Beyond the Burl

A new episode of Beyond the Burl is here, and this one takes us from the legendary halls of the Chicago Pipe Show to the smoky comfort of a rich evening blend. We kick things off with a brief look into the history and mystique of the iconic Calabash pipe before diving into the chaotic and possibly true story of why Josh never actually made it to Chicago. Joined by returning guest Johnny from Palmyra Products, we hear firsthand about the sights, stories, and standout moments from this year’s Chicago Pipe Show, including a special on-location interview with industry personality Jay Furman recorded while still in the city itself. To close out the episode, we settle in with a bowl of Robert McConnell Scottish Cake and give our full impressions on this classic blend.

In this episode, we dig into the fascinating world of blends that have evolved over time while keeping the same name, unpacking what’s been lost, gained, and quietly altered along the way. The conversation takes a turn with a chat story that breaks the usual mold—still entertaining, but with a different kind of twist that keeps things fresh. We also explore the legacy and modern identity of Brigham Pipes, tracing its roots in Canadian pipe culture and how it continues to hold relevance today. To round things out, we fire up a bowl of Peter Heinrichs Dark Strong Flake, offering our thoughts on its character, strength, and overall smoking experience.

In this episode, we dive deep into the rich tradition of rope and twist tobaccos, breaking down their history, preparation, and why they still hold a cult following among seasoned pipe smokers. We keep things lively with another round of trivia to test your pipe knowledge, followed by a wild, slightly unhinged ChatGPT-crafted story that takes an unexpectedly pungent turn. Special guest Johnny from Palmyra Products joins us to shed light on the legendary pipe maker Julius Vesz, offering insight into his craftsmanship and legacy. We wrap things up the best way we know how—by lighting up and giving our honest review of Unsweet Tea by BriarWorks, closing the episode on a smooth, contemplative note.

In this episode of Beyond the Burl, we kick things off with a lively discussion on the charm and controversy of pocket pipes, those compact, foldable companions that blur the line between practicality and novelty. From there, we roll into another round of pipe and tobacco trivia to test your knowledge and maybe teach you something new. Things take a darker turn with a ChatGPT-crafted tale featuring a cursed twist you won’t see coming, before we shift gears into a deep historical deep dive on Saint-Claude; exploring its rise as the briar capital of the world and the economic and cultural forces that shaped it. We wrap up the episode in our traditional manner: lighting up and reviewing Mac Baren Dark Twist, sharing our thoughts on this spun-cut classic and whether it earns a place in your rotation.

Episode 52 marks a full year of Beyond the Burl, and we celebrate the milestone by reflecting on the journey that brought us here. We kick things off by announcing our arrival on YouTube, opening a new chapter for the show. In honour of reviewing a year’s worth of blends, we take on our most ambitious tier list yet, ranking every tobacco we’ve covered throughout the podcast. Along the way we keep the tradition alive with more fun pipe trivia, and Seb and Josh finally share the story of how they first met and decided to start the podcast in the first place. We also draw the winners of our one-year anniversary raffle, celebrating the community that made this first year possible. Later, we’re joined by Johnny from Palmyra Products to reflect on the past year, talking about the growth of the podcast, our personal development as pipe smokers, the friendships and camaraderie that have formed along the way, and where the show is headed next. With a long evening behind us and Josh needing to sleep, we skip the blend review this week, but not before raising a bowl to 52 weeks of pipes, conversation, and the community that keeps the embers glowing.

In this episode of Beyond the Burl, we dive into the fascinating world of Cavendish, exploring both the process behind it and its role as a blending component that shapes some of our favorite tobaccos. Along the way we throw in another fun trivia question to test your pipe knowledge before settling in for one of our signature ChatGPT campfire tales, this time taking us on a winding adventure through the woods where the line between the cozy and the mysterious begins to blur. As the calendar turns, we also say farewell to Meerschaum March by shining a spotlight on the humble but legendary Missouri corn cob pipe and sharing some fun cob-related history and quirks. Finally, we wrap things up in our favourite way, by packing, lighting, and enjoying a bowl of Kendal Dark Plug (Unscented), closing the episode with a rich, hearty smoke and some final reflections from the trail.

