Recent Articles | Smokingpipes Daily Reader

Legendary: Hans Former Nielsen

January 29, 2021 by Chuck Stanion

15 Comments

Fifteen-year-old Hans "Former" Nielsen had scoured the classified ads looking for a job, and he found the perfect opportunity: a local shipyard was looking for a toolmaker to train. He had been given the nickname "Former" by his friends, who thought he looked like comic actor George Formby and started calling him that, and it evolved into Former. ... Read More

Mystery Cigar Review: January 2021

January 28, 2021 by Andrew Wike

Welcome back to another installment of the Mystery Cigar Review. For this first episode of the new year, we asked our most accomplished, most decorated, and most awarded Mystery Cigar Review panelist, Tyler Caldwell, to serve as our Inquisitor for this month's challenge. Tune in as the guys smoke through Tyler's chosen cigar ... Read More

Classic OTC Blends: Edward G. Robinson First Impressions

January 27, 2021 by Jeffery Sitts

6 Comments

Sharing its name with the legendary actor and avid pipe smoker, Edward G. Robinson's Pipe Blend (EGR) is a mixture that has endured since its debut in the mid-20th century. The blend was created in the late 1940s by the San Francisco-based company Greenfield and Winther under Robinson's supervision; ... Read More

A Closer Look at Savinelli's 2021 New Releases

January 22, 2021 by Truett Smith

12 Comments

Savinelli has been fashioning pipes since 1948, and the Savinelli name has been associated with pipes and tobacco since 1876 in Italy when Achille Savinelli Sr. opened one of the first smoking shops. Throughout the decades, Savinelli has maintained a shape chart that beautifully blends traditional pipe shapes with those of more Italian-neoclassic character, and the Italian marque offers ... Read More

Tasting Notes: Erik Stokkebye 4th Generation Morning Blend

January 20, 2021 by Shane Ireland

1 Comment

Welcome to another episode of Tasting Notes. Today, I'll be reviewing Erik Stokkebye's 4th Generation 2012 Anniversary Flake, a recent addition to the 4th Generation line celebrating the year that the brand made its debut on the pipe tobacco market. ... Read More

J. Allen Hynek: Pipe Smoking Astronomer and UFO Researcher

January 15, 2021 by Jeffery Sitts

13 Comments

The universe is a fascinating place and has intrigued humans for thousands of years, continually making us question what else could be out there and if we are truly "alone." Our universe is full of celestial bodies, mysteries, and perhaps other forms of intelligent life that pass by Earth while traveling to distant planets or galaxies millions of light years away. ... Read More

Mystery Tobacco Review: January 2021

January 14, 2021 by Andrew Wike

12 Comments

Welcome back to another episode of the Mystery Tobacco Review! For this first episode of the new year, we wanted to switch things up and bring in a very special guest Inquisitor: Mr. Pete Prevost. As the President of BriarWorks, as well as an extremely talented artisan pipe maker in his own right, Pete is a dedicated pipe smoker ... Read More

Classic OTC Blends: Half and Half First Impressions

January 13, 2021 by Jeffery Sitts

22 Comments

Half and Half has remained a beloved pipe tobacco blend for over 100 years, continually delighting generations of pipe smokers with its affordability, availability, and memorable taste. It's a mixture cherished by veteran pipe smokers as well as newer ones, like me, who have finally decided to try one of the most popular over-the-counter (OTC) blends still in production. ... Read More

Groucho Marx: Cigar Smoking Comedian

January 8, 2021 by Jeffery Sitts

14 Comments

In addition to being a brilliant entertainer with razor-sharp comedic timing, Groucho Marx continues to remain an iconic cigar smoker. He was rarely seen without a cigar during his decades-long career in theater, film, and television, and it became a signature part of his persona. Like many other performers, Groucho initially used cigars as a versatile prop but grew to appreciate them for their flavors and the relaxing mood they promoted. ... Read More

Smoke Rings: Talking Pre-Industry with Steve Saka

January 7, 2021 by Shane Ireland

Welcome to another episode of Smoke Rings. For this installment, we're joined once again by a very special guest, our good friend Mr. Steve Saka of Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust. Tune in as Steve and I discuss some of the more nuanced and seldom talked-about sides of cigar making, including sourcing raw materials, fermentation ... Read More

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