters & Adaptors - Denicool Filters - Crystals
Worth a try, especially at this price
I started smoking pipes in 1965 with a drugstore Yellow Bole and a terrible aromatic...was like trying to swallow a mouthful of scorpions. Despite that, over the years my tastes changed a bit though I'm primarily an aro smoker. A couple three months ago, I decided to change to filtered pipes and purchased a few ( thanks Smoking Pipes for the great selection both estate and new) and tried every filter made except rock maple. Yes, filters do change the taste a bit but they also help reduce tongue bite and if you look at a used filter and see how much moisture and impurities they keep out of your mouth or lungs it makes them worthwhile. OK the point of this review. Like most long time smokers, I've amassed quite a few pipes some of which I classify as great smokers and really want to keep using them. Some could be drilled out to accept a 6mm filter, most can not, so I decided to give these crystals a try. Slight difference in taste from 6 or 9 mm filters, but not really enough to cause any concerns. Smokes cooler than not using them and the discoloration of the crystals after use shows they work. Because of the irregular shape draw is actually improved. Yes, there's some controversy about the effectiveness of them, but I like them and suggest you give then a try....at the cost, what have you got to lose...and if you don't like them, send the remainder to me rather than wasting them. 8-)
Sutliff - 101 Black Kathy
You like Black Cavendish forward? Try this
Unique Black Cavendish flavor different from BCA, but within in the same flavor profile. I smoke a bowl of either every day usually with my morning coffee and often have a tough time choosing which one. I always have a pound or two in the cellar but have absolutely no problem smoking this straight from the bag and don't even need to dry it out before packing. Suitable for an all day smoke if you like aromatics and worthwhile as a change of pace for others.
Lane Limited - BCA
Too good to use for experimental blending but great for previous self blends
I ordered to with the intent of using it for blending. I filled a bowl to taste test it so I'd know what I was dealing with. This is fine all alone and will go into my rotation as is. Best Black Cavendish I've ever tasted. I will use this for my own blends that have worked for me in the past, FI: 1Q, RLP6 and this in equal amount and allow it to age for 3 months or 7Seas Regular and this @ 3:1.ready to smoke immediately but does need to dry a bit before packing. Good stuff.
Stands & Pouches - Erik Stokkebye 4th Generation Roll Up Tobacco Pouch Cloth/Leather
Stokkebye quality with a nostalgic look
When I'm going to be out for more than a day or two I like to carry three pouches for each of the three daily smokes I like. I needed to replace one of the pouches that I've had for years that the lining had shredded. I already had two 4th Generation leather pouches that will last for quite a few more years in black and brown and wanted a contrasting color to I could tell immediately what I was reaching for, and boy does this contrast. It is leather with a plaid codger sewn over the slightly thinner leather with the same high quality liner and compares favorably with the others. Want a quality pouch with a distinctive look?...this is your guy.
Stands & Pouches - Castleford Roll Up Pouch - Plaid
Great codger pouch
Not leather like that brute you can't stick in your pocket easily. Not thick latex lining like you'd find on a $40 pouch, but more than adequate to keep a days worth of tobacco fresh and moist. This is a bargain for what you get and will fit in a shirt pocket or in the hip pocket with your wallet, plus it's a great codget look and won't break the bank.
Sutliff - Molto Dolce 1.5oz
No taste tobacco or flavor
Recently I switched from non filtered pipes to filtered ( and thank you Smoking Pipes for having a great selection) so I've been trying out some tobacco I didn't care for in the past and trying new ones...this is one such. I generally try a new blend in a Falcon bowl as they trap moisture in the bottom of the stem as opposed to actually filtering the smoke before trying it in one of my briars.. This blend is so heavily cased I have to actually call it "wet" and really soaked the Falconn"filter" before half the bowl was finished, but I didn't get any flavor from the casing or of tobacco. When I opened the tin it was such a great nose I was a bit disappointed, but that's why you try different blends, right? My wife, who is my room note judge, really liked it, so I decided I needed to do something with it. Since it was a nothing blend for me and extremely wet I figured it wouldn't hurt to try blending it with something drier, so the remainder of the tin was divided in half and mixed with two ounces each of 1Q and Kendall Gold. I've only tried the 1Q mix, but it does seem a little sweeter but I'm going to let both sit for a couple months before trying again. I may order another tin to try mixing with some Black Cavendish but will not smoke it alone.
