Aromatics are Not for the Pipe-Smoker

[lordofthepiperings]

They’re the biggest sellers, so obviously a lot more people smoke aros than non-aros.

I think when it comes to aromatics you should start off with them because it’s easier to get tongue bite from them, so it forces you to slow your cadence down. Once you have it down to where you’re not getting tongue bite then explore VAs, VaPers, English, Balkan, Burley blends. That’s where you’ll really dial in on the flavors of the different types of leaves. After that come back to aromatics, because then they’re a completely different experience. You’re much more able to discern the leaf flavors and get the top dressing flavors. It’s a more rounded experience.

I will say there are considerable differences in aromatics too. The goopy overly flavor driven ones like Captain Black and a number of Lane Limited produced aros are a completely about the top dressing/casing and tend to use a lesser quality leaf. C&D’s Autumn Evening or GL Pease Virginia Cream are completely different in that they’re using higher quality leaf and are using the casing/top dressing to enhance the natural leaf flavors.

 

[telescopes]

When it comes to pipe smoking advice, I have to chuckle. It basically comes down to this: Ignore all of the conventional advice of the last few hundred years and listen to what people who post on forums are telling you. Why? Because everyone knows people who can type on a computer know way more than the tobacconists of the past and the codgers they sold pipes and tobacco too for decades.

 

[rick3wood]

Aromatics are the only reason I smoke a pipe. if No aromatics I’d stick with cigars