Lighting a tobacco pipe may seem like a very straightforward operation – but a poorly packed and lit tobacco pipe will cause you a few problems, not least an unsatisfactory smoke. But get it right, and master the technique behind lighting your tobacco pipe, and you’ll guarantee a trouble-free smoke and prolong the life of your beloved pipe.
At GQ Tobaccos, we have one of the widest ranges of Alfred Dunhill pipes available on the market and, as such, we consider ourselves experts when it comes to pipe smoking techniques. This is why we’ve put together this simple three-step guide to lighting your pipe properly.
Read on and find out exactly how to light a tobacco pipe.
Three steps to lighting your tobacco pipe
Step 1. Charring light
Light your match or lighter and apply it to the pipe tobacco, moving it in a circular motion around the whole surface of the tobacco. While doing this, take a series of shallow puffs on the pipe. The tobacco may swell up in a spot or two and look like it could unravel.
This process is called a ‘charring’ light – it expels any excess moisture from the tobacco and prepares a nice even bed for the ‘true’ light.
Step 2. Extinguish and tamp
Allow the light to go out and tamp the tobacco back down so it’s even with the top of the bowl. Use a very light touch – you only want to return the tobacco to the level it was before the charring light. Try twisting or spinning your tamp in a circular motion while doing this.
Step 3. Relight your pipe
Relight your match or lighter and apply it to the tobacco, moving it in a circular motion across the entire surface of the tobacco. While doing this, take a series of shallow puffs on your pipe. This time, the tobacco should not unravel and puff as it did before. Extinguish the source of fire – sit back, relax and enjoy your pipe.
Mastering the art of lighting a tobacco pipe
It takes time to master how to light a tobacco pipe, but you will see a steady improvement in your form over time. It’s not uncommon for it to take six months before the technique becomes second nature.
Also, don’t be concerned with relights – this is just part of life, and only rarely, if at all, will you have a smoke that doesn’t need relighting at least once. As your smoking progresses, you’ll find that you relight less frequently.
Find the perfect Dunhill tobacco pipe today
If you’re looking for the finest tobacco pipes, we have a huge range for you to choose from. From Peterson to Savinelli and everything in between, you’re sure to find the right pipe for you here.
We also stock one of the most extensive collections of iconic Dunhill pipes anywhere in the world. For more than 100 years Dunhill pipes have been renowned amongst pipe smokers, with Dunhill smoking products becoming the mark of quality in the pipe smoker’s world. When you invest in a Dunhill, you’re investing in a true pipe smoking icon.
If you need help finding the right tobacco pipe for you, just get in touch. We’re always happy to help.