In this episode of Beyond the Burl, we kick things off with a lively tier list ranking of several tobaccos we’ve smoked recently, debating which blends deserve the top spots and which fall a little lower on the scale. From there we shift into another fun historical pipe-smoking trivia fact, adding a bit of pipe lore to the conversation. The atmosphere then turns a little more reflective as we share a scenic ChatGPT-generated story, setting a relaxing tone before moving into a discussion about the changing weather and how seasonal transitions affect our smoking habits—from flavor choices to when and where we enjoy a bowl. To close out the episode, we pack our pipes with And So to Bed by Esoterica, light up together, and give our impressions in a relaxed live review to finish the show on a proper, contemplative note.

In this episode, we explore the idea of a pipe tobacco cellar as a time capsule, discussing the romantic notion of leaving carefully aged blends behind for future generations to discover and enjoy. Along the way, we drop in another fun pipe trivia factoid, followed by a whimsical chat story about the curious twists of a leprechaun’s luck and how fortune sometimes finds the pipe smoker in unexpected ways. Our deep dive centers on flavour itself—how we perceive it, how aroma, memory, and palate shape the smoking experience, and why two smokers can taste the same blend so differently. We close out the episode the proper way: packing a bowl, lighting up, and sharing our impressions of Old Joe Krantz Red Label from Cornell & Diehl, putting its bold character to the test as the conversation drifts along with the smoke.

In this episode of Beyond the Burl, we kick things off by unpacking the often-misunderstood world of Scottish blends-what the term actually means in pipe tobacco, and where the definition comes from. From there we drop in another fun pipe trivia factoid before taking our usual detour into the whimsical with a new chat story, where the conversation takes an unexpected trip down the rabbit hole. In our deep dive segment, we explore the fascinating history and characteristics of meerschaum pipes, while also reflecting on the March Challenge, comparing our expectations going in with the realities we experienced along the way. We wrap things up the best way we know how-by lighting up and giving our impressions of Old Joe Krantz Blue Label from Cornell & Diehl, sharing tasting notes and final thoughts as the smoke winds down.

In this episode of Beyond the Burl, we kick things off with a challenging blind ranking where each of us attempts to place ten pipe tobaccos in order without knowing what’s coming next—leading to some surprising placements and a few regrets along the way. We continue our weekly trivia segment with another intriguing fact from the world of pipes and tobacco, then drift into a story whose path branches into seemingly infinite possibilities. From there, the conversation turns toward innovations in the pipe world, exploring how tradition and creativity continue to shape the hobby. We close out the episode the best way we know how—packing a bowl, lighting up, and sharing our thoughts on Old Joe Krantz White Label from Cornell & Diehl.

In this episode, we put ourselves through a surprisingly brutal round of tobacco-themed Would You Rather—the kind of choices that make you question your cellar, your technique, and maybe even your loyalty to certain blends. We also introduced a brand-new short segment, adding a fresh layer to the rhythm of the show. Our ongoing chat story wandered down a familiar, relaxing path—but took a new turn that made it feel reflective in a different way. Along the way, we wrestled with the idea of “Perfect Technique” and whether such a thing truly exists in pipe smoking, or if the pursuit itself is the point. We closed the evening the right way—by packing, lighting, and thoughtfully reviewing Stonehenge by G. L. Pease, letting the blend carry us out on a contemplative note.

This week’s episode was a full-bodied ride from practical to philosophical and back again. We kicked things off with a Bulk Smash, breaking down the world of bulk tobacco—its undeniable value, wider availability in some cases, the charm of buying by weight, and the reality that some blends exist only in bulk. From there, we shared a wild, lighthearted story that took a sharp and unexpected turn, reminding us that the pipe world is never short on surprises. The conversation then deepened into a thoughtful exploration of pipe artisan “pedigree”—the idea that pipe makers often have a lineage not unlike a family tree, shaped by mentors, workshops, and generational influence, while also considering the unique path of those who learn the craft independently. We closed the evening the right way: pipes lit, smoke rolling, and a reflective review of Louisiana Flake by Gawith & Hoggarth, savoring its character and letting the discussion settle into that familiar, contemplative rhythm.

