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No
181 - January 3, 2008
More about Meerschaum
Sunday, December 30, was my Sunday to be on duty in the Rosebank shop. Although I’m not mad about Sunday trading, I do find my infrequent Sundays in the shop interesting as the visitor profile is very different from the usual Monday to Friday customer.
The weekday customer has often just slipped out from the office, or is on the way to or from work – quite frequently in a bit of a rush;
The Sunday (or Saturday) customer often makes a point of visiting the shop to discuss his/her pastime – he is out shopping and enjoying it. An unusual thing about quite a few Sunday customers is that they have stumbled on us by accident while visiting the Rosebank Flea Market or staying at a nearby hotel.
On this particular Sunday, a foreign couple came in to look at our Pipe bags. I recognised the gent because a year ago he had bought a beautiful carved meerschaum from me, and we couldn’t find the correct fitted case for the pipe. We had settled the sale with a discount, and a fancy normal pipe box.
It turned out that he and his wife visit South Africa regularly in our summer months, and they have been regular visitors to our website as well. Thus he knew about the current offer on pipe bags and that a new selection of meerschaum pipes had arrived. The pipebag was decided upon. I showed him the new meerschaums, he glanced at his wife, she pointed to the Egg & Claw and the pipe was sold. He received his 25% discount on the pipebag, I offered 10% off the meerschaum pipe, and we were all happy.
In the conversation he asked a bit more about the manufacture of meerschaum pipes, and I realised that I hadn’t done an article since 2002, so here’s an update. For more about smoking and cleaning click here.
The best quality Meerschaum blocks (or stones) of hydrous magnesium silicate, to use the correct geological name, are mined in Turkey. The mines are concentrated in a small area near the town of Eskisehir, and can be as deep as 450 feet (130 odd metres) where working conditions are not for the faint-hearted. The stones are split into smaller pieces similar to briar ebauchons - in fact the process is similar to cutting diamonds if you think of the skill necessary to use the natural fault lines and of the value of the raw material – and thereafter cleaned and sorted into varying grades and qualities depending on the size, density, colour and uniformity of the block. The bowl is then carved or turned, the amber-coloured lucite* mouthpiece is fitted, the pipe is given a final polish and the bowl is dipped in molten bees-wax. The waxing determines how well the meerschaum will colour. The last 2 shipments we received were a little more golden than previous shipments – the pipes had received additional waxing to improve the colour when the pipes are smoked.
At an early stage certain of the blocks are ear-marked for the stunning carved heads by master craftsmen who often specialise. Our larger Bacchus heads are some of the last from a current master carver about to retire - but no doubt there is a young aspirant Michelangelo waiting his chance in the wings.
Smooth, classic shapes are turned on a lathe and finished by hand. The polishing can take quite a long time as too much pressure will ruin the finish. Creative etching covers odd surface marks.
*(Before synthetics, amber was the material of choice for the mouthpiece; but Lucite is less brittle, easier on the teeth and more readily available than amber. The Lucite mouthpiece has a Teflon peg, and a matching Teflon sleeve which is screwed into the meerschaum shank. Removing and replacing the mouthpiece is just a simple pull or push. If you need to rotate the mouthpiece, do so only in a clockwise direction so you won’t unscrew the sleeve.)
The incentive to mine meerschaum is not only that it is the perfect material from which to make smoking pipes. The meerschaum industry including pipes, filters, trinkets and even its use in insecticides, automobile paint and porcelain, contributes to exports worth a couple of million dollars (US) a year. (Visit http://www.allaboutturkey.com/eskisehir.htm#luletasi)
In my mind there is a misconception that meerschaum pipes are more expensive than their briar counterparts. But we buy briar pipes over a wide range of qualities and finishes – we buy only top quality meerschaums. The small heads are less expensive because of their size and no fitted cases – great value for money. Anyway, given the time of the year and the desirability of owning a meerschaum, let’s help by offering a “White Special”
From January 10 – 23, 25% off Meerschaum pipes, any size or shape |
Now that’s a good way to start 2008 – sit back with a beautiful pipe, and relax.
May the rest of 2008 be as profitable and as peaceful for you.
Colin Wesley
January 3 to January 16, 2008
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No
182 - January 17, 2008
A Short Smoke
Before 2004, the traditional “short smoke” was the half corona size (102mm x Ring 40) – the proportions were considered perfect. (Think of the Montecristo No.5 or the Cohiba Siglo I.)
