Sticks vs. Bowls

[chickpea]

Ok fellow tobacco lovers, here's the deal (I have a feeling this post will be long):

I enjoy cigars occasionally. However, the problem I have with cigars is that most of the more interesting cigars are in sizes like robusto, corona, lonsdale, etc. These cigars will smoke a good hour, to hour and a half (at least for me).

Some of th cigars I have enjoyed in the past are (in no particular order):
Casa Magna (colorado robusto)
La Aroma de Cuba (it's a strange size, I think ceres) or something like that
CAO Brazilia

I have noticed that when I sit down for a smoke, I become fatigued by the smoke at around the 40-45 minute mark. The room starts to spin and I start to feel whoozy. :blink:

Not fun.

I enjoy the first 20-30 min immensely.

Now I am considering pipe smoking, so that:

a) I can control the length of the smoke to keep it at around the 20 to 30 min mark and

b) I am interested to try some fun tobaccos and I get the sense that pipe tobacco (as a general rule) is less astringent, less harsh, less spicy than cigar tobacco.

Sure I understand that bigger bowl = longer smoke, and denser tobacco = longer smoke, so many pipes can last 2 hours or more. But my thinking is that I can control the amount of tobacco I put in the pipe and therefore adjust the length of the smoke.

So please give me your opinions on the following and either confirm or overturn my preconceptions:

1) Is pipe smoke smoother as a general rule than cigar smoke?
2) Is pipe tobacco and hence pipe smoke an entirely different beast than cigar tobacco (and also is it a more varied experience)?
3) Am I doing it [cigar smoking] wrong? /internet meme

That is, are there other cigars that I should be trying that perhaps would give me more enjoyment for less time? What say you about petit coronas?

Any sticks that you can recommend I try before I go down the pipe rabbit hole?

I only smoke about a cigar every quarter of a year, so I am by no means a regular smoker, but it is something that I enjoy and would I am considering switching over to pipes. Your advice and counsel is greatly appreciated.

(told you it would be a long post)

[tsmba]

I tried 'em both back in the days when I was trying to kick cigarettes, but never got into them. I even took a shot at spit tobacco which I immediately found obnoxious. Looking back, I'm glad none caught my fancy.

[pspdonatelli]

I am interested in pipe smoking as well. I'll have to check back on this thread once some recommendations are made.

About the woozy part....if you tried dipping it wouldn't take as long to make the room spin! People think it's gross, but man, the buzz is awesome! :thumbup1:

[Commander Quan]

The first thing I can tell you is that learning how to correctly smoke a pipe is much more difficult than learning how to smoke a cigar. If you are going to smoke so infrequently you are better off sticking with the cigars. There is a technique to filling the pipe correctly, and a cadence to smoking that will maximize your enjoyment. Until you get these two things down you will not enjoy the pipe as much and will have to constantly relight, and you'll burn your tongue. I am not telling you to try, I am just saying don't expect to stuff the pipe, light it, and smoke away.

1) Is pipe smoke smoother as a general rule than cigar smoke?
There is no general rule, pipe tobacco can be flavorful and sweet, or spicy, or strong enough to make your head spin.

2) Is pipe tobacco and hence pipe smoke an entirely different beast than cigar tobacco (and also is it a more varied experience)?
Yes, the types of tobacco that go into a blend and the way they are processed can cover a larger range of flavors and strengths than cigars

3) Am I doing it [cigar smoking] wrong? /internet meme
No, your probably not doing it wrong, but you could do better. If you are getting light headed and dizzy, eat something before smoke, and drink a soda or something else with sugar in it to counter act the nicotine.

Oliva serie G cigars are a lighter cigar that you may like. And they come in a nifty little size called the Special G that is probably a 25 minute smoke that may be right up your ally.

[mouscacha]

Both pipe and cigar smoking CAN give you a light or heavy buzz. It really depends upon the type of tobacco you're smoking. I am not too familiar with pipe, but I know there are pipe tobacco that could put the strongest cigar to shame!

If you are getting buzzed from the cigar half way through, it may be too strong for you. I'm also not familiar with casa magna, but La Aroma and CAO Brazil I believe are in the medium to full category in terms of strength. Why not try to start with a macanudo for a light body or a cuesta rey for a light to medium. The cuesta rey sun growns are a good medium body as well as nat sherman, some arturo fuente, punch, and the rocky patel lite.

Over time your body will grown acustom to the nicotine, and you will be able to enjoy stronger cigars. Just remember that it's not the strength of the cigar that makes it taste good, so don't always think you will be smoking full body cigars to get the best flavor. Actually, as case in point, I went through a box of cuesta ray 47 that aged for 7 years. Good stuff! Talk about brown cello!

