Clay Tavern Pipes

The history of clay tavern pipes dates to at least the 16th century, with some scholarly sources indicating they were produced in England around 1558, shortly after the introduction of tobacco from North America. Tavern pipes have long been steeped in misinformation. The truth is the tavern pipes were a commodity. Most average people would not have owned a more expensive, long tavern-style pipe, instead favoring the cheaper pipes for everyday use. The long stem allows for a cooler smoke, changing the flavor when it hits the mouth. Tavern pipes were communal items at such establishments. Contrary to popular belief, the stems were not broken between users nor when they were clogged. At this point there was very little concept of germs and how they spread. The clogging was avoided by placing the pipes in an iron rack called a kiln and then into the fire to burn out any build-up. George Washington ordered 144 of these pipes during one of his purchases from England along with many more standard pipes. These would have been used to impress guests. In addition to their classic appeal, clay pipes require no break-in and are renowned for their high level of heat resistance and flavor-neutral smoking qualities. Tobacco blenders use clays for testing purchasing leaf and potential blends because of that neutrality, enabling them to experience a blend or leaf varietal in its most accurate form. John Pollock & Company of Manchester, England began making clay pipes in 1879 and continued until Gordon Pollock's retirement in 1992. A great book that encompasses all the unique character of a true tavern is Taverns of the American Revolution By Adrian Covert