Askwith Morta Arrives

My first Morta pipe, by Chris Askwith, arrived yesterday. As soon as I could clear my desk and finish my appointments I returned to Holt's for a second stay in the lounge to fire it up and give it a try. So far so good. First of all, it is a true nosewarmer. It is the smallest pipe I have in my nosewarmer collection length-wise. But it is remarkably comfortable, smoked very cool and really impressed me. I don't really know anything about the qualities of Morta for a pipe, despite reading the article I linked to in my previous post on the subject. I haven't found any information about break-in or other issues. So I'll withhold final judgment until I've smoked it at least a few more times. But for now I'm very pleased and once again very pleased with Chris' service.

Well, I have now had an opportunity to smoke the Morta pipe numerous times and I am more impressed each time I do. I can't say that it is better than a briar pipe, but it certainly is every bit as good. I am enjoying this pipe immensely.

Also wanted to make you aware of a relatively new on-line magazine called
Pipes Magazine.com. It has some really interesting articles including one, in the latest edition, about Perique, my favorite condiment tobacco. Click the link and give it a read.(I've also added it to my sidebar.) At the end of the article you will find a list of recommended Perique strong blends, one of which I decided to immediately order and give a try. It is my:

TOBACCO OF THE WEEK




And all I can say is: WOW! First of all, it is not as strong as I feared. Which is not to say that it isn't strong. Only that I feared it would be impossible to smoke. Not so. It is certainly full-bodied, but it doesn't "bowl you over," so to speak. It is exceptionally flavorful. According to the information on the tin it contains:Virginas, Burleys, Original Cavendish, Dark Fired Kentucky, Orientals and of course a fair amount of Acadian Perique. All I can say is that whoever blended this is a genius. I am going to order a few more tins for my cellar immediately. Give it a try!

Winter@#&*!

Or: What would I do without Holt's? I can manage to sit outside bundled up to enjoy a pipe up to a point. But this year we in the northeast are getting a real winter so far. Aside from the freak December snowfall of 22 inches, the temperatures have been frigid. And being on break from many of my teaching and other obligations I have little reason to spend the requisite hour in the car that often enables me to enjoy a pipeful. Thus I often end up giving up the pipe for a few months (I know there are those who don't see that as a big deal.) But this week I've been able to take advantage of a lunch hour smoke at Holt's just about everyday and it is really a wonderful luxury.