English Blend for Beginners

[Irish Piper]

Hello.

I've read that a mild English blend is good for beginners to start off with. Could I get some recommendations from the group please? Keep in mind that I'm in Germany, so I might not have access to some brands. Thanks!

Cheers,
Jeff

 

[verporchting]

Presbyterian? Early Morning Pipe? These are pretty mild and easy to smoke as an introduction to the English blends.

 

[Puff nstuff]

John Bull Royal English filled that niche for me. I found it to be mildly flavorful and easy to work with as a beginner. It's available here in the US as a pouch brand - not sure if it's marketed in EU.

 

[lraisch]

Squadron Leader, Rattray's 7 Reserve, or Stokkebye's English Oriental Supreme.

 

[Servant King]

John Bull Royal English filled that niche for me. I found it to be mildly flavorful and easy to work with as a beginner. It's available here in the US as a pouch brand - not sure if it's marketed in EU.

Ditto. They recently released two companion blends, Fragrant English and True English. Haven't tried them yet, so I can't vouch for either, but Royal English was the first English blend I ever tried. Perfect intro to the category, with a little bit of dry time, perhaps 20 mins.

 

[telescopes]

I agree that a mild English blend is an excellent start. But mild is not an easy blend to always find. I recommend Black Maria, a blend by John Dengler in St. Charles, MO. I am sure Larry would ship to Germany. But, it could be problematic. That said, it is very mild and provides the foundational notes of a good English blend in a mixture that eases the door way and invites the user without any worry or anxiety.

 

[Streeper541]

Presbyterian? Early Morning Pipe? These are pretty mild and easy to smoke as an introduction to the English blends.

I don't know what's available in Deutschland, but I'd second the recommendation of Peterson Early Morning Pipe blend as well as Presbyterian. Both are excellent "beginner" English blends that have become a staple in my cabinet.

Be sure to let us know what you find & how you enjoy it.

 

[kschatey]

I think it's impossible to go wrong with Arango Balkan Supreme. It's super tasty, available in bulk lots of places, and quite inexpensive. It isn't too light for an English blend, but not a bigger hitter like Plum Pudding or something either. I immediately bought a pound after enjoying the fist couple ounces so much, so this is a favorite blend.

For a tinned option that is also a favorite, I would recommend Rattray Red Rapparee. However, we seem to be between shipments so I don't think it's available anywhere right now. You may have better luck with Rattray though since you're in Europe.

 

[isaac]

I would go with a Wilke Brand blend. They seem to offer a good variety of different strengths

 

[Irish Piper]

I don't know what's available in Deutschland, but I'd second the recommendation of Peterson Early Morning Pipe blend as well as Presbyterian. Both are excellent "beginner" English blends that have become a staple in my cabinet.

Be sure to let us know what you find & how you enjoy it.

Both of those are easily obtainable as well as the Rattray's 7 Reserve recommended by Iraisch. I'll probably give them all a try. ?

 

[kcghost]

There you go, then!

 

[Irish Piper]

I think it's impossible to go wrong with Arango Balkan Supreme. It's super tasty, available in bulk lots of places, and quite inexpensive. It isn't too light for an English blend, but not a bigger hitter like Plum Pudding or something either. I immediately bought a pound after enjoying the fist couple ounces so much, so this is a favorite blend.

For a tinned option that is also a favorite, I would recommend Rattray Red Rapparee. However, we seem to be between shipments so I don't think it's available anywhere right now. You may have better luck with Rattray though since you're in Europe.

Yep, Rattray is pretty available here, including the blend you mentioned. Added to the shopping list!

 

[kschatey]

Yep, Rattray is pretty available here, including the blend you mentioned. Added to the shopping list!

Good deal. I love Red Rapparee because it is a bit more Oriental forward. If you want a bit more Latakia forward, then also try Rattray Black Mallory. Since Rattray is more available to you, you may also be able to find them all in bulk there.

 

[RobNYC]

English Breakfast by HU Tobacco should be available to you and I think it would be a good introduction to English blends.

 

[Simmerdown☕️]

Early Morning Pipe by Peterson’s. ️

 

[Irish Piper]

So, here's my order. Thanks for the help everyone!

 

[verporchting]

Can’t go wrong with those! Hope you enjoy them all.

 

[jwesthurl]

I agree that a mild English blend is an excellent start. But mild is not an easy blend to always find. I recommend Black Maria, a blend by John Dengler in St. Charles, MO. I am sure Larry would ship to Germany. But, it could be problematic. That said, it is very mild and provides the foundational notes of a good English blend in a mixture that eases the door way and invites the user without any worry or anxiety.

This is my home B&M but I haven’t tried Black Maria yet, I’ll give it a try!

 

[Chasing Embers]

Balkan Supreme

 

[StPaulPiper]

You might try Sutliff's Aromatic English or Eastfarthing - both very smokable all day.