In this latest episode of Beyond the Burl, we tackle a little bit of everything that makes our conversations what they are. We start by answering some of Josh’s latest machinations, unpacking ideas, and putting our brains to the test. From there, we slip back in time to 19th-century Saint-Claude for our chat-story, wandering the cobbled streets where briar first found its destiny. We then clear the air on a few persistent tobacco misnomers—separating tradition from assumption and language from fact—before settling into the ritual itself. To close the episode, we light up and thoughtfully review Gawith & Hoggarth’s Black Twist Bogie, offering honest impressions on its strength, character, and old-world depth as the smoke carries us out.

In this episode, we went fully live on Discord, opening the floor to audience participation from start to finish and letting the conversation unfold in real time. We reflected on the top two tobaccos we tried in 2025, with no restrictions on release date or hype, just the two blends that were genuinely new to us and left the biggest impression. Things took a turn for the cockamamy with a Madlib-style misadventure, before rolling straight into an open Q&A where listeners steered the ship, asking everything from our dream pipe, to our long-term hopes and direction for the podcast. We wrap up the episode by smoking and reviewing Silver Jubilee by G.L. Pease, breaking down our thoughts as the bowl progressed and concluding the episode with equal parts reflection, laughter, and shared smoke.

Seb is back in the briar circle this week, and the episode kicks off with the lads catching up on recent pipe and tobacco acquisitions before sliding into a playful round of 20 Questions: Tobacco Edition—equal parts insight and mischief. Things take a mythic turn with a ChatGPT-spun tale of Excalipipe, blending legend and leaf, before the conversation settles into a thoughtful deep dive aimed at building a practical framework for identifying the truly quintessential beginner-friendly pipe tobacco. To cap it all off, the episode closes with a focused blend review of Maltese Falcon by G.L. Pease, unpacking its character, balance, and place in the wider pipe-smoking journey. Cozy, curious, and comfortably nerdy—just how we like it.

With Seb still away on vacation, Josh is joined this week by Mike of Timber & Smoke for a relaxed, fireside-style conversation that feels both reflective and good-natured. They open the episode by taking stock of both their tobacco cellars and pipe collections—what’s aging beautifully, what’s in heavy rotation, what’s been neglected, and where they ultimately hope to take their collections as their tastes continue to evolve. From there, the discussion drifts into a chat-story tangent about Seb somehow getting gloriously lost in Morocco, a tale that’s equal parts confusion and charm. The episode then settles into a more contemplative groove, exploring how pipe smoking naturally pairs with pen and paper: the unhurried rhythm of writing by hand, the way ideas seem to unfold more honestly with a pipe lit, and why that traditional medium still matters. The conversation closes with a review of some beautifully aged Westminster from G. L. Pease, unpacking how time has softened, deepened, and harmonized the blend into something truly special—an episode steeped in smoke, stories, and slow thinking.

With Sebastien away on vacation, Josh is joined by Johnny of Palmyra Products for a wide-ranging and reflective episode that blends conversation, storytelling, and smoke. They dig into the blends that taught them patience and humility, revisit a tobacco they once disliked before coming to understand, and reflect on a blend that fundamentally changed how they approach pipe smoking. The episode also brings the noir story to its final installment, closing that chapter in proper fashion, before shifting into a thoughtful discussion on the evolution of pipe aesthetics and the rise of artisanal pipes. All the while, they smoke and review the legendary Balkan Sobranie, letting the blend anchor the conversation from start to finish.

In our latest episode, we kick things off by diving into our newest pipe and tobacco acquisitions before settling in for a thoughtful, wide-ranging conversation with Jeremy Reeves of Cornell & Diehl, talking craft, blending, and the passion behind small-batch tobacco. Along the way, Jeremy throws us a curveball with a ChatGPT-suggested short story featuring Daryl and Gail from Letterkenny—a moment that’s equal parts unexpected and charming. We wrap things up with a focused review of Small Batch Fires on the Levee, unpacking its character, depth, and why it stands out as a limited release worth lingering over.

