This week on Beyond the Burl, we kick things off with a few rounds of Mind Meld, seeing if we can think alike (with varying degrees of success). Then it's time for another ChatGPT adventure, as we hear the legendary tale of Ramblin John. We also take a deep dive into the rich history of Gawith & Hoggarth, exploring one of the oldest and most influential names in pipe tobacco. Finally, we light up Captain Earle's Ten Russians and share our thoughts in a full blend review to close out the episode.

In this episode of Beyond the Burl, we discuss every pipe smoker's bucket list, enjoy a hilarious Seb & Johnny story, and welcome back Johnny from Palmyra Products and Mike from Timber & Smoke to recap our adventures at the Capitaland Pipe Show. We finish the episode by lighting up and reviewing Haddo's Delight by G. L. Pease. Grab a pipe and join us!

In this episode of Beyond the Burl, we take a look back at where it all started, revisiting our pipe collections from Episode 2 and comparing how our tastes, habits, and collections have evolved since those early days. What changed? What stayed the same?

We bring back our trivia question, dive into a listener-submitted story, and then sit down with returning guests Johnny from Palmyra Products and Mike from Timber & Smoke for a special pre-show conversation as we prepare for the Capitaland Pipe Show. We talk shop, expectations, the pipe community, and everything leading up to the event.

To close things out, we pack a bowl, light up, and share our thoughts on G.L. Pease’s newest addition to the Zeitgeist lineup: Metropolis

In this episode of Beyond the Burl, we kick things off with a round of the Tobaccolympics, crowning our winners across a variety of tobacco related categories. We follow it up with another round of pipe trivia, challenge ourselves with a spooky chat story, and then dive deep into a conversation about pipe smoking identity and the kind of smokers we become. To close things out, we sit back, light up, and share our thoughts on Ashton’s Artisan blend with a proper smoke and review. Another episode packed with laughs, debate, and everything that makes the pipe community unique.

In this episode of Beyond the Burl, we dive deep into details that help make a pipe truly unique, starting with a discussion on pipe stem materials and the history, qualities, and quirks behind everything from classic vulcanite to alternative materials.

We keep the tradition alive with another round of pipe trivia, then jump into a brand-new ChatGPT story where an unlikely group of heros rise to the occasion to save the world.

After that, we get into the heart of the hobby: personal pipe preferences. Shape, finish, feel, and function. We explore why every smoker seems to have their own idea of the “perfect” pipe.

Finally, we sit down, light up a bowl of G.L. Pease Abingdon, and share our thoughts on this English blend in a relaxed tasting and review.

This week on Beyond the Burl, we accidentally discover that Sebastien may have found his true calling: playing 20 Questions. What starts as a simple game quickly turns into a surprisingly competitive battle of deduction, and Seb is having the time of his life.

Keeping tradition alive, we follow it up with a single pipe-related trivia question, putting our collective tobacco knowledge to the test.

Then it's time for another ChatGPT story, featuring an unlikely hero who rises to the occasion to save the day amid the chaos of the Greater Toronto Area. Traffic, confusion, and questionable decision-making ensue.

For our main discussion, we explore the fascinating world of pipes in art. From classical paintings and historical depictions to symbolism, storytelling, and famous works featuring the humble pipe, we examine how pipe smoking has appeared across centuries of artistic expression and what those images can tell us about the cultures that created them.

To close out the episode, we pack our pipes with Hearth & Home Black House and give it the full Beyond the Burl treatment, discussing its flavor profile, room note, smoking characteristics, and whether this legendary Balkan-inspired blend lives up to its reputation.

So grab your favorite pipe, settle into your chair, and join us as we journey Beyond the Burl.

This week, we throw the usual format out the window and sit down with Canadian pipe maker Michael Parks for a wide-ranging conversation about his journey into pipe making, the lessons he's learned along the way, and the craft that continues to inspire him. Along the way, Michael even pitches a delightfully wild ChatGPT story idea, leading us down some unexpected paths. After Michael heads out, Seb and Josh close the show by lighting up a bowl of Peanut Butter & Chocolate, a beloved brick-and-mortar house blend from Wilke's, and share their thoughts on this unique dessert-inspired smoke. A relaxed, entertaining episode filled with good stories, good company, and good tobacco.

In this episode of Beyond the Burl, we settle in for a laid-back evening of pipe talk, stories, and plenty of laughs. We kick things off by diving into some personal opinion questions that take the conversation in all kinds of unexpected directions, followed by another round of trivia to test our knowledge and keep the banter rolling. Along the way, we share a fun story that spirals into the kind of back-and-forth chaos only good friends and good pipes can create. Then we shift into a deeper discussion exploring the history of tobacco cultivation in Canada, from the rise of Ontario tobacco country to the cultural and economic impact Canadian-grown leaf has had over the years. To close out the night, we pack our pipes with The Country Squire’s Old Fashioned and give our full impressions on this bourbon-inspired blend while winding down with a final smoke.