Tobacco pipes and cigars: comparing two different ways of smoking
Tobacco pipes and cigars, at first glance, may seem like two completely different ways of smoking. And to some extent they are. But they share a common philosophy: that of slow smoking.
Smoking a tobacco pipe or a cigar means savoring the tobacco, devoting oneself to a moment of pause and reflection.
It is the opposite of the compulsive act represented by the cigarette, which reduces tobacco to mere quick consumption and an end in itself.
In this article we will compare these two worlds, to help you better orient yourself if you are unclear about the differences between one and the other.
Introduction: Tobacco pipes and cigars, two worlds compared
Those of the tobacco pipe and the cigar we can consider as two different worlds, but belonging to the same galaxy: that of slow smoking.
Indeed, both represent the unique forms of tobacco enjoyment, far removed from the fast and compulsive smoking typical of the cigarette.
The tobacco pipe and the cigar share the same philosophy, but what changes is the approach to smoking: while the tobacco pipe is a tool for smoking tobacco, the cigar is an artifact that is itself smokable.
Why compare the tobacco pipe with the cigar?
The tobacco pipe and the cigar can be compared based on the different peculiarities that characterize smoking.
For example, while tobacco pipe smoking allows one to create custom blends according to one's tastes, a cigar is a handcrafted product that, once in the hands of the smoker, can only be enjoyed as is.
In the course of this article we will delve into the main differences between tobacco pipe smoking and cigar smoking, but without ever losing sight of what they have in common: the pleasure of tasting, that slow and conscious experience that allows you to discover unique aromas and sensations.
Differences in style and ritual
The tobacco pipe is a deeply personal object, chosen by the smoker according to his or her own aesthetic tastes and capable, for this very reason, of reflecting his or her personality as well.
We are talking about an artifact strongly linked to the person, often unique and unrepeatable, considering that many of the tobacco pipes on the market are one-of-a-kind, handcrafted pieces.
For this reason, rather than a tool for smoking tobacco, the tobacco pipe is often experienced as a true smoking companion.
The cigar, on the other hand, is a product that should still be chosen according to the smoker's taste, but once smoked, leaves nothing material behind as is the case with the tobacco pipe.
The ritual of the tobacco pipe can be considered even slower than that of the cigar, as it requires choosing the tobacco, preparing the stove, and cleaning up after smoking. However, these are gestures that soon become automatic and, with a minimum of experience, take only a few minutes.
The cigar ritual is different: it involves no preparations, but the duration of smoking can vary significantly.
A Toscano cigar, for example, can be lit and extinguished several times, while a Caribbean cigar requires to be smoked in its entirety, in a single session.
What do tobacco pipe smokers and cigar smokers look for?
The needs of the tobacco pipe smoker do not coincide with those of the cigar smoker.
Tobacco pipe smokers know that each tobacco pipe can offer a different sensory experience, even when smoking the same tobacco. That is why they tend to collect multiple tobacco pipes, each capable of returning their own interpretation of smoking.
At the same time, the blends of pipe tobacco are numerous, and this variety fuels an ongoing search for new aromas and sensations, which is an integral part of the appeal of slow smoking with a tobacco pipe.
Thus, if the tobacco pipe collector changes tobacco pipes to obtain new nuances from the same tobacco, the cigar smoker changes vitola (i.e., cigar format) while maintaining the same blend.
In fact, the size of a cigar has a major impact on the flavor profile, affecting the burn, intensity and perception of flavors.
This principle also applies to the different cuts of Toscano cigar (whole, "ammezzato" or "aureo"), which can generate very different aromatic experiences.
Another key variable is terroir, especially in Caribbean cigars: even when using the same blend, where the tobacco is grown can result in very different organoleptic characteristics, making each cigar a unique experience in its own right.
The differences between pipe tobacco and cigar tobacco
Although pipe tobacco and cigar tobacco are derived from the same plant, they have significant differences, starting with the variety used.
In pipe tobacco, varieties such as Virginia, Burley and Latakia are used, each with distinct aromatic and burning characteristics.
In cigars, on the other hand, whole leaves of selected varieties such as Criollo, Corojo and Habano are used, chosen not only for their composition but also for their position on the plant.
Each leaf, in fact, has a specific role in the structure of the cigar: some are intended for the filling, others serve as binder, while the finest and most valuable are used as wrappers, contributing decisively to the flavor profile of the finished product.
