OK. I have been testing out something I stumbled upon by mistake. Couple of days ago loaded the Briar pipe then the world fell in on my head and didn't get back to it for about 9 or 10 hours. At that time said oh well and lit it up! Burned PERFECT! So for the last 2 days have been loading the pipe at night and lighting in the morning. Both of those times burned PERFECT! Thought it was just me and the way I have been packing the pipe but now starting to think I'm just not allowing the tobacco to dry enough?

Any comments or suggestions?

yup, thats the way lots of guys do it. just keep experimenting and you will find how long of a drying time you prefer for different baccies. also you might like to try DGTing (delayed gratification tecnique) where you load up a bowl, give it charring light, let it go out, and then return to it hours later. it works really well for some blends and not so well for others.

I do that sometimes.  But If I don't want to wait I put some 'baccy in a dish or on some aluminium foil  and toast it in the oven for 5-10 minutes.  Works great!

I've been known to take some of my Lakeland flakes and rub 'em out before nuking them on a paper plate in the Microwave for 4 or 5 seconds.  Otherwise I just let various baccies lay out on a paper plate for various amounts of time depending on their moisture content.  I like using paper plates to dry on because if I have too much pulled out of the tin, the plate can be folded in half which makes it easy to pour the excess back into the tin.  I figure adding dried baccy back into the moist tin only serves to bring the moisture in the tin down a bit faster.    I've also been known to prepack a bowl if I'm gonna be going somewhere that I expect to smoke my pipe.

QuoteHot Stuff x - 3/18/2012  10:18 AM

I do that sometimes.  But If I don't want to wait I put some 'baccy in a dish or on some aluminium foil  and toast it in the oven for 5-10 minutes.  Works great!

I use a metal tobacco tin and a candle warmer hotplate when I'm in a rush to smoke something that's too wet.

Lots of good ideas here. Sometimes it is enough to put the baccy under a warm lamp for a little while, depending how much it needs to air out. I am a little apprehensive about using the microwave, but will have to try it - it would definitely solve for my impatience! And forgetfulness.

Thanks for all the info guys. With all that's been said about drying think my packing isn't the issue but me taking enough time to dry the tobacco.

Quotekola - 3/18/2012  2:14 PM

Lots of good ideas here. Sometimes it is enough to put the baccy under a warm lamp for a little while, depending how much it needs to air out. I am a little apprehensive about using the microwave, but will have to try it - it would definitely solve for my impatience! And forgetfulness.

Like I said, you don't want to go for more than a few seconds as it warms the tobacco up pretty easily but It does the trick in a pinch.  

My first few pipe experiences weren't great, and I think it had a lot to do with wet tobacco.  Now I leave out enough for a bowl for a few hours.

Thanks for the great tips

I found a good way to get my baccy all set to burn well. I picked up a 50g tin of GH Balkin Mixture, transfered all the mix to a mason jar execpt a few bowls worth, put the lid back on and set in the back window of my wfes car. It was a nice sunny day, around 11:30AM. Let it set there about 45 minutes, brought the now warm tin back inside and let it cool back down. Later that night, packed a bowl and DAMN! It even tasted "aged" in a way. Matured maybe, but burned perfectly and tasted smoother, and more defined. I will be doing this for a lot of my blends for sure. I found this tip online

I miss my pipes, I am still undecided as to what to get to get rolling again...

The ratio of enjoyment in Pipe smoking, not unlike cigars, increases as one's knowledge of the "hobby" does.

The drying/resting mentioned here reminds me of how some tinned tobacco gets so much better if it's opened, recovered and allowed to rest for a few months to a year or more.

After decades, I'm still learning and for me, that is a sizable part of my enjoyment.

I couldn't agree more, ROTH. I have such a hard time leaving tobacco to rest! I have started a few and hope I can leave them alone!! For now, The warm window deal helps for sure. But I agree, as I learn and experience more tobaccos and flavors, it just gets better and better. I love this site!

QuoteROTHNH - 3/31/2012  12:17 PM

The ratio of enjoyment in Pipe smoking, not unlike cigars, increases as one's knowledge of the "hobby" does.

The drying/resting mentioned here reminds me of how some tinned tobacco gets so much better if it's opened, recovered and allowed to rest for a few months to a year or more.

After decades, I'm still learning and for me, that is a sizable part of my enjoyment.

I know what you mean about letting a tin sit after opening.  I bought a tin of Dunhill London mix when I first started and wasn't impressed, so I left it alone for about 3 months after the tin had been opened and was surprised the next time I lit some up.  It was like a whole new animal.

All the drying methods mentioned here are good. They will however give slightly different results. Letting the tobacco air dry outa the tin will make it burn well and taste closest to what it should.  Drying it in the oven will toast it slightly which with a good VA can be a great thing. Under a lamp, on a heat vent, car window, will all get the job done. Trying different drying methods you can find the best burn and flavor for you. I use a space heater, it dries quickly and has a toasty flavor. For latakia blends I just air dry. Also, quick drying can make a "young" tobacco taste more aged.