math:
Of course, flakes aren't the only tobaccos that can give you natural tobacco flavor! But, yes, do check out cigrmaster's list for flake recommendations.
Two opposing thoughts. First, I wouldn't recommend a flake to anyone who is new to pipes. Second, Don't be intimidated by flakes.
Here's where I'm coming from:
1. Flakes are not really smokeable as they arrive in the can. At the very least, you need to fold them to get them into a pipe. Some cut them up. I prefer to rub them out completely; I haven't noticed any improvement in flavor by handling them any other way. (They will burn slower if you cut them up or just fold-and-stuff, but they burn slow enough for me anyway.) You'll be helped immensely in your own endeavors if you've already gained some experience with packing a pipe with a variety of different non-flake blends and cuts. In addition, flakes, more than other cuts (except, maybe plugs!), yield their richest smoking experiences when smoked very patiently, very slowly. This is when the flavors really pop and you can truly see what all the excitement's about. But smoking slowly is not typically something that beginning pipe smokers do well; it has to be learned over time. Coming from cigars, you're ahead of the game. But still...
2. There is no right or wrong way to prepare a flake for your bowl. We constantly meet folks here who stress out about trying their first flake, wanting to make sure they do everything right. Well, IMO, as long as the tobacco is in the bowl, you can light it, and it has the right draw, then you're home free. (How do you know if it's the "right draw"? See Point 1 above.) You can fold up a flake or two and just stuff it in; ruffle the tobacco at the top of the bowl to give you something that lights easily, and you're set. Cut it into tiny squares or the geometric shape of your preference. Rub it out halfway, leaving some chunks. Or rub it out completely and treat it as if it were never a flake at all. There is nothing here to stress about.
Just my .02!
Bob
) .... with a pinch of Perique.
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