We kicked off the first episode of the year by easing back in with a playful name-association game that set the tone for what's ahead, before diving back into our ongoing noir tale with a tense chapter that edges ever closer to its final instalment. From there, the conversation turned reflective and forward-looking as we shared our tobacco goals, pipe dreams, and the small rituals we're hoping to deepen in the year ahead. We rounded things out with a thoughtful review of Ellipsis Flake by G. L. Pease, taking our time with its character, evolution in the bowl, and where it fits into a contemplative rotation-an unhurried start to a year full of smoke, stories, and intention

In this episode, we settle in for a thoughtful and festive smoke as we imagine the ultimate cellar world—a fun exercise where we challenge ourselves to choose just one blend per category if that’s all we could ever cellar. From there, the holiday spirit rolls in with a pipe-smoker’s rendition of a classic Christmas poem, giving a familiar favourite a warm, briar-scented twist. We wrap things up with a full blend review of Plum Pudding, breaking down its flavour profile, smoking characteristics, and why it continues to hold such a revered place in many cellars.

In this festive Christmas episode, we gathered around the hearth to reflect on the past, present, and future of our pipe journeys, sharing how tradition, taste, and time have shaped our paths in the hobby-and where the road ahead might lead. We continued our ongoing story with a holiday twist, as our heroes leapt into action to save Christmas itself, blending seasonal cheer with a bit of adventurous flair. From there, we took a deep dive into the world of Christmas edition pipes and tobaccos, exploring how various pipe brands celebrate the season through special releases, designs, and limited blends that have become yearly traditions for many smokers. We wrapped things up with a cozy bowl and a thoughtful review of Low Country's Carolina Christmas, breaking down its festive character and how it stacks up as a seasonal staple worthy of the holidays.

In this episode, we take a look back at 2025-our most-smoked blends, the standout releases, and the moments that shaped our year in the hobby. Our noir saga pushes deeper into the shadows as our heroes infiltrate the infamous Cavendish Club and uncover the full rot behind their schemes. We also dive into ten truly odd tobacco laws from history, each stranger than the last. To cap it off, we sit down with Warped's Saint Espresso small batch for a joint review that left us buzzing in more ways than one.

In this episode, we kick things off with a reflective chat about "the blend that got away," swapping stories of those missed, ignored, or underestimated tobaccos that still haunt us in the best way. From there, we dive back into our ongoing ChatGPT noir adventure, where our heroes sprint through shadowy alleys, dodge questionable characters, and Josh may-or may not-finally reclaim his long-lost pipe. Our deep dive shifts gears into history as we explore how early taxation, government monopolies, and shifting trade laws gave rise to the hidden world of tobacco smuggling. We close the show with a thoughtful review of Cornell & Diehl's Bijou, savoring its honeyed complexity and debating where it lands in our personal rotations.

In this episode, we explore the fascinating world of pipe tobacco from every angle. We kick things off by uncovering rare and even extinct leaf varieties lost to time, before diving into a Thanksgiving-themed misadventure where Seb and Josh face one travel disaster after another. The drama continues in our noir saga, revealing more about the final last word of the perique blender. We then shift to a deep dive on the psychology and marketing behind blends-why scarcity and hype shape what we crave-and finally bring it all home with a thoughtful review of Escudo itself.

In this episode, we kicked things off with a playful destination game, each choosing five cities for the other and pairing them with the tobacco we'd settle in with for a month. From there, we slipped back into our ongoing detective-noir tale, confronting a dangerous cult and going undercover to shadow a suspect whose trail keeps getting stranger. Our deep dive explored the true golden era of pipe smoking- from 1850 to 1950-looking at the culture, craft, and legacy that still shape the hobby today. We rounded things out with a review of Glengarry Flake, and closed the show by issuing a new challenge to our listeners to carry forward intotheir own pipe-journeys.