Tobacco composition: processing and leaf quality
The tobacco varieties used in cigars are not the same as those used in pipe tobacco. The main ones used in cigars include: Piloto, Olor, Corojo, Criollo, Habano, Broadleaf, Connecticut, Sumatra, Cameroon and Rosado.
Each tobacco plant has four main sections of leaves, plus a fifth, rarer section that develops at the top.
Each of these leaves has specific characteristics and is used at precise points in the cigar to achieve the right balance of burn, strength and aroma:
- Ligero (top of the plant): this is the strongest leaf, with slow burn and high nicotine content. It is used in the filler to add strength to the blend.
- Viso (just below Ligero): more aromatic and better combustible, but less intense than Ligero. It is used to enrich the blend.
- Seco (middle part): light leaf, used to balance the aromas and make the smoke more harmonious.
- Volado (lower part of the plant): virtually flavorless, but essential for a good burn.
- Medio Tiempo (above the Ligero): small, rare and very rich leaf that gives depth and complexity to the cigar. It is used in some high-end production.
In the case of pipe tobacco, however, the most popular varieties are: Virginia, Burley, Orientals, Latakia, Perique, Kentucky, and Cavendish.
Unlike cigars, the leaves are never used whole, but are processed, ground and blended according to the master blender's recipes, or directly by the smoker, who can create custom blends to suit his or her own tastes.
Differences in maturation and fermentation
Leaves intended for cigars undergo a natural fermentation process after harvest.
This takes place under controlled conditions of temperature and humidity, and the leaves are stacked in pressed bundles, called "pilones", where they remain for a period that can last several months or even years.
Fermentation has a dual purpose: to remove the ammonia present in the tobacco and to develop the aromatic complexity that the master blender seeks to achieve a rich and balanced product.
Pipe tobacco curing, on the other hand, is much more varied. Leaves can be cured in different ways, such as air-cured or fire-cured, and these techniques profoundly affect the tobacco's flavor profile, making it extremely diverse.
Some emblematic examples:
- Latakia is dried slowly over aromatic woods, which give it an unmistakable and very intense smoky aroma.
- Cavendish, on the other hand, undergoes a kind of “caramelization” through pressure and heat processes, which make it sweet, smooth and perfect as a base for many aromatic tobaccos.
Nicotine and smoking intensity: which has a greater impact?
Generally, cigars result in more nicotine than pipe tobacco.
This is because it is made using thicker leaves that are naturally rich in nicotine, such as Ligero, which alone can contain between 100 and 200 mg of nicotine per cigar.
In the case of tobacco pipe blends, however, the nicotine content is highly variable and depends on the tobacco varieties in the blend.
For example, Burley and Dark Fired Kentucky are two types known for their high nicotine concentration, while Virginia is generally considered the lightest in this respect.
On average, a tobacco pipe smoke can contribute between 10 and 50 mg of nicotine, but the perceived effect can change depending on the amount smoked, frequency of puffs and individual sensitivity.
Flavors and flavors: natural tobaccos vs flavored blends
While in the pipe tobacco market it is easy to find numerous flavored blends, in the cigar world this practice is much less common.
Most cigars, in fact, use only natural tobaccos, with no external flavorings added, focusing all on the complexity resulting from fermentation, leaf processing and the construction of the cigar itself.
Exceptions are some Italian manufacturers, such as MST and MOSI, which offer cigars with external flavoring in different variants: coffee, anise, grappa, vanilla, chocolate, just to name a few.
There is also a small Caribbean production of flavored cigars, such as that of the CAO brand, known for its rum, cognac and vanilla cigars.
Finally, we also find so-called infused cigars, which are flavored cigars that contain tobaccos normally used in tobacco pipe blends, creating an interesting bridge between the two worlds.
Smoking Technique: Tobacco pipe vs. Cigar
The smoking technique between tobacco pipe and cigar is somewhat similar, but has some differences.
In the case of the tobacco pipe, smoke is drawn in through the mouthpiece, which is connected to the combustion chamber via the shank.
In the cigar, on the other hand, the draw is done directly from its head, without the intermediary of an instrument: it is the cigar itself that acts as a conduit for the passage of smoke.
Despite these technical differences, we are convinced that tobacco pipes and cigars have more in common than elements of distinction, especially with regard to the purpose of smoking: in both cases we speak of tobacco tasting, a slow and conscious experience, which never involves inhaling the smoke, but staying in the mouth to appreciate its aromas and nuances.