Sutliff - D64 Queen Anne's Revenge
Rum and vanilla in agrear mix
Years ago, before the advent of the internet and Smoking Pipes . COM, the choices for tobacco was often limited to the codger blends found in drug stores with a few other blends unless you were lucky enough to be in the vicinity of a real tobacco store. I started smoking a pipe while in the Army, sometimes in places where nothing was available...in Viet Nam the only blend we could get was that stuff that came in the pale yellow pouch...far from my favorite to say the least. Later I was lucky enough to be stationed near a Tinder Box and fell for the Rum Runner blend which was my all day blend for several years. Though I moved on, I still remember the taste of it and decided to try this as rum and tobacco go well together and I was curious what vanilla would add to the blend. The sweetness is there, the vanilla is much stronger than the rum and it works. This is going in my regular rotation as I'm quite fond of vanilla aromatics and the rum is a plus.
Sutliff - Panna Cotta 1.5oz
Dessert!
Got a sweet tooth, but your pants are a little tight or your spouse or doctor are on your case to loose a few pounds? Easy...have a bowl of this with your after dinner coffee. The vanilla and caramel comes through like gangbusters. Even you non-aromatic guys might like this. Does need some drying, but it packs OK when wet and burns down without issue. I'm just disappointed it's sold out and have to nursemaid the rest of the tin before I can reorder.
Prince Albert - Prince Albert 14oz
Best of the codgers
When I was young living in the hinterland, there were very few choices in tobacco for pipes, RYO and cigars. Basically you could get Half and Half, Sir Walter Raleigh, Velvet and Prince Albert and sometimes Carter Hall. Of course there were other tobaccos available but not in those tiny little towns that made up a great deal of America in the aftermath of the second world war...even the ready rolled cigarettes were limited in choices and seemed to be mostly Camels and Lucky Strikes, simply because the little stores only carried few wares as eye couldn't afford to sit on inventory when the popular choices moved much faster. Guess you had to be there. Many more pipe smokers in those days and H&H and PA were very popular. Though I occasionally smoke a bowl of H and H, PA is my choice of codger smokes. Not complicated...some would call it single note, but cool smoking, clouds of smoke and burns to the bottom of the bowl with no relights ( unless you're new and still learning to pack...not to worry, we all had to learn how to do that). This is my choice for chores or driving...don't have to pay much attention to my pipe, just clench and puff. No need to dry or pack in a special way, just one finger pack straight from the pouch. Only thing different, the cans aren't tin any more and storing nuts, bolts, nails (or marbles when I was a kid), just isn't the same...doesn't sound right. If you've wondered what was so special about some of those old time smokes, you should try this.
Cobblestone - High Spirits Kahlua 1.5oz
Surprising
Ordered just for the heck of it. Sweet tasting, though mostly one note. I'll admit my palate is not as sophisticated as most, I can recognize sweet, sour and yuck. Burns cool, completely and only a little bite at the bottom of the bowl though that may be because I was puffing a little fast. I'll order it again for when my sweet tooth is yelling for somerhing.
Half and Half - Half and Half 7oz
An old friend comes to visit
Its been 30 or 35 years since I regularly smoked this, falling into the mindset that the " premium" tobacco were better in all respects. I was wrong. Though there are other tobacco in my regular rotation including an "all day smoke" that I won't give up, H&H is back in the rotation as I forgot just how good this is. Cool smoking, no bite regardless of how fast I smoke and sometimes that's way too fast. A room note from the past...there were folks who used this as their RYO when I was younger...fond memories. If you're new to a pipe, you should try this.
Gawith Hoggarth & Co. - American Delite 50g
Lightest tobacco ever
I'm torn. If I smoke an aromatic, it has to be light, no bite but a pretty good room note. This is light. Little or no bite except toward the bottom of the bowl. My wife (who is the room note judge) says it's not very strong, but the vanilla is present though not very strong. It is a little goopy so you're going to have to set it out for 20 to 30 minutes. The price for a tin is a little high for what it is, but the bulk is out of stock so I'll wait to get more to experiment with. This might be better as the bottom half of two different tobacco in the bowl. I'll have to experiment. If you like a light smoking aromatic, this is your guy if you let it dry out before packing your bowl. Update: So I went through the tin and wanted more of this, but it was out of stock....when it became available, I ordered a pound of it; don't want to run out again. I commented earlier about the price, but I think G&H are paying a premium for really good leafs so of course they have to charge more...that's business and considering how good this stuff is, it's worth it to me. I'm worth a bowl of this a day regardless of what my wife thinks.
