Mouth & tongue feel scorched?

Hey Scott!

Sorry to hear you're having trouble with the pipe, but looks like you're getting some great advice here. The keys to a bite-free smoke are in packing the pipe loosely at the bottom and tighter towards the top (gravity feed the tobacco into the bowl letting it fill up. Push down 'til it's about halfway up the bowl, gravity feed some more tobacco in, push down 'til it's about three quarters up the bowl, fill again, and tamp so it's firm). While you're filling it, take a quick draw (without lighting it) and see if it draws freely. If it does, keep going. If not, it's too tight.

Secondly, smoke s-l-o-w-l-y. As others have said here, it's meant to be enjoyed slowly. You've seen me nurse a good sized pipe all afternoon at the Tobacco Hut - no tongue bite for me!

Next time you're at Lou's, get an ounce or so of his Alaskan Gold. It's not an aromatic, but a mild English blend, burley based. The sugars in aromatic tobaccos can contribute to tongue bite, so perhaps while you're experimenting with packing and lighting techniques, stick to a non-aromatic.

I wrote a one-page website some time back called Pipe Smoking 101 which you may find helpful.

Good luck!

- Bob