A beginner’s guide to smoking a tobacco pipe

Pipe smoking... it’s meant for old men, right? Wrong!  There has been a resurgence of pipe smoking among younger communities as an alternative to smoking roll ups.

Get the kit

If you want to try it, you’ll have to get your kit together. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. High-quality tobacco – we recommend choosing a herbal, chemical-free variety, such as Real Leaf. This type of tobacco is also nicotine-free and has good sustainability credentials. As smokers, it’s important to try to offset our carbon footprint!
2. A pipe – choose a tobacco pipe that’s made from something natural: wood is Elf Bread’s material of choice.
3. A pipe tool or ‘tamper’ – this is a must for perfecting your technique when filling the pipe. More on that later.
4. A leather pipe pouch or tobacco pouch. The Elf Bread Pipe Pouch has a special slot for a pipe but our signature Tobacco Pouch will work too – you could use one of the handy sections to store the pipe. Each of these handmade products has been crafted by artisans in our workshop and will last you for life.

Practise

Now you have your kit. here's how to use it:

Step 1: Fill the pipe bowl with tobacco until it reaches halfway. Use your tamper to press down the tobacco gently before filling it three-quarters full. Repeat the pressing process then fill to the top. Do a final press and leave a tiny gap at the top.

Step 2: It’s time to draw! But don’t get too excited, we’re not lighting just yet. First, take a test draw to make sure the air flows freely. If it doesn’t, the tobacco is packed too tightly and you’ll have to repeat Step 1. Don’t worry, you’ll get the hang of it.

Step 3: Once the air is flowing, you’re ready to light. Use a lighter to light the tobacco evenly, taking draws as you go. When it’s lit, let it go out and then light again. With pipe smoking, you don’t inhale the smoke. Instead, keep it in your mouth to appreciate the delicious flavours and aromas then blow the smoke out. Think slow and steady, and take smaller draws than you would with a roll-up.

Let us know what you think by sending us a message on Instagram. It’s a natural and fuss-free way alternative to roll-ups – no papers or filters necessary! We think it’s especially nice as an evening ritual alongside your favourite drink.

Relax and enjoy.

Learn other techniques like how to roll the perfect joint and become an expert in tobacco rolling.