Lighting: differences in methods and tools used
Tobacco pipe and cigar lighting has some technical differences, but shares one key aspect: in both cases, it is more convenient and effective if specific lighters are used.
The tobacco pipe lighter has a characteristic 45-degree slant, which makes it easier to light tobacco while avoiding burning the rim of the burner, an important detail to preserve the aesthetics and integrity of the tobacco pipe.
The cigar lighter, on the other hand, is designed to offer a wide and powerful flame, sometimes even a double flame, to ensure an even and controlled ignition, essential for a smooth draw from the very first puff.
Also coming into play in tobacco pipe ignition is the tamper, an essential tool for slightly compacting the tobacco during smoking. In fact, with heat, tobacco tends to expand, and the tamper serves to maintain a stable and even burn.
There are several methods of ignition:
- For the tobacco pipe, you pass the flame several times over the brazier, in small circular motions, until the tobacco burns evenly over the entire surface.
- For the cigar, after cutting off the head, you hold it between your fingers and heat the foot by rotating it slowly, keeping an adequate distance from the flame to prevent it from burning unevenly.
In both cases, the goal is the same: an even burn, which is essential to best appreciate the aromas and ensure a pleasant smoke.
Pace of smoking: the duration of smoking between tobacco pipe and cigar
The duration of the smoke, for both tobacco pipe and cigar, is variable and depends mainly on the size of the stove in the case of the tobacco pipe, or the size of the cigar.
A tobacco pipe, depending on the capacity of the stove, can offer smokes ranging from 10 minutes to an hour. There are also experienced smokers capable of keeping the tobacco pipe lit for several hours, but this is a practice related to slow-smoking competitions, and not to normal daily experience.
The cigar, just like the tobacco pipe, can also vary greatly in duration: it all depends on its format (vitola). A cigar can be smoked for about 30 minutes in smaller formats, up to an hour and a half or more for longer, fuller-bodied formats.
Inhaling and savoring: how the experience changes
The tasting of tobacco pipe smoke is, in many ways, identical to that of a cigar: in both cases, the smoke should not be inhaled into the lungs, but savored slowly between the palate and nose, to grasp the different aromatic nuances.
One technique that can be used in both smokes is retronasal smoking, which involves gently passing the smoke through the nose after holding it in the mouth. This method allows us to perceive different and more complex aromas than palatal tasting alone, enriching the sensory experience.
If we wanted to identify a difference, we could say that tobacco pipe smoking is on average less hot than cigar smoking, especially when the smoking is well managed and the pace is relaxed.
Smoke management: differences in approach between the two methods
Smoke management with both tobacco pipes and cigars has more similarities than differences.
In both cases, it is essential to adopt proper smoking technique, avoiding too intense or compulsive a draw, which could raise the temperature too high and impair the experience.
In the case of the tobacco pipe, too strong a draw can lead to the formation of waterlogging, a liquid condensation that makes the smoke bitter and unpleasant.
In the case of the cigar, especially if it is a long format such as a Lancero, the moisture and condensation that builds up inside can impair the draw in the second half, making the cigar practically un-smokable.
There are, however, specific cautions for each:
- For the tobacco pipe, the use of a tamper is essential, which allows the tobacco to be slightly compacted during smoking, promoting a smooth and continuous burn.
- For the cigar, on the other hand, it is essential to make a proper head cut: a cut that is too deep or poorly executed can ruin the draw or cause the wrapper to fray.
Another important tip that applies to cigars is to always keep some ash on the embers while smoking. The ash acts as a natural insulator, helping to keep the temperature stable and making combustion more even.
Accessories and Tools Needed for Tobacco pipes and Cigars
Tobacco pipes and cigars are both forms of slow smoking that, to be enjoyed properly, require the use of certain essential accessories: without them, smoking them would simply be impossible.
The essential tools for smoking a tobacco pipe
Essential tools for smoking a tobacco pipe include the tamper, the lighter and tobacco pipe cleaners.
The tamper will be your best ally both in the loading phase and during the smoking itself, because it helps you properly press the tobacco into the stove and maintain a smooth burn. It is virtually impossible to complete a charge without using it at least once.
The lighter (or, alternatively, the match) is obviously essential for lighting the tobacco pipe, but it must be chosen carefully to avoid damaging the stove, preferring those with a slanted flame.
Finally, tobacco pipe cleaners are essential for cleaning the tobacco pipe after each smoke: they remove moisture and residue from the mouthpiece and the blowtobacco pipe, ensuring a consistently pleasant smoke free of aftertaste.
