Tongue Bite
Following on from my last blog you are now probably feeling more at home with your Pipesmoking.
You might even be telling some of your closest friends about this new hobby.
Depending on your age group you might be surprised at how many of them could let on that at some stage of their lives they too smoked a pipe, or they are thinking about doing the same.
Those who had smoked a pipe will tell why they stopped, and those who are thinking about starting will ask your opinion and advice.
From both angles the term “Tongue Bite” may crop up, either as the cause of giving up, or as an anticipated unpleasant experience to be avoided.
Up until a few years ago the theory of the only cause of this problem was simple.
The cause was hot smoke coming straight on to the tongue.
The hot smoke was created by the smoker puffing too much and too fast on the pipe.
The remedies:
First – do you smoke too fast because you are anxious? Consciously slow down and relax. Smoking should be an extension of breathing, gentle and rhythmical.
Another reason could be because the tobacco blend is too mild and unsatisfying, like a cup of hot weak tea.
The remedy is to strengthen the flavour of the blend with more Virginia tobacco filled with natural flavours, like putting another tea bag into the teapot.
This would automatically be more satisfying, the puffing would slow down, the smoke would be cool.
No problem.
These often worked, but there was no scientific investigation until some research in the Chilli food business was applied to analyse the various tobaccos usually used in compiling a blend for Pipe smokers. I’ve said the following before, but it bears repeating.
Scientific investigation indicated that the sensitivity of one’s taste buds (taste receptors) may be a factor.
It seems that different people have quite different degrees of taste – based on the number of taste buds on their tongues. And when the taste buds are clogged one gets this burning sensation. The more taste buds you have, the worse the clogging effect (this can be a big disadvantage for a “super taster”.)
It is not necessarily a high temperature that causes a “burning tongue” - chillies seems just as “hot” no matter what the temperature of the food. However a higher temperature opens up the taste buds so that the effect of the chilli or the tobacco is increased.
Further, for many smokers (though not all) alkaline tobacco (with a high pH) causes more of this “burn” than acidic tobaccos. Burley falls into the former group and Virginia into the latter.
Matured Virginia has far more natural taste; most of our blends include matured Virginia which adds to the flavour (more satisfaction with less effort) and incidentally neutralises the possible alkalinity of the Burley.
It also helps if you have a drink between puffs – green tea or other gentle drinks. However this is very personal. Whether you’re a Super Taster or not, experiment to see which of your favourite drinks relieves the clogging and stops the acidity.
A possible factor is the amount of moisture in the smoke.
Dry tobacco burns more easily, but it can also burn too fast, with a resultant higher temperature – leading to the opening of the taste buds.
On the other hand, tobacco needs to be slightly damp to carry the flavour – but it it’s too wet the smoke will be a higher temperature – and there you go again.
Pinch the tobacco in your fingers – it should not crumble or stick together: just compact and then slowly expand as you release it.
Finally what about the way you pack the pipe?
We can’t say often enough: “Smoking should be an extension of breathing, gentle and rhythmical.”
But this can only be achieved if your pipe is packed just right for you.
Try out different ways of packing your pipe and find the method with which you are most comfortable.
You may need to adjust for different sizes and shapes of your pipes.
The pipe is a natural filter – build-up of sediment may narrow the smoke channel so that you have to draw harder. Hotter smoke and a bitter taste could result. Thorough cleaning is the remedy.
Thorough Cleaning:
If you made a New Year’s resolution to keep your pipes clean and polished, you will like our Pipe Smokers’ Special.
If you didn’t, you can still take advantage of the special and add that resolution to your list.
The Pipe Smokers’ Special:
From March 4 - 17, 2021 : 25% off Cleaning Care Kits
Savinelli Premium Cleaning Kit 78-Sav750P R850.00
Savinelli Basic Cleaning Kit 78-SavD750 R366.50
Dunhill Pipe Care Kit 78-DHPA3316 R795.00
Plus - vital for the inner health of your pipe:
25% off CGA Pressurised Pipe Cleaner Spray 78-CGSpray R77.50 |
If you follow these suggestions, you might be able to avoid the dreaded “Tongue Bite” and maintain your enjoyment of your pipe smoking hobby.
I like to think so!
Colin Wesley
No.489 25 February – 10 March, 2021
All previous blogs are archived in the Library, by date and by subject.
A visit will allow you to choose from any of the more than 400 blogs to read or re-read at your leisure.
Note:
By law, no South African citizen, living in South Africa can buy a tobacco product via the internet or postal system. In fact, you may not receive a tobacco product through the post.
In addition we may not receive payment through the internet for tobacco products.
We may only supply tobacco products within the trade – not to private individuals. The fine is substantial
Contact us for help in getting tobacco to your area. |
(ZAR)