In this week’s episode, we took the show live on Discord and invited the community into the conversation. Listeners jumped in to share their experiences on how to keep moving forward in the pipe-journey—everything from refining one’s palate with intention, to building a meaningful cellar rather than a chaotic stash, to shaping a pipe collection that actually reflects who you are as a smoker. From there, we shifted into the next chapter of our new ongoing 1940s noir saga featuring detectives Seb and Josh, a smoky, shadow-drenched tale that kept the room hooked. After returning from the dark alleyways of fiction, we opened a broader discussion about the phenomenon of pipe blends that turn into myth and legend after they vanish from production, exploring why scarcity, nostalgia, and community storytelling elevate certain tobaccos into near-mythic status. To close out the night, we settled into a thoughtful review of Eight State Burley, breaking down its character, strengths, and place in the modern burley landscape.

In this episode of Beyond the Burl, Seb and Josh kick things off with a fun and fiery guessing game before diving into a captivating short story imagining a world where briar no longer exists. The conversation then turns to the fields with an in-depth discussion on the art and process of tobacco farming—exploring how the leaf makes its journey from soil to smoke. To round it all off, the duo share their thoughts in a rich and flavorful review of From Beyond by Cornell & Diehl.

In this lively episode of Beyond the Burl, the boys are back with plenty to talk about - starting with some exciting industry news, including the long-awaited return of the Seattle Pipe Club. From there, we treat listeners to a special ChatGPT-crafted Halloween story where Seb and Josh find themselves in a spooky, smoke-filled adventure you won't forget. Next we dive into tales from our very first Vegas Pipe Show, sharing highlights of the trip, standout pipes, tobaccos, and accessories that caught our eye, all with our good friend Johnny along for the ride. To cap things off, the boys review the LVIPS exclusive blend "High Roller". Grab your pipe, light up, and settle in - this one's packed tighter than a well-broken-in briar.

This week on Beyond the Burl, Seb and Josh put their wits to the test in a game of “Tobacco 20 Questions,” where blends, brands, and bold guesses collide. Then, a Victorian-inspired ChatGPT story drifts through the fog—mystery, manners, and maybe a bit of pipe smoke along the way. The conversation turns luxurious as the guys debate the allure (and absurdity) of $1000 pipes—art, craftsmanship, or pure indulgence? Finally, Johnny from Palmyra Products drops by to chat about their upcoming pilgrimage to the Las Vegas International Pipe Show, where briar, friendship, and a fair bit of chaos await.

Episode 27 - Live from Discord!This week we went live on Discord for a special interactive episode! We kicked things off with a round of Tobacco Bingo, heard a great story from our friend and listener Ya'akov, and dove into a lively discussion about those so-called "classic" blends-some that truly hit home and others that missed the mark. We wrapped it up with a deep, smoky review of Kendal Plug.

In this weeks episode, Seb and Josh sit down with Tim from Paul’s Pipe Shop to talk legacy, craft, and what keeps this iconic name burning strong. Things get a little eerie with a story about Art the Clown, and then it’s time to light up and review Arrowhead, one of Paul’s classic house blends. A mix of history, horror, and good smoke.

In our 25th episode, Seb and Josh light up with a wide-ranging conversation that covers both the serious and the slightly ridiculous. The discussion kicks off with nicotine: how its strength impacts enjoyment, whether it enhances or detracts from the ritual, and the big question—would pipe smokers still light up if nicotine weren’t part of the equation?From there, things take a sharp left turn into the bizarre with a short tale about Killer Klowns from Outer Space—because sometimes a good pipe pairs best with a strange story.The main event comes in the form of a brand-new experiment: a tier list of 36 different tobaccos. Together, Seb and Josh weigh in, compare notes, and lock each blend into place, sparking debates that are sure to stir the pipe community.Finally, the pair smoke, review, and unpack the nuances of Prince’s Blend from Drucquer & Sons, giving it the full Beyond the Burl treatment.

