Quote Originally Posted by john51277
I always love to smell the bulk/loose stuff at the B&M when I go.
Well, some bulks are decent, but most stuff in the jars at local B&Ms is highly flavored, aromatic (and often of low quality) tobacco. Nothing wrong with the aromatics; some folks love 'em. I don't particularly care for them. Many of the natural (unflavored) tobaccos are actually somewhat akin to cigar smoking. And, the variety is mind boggling(there are a number of blends containing cigar leaf, even). I started with cigars about 13 years ago, then shortly thereafter picked up the pipe. Did both for a while, quit both for a couple years...then went back to pipes hardcore for the past 3 years or so. Now, I'm diversifying. And loving every minute of it. The cigar market has changed considerably in the years that I've been out of the loop. The pricing for decent cigars is much better (although I've moved near Tampa from TN, so that's a big factor; and the "boom" isn't as big as in the past), and the quality per $ seems much better to me. In any event, I still love the pipe, but am thoroughly enjoying cigars again.