COLIN’S BLOG: ACROSS THE COUNTER

The new Pipesmoker – The Pipe, the Tongue-Bite

This problem has been written and talked about so often that I hesitated to re-visit it. But we still get the question often enough for a re-cap.

This time it started with an email:

’I’m VERY new to pipe smoking and struggle a lot with tong bite. I tried almost everything but a new pipe. I read that a Churchwarden especially with a filter might give me a cooler smoke. Whats your thought? If I may ask. And also then would this Churchwarden be helpfull?

I felt a little background would be useful and suggested he read two previous blogs, after which I could call. I wrote:To save time, quickly read these two blogs which address the problem of tongue-bite  /  tongue-burn

https://www.wesleys.co.za/archives48b.html#489

https://www.wesleys.co.za/archives48b.html#489

Then I can call you if that would be suitable. (For interest I added a link to other previous pipesmoking blogs, in subject order, including “Pipesmoking Potholes”.)

The phone call:  We discussed the main points of the two blogs, essentially that if the tobacco burns too fast, the smoke will be too hot.

But why?
• You’re over-concerned that the pipe will go out, and are drawing too hard to keep the fire going. Relax, and slow down. Rather re-light than overheat the bowl. (Link is to sound advice from Achille Savinelli.)
• Your tobacco blend may be too “mild” – not satisfying enough (like very weak tea). Try a more full-bodied, or maybe a richer blend.
• The way the pipe is packed. The draw is too loose and burns too easily. Or it may be too tight – loosen the tobacco in the bowl. Be more careful with packing next time.

• It is possible that the wrong shape of the bowl might affect the burning rate – for example a fine cut tobacco packed in a wide-mouthed bowl like the Pot shape might burn too fast.

• Also the effect of the moisture in the tobacco, too little and the tobacco will burn fast, too much and the steam will be hot.

Follow-up emails

Good morning Gillian,    Thank you again for all your help and information, I really appreciate it. Also thank you for the link to all that articles, even the cigar ones I enjoy. I can’t wait to apply some of the stuff we spoke about and see how it goes. Only thing now is, I have to wait for my pipe to rest and dry out a bit. And it doesn’t help that I live in a very humid place.I think I would really have to get another one. I was looking at those Savinelli ‘old’ Dry system pipes you have. Whats you thoughts on that for me for now?

Reply: Yes, the Savinelli Dry System is a very good pipe. We like it for its quality, its balance, and the fact that it gives a pretty dry smoke. This is excellent for a starting pipe.  I have 2 that might suit you:

Savinelli “OLD” Dry System Pipe; Smooth 3621 or 3620 R1,850.00

I prefer the 3621 because it has a slightly wider bowl which will be easier to pack. He chose the 3621. I sent a quote and noted – your pipe is the last one of that shape in the “Old” Savinelli Dry Systems. It’s been marked out of stock so nobody else could buy it.

Two further emails in the series:

Good morning Gillian   Just want to say thanks again for your help. I’m starting to get the hang of it and no more tongue bite. Still struggling a bit to keep the pipe lit, but it seems to be normal. Also, I love my Savinelli. It smokes like a Rolls Royce compared to my previous pipe.  

Good morning Gillian, So nice to hear from you again.    Yes, my piping is going MUCH better and I’m finally enjoying it. I however only smoke once or twice weekly , but enjoying the me time it provides. The holidays I smoked a bit more and it was a good time to try and master the whole process. 

A very satisfying conclusion for both of us.

He was fortunate to be able to buy one of the “Old” Savinelli Systems, they are mostly finished now.

 “Old” Savinelli Dry System pipes? Extract from our old website:

During a visit to the Savinelli factory we were offered some Dry System pipes including some shapes we’d not seen recently – a sampling of shapes and finishes they no longer use for Dry System pipes.
From the stamping we could see that they were high grade pipes. It appeared that the pipes had been uncovered in a general “spring cleaning” and they had thought of us as a prospective buyer. The asking price was better than we could have hoped for. We accepted!

The “Old” are nearly all finished now. And unless Savinelli finds some more older pipes, not enough for general sales, there will be no more.

It’s possible that the reasons they offered the pipes to us are because we are very old customers, we believe in the Savinelli Dry System, and we operate in a relatively small market. There weren’t very large quantities of any of the pipes, not enough to offer for general sale.

For the same reasons we are able to get shapes in the Dry System range that are not available on their website. We have to order a minimum quantity, and there is a 2 month lead time.

We now have our classic range of standard Savinelli Dry System shapes back again..

Shape 1616 in smooth or rustic – provided they have sufficient of the extra large bowls necessary for group 1 pipes. (They may send rustic if they can’t do smooth.)

Shape 2622 – the same diameter inner bowl as the 1616, but a smaller briar block (ebauchon) is suitable.

Shapes 2614 and 3613 – the most popular shapes – large group 2 and medium group 3.

The shipment with shapes 3613 and 2622 is at customs. (January 2026)

If you prefer a straight pipe, we still have 2 straight shapes in the “Old” selection – https://www.wesleys.shop/product-category/pipes/savinelli-system-old/

Are you ready to try a pipe that “smokes like a Rolls Royce”?

Now is a good time!

Last thought:

If you’re smoking your pipe more than once a day, it’s time to start thinking about a companion pipe. Your current pipe will need an opportunity to rest so it can dry out thoroughly and stay sweet longer.

Gillian Wesley                                                                                                

No.545. January / February 2026

PS If you can’t visit Wesley’s Bricks and Mortar, remember that if you’re not completely happy with your Internet choice, you can always return it for a full refund.

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. Visit The Library to read archived blogs from “Across the Counter”.