Bag seasoning, which has been spoken of earlier, is a liquid that seals the pores and seams of a leather pipe bag to ensure
that it is airtight. The properties of the seasoning also aid in keeping the bag soft and pliable. It should be applied according to the manufacturer’s instructions, which may or may not include heating before application. Do not boil seasoning as this can change its properties and cause damage to the bag.
During seasoning, effort should be made to ensure that the entire inside of the bag receives a coating of seasoning. This is accomplished by pouring the liquid into the bag, inflating the bag, and then turning the bag in such a manner that the liquid makes contact with all internal surfaces. Some saturation needs to occur in order for the seasoning to be effective. Hang the bag to allow excess seasoning to drain. I generally remove a cork from one of the drone stocks to release some of the pressure. Then a carefully remove the cork from the chanter stock, making sure that the excess seasoning drains into an appropriate container. This excess seasoning can be stored in a plastic or glass container in the refrigerator for future use.
After the excess seasoning has fully drained from the bag, wipe any seasoning from the inside of the stocks and reinsert corks. Inflate the bag and inspect for air-tightness. I generally lean of the bag or place it on the floor and put one knee on it. If leakage is apparent, stocks may need to be retied or the bag may need more seasoning. When you are convinced that the bag is airtight (even a small leak is annoying) all corks should be carefully removed and the bag hung for an additional period to ensure all the seasoning is either absorbed into the hide or has drained.
Caution! If you don’t drain the bag completely, loose seasoning may travel and wind up on your chanter reed. Believe me, this is not something you want to experience.
Home recipes for seasoning have long been shared and used with varying degrees of success. These concoctions may or may not work well. I only suggest that the cost of commercial seasoning is a lot cheaper than that of a new pipe bag. The following recipe is from a catalog published by Henderson Bagpipes in 1920.
In all instances, follow instructions provided by the bag maker regarding the type or brand of seasoning for your bag. Some hide bags are said to require no seasoning! Roberton’s Air Tight seasoning has long been a popular choice of “store-bought” seasoning for sheepskin and other hide bags. It is still in production today although no longer available in a tin can. The mixture has a tendency to go rancid once the cap came off.
Interestingly, Henderson came out with their proprietary “NOLEKE” seasoning in a can a few years later. I’m searching for a picture and will include it when found.
Regardless of what you use to season the bag, I would leave you with a word of caution. Many good relationships have been severely tested by matter of seasoning a pipe bag. It is better to season the bag when you are on your own for a few hours. This will give you plenty of time to clean up should one of the corks give way and seasoning explode all over the kitchen. I am the voice of experience on this matter. Also, any fondness for the aroma is definitely acquired through the love of the instrument.
Many pipers will delight in the knowledge that alcohol is the recommended disinfectant for pipe bags. (Yes, that is a glass of Jack Daniel on my pipe box!) The amount of bacteria and germs that collect and breed inside a hide pipe bag is not surprising. For sheepskin bags, I recommend a disinfectant every month or two immediately prior to seasoning. For other hide bags, every month or two regardless. The alcohol content of a cheap grade of whiskey is sufficient to kill most if not all germs. I usually pour about two shots into the bag and one into myself, swill it around for a minute or two and pour out any excess. The small amount that does stay in the bag will evaporate quickly. Under no circumstances should 16 year old single malt Scotch be poured onto the bag. If in doubt, call me first.
Synthetic bags may be washed with a mild soap and water, and of course, a shot of whiskey for good measure.
