Pipe Smoking & Health

Pipe Smoking and Health


"Risky business or casual pleasure?"

by

Mark Beale, MD

(This article was found somewhere around the net, and we thought useful and informed.

Each one of the reports mentioned in it, are publicly available)

Most experienced pipe smokers don't look to science to

tell them that pipe smoking reduces stress. This is something they know from their own experience. Nonetheless,

s

cientists are interested in this phenomenon and many believe that stress reduction can prolong life. Some researchers feel that smoking reduces stress

by stimulating "reward centers" in the brain and affecting brain chemicals, such as dopamine. Changes in these brain chemicals lead to a sense of

calm and relief from worry.

In making the decision to smoke or not, we must educate ourselves about the risks

and benefits. In 1964, the Surgeon General of the United States issued a landmark report on tobacco usage. This report, which described the dangers of cigarette smoking, including heart

disease and lung damage, raised the public's awareness regarding the health consequences of certain b

ehaviors.

Specifically, this report confirmed what had been suspected for quite some time, that cigarette smoking

could be dangerous. However, the conclusion drawn from several studies about pipe smokers was that they tended to live longer than the general population! (Not imposs

ible, as pipe smokers are calmer, quieter people. Not spineless mind you, just more able to listen)

A subsequent revision of

this report, which appeared in 1979, concluded that pipe smoking increased the mortality ratio slightly,

when compared with non-smokers, but the effect was minimal when compared to cigarette smokers. Pipe smokers using four or fewer

bowls of tobacco per day had a lower mortality ratio than non-smokers - meaning the death rate was less for occasional pipe smokers than for the general population.

(Now that is some thing to seriously think about!)

Other interesting findings include a Swedish “twin” study,

which found that pipe smoking twins lived longer than non-smoking twins. This same study found a much higher mortality rate in cigarette

smoking twins compared to their non-smoking siblings.

When a Feller Needs a Friend

The old advertising slogan for Briggs Pipe Tobacco "When a Feller Needs a Friend", I think emphasizes the psychol

ogical aspects of pipe smoking. This phenomenon of pipe smoking as mental comfort can be found in other advertising slogans as well, including the phrase, "Relax

with a Marxman", used by the popular New York pipe firm. Indeed, when we examine the risks and potential benefits of pipe smoking, we must also

consider the psychological aspects of the hobby.

Many pipe smokers will tell you that one of life's greatest pleasures is to enjoy a fine tobacco in a favorite pipe. The key word here is "enjoy".

Psychological benefits of pipe smoking have been reported by many who have enjoyed the hobby, which include Mark Twain and Albert

Einstein. Einstein felt that pipe smoking facilitated his mental clarity when working on

a difficult project. Many pictures of him at work show that he favored billiard-shaped pipes.

Pipe smokers often like to recite one of his most relevant quotes: "I believe that pipe smoking contributes to a somewhat calm and objective judgment in all human affairs". Indeed, it is difficult to measure the calming qualities of pipe smoking and the possible beneficial effects on our work, productivity, relationships, and relaxation.

With further study we may find that enjoying a pipe in moderation can prolong life, in a way analogous to the recent finding that consuming alcohol in moderation may protect against the development of certain types of heart disease.

Risk v Benefit

How do the risks of pipe smoking compare to other behaviors in our repertoire such as driving a car? Only you can decide for yourself.

If you choose to smoke, you must be considerate of others, regardless of whether you agree with their stance on tobacco use. Exposing someone to unwanted tobacco smoke goes a long way toward damaging the image of pipe smokers and makes others feel victimized.

It’s hard to argue with someone wanting to enjoy an occasional pipe, and most likely, the pipe smoker won't want to argue anyway.

Article taken from Dr. Beale 
About The Author: 
Dr. Beale is a psychiatrist, researcher, and teacher in Charleston, SC.

... The conclusion drawn from several studies about pipe smokers was that they tended to live longer than the general population!

"... Pipe-smoking twins lived longer than non-smoking twins."

Moderate:

1. Do not exceed 4 pipe bowls per day. Recommend 2-3.

2. Do not inhale.

3. Keep area ventilated and/or use an air purifier.

4. Alternate the side of your mouth holding your pipe.

5. Rinse mouth after smoking.

Enjoy!

Harsh or Full Bodied

And the 10 best occasions to smoke a cigar

A full-bodied

cigar can be smooth and a mild cigar can be harsh. –

Strength in a blend of a cigar or pipe tobacco does not mean it will be harsh and unsmokable… As mildness

does not mean it will be smooth and easy to smoke.

Harshness and smoothness has much to do

with the length of time a tobacco is left fermenting. For starters, if a tobacco is not fermented properly, it will have a harsh bitter taste.

