If you are just getting into pipe tobacco, there\u2019s a whole world of flavours, styles and choices waiting for you.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s a bit like choosing a favourite wine or finding the best craft beer.<\/p>\n
Pipe smoking has been traditionally seen as a fine art best suited for skilled and experienced gentlemen.<\/p>\n
But there isn\u2019t much to it. You just need to know about the different types of pipe tobacco and learn how to pack a pipe.<\/p>\n
While both types of tobacco carry most of the same health risks, cigarettes are the worse of the two.<\/p>\n
They have a higher chemical content. Furthermore, the smoke from a cigarette is inhaled more effectively into the body.<\/p>\n
Cigarettes produce a stronger \u2018high\u2019 and are more addictive.<\/p>\n
Pipe tobacco is made from leaves that have been heated and burned. Other than the flavours, there are no chemicals added.<\/p>\n
The more natural makeup of pipe tobacco makes it less harmful. There\u2019s very little chemical content and less nicotine gets into the body.<\/p>\n
Most people who smoke pipes don\u2019t do it for the high. It\u2019s a way to relax and decompress after a long day.<\/p>\n
Unlike cigarettes, you don\u2019t feel the need to chain-smoke pipes all day long.<\/p>\n
Virtually all pipe tobacco is a blend of tobaccos hailing from different places around the world.<\/p>\n
Mixing tobaccos allows manufacturers to produce a specific flavour, taste, burn rate and overall feel.<\/p>\n
Some blends are earthy and spicy and others are light and mild. Some are slow burners while others burn fast.<\/p>\n
Pipe tobacco also contains added flavours to enhance the taste and smell of the tobacco or to balance a too-strong flavour.<\/p>\n
There are two basic types of pipe tobacco: aromatics and non-aromatics.<\/p>\n
Aromatics have a strong aromatic flavour complementing the natural tobacco scents and tastes. Many aromatic brands use fruity aromas like cherries.<\/p>\n
You\u2019ll also find pipe tobaccos enhanced with liquor.<\/p>\n
Aromatics are great for those who are starting out and would prefer something with a milder tobacco flavour.<\/p>\n
But if you\u2019d like to jump right into the deep end, look for a non-aromatic pipe tobacco.<\/p>\n
Most non-aromatic tobaccos still contain some complimentary flavour additions but the taste and smell of tobacco is more apparent.<\/p>\n
Beyond these two types, there are many individual varieties of pipe tobaccos made from specific types of tobacco leaves.<\/p>\n
Some popular varieties include Virginia, Cavendish (a sweet blend of several leaves), Orientals, Latakia Danish Gold and Burley.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s hard to describe a wine to someone. They have to drink it to really know its flavour profile. In any case, they might perceive it differently from you.<\/p>\n
The same is true for pipe tobacco.<\/p>\n
We can describe the flavours and tastes of different varieties but ultimately, you need to experience them for yourself to find out which one you love.<\/p>\n
I highly recommend a visit to a tobacco shop. Smell the varieties they have on hand and ask as many questions as you need.<\/p>\n
The tobacconist will do a much better job describing the experience of different types of tobacco and help you find the best one for you.<\/p>\n