New Pipe Smoker With A Question? Ask an Old Fart

[MarkinAZ]

^^^^ +1

In addition to Todds comment, I would also suggest getting together with your "Pastor" for a session or two to show you. Who knows, it may develop into a regular session of pipe tobacco learning for you...:D

[WhiteMamba]

Thanks Rev. I hope to see you in January at symposia. It will be great to get together and smoke.

Mark I would do that but it is so cold here now that it would hardly be bearable.

[Bubbleheaddiver]

keep smoking it gets easier

[WhiteMamba]

Thanks guys for the help dried out some tobacco and smoked it today. It made a huge difference. Easily the most pleasant pipe smoking experience I have had yet.

[ksknnr]

another newbie question here..... Just started with pipe smoking and a bunch of great guys bombed me with some tobacco, and I bought a few tins/pouches myself. Right now I have about a dozen zip-lock bags, a few pouches and a couple tins. I have them in a 50 count desktop with no humidification. Is this OK, Should I add humidification?

[Zanaspus]

another newbie question here..... Just started with pipe smoking and a bunch of great guys bombed me with some tobacco, and I bought a few tins/pouches myself. Right now I have about a dozen zip-lock bags, a few pouches and a couple tins. I have them in a 50 count desktop with no humidification. Is this OK, Should I add humidification?

It's fine without humidification. I tend to prefer most baccy's drier than the package anyway.

[ApexAZ]

Thanks guys for the help dried out some tobacco and smoked it today. It made a huge difference. Easily the most pleasant pipe smoking experience I have had yet.

Nice!

[Subvet642]

This may seem somewhat random, but is there a quick rule-of-thumb as to what kind of tobacco in what kind of bowl. Ferinstance: I've heard that straight VA's are best in a wide bowl like a pot because the wide surface area burns more tobacco concurrently, imparting more flavor.

[CoffeeWaterBeer]

Can't say I've seen a quick easy to remember method but if you check tobaccoreviews, you will see many post the effects of different pipes with your choice leaf. Seems to me, and I'm no expert, that there are too many variables and personal preferences to make a concrete rule of thumb.

[Subvet642]

Can't say I've seen a quick easy to remember method but if you check tobaccoreviews, you will see many post the effects of different pipes with your choice leaf. Seems to me, and I'm no expert, that there are too many variables and personal preferences to make a concrete rule of thumb.

That's kinda where I got the notion, but that's pretty much what I figured. Thanks!

[RevSmoke]

This may seem somewhat random, but is there a quick rule-of-thumb as to what kind of tobacco in what kind of bowl. Ferinstance: I've heard that straight VA's are best in a wide bowl like a pot because the wide surface area burns more tobacco concurrently, imparting more flavor.

And if there is something that I have heard for years is that VAs like small narrow bowls.

Here's the rule of thumb, try your tobaccos in different size bowls and see which ones smoke best of you, for ultimately, you need to satisfy your palate. Personally, I have found that I like my VAs in many sizes of bowls, and more often than not, the choice is made by asking, "what pipe do I want to smoke today?"

Peace of the Lord be with you.

[Subvet642]

And if there is something that I have heard for years is that VAs like small narrow bowls.

Here's the rule of thumb, try your tobaccos in different size bowls and see which ones smoke best of you, for ultimately, you need to satisfy your palate. Personally, I have found that I like my VAs in many sizes of bowls, and more often than not, the choice is made by asking, "what pipe do I want to smoke today?"

Peace of the Lord be with you.

I must have had it backwards, thanks. I got thinking about this because I smoked some Barbary Coast in my new Viking pot and it was flat and boring.

[Subvet642]

Hey Rev, thanks for the advice; I smoked some Peacehaven in a small Ropp Strawberry and it was excellent!

On another note: I was wondering...is acrylic heavier than ebonite? I like to clench and have been conscious of weight recently but I like the durability of acrylic.

