Breaking-in and the cake layer

Over time, a protective layer often referred to as ‘cake’ forms on the inside of the pipe. This does not comprise charred wood. You should never burn out a pipe: no pipe tobacco of any description is meant for this.

Most pipes at the breaking-in stage have a paste that protects the wood and facilitates the formation of ‘cake’. However, many pipes are also supplied with a bowl of plain wood. Please allow such pipes an acclimatisation period and avoid smoking at high temperatures initially, at least until a layer of cake is formed.
In any pipe, the first fillings may taste different to subsequent fillings. This is completely normal and part of the breaking-in process.