Essential accessories for cigars
There are two indispensable accessories for smoking a cigar: the cigar cutter and the lighter.
The cigar cutter is an indispensable tool for smoking Caribbean cigars, which come with a closed head and require a cut before lighting. This is different for Toscano cigars, which are open on both ends and can be smoked without any cut.
Once the cut is made, the cigar lighter comes into play, which is designed to provide a powerful and precise flame that ensures easy and even combustion, which is essential to fully enjoy the smoke.
Cost and availability: is it more expensive to smoke a tobacco pipe or a cigar?
Smoking a tobacco pipe involves a higher initial expense due to the purchase of the tobacco pipe itself, accessories and tobacco, unlike a cigar, for which you only need to buy the cigar, a lighter and a cigar cutter.
For this reason, at first glance, the tobacco pipe may seem more expensive. However, if one reasons over the long term, it is the cigar that has the greatest impact on the wallet, since each cigar has a non-negligible individual cost that, if purchased on a regular basis, far exceeds the initial expense of the tobacco pipe and the periodic expense for pipe tobacco.
Maintenance and preservation
Maintenance is an aspect exclusively related to the tobacco pipe, as it is a durable instrument that, to ensure consistently pleasant smokes, must be cared for and maintained in good condition.
A cigar, on the other hand, is a product intended to be consumed once and requires no maintenance.
Preservation, on the other hand, is a typical concept in the world of cigars, which need to be kept in humidity-controlled environments to preserve their quality. However, preservation also pertains to the world of tobacco pipes, but in reference to pipe tobaccos, which need to be stored properly in order not to dry out and keep their flavor profile intact.
How to keep a tobacco pipe in perfect condition
To keep a tobacco pipe in perfect condition, it is essential to clean it after each smoke.
After it has cooled down, it is good practice to disassemble the mouthpiece and run a tobacco pipe cleaner through the inside of both the mouthpiece itself and the shank, so as to remove any residual moisture or condensation.
The tobacco pipe cleaner can also be used to clean the inside walls of the stove: simply fold it in half and rub it gently along the walls to remove any residue and keep the stove dry and clean
Cigar storage: ideal humidity and temperatures
Storage is a key aspect in the cigar world, as a poorly stored cigar can develop unpleasant aromas and completely compromise the smoking experience.
To keep them in ideal conditions, a humidor is used, a wooden box designed to ensure a constant level of humidity, which is essential for preserving the freshness and aromatic qualities of cigars over time.
The humidor should maintain humidity between 68% and 75%, while the optimal temperature is between 18°C and 21°C. These parameters help avoid both excessive dryness and excessive humidity, conditions that can ruin cigars.
Lifespan: a tobacco pipe can last forever, a cigar can't
It is clear that one of the great advantages of the tobacco pipe is the fact that it is an object intended to last.
This leads many enthusiasts to collect them in large quantities, not only for the aesthetic and craftsmanship aspect, but also for the possibility of experiencing ever-changing aromatic nuances with each smoke, even using the same tobacco.
The same is not true for the cigar, which remains a consumer product: once smoked, it leaves nothing behind except the memory of the experience.
Which one offers more personalization?
There is no doubt that the tobacco pipe offers many more possibilities for customization than the cigar, thanks to several factors: the possibility of creating custom blends, combining different tobaccos according to one's taste, and the choice of tobacco pipe, which significantly affects the smoking experience, offering unique nuances depending on the shape, material and size of the stove.
The ability to choose the blend of pipe tobacco
One of the most appreciated aspects of tobacco pipe smokers is undoubtedly the ability to create custom blends, blending different types of tobacco according to one's taste.
This is not an immediate practice: balancing the various components correctly requires experience and knowledge, as each tobacco has a specific role within the blend.
There are base tobaccos, which form the main structure of the blend, supporting tobaccos that enrich the aroma, and seasoning tobaccos, used in small doses to add character and complexity.
This is a freedom that the cigar does not offer, and it makes the tobacco pipe experience even more personal and creative.
If, for example, the smoker desires a more robust blend, he can add Kentucky; if, on the other hand, he seeks a smoky touch, he can introduce Latakia.
The combinations are almost endless, and each blend can tell something unique about the taste and personality of the person who created it.
Prepackaged cigars: less variability in choice
A cigar is a pre-packaged product, composed of one or more tobacco leaves selected and combined by the manufacturer's master blender.
