A New Generation Discovers an Old Ritual

For decades, the pipe rested quietly in the background of tobacco culture, a relic from a slower era when leisure meant something intentional. But in recent years, interest in pipe smoking has quietly begun to climb again. From online communities to film appearances, the pipe is finding new life among smokers who appreciate its artistry and unhurried rhythm.

“The pipe forces you to slow down. It’s an end in itself while you’re smoking it.” — Jon David Cole, The Country Squire

From the Cigar Boom to the Pipe Revival

During the 1990s cigar craze, most tobacconists shifted their focus toward cigars as they became symbols of success and indulgence. Yet The Country Squire in Jackson, Mississippi, remained a rare constant, a dedicated pipe shop that never abandoned its roots.

Tobacconist Jon David Cole, owner of The Country Squire, reflected on this in his conversation with co-host Beau York. “You’ve got small American makers that make just a few at a time and take incredible pride in their work,” Cole said. “And there’s a whole kind of segment of people online that have become pipe and tobacco critics.”

Why the Pipe Fits the Modern Mood

In an age shaped by digital overload and constant noise, pipe smoking offers something tangible and timeless. The process itself, packing the bowl, tending the flame, keeping the ember alive, demands patience and attention.

Cole believes this is exactly why the pipe resonates again today. The act of slowing down, he says, appeals to those searching for substance and reflection in an otherwise fast world.

“You’ve got small American makers that make just a few at a time and take incredible pride in their work.” — Jon David Cole

A Cultural Shift Toward Craft and Permanence

The renewed appreciation for pipes parallels a wider return to craft and tradition. Straight-razor shaving, hand-tied bow ties, small-batch spirits, and the resurgence of handmade goods all reflect a yearning for authenticity.

After the upheavals of the early 2000s, from 9/11 to the financial crash of 2008, many began to seek meaning in rituals that endure. The pipe, with its deliberate pace and craftsmanship, fits that search perfectly.

Blending as a Personal Art

Unlike cigars, which are finished products, pipe tobacco invites creativity. With only a few tins, a smoker can begin experimenting, mixing blends, and crafting a flavor that reflects their own personality.

At The Country Squire, this blending culture thrives. Regulars contribute personal recipes that sometimes become shop staples, transforming pipe smoking into an act of community and creation.

A Return to Reflection

The pipe is more than a pastime. It is a counterbalance to the modern obsession with speed and consumption — a ritual that values patience, precision, and permanence.

In rediscovering the pipe, a new generation of smokers is finding something that never truly left: the quiet satisfaction of craftsmanship and the simple pleasure of slowing down.