Mac Baren - 7 Seas Gold
Little bites, very mild
I smoke 7 Seas regular every day pretty much all day long and have for years so I decided to give this a try. First light was very mild, almost refreshing, but halfway throughout the bowl began to bite. I'm going to celler this for a few months to see how it ages
Warped - Saint Espresso 2oz
Not exactly espresso
I'll be perfectly honest...I can't always taste the the subtle flavors many reviewers mention for tobacco, BUT, I am a coffee afficionado or as my wife states "a coffee common sewer". I know coffees and this isn't it although the tin note indicates it should be. I've tried many blends over the last 40+ years and this is Fars from the most unappealing (to me) , but I had hoped/expected this to enhance that first bowl and first cup of Joe together. It didn't. The low rating is simply because the flavor didn't come close to the description.
Tabac de la Semois - La Brumeuse 3.5oz
Strong but not all that...update
OK, like most pipe smokers, I wondered about this one for years, so I had to try it. Reading mark d's review helped a lot otherwise I would have tossed it. It is very dry, burns quick so I was tempted to rehydrate it before the next bowl...still not sure about that. You're going to have to really pack it down to prevent that. I use a new Falcon bowl on new tobacco and I'm glad I did on this one. I'm sure it will ghost but because it was a new bowl I have to give it a couple more shots to be fair, but first opinion is I will not buy it again. By the way, my wife didn't like the room note, so if you give this a try be careful of outside opinions. I'll finish the batch, but maybe only once or twice a week. Up date: after smoking this in about ten bowls, that's it for me...this is probably more for those of you who appreciate English or Balkann tobaccos. For me it has a very strong metallic taste so the mouth feels is a turn off for my tastes, but I could see the appeal for some.
Peter Stokkebye - PS303 Peaches & Creme
Nope
Terrible tongue bite...cellared for a year then tried it again. Left it overnight to dry and packed the bowl. No taste of peaches but my wife said she could get a wiff. Mild but tongue bite still present and that's something that doesn't affect me normally.
Low Country - Waccamaw 2oz
Very tasty broken flake
I wasn't sure about this until the third bowl full then it really grew on me. I'm a VaPer guy and this one is now in my regular rotation. I haven't cellered any yet, but found it smooth, with no bite and no delights. My wife is still unsure of the aroma (she better get used to it) but since almost all the tobacco I smoke is VaPer she'll come around. It is a little coarse and I expected lots of delights as packing this was a little new to a folder and stuffer but easy enough after a few bowls.
G. L. Pease - Chelsea Morning 2oz
Great replacement for EMP
I have been smoking Early Morning Pipe for more years than I can remember and find this smoke to be more than I expected and will make this one of my morning first pipes. Its a little more sweet than EMP, IMO and pairs well with my first cup of coffee. I may even choose this for that last bowl full before bed.
Peter Stokkebye - PS400 Luxury Navy Flake
In the rotation...updated
Great taste, cool burning very few relights,if any and I'm a folder and stuffer. I hadn't tried this before ( I'm not sure why not as VaPer is my normal choice), but a couple ounces made me order a pound and although I'll cellar some of it, it's fine as delivered. Update: This works better after some aging, still cool, better tasting. ..a little dryer than my normal preferences This doesn't rub out smooth enough for me but folds and packs really well. I'm very careful about how much perique there is in any blend as too much ruins or overwhelmes the taste of any other part of the blend. This is not in that category after the cellaring. Luxury indeed.
Peter Stokkebye - PS41 Cube Cut
Little dry but mild
First cube cut I've ever tried. Very mild, OK for first pipe of the day. Easy to pack, but because it was dry, it burned a little quicker than I thought it should...it was almost as though I let it dry for 4 hours before loading the bowl. I'm assuming this was a one off and it should have been a little moister.