The final quality of a cigar thus depends not only on the goodness of the raw material, but also on the blender's mastery in creating a balanced blend capable of offering the smoker rich and harmonious aromatic nuances.
In this process, the smoker's role is more passive: he or she can choose between one cigar and another, according to his or her preferences, but he or she cannot customize it or change its composition, as is the case with the tobacco pipe.
The influence of shape and construction on smoking
One of the most fascinating features of the tobacco pipe is the variety of shapes.
There are 12 classic shapes, plus numerous variations that have appeared on the market over the years, the result of the creativity of craftsmen and manufacturers.
Shape is a determining factor in choosing a tobacco pipe, as it significantly influences the smoking experience.
In particular, straight shapes are generally easier to handle, especially for less experienced smokers, as they are less prone to condensation, one of the main factors that can make smoking difficult.
However, once a certain amount of experience has been gained, there are no limits in the choice of shape: everyone can move toward what appeals to them most, both aesthetically and functionally.
It should also be considered that the shape can influence the temperature of the smoke: some shapes, such as the Calabash Reverse or the Churchwarden, tend to provide a cooler than average smoke due to the length of the path the smoke has to travel before reaching the mouth.
The pleasure of ritual: relaxation and meditation
Ritual is an aspect shared by both tobacco pipes and cigars, as it is one of the fundamental elements of slow smoking.
Whether you smoke a tobacco pipe or a cigar, you make a conscious choice: that of carving out a moment for yourself, to relax, reflect and take your time.
This is what makes smoking a tobacco pipe or cigar so special and fulfilling, in stark contrast to a cigarette, which is consumed automatically and compulsively, without any depth.
The tobacco pipe smoker: reflection and calm in the act
The tobacco pipe smoker experiences his or her passion as a personal ritual, rich in gestures and intimate moments: from choosing the blend (or even creating it) to loading the tobacco pipe, each step becomes an integral part of the experience.
This is accompanied by constant “aromatic research”: pipe tobaccos offer such a wide and varied range of sensations and scents that cigars can hardly match. Therefore, curiosity and a desire to experiment are hallmarks of the tobacco pipe smoker.
In addition, the tobacco pipe smoker is often also a collector. Not only for the pleasure of owning models with particular shapes or belonging to brands they are fond of, but because each tobacco pipe offers a unique smoking experience, even when using the same tobacco. Shape, material and construction profoundly influence the perceived aroma.
This is also why many tobacco pipe smokers tend to experience this passion in solitude, almost as if it were a form of personal meditation, a time of recollection and inner listening.
The cigar smoker: the pleasure of slowness and luxury
The cigar smoker approaches a product that offers less freedom than the tobacco pipe, since the cigar is already ready to be smoked and requires little interaction on the part of the enthusiast, other than cutting and lighting. As a result, smoking is more linear and concentrated, with a less modulable experience.
In addition, Caribbean cigars, once lit, cannot be extinguished and relighted without compromising their quality, unlike Toscano cigars, which offer more flexibility in this regard. From this point of view, the tobacco pipe provides greater freedom, allowing the smoking to be stopped and resumed more easily.
The cigar smoker is also more accustomed to a certain aromatic consistency: cigars, while rich, have a more restrained aromatic variety than pipe tobaccos.
People who love cigars tend to particularly appreciate the earthy, woody, peppery and roasted aromas typical of Caribbean blends, and they easily become attached to certain sensory profiles.
Smoking in company: the cigar as a symbol of sharing
Like all passions, the passion for cigars and tobacco pipes has the ability to bring people together, resulting in moments of sharing and conviviality.
Whether it is a gathering of friends, a club of enthusiasts, or a simple chat in the open air, slow smoking becomes an opportunity to slow down, converse and enjoy the moment with others.
Moreover, since it is a world of continuous experiences and discoveries, sharing with other enthusiasts can become a valuable tool for growth: it is a way not only to make new friends, but also to broaden one's view of the vast universe of slow smoking, discovering blends, tobacco pipes, cigars and habits that one would otherwise risk never encountering.
Tobacco pipe vs. Cigar: which one to choose?
It cannot be determined whether a tobacco pipe or a cigar is better, because they are two sides of the same coin.
If you are looking for a more complete tool, capable of letting you experience slow smoking in all its facets, the tobacco pipe offers a deeper and more articulate experience. In contrast, the cigar stands out for its practicality and immediacy, perfect for those who want to indulge in a relaxing moment without too many steps.
