As the title says. I'm new to this great hobby and I've just smoked my first non-aromatic. Or at least my first tobacco that could be described as, at least partly, 'English'.
To get straight to the point...
Did I enjoy it? Absolutely!
Was it better than an aromatic? My wife asked me this. I can only saw that that's the wrong question. Is Stilton better than a sorbet? Is an espresso better than a milkshake? They are different... A good example of either is perfect in its own way. I think I finally 'get' the importance of a rotation of tobaccos. My current selection of more or less aromatics will be reduced to a few decent ones. I have some very average ones in my jars, so it's time to get ruthless.
So how would I describe my first bowl? It's difficult to explain but it is certainly drier than the aros I have smoked. It is cooler than many of them too. You know that smell you get when you strike two pieces of stone, maybe with a spark too? Well that's what i was reminded of as I smoked, together with some pencil shavings (cedar-y as well as the graphite). There was something mildly peppery there too. To me this was all quite different to the tin note which was a woollen jumper by the bonfire, with a touch of slightly sweet leather in there.
So, are my senses screwed?! Bear in mind that's a one-bowl report. For the record, I smoked this outside in s smallish bowl briar Butz, here was no bite, lovely fine ashes at the end, but it needed several relights.