[pspdonatelli]

Both pipe and cigar smoking CAN give you a light or heavy buzz. It really depends upon the type of tobacco you're smoking. I am not too familiar with pipe, but I know there are pipe tobacco that could put the strongest cigar to shame!

If you are getting buzzed from the cigar half way through, it may be too strong for you. I'm also not familiar with casa magna, but La Aroma and CAO Brazil I believe are in the medium to full category in terms of strength. Why not try to start with a macanudo for a light body or a cuesta rey for a light to medium. The cuesta rey sun growns are a good medium body as well as nat sherman, some arturo fuente, punch, and the rocky patel lite.

Over time your body will grown acustom to the nicotine, and you will be able to enjoy stronger cigars. Just remember that it's not the strength of the cigar that makes it taste good, so don't always think you will be smoking full body cigars to get the best flavor. Actually, as case in point, I went through a box of cuesta ray 47 that aged for 7 years. Good stuff! Talk about brown cello!

+1 for cuesta rey's

[chickpea]

Both pipe and cigar smoking CAN give you a light or heavy buzz. It really depends upon the type of tobacco you're smoking. I am not too familiar with pipe, but I know there are pipe tobacco that could put the strongest cigar to shame!

If you are getting buzzed from the cigar half way through, it may be too strong for you. I'm also not familiar with casa magna, but La Aroma and CAO Brazil I believe are in the medium to full category in terms of strength. Why not try to start with a macanudo for a light body or a cuesta rey for a light to medium. The cuesta rey sun growns are a good medium body as well as nat sherman, some arturo fuente, punch, and the rocky patel lite.

Over time your body will grown acustom to the nicotine, and you will be able to enjoy stronger cigars. Just remember that it's not the strength of the cigar that makes it taste good, so don't always think you will be smoking full body cigars to get the best flavor. Actually, as case in point, I went through a box of cuesta ray 47 that aged for 7 years. Good stuff! Talk about brown cello!

Well, I've been smoking cigars for several years now so "starting out" with a lighter cigar is kinda moot at this point. I don't like macanudos, just bland in my estimation, but I will look into that cuesta rey sounds interesting and Rocky is known as a top quality smoke, so maybe I'll try some of his stuff.

My issue is really the length of time smoking, after 30 mins I get really tired of smoking, which I believe is kinda contrary to the whole exercise.:laugh:

I just can't dedicate that much time to a cigar. Thanks for the suggestions!

[Uncle Erik]

Try picking up some of the Fuente Hemingway Short Story cigars. They're excellent little things and you should be able to finish one in 30-40 minutes.

I do recommend picking up a pipe, as well. Don't worry too much about the size of the bowl. Pipe tobacco is so cheap that you won't have any guilt about cutting a smoking session short when you're ready. A bowl of pipe tobacco is in about the same range as a DE blade, happily.

If you get a pipe, be sure to learn the rituals of loading, lighting and smoking one. There's a little more involved than clipping and lighting a cigar, but it's not bad and you'll come to appreciate the few extra minutes you spend to do it right.

[invizable]

If you are feeling lightheaded, you may be over puffing. Most cigar experts will tell you to not puff more than about once a minute (very difficult for me). If you are over puffing you are also making the tobacco way too hot and therefore bitter.
Someone already mentioned the Oliva series, they have some great cigars in small sizes which will only last 20-30 minutes. Also Punch makes a great corona size which I burn through in 30 minutes.
Happy smoking, either way!

[jwhite]

I have always considered pipes to be a leisurely smoke that doesn't take well to being rushed. However many pipe tobaccos withstand relights much better than cigars. Some unscented tobaccos seem to actually improve so you can smoke a while put it down and come back to it later.

[mouscacha]

If you are feeling lightheaded, you may be over puffing. Most cigar experts will tell you to not puff more than about once a minute (very difficult for me). If you are over puffing you are also making the tobacco way too hot and therefore bitter.
Someone already mentioned the Oliva series, they have some great cigars in small sizes which will only last 20-30 minutes. Also Punch makes a great corona size which I burn through in 30 minutes.
Happy smoking, either way!

After reading your post about not wanting to smoke more than 30 minutes, I agree with invizable's recommendation. If you notice that your cigar has a point rather than a round nub, you are definitely puffing on the cigar too much. Relax when you smoke. Enjoy! This is definitely not one of the many pleasures to rush.

[GarageBoy]

Don't smoke the NUB as that is one looong smoke. Try a Davidoff Grand Cru #5

[Leche]

Smoking is all about the enjoyment. If after 30 minutes you are satisfied set the thing down and let it die a peaceful death.

[DarthFlader]

Yep, I agree with Leche. "Proper" cigar etiquette dictates that you let it die after it reaches the half-way point. This, coincidentally, is when I start to tire of most cigars so I toss em out and don't feel bad for doing it. I prefer pipes just cause it doesn't take nearly as long to finish one.

