Articles by Shane Ireland | Smokingpipes Daily Reader

Baby's Bottom by Dunhill: Tasting Notes

June 19, 2015 by Shane Ireland

Dunhill devotees have been patiently waiting for quite some time for the return of this classic. Baby's Bottom is a mixture of Virginias and Latakia — stout and flavorful. In all honesty, I wasn't nearly as excited for the revival of this blend of legendary smoothness as I have been for others. At least not until I smoked my first bowl... ... Read More

Sykes' and Shane's Passion for Petite Pipes

June 16, 2015 by Shane Ireland

7 Comments

I like smaller pipes for a few reasons: they are handy, lightweight, and easy to clench. Smaller chambers also afford me shorter smokes and more bowls throughout the day, which I greatly prefer to one or two smokes lasting two hours each. I can sample more blends and have a nice variety in my daily rotation. ... Read More

Dunhill's Three Year Matured: Tasting Notes

June 9, 2015 by Shane Ireland

5 Comments

Dunhill's Three Year Matured Virginia is back. Another blend with a cult following, we are proud to be able to offer the revival of this classic exclusively. Naturally, the anticipation over the last few months had me absolutely ecstatic when the product finally arrived. ... Read More

Collector Spotlight: Chip Kushner Travels in Style

October 29, 2014 by Shane Ireland

2 Comments

Chip Kushner (collector and President of the San Diego Pipe Club) recently stopped by Smokingpipes.com for a visit. After taking the grand tour of our new digs and then having lunch with a few of us, Chip graciously allowed us to photograph a few of the pipes that made the cross-country trip with him. ... Read More

Staff Show and Tell: Part 2

October 9, 2014 by Shane Ireland

5 Comments

It's show and tell time again around the office, and we'd like to take a few minutes to show you some of our favorite pipes and accessories. Check 'em out!

How to Cellar Pipe Tobacco: Part Two

September 12, 2014 by Shane Ireland

29 Comments

So you have decided to do your future pipe-smoking self a favor by investing in a tobacco "cellar." Comprised of blends that promise to age like wine, as well as a few blends that you simply never want to be without, your cellar is an investment that can provide many years of contemplative reverie and enjoyment. Fine tobacco is not exactly cheap, and it is only natural to be concerned about the safety (and therefore the returns) of such an investment. ... Read More

Staff Show and Tell

August 29, 2014 by Shane Ireland

4 Comments

It goes without saying that we here at Smokingpipes are very passionate about pipes. Have have you ever wondered what pipes we enjoy in our personal collections? Well, we intend to show you.

An Introduction to Cellaring Pipe Tobacco

August 22, 2014 by Shane Ireland

37 Comments

Much has been said about the benefits of aging pipe tobacco. If you've ever had the opportunity to sample a well-aged Virginia blend, then chances are you are already a believer. The comparison of pipe tobacco to wine may be cliche, but it is certainly accurate. While the vibrancy of youth can be desirable, in most cases, age will only improve a fine tobacco blend. ... Read More

Summer Pipe Tobacco Suggestions

July 3, 2014 by Shane Ireland

7 Comments

When you picture someone enjoying a pipe, is he frantically puffing on a big ol’ bowl of some Latakia blend as he lounges by the pool, covered in SPF 4 Million, roasting like a wild boar at a Luau? Or do you imagine someone curled up by the fire with a nice book and a wee dram? Pipe smoking and cool weather just seem to go hand in hand, which presents a bit of a problem during the warmer months. ... Read More

Wessex Tobacco Dreams

June 3, 2014 by Shane Ireland

2 Comments

It has become a ritual for me, once a week, to wander down to the warehouse and do a little tobacco shopping. Typically, I will grab a few tins of my perennial favorite but with such a wonderful selection available to, it's only natural that in addition to my "usual," I pick out something new to try. ... Read More