For me the ah ha! Moment came when I started to not puff like a chimney and started sipping the tobacco. Before I was just feeling the nicotine, after sipping I could actually identify flavors. Not as detailed as some of the TR posts. I can't speak for anyone else, but it wasn't so much a how...
Second bowl of the night is my current favorite Carter Hall, in a cob. My pipe smoking journey has come full circle. Started with many bowls of SWR. Then explored some more expansive blends for awhile. Now back to an OTC blend. Which will probably be my everyday smoke.
Monster Mash, in a new to me estate pipe. Butz-Choquin Regate 1328 Bent Pear. Purchased from Blue Room Briars. Fantastic shop, will be buying from again.
I know what you mean, ever since I first saw this when browsing the estate pipes at Blue Room Briar. I cannot help but think I should have pulled the trigger. It's so weird...yet it calls to me.
You might like Barbados Plantation, it has a rum and vanilla like flavor. Tobacco Reviews | Sutliff Tobacco Company - Barbados Plantation (Sutliff Private Stock) - https://www.tobaccoreviews.com/blend/4090/sutliff-tobacco-company-barbados-plantation
Enjoying some crooner. Had to break out the long johns for the patio smoke. Still worth it, nothing quite like a quiet evening smoke, with a warm pipe and cold wind.