Pipe tobacco or cigar tobacco: what is the difference?

You might think that the same tobacco is used to roll cigars and to fill a pipe. That is not the case. Here is why these are in fact two different tobaccos.

Cigar tobacco

As you probably already know, the tobacco used for cigars comes from growing areas in Central America (Cuba, the Caribbean, the Dominican Republic), and then in South America (Honduras, Nicaragua and others). Growing methods, rich soil and the climate conditions of these areas shape the aromas and flavours that are obtained.

Tobacco leaves for cigars are picked when ripe, then left to ferment for a long period. They are then rolled whole for premium cigars. For more affordable cigars, chopped tobacco may be used instead.

In every case, cigar tobacco continues to age and its aromatic profile keeps developing over time. Even once rolled, cigars are normally kept at a set temperature and humidity level so that these characteristics are preserved.

Pipe tobacco

Choosing a tobacco pouch to store your tobacco is an effective solution. Already dry, pipe tobacco does not need to be kept at any particular humidity level.

The tobacco used for pipes comes from several growing areas around the world. The two main ones are Turkey and North America. It then falls into two categories: aromatic and non-aromatic. The former tastes sweeter and often has specific flavourings added, such as chocolate, rum, cherry or vanilla. The non-aromatic kind is woodier or earthier.

Pipe tobacco is in fact a blend of different tobaccos, generally Virginia, Cavendish, Latakia, Oriental, Perique and Burley. It is usually less intense and less full-bodied than the tobacco used for cigars.