This week on Beyond the Burl Seb and Josh dive into the ritual of the first blend of the day—that sacred moment where the pipe sets the tone for everything that follows. Our ChatGPT story takes us beyond the stars, spinning a strange and wondrous tale of extraterrestrial visitors and their curious relationship with pipe smoking.For our deep dive, we explore The Alchemy of Curing, breaking down the mysterious and time-honored techniques that transform raw leaf into the tobaccos we love. From flue-curing to fire-curing, we look at how these methods shape flavor, strength, and tradition.We round out the episode with a review of Cornell & Diehl’s seasonal blend We Three Kings—a festive mixture that’s perfect for the season.And finally, exciting news: Beyond the Burl now has a merch store! As a thank-you to our listeners, the first 10 orders will receive 10% off with the code “BTB”.https://beyondtheburl.myshopify.com/

This week on Episode 23 of Beyond the Burl, Josh and Seb dive into the age-old question of “everyday” vs. “special occasion” blends—what makes a tobacco a daily companion versus one worthy of saving for rare milestones? From practical considerations to emotional rituals, they unpack the subtle differences that shape our smoking rotations.Thanks to ChatGPT, we journey back in time with a playful story that imagines a medieval England where pipe tobacco already existed.For our deep dive, Seb and Josh share their hard-won advice for beginners, offering guidance on how to navigate the overwhelming world of pipes and tobaccos with confidence.

After weeks away on a family trip, filled with meaningful time and adventures, Josh finally makes his long-awaited return to Beyond the Burl. The reunion is as lively as ever, with Seb and Josh easing back into their familiar rhythm, catching up on everything from recent pipe and tobacco acquisitions to the stories that unfolded during Josh’s time away.In this week’s Tobacco Talk, the tables turn as Josh challenges Seb with a round of “Two Truths and a Lie.” Ten questions, plenty of surprises, and more than a few laughs reveal just how much pipe-smoking trivia Seb can handle under pressure.But the episode doesn’t stop at banter and games. Seb and Josh take a moment to pause and reflect, giving thanks to the many listeners who reached out during Josh’s absence. Their appreciation is heartfelt, and they share a touching listener submission that underscores the community spirit at the heart of pipe smoking.Of course, Beyond the Burl wouldn’t be complete without a little bit of poetic mischief. ChatGPT delivers a custom poem for the occasion, weaving humor, rhythm, and reflection into the fabric of the episode.For this week’s Deep Dive, Seb and Josh step back to look at the bigger picture: the journey of the podcast so far, the lessons they’ve learned, and their vision for the future. It’s equal parts reflection and excitement, offering a behind-the-scenes look at where Beyond the Burl is headed.And finally, the episode closes with a fitting choice of tobacco: Rattray’s Hal o’ the Wynd. Bold, flavorful, and full of character, this blend sets the stage for both reunion and renewal, echoing the themes of the episode itself.So settle in, light your favorite pipe, and join us for an episode filled with laughter, gratitude, and the promise of what’s still to come.

Josh is still soaking up the sun in Cuba, but the show must go on! This week, Seb is joined by none other than pipe maker Nate Rose for a wide-ranging conversation that touches on just about everything under the pipe-smoking sun. The episode kicks off with a community Q&A, where Seb and Nate dig into listener-submitted questions about favorite blends, dream pipes, and the quirks of pipe smoking culture. From there, thanks to ChatGPT, the guys check in on Josh, who hasn’t been idle on the beaches of Cuba—let’s just say his pipe-smoking antics abroad are becoming the stuff of legend. With Josh accounted for, Seb and Nate shift gears to something close to both of their hearts: the art and craft of pipe making. They talk shop about the challenges, the joys, the long hours of sanding, shaping, and drilling, and how much of themselves goes into every finished piece. Nate shares insights from his own bench, including what inspires his designs and why pipe making remains such a rewarding pursuit. And of course, it wouldn’t be Beyond the Burl without a blend on the table. To round things out, Seb and Nate light up Cornell & Diehl’s Old Joe Krantz—a bold, unapologetic burley-forward blend with plenty of strength and character. They give their thoughts on its flavor, its place in the C&D lineup, and why this blend has such a loyal following among seasoned smokers. It’s an episode full of laughter, stories, and passion for the hobby we all love. Whether you’re here for the tobacco talk, the inside scoop on pipe making, or just to hear Josh roasted for his Cuban misadventures, this one’s got something for you.

