Monday, January 17, 2011

The Beauty Of Meerschaum Pipes

Meerschaum pipes is a mineral that can be carved or engraved easily.  It is reported that the best meerschaum originated from Turkey.  It is a mineral that is composed primarily of hydrated magnesium silicate which is located mainly in Eskisehir, a small town in Turkey.  This mineral is dug in large lumps from the earth which is soft.  Meerschaum pipe was born 300 years ago when craftsmen noticed the exquisiteness of meerschaum.  Meerschaum is used for anything other than pipes.  There are figures, sculptures, and many more which are cut from this unique material.

Firstly, the meerschaum is immersed in the water for half an hour.  This process makes this material quite easy to carve.  The sculptors are extremely talented artisans.  Their creations are very remarkable.  After the pipes are carved they are then fired in a kiln.  Treating it with fire will remove the moisture from the mineral.  A rod is then inserted and a bar is added to the other end.  No two meerschaums are identical.  Each of these pipes is hand-carved and therefore a slight difference happens even in pipes that look the same.  Meerschaums are then shined and dipped in beeswax.  The beeswax is blanched to give an impressive white finish.



Meerschaums are used for different reasons.  Its uniqueness and exquisiteness make it very valuable.  Pipe smokers love the elaborate designs that are engraved into these pipes.  Because Meerschaum is very light, this gives artist the opportunity to make clear, concise engravings.  Additionally, this also make it easier for smoker to smoke.  Smokers cannot taste the additives but only the tobacco because of the meerschaum pipes porous stone.  Also, meerschaum filters nicotine and tobacco tar which gives a better taste of the tobacco.  Most smokers like to try new tobacco in their meerschaum pipe.  Additionally, gradually the nicotine will produce a rich amber tone that makes the pipe very attractive.  The taste of the pipe will further improve as it continues to age.  In addition, the pipe remains dry and cool when being smoked.  Meerschaum burns tobacco uniformly and creates a quality smoke.

Pipe smoker enthusiasts put a lot of consideration and time when by buying their pipes.  They use different pipes for a variety of tobacco and in different situations.  Meerschaum is praised for its ability to provide the taste of tobacco at the same time filtering out elements like tar and nicotine.  It also turns the waste product into an incredible finish for the carved bowl.  These pipes are esteemed by their owners around the world.  Prices vary greatly depending on the carver’s abilities and reputation.  Meerschaum can also be bought to a place where fine tobacco are sold.  They can be bought with fitted case and can be displayed if preferred.

Sunday, January 16, 2011

About Pipe Tobacco

When most people think about smoking from pipes, they get this image in their head of a character from an old literature scene who wears leather jackets. Nevertheless, the real thing is that a lot of people like to smoke from pipes. It has a very high standard and it is thought that only rich people can afford a pipe tobacco. Nowadays everyone who wants to enjoy pipes tobacco can get them at different costs. 

Customarily, the tobacco is first mixed with Burley or Virginia Tobacco and then goes through different industrial processes. The blends of tobacco can also be customized. When American Burley tobacco is blended in the US tobacco, the flavor is sweet and creates an aromatic smell that is liked by many people. English people prefer, mixing of natural Virginia Tobacco with a little bit of Orient or other natural ones.   



The expensive blends are of special types and offer a flavor that is extremely different from some inexpensive tobaccos. The expensive tobaccos have a bit milder taste, burns slowly and spreads a soothing aroma. In the year of 1585, Mr. Thomas Cavendish fetched a bit of Virginia tobacco back in England. Now his process of protecting the tobacco in rum is now called as double fermentation procedure, has received a prize and is utilized for adding pleasantness to the tobacco. It also the aroma and burning procedure better. Cavendish tells that the Fine Pipe Tobacco undergoes through curing, cutting, mixing and flavoring.      

With the help of this treatment, ammonia and chlorophyll are removed from the tobacco leaves, its taste becomes sweet and more different types of tobacco have come into being that are not very costly. They come in tins and pouches that are not difficult to carry. While the pipe smokers might want to get them in bulk and they can easily do so from local tobacco shops or internet. Even the names of tobacco sound so fancy and attractive. Still shock fully many people do not want to smoke tobacco in pipes and experience the pleasant, elegant and full or light-bodied taste. Other types of tobacco include Irish Cream, Bourbon Vanilla, Crème Brule and Amaretto, these are very exotic in taste. You can also have cream, peaches, raspberries, black cherry etc instead of alcohol.