Having trouble deciphering flavors

[lukasstrifeson]

I've been smoking a pipe for about a month. I've watched videos on proper procedures, and I've practiced them to break down flavors in the tobacco. At first tounge bite blocked my ability to taste, but I got that under control. I've tried retrohaling to fully experience the tobacco, and I've sipped the tobacco and swirled it in my mouth. I have tried about 9 different blends so far and the problem is that most just taste like tobacco. I do like Latakia, but my palate is just not recognizing a lot of other flavors. Is this normal for a beginner smoker and does anyone have any advice?

The saying that helped me starting out was:

Dry it longer, pack it lighter, smoke it slower.

 

[Brad H]

Buy you a few basic blending ingredients. Smoke them individually. You will see what the flavors they have. Then try some different blends. You will understand what roles each different tobacco adds to it.

Or put them in the corner for a few months and revisit them. Found that works pretty well.

 

[Pipe_Guard]

flavor is subjective. Youll come across to references to a "tipping point", the moment a load of tobacco hits the tippin gpoint and becomes crap.

For me, its almost the second puff after getting it light up for skiff, low country natural virginia and oriental, and cd oriental silk.

I do have hope for the low country, a pound for less then what most places want for a 7 oz can of half n half or captain black. Its said to be a popular blending option, but i need help on that theory.

But so far, only sherlock holmes, orlik, have hit the flavor for me.