[Wil Dorenbos]

Well, I've been smoking cigars for several years now so "starting out" with a lighter cigar is kinda moot at this point. I don't like macanudos, just bland in my estimation, but I will look into that cuesta rey sounds interesting and Rocky is known as a top quality smoke, so maybe I'll try some of his stuff.

My issue is really the length of time smoking, after 30 mins I get really tired of smoking, which I believe is kinda contrary to the whole exercise.:laugh:

I just can't dedicate that much time to a cigar. Thanks for the suggestions!

Why not take a smaller cigar, like a half-corona, or small corona? They last me about 30 minutes.

[hicksdm]

I switched from cigars to pipes over 2 years ago and have not looked back. Although enjoyed cigars for over 10 years, lonedales mainly, I just took to pipes better. The tobacco flavor profile for pipe tobacco was better for me. I could vary the flavors by changing blends with each bowl, a little harder to do with a cigar. At the end of the day enjoy yourself because if it becomes a hassle or chore the enjoyment part is out the window. That defeats the purpose.

[mouscacha]

"Proper" cigar etiquette dictates that you let it die after it reaches the half-way point.

I must be a rude cigar smoker. I go until the cigar burns my finger.

[Commander Quan]

Yep, I agree with Leche. "Proper" cigar etiquette dictates that you let it die after it reaches the half-way point. This, coincidentally, is when I start to tire of most cigars so I toss em out and don't feel bad for doing it. I prefer pipes just cause it doesn't take nearly as long to finish one.

I always let it go out after half-way point, but never before 3/4 is smoked

[ouch]

I smoked both for years, but for me, pippes have it all over cigars. The amazing array of styles and flavors can't be beat, you can enjoy it several times a day without spending hours at it, and the price can't be compared. For the price of a decent stogie, you can buy a tin of tobacco that may be smoked up to a few dozen times.

There's certainly a place for cigars, but pipes are the top of the smoker's mountain.

[ramon]

I smoke cigars from 12 years old , my grandmother work in a cigar farm winding
she always tell me smoke national cigars only .Am from Puerto Rico in the 1940 cigars was a big industry , but now is not , but still making good cigars

[GarageBoy]

"Proper" cigar etiquette dictates that you let it die after it reaches the half-way point.

Etiquette made up by a man who sold cigars for living...

Smoke em all the way down here, no wasting, especially when some cigars change significantly in the final third

[Belicoso]

I enjoy both. I must point out that the wife and many of my friends prefer the aroma of the pipe.

[mouscacha]

Etiquette made up by a man who sold cigars for living...

Smoke em all the way down here, no wasting, especially when some cigars change significantly in the final third

Love the slurry!

[chickpea]

Ok so I bought a pipe and some Mac Baren Navy Flake today. (yeah, yeah, yeah, I should start with aromatics, blah, blah:tongue_sm)

And I bought a cheap briar non-branded italian pipe at a B&M as I could simply not take myself seriously smoking a corn cob pipe. No offense, I know they seem to be popular, but I just can't do it, my ego won't fit in a corn cob pipe apparently. :lol:

I'll let you guys know my experience on the dark side.

[jwhite]

The navy flake is an excellent, mild side of medium smoke, It is very lightly aromatic but not so much that it gets classified as such. I think it is a fantastic choice to begin with as it burns very well, crumbles and stuffs easily, and has a pleasant room note. I never recommend the Cavendish aromatics for someone to start with. I find many to be goopy, biting messes with little flavor or satisfaction. There are several exceptions of course, but it often takes a little familiarity with the various blending houses to find 'em.

[chickpea]

The navy flake is an excellent, mild side of medium smoke, It is very lightly aromatic but not so much that it gets classified as such. I think it is a fantastic choice to begin with as it burns very well, crumbles and stuffs easily, and has a pleasant room note. I never recommend the Cavendish aromatics for someone to start with. I find many to be goopy, biting messes with little flavor or satisfaction. There are several exceptions of course, but it often takes a little familiarity with the various blending houses to find 'em.

Thanks for the vote of confidence on my first tobacco choice. As an anal retentive, I searched obsessively on http://www.tobaccoreviews.combefore purchasing. I haven't smoked it yet, I will today, but I opened the tin and MAN did that smell wonderful. I know from what I've read that tobacco doesn't always taste as it smells, but that was certainly a wonderful experience nonetheless.

