English blends aren't too bad!

[Kan]

I bought these two blends from Chieftain, which I've mentioned. One called lazy day, and the other Robert's mixture.
My initial impression was one of being wholly unimpressed, then actually a little bit disgusted. Perhaps disgusted simply because I spent money on something I didn't like haha.
But I went out to the park today and smoked perhaps my last bowl of Stokkebye, then had one bowl of lazy day and it really was quite nice.

I think it's just a matter of a beginner starting to understand the nuances and to not simply expect every tobacco to be this flavour-filled bananza, but more subtle and a gentle note to whatever you're doing. Rather than drowning in flavour.
Would it be my first choice? No. But I definitely don't regret buying them anymore.

So as a beginner, my recommendation to anyone who starts that read this - give whatever you tried a few more shots! After all, you bought the damn thing!

 

[anotherbob]

I am funny with English. I don't smoke a lot of it. But when the mood strikes me I really dig it. Kind of like how I feel about the music of Bjork.

 

[didimauw]

I bought these two blends from Chieftain, which I've mentioned. One called lazy day, and the other Robert's mixture.
My initial impression was one of being wholly unimpressed, then actually a little bit disgusted. Perhaps disgusted simply because I spent money on something I didn't like haha.
But I went out to the park today and smoked perhaps my last bowl of Stokkebye, then had one bowl of lazy day and it really was quite nice.

I think it's just a matter of a beginner starting to understand the nuances and to not simply expect every tobacco to be this flavour-filled bananza, but more subtle and a gentle note to whatever you're doing. Rather than drowning in flavour.
Would it be my first choice? No. But I definitely don't regret buying them anymore.

So as a beginner, my recommendation to anyone who starts that read this - give whatever you tried a few more shots! After all, you bought the damn thing!

It's good advice. Don't give up on a blend right away. Usually after 3 to 5 bowls I know if I like something enough to buy it again.

 

[WVOldFart]

I am funny with English. I don't smoke a lot of it. But when the mood strikes me I really dig it. Kind of like how I feel about the music of Bjork.

I'm the same way. I have several English blends handy at all times because I don't know when the urge will hit me. I really enjoy English blends when those moments hit, but I don't smoke them that frequently.

 

[Kan]

I am funny with English. I don't smoke a lot of it. But when the mood strikes me I really dig it. Kind of like how I feel about the music of Bjork.

I agree. I think from my initial impressions of this hobby I'm going to be a black cavendish/Virginia/aromatic sorta guy. I will absolutely look into other stuff, but the former will be my preferences.

 

[Kan]

I'm the same way. I have several English blends handy at all times because I don't know when the urge will hit me. I really enjoy English blends when those moments hit, but I don't smoke them that frequently.

A dark and muddy tobacco for people from a dark and muddy island XD
It must be my Swedish blood that craves the sweetness.

 

[mso489]

I have found that most blends require a little learning curve. Sometimes a blend will present a whole new flavor profile just by setting it aside (jarring it) for a year.

 

[WVOldFart]

It must be my Swedish blood that craves the sweetness.

My Great Grandparents came to America from Gamleby, Sweden.

 

[Kan]

My Great Grandparents came to America from Gamleby, Sweden.

Mine came from a little town called Sveg, fairly isolated. The province Harjadalen ( I can't be bothered to include the umlaut) literally just has a moose, dog, some birds etc on the coat of arms. To this day it's mostly forest.

(I also descend from Swedish immigrants to America, but raised in England. Weird story)

 

[Kan]

I have found that most blends require a little learning curve. Sometimes a blend will present a whole new flavor profile just by setting it aside (jarring it) for a year.

Something I might consider with these, good tip

 

[mingc]

I bought these two blends from Chieftain, which I've mentioned. One called lazy day, and the other Robert's mixture.
My initial impression was one of being wholly unimpressed, then actually a little bit disgusted. Perhaps disgusted simply because I spent money on something I didn't like haha.
But I went out to the park today and smoked perhaps my last bowl of Stokkebye, then had one bowl of lazy day and it really was quite nice.

I think it's just a matter of a beginner starting to understand the nuances and to not simply expect every tobacco to be this flavour-filled bananza, but more subtle and a gentle note to whatever you're doing. Rather than drowning in flavour.
Would it be my first choice? No. But I definitely don't regret buying them anymore.

So as a beginner, my recommendation to anyone who starts that read this - give whatever you tried a few more shots! After all, you bought the damn thing!

What do you mean by "English blends"?

 

[Kan]

What do you mean by "English blends"?

Those predominantly consisting of Latakia

 

[kcghost]

English blends can be very tasty.

 

[hyperstar]

I love Germain's english blend. Down it with Peated Whisky is the amazing! You should try it before saying you hate Latakia. Because I used to hate it as well.

 

[OldCaptainTheo]

I am funny with English. I don't smoke a lot of it. But when the mood strikes me I really dig it. Kind of like how I feel about the music of Bjork.

I'm the same way. I mostly smoke Virginia/Vapers, but oh boy when I crave an English nothing else can satisfly me. In the course of the years I found that I enjoy some lighter Englishes, like Chelsea Morning, preferably aged a little, that have a big Virginia base and in where latakia is used just like salt and pepper.

 

[Casual]

If you found English blends subtle, and not a “flavour bonanza,” what do you normally smoke? I’ve found English blends to be the category the least subtle of all.

 

[mikethompson]

That is one of the joys of pipe smoking - developing your palate and finding / appreciating different flavours. I'm glad you didn't give up on English blends ?

 

[Bob the bear]

When I first tried an English blend.It slapped me upside the head harder than a fastball and I said ugghhh never again …but a little spark was lit (pun intended ) and I saw myself trying it again and again and slowly but surely over time I grew to appreciate the beautiful flavours they have. Still love my aromatics but what can I say. I’m a converted English flavour man

 

[Mr_houston]

I'm the same way. I mostly smoke Virginia/Vapers, but oh boy when I crave an English nothing else can satisfly me. In the course of the years I found that I enjoy some lighter Englishes, like Chelsea Morning, preferably aged a little, that have a big Virginia base and in where latakia is used just like salt and pepper.

I also recommend mild-medium English blends, esp. for beginners. Chelsea Morning is high on my list, also Blackpoint.

 

[crashthegrey]

I agree. I think from my initial impressions of this hobby I'm going to be a black cavendish/Virginia/aromatic sorta guy. I will absolutely look into other stuff, but the former will be my preferences.

Your preferences are guaranteed to change over many years. It's a fun adventure.