[1:15 AM, 5/6/12] What does it tell you about an event when you get back to your room around one in the morning? That it is a fantastic time!

Lauren and I just returned from the smoking tent, where we enjoyed great conversation and wonderful pipes. Lauren broke in a new bamboo Tokutomi that I purchased as a present for her with some McClelland Dominican Glory. This was her first time trying such a blend and she ended up enjoying it: “It tastes like pulled pork.” I’m pretty sure that that is a good thing…I think.

Before that, we had a great dinner of Chicago style pizza and classic Italian with Dustin, Nick, George (or LatakiaLover from certain forums), Adam Remington, Steve Morrisette, Brad Pohlmann, Bill Shalosky, Premal Chheda, and a couple of other great people. We had a wonderful time, despite Nick saying that the cannolis were, in fact, not cannolis. We also ended up taking home a lot of pizza and pasta (Lauren forgot hers in Dustin’s car, which I sure hope he figures out soon), but also had a really good time.

One of my favorite experiences about this show has been getting to know the people whose work I have admired and getting to know them as more than just pipe makers, but as people. This makes me enjoy admiring and owning their work even more.

[6:06 PM, 5/5/12] Up to the minute update! I just returned from the John Cotton 2012 Throwdown and I am happy announce that Dick Silverman of Chief Catoonah has been declared the victor by the three judges by a sizable margin. Fear not, I will be including a much lengthier description of the event as soon as I have a free moment.

Lane Limited’s Leonard Wortzel was chosen as the People’s Choice winner, while Steven Books took a very respectable second place.

For those of you who are interested, I will be uploading a large amount of pictures from the Chicago Show on Facebook under my “Pipe-School Ethan Brandt” profile! Read more