Taste like charcoal ash

Hello,
I'm new to all of this and decided to go with a starter kit as seen in the link below
http://www.pipesandcigars.com/samplers/40098/pipa-pipe-kit/
I went with the Cherry tobacco. Now I'm starting to realize that the term you get what you pay for might really be true! I know that just starting I'm not getting the best pack, flavor, etc. but I feel like I'm getting the same taste if I go out back and get a pinch of charcoal ash from my grill and suck on that. I will say that the smell of the pipe is quite pleasant, but it isn't at all in the smoke I'm getting. I'm not discouraged or anything, I just wonder is this a lesson in not going the cheap/quick route. Should I just go to a shop and have someone help me out with a beginner set/different types to try and figure out what I like? I know everyone has an opinion on going cob or no cob pipe right out the gate, but possibly a 1.5 oz pouch and pipe for $5 was possibly a sign of things to come. I guess I'm just not sure if this is a keep at with what I have and just get over the initial hump of difficulties or stop before I get frustrated on what I initially bought and give up on pipes? Obviously I don't want that to happen, but don't know what route to go. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Kyle

Well thanks for the quick responses! I think I was initially timid to go to a B&M in fear of kinda looking like an idiot. But I think I'll need to just go in and talk to someone and just tell them I don't know what I want or where to start. Thanks again for the help and I'll keep updating on what I'm trying and feeling.

That's great, thank you everyone for the support. I'll try and go Monday to a local shop and get a few different types and continue my journey.

Haha yeah don't want to get tangled up with that type of shop!

Well I went into a local shop this morning and talked with one of the guys in the sop. He showed me multiple types they had and what was the most popular. Sadly I didn't think ahead and bring my pipe with me, so he actually said he wouldn't sell me anything until I came in with my pipe to try them out (shows they want to keep customers). I went back just a little while ago and a different employee (I believe he said his name was John. He introduced me to a few people at the same time.) let me fill my pipe (on the house) with a Vanilla flavoring Cavendish. I told him since I was new to all this my technique on packing the pipe was probably no go and he said, which put my mind at ease "packing a pipe is more an art form than a science." I personally took it as it's how you like it, not how it exactly should be, so don't think it will be perfect. I attempted the style of first third pack like a child, second like a woman, third like a man. I think I'm still packing a bit too hard because I was relighting every couple of puffs and the pipe at one point got a bit warm for my fingers.
On to the smoke! Overall it was far more pleasant than the Pipa I originally received. I also brought that in and John said to set that aside for awhile. He said if I was really into Cherry, they had a great blend. I was able to sit down with a couple guys and watch ESPN and talk football for 45 minutes (one of the most relaxing times I've had in who knows how long). I will say the smoke was far more cool and a couple times when I could sustain the burn (terminology?) I got some better flavor than charcoal. Finally I was ready to buy some tobacco and head out when John gave me a blend of their Yachtsman:
"Our best selling cherry blend hands down. The finest Danish style cherry matured Virginia Cavendish is wedded by us w/cool burning black Virginia Cavendish. The marriage was a success. Absolutely the best cherry aroma together w/cool & mild tobacco taste"
I said this will be great, how much do I owe you?
Don't worry, it's on the house. This will give you a couple bowls to start figuring out what you like and don't like. Just make sure you come back and see us again.
WOW! I couldn't believe it! I was able to get a good bowl on the house that didn't burn my mouth, except for the few times I got a little aggressive with the inhale, AND another 1-1.5 oz for free!! I still can't get over how friendly everyone was and relaxing it was! I will say of the 10-15 guys that came in and out of the shop, I was the only one smoking a pipe. But that's alright and they had plenty of tobacco, pipes and accessories. I will definitely be going back to see what else they have! I also met a guy who is a Vikings fan there (I live in Virginia but was raised in Minnesota)!!
Thanks again to everyone that helped me over the first bump in the road. I'm hoping to continue diving into different areas and learning more about all the different kinds of tobacco! Speaking on that note of different types of tobacco, is there a good article or place to look (online, actually book, etc) that has a good break down of different types and what to expect?