Olivewood, briar, and morta are all used for crafting tobacco pipes, each with distinct characteristics:
Briar:
- Most common and traditional material
- Highly heat-resistant and absorbs moisture well
- Neutral flavor that doesn't interfere with tobacco taste
- Durable and long-lasting
Olivewood:
- Less common than briar
- Good heat resistance, though not as high as briar
- Slightly sweet, woody flavor that may influence tobacco taste
- Attractive grain patterns and lighter color
- Generally less expensive than briar
Morta (petrified bog oak):
- Rare and often expensive
- Excellent heat resistance
- Dense and heavy
- Unique dark color and subtle grain
- Neutral flavor similar to briar
In summary, briar remains the gold standard for pipes due to its performance and neutral flavor. Olivewood offers an attractive alternative with good properties at a lower cost, though it may impart some flavor. Morta is a premium option for those seeking something unique. ……………………………………………………….
The flavor influence of olivewood on tobacco is subtle but noticeable, especially to experienced pipe smokers. Here are some key points:
1. Initial flavor: When an olivewood pipe is new, it may impart a more pronounced flavor to the tobacco. This is often described as a mild, sweet, and slightly woody taste.
2. Flavor profile: The taste is frequently characterized as:
- Lightly sweet
- Faintly fruity (some compare it to a very mild olive oil taste)
- Woody, but not as intense as some other woods
3. Seasoning period: Like most pipes, olivewood pipes go through a "breaking-in" period. During this time, the wood's influence on the tobacco's flavor is strongest. As the pipe is used more, this effect generally diminishes.
4. Compatibility with tobaccos: The slight sweetness can complement certain tobacco blends, particularly aromatics or light English blends. However, it might slightly alter the taste of more delicate Virginia tobaccos.
5. Individual variation: The intensity of flavor can vary between pipes due to differences in the wood's density, age, and how it was cured.
6. Long-term effects: Over time, as the pipe builds up a cake (the carbon deposit inside the bowl), the wood's influence on flavor typically decreases.
7. Comparison to other woods: While noticeable, the flavor imparted by olivewood is generally considered less pronounced than that of some other alternative pipe woods like cherrywood or pear wood.
It's worth noting that the degree to which a smoker notices this flavor can be quite subjective and may depend on their palate sensitivity and smoking experience. Some smokers actively seek out olivewood pipes for this subtle flavor addition, while others prefer the more neutral taste of traditional briar pipes.
@opipeman I have been eyeing some olive wood pipes, just haven’t jumped in yet. I do know that when I was turning some olive wood for a pen, I could smell the olive oil. I wonder if the blocks used for pipes are boiled to remove the oil? Maybe they just leave them as is, there are some briar pipe manufacturers, Dunhill I think is one, that touts some pipes being “oil cured”, and I think the oil used was/is olive oil?
Any information on pear wood? A lot of pipes in Eastern Europe and the former USSR are being made from pear wood. I have dealt with Mr. Brog in the past and he has produced some nice inexpensive pipes. They do get warmer than a briar when smoking but if you are a slow smoker they handle it well.
I have seen some pear wood pipes with really nice carving on them also.
Comments
I’d smoke it, it has a wrap around grip.
🤔
Brentegani Pipes Olivewood Smooth Billiard Pipe #102-0794
Brentegani Pipes
I've never tried one.
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I have been eyeing some olive wood pipes, just haven’t jumped in yet. I do know that when I was turning some olive wood for a pen, I could smell the olive oil. I wonder if the blocks used for pipes are boiled to remove the oil? Maybe they just leave them as is, there are some briar pipe manufacturers, Dunhill I think is one, that touts some pipes being “oil cured”, and I think the oil used was/is olive oil?
Good info. Thanks.
Any information on pear wood? A lot of pipes in Eastern Europe and the former USSR are being made from pear wood. I have dealt with Mr. Brog in the past and he has produced some nice inexpensive pipes. They do get warmer than a briar when smoking but if you are a slow smoker they handle it well.
I have seen some pear wood pipes with really nice carving on them also.
Pearwood and olivewood are both used for crafting tobacco pipes, but they have some distinct characteristics: