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.