A meerschaum smoker and collector for many years (me) suggests that the aforementioned tips are all you need to determine your own preferences over time 😊
Most memorable: I met Sun Ra in Washington Square Park (NYC) when I was 16. He put his hand on my head and said something that sounded like “ragu.” I’m pretty sure he wasn't referring to the tomato sauce.
When in Boston, I always plan for a visit to Peretti’s. I had a great conversation with pipe artist Todd Brugman, who showed me some of his beautiful briars, sold me some Tashkent, and gave me a few samples of blends I never tried before.