Soon, I will reach the one year mark as a pipe smoker. Like many pipe smokers, I began my pipe smoking hobby with a small collection of light aromatics from my local B&M along with a Savinelli Dublin and a cheaper no name pipe. A few months ago, after losing my job due to layoffs, I was given a nice gift of various pipe tobaccos from a very generous group of guys, along with a few pipes that will remain in my collection for eternity. I have been sampling the different types of tobaccos and have really expanded my horizons, thanks to this generous gift. As much as I enjoy the different aromas and flavors from the many varieties of aromatics available, I have found myself deeply craving the complex offerings of non-aromatics now. To be precise, Latakia blends have become a favorite of mine. I find myself drawn to the sharp, pungent offerings of the different Latakia blends available in my collection (Balkan Sasieni, Northwoods, Squadron Leader, Shortcut to Mushrooms, to name a few). Not that I don't enjoy some 1Q or Christmas Cookie from time to time, but I'm finding myself choosing the non-aros more and loving the more advanced flavors and strengths that are available. Its been said by Cortezattic that beginners should bypass the aros completely and become familiar with the basic flavors of non-aromatic tobaccos first. I agree but I think having both aros and non-aros in your collection is wise, simply for comparison. I have enjoyed my hobby much and I have learned lots from the many pipe smokers here on this forum. I look forward to expanding my horizons further and trying even more blends in the upcoming year.
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