Beyond the Burl

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 cou...

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 wi...

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 a...

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 t...

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...

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...

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...

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 op...

In this episode of Beyond the Burl, Seb and Josh explore the craft of building a custom pipe tobacco blend from the ground up, share a listener-suggested ChatGPT tale of J. Robert Oppenheimer’s contemplative pipe habits, and reflect on the nature of small-batch tobaccos. Plus, a review of Star of the East Flake, and your weekly recommendations. Pull up a chair—this one’s layered.

In this fifth episode of Beyond the Burl, Josh and Seb explore how where and what you smoke changes everything. They dig into the culture of house blends and local tobacconists, sharing stories of iconic shops, forgotten mixtures, and what we gain when we shop local. In the deeper dive, they reflect on place — cars, forest trails, chicken coops — and how the right setting can elevate even a humble...

This week on Beyond the Burl, Josh and Seb explore the materials that shape a pipe — from briar and meerschaum to cobs and clay — and how each one changes the experience in the bowl. They share tips and stories about hunting for estate pipes and antique market treasures, and review a rare 2003 sample of Dunhill’s My Mixture 965. Plus, a listener story from the Shire, and reflections on memory, rit...

In this third installment of Beyond the Burl, Josh and Seb discuss a new release from GL Pease—Ellipsis Flake. They tackle the bold legacy of Latakia in a segment that asks: is it the heart of English blends or just a smoky bully? Then, it’s off to the wild west with a "listener" tale about selling a pipe to none other than Lee Van Cleef—and spotting it later on the silver screen. The co...

This week on Beyond the Burl, Seb and Josh spark up something special with a review of a new blend, dive into the mystique and madness of tobacco cellaring, and ask whether the pipe community is becoming more niche—or more welcoming than ever. Plus, a "listener" shares a moment from the ember, and the hosts offer reflections, recs, and rituals for the week ahead.

In the debut episode of Beyond the Burl, Seb and Josh light their first bowls and set the tone for the journey ahead. They introduce the show, share the pipes and tobaccos they’re enjoying, and dive into the sweet complexities (and challenges) of Virginia blends. Along the way, they read a listener’s first-pipe story and reflect on why pipe smoking feels so different from cigars or cigarettes. The...