Tobacco Trial Run

madtohkin, two aromatics and Half and Half don't seem to be much inducement to swap, but you have wisely bought in small quantities and learned what you don't like, on that score. You might want to try some other bulk tobaccos, old standards like Lane's 1-Q and Carter Hall. Read some in tobaccoreviews.com, aromatic and non-aromatic, and see what sounds more to your liking. Even if you find a blend you like, keep the quantities small for now, while you are still learning. Welcome aboard.

Sorry, I'm no help. One I don't have the post count nor the time in service on this forum for a trade.

Vanilla, Carmel Apple, and Half&Half should all be pleasant in the room note category. Once you get into English Style (Latakia) and Virginia or Burley based blends they tend to be in my opinion more smokey, some have commented 'cigarette' like.
As a big fan of Aromatics myself, my advice would be to try to enjoy them. I find Aromatics to be very enjoyable, especially if you dry them out completely then really slow down your cadence and sip at them. Let the smoke slip from your mouth and play under your nose. I enjoy the fragrant topping and the mix of sweet smoke.
I think it helps that I am a Snuffer and in using snuff your 'flavor' is actually the smell it creates.

When I started the pipe years ago, I belonged to a now defunct forum and I like most started with Aros and most of the forum guys didn't like aros so I began to dislike them. Then I learned pipe smoking is something that is "for my benefit" and I stopped worrying about what other guys liked and it has opened up the pleasure I receive in our hobby immensely.
By no means am I saying any of this applies to you, I can only speak for myself. I wish you much luck. Try mixing your Carmel Apple with the Half & Half. Start at a 50 - 50 ratio and mix a couple bowls full. You may find that the smoky of the H&H adds a pleasurable twist to the Aros.

The hobby takes a bit of time. Enjoy the journey.

I have tossed a good amount of aro's in the fire over the years. I can hear some of the guys out there saying " you should have tossed them all" :D Personally I like all kinds of music, it depends on my mood. I have found baccy to be the same way for me.
But like brass is saying, it is a journey and with this blog it takes a great deal of $ out of the equassion if you spend the time reading and asking questions. It has saved me a lot since I started smoking Va and VaPer tobaccos.
Harris, said it the other day, overtime you will see your tastes lining up with a few more experienced smokers. When you do, start paying attention to other leaf they like.
Until then, read and test it out.
Why not just jar up what you have and start a cellar. Someday you will run into someone who will be willing to trade. I wish I had put some tobacco into jars that I pitched, but that is history :roll: