As a newbie, I don't really know which tabacco blends to start trying. I don't feel like trying something that is cheap and I don't like, maily because I'm afraid it would turn me off to smoking pipes before I ever gave it a fair chance. That being said, can you guys please give my some suggestions of good Virginians, English and Aromatic?

Thanks,
Lucky

Smoke 'em all! One at a time. Then start over, just to be sure.

tj

Not knowing your taste its hard to say. Here's some of my favorites.
English: GLP Odyssey Esoterica Penzance, Ashton Artisans Blend,C&D Yale Mixture.

Va: GLP Laurel Hgts. McCllelands 5100 or Christmas Cheer. Astleys 109,

Not Va, Not English: GLP Cairo, McClellands Arcadia

The only Aromatic I can smoke is Petersons Gold Blend. But I really haven't tried many 'premium' aros.

Since you're asking, I would recommend that you pass on the aromatic stuff. They have a generic tendency to smoke very hot and very wet. Not to mention that the casings in them tend to be very, very difficult to get rid of once they're in your pipes. If you can't stand not smoking candy, get yourself some of those little cigarillos.

I'm assuming you've read GLP's advice @ http://www.glpease.com/FAQ.html

Happy landings

Yak,

A lot of information in that link. Thank you! I will try to incorporate some of the techniques.

Man, there's a lot to this "pipe smokin' thing," isn't there?


Lucky

Zero,

Thanks a bunch for the invite to the link. I will be taking a lot of notes!



Any other suggestions?



Thanks,
Lucky

When I get asked this question by a novice smoker, my recommendation is usually to get a sampler pack from Cornell&Diehl. They have them available with both 5 and 8 blend assortments. You will get two oz. of each blend (except for tinned and Pease blends, in those cases you get one). It takes that much tobacco to really get a "feel" for a blend. The best way to do this is to call Craig Tarler at 1-800-433-0080 and talk with him. Explain your situation and what you are looking for in a tobacco and he will be able to guide you. He has done this for many new smokers over the years.

Smokey

Smokey made a great suggestion and mentioned sticking to it... that's what really got me excited about pipe smoking. I was looking for something a little more than the aromatics I was smoking. I bought at tin of S&G Full Virginia Flake. The first few smokes were less than satisfying but I kept with it to finish the tin. All of a sudden I was experiencing these marvelous flavors and a real sweetness that lasted through out the bowl unlike the cheap stuff I was smoking. My next tin was Laurel Flake and that was it... I was hooked.

Smokey,

thank you . That is something I will definately try when I put an order in. Sounds like the right thing to do. That's basically how I got started with cigars also.

Thanks guys.


Right now I'm enjoying some "haunted Bookshop" courtesy of Davey. Agreat gentleman! Thank you, Davey!

Lucky

I'd say for a good English blend, you can't go wrong with GLP's Westminster. It's currently my favorite, and it seems to me to be just about right for someone who has never tried an English baccky.

You might also try Squadron Leader.

Mike

Lucky, in my opinion the best tobacco to start trying is FREE tobacco. Accept anything that is offered and give it a try. You might like it at once, or you might like it enough to try something in its family. Or, you may dislike it so much you avoid anything close to it.

There is no better replacement for experience than....errr....experience. Ya just gotta start smoking.

Keep your eyes peeled for a spring boxpass, too. That is a great way to sample new tobaccos. Also, do you have a B&M nearby?

Feel free to PM me with something you might like to try. If I've got it I will send you out at least a couple bowlfuls (bowlsful?)...enough for a couple smokes. Heck, PM me anyway and I'll send you whatever I've got. (Which ain't a lot compared to some of these collectors but that is how I got started and I'm more than glad to pass it on.)

showme