[WhiteMamba]

Today my pastor friend who started me down this slope as I have mentioned elsewhere has surprised me with a gift. A brand new Peterson System pipe. He noticed that I appreciated the Grabow and Cob he had given me to start off with and he said it was time for me to step my game up.
http://i1145.photobucket.com/albums/o511/Dmdaniels45/3A0AE5EA-290A-46EC-9BF8-A0E82A8EA0EF_zps72dgaznc.jpg (http://s1145.photobucket.com/user/Dmdaniels45/media/3A0AE5EA-290A-46EC-9BF8-A0E82A8EA0EF_zps72dgaznc.jpg.html)

Any advice on breaking this in or maintaining it would be appreciated. My friend hasn't had time to smoke with me much and recommended that I just check on the internet for breaking in and what not. I know the recommendation is usually start with a half a bowl but I was curious if this one calls for anything different.

[The.Sheepdog]

nice!

[RevSmoke]

Today my pastor friend who started me down this slope as I have mentioned elsewhere has surprised me with a gift. A brand new Peterson System pipe. He noticed that I appreciated the Grabow and Cob he had given me to start off with and he said it was time for me to step my game up.
http://i1145.photobucket.com/albums/o511/Dmdaniels45/3A0AE5EA-290A-46EC-9BF8-A0E82A8EA0EF_zps72dgaznc.jpg (http://s1145.photobucket.com/user/Dmdaniels45/media/3A0AE5EA-290A-46EC-9BF8-A0E82A8EA0EF_zps72dgaznc.jpg.html)

Any advice on breaking this in or maintaining it would be appreciated. My friend hasn't had time to smoke with me much and recommended that I just check on the internet for breaking in and what not. I know the recommendation is usually start with a half a bowl but I was curious if this one calls for anything different.

The reason for starting with 1/2 a bowl is so that you smoke the bowl all the way to the bottom so that you get a good cake on the bottom half of the bowl. What a bunch of hoooey! Fill the bowl and smoke it - just make sure you smoke it to the bottom

How do you break in a pipe? Smoke it!

So, smoke it!

Peace of the Lord be with you.

[WhiteMamba]

Thanks Rev that's what I was thinking. Any special maintenance for a system pipe as opposed to a regular pipe?

[gravel]

Thanks Rev that's what I was thinking. Any special maintenance for a system pipe as opposed to a regular pipe?

The great thing about your pipe is you can clean it immediately after smoking. A military bit allows you to remove the stem while the pipe is still warm.

When I smoke my system pipe I take a paper towel, twist up one end, and clean out the sump. A pipe cleaner will help you clean the stem and the draft hole into the bowl.

A soft cloth to wipe the outside and you are good.

[RevSmoke]

The great thing about your pipe is you can clean it immediately after smoking. A military bit allows you to remove the stem while the pipe is still warm.

When I smoke my system pipe I take a paper towel, twist up one end, and clean out the sump. A pipe cleaner will help you clean the stem and the draft hole into the bowl.

A soft cloth to wipe the outside and you are good.

While a military bit "allows" you to remove the stem, it is still a good practice not to - just for the sake of repetition breeds practice that carries over sometimes to how you treat other pipes.

Peace of the Lord be with you.

[WhiteMamba]

So typically I shouldn't remove the stem immediately after smoking?

[nutcracker]

I'm a lazy SOB and will usually wait until I have 3 or 4 to clean, then do a batch. Sort of an early morning ritual sitting in my office (where I am not allowed to smoke, but can still enjoy my pipes - cleaning and polishing away.)

[gravel]

So typically I shouldn't remove the stem immediately after smoking?
No. Let your pipe cool first. That system pipe is designed to allow for removal while warm, but if you have no need to do so, it's best to let it cool.

[gravel]

I'm a lazy SOB and will usually wait until I have 3 or 4 to clean, then do a batch. Sort of an early morning ritual sitting in my office (where I am not allowed to smoke, but can still enjoy my pipes - cleaning and polishing away.)
That's generally true for me. I often will run a cleaner and wipe the bowl and call it good. I've become less intensive in my cleaning.

[CoffeeWaterBeer]

I've got one for you guys. How thoroughly do you clean your cobs? Specifically the area at the bottom of the bowl between the wall of the bowl and the outer part of the stem. Most cons have 2 deep little pockets due to the stem coming into the chamber.

I'm not too particular usually but have been considering getting a poker and digging out some of that gooey funk.
How about you?

