Corn Cobs
They originate in the USA, where they are called “Corn Cob”. The
Missouri Meerschaum Company has been manufacturing corncob
pipes since 1869 and is the absolute global market leader in this
segment with a production of around
5,000 pipes every day.
The corn has been bred over the decades
specifically for the construction of pipes.
The Missouri Meerschaum Company sows
and harvests the corn entirely itself. The
harvested cobs are sorted and stored for
drying for approximately 2 years. This is
then followed by cutting, sandblasting and grinding if necessary, as
well as drilling.
The corn becomes really easy to smoke by sealing it with a special
plaster compound. Finally, the handlebar and mouthpiece are
attached.
The appearance of the plaster mass is somewhat reminiscent of
meerschaum, which is where the name of the company comes from.
The smoking properties are also similar to meerschaum. But more
on that later.
In addition to the price, the corn cob pipe has many other positive
properties. The first fillings usually taste like popcorn, but this goes
away and the tobacco can be enjoyed with a very neutral taste. The
tobacco can be smoked cool and easily and the corn does not
absorb the taste of the tobacco as quickly as briar - the so-called
cross-over. This allows different tobaccos to be smoked one after the
other in the same pipe. In addition, the pipe does not have to rest for
so long between fillings. Only meerschaum has similar smoking
properties.
The pipes are pleasantly light and can be easily held with your teeth.
The manufacturing process is now so good
that a corn cob pipe is extremely robust
and durable. If handled correctly, a corn
cob pipe will last years or even decades
with regular use.
A Corn Cob is anything but a disposable
pipe, but rather a practical smoking device
for carefree tobacco enjoyment.
To feel like Popeye or Huckleberry Finn, you won't be able to avoid
buying a corncob pipe.