Hello from Cornwall UK

[Barry H]

Hello Barry,

Thank you for the welcome. Yesterday I finished up the packet of opened 25g Gold Block I had. But when I opened the sealed packet of 50g Gold Block it was a different level of flavour, wonderful. I'm thoroughly enjoying it.
Yes I understand the new Gold Block is not the same. So at some point I'm going to have to find a new favourite tobacco. Have you found a new tobacco that you like?

Mike

Hey Mike,

Though previously smoked for the nicotine (began pipe at 18 when you could smoke everywhere - the good old days) either Gold Block or Capstan Blue Ready Rubbed. Choice was limited so you stuck with easily available blends that got the job done. This time around (now 69) I find I'm a tobacco lover and treating it very much as a hobby, more appreciation and exploring the gamut of all blends looking for 'the one' (ha!).

Best so far: Gawith Hoggarth Black & Brown (Cavendish blend - 8/10), Peterson Early Morning Pipe (English blend - 8/10), Rattray's Old Gowrie (Va/Ky/Per blend) - 8/10), Rattray's 7 Reserve (Scottish blend - 7.5/10). Best over the counter: Special Virginia (8/10). Scoring is totally subjective and unscientific.

Next on the list: Samuel Gawith Best Brown Flake (Straight Va), Orlik Golden Sliced (Va/Per), McConnell Original Oriental.

Bet you're sorry you asked!

Good luck on your journey and have fun!

Barry

 

[Flatfish]

Greetings from a bit North of you. Ceredigion West Wales.

 

[AreBee]

Welcome from Connecticut, USA!

 

[Christos D. Tsatsaronis]

Greetings from Athens, Greece and welcome to this Forum!

 

[kcghost]

It's tough being a former cigarette smoke and inhaler. Hope you stick with and resist the urge to inhale. Welcome to the forums from Kansas in the USA!!

 

[Infantry23]

Welcome from Maryland!

 

[Mikerr]

Hey Mike,

Though previously smoked for the nicotine (began pipe at 18 when you could smoke everywhere - the good old days) either Gold Block or Capstan Blue Ready Rubbed. Choice was limited so you stuck with easily available blends that got the job done. This time around (now 69) I find I'm a tobacco lover and treating it very much as a hobby, more appreciation and exploring the gamut of all blends looking for 'the one' (ha!).

Best so far: Gawith Hoggarth Black & Brown (Cavendish blend - 8/10), Peterson Early Morning Pipe (English blend - 8/10), Rattray's Old Gowrie (Va/Ky/Per blend) - 8/10), Rattray's 7 Reserve (Scottish blend - 7.5/10). Best over the counter: Special Virginia (8/10). Scoring is totally subjective and unscientific.

Next on the list: Samuel Gawith Best Brown Flake (Straight Va), Orlik Golden Sliced (Va/Per), McConnell Original Oriental.

Bet you're sorry you asked!

Good luck on your journey and have fun!

Barry

Hello Barry,

Like you I was an early age smoker purely for the nicotine hit though mine was with Golden Virginia roll ups. Moved on to pipe smoking at the suggestion of a work mate. He smoked a Falcon Bantam with Gold Block so that was the combination I bought and used. I did have short affairs with Holland House and Clan but when 2 of us were smoking Clan in a pub we were asked to leave.

Thank you so much for the detailed list of the tobaccos you have tried. And the helpful scores. I've made a pdf of your message for future reference. The only one that I know from your list is the usual over counter Special Virginia, although none of my local shops stock it. So I will be an on line tobacco buyer.

I will probably look into the ranges of Gawith Hoggarth, Samuel Gawith and Petersons who feature on your list. Try some of the milder beginner tobaccos as a start and see how and if my taste develops. As a reborn pipe smoker I'm sure it will be an interesting and fun journey,

All the best and thanks again Barry.

Mike

 

[Barry H]

Hi again Mike,

Here are a few suggestions that may help:

Check out tobaccoreviews.com. Indispensable and fantastic resource for deciding what to squander your pension on next. Whole chunks of my life are spent on there. Could become a serious drain on your finances so be warned!

A few tobacco recommendations coming from Gold Block, all mild but still good IMO (feel ree to ignore). Don't be put off by 'Aromatic'. It just means they don't stink of sweaty feet like Condor but have a mild, pleasing room note:

Mac Baren Mixture Scottish Blend (similar to GH Black and Brown)
Mac Baren Original Choice (Burley/Virginia - Aromatic)
Amphora Original (Burley based)
Amphora Full Aroma (Aromatic).

All the UK online tobacconists are excellent with good stock and