[timj219]

I've got one for you guys. How thoroughly do you clean your cobs? Specifically the area at the bottom of the bowl between the wall of the bowl and the outer part of the stem. Most cons have 2 deep little pockets due to the stem coming into the chamber.

I'm not too particular usually but have been considering getting a poker and digging out some of that gooey funk.
How about you?
I leave it alone. I think it forms a new raised bottom for the pipe which will prevent the bottom from burning out. Cobs are all I smoke these days and it's never given me any problem. The low maintenance is one of the things I love about them.

[Slow Triathlete]

Yeah....just leave it alone. It adds to the seasoning.

[MarkinAZ]

...what Tim and Scott sayz:pi

[JohnnyFlake]

As has been said, just leave it alone. In time, it will form a cake along the bottom and that will help to keep the bottom from burning out too quickly!

[CoffeeWaterBeer]

I'll leave it be, appreciate the feedback fellas.

I think I do want to grab a couple more cobs though so they get a little more dry time. I have a tendency to hand mine out to potential converts.

[MarkinAZ]

I'll leave it be, appreciate the feedback fellas.

I think I do want to grab a couple more cobs though so they get a little more dry time. I have a tendency to hand mine out to potential converts.

I do know that if your local B&M do not carry cobs Seth, that Walgreens does carry the MM Legend and Mark Twain. Some carry only the Legend and some carry both...

[CoffeeWaterBeer]

Our local drug stores have gone to the birds. I'll just tack a couple on my next smokingpipes order :)

[WhiteMamba]

Anyone ever use gqtobaccos.com ? I am looking at pipes and they seem to have pretty competitive prices. Any other recommendations are helpful. I have become quite fond of Petersons.

[CoffeeWaterBeer]

They don't ship to US. Glynn's blends are very tasty though. :)

[WhiteMamba]

Theyre site says they do. Have you looked recently?

[CoffeeWaterBeer]

I apologize. I just re-checked it and it specifies no tobacco shipped to US, nothing about actual pipes.

Having been under a false assumption for so long, I haven't given the pipe selection a good look until now. Prices are VERY reasonable even with overseas shipping. Color me happily incorrect :)

[WhiteMamba]

Haha glad I could help a brother out:tu I am curious why their prices seem to be so much better than smokingpipes or pipesandcigars. those are the main two I look at.

[CoffeeWaterBeer]

Seems too good to be true doesn't it? I don't mean that to question the reputation of GQ, they're most definitely legitimate.

[WhiteMamba]

Seems too good to be true doesn't it? I don't mean that to question the reputation of GQ, they're most definitely legitimate.

I was curious if these were actually estate pipes or something and I missed it in the fine print. I have a few weeks/months to save up before I can afford a new pipe. If you get anything let me know how it all worked out.

[RJrocker]

What makes a pipe an "Estate Pipe"? What does this mean and how it is different from any other pipe?

TIA

[CoffeeWaterBeer]

It generally just means previously owned. "Used" doesn't sound as sophisticated ;)

[RJrocker]

It generally just means previously owned. "Used" doesn't sound as sophisticated ;)

Thank you, Seth.

[Django]

Ok, here is a quick question:
What does "OTC" stand for (relating to pipe tobacco). I read the term in one of the older threads in the pipe discussion section.

[MarkinAZ]

Ok, here is a quick question:
What does "OTC" stand for (relating to pipe tobacco). I read the term in one of the older threads in the pipe discussion section.

OTC is Over The Counter as it relates to pipe tobacco products, and will be referring to brands such as Carter Hall, Captain Black, Half and Half, Granger, and so forth (brands that you find behind the counter at Walgreens, Rite Aid, the grocery store, etc)...

[mahtofire14]

I have decided that the majority of smoking I'm going to be doing will be shifting more towards pipe smoking. After ten years of mostly cigars my tastes have really started enjoying the subtle flavor a of pipe tobacco. I have a decent amount of pipe tobacco but it isn't all in sealed tins. Some are in ziploc baggies. Is there any way to save this or is it pretty much a lost cause now? And does flake last longer in unsatisfactory conditions than regular tobacco? Thanks for the help.

[WhiteMamba]

I put all my tobacco in mason jars. It works for me.

[mahtofire14]

Yes. My main question is will my tobacco that isn't in tins or jars be smokeable or is there a way to save it if it isn't.

