From: ??????????????????????????????????? (Franz Peter Seiler)
Subject: My way

Antti wrote:
> What's your opinion about Italian pipes? I'm extremely interested to
> know your experiences about Savinelli (f.ex.model: "Rome") system
> pipes, which use a small balsa-wood-stick as a filter in the stem.

I have some Savinelli pipes and like them! (As far as I know is "Rome"
not a model but a sub-company of Savinelli. They produce pipes under
Savinelli license.)

> Personally I find them quite pleasing; easy to smoke, the condense
> evaporates in balsa, and puffs come in "loud and clear".

I like the balsa filter system! I tried several others (e.g. Vauen)
and finally prefer the Savinelli system. But this depends heavily on
where you are (air conditions are different in a mountain area like
Austria vs. sea climate like Italy). For me I agree that the taste is
not influenced by the balsa filter. In the German magazine "PIPE CLUB"
will be an "evaluation" of filter systems in the next issue. I am waiting
for this and give you additional hints after (if you want...)

> I've been smoking Amphora Regular (the one in brown pouch) for a
> couple of years.  This is another question I will put to you,
> fellow-pipesmokers: Can you recommend a milder blend (I mean less
> nicothine), but one that has equal class of tobacco and smoking
> quality?

Up to now I have not smoked Amphora. I know a friend who smokes this. From
the room flavor (the arome you smell in the room) I think the Borkum Riff
could be close to this. Borkum Riff is available in Ultra Light, too. The
Borkum Riff "regular" is Whiskey flavoured. Another sort is with Cherry.

Hope this was of some help.

Greetings from Austria,

Franz P. Seiler


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