It seems to me that many other pipe smokers have had this experience. They start out smoking only aromatics, but then they begin wanting something more... something different. Of course, that is not all of us, because many people absolutely love aromatics, and that is all they smoke, and there is nothing wrong with that! My own story began the same way - I began with aromatics, expecting that what I would get is a blast of flavor from the added toppings. When I had my first pipe, stuffed with Sutliff Vanilla Custard, I wondered where the flavor was. There was a slight vanilla flavor in the background, but I wondered if I was doing something wrong, or if this is all pipe smoking had to offer. I still enjoyed it, but I had a feeling there might be more out there. I finished the ounce that I purchased, and moved on to "golden cavendish" (not sure what brand this was from, I got it from my local b&m). It was better, but still lacking. So I did more research, both on this same website, as well as watched videos from the YTPC, until I felt I knew what I was doing better. I went online and ordered some component tobaccos so I could try each one by itself to understand what flavors they add to blends. I also ordered some more aromatics, and one tin of OGS. I smoked through these other blends, learning what Virginia and Oriental tobaccos had to offer, and set aside the tin of OGS. I was surprised to find a wonderful hay-like flavor from the Virginias! So time went by as I smoked through my stash of aros, and after a year had passed, I cracked open the tin of Golden Sliced. I was pleased to smell that wonderful prune scent. I loaded my pipe, and that day forever changed pipe smoking for me. I now mainly smoke VaPer and English/Balkan blends, but I have yet to dive deep into burleys, so I'm looking forward to that. Anyway, I just thought I'd share my experience, I know many of you have had a similar experience. Let me hear yours!