[WhiteMamba]

Sorry I didn't understand your question at first. I have had success with small boveda packs and the little water pillow things. :2

[MarkinAZ]

I have decided that the majority of smoking I'm going to be doing will be shifting more towards pipe smoking. I have a decent amount of pipe tobacco but it isn't all in sealed tins. Some are in ziploc baggies. Is there any way to save this or is it pretty much a lost cause now? And does flake last longer in unsatisfactory conditions than regular tobacco? Thanks for the help.

Hey Pete, great to see you back on the forum, and congratulations on becoming a piper:tu

I think over a period of time, after purchasing samplers online or the same from your local B&M, we end up with a few bags of loose tobacco or flakes. Zip lock baggies aren't the best for holding air out or humidity and temperature inside. So, eventually, the pipe tobacco will dry out on you. The same goes for tins. They don't have the best of seals (well, some are better than others, but may tend to dry out your tobacco over a period of time).

If you're thinking about hanging-on to some of your pipe tobacco from plastic bags or tins, you can always take that first step and hydrate your pipe tobacco. Its easy and simple. Take a small glass or Rubbermaid type bowl and place your pipe tobacco inside. Next, take a washcloth or similar type of cloth, hold it under some hot water until soaked, drain a little water from the cloth, open the cloth out fully, and place it flat over the bowl containing your pipe tobacco. If you're doing this during the weekend, you can check your pipe tobacco every 4 to 5 hours for moisture absorption. If you feel it could use a bit more moisture, mix the pipe tobacco gently and re-soak your cloth again, slightly drain once again, and fully open and place the cloth over the bowl for another 4 to 5 hours. Repeat until you're satisfied with the moisture level of your pipe tobacco. If you're performing this task during the work week, I just soak the cloth, place it over the bowl, and let it sit for 12 hours. I check it a few hours after I return home from work, and sometimes, we're good. Other times, I re-soak and let it ride another 12 hours. You just need to play around with this and dial it in for your own needs.

So, what to do now with your newly hydrated pipe tobacco. Like WhiteMamba, I use Kerr 1 pint wide-mouth jars for all of my bulk purchases and/or tin/plastic bag remainders. If your pipe tobacco has moisture, it will hold for quite some time in a Kerr or Mason type of jar. There are many pipers that use glass jars for long term storage of their pipe tobacco. You can slap a label on the jar with the name of the pipe tobacco and date, and pack it away, to be open at some future date in time aged. This is not to say though, that a Kerr or Mason jar "will not" leak. You just want to make sure you place the top on just right prior to screwing it down. To date, I've yet to have an air leak situation with these jars.

Finally, you don't have to use 1 pint jars exactly. I use these because they hold 4 oz of loose and flake tobacco nicely inside. There are larger glass jars that I'm sure will hold an easy 8oz (if you wanted to break-up that 1 pound of pipe tobacco you recently purchased), or you may want to go with a smaller wide mouth jar just to handle the amount usually found in a tin (which is generally 1.75 oz or 50 g).

And, does flake last longer in unfavorable conditions than regular tobacco (I would think this constitutes ribbon cut, rough cut, etc)??? Since flake is sliced from a tobacco blend that has been pressed together for a long period of time, I would say yes, due to its density from being pressed together. Regular tobacco is thin with many open spaces where air can easily get to all of the moisture and oils, and I would think, dry it out quicker than a blend of tobacco's that have been pressed. At least, this is my thought on the question.

Hope this helps you out a bit Pete:pi

[mahtofire14]

Thanks guys. A lot of good info here. I've got an order coming in the next couple days and will start using jars with my new stuff and hopefully rehydrate the old. Got a nice sample pack from one of the guys on here a while back.

[AdamJoshua]

Hey guys, my name is Adam *waits for hi adam* and I will be getting my first pipe in just a couple days, I am actually pretty excited to delve into the world of pipes and puffing.

One thing I have been looking for is a pipe tobacco flavor wheel, does such a thing exist?

thanks,
newb

[mhailey]

Adam,

This link (https://thepipesmoker.wordpress.com/tobaccos/) has good descriptions of the various tobaccos used in pipe blends as well as the various cuts of tobacco (flake, shag, plug, ...).

