[GAW]

Well this pipe smoking thing is pretty subjective but my take is that certain briars- and having little to do with how expensive they were-seem to develop an affinity for particular blends.This is just an aspect of pipe smoking that you sort of discover a few bowls at a time. It will begin to seem to you that a particular pipe adds its own character to a blend - especially if its one you favor and smoke regularly.Cobs and Meerschaums are more transparent and that can be an asset depending on your tastes and experience. I really like the way Cobs smoke and though I have had a few Meerschaums they nrver really did it for me,particularly with VaPer's - they accentuated the Perique - but some might think that to be desirable.I always seek balance in a combination of pipe and blend- I want to taste all the flavors distinctly but also as an integrated whole.For me briar accomplished this more often - they just sing a sweeter tune.As in music its the harmony that makes the melody soar! Jerry