[markem]

My experience with pipes may differ substantially from yours.

My local tobacco shop is more than willing to let me come in and try a pinch of a tobacco. This has served me well since some tobaccos with a "cherry flavor" are fine for me while others are not. Your mileage may vary. btw, I do not like cherry flavor. I look for bourbon, mostly.

My advice is to push the local resources to the extreme since they are more likely to be flexible with you, and, if you find something you like, buying local is always a good way to go. DO NOT PISS OFF THE LOCALS.

I wish you luck. I have found a few pipe tobaccos that I really like, but I do not talk about them much because almost all my smoking friends are into cigars. We have some really good purveyors of pipe tobacco here; let me know if you want some phone numbers.