Pipes vs Cigars
I had my first cigar when I was 18. It was a Cugan cigar, which wasn't uncommon to find up in Canada. I remember sitting on the deck with my Mother and Father joining me for my first cigar experience. It was special in that manner. A form of bonding - a right of passage maybe. The cigar it's self, likely made me feel a little woozy. But I do recall having a little more fun, by lighting off an ammo box full of black powder in the backyard that evening. The fireball was immense! But alas, nothing bad happened.
While I never got into smoking cigarettes, or even pot, cigars remained as an occassional 'treat' through my life. I recall back when I did volunteer emergency response work, I would smoke a cigar while directing traffic. Or even while responding to a call, I recall having a coffee in one hand, and a cigar in the other, and driving with my knees!
I don't seem to recall many experiences with cigars while in my 'Urban Exploration' phase, but I do recall smoking them while camping and exploring the wilderness with friends like Jeff. Then I moved to the States, and it was a few years before I had a house where I felt comfortable smoking cigars again at my leisure. I favored brands like Caldwell and Room 101. The Hit and Run's were my favorite for a while. I then discovered Kentucky Fire Cured cigars which don't require a humidor. Their BBQ'esque flavor was fun and armoatic.
But this year I discovered something even better! Pipes. See back in my earlier days I used to often smoke the Black and Mild Sweet Cherry cigarellos, which were made with pipe tobacco. I always enjoyed the scent. So I decided to try an actual pipe, so I could indulge in sampling various pipe tobacco blends.
Oh my gosh! The difference it makes. Okay, so I initially got a corn cob pipe which was alright. I had issues with the filter, but otherwise it was a smoother, and more flavorful experience than a cigar. But also less harsh and more tempered. I enjoyed it so much I invested in a Savinelli Churchwarden pipe, model 601. Gosh I love it.
The whole process of cleaning, the pipe, packing it. Lighting it carefully, and then the small puffs you make on it, turn the experience into a relaxing ritual. Sure you don't get the heavy nicotine hit off of a pipe like you do for a cigar, but you do get to enjoy the aroma and taste of the blends of tobacco. The Churchwarden pipe also allows for a cooler draw which I think brings down the bite and allows you to enjoy more of the flavor.
All in all, I don't have too many vices or bad habits. Heck I'll admit that I really don't even drink beer on the regular. But smoking a pipe every weekend has become a new tradition.