Today, for a short smoke, smokers are looking at cigars of a similar length but with a larger ringsize.
This size, the Petit Robusto, which didn’t exist before 2004, is probably one of the most imaginative and biggest selling innovations from Cuba in recent years.
The Hoyo de Monterrey Petit Robusto, 102mmxRing50, was the first, taking 22mm off the Epicure No.2 but retaining the ringsize. At the time James Suckling was slightly disappointed, finding it a bit harsh. Possibly, he wrote, due to the burning ash being so close to the palate, or maybe because the cigar was so young. My wife, Gillian, was also not impressed with this size when she first smoked it in 2005; she said that for her the air just whistled through with no resistance and the smoke didn’t build up any body.
The other night after dinner I felt like finishing off the evening with a cigar. Good idea, but which cigar?
Taking many things into consideration, I chose a Cohiba Siglo VI which was slightly damaged (which is why I had it in my collection). Although it smoked beautifully, it turned out to be more than I wanted, so after a while I put it down and went to bed. When I told Gillian the next morning, she said “Why didn’t you just cut it down before you lit up?” My reply was “You can’t do that, it won’t smoke as it should!” “You see”, she said “that’s what’s wrong with the theory behind the Petit Robusto size – the proportions are wrong”.
Nowadays she is in the minority – and these cigars have improved. Last year, again writing for Cigar Aficionado, James Suckling complimented the Cuban cigar manufacturers on creating these ‘abridged cigars’. “They cater to the wants and needs we have as lovers of the leaf, and to the modern life we all aspire to. Take for example the recently released Montecristo Petit Edmundo. …… It’s short, fat and flavourful. Measuring 52 ring gauge by 4 1/3 inches, it delivers the most in smoking pleasure in the shortest amount of time. …. It’s that inch or so less of each cigar that makes them near-perfect (short) smokes for many of us.”
He finds the recent years of Hoyo Petit Robusto just as good. Now, he says, these cigars are richer and stronger, ‘concentrated versions’ of the originals. Possibly, he continues, the Cubans may intentionally be creating stronger blends for these two cigars.
I think too that smokers may have perfected a different technique for smoking the new proportions – just as a different style of smoking is required for a long, slender cigar like the Montecristo Especial.
But if there is one thing I’ve learned from all my years in the tobacconist business – it’s that smoking enjoyment is very subjective (for both pipe and cigar smokers), and one shouldn’t fall into the “Emperor’s New Clothes” trap.
Indeed, that is the purpose of the selections we make up.
We take a point in question – a new brand, a new shape, different ring sizes, different wrappers, etc – we match the point up with something well known and offer you the selections to try. You smoke the cigars, and then make your own decision according to your taste and smoking style.
Cutting hint: On a thicker cigar, start by cutting a small hole
(at an angle) - you can always make it bigger. |
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Now, because you’ll want to check which “short smoke” is right for you – from 24 January for only R260.00 you can try a selection of 3 great short thick cigars with ringsizes 43, 50, 52
Montecristo Petit Edmundo
(110mm x Ring 52, converted from Edmundo 135mm x Ring 52)
Cigar Aficionado 2007 rating 94
Hoyo de Monterrey Petit Robusto
(102mm x Ring 50, converted from Hoyo Epicure No.2 124mm x Ring 50)
Cigar Aficionado 2007 rating 93
Cuaba Divinos
(102mm x Ring 43, Perfecto – created before the “abridged” cigars)
Cigar Aficionado 2003 rating 90 |
This is a selection not to be missed – I’ll even bid for an undamaged one myself.
Colin Wesley
PS To extend the comparison, why not test the originals. Add a single Epicure No.2 and/or Edmundo to your tasting; and maybe a classic half corona.
No.182 January 17 to 30, 2008
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No
183 - January 31, 2008
Straight Pipes
We recently went to see a wonderful piece of theatre – “The 39 Steps”. Brilliant acting and stagework, and a lot of laughs.
But what I also enjoyed was seeing the leading man (Graham Hopkins as Richard Hannay) playing many scenes speaking beautifully and clearly, with a straight pipe clamped firmly in his mouth. What an air of authority it gave him.
