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 Alien movie franchise. We wrap things up with a review of Veermaster by Dan Tobacco. A flake with smooth, rich Virginia flavour and an old-world charm that may surprise you. Grab your favourite pipe, pour something good, and join us for an episode that blends story, smoke, and great company.

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 many of these classic mixtures. From its American roots to its role in everyday smoking, Burley is both familiar and full of surprises.

We also take a trip to the wizarding world of Harry Potter in this weeks ChatGPT story and review a blend with deep roots. Whether you’re lighting up Granger, Carter Hall, or something new, this episode is for anyone who finds comfort in the wonder of the well-worn.

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 opinions. We round out this weeks episode with a special ChatGPT story featuring the Pipe and Tamper duo themselves.

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 blend. Along the way, they share stories, including a hidden gem from a listener and a ChatGPT story about beloved author C.S. Lewis.

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, ritual, and the ghosts that live in old grain.

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 conversation moves into the digital realm with a thoughtful look at how the online pipe community is shaping the modern hobby—for better and worse. And finally, they crack a tin of C&D’s “The Beast” and see if it lives up to the legend.

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.

They wrap it all up with weekly recommendations including blends, pipes, tools, books, media, or pairings to explore.