Five Tobacco Recommendations for Beginners

[neverknowsbest]

I've given this a considerable amount of thought. Above all, I want the tobacco to be approachable, available, and categorically representative. Good is entirely optional.
The Aromatic - Lane 1Q (Lane)
The Golden/Light Virginia - Escudo (Orlik)
The Dark Virginia - McClelland Blackwoods Flake (McClelland)
The English - G.L. Pease Maltese Falcon (Cornell & Diehl)
The Oriental - Robert McConnell Oriental (Kohlhase & Kopp)

 

[winton]

I will take a completely different route. Contact C&D or P&C or one of the other vendors that advertise on this site. Almost all will have a sample deal, five tins or 2 oz of five blends etc. Talk to them and they will help you decide on good selection. They know what new smokers enjoy and will give you good advice. This probably is easier than chasing down several different blends from various sources.
Winton

 

[lordnoble]

Well, I don't know that I'd throw the Brothers at a newbie, might put 'em off a bit. Old ironmouth jackasses like me tend to like it well enough, but it's a bit strong for the newly initiated piper, at least in my opinion. That's more of a right of passage thing for someone who's been piping for a year or so

I'd go as far to say that it's a bit strong for just about any piper (the aforementioned old, iron-mouth jackasses of course, being the exception). Five Brothers may be fine for a hardened cigarette smoker, but it's a pretty stout blend even for those of us who can handle most nicotine-heavy blends.
My list would be similar to some of the previous lists members have put up, and while I understand WHY sasquatch offered up a blend which demands you learn proper technique, I'd fear that the newbie would get frustrated and quit rather than learn the proper technique. Here's my list:
1. Lane 1-Q

2. Peter Stokkebye Luxury Bulls-eye Flake

3. Peter Stokkebye English Luxury

4. Sir Walter Raleigh (Regular)

5. Peter Stokkebye Oriental Supreme
-Jason

 

[theboz]

Sothron- My first tobacco experience at 18 was a cigar, but I realize that I'm not the majority either. But, coming from a medium strength cigar smoker point of view here is my list:
1. 4noggins Painter Hills- This starts off at a medium strength but picks up a kick similar to a cigar according to my taste buds

2. Peter Stokkebye Proper English- This seems to be a pretty baseline English for me.

3. B&B Beck's Ol' Limey Bastard- Another English that gives a good sense of the style.

4. Lane BCA- This was my first entrance into aromatics and I enjoyed it.

5. Some Virginia blend- I cant recommend a specific blend because I have only tried a local blend but I believe a beginner should try some of everything.

 

[chargerucd]

ok guys,

im also a new and i can tell you that a newbie NEEDS a pipe that will be forgiving to packing inconsistencies (still learning to pack the tobacco) , as well as tamping issues (such as aggresive tamping).

For that I'd suggest corncobbs and / or falcon pipe.

either will allow the newbie go enjoy the tobacco better and without too many issues.