A dear friend, bowl filled and ready to go
Posted by: Mr. Wilcox
I understand that it’s not politically correct these days to praise the joys of tobacco, but as young men/women, I am sure that we have all acknowledged that puffing on a cigarette was cool.
Why wouldn’t we? Just about every icon we’ve ever associated with the word has been seen at sometime or other donning the final piece of the ‘illusive’ puzzle.

No doubt we have also entered or considered, the slightly more ‘aspirational’ world of cigars. Churchill, Schwarzenegger, Nicholson and Stallone (Mr. and Mrs.) all made it a symbol of strength, power and leadership, but now gentlemen, I ask you this. What has become of the pipe? The ‘original’ tobacco users choice, could it be time for the pipe to become cool again?


The wild ones?

Here’s how to become a pipe smoker.

1. Acquire your pipe. Not as easy as it sounds. Have a look on ebay, it’s a daunting world and not inexpensive, but go for something classical (eventually you will have a collection). I bought this vintage Dunhill Root Briar (pictured above) for about $140, but you should be prepared to go up to about $250. There’s no point getting one from the bodega for $25, it will do the experience no favors.

2. Visit a tobacco store and ask for some advice and samples (this is not a world where you you will be ‘short-changed’ on service). They vary enormously and there is no right or wrong, you simply have to experiment as you would with a wine or whisky to find your ideal companion.
I personally have become quite taken with a tobacco called ‘Esoterica Penzance’, it has a damp, woody, aromatic sweetness with a hint of chicory. Even my wife approves.

3. Now that you have your pipe and your ‘baccy’ I suggest finding a companion who wishes to join you in the ‘new world’. It’s so much more pleasurable than doing it alone.
I was lucky enough to be ‘shown-the-ropes’ by a veteran pipe smoker, Mr. Kreitman  (shown above on the right, sitting on his ‘66 Puch).
Within moments the conversation will flow as easily as the smoke bellows and an instant bond will have been made, not just between the two of you, but also between you and your pipe.

Before you now it, onlookers and friends alike will be drawn to the karma being witnessed.

This bringing together of minds and pipes is affectionately known on my street as ‘Pipe Club’.
I’m not sure it’s considered ‘cool’, but that’s not really the point. It’s about enjoying a forgotten pastime and in my book, that is rebellious.

Mr. Wilcox


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