Cigar and pipe tobacco must be fermented for a minimum of 3 months. Then aged in rooms o

r barrels of different scented woods, like cedar, oak and the such. Many times bought from scotch or bourbon factories.

Sometimes certain blends are manipulated to become peppery but never bitter. Cigars like Avo XO, Davidoff Grand Cru, Partagas regular, Fonseca

regular and so on… have various degrees of pepper ness.

Cigars like the Davidoff 1000 series, Don Diego, Montecristo Classic,

Arturo Fuente regular and Romeo Y Julieta regular, are considered creamy smooth. Especially those using Cameroon wrappers.

With this information under our arms we will now explore the 10 most common occasions to smoke a cigar…lol

There are many special times that are perfect for celebrating with a

fine cigar. Here is our List of 10 best special occasions for smoking cigars.

1.New Job, Promotion or Major Achievement

It is time to celebrate one of life's milestones by firing up a fine stogie.

2. Weddings

Weddings are always a classic occasion for smoking cigars. Celebrating the occasion with family and friends, with a good stogie. Cigars make great photo ops at weddings!

3. Birthdays

It's your day, all day! Do whatever you want, as long as you celebrate it with your favorite cigar.

4. Gambling

Poker games almost beg for cigars! But also while enjoying those free cocktails when playing blackjack or the slots at a casino.

5. New Years

As the old year closes its doors, better say goodbye with a premium hand rolled cigar. A new year is about to begin, better open the year with a hand rolled cigar.

6. Thanks Giving

After enjoying the biggest meal of the year, you need to relax with a fine cigar and a brandy or cognac to help digest all that food.

7. Enjoying What Speaks To You

Smoking a cigar will enhance and prolong an aesthetic experience. Once you get to a place like the Grand Canyon, you can’t just stay there for a little while, then drive away. With a view like that, lighting up is almost a spiritual experience.

8. TIGF!!

Yup, it’s the weekend. Time to relax and enjoy a smoke with friends or with a good book.

9. Fourth of July

Celebrate our independence, that is what cigar smoking is all about. Besides, a lit cigar is the best way to ignite fireworks.

10. A New Family Member

Right next to weddings, it is customary for the new father to pass around cigars to family and friends. From your cigars of choice to the machine made cigars in cellophane wrappers marked "It's a Boy" or "It's a Girl" will do just fine.

How to treat a new humidor

Great! You have a new humidor! The first thing to do is season your new humidor before storing your beloved stogies. This is also true for any other humidor that hasn't been used in a while. The cedar inside of a humidor is part of the humidification system, and aids in providing humidity (and flavor) to the cigars, along with the humidification device. If the cedar has not been seasoned, then the wood will actually rob moisture from the cigars, and dry them out

Before you begin the seasoning process, make sure to read any directions that may have come with your new humidor. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions so you do not void your warranty. If your new humidor has no instructions proceed as indicated below.

What you will need:

- A New Humidor

- Distilled water

- A clean unscented sponge or cloth

- A Humidifier

- A Hygrometer

IMPORTANT- Do not use tap water in place of distilled water.

TAP WATER CONTAINS CLORINE, FLUROIDE AND OTHER MINERALS WE DON’T WANT THE CIGARS TO ABSORB.

Start by dampening the sponge or cloth with the distilled water, then wipe down all the cedar wood inside of the humidor, including the lid and any trays. To avoid damaging the humidor, do not overly saturate the interior wood with water. Do NOT spill the water inside the humidor (and then try to spread it around). WE want to dampen not flood it.

Put the wet sponge on top of a piece of cellophane (or plastic bag) and place inside the humidor. Make sure that the sponge is not overly saturated, and not touching any wood.

Fill your humidification device with either distilled water or a humidifying solution according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Make sure that the device is not overly saturated by letting any excess water drip out (into a sink), then wipe off any drops of water on the outside of the humidification device, and place the device inside the humidor.

Now comes the hard part, close the humidor for 24 hours and wait. The next day, repeat the wipe down procedure using distilled water and the sponge, but do not leave the sponge inside this time, and wait another 24 hours

On the day after the second treatment, it should be safe to use the humidor as long as you cannot feel any dampness on the cedar. If so, then wait one more day before storing your cigars. If you have a hygrometer inside the humidor, ignore any higher-than-normal readings during the seasoning process. However, if the humidity is lower than 72% on the day after the second treatment, then repeat the wipe down procedure for a third time (you may also need to test your hygrometer or recharge your humidification device).

Pipe & Cigars Tips & Terminology - A New Pipe In your life

This will be a new heading where we will be able to better support one of our
favorite hobbies! La Pipa, & El Cigar!

To start with we are going to about the notions of what is needed for a fledgling Pipe Smoker.

