Beginner's Cornell & Diehl

[shillelagh3]

Thank God for this website and forum, since I'm the only pipe smoker that I personally know in my area, with no one to discuss the hobby/lifestyle/whatever we want to call it.
So, I've only experimented with a few pipe tobaccos, mostly bulk jarred stuff, a few tinned Peterson blends, Mac Baren Plumcake, and Captain Black blends a very long time ago. I've read a lot of really good reviews of Cornell & Diehl tobaccos and I'd like to try some. However, they produce an insane number of different blends, so reading up on all of them to find a starting point seems a little overwhelming. At present, I am deeply in love with Peterson's Connoisseur's Choice and similarly indulgent aromatics. I like Mac Baren Plumcake, which is described as "non-aromatic," but I haven't quite taken the leap toward English blends or Virginias yet. Hell, I'm still working on figuring out how to read the label (Example: What flavor do you get with a black cavendish, some latakia, burley, combo, etc.?), but I'm open to anything mild at this point. I tried a tin of Peterson Irish Oak and the Perique, or something nearly killed me (Perhaps a bit dramatic, I admit).
So, given these guidelines, do any of you fans/experts on Cornell & Diehl have any suggestions for a good C&D blend to start with? Thanks in advance.

 

[bowhatchie]

I would offer.... Autumn Evening.. a very nice smoke with a maple casing..

 

[unclearthur]

One of my favorite C&D blends is Autumn Evening. A nice maple flavor and room note. http://pipesandcigars.com/auevb.html

 

[admin]

Nutty Irishman is another good one.
Imagine a bottle of Frangelico and a bottle of Irish Mist having a head on collision and you'll have an idea of the flavor and aroma of Nutty Irishman, though the end product has a uniqueness that goes beyond the characterization.

 

[hobie1dog]

C&D Mississippi Mud

 

[sparroa]

How about Epiphany?
I haven't tried this blend, but I own a tin - I'm saving that and ordering 4 ounces bulk for sampling. It is a light American English with a very slight fruit topping, from what I've read. "Medium strength." It's generally got very positive reviews, check them out.
From the site:

"Epiphany is reminiscent of the original Revelation blend that was said to be the favorite of a certain reknowned thinker named Einstein. Epiphany is another classic Tarler/Runowski blend of Va, Burleys, Latakia and Perique in perfect balance and harmony. "
It may not be in line with what you've been smoking lately, but it may be a good introduction to other styles and give you a taste of things to come. YMMV.

 

[papipeguy]

I just bought a tin of Two Friends' English Chocolate made by C&D. Very nice blend with latakia and chocolate yet neither compnent is the least bit overbearing. It may be considered a "cross-over" blend. The chocolate hits the back of the tongue to let you know there's something there and the latakia is "quiet". I was surprised that I liked it but 5 bowls into it I'm hooked.

 

[hessenland]

Stay away from Epiphany. Every time I smoked it my taste buds got confused. There is simply too much going on in the flavor department, to the point of ruining the joy of the bowl.
I also recommend Autumn Evening, due to its decadent casing.

 

[igloo]

Irish Blessing is a nice ARO flavored with Irish Mist .

 

[nabottle]

I want all of these. However, I think I'll pick a couple of them. Thanks for the info guys.

 

[flipflopsandshades]

Manhattan Afternoon is what I am smoking right now and I don't know why I like it so much but I do.

 

[bubbadreier]

C&D Mississippi Mud

I second that if you are looking for a great transition to the english side! But Autumn evening is a great intro into the C&D line!

 

[990rick]

I just received a sampler of nine English blends from C&D. Of the five I've tried so far I only really enjoyed Stratfordshire. The other four were less than pleasant, mainly because of the very heavy presence of Latakia. I like a hint of Latakia, but when it's over-used it's really unpleasant IMO. I've got four more blends to sample and will be sending in a more complete report soon. Epiphany was a real miss for me. i agree with Hessenland — it's just too busy. That was a real disappointment because I just loved the idea of smoking what Albert smoked. Also of note; if you're concerned about additives you should be aware that, while C&D doesn't use humectants, they do add a mold inhibitor.

 

[fullbent]

C&D Billy Bud ::

 

[marmal4de]

I enjoy Evening Rise, I purchased it on the recommendation of both Lawrence, and the tin description as a mosquito repellant! I find it nutty, bergamot-y, and smokey like a campfire of green wood, and as if that wasn't awesome enough you get sneaky hints of clay and moist earth.
Or maybe I'm crazy, YMMV.

 

[winton]

I picked up Mocha Cavanadish at the pipe show. Like it a lot. Also enjoyed Nutty Irishman.