First Smoke 10/9

I looked for a "Hello, im new" forum and this was the closest I could find, my apologies if im in the wrong spot. I dont have any questions listed in this post (I have many in my head that I will share later!) but feel free to drop any tidbits on me that you'd like.
Brief synopsis:

My name is Kevin. I am from East Tennessee, the most beautiful place on earth! I joined the Army two days affter our towers fell in 2001. I served 5 years as a Military Police Officer and came home. I felt like I owed the people who served before me and was happy to be able to pay that debt.
I strongly believe in heritage / genetic predisposition to cravings, preferences, etc. *Disclaimer* The following statements are my opinion only and I have not researched them! *Disclaimer* With that being said, it seems that people who enjoy bagpipes have Scottish background (way back in time). I say that to say I have never smoked. Ever. However, I have always had a draw (pun intended) to pipes.
A friend of mine gave me a "Chadwick Supreme" Bent briarwood pipe. Just as I believe I am predisosed to smoke a pipe, I feel that I am predisposed to overwhelming loyalty. I now feel loyal to this pipe ;] It feels perfect, but at this point I dont think I have the cred's to determine "perfect."
He also recommended me to Captain Black tobacco as my first. I have since read that this is not the best approach and I understand why. However, I enjoyed it as much as a newbie could enjoy Captain Black. It definitely didnt discourage me, but made me more excited and eager to test the waters. I can see my tobacco stash growing rapidly, and the beatings from my wife to increase in frequency and ferocity (I have already ordered 6 more packs in 1 ounce sizes).
At this point, I'm glad I found all of you (yes, and you too!). I read (like many before me) all that my little brain could absorb before actually smoking (and posting). My goal at this point is to find a great tasting tobacco that I can smoke and enjoy. I can say that I dont enjoy the Captain Black's taste. However, I can accept that it's my fault and I'm not smoking it correctly. My light is ok, my bowl stays lit. I keep it lit, and I "sip." My bowl does not get hot, just warm.
I have also tried other blends. I am lucky enough to have a pipe / cigar shop in my small town. However, I am told that the tobacco is generic and just mixed up in the shop. I dont know, im not good enough to tell whats good and whats not. I say that to tell you, nothing I have tried "tastes good." I am actively searching.
I have smelled the pouch note on Mclleland's stuff, namely the Vanilla Black. These are the 1 ouncers I have ordered and am excited to test out. The beatings I sustain from my wife come from the money she anticipates this hobby / interest to consume, she does love the smell though.
In closing:
I love Pipes

I love smoking

I love the smells

I love the relaxing rhythmic zone

I love fellowship

I love a good cup of coffee or Jack Daniels with my pipe
I dont like the ashy taste I have got from my first smokes.
The loves outweight the disklikes!
I'll be creeping around the forums as much as I can. Internet time takes away from pipe time!

I'm going to order a sampler asap. I hadn't given a sampler much though and was just ordering bulk Mccllelan by the ounce. I chose things that sounded good. I will say that as a spectator, I really enjoy the smell of a good pipe. Giving my amateur opinion: It seems as though that comes from aromatics. So, I figured id start there.
Here is what I have coming (and some is at my house right now!!! USPS tracking just notified me by email and the ladies I work with thought I was having an epileptic episode...im guessing because of my flailing arms and fist bump.
McClelland Club Blend PT-M1X0050 1 8.95

Vanilla Ice (50g tin)

(Shipped)

McClelland Bulk No. 620 PT-M5D0028 2 2.50

Mocha Black (by the

ounce)

The above is waiting on me.
The below is coming

McClelland Bulk No. 401 PT-M4Y0028 1 2.50

Darkest Caramel (by the

ounce)

McClelland Bulk No. 403 PT-M410028 1 2.50

Darkest Chocolate (by the

ounce)

McClelland Bulk No. 705 PT-M5F0028 1 2.50

Walnut Liqueur (by the

ounce)

McClelland Bulk No. 815 PT-M5L0028 1 2.50

Strawberry Daiquiri (by

the ounce)

what is off-putting by captain black? The smell? Taste?

Click to expand...

I am in search of something that I can taste. The Captain tastes ashy. As I said, I'm not experienced yet, but i dont think i smoke fast. Generally speaking I follow the sip and 3 second rule. I have no doubt I am no where near where i should be. So really, I'm looking for a good sweet taste. I read the reviews and crave this "sweet" smooth taste. I also like kind of drawing some of the pipe smoke into my nose (from the bowl) to get some of that smell I love. I can only rarely catch a wiff of it from the Captain. Sitting next to my buddy smoking the Mcclellan Vanilla Black I was in heaven!
Captain tasted ashy and stale almost. I tried it straight from the bag and also by letting it dry some. I didnt notice a marked difference between the two.

I have a good base of aromatics i think....I say that loosely. I know some out there have cellars full. If i cant fancy my tickle with what I thought at first might (aromatics) I will step outside of that and go into other recommendations. Its also possible that I find a sampler pack that has a good mix of aromatics and english or other type tobaccos.

I got a chance on lunch to try the Mcclellan Mocha. I think venturer hit it on the head...either these reviewers that are reporting things tasting like "mocha lattes with buttery notes and honey drips" have super sonic taste buds....or, they are full of crap. The Mocha smelled great out of the bag but tasted like the other cavendish tobaccos i tasted.
I also wish I could smell more if the room note myself...it seems like to get a good idea of what it smells like I have to leave the room and come back in. Are these just beginner mistakes or are you able to smell your own room note as you smoke?
I am by no means rushing my experience...and I am super happy that I finally jumped in. I look forward to building a good stash and keeping the smoke rolling. I'm going to look into the Frog Morton Cellar and Trout Stream.
Do you guys buy from the site advertised here? I only ask because the site I use I am familiar with and navigating it is easy. Some of the others confuse my and its difficult to find what im looking for (and thats on me for being a newbie!).

pipesandcigars is the site ive been using and im super happy with it. Didnt post the name first because I wasnt sure if i was allowed to ;]