Since that evening I have been trying to piece together why the ratio of sales of straight pipes to bent pipes has changed around. In my young days it was almost 70/30 straight to bent; today it is the opposite or even lower.
The first reason I can think of is the development of the System briars pioneered by Kapp & Peterson, and improved upon by Savinelli. These shapes, combined with the growth in popularity of flavoured tobaccos (which generate more moisture in the smoke) gave them the edge over the classic straight pipes. But now, with both bowl and stem “filters” available to mop up moisture much of their advantage has been matched. You can experience a cool dry smoke with a straight pipe – and it is easier to clean.
The second reason, and I think that this is the more likely, is today’s relaxed lifestyle. Most aspects of life are more informal in both dress code and attitude. However at the right time we all enjoy a “black tie” event.
Again in my young days, pipe smokers were considered to be thoughtful, conservative people who knew what they wanted and where they were in the scheme of life. 10 out of 18 world personalities pictured in the 1984 edition of Rick Hacker’s “The Ultimate Pipe Book” preferred straight pipes – and these didn’t include Clark Gable and Bing Crosby whose trademarks were straight pipes. I also have never seen a picture of Alfred Dunhill with anything other than a straight pipe in his hand.
| A classic straight billiard is a shape with perfect
proportions, and a wonderful feel in the hand. My description of this shape is “the pinstripe suit of all pipe shapes - an ultimate, distinctive image of class and success”. |
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Because you should try this example of a truly classic pipe shape,
for the period 7 February to 20 February 2008 we will offer you a bonus.
Lorenzo straight pipes with optional 9mm in a range of prices with a bonus of 30% discount. |
Give one a try and see if the suit fits.
(Of course, if you already enjoy smoking straight pipes, this is an ideal time to top up your collection.)
Colin Wesley
January 31 to February 13, 2008
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No
184 - February 14 , 2008
www.habanos.com
Written on Sunday morning 20 January. It was raining in Johannesburg (again) and I had this article to write because the following Sunday we were to leave for a 2-week trip to Europe.
By 11.30, with nothing on paper, I was beginning to feel desperate – inspiration had left me in the rain. Then it struck me – while we would be in Europe, Cuba would be preparing for the 2006 annual Habanos February Festival: why not visit their website and see what’s cooking?
The programme reads well, and I’m sure will be thoroughly enjoyed by all those attending, but it doesn’t give away much detail, or any secrets.
A little disappointed, but having found the English button, I thought I’d just browse around.
Well – what an eye-opener! The site is so well-structured and easy to navigate, and contains so much information about the cigar industry, I spent a really interesting and worthwhile couple of hours. (And wasted a couple of trees printing out some of the special bits for myself and my staff.)
Here are a few snippets I found - did you know:
1. On the farms where the air-curing of the leaf is done, large sums of money have been spent on controlling the temperature and humidity in the barns, 24/7. This speeds up the process considerably, but it still needs constant care and attention as the process progresses. Very clever!
2. The blending department is called “La Barajita” – literally “The Pack of Cards” - because blending the leaves is a little like shuffling cards.
3. That the work of the rollers is checked regularly during the day. The cigars are checked for length, shape, girth, appearance and especially weight. Rejected cigars hurt the pocket of the roller as they are paid on piece work. (Not very socialistic, but effective I should think.)
4. Mechanical draw-testing was introduced in 2001. This is done just before the wrapper is applied. (A bad draw doesn’t deserve a wrapper and costs are saved.)
5. The resting area, before the cigars are packed is cooler and less humid than the normal climate in Cuba.
And this seems an appropriate place for another bit of really good news told to me last year by a visiting Habanos agent.
Since 2006 once the cigars are boxed, and before shipping out of Cub, they are put through a freezing process over a 5 day period. The temperature is gradually reduced to -23°C, maintained at this temperature for 3 days, and then gradually restored to a normal temperature over a final 24 hours. This effectively annihilates the tobacco beetle and even the eggs.
I can vouch for the success of this exercise as we have had almost no beetle-mania over the last 18 months or more. But I still wouldn’t take a chance by allowing my cigars to get warm.
Because the website is so informative and interesting you might like to visit it as I did – on a cool, rainy Sunday morning. You can spend a very pleasant hour brushing up or expanding your cigar knowledge.
Especially click on THE HABANO on the home page, and read Agriculture and Manufacture.
