Amazing Gift from Shaintiques

I am a fairly new pipe smoker. I started a year ago and have only ever had one pipe at a time. The first was an ancient Dr. Grabow Lark that came to me on its last legs and finally gave up a few months back. After the Lark died, my girlfriend gifted me with an awesome Lorenzo Eleganza Sigma estate which I love dearly. For a rather long time, that was my only pipe.
I have been given a wonderful gift from Dave of Shaintiques. He was offering a few cleaned up pipes and some tins of tobacco to new smokers and I was lucky enough to be one of the recipients.
The package shipped incredibly fast. Dave sent it on Wednesday and it arrive only two days later.
Upon opening the box I was ecstatic. I was under the impression that I would be receiving a pipe and 2-4 tins of tobacco. Well Dave went above and beyond the line of duty.

I received not only and awesome little straight bulldog pipe, but EIGHT tins of Sultiff tobacco! I was truly amazed and am incredibly grateful.
I love the pipe smoking community. It is gestures like this that remind me that there is a lot of good in this world and I am truly lucky to be a part of this family. Someday I will pass the favor on and keep the spirit of generosity alive.
Thank you again Dave!
-Ruger

I couldn't contain myself and I busted into the Molto Dolce minutes after open the box. The tobacco was rather moist so I let it dry for about an hour and then packed a bowl and sat back on the balcony. The room note was really nice and it tasted pretty damn good. I'll have to let my girlfriend smell it, she isn't a fan of the smell of English smoke, but maybe this will change her outlook on the hobby. The only issue was that even after drying for an hour it still sizzled in the bowl. I'll have to dry it more I guess.
An hour later I went in for the Kentucky Plantation. It was the first burley that I've tried and I really enjoyed it. The tin note was sublime: rich and a hint of fruitiness. It smoked great and left a nice taste in the mouth. Tonight I think I'll try one of the Latakia blends and see how I like it. Maybe the Balkan Luxury Blend 957.
Also the pipe smokes great! Its perfect for clenching as I read or type. I took it for a short walk today and I was absolutely perfect for a 20 minute smoke!