Yes, its a hobby that demands having a few items at hand, and like the cigar smoker... lol there are certain objects we must have handy.
No torch lighter! Only for cigars!! I'm serious! A torch lighter can destroy your pipe! Use matches or a regular flame lighter. There are special lighters for the pipe smoker. The flame comes out sideways. Really cool... So, if you can afford it an "Old Boy" made by Imcorona. They come in all sorts of finishes. From silver plated to steel or wood. If not a good ol' bic will do the job.

Second, a tamper. There are a few very simple devices. The nail, it looks like a nail; it's a tamper with a scraper. Or the Chezck tool. Its 3 pieces in one; a tamper, a scraper and a poker.
In the art of smoking a pipe, the smoker smokes his/her pipe until it develops a charred wall as thick as a nickel, some say a dime. This develops with time. Once we are done smoking, let the pipe sit to cool. When its cool use the scraper to remove all debris from inside the bowl, gently, you're not reaming...that's a different blogg...lol
DO NOT KNOCK YOUR PIPE ON A HARD SURFACE! Use a cork knocker.

Third, get pipe cleaners. Pipe smokers are a fastidious bunch. Once your pie has cooled and you have removed all tobacco from it, clean it. Pull a pipe cleaner through it. This will remove all moisture you produced while smoking. Some like their cleaners skinny, some like them thick and fluffy. To each one its own. It will also depend on the pipe... If it has a wide hole or thin one.

Fourth, the pipe. Too many disasters have been reported from people who bought drugstore pipes. These pipes are made with some sort of metal filter and 90% are not made of Briar.
A good starter pipe should cost you up to $50, no more. Made from Briar and by a reputable company. Go to your favorite tobacconist and they will help you. They know how to start you humble.

Sixth, the pouch. As far as I know all good tobacco pouches have what we call an "oil cloth" inside. Nowadays its made of a transparent thin rubber. This protects the leather part of it from the moisture of the tobacco. There are many kinds and combinations. For the beginner a pouch with room for the tobacco on one side and for the pipe on the other would be ideal.

Seventh, the tobacco. Unless the new smoker is more inclined to start with an aromatic, I would advise a mild non aromatic. Bennington's has a a lovely light non aromatic tobacco called Gold Star or #21. The imported tins section also offers a nice selection as we are one of the last smoke shops to have a decent selection of pipes and pipe tobacco. And if you have any questions just give us a call. 561-391-1372 or 888-574-5404. Smoke to enjoy....

Jim

Pipe Weenies

The Teenie Weenies by

William H. Donahey

Yesterday for the first time I heard the term "Pipe Weenies"... It caught me by total surprise... Pipe Weenies?

Oh, yes said Frank Blews... I'm one of them and with great pride... He commented with a huge grin from ear to ear.

And what are "Pipe Weenies"? I asked...

Frank: You will find us at most of the pipe shows, buying, swapping and talking to our pipe heroes...

These shows are considered professional, but unlike the old RTDA, today known as IPCP (International Premium Cigars and Pipes), practically anything and anyone goes. If you can afford the table fee one can be part of the Chicago (or Richmond or Kansas) Pipe Show. The IPCP is a different story. You have to be a member and in business either as a manufacturer or retailer. The "Weenies" don't have access to the IPCP. But they will not make much of an effort to go either. Its mostly cigar and its accessories. So it doesn't matter. And not a lot of fun for the "Weenies". I also just found out why I can't get Samuel Gawith tobacco... Its a 4 man show! and they prefer to take their summer vacations than blend tobacco! Unheard of for an American pipe smoker or business man...lol So we will have to put up with the back-orders and wait till they return form vacation... We had a great time last night! Memorable! Frank Blews is a wealth of information, no wonder he considers himself a weenie himself. The man has his nose in everything pipe...lol Next week we will have a video to show regarding the meeting with Frank Blews.

Till next week everyone....

Jim

Cigar Etiquette

There are a few quite important and "common sense" cigar etiquette sets of rules. Its all to do with the respect of others and the value of oneself. If you're a regular person...lol

Cigar etiquette is polite behaviour when smoking cigars. For example, in 19th century Havana, it was considered an insult to give another smoker a light from your cigar without first knocking off the ash from the cigar. Another breach of etiquette was to pass on a cigar to a third-party for them to light up too - loaned cigars should instead be returned with a polite flourish. (wikkipedia)

The Swiss tobacconist and creator of the Davidoff cigar, Zino Davidoff devised the "Zino Davidoff Guide to Cigar Etiquette". The essay calls for cigar aficionados to smoke the cigar only halfway, let it burn out on its own, while it sits in the ashtray. Never ask another smoker for a light, refrain from smoking while walking, and so on. Davidoff dismisses the elaborate rituals of lighting, says that removing or leaving the band are equally correct, and insists that a gentlemen never relights a cigar that is more than two-thirds smoked.

So lets see....

