I'm a new pipe smoker also. I started with English blends but didn't like them at all. I think it was the Latakia that didn't sit well with me.
I then switched immediately to Virginias, and that was much much better. So I'd recommend
Samuel Gawith's Golden Glow and
Samuel Gawith's St James Flake, and also
McClelland Navy Cavendish.
That's just my opinion.