When you hear "English blend" it is not aromatic, and has latakia as a main "flavor" of the blend.

VaPer is a mixture of Virginias and Perique (I like these blends. peppery).

Aromatics can taste like anything (maple pancakes, rum, berries, ...).

OTC blends are great go-to blends for everyday smoking. (Prince Albert, Captain Black, Half and Half ...) They are typically Burley blends (which go great with a cup of coffee).

[CoffeeWaterBeer]

Not to my knowledge Adam. What many find helpful is tobaccoreviews.com. Granted you need to take the reviews with a grain of salt (this is the internet so that goes without saying). Sample as much as you can to roughly shape out what you like, then find reviewers that seem to have similar tastes so you have something you can at least rely on a bit. Another thing is to PM me your address and taste whatever shows up on your doorstep. :)

Edit: Good info from Matt. Keep in mind not all Englishes are full on campfire smoke bombs, there's a lot of play between different blends. Add to that the smoke qualities of a blend in pipes of different shapes/sizes. There's a lot of room to play around and hone in what works best for you.

[AdamJoshua]

Thanks Matt and Seth, I was looking at that site and I think just knowing the basics as you listed them is a great start, I've read so many threads here that I've already forgotten half of what I read. :lr

Well with Steve's bomb I think I have about 30 different blends and tobaccos to try :lr

[mahtofire14]

I've got my tobacco rehumidifying now thanks to your advice guys. Realized I had a lot more than I knew I had. I got 12 samples of various well known tobacco from a noob PIF pass I received a while back on here. Some real nice 5-6 oz samples. Got jars for those as well as pint jars for the couple other tins I have. Also have an order coming in Friday. Can't wait to start trying these again. The lakes are just about frozen over so I will be sampling these while out ice fishing. Thanks for the help getting me back on track guys!

[mahtofire14]

I've got my tobacco rehumidifying now thanks to your advice guys. Realized I had a lot more than I knew I had. I got 12 samples of various well known tobacco from a noob PIF pass I received a while back on here. Some real nice 5-6 oz samples. Got jars for those as well as pint jars for the couple other tins I have. Also have an order coming in Friday. Can't wait to start trying these again. The lakes are just about frozen over so I will be sampling these while out ice fishing. Thanks for the help getting me back on track guys!

My noobness shining through. I believe the sample I received are more like an A half oz or so. Still a nice start.

[AdamJoshua]

Well I should have watched the videos of loading the bowl, the false light, the tamp ... didn't though, first bowl was kind of a fail, I used some Entertainer ribbon cut that I got at the local shop, kept going out of course and did not take long to burn through it, seems I put about 1/3 of what I should have put and it wasn't loaded down enough. Now I know though :tu :lr

Ok question, I got some tobacco at the B & M and it's at a certain moisture level, some of the samples that Steve blasted me with are all over the moisture spectrum, do you smoke different mixes at different humidity levels or is it like cigars you find a level that works for you and you smoke all of your tobaccos at that same humidity level?

[mahtofire14]

Don't get discouraged. It will get better with practice. I have a lot of work to do on my loading skills as well. I have found many helpful videos online where a guy goes step by step loading the pipe and lighting it.

[AdamJoshua]

Yah Pete, that's what I've been watching and not discouraged at all, I kind of think the learning is all part of the fun.

[mahtofire14]

Yah Pete, that's what I've been watching and not discouraged at all, I kind of think the learning is all part of the fun.

100% agree. Much like cutting and lighting a cigar for the first few times.

[CoffeeWaterBeer]

To answer your moisture question, you will acquire a feel for what's too wet/dry. Some blends are purposefully left drier (a few Pease blends come to mind) while others will need an hour or more sitting out to dry to an acceptable burn level ( certain flakes taking longer due to the density of the compressed leaf) . With cigars we have the luxury of finding our preferred Rh and getting beads that keep our sticks at that level. With pipe tobacco, unless you rotate a small digi hygrometer between your jarred blends, you will have to learn to eyeball what works. Once jarred though, you wont have to worry about "upkeep". I use half pint jars and never do they dry out if kept sealed.

I hope that answered your question, please let em know if I danced around it and missed what you're looking for.

