Cigar and Pipe Lounge

[Andrew, Jr.]

Starbuck,

I smoked cigars for years, and never a pipe. It was Jack and Linus who got me really interested in pipe smoking - plus I got my Grandfather's pipes after he died. So with that said, what I did is this.

I went to a cigar/pipe/tobacconists shop in town. I went in with a pipe, and sat down at the pipe lounge. I asked the guy behind the counter a ton of questions about the tobacco. Jack and Linus helped me with the tools and how to clean out a pipe.

I think taste is personal. Some enjoy certain flavors when it may not be so good to others. It is just a matter of what you enjoy. Most places will be happy to give you a pinch to smoke before you purchase any tobacco. I say get a pipe you like, and go to a local shop. Don't be shy. Ask questions.

Smoking a pipe is very calming to me. It slows down my OCD. It gives my hands something to do while smoking. Cigar smoking is faster than a pipe. I still enjoy both.

Let us know how your smoking journey goes! Have fun!

[noneoftheabove]

Appreciate everyone's suggestions so far. I've only smoked a few real cigars and I really like them. My favorite method of smoking is pipe smoking. It's the most relaxing and meditative for me.
@ Starbuck
You have to light a pipe quite a few times to get through a bowl whereas with cigars i've only had to do one good light at the beginning. You can set a pipe down for a longer time i feel without affecting the flavor too much. With both cigars and pipes you shouldn't smoke them too fast because the flavor will be off and you can get ill from too much nicotine. If you smoke a pipe too hot you could get tongue bite. For a pipe, it is good to have a pipe tool ( a small metal thing with three parts, mostly used to tamp down on the ash) and pipe cleaners. These are the differences i can think of.

If anyone is ever in the Pittsburgh area I suggest continental smoke shop for pipe needs. The owner is the best salesman i've ever met but i'm easily persuaded when it comes to spending money on tobacco products. He's very informative and friendly.

[Linus]

Welcome MBD and noneoftheabove! Hope to see you more here and if you come to the reunion we will be having a HERF.

Originally Posted by mountainbikedyke

Linus- thanks for the head up on this thread (Did a search, but nothing came up.).

My fave cigar to date is the Diesel Shorty Unlimited. Also like Ghurka (Dragon and Evil). Also, the Man O War Ruination is tasty. I will usually smoke a Maduro and especially Oscuro. Definitely want to have some food in your belly with those Oscuro.

A good wheat ale or IPA makes a nice cigar companion...

Will check out your blog!

I haven't updated the blog in a while but I probably should. That said, glad you found this thread. I've tried all the ones you've mentioned above and I think I find the Ghurkas to be amongst my favourite.

This week I'm treating myself to some Winston Churchill's Makkeresh and Diamond Crown Maximus (#7) as part of my "recovery" from surgery . For both of these you need a meal and lots of time given the length.

Originally Posted by noneoftheabove

Appreciate everyone's suggestions so far. I've only smoked a few real cigars and I really like them. My favorite method of smoking is pipe smoking. It's the most relaxing and meditative for me.
@ Starbuck
You have to light a pipe quite a few times to get through a bowl whereas with cigars i've only had to do one good light at the beginning. You can set a pipe down for a longer time i feel without affecting the flavor too much. With both cigars and pipes you shouldn't smoke them too fast because the flavor will be off and you can get ill from too much nicotine. If you smoke a pipe too hot you could get tongue bite. For a pipe, it is good to have a pipe tool ( a small metal thing with three parts, mostly used to tamp down on the ash) and pipe cleaners. These are the differences i can think of.

If anyone is ever in the Pittsburgh area I suggest continental smoke shop for pipe needs. The owner is the best salesman i've ever met but i'm easily persuaded when it comes to spending money on tobacco products. He's very informative and friendly.

Good to know about Pittsburgh. I'm always looking for new local shops to support when I travel (I haven't been to Pittsburgh yet but who knows!). When I do enjoy a bowl, I've found that I like Egg Nog flavour (I've forgotten who did the mix). My biggest challenge is not to buy more pipes. I've gotten a few and really need to get a nice display for them.

Addition to the pipes and cigars, I recently tried snus which is interesting. Not something I'd do all the time given that the nicotine hit is unreal! But can be handy.

[mountainbikedyke]

I'm planning to fire up a La Gloria Cubana Series N... It came highly resommended. Also, gonna pop open a Dale's Pale Ale. Mmmmmmmm.

[mountainbikedyke]

I've got a 601 Oscuro I'm seasoning for another week. Can't wait!

[Linus]

Originally Posted by mountainbikedyke

I've got a 601 Oscuro I'm seasoning for another week. Can't wait!

601 Green label, right? Those you need a few meals for.

Interestingly enough, when I smoke I favor water or whiskey (no alcohol this week because of surgery)

[dark_crystal]

ok i see on the Reunion schedule that there will be a HERF. Does that have anything to do with this?