I can really recommend it.
Now, next week’s special offer has nothing to do with blending or beetles.
We were lucky to be offered last year, at a very special price, just a dozen of a black, leather-covered humidor with visible hygrostat. It’s really beautiful!
And we paired it with a matching ashtray with swivel lid and leather trim.
We’ve been saving them – and here they are – and at less 25%.
ASHTRAY 73-J3651 (R525.00) SPECIAL PRICE R393.75
HUMIDOR 73-J1232 (R950.00) SPECIAL PRICE R712.50 |
Colin Wesley
No.184 February 14 to 27, 2008
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No
185 - February 28, 2008
Getting
Started
I just love it when I’m in my shop and somebody walks in and says “I want to start smoking a pipe – can you help me?”
Dropping everything I usually launch into the benefits of the Savinelli Dry System pipe – in my opinion the best designed pipe for a new pipesmoker. They are currently priced at R595, R695, R795 depending on the size. If these pipes don’t appeal – we move on to different shapes and finishes, and the point I stress is that it is important to buy a pipe from a factory that makes some really good quality pipes.
One of the most fundamental processes in making a good smoking pipe is the curing and drying period which is done BEFORE the bowls have been graded. Although some smaller pipe artists have personal ways of shortening this period - the larger manufacturers allow the wood to dry naturally for a minimum period of 12 to 18 months. This is a costly process, but they expect sufficient top quality bowls to emerge to justify the stockholding. The rest of the pipes are sorted and priced according to grain and flaws – for example, we offer Savinelli pipes which retail from R300 to R3000.
On our recent trip to Italy we were reminded of this when we visited the Savinelli factory. They showed us a new limited edition pipe. It was really limited – they could only find 47 bowls of a sufficiently high quality out of 1000 turned bowls available in the chosen shape.
Another aspect of the pipe to consider is the “filter” system. Most modern pipe tobaccos used oil-based flavourings which taste delicious, smell great, but generate a moist smoke which needs to be mopped up from the bowl and stem. The innovative introduction of the Teflon peg offers the option of either a 6mm or a 9mm “filter” (mop) – and it is practically snap-proof. What a bonus!
Watchpoint: If you prefer not to use a filter, make sure you insert an adapter.
Because it is glued into the mouth piece (not part of it) the Teflon peg may occasionally work loose and remain stuck in the shank. This is fairly easy to fix – use pliers to pull it out of the shank, and follow the instructions of one of those excellent 2-part glues to re-stick it into the mouthpiece.
Not a DIY person? Bring it back to the shop and we’ll do it for you. Just needs a while to dry. |
Many of the smaller, less expensive pipes (from R115) are not suitable for the Teflon peg / filter option. In this case you could use a bowl filter to mop up excess moisture.
Having sorted out the most important item for this venture into the world of pipe smoking – what next?
Pipe Tool or Knife – simple choice, but please no sharp-pointed, bowl-destroying pen knives – thank you!
Tobacco Pouch – preferably one that will hold tobacco, pipe, tool, lighter and cleaners. Better still, a small Pipe Bag for 2 pipes, tool, cleaners, tobacco, lighter and portable pipe rest – for the trip to the garden to enjoy this new-found pleasure.
Finally – the choice of tobacco: Because the senses of taste and smell are so closely related, smell the Houseblend tobaccos at any Wesley’s and choose one that appeals to you. Our No.43, Old Gold, is a safe choice – smooth, not too rich, relatively easy burning. When you have settled in with your new pipe, then is the time to experiment with other tobaccos. For a complete range of types try our Sampler Pack.
Having taken my customer through all these essentials I arm him with the Wesley pamphlets (The Complete Pipe Smoker and The Perfect Blend) suggesting he reads them before leaping into the deep end. I take his contact details for our database (and free sweepstake entry), wish him well and assure him that any email query will receive a response within 48 hours.
My day is made!
Refurbished Pipes – an interesting alternative
A new pipe smoker doesn’t have to have a new pipe. Here he may go upmarket at a fraction of the current price, and the pipe is broken in: user-friendly from the first smoke.
Our latest selection will be on the website from 6 March 2008
It includes Dunhill, Stanwell, Savinelli, Mattner, 2 Meerschaums,
a Peterson, a Falcon – plus others. |
Colin Wesley
No.185 February 28 to March 12, 2008
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