[stevieray]

Well I should have watched the videos of loading the bowl, the false light, the tamp ... didn't though, first bowl was kind of a fail, I used some Entertainer ribbon cut that I got at the local shop, kept going out of course and did not take long to burn through it, seems I put about 1/3 of what I should have put and it wasn't loaded down enough. Now I know though :tu :lr

Ok question, I got some tobacco at the B & M and it's at a certain moisture level, some of the samples that Steve blasted me with are all over the moisture spectrum, do you smoke different mixes at different humidity levels or is it like cigars you find a level that works for you and you smoke all of your tobaccos at that same humidity level?

As a general rule for me and personal preference, I like to dry out my pipe tobacco on a paper plate for 30 minutes or longer before filling the pipe. Aromatics and other baccy that have been topped or cased tend to be more wet. Higher moisture content leads to moisture in the bowl and "gurgle" when heated along with the need for several relights while smoking. Most of the tobacco I sent you has been resting in my cellar in mason jars for over 2 years. Some however, like the Balkan Sobranie and Germain's Special Latakia Flake, were fresh out of the tin. While they are not aro's, baccy right out of the tin tends to be wet and needs a little drying time. The Devil's Holiday aromatic has been in a mason jar for almost 2 years and was left open to dry for a while before cellaring and it's still wet. Pipe tobacco moisture content preference is just something you kind of figure out and get a feel for as you go along with trial and error. Good luck, and remember...don't pack the pipe...just fill it. :pi

P.S. Look up the "Frank Method" of filling a pipe on youtube. It helped me out when I first started off. :tu

[AdamJoshua]

Nope, thanks Seth!

[mahtofire14]

Guys last night I rehydrated my tobacco and just got home after working a 16 hr double, to find some nice soft, velvety tobacco. The wet towel method worked great! I let it sit out for a bit just in case they were too wet and have jarred it up. Feel like I almost know what I'm doing! Can't wait to pack a bowl later tonight.
http://rs262.pbsrc.com/albums/ii91/drscholl14/22A146F6-E115-4E86-A64C-F95D871B6C20_zps14enlo1b.jpg?w=480&h=480&fit=clip

[AdamJoshua]

Tobacco Q: So I'm probably being paranoid over what to smoke in what pipe, but I read that aromatics and briar don't mix well (at least some people's opinions) that they can take on too much of the flavoring. I am looking up some of the tobaccos on http://www.tobaccoreviews.com and one of the categories is "Flavoring" if it's not an aromatic then there would be no favoring listed correct?


Edit : Never mind I see the Blend Type parameter.

[mahtofire14]

This may be a dumb question but I'm looking at ordering new stems for a couple of estate pipes that I can't seem to improve. How do you go about measuring these so you know that they will fit. Also I would like to get the same stems so would I go through the manufacturer of the pipe to get these?

[Bax]

My old man just passed on a pipe that he received from my grandmother about 30 years ago. Thus begins my journey down the piping road. I would like to know any suggestions for some tobacco. I've been a cigar smoker for years but have never tried a pipe. Any places online you'd recommend for some samplers would be much appreciated.

[Havanaaddict]

Ok I am thinking about dipping my toe into the pipe smoking world. I am a CC only smoker and LOVE them but with the way prices are going I am thinking of adding in a pipe. I know I am going to have to slow way down, I smoke a Robusto in 30 min. The question I have is if I pick up a pipe if I start with trying Aromatics tobacco in the pipe do I need to stay with Aromatics in that pipe.?

I tend to have a sweet tooth, I like sweet & rich flavors.
I do like Punch and Cohiba cigars (the vanilla & citrus) CCs

I may end up realizing that I like Non - Aromatics

[markem]

I suggest that you start with a straight virginia. Virginia is a sweeter tobacco and relatively mild. When you are thinking of buying one, check out the specs for it at https://www.tobaccoreviews.com/.

You can also look into samplers. Good sites to ask beginner questions are pipesmokersdens.com and pipesmagazine.com. Unfortunately, CA doesn't have a great depth with regards to pipes anymore.