In any case, our advice is always the same: try both. Only by experimenting will you really be able to figure out which of the two paths suits your taste and your way of experiencing slow smoking.
Better tobacco pipe or cigar for a beginner smoker?
There is no better choice between tobacco pipe and cigar for a beginner smoker, because they are two different forms of tobacco tasting, each with its own characteristics, and neither is preparatory to the other.
A first-time slow smoker who finds himself undecided between the two options should simply let his instincts guide him, choosing what inspires or intrigues him most.
Only with time, experience, and a few trials will he be able to understand which path is more in tune with his own sensibilities and personal way of experiencing the pleasure of smoking.
Which method offers the best sensory experience?
It is impossible to say which sensory experience is better between the tobacco pipe and the cigar.
One thing is certain: the tobaccos used in tobacco pipe blends are not the same as those used in cigars, so it will be up to the smoker to assess whether he or she is more inclined to the aromas of tobacco pipe blends or those of cigars.
The important thing is not to create a competition between these two experiences, but rather to consider them as two different ways of tasting tobacco.
Which is best suited to different occasions?
In terms of versatility, we believe that there are no substantial differences between tobacco pipes and cigars.
The cigar certainly offers greater immediacy, because you only need to cut it (in the case of the Caribbeans) and light it to start smoking it. The tobacco pipe, on the other hand, requires loading the tobacco first.
However, even the tobacco pipe smoker can handle this with convenience: if he or she wishes to smoke while out running errands, he or she can load the tobacco pipe in advance so that he or she only has to light it at the appropriate time.
Loading and cleaning the tobacco pipe are small gestures that, with experience, become automatic and quick, and are not at all a hindrance to the convenience of smoking.
Costs in the long run: which habit is more economical?
The costs in the long run between tobacco pipe and cigar depend strictly on the habits of the smoker.
In general, cigar smoking tends to be more expensive than the tobacco pipe.
The tobacco pipe involves a higher initial expense, due to the purchase of the instrument itself and the various accessories (tamper, tobacco pipe cleaners, lighter), but in the long run it can be cheaper, especially when considering the cost per single smoke.
Caribbean cigars average between €15 and €20 each, while Toscano cigars generally cost between €5 and €10 per pack, making them more affordable but still more expensive if consumed frequently.
It must be said, however, that if the tobacco pipe smoker is also a collector (as is often the case among our customers) then it is likely that, over time, they will end up spending more on their passion.
This is because the world of the tobacco pipe is rich in shapes, styles and handcrafted interpretations that can win over even the most experienced smokers.
Conclusion: Two Ways of Smoking, Two Different Philosophies
Below we will look at a summary of the differences between tobacco pipes and cigars, and how they are distinguished by their different philosophies.
Summary of the main differences between tobacco pipes and cigars
We can summarize the main differences between tobacco pipes and cigars as follows:
- Approach: smoking a tobacco pipe requires loading, lighting and cleaning it after each smoke. The cigar, on the other hand, requires only cutting (if it is a Caribbean) and lighting.
- Customization: the tobacco pipe offers several options for personalizing the smoking experience, unlike the cigar. These include: the choice of tobacco pipe, the ability to create custom tobacco blends and the influence of shape on smoking.
- Tobacco: the tobacco varieties used in cigars are not the same as those used in tobacco pipe blends. In cigars, leaves are also selected according to their position on the plant, while pipe tobaccos are usually blends of several types, processed and shredded.
The personal factor: choosing according to one's tastes
When it comes to passions such as slow smoking, personal taste is the real player, and nothing is more important than that.
Tobacco pipe and cigar, while sharing the philosophy of slow smoking, still represent two different approaches to smoking.
It is up to you to evaluate and choose the one you feel is closest to your taste and your way of experiencing this moment of pleasure.
Why do some smokers switch from tobacco pipes to cigars (and viceversa)?
In our experience, we have never seen smokers switch from tobacco pipes to cigars, but rather the opposite: cigar smokers eager to start smoking tobacco pipes as well.
It often happens because cigar smokers, already immersed in the world of slow smoking, feel a desire to explore a new form of tobacco tasting, approach the tobacco pipe ... and end up falling in love with it.
As we often say, we consider the tobacco pipe even more "slow" because it offers a more multifaceted and articulate experience, an aspect that fascinates and attracts many cigar smokers looking for something even deeper.