I Suppose...

**Herf N Turf** · 02-14-2015, 08:49 PM

I should pop in here and introduce myself. My name is Don and I've been enjoying the pipe since around 1983. I had a close friend in college who's father was big into piping and who helped me tremendously just from a "philosophical" perspective. Early on, I was actually far more intrigued by the pipe, than cigars. I suppose I appreciated, "the ritual". I recall in those days, having two, prized briars, a cob and the most incredible gourd Calabash I've ever seen. The thing was full-sized, and I mean massive, yet weighed in at perhaps 1/4lb! It was just extraordinarily light weight and smoked like a dream. Since it tended not to ghost, I was able to explore a lot of blends and styles through the thing, though I daren't take it outside.

Life moved on and I became far more active, becoming involved in a lot of sport/fitness endeavors. So, the pipe had to go. I sold the gourd, which to this day, breaks my heart. But, I've rediscovered the hobby several years ago and LOVE it. Winter months just seem the natural season for the pipe and the blends I prefer tend to support this. I can't think of anything better than to sink back into my favorite chair with a nice full bowl and enjoy a great read, or movie I've been longing to see.

Beyond the mechanism of piping, I love the diversity of blends and flavors. With fine cigars, you're restricted to what pure tobacco can render. With pipe tobacco, you're throttled only by the maker's imagination.

Anyway, I'm a total noob, so I won't be offended when you talk to me like I'm a third grader. Compared to most, I am.