Second time around with "Straight Virginia Tobaccos"

KABUL07

Hello Pipe and Tobacco Aficionados,I hope all is well out there. I wanted to share that I have had my share of issues with Virginia tobaccos. I had to learn the hard way that one must really take a little time when smoking Virginia blends, if not you will pay the price. Therefore I just stayed away from them until I felt that I was seasoned enough to give them another try and it's been some time (years), I must say. So now here I am "second time around" with a little more knowledge and experience with the Virginia tobaccos. I have experienced smoking, "sweet" straight Virginia, The Finest Virginia from "Ephemeris", Sutliff #507 Virginia Sliced, Amphora Straight Virginia and Orlik Golden Sliced. The sweet Va; Ephemeris and Amphora I have enjoyed the most up this point. I have also noticed that the selected pipe(s) used also has a lot to do with how these tobaccos will smoke. I have really been enjoying my "second time around" and if you have some suggestions concerning straight Virginia's to try please feel free to share. Remember, smoke what you like and like what you smoke. Take time to contemplate and be safe out there. Thanks 

motie2

For smoking straight Virginia tobacco, the recommended pipe bowl size is a narrower and deeper bowl, typically around 19-21mm in diameter and 40-45mm deep.[1][4] This allows the tobacco to burn evenly and prevents excess moisture buildup at the bottom of the bowl.

Some additional tips for smoking Virginia leaf:

- Use a pipe with thicker walls, as Virginia tobaccos tend to burn hotter.[4] Thicker walls help dissipate the heat better.

- Pack the tobacco a little looser than you would for other blends, as Virginia expands more when heated.[1]

- Sip the smoke slowly and gently to fully appreciate the subtle, natural sweetness of the Virginia leaf.[1]

- Dedicate certain pipes specifically for smoking Virginia tobaccos, as the leaf can leave a distinct flavor "ghost" in the pipe.[1]

- Consider folding longer flakes of Virginia to fit the narrow bowl depth, maintaining the integrity of the tobacco.[1][4]

So in summary, a narrower and deeper bowl around 19-21mm x 40-45mm, with thicker walls, packed a bit looser, and smoked slowly, is ideal for enjoying straight Virginia tobaccos.[1][4]

Sources

[1] Your pipe shape preferences for each class of tobacco https://www.tobaccoreviews.com/community/tobacco-talk/your-pipe-shape-preferences-for-each-class-of-tobacco/

[2] Best Bowl Dimensions for Different Types of Tobacco? https://pipesmokersdens.com/threads/best-bowl-dimensions-for-different-types-of-tobacco.7232/

[3] Beginners and Value Smoking Pipes | Buy online Smoke-King https://www.smoke-king.co.uk/pipes/beginner-and-value-smoking-pipes

[4] Virginias- What Pipe to Use? https://pipesmagazine.com/forums/threads/virginias-what-pipe-to-use.95656/

[5] Airflow Restriction in Tobacco Smoking Pipe - Physics Forums https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/airflow-restriction-in-tobacco-smoking-pipe.1058953/

KABUL07

Thank you motie2 for the suggestions and additional info concerning Virginia blends and how to enjoy them. It has been pretty smooth going so far with the blends however it has been hotter than... well you know in this part of the country and I decided to just stay indoors over the last several days. Yes I have designated some pipes for the Va's and moving forward. Once again I thank you and I thank the TPL family, whenever I have had questions or just wanted to share pipe and tobacco information this site has always been on point, let's keep it going. On boy what is this, "Horizons" by G.L. Pease. :-) :-)