[capkanada]

I smoke my tobacco out of a pipe...when I run out of rolling papers. Though, one thing that I'm really wanting to try is dokha (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dokha). Apparently, there's a fellow (http://medwakh.net) that sells it online, along with the type of pipe that is traditionally used for it called a medwakh. 'Course, I'm a total nicotine fiend, and enjoy my tobacco in all its many forms, including snuff (http://www.toquesnuff.com/), cigarettes, pipes, snus (http://www.buysnus.com) (the real Swedish kind, not that candy-flavored Camel garbage...IMO, its right up there with canned shaving cream...YUK), and the occasional U.S. moist snuff and Red Man chewing tobacco. Anyone else try any of these other varieties? I could go on all day about snuff 'n snus, though. :lol:

[chickpea]

First bowl of Mac Baren. Well I have to say that it wasn't quite that successful, I did keep the bowl lit intermittently for ten minutes at a clip. I REALLY enjoy the smoke though. Much better than any cigar I have had to this point. Well, I guess I am a pipe smoker then.

I tried packing the bowl 1/3 of the way (it's not seasoned yet) in order to build up some cake. So in order to do this, I split a flake in half and tried it out like that. It worked, but not very well. But I am sure that I will eventually get the hang of this and likely the pipe will smoke better once it's seasoned and has some cake built up. All in all a very pleasant experience.

Despite the amused glances from some cigar smokers who were smoking with me.

My impressions were somewhat accurate sticks vs. bowls. Cigars have a certain peppery taste to them that (at least for the one tobacco I tried) didn't have. Definitely going to smoke another bowl this weekend.:w00t:

[Mazeman]

I use the "two finger" rule for cigars; generally smoke down to two finger widths, so not the 'nub", but certainly more than half way. Of course I do break this rule for particularly bad, or good (roach clip?), cigars. I don't know where the "etiquette" of putting them out at the halfway point came from, but I've been smoking for decades, and hadn't heard of it. It would not only waste money, and the second half of a cigar can take on an entirely different character, often better.

The easy answer is to smoke smaller cigars, but I do understand how different sizes of the same cigar can taste different.

Pipes are a different beast, and they require a learning curve, and a bit more patience. I'm relatively new to pipes, but am enjoying the world of flavorful blends available to me. Plus, if you want a shorter smoke, you can use a smaller bowl (or put less in).

[itsjustjim]

I smoke Rothschild sized cigars. Five inches of perfect goodness for a quick smoke. I usually smoke my pipe at work, when I feel the need for a break.

[dpm802]

Try picking up some of the Fuente Hemingway Short Story cigars. They're excellent little things and you should be able to finish one in 30-40 minutes.+1 ... the Short Story is one of my favorites, when I can find one. I think of it as a "Car Cigar," a good smoke that won't get in your way when you're driving.

Other good cigars that come in at under 30 minutes are the Fonseca 2-2, Macanudo Caviar, and Macanudo Court (NOT the Hampton Court,) and Blondee by Drew Estates. Acid Cigars also make some delightful smaller smokes. You'll find most of these at well stocked tobacconists.

If you want a 15 minute smoke that will really knock your socks off, try a Paul Garmirian Bombone. Don't let the diminutive size and quick life-cycle fool you, this a really strong smoke, and not recommended for beginners.

The aerodynamics of a cigar's shape definitely affect the taste. If you like the taste and feel of larger cigars, but don't want to smoke the whole thing, then just smoke as much as you want, put it down, and let it go out. There's no law that says you have to consume the whole thing.

[andrew98]

First bowl of Mac Baren. Well I have to say that it wasn't quite that successful, I did keep the bowl lit intermittently for ten minutes at a clip. I REALLY enjoy the smoke though. Much better than any cigar I have had to this point. Well, I guess I am a pipe smoker then.

I tried packing the bowl 1/3 of the way (it's not seasoned yet) in order to build up some cake. So in order to do this, I split a flake in half and tried it out like that. It worked, but not very well. But I am sure that I will eventually get the hang of this and likely the pipe will smoke better once it's seasoned and has some cake built up. All in all a very pleasant experience.

Despite the amused glances from some cigar smokers who were smoking with me.

My impressions were somewhat accurate sticks vs. bowls. Cigars have a certain peppery taste to them that (at least for the one tobacco I tried) didn't have. Definitely going to smoke another bowl this weekend.:w00t:

If you haven't tried this yet, I'd suggest you rub the flake out a little and let the tobacco dry for half an hour or so on a sheet of paper. You don't want it bone dry, of course, but flakes can be too moist sometimes. I really like Mac B's Navy Flake, btw. Excellent choice. Their vanilla cream is also really nice.

-Andy

[jwhite]

If you haven't tried this yet, I'd suggest you rub the flake out a little and let the tobacco dry for half an hour or so on a sheet of paper. You don't want it bone dry, of course, but flakes can be too moist sometimes. I really like Mac B's Navy Flake, btw. Excellent choice. Their vanilla cream is also really nice.

-Andy

+1 rub out the flake. Then gravity fill by taking a pinch and dropping it in the bowl. Tap your finger on the side of the bowl to settle the tobacco and lightly even it out with your thumb. You want the draw to be easy but not loose so you suck tobacco through the stem.