An overview of the tradition
Pipe smoking is a centuries-old tradition enjoyed by people around the world. The practice of smoking tobacco in a pipe originated in the Americas and was later adopted by European colonizers. It has since become a part of many cultures and has been associated with various traditions and rituals.
In many cultures, pipe smoking is viewed as a form of relaxation and a way to unwind after a long day. The slow, deliberate process of packing and lighting a pipe, and the rhythmic puffing, can be a meditative experience. Pipe smoking is also associated with intellectualism and reflection, as many writers, poets, and thinkers have been known to enjoy smoking pipes while contemplating their thoughts.
According to the Catholic Gentleman’s site, there have been several famous Catholic pipe smokers. G.K. Chesterton, Pope St. Pius X, Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, Evelyn Waugh, J.R.R. Tolkien, Hilaire Belloc, and St. Damian of Molokai are just some of the famous Catholic smokers. If you take up smoking, you’re in good company.
The experience
Smoking has obviously, and well-deservedly, obtained a black eye for its health impacts; however, like alcohol, processed food, sugar, etc., if used in moderation, pipe smoking is an enjoyable activity that is pleasant and meditative. Temperance is key.
I can smoke a pipe periodically and go for long periods without it. I’ve never found myself in a position of being addicted to it although I’m sure it’s possible.
I tried cigarettes years ago while in the Air Force and found them awful. The clove Djarums had some appeal but only because the paper tasted like cinnamon and the room note was lovely.
Pipe tobacco, however, is a singularly pleasing medium and there are hundreds, if not thousands, of varieties. Like with a good whisky, it is an acquired taste and I would recommend an English variety. It can be hard to start with an English right out of the gate but once you acquire a taste for it, it’s sublime.
There are tobaccos known for their room note, i.e., how they smell to others, also called an “aromatic.” And tobaccos known for how they relate to the one that is smoking. I started out with Captain Black which is ubiquitous. It’s kind of like smoking a marshmallow but it always holds a close place in my heart as my dad smoked it years ago and it was my introductory tobacco.
I have since moved on to English tobaccos such as Squadron Leader and most anything by Peterson. If you have someone you live with – a wife, roommate, cellmate, whatever – they will hate you for smoking this but the English tobaccos are, in my opinion, one of the highlights of living on this Earth.
Accoutrement
There is a great article at The Catholic Gentleman that provides a good overview of pipes and tobacco that I will refer you to here for general information about different pipe materials, tobaccos, etc. What follows are my preferences.
My go to shop for tobacco is Pipes and Cigars. (This is not a paid endorsement. I simply have had consistently great experiences with them and their stock is good) but if you have a local tobacconist, then it might be good to shop local and they can provide some advice.
Briar pipes are a standard, and I have a few, but I find myself gravitating to corncob pipes. Some view these as an accessory for hillbillys and other uncouth folk (of which I likely qualify), but I find them to be a consistently great choice. They don’t require much of a break-in period and they are very affordable. I also like that they scream “I’m from Missouri and I don’t care!” because it’s true.
Missouri Meerschaums
Just up the road, so to speak, is the Missouri Meerschaum corncob pipe factory in Washington, MO. They are the oldest manufacturer of corncob pipes with a history going back to 1869. Missouri Meerschaum is a brand of smoking pipes that has been popular for generations. Made from high-quality corncobs, these pipes have a unique look and feel that has made them a favorite among smokers for decades.
Missouri Meerschaum makes their pipes from corncobs they grow, harvest, and process in the United States. They select their cobs for their quality and density before carving them into various shapes and designs to create smoking pipes. The porous nature of corncobs means they absorb moisture and provide a cool smoke, making them ideal for smoking.
I typically get their multi-pack of rejects which smoke just fine but may have some cosmetic issues here and there. They also have some higher dollar pipes that I imagine smoke wonderfully also.
There are affordable briar pipes also which would work equally as well but I find some satisfaction in keeping my money relatively local.
Whichever you choose, it’s good to have several on hand to rotate through. Pipes need to “rest” between smokes (although cob pipes are slightly more forgiving).
Conclusion
Pipe smoking has a rich cultural history and is enjoyed as a form of relaxation and contemplation for some individuals. There is a rich sense of tradition and ritual, and many people find pleasure in selecting and smoking different blends of tobacco. Likewise, you can join a long standing Catholic tradition of other pipe smokers. As Chesterton once said, so it must be true, “In Catholicism, the Pint, the Pipe and the Cross can all fit together.”