Why cigars and not pipes?

[Sir Lancerolot]

These are just my thoughts about why I choose not to take up smoking a pipe. I'm not trying to sway anyone else.

I admit that sometimes it seems tempting to buy a pipe - especially when I finish rolling a batch of cigars and see all the leftovers. However, I just roll them into a short-filler and move along.

I do admire the artistry of pipe-making. There are some wonderful pieces of art out there. However, for my money, I prefer the artistry of 100% smokeables. I love the fact that the cigar I'm smoking is itself a work of art. A work of art that will vanish as I experience it. A one-off every time. It's the ultimate enjoyment of art - full consumption according to its purpose, and never again to be experienced. That makes every smoking experience a part of the artwork. The weather, the conversation, the setting, the beverage ... it all is part of the composition.

The artistry of the farmer who keeps the land and grows the crops, and the processor who cures it, and the roller who makes the cigar. The art of the cigar band. And then the art at my end when I enjoy it. It's a long, winding connection of people who never meet.

Or, the art of rolling my own and smoking them. Another facet - another avenue of experience.

More pipes for everyone else, right?

[Cool Breeze]

I enjoy both on a regular basis.
There is room for all.

When weather is pleasant, I lean towards cigars.
When it is very hot or very cold, I don't usually want to spend an hour and a half outside so I'll load a bowl and do it that way.

[Ropey]

I enjoy both, but pipes can get a little fiddly for me. Sometimes I just wanna cut and light, not screw around with packing, lighting, tamping, lighting, dumping, cleaning, etc.

[Hardheaded]

I enjoy both, but pipes can get a little fiddly for me. Sometimes I just wanna cut and light, not screw around with packing, lighting, tamping, lighting, dumping, cleaning, etc.

This. I light up a pipe once in a while, but it requires far more attention than cut, light, enjoy.

[c.ortiz108]

To me this is like comparing apples and oranges. The main thing for me is that the flavors are totally different since different types of tobaccos are used, and they're processed differently. Not only do you have endless combinations of tobaccos (viginias, latakias, burleys, orientals, Kentucky etc.) but once you factor in the different toppings that can be added, not to mention all the different kinds of pipes, it's really a whole different world. Sure, it's a more complicated than cigar smoking, but that's partly what makes it interesting. I still enjoy the hell out of cigars, of course. but for now the hobby aspect of smoking has kind of been taken over by pipes .

[Chad Vegas]

I agree with c.ortiz108, you cant compare a cigar to a pipe. An elephant will never be a giraffe, even though they are both mammals. I prefer cigars but that doesn't mean that I will turn down a well packed bowl!

[B daddy]

I reach for a stogie about 80% of the time. Sometimes I prefer a pipe. Sometimes the pendulum swings a bit. I like the ability to choose, the variety.

[Emperor Zurg]

I don't know about all the 'art' stuff since most of my pipes are waller'd out corncobs with a stick shoved in the side...
I like those citrusy, sweet, spicy, smoky flavors - all in varying degrees - that you can get in pipe tobacco. It's very rare to get that in a cigar. Some Padrons have a hint of it here and there but it's pretty subtle.

[droy1958]

I enjoy both on a regular basis.
There is room for all.

When weather is pleasant, I lean towards cigars.
When it is very hot or very cold, I don't usually want to spend an hour and a half outside so I'll load a bowl and do it that way.

I enjoy getting loaded on a bowl every now and then also.....errrrr..... Did I comprehend that correctly?...

[AlanS]

Why not both, they're two different delivery systems for tobaccos? Or what ever your smoking!
On a side note Mary Jane went legal here in Oregon on the first of the month, I can smell it everywhere.