Mind you, others will pop in. Adam recently fell down the slope big time and has a wealth of experience buying pipe tobacco he isn't really fond of. :noon

[Havanaaddict]

Thanks Mark:tu

[MarkinAZ]

I may end up realizing that I like Non - Aromatics

I was a bit outraged earlier in the year when Habano SA decided to use Hong Kong to set their benchmark on prices for Cohiba' and other CC'. Not sure who' going to be shelling out $1K plus for a box, but...

Welcome to the pipe world! This is my three cents when it comes to just starting out. You need to get one of these:

A Missouri Meerschaum Corn Cob: https://corncobpipe.com/product/boone-corn-cob-pipe/

Knowing you in the past and the cigars you smoke, I would recommend the following blends to start off with:

Amphora Virginia blend. I think you'll find the blend rewarding: https://www.smokingpipes.com/pipe-tobacco/amphora/virginia-blend-1.75oz/product_id/278505

Sutliff 707 Sweet Virginia: https://www.smokingpipes.com/pipe-tobacco/Sutliff/707-sweet-virginia/product_id/107483 or...

Sutliff 505C Virginia Flake: https://www.smokingpipes.com/pipe-tobacco/Sutliff/507c-virginia-slices/product_id/127345

The 707 is pretty much the rubbed-out version of the 505C.

Sutliff 515 RC-1 Red Virginia: https://www.smokingpipes.com/pipe-tobacco/Sutliff/515-rc-1/product_id/250855

Sutliff 507-S Stoved Virginia: https://www.smokingpipes.com/pipe-tobacco/Sutliff/507-s-stoved-virginia/product_id/250792

I would probably take about 10g' of 515 and 507 and mix really well. Then place the mixture into a one pint wide mouth Kerr/Ball jar for about three months to marry. Burping the jar once every two weeks to age the mixture, and see what you think after the three month period.

One more I'd recommend would be...

Amphora Burley blend: https://www.smokingpipes.com/pipe-tobacco/amphora/burley-1.75oz/product_id/326507

I forget where you reside in the SoCal area, but you may want to peruse a good B&M in your area that carries Sutliff Bulk and the Amphora blends (if they do) to maybe support them in the start of your pipe journey. They should also carry the Missouri Meerschaums too.

Good luck and we'll be here to support you and make sure you slide hard down this other slope :tu


PS - I forgot to mention that the Warped Cloud Hopper pipe tobacco blend in the 2oz tin is a darn good smoke too.

[markem]

I agree with Mark's list. I tend more towards English and Balkan. A nice list, once you get your foot in the door is at

https://pipesmokersdens.com/threads/gold-standard-blends-revised.1117/

What the people at PSD consider the gold standard of each type. If you are interested in one, dump the name into google and then select the link to a place like tobaccoreviews.com to get more information.

[physiognomy]

… The question I have is if I pick up a pipe if I start with trying Aromatics tobacco in the pipe do I need to stay with Aromatics in that pipe.?

It depends on you and the Aro. Definitely maybe. Some ‘ghosting’ will occur, but can often fade with cleaning or smoking oher blends. If you are ok with that, it’s all good. Honestly, most common Aromatics won’t ring your bell, Mark. Plenty of good recommendations already. Try everything, but I recommend a simple over-the-counter burley (E.g. Carter Hall) to learn pipe smoking - fill/pack, light, tamp, puff, light, tamp, light, puff, light, etc :) Quickly becomes easy, but some help there is a good idea when starting. Also leave tobacco out to ‘dry’ for an hour or two before smoking (think ‘dry-boxing’).

I find a bowl or two of a Lakeland (medium-stout Virginia and or/burley base with floral topping - yes, think grandma powdery-floral - they are delicious!) will stick for good while and that’s all I taste. Some regular OTC sweet vanilla Aro may fade quickly after a couple bowls of a smoky English/Balkan blend.

As recommended, some folks start with a few cob pipes for this reason. I like them a lot, but find there’s a break in period (any new pipe, really) that can affect initial impressions. Stick with it and try to stop early bowls before the very bottom (burns raw shank inside bowl - normal, tastes ‘woody’) Still, a good way to try different things. Dye the outside black if you don’t want to look like a hillbilly ;)

[MarkinAZ]

if you don’t want to look like a hillbilly ;)

Gotta go hillbilly sometimes;)

https://i.imgur.com/Zt7hQll.jpg