First Virginia?

[chasethorn]

Added that to my list! Thanks rogermugs!

 

[redbeard]

This is probably a beginners Va/Per but definitely try luxury bulls eye flake. It resembles a coin and has a center of cavendish. This tobacco literally knocks my socks off, or at least recently it has :puffpipe:

 

[matchstickman]

Peter Stokkebye Luxury Navy Flake gets some harsh reviews around the forum, but its a pretty mild flake that I think is very easy smoking and might be a good first beginner choice for a Virginia. Escudo is the king of all Vaper blends (at least that I have tried thus far) and while it might be a smack in the face as far as flavor, it is worth the effort to try some. MacBaren HH Mature Virginia is a very complex and tasty Virginia blend as well.

 

[teufelhund]

+1 for Mac Baren Virginia No. 1 :D

 

[chasethorn]

Thanks everyone! I will be making a trip to my local tobacconist this next Tuesday! They have a huge selection and many of the recommendations I received here are supplied there!

 

[wayneteipen]

McCranie's Red Ribbon and McCranie's Somerled are two Va's I would recommend to a beginner.

 

[extrasample]

H & H Louisiana Red. Was my first and was forgiving on this noob. Love the sweet taste- don't remember any hay flavor.

 

[rmbittner]

Hmmm. . . I'm late to this thread, but I have to add my opinion that I don't think a Red Virginia is the best starting place for someone brand new to Virginias. Yes, there will be some sweetness; there will also be quite a bit of tang and, depending on the blend, nicotine strength. To me, Red Virginias are something of an acquired taste, even for a Virginia fan.
I would echo all of those who have recommended Dunhill Flake. It's a very mild Virginia that requires no special treatment or attention, other than the ability to either rub it out (my preference) or cut it up for filling a bowl. It's not going to deliver a lot of flavor or nuance, but it would be a fine introduction.
I'll also recommend Rattray's Old Gowrie, a very nice blend that was the first Virginia I actually fell in love with, and Samuel Gawith's Full Virginia Flake, which, for me, is a very mellow, soft, and rich Virginia flake. I'm particularly sensitive to nicotine, and this one has never given me any problems, despite the "full" in the name.
I'm kind of shocked that the premiere American blender of Virginias hasn't gotten much love in this thread: McClelland. I'd recommend starting with Matured Virginia No. 27. And even though they aren't pure straight Virginias, I'd also highly recommend Anniversary and Matured Virginia No. 24. For me, the very best Virginia from McC is Dark Star, but that might be a challenge for a beginner.
Finally, I'd recommend Butera's Royal Vintage: Matured Ribbon, an excellent Virginia that virtually nobody talks about.
Bob