Thread: Pipe of the Day

Some of you may know that C&D's small batch release of Carolina Red was recalled when it was discovered many of the tins were showing signs of mold. I had two tin's one which I opened and smoked and one tin unopened to be stored. When I rechecked my open tin, after reading about the recall, there was indeed mold beginning. The distributor emailed me a UPS return label
prepaid. I was asked to pick any two tins of C&D's items and so I did.

I received my replacement tins today and the timing was perfect for my afternoon pipe. I opened a tin of C&D Lunchtime Blues and gave some a few minutes to dry before loading my Lorenzo Estate Canadian.

C&D says that "Lunchtime Blues is a Burley based blend mixed with Virginias and just the right amount of Orientals". I found it to be very refreshing and easy on the tongue. It burned perfectly and I could feel the relaxation coming over me as I enjoyed the pipe.

In accordance with my previous post on Bill Ashton Taylor and his magnums, here is an ELX from back in 'the day.' In the foreground a Comoy Blue Riband Canadian I'm smoking even now, and in the background, a fresh box of the best pipe cleaners made. I prefer the standard to the fluffy, or whatever they call them.

Thanks for the tip on the pipe cleaners Jimmy.

The second tin of tobacco I received from C&D in exchange for the recalled Carolina Red is from the G.L. Pease "London" series. Gaslight, a rich Latakia mixture pressed in 1oz cakes. The Gaslight description goes:

"On a misty, moonless night, along twisted cobblestone lanes illuminated only by the glow of ancient iron lanterns, you follow a scent as dark as the night itself, the exotic fragrance hauntingly familiar, compelling, irresistible."

Sounds like the opening lines of a mystery novel set in London in the 1890's or so. : )
I was expecting something a bit more attention getting but remembered this was tinned only a couple of months ago. I broke off a piece and palm rubbed it and let it sit for about 10 minutes and packed the pipe loosely. The entire pipe only needed a match three times and the blend delivered a bright, smooth, sweet flavor. It was relaxing and let my attention drift.
I am looking forward to trying it again in about 6 months.

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

I was into pipe collecting for a time and Bill Taylor's Ashton pipes were favorites of mine. He had worked for Dunhill starting as an apprentice in his teenage years and ending up in charge of quality control after 25 years. The story of how he struck out on his own, and made it a great success, can be found here.

One of the USA distributors at that time Bob Hamlin, wrote the Ashton Story and mentioned this on the 'Ashton Magnums', "The "Magnum" and its variations are extra, extra large classic shaped pipes that while limited in production to less than 20 pieces per year, are very special and unique to the Ashton line. While Magnums are expensive, they offer an outstanding smoking experience as the amount of cured briar included with each piece is extensive."

Over the years I had a few of them in different shapes. The one pictured being the largest. Bob Hamlin was not exaggerating, smoking one was a unique experience, and why I started buying tobacco in bulk. Well, I eventually decided that the magnums were too much of a good thing and sold the few I had. I still enjoy my Ashtons but they are mostly 'normal' sized pipes. Below are photos of the late William Ashton 'Bill' Taylor, and Sid Cooper, making the pipes they loved.

Attachment 241604Attachment 241605

The photos above came from the website of David Field, the original importer of Ashton pipes, and the driving force of Bill going out on his own.

I kinda relate Jim.....I like my big bowl pipes the most because I fill'em and don't fuss with'em.They smoke long and I can put'em down and come back later and continue. That being said....I see how too much of a good thing would be just that. Cheers !

Smoking Hu tobacco - Flanegan , in George Jensen Ben dublin
I was smoking Luisiana broken - another Hu blend
Thruely great blends - very good every day smoke

I don't have a great track record with posting pics from my phone, but I'm trying again anyway. Hopefully this will be a pic of my nice new meerschaum falcon bowl.

Here's another one, hopefully the right way up.

It appears I still can't post pictures properly. The bowl's pretty nice though. Block meerschaum, smokes nicely, pretty reasonable price. Gets a bit hot to the touch, but I can live with that.

This mornings Ashton Old Church. I like smoking G.L. Pease Robusto in small pipes with my morning coffee. Beside it is a Briarwood of London. This was the marque on Bill Taylor's pipes when it was a sideline for him. Before David Field 'discovered' him and was instrumental in Bill's decision to leave Dunhill, after 25 years, and strike out on his own. Kind of a rare bird.

Four smokes I think and it's getting a little colour. I also wanted to try posting a pic again in the hope that I can get it the right way up this time. It's in more shadow so looks a bit darker than it really is.