The Dos

• LIght the foot of the cigar slightly before starting to puff on it.
• Remove the band carefully after lighting the cigar (or not).
• Take your time in smoking it; a puff a minute is about right.
• Hold the cigar between your index finger and thumb.
• Let the cigar die a dignified death. After it's smoked half way, it will go out on its own while sitting in the ashtray.
• Dispose of the dead cigar discreetly.
• Wait at least fifteen minutes between cigars; anything less indicates obsessive behavior

The Don'ts

• Use a penknife to cut or a lance to pierce the end of the cigar.
• Touch the flame directly to the foot of the cigar: Instead, simply rotate it around the edge till it starts to burn, then puff lightly.
• Ask someone else for a light (the lighting of a cigar should be a personal affair).
• Light your cigar too quickly or too slowly.
• Indulge in exhibitionism in lighting or any other aspect of smoking.
• Relight your cigar if less than one quarter of it is leaf.
• Put the cigar in your mouth to relight it. Just scrape off the ash and turn it in the flame for several seconds till it relights.
• Clench it between your teeth. Likewise do not get the end of the cigar wet, chew it, or slobber on it.
• Smoke too quickly.
• Use a cigar holder, or worse, stick a toothpick or matchstick in the end of the cigar to help hold it in your mouth.
• Dunk your cigar in port or brandy, a habit attributed to Winston Churchill.
• Smoke while working.
• Hold a cigar between your index and middle finger.
• Smoke when you're walking.
• Smoke more than half the cigar.
• Put the cigar out by squashing it in an ashtray.
• Chain-smoke cigars.

Cigar Aficionado

Cigar Aficionado's book "Cigar Companion" suggests two sets of rules: one when among non-smokers, and another when among cigar smokers. One should never smoke except where smoking is appreciated, and care should be taken to minimize criticism from non-smokers from the smell of smoke in one's home or on one's clothes. Among other cigar smokers, it suggests rules governing sharing, cutting, lighting, humidors, women cigar smokers, and gifts. It concludes with one ironclad rule: never give a prank exploding cigars, and do not associate with anyone who does.

Believe me its worth knowing and practicing these rules. People will appreciate your care and tact. And will give us cigar and pipe smokers a feather in our caps.

Long ashes.....

Jim

Coffee, Cigars & Pipe Tobacco

As far as I know there are two different and very distinct types of coffee: Arabica (Coffea Arabica), which is the Jamaican, Brazilian, Hawaiian, Columbian and so on. It has a vanilla, caramel, nutty round taste to it. Planted in a semi- tropical or temperate environment, purple soil and closer to mid mountain level. It is smooth and mellow. It has a rich round flavor, with delicate complex notes. It is originally from the Ethiopian Highlands.

Because the Arabica fruit or cherries fall to the ground and spoil, the trees must be carefully monitored and picked at different intervals, making its production more expensive.

The second type is the Robusta (Coffea Canifera) exclusively grown in the eastern part of the world. It likes equatorial and low altitudes. It’s fruit remains on the tree, producing a less expensive bean. The Robusta has twice the caffeine of the Arabica and is very acidic, bitter. Its what most restaurants offer. A kick in the proverbial pants…lol

How does one make a good cup of coffee? The first thing to consider is if you like your coffee bitter or smooth. Arabica or Robusta. The second is how do like your roast? Dark like the French? Or medium like Brazilians? I prefer mine Arabica with a medium roast ground medium to fine, brewed in a French Press. A Hawaiian Kona, Jamaican Blue Mountain or a Brazilian Café do Ponto. Then comes which way to make it?

Brazilians still use a cloth filter. They grind their coffee fine and give it a medium roast. 1 tblsp of coffee per cup (a demitasse) of water. Also called a cafezinho.

The French like their coffee brewed in a “French Press”, espresso machine (makes a very strong brew) or the Italian volcano; it’s like an espresso but stovetop. They roast their coffee dark. The Italians are the same

But if you just like a good cup of java, American style, then go for a medium grind, use a drip coffee machine or automatic coffee maker. Oh, and get your coffee with a medium roast.

A good cup of coffee, a great bowl of tobacco or cigar is sometimes a better pairing than alcohol. A good smoke doesn’t always call for liquor. And the idea is to compliment the cigar or tobacco, not over power it.

If you like a Sumatra or Java wrapper, like a Zino Classic, an Avo XO or an English Pipe Tobacco blend, a Bennington #5; a dark roasted coffee made in a volcano or espresso machine would be a great combination.

If you prefer an Arturo Fuente Short Story cigar or Partagas Regular (they both carry a Cameroon wrapper, sweet and medium) and a mild to medium non-aromatic pipe tobacco like a Bennington #23; a medium roasted Arabica would be your best bet. Made in a French press or automatic machine.