An experiment

[Devil Doc]

I'm fond of all things British when it comes to shotguns, sporting clays and upland bird hunting. No one does it better. I had read a number of years ago, that during Edwardian times, English sportsmen would save the caps from their cigars for the wardens and their gun bearers to smoke in their pipes. So... I've been saving my caps for the last few months in order to give this a try.
90% of the cigars I smoke are DPG blends the other 10% forbidden fruit and the occasional Fuente creation. So that's what went into my Tim West bent apple. I got to tell you, this isn't for the faint of heart. It tastes nothing like a cigar. It's just plain strong but with a pleasant taste. Unfortunately, it immediately affected my gut. I had to put the pipe down about half way through. I smoked this bowl after a light lunch. I'm going to try again after a heavier repast, we'll see, but I don't have much hope for this endeavor. Give it a try. What do you have to lose? I'd be curious to find out what you think.

Doc.

 

[Ginseng]

So Doc, did you smoke the cap leaf or that and the little bits of bunch that might have come from beheading the cigar to smoke?

Wilkey

 

[LilBastage]

I've heard of some people doing this.

If it took your stomach for a ride, I'm hesitant to even try it. :laugh:

I'll start saving my caps and give it a shot.

 

[CigarStone]

This is interesting! I had asked a while back what a cigar would taste like if made from 100% wrapper quality leaves since the diminutive wrapper is purported to dictate the taste of the entire cigar. I guess you have accomplished something akin to what I was asking and it appears you got the expected answer..............strength and power at their very peak!

Nice read, thanks Doc

 

[cuppajack]

Interesting experiment!

I've finished off a nub in my pipe before, but never thoguht to collect all the caps for a 'custom blend!'

Maybe try cutting the 100% cigar leaf with some mild Virginia tobacco so as not to get quite as overpowered by the smoke?

 

[Devil Doc]

So Doc, did you smoke the cap leaf or that and the little bits of bunch that might have come from beheading the cigar to smoke?

Wilkey

Only the cap.

Doc.

 

[Ginseng]

In that case, remember that you might be smoking more than just leaf. Aren't most caps sealed with gum tragacanth? Some have recommended the use of boric acid in the tragacanth to kill the germies so maybe that's a factor as well.

Wilkey

 

[Devil Doc]

In that case, remember that you might be smoking more than just leaf. Aren't most caps sealed with gum tragacanth? Some have recommended the use of boric acid in the tragacanth to kill the germies so maybe that's a factor as well.

Wilkey

Personally, Wilkey, I'd be more concerned about Enrique, a socialist farm worker, angry at the capitalist establishment, pissing on the tobacco plants.

Doc.

 

[Taj]

I too am fond of English pipe smoking traditions. Another tradition that they have which I highly recommend trying is getting snuff (the nasal kind not the wet stuff that we commonly refer to as snuff in the States) and when you have a bowl of your favorite blend burning evenly, sprinkle it with the snuff. It adds a nice flavor and an INTENSE nicotine kick.

I love my pipes, and I love trying new tobaccos in them... I'm going to have to try the caps of my cigars out! I'll start saving them with the next one I smoke... and hey, even if it turns out awful... at least I'll know for the future. Thanks for the idea!

 

[hoshnasi]

I have heard of this as well. I'm interested in how you went about it? Did you break up the caps a bit? How was the packing?