Best English blend for Someone New.

[doctorthoss]

I would recommend Boswell's Northwoods or the Frog Morton series. Several people claim that these have some kind of topping, but I think only one actually has any added flavoring (the newest, which is drenched in spirits). They do contain large amounts of cavendish, but that hardly makes them in any sense an aromatic. Another great suggestion would be some of the classic-style English blends that are relatively light on the latakia, such as Pease's Chelsea Morning or Dunhill's Early Morning Pipe.
There really are a ton out there to choose from, so I'm sure it feels a little overwhelming. I suggested these blends because they'll give you a pretty good idea as to what English/Balkan/what-have-you blends are all about without overwhelming your palate.

 

[withnail]

Once you smell the Latakia in a blend you'll never forget the smell. I like it in small doses, but in my view it can quickly over power a blend. I'd +1 Dunhill Early Morning Pipe which has a nice balance for me. The only other English blend I smoke on a regular basis is Samuel Gawith Squadron Leader.
Hope you enjoy your new choices ::

 

[sparroa]

My first English blend was Gordon Pym by Dan Tobacco.
You do not hear much about that one anymore, but it is a very balanced English mixture with a pleasant sweetness and a light helping of Syrian latakia. (My biggest complaint was that it was too dry and needed rehydration)
My only recommendation is that one seeks out a blend with a balancing sweetness, otherwise the earthy smokiness of latakia may be too overwhelming. Don't get me wrong - it can have a substantial amount of latakia - it just has to be in sync with the rest of the blend and not a desensitizing assault on the palate...

 

[trailspike48]

I have mostly smoked aromatics. I've tried a few English blends and I agree with the advice above, both Dunhill EMP, and Frog Morton's Cellar are in my regular tobaccos now.

 

[andrew]

I find early morning pipe to be quite strong actually, but I love it, I would recommend dunhill 965 as a good English blend to try, it is IMO a definitive English blend

 

[pitchfork]

Best intro to English blends? Just pick 3 or 4 and have fun!
Frog Morton is great, as is Frog MOrton on the Bayou (my first "English" blend). GL Pease Chelsea Morning is a fantastic blend for any smoker. Dunhill 965 and Early Morning Pipe are both nice (but require more careful puffing to get the most of). McClelland 3 Oaks Syrian is one of the best blends out there -- very soft and a little sweet, but complex, too. Easy to smoke. Similarly, McClelland's Jubilee is one of the best under-the-radar blends that would be good for a beginner -- it's very light on the latakia, nicely balanced and just a wonderful blend IMHO. Although I haven't had it yet, lots of folks rave about Hearth and Home's Black House. Their Magnum Opus is great, too -- really fragrant with orientals, but lighter on latakia.
There is so much variety out there among English blends -- just try a few and see what you like. If you really don't like a blend, you can always trade it for something you might like better.

 

[slowwideturns]

nightcap and blue mountain

 

[pitchfork]

Nightcap is somewhat strong, both in nicotine and flavor (good dose of perique). However, it was Nightcap that turned me on to the pipe in the first place. For years, I had smoked a pipe once in a while, mostly aromatics. But Nightcap was the first tobacco I smoked that tasted clean and natural and didn't leave a nasty aftertaste like the cheap aromatics did. So I'd definitely include Nightcap as a good one to try for a beginner -- it worked for me.

 

[rmbittner]

The very first English I ever tried was Dunhill's London Mixture. I don't think you could wrong there. I haven't smoked the newest version of this, but the original Dunhill and Murray's versions were outstanding, IMO.
Bob

 

[rmbittner]

My first English blend was Gordon Pym by Dan Tobacco.
You do not hear much about that one anymore, but it is a very balanced English mixture with a pleasant sweetness and a light helping of Syrian latakia.

Just wanted to mention that I also thoroughly enjoy Gordon Pym. (Might be a bit heavy for an English newbie, though.) I don't know why the Dan Tobacco blends aren't talked about more; London Blend #1000 is also another excellent, all-day English and one that would be perfect for an introduction to the style. (It can be tough to find, though.)
Bob

 

[alexl]

+1 to comrade Stalin, I mean Andrew.

Presbyterian Mix is fine too.

 

[jah76]

I have to second the notions of Chelsea Morning and EMP. Both are really soft yet full flavored blends IMO. EMP has a little heavier tilt towards Orientals but both are tobaccos I enjoyed.
I don't normally smoke English blends, but I keep Chelsea Morning at work and actually found myself craving it while I was off this weekend.

 

[cigrmaster]

Frog Morton is a good place to start, also I would recommend Two Friends Deacons Downfall. If you find you enjoy English blends then I would definitely grab a few from GL Pease, in my opinion he does English as well as any blender out there. The Two Friends is a collaboration of Pease and C&D.

 

[salsa45]

When i first started smoking a pipe my first tobacco was a night by dunhill. its a really good english belend to start with.

 

[englishdave]

My first english was Dunhill 965, but I'd recommend McC Frogmorton as a good introduction. As others have said, it's very smooth and a good transition from aros.

 

[tslex]

Chubbster:
Ten Russians .....

Now that's just MEAN.
Chelsea morning Dunhill EMP are good choices. Frog Morton on the Town is a possibility as it is a real "lat bomb" (lots of latakia) but not a tough smoke in any other way (cool, very little nicotine).
I've never run into anyone who likes English tobacco at all and didn't really enjoy Penzance.

 

[drwatson]

I'm going to go with Boswells also..They are all really good.

 

[kanaia]

I would go with PS-17 bulk.

 

[avenger]

I have carter hall capt black white middletons cherry and berry nice right now...i love them all for different reasons im always up for something new

 

[kenoshakid]

I'm probably not knowledgeable enough with the full spectrum of pipe tobaccos to recommend you the best English blend to start with, but my first English blends were 965 and Squadron Leader. I liked them both, but eventually I found what have become my favorite brands - GLP, Esoterica, and McClelland - and then my whole world opened up. So, why not start with the best stuff you can acquire? That's what I would do.