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The beginning of the autumn season marks the end of the harvest of summer, and the transition to winter as nature goes from vibrant life to inevitable decay. Despite how morbid that might sound, we humans have found a way to romanticize and delight in the changing of the seasons, with holidays to look forward to and traditions to fulfill. Personally, I love fall. It's the dawn of much more than simply autumn, with all the cozy sweaters and pumpkin decor that I so adore. It is the dawn of change, and it is the beginning of the holiday season, which truly makes me happy. For the pipe smoker, the dawn of autumn marks the beginning of enjoying seasonal favorites, enjoying crisp patio smokes, and thoughtful contemplation.
Autumn is a time to happily dive into our cellars for matured blends from yesteryear to smoke on the briskest of morning strolls, or the chilliest of autumn evenings. As for blends I'd recommend keeping in your cellar, my ideal smoking suggestions are what one might expect with favorites like Autumn Evening from Cornell & Diehl, as I feel it captures the essence of the season. Autumn's start doubles as Carolina Red Flake season, and with 2025's edition of Carolina Red Flake with Perique available now, I'm confident it'll be a favorite. There's also plenty of Aromatics and Burleys that warm our hearts with depth and tastiness as the cold weather looms, like Bob's Chocolate Flake from Gawith Hoggarth & Co. and the steady companion, Warped's Sarto blend. Stay tuned for my top autumn blends post coming soon.
There are plenty of cigars out there to enjoy this season, such as full-bodied smokes from the likes of Crowned Heads, Arturo Fuente, Liga Privada, and Caldwell. I know my own father is already diving into his autumn stash I sent him recently, packed with the Smokingpipes exclusive La Madrina Lonsdale, Blackbird favorites like the Finch and Cactus Wren, and Coffin Nails from Black Label Trading Company, the latter definitely fitting for the Halloween season.
It would be ignorant to believe everyone is happy that summer is ending, but whatever your preferences and thoughts on summer's end, ready or not, autumn is here. As we enter a new season, it can be overwhelming to consider all that lies ahead, with family obligations, gatherings with friends and friend-of-friends, or even the pressures to create holiday plans when perhaps you'd rather spend those days in your own company where you feel most comfortable. However, I invite you to reflect on the year so far. There's more to be grateful for than we recognize most of the time.
The changing seasons can be a wonderful time to transform your life, in ways that are big or small, and recognize the ever-changing possibilities that await you in every new phase. Happy autumn, and let me be the first to encourage a celebratory smoke of your favorite fall blend or cigar. Let me know in the comments what you're smoking this season.
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Comments
Autumn is a wonderful season, perhaps only for the imagery it conjures up, as here in Southern California it is still hot as blazes. But the nights are getting cooler, and that is an invitation to crack another tin of Carolina Red Flake. I also enjoy G&H Bosun Cut Plug as the weather cools. And of course, autumn is perfect for those Virginia Oriental blends that have been waiting patiently to be enjoyed.