Lighters - IM Corona Pipe Lighter - Old Boy Arabesque Silver
Very nice
OK, for years I've been a Kiribi guy...I've had greatly results with them and am very fond of the Kubto style (helmet horn on the arm) for ease in deployment. Had two, lost one and was going to replace it, but this lighter was on sale and I'd always wanted an Old Boy, just because. This was worth the extra expense for a lot of reasons, but especially because of the beauty of it and the extra grip the design allows. Besides, I'm just vain enough to be a little snooty about the whole pipe smoking experience and a good lighter is part of it.
Lane Limited - HGL
Pretty good
I'm not overly fond of Latina or Orientals, but the Latikia in this blend is more than tolerable. Just enough spice to be pleasant without killing my taste buds. Everyone has different likes and dislikes when it comes to blends and this will never become an all day smoke for me, but it will be in my rotation.
Stands & Pouches - Leather Pipe Stand
Perfect for vehicle
I've used one of these for years on the dashboard of my truck(s). Double sided tape holds it securely in place and because of the construction and couch effect, any pipe I place in it is securely cushioned. The rest sits on the dashboard and I thought by now it would have become sun damaged...it has not. If it ever becomes damaged, I'll buy another, maybe two.
Lighters - Lighter Flints - Kiribi (20 Count)
Best flints ever
Great for Kiribi lighters, but I have to tell you, work even better on a Zippo. I needed a flint for my Zippo pipe lighter but had none on hand so I used one of these instead. These are soft flints and last about the same as the Zippo or Ronson flints...I won't use anything else in any of my lighters. These flints will help keep your spark wheel pristine for longer.
Lighters - Kiribi Pipe Lighter - Kabuto Black Matte
Can't say enough good
Some 40+ years ago I had a couple of bad experiences with a brand of refillable lighters that turned into a couple of expensive paperweights, The reviews here convinced me to give this one a try...I'm glad I did. The thing that convinced me besides the reviews was the Kabuto piece, as it has a different look from the basic old style design and I found it to be more natural in deployment with a downward flick of the thumb. The other thing that made this lighter attractive was the price...all the same features of the more similar and more expensive lighters. BONUS. Liked it so much ordered another in brushed chrome for my other pipe bag.
Stands & Pouches - Pipe Rest for Car
OK with modification
The adhesive is WEAK and will not stick to a grained dash. I replaced the strip with wider adhesive backed velcro strips and am satisfied with the results. As noted by other reviews, this is suitable for straights or slightly bent pipes and holds them securely, but since those are the pipes I smoke when driving, this rest fits my needs and will not mar the pipes.
Cleaners & Cleaning Supplies - Brebbia Stem Polish (7.5 ml)
Not as good as advertised
It will do the job on fairly unoxidized stems, but is inadequate for "particularly bad stems" even with a buffing wheel after two applications...not worth the money
Cleaners & Cleaning Supplies - Halcyon II Wax 1oz
Wow !
Just WOW!. Most of the pipes I own are in excess of 40 years old and over the years, some of them have taken a beating as I mostly worked in the elements and can honestly say that I haven't always taken the best of care of them especially the cosmetics. I decided to give this wax a try in an attempt to restore some of the luster. I can honestly say this is the best wax I've ever run across. Easy to apply, drys quick and polishes beautifully...all my old friends look new again...well, except for the nicks, bumps and scars one might expect from years of use in sometimes unfriendly environments.
Mac Baren - 7 Seas Regular
This is the one!
Though I always read the reviews for products I'm not familiar with, I rarely write a review, especially for pipe tobaccos as everyone has their own tastes, preferences and opinions. Over the last 40 years I've tried so many different tobaccos that I've lost count searching for that ONE blend that surpasses all others, one that becomes an every day smoke and can be an all day smoke...admit it, we all do. I like many aromatics, mostly because my wife can tolerate them without whining about the smell, but finding one that tastes good, burns well, doesn't bite, and doesn't offend any non-smokers (except the militant ones, and there's no pleasing those) can be a chore. Try this one. Best part...the aftertaste...fantastic. On edit: I keep jars of this on hand and start smoking the blend 6 month to a year later, but I was going through the closet in which I "celler" my tobacco and found two jars that I had overlooked...7 years in the making...wow, they didn't last long...I smoked nothing else until that half pound was gone... it was so good I wished I had another couple pounds of it. It was so smooth I couldn't believe it. I don't know if I'll ever age this that long again, but I'll start jarring it for much longer than I've been.