Josh may be off sipping piña coladas on the beaches of Cuba, but the show must go on! In this special episode, Seb is joined by Jay and Bo from the Pipe and Tamper podcast for a relaxed, free-flowing conversation about all things pipes and tobacco. Together, they unpack some popular opinions in the hobby they simply don’t share, offering a fresh take from years of experience and a deep love for the craft.Even in his absence, Josh makes his presence felt by leaving us with a ChatGPT story—brought to life with flair by Bo’s excellent narration. Jay and Bo also share personal stories and insights from their decades in the pipe-smoking world, offering listeners a wealth of perspective and camaraderie.To round things out, the trio sits down to review Cornell & Diehl’s Comfort, a blend that truly lives up to its name. With thoughtful discussion, laughter, and a good dose of storytelling, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Episode 19 of Beyond the Burl brings a very special guest—Michael Dean from Timber and Smoke. We dive into Michael’s journey of creating his magazine, from its original conception to his exciting plans for the future. He shares insights into what’s next, and listeners will want to stay tuned for a very generous offer revealed during the episode. Our ChatGPT story takes a Halloween twist, adding a bit of seasonal atmosphere, and we close the show with a review of Cornell & Diehl’s Visions of Celephais, a blend as imaginative as its namesake.

In Episode 19 of Beyond the Burl, Seb and Josh put their wits to the test with a round of pipe tobacco trivia—questions ranging from the tricky to the downright obscure with that added bonus that most of the questions are less then well researched. Our ChatGPT story sails into the fantastical world of fairies and pirates, blending whimsy with a touch of smoke. We then take a globe-trotting tour through the diverse pipe smoking cultures of the world, exploring traditions, styles, and rituals from centuries past to the present day. To round things off, we light up and review Two Friends English Chocolate, a comforting blend where rich Latakia meets smooth cocoa.

n this episode of Beyond the Burl, Seb and Josh share their personal top five pipe tobacco blends—favorites from across their rotations that keep them coming back for more. This week’s ChatGPT story takes a strange and smoky turn as we enter the world of Captain Ahab, where the line between obsession, legend, and pipe smoke blurs. We also dive deep into the long, fascinating history of tobacco itself—from sacred ritual to global commodity—and wrap up with a thoughtful review of Blue Note by Dan Tobacco, an aromatic blend with a loyal following.

In Episode 16 of Beyond the Burl, we’re taking a closer look at the many ways tobacco is cut and prepared. From shag cut to plugs, we break down what makes each cut unique and how it affects your smoking experience. We read a ChatGPT-generated story about none other than Pablo Picasso, blending historical fact and playful fiction in surrealist fashion. Our deep dive this week turns to the storied histories of Peterson, Chacom, and Savinelli—three iconic pipe manufacturers whose legacies span continents and centuries. We close the show with a review of Smokingpipes XXV Reserve: Dusk, a bold blend worthy of quiet contemplation.

In this shadowy, fire-cured instalment of Beyond the Burl, we descend into the smoky depths of Dark Fired Kentucky—exploring its bold flavours, rustic roots, and the way it shapes some of our most memorable smokes. We hear from listeners about their latest blends and pipe rituals, then take a left turn into the macabre with a ChatGPT story inspired by classic horror fiction (pipes included, of course). In our deep dive, we honour the legendary blenders we’ve lost and reflect on how their work still burns bright in bowls around the world. Finally, we review Mac Baren’s Old Dark Fired and ask: is this the definitive dark-fired experience? So pack your bowl, light up, and step into the smoke.

In this week’s episode, we lean into the smoke. Sebastien and Josh explore the world of aromatic pipe tobacco—why it charms some and frustrates others. Listener stories make a welcome return, followed by a wild ChatGPT tale that bends the laws of physics and common sense. In our deep dive, we ask the big question: if pipe smoking isn’t really about flavor… what is it about? We close the episode with a thoughtful review of Cornell & Diehl’s Haunted Bookshop, and maybe—just maybe—settle the burley debate once and for all.

In this wide-ranging episode of Beyond the Burl, we explore the unsung heroes of the pipe world: the accessories. From favourite tampers to travel kits, we dig into the tools that enhance the ritual. We also open the floor to our listeners, sharing stories and questions submitted by the community. Then, ChatGPT takes us on a whimsical journey through Middle-earth with a fictional tale of Bilbo’s adventures in pipe tobacco. In our deep dive, we explore how pipes and tobacco have shaped literature and film — from Tolkien and Orwell to Holmes and Gandalf. Finally, we light up and review the dark, smoky elegance of Mac Baren’s HH Vintage Syrian.

In this episode, we sit down with Canadian pipe maker Nate Rose of Rose Pipes for a wide-ranging and heartfelt conversation. From his journey into pipe making to the nuances of crafting his signature shapes, Nate offers insight into the world of modern artisan briar. We explore the landscape of Canadian pipe making, swap thoughts on favorite tobaccos, and dive deep into the touching story behind the “Cardinal” — a pipe shape born from love, memory, and personal meaning. This is a warm, reflective episode about craftsmanship, connection, and the stories our pipes come to hold.

In this week’s episode of Beyond the Burl, we get into the practical pleasures of bulk blends — from affordability to cellaring to the curious romance of unlabeled jars. Our story from The Ember brings Mark Twain to life in a tall tale involving a sentient pipe, timeless satire, and one unforgettable quote: “Truth is a good friend—but a terrible roommate.” But it’s our deep dive in Segment 4 that anchors the show: an exploration of pipe shapes. From the classic billiard to the bent Oom Paul, from cultural influences to the psychology behind your favorite shape — we explore how design defines the ritual. We finish things off with a review of Bayou Morning Flake, and this week’s recommendation. Light up, lean back, and join us for another conversation that lives beyond the smoke.

In this landmark tenth episode of Beyond the Burl, we sit down with legendary American pipe maker Nate King for a relaxed and insightful conversation about design, innovation, and the evolving world of artisan pipe making. Nate brings his signature blend of curiosity and craftsmanship to the mic. Later in the show, we let ChatGPT take the reins for a whimsical science fiction segment imagining the Alien movie franchise. We wrap things up with a review of Veermaster by Dan Tobacco. A flake with smooth, rich Virginia flavour and an old-world charm that may surprise you. Grab your favourite pipe, pour something good, and join us for an episode that blends story, smoke, and great company.

This week on Beyond the Burl, we trace the dusty trail back through pipe history with a deep dive into codger blends—the old faithfuls that built generations of pipe smoking. We explore what defines a codger blend, why they’ve endured, and how they compare to today’s boutique and small-batch offerings. Along the way, we take a closer look at Burley, the humble leaf that serves as the foundation of many of these classic mixtures. From its American roots to its role in everyday smoking, Burley is both familiar and full of surprises.We also take a trip to the wizarding world of Harry Potter in this weeks ChatGPT story and review a blend with deep roots. Whether you’re lighting up Granger, Carter Hall, or something new, this episode is for anyone who finds comfort in the wonder of the well-worn.

In this episode, we pack our bowls and light up across time. From a conversation on the fermentation magic behind Perique to an imaginative journey through history for our deep dive segment, we explore how the past, present, and pipe all intersect. We share listener stories, review GL Pease’s JackKnife Plug, and invite a bit of silliness with a pipe-themed Mad Lib.

In this special episode, we sit down with Jay and Bo from the Pipe and Tamper podcast for a wide-ranging conversation about the past, present, and future of pipe smoking. We talk about what brought each of us to the pipe, the stories we try to tell, and why community—whether online or over the counter—keeps this hobby alive. Along the way, we share laughs, favourite smokes, and a few unexpected opinions. We round out this weeks episode with a special ChatGPT story featuring the Pipe and Tamper duo themselves.