Beginner Help

[portascat]

New to pipes, want to get a decent head start at it.
Used to smoke cigarettes way back when (20+ years ago), since then have been a somewhat inconsistent cigar smoker. Thought I might take up pipe smoking for a change of pace, and as a (hopeful) reflection of my gradual mellowing of personality. Like a lot of you, it seems, my old man smoked one from time to time, so maybe that is part, as well.
Going to start out, equipment wise, small scale. A Graybow "Lark" is on the way, as well as some basic supplies to get me through the first few weeks. As well, some tobacco is forthcoming, although I have no idea of brand or quality.
After reading around a bit, it seems clear that more than one pipe is in order, so I may pick up a cob pipe or two if the hobby develops, and then after a time will determine if it is worth it, to me, to pursue more expensive / better pipes over time.
Been reading up on the basics of pipe tobacco, and it appears that it is about as murky a subject as Harley modifications and proper weight training protocol. I do think I will stock up on a bit of drug store blends to get me past the initial learning curve and breaking the pipe in, but I am looking for a bit of insight on some brands or types for the move into better smoking.
I tend to enjoy a varied bunch "tastes' in food, liquor, and women. But I am fellow who enjoys a bit of spice and a bit of sweet, in general. Not overwhelmingly in either, but more than just a passing hint.
Thoughts or suggestion welcome.

 

[duncan]

I would suggest either Lane 1Q or Mac Barens 7 Seas gold as a good starter tobacco. Good choice in starter pipe. Dr. Grabow has been around for a long time and makes a decent inexpensive pipe. Once you get into the swing of things when it comes to packing, lighting and tamping. I would go out and try every tpe of tobacco you can, you will find your niche and learn in the process. Good luck and I hope this helps.

 

[unclearthur]

Samplers available from pipesandcigard.com and smokingpipe.com will go a long way towards helping figure out exactly what is it you like. The Doc Grabow is a good starter pipe. Hang out here. Read the articles and enjoy.

 

[portascat]

thank you, gentlemen. I will also be on the lookout for some sample packages.

 

[directshot]

Hello "portascat" and welcome to the forum from one new member to another. I too enjoy some of the spice and sweeter tobaccos from time to time and found that justforhim.com site which this forum lead me to has some nice sampler packs.

Enjoy and hang here to learn a lot from people who have a deep interest and love of the pipe.

 

[pstlpkr]

If your Dr. Grabow comes with a filter... just throw it away.

Welcome to the fraternity!

 

[bubbadreier]

Lawrences's advice is pretty sound! Welcome to PM.com!

 

[sjolie]

Portascat - I'm in a similar situation, maybe just a month or so ahead of you. I was recommended a bulk blend at a local "brick-and-mortar" shop near my office, which I really liked. Didn't know anything about it but went back for a few more ounces once I'd finished the first. What I learned was it is in fact Lane 1Q that Duncan suggested, so I would definitely second that suggestion.
I also ordered a few tins:

7 Seas Gold - Enjoy this one too, light, little sweet, very mellow

Dunhill Royal Yacht - very different, stronger than the others with a more noticeable nicotine kick

G.L. Pease - Maltese Falcon - this one still unopened since I've got 2 tins and a bulk already working. Didn't want to have too much open at once.
Lots of great info here and helpful folks. Enjoy.
Sean

 

[classicgeek]

Hey portascat. Please post in the "Explain Your Screen Name" thread, I can't wait for yours. It's probably not what I'm thinking.
Everybody's tastes are different, as well as their tolerances for the active ingredients in the pipe tobacco. Case in point, I loved the first half-bowl of the first Va/Per I tried. It was exactly... awesome. Sweet and earthy or something. But then it overpowered me and I got the spins and the nic-ups. I've put it aside for a while.
The "popular" or "drug-store" blends are popular for a reason. They are generally inexpensive, easy going, and tasty. They might not be for everyone, but they cover a large swathe of the pipesmokers out there. You have to try them, if only to establish a baseline for your further adventures in tobacco. There are a lot of unabashed Carter Hall, Prince Albert, Captain Black and Mac Baren 7 Seas smokers around here. Lane 1Q (often renamed at tobacconist shops, you might have to ask) is a vanilla-ish bulk Virginia/Cavendish tobacco that is a staple for a lot of us, myself included.
Time will tell what you like. Try lots, and don't worry as your cellar expands. Just buy mason jars and be content that the tobacco won't go bad or dry out for a good long time.
Simon

 

[cortezattic]

Simon (Classicgeek) stole my thunder. :D (IMO sound advice!)

Let me be content to just welcome you to our little online fraternity, and wish you many happy smokes. ::

.

Also, visit Luxury Tobacco Reviews, a new website. While there aren't too many reviews posted yet, one interesting feature is that you can browse entire genres for different, but related blend styles (that they call Tobacco Categories ). This will give you some orientation to the bewildering variety of pipe tobaccos in existence.

 

[portascat]

thanks for the replies. Will be looking in several directions, it seems.
Can't find the thread you are talking about, but it is pretty easy to explain my screen name.
My "road name" is Texian, but that name is already being utilized on this forum, according to when I signed up.
I have used variations of "Porta's Cat" on many other places. But it is just a reference to Josef Porta's cat, Stalin.
If you can grasp it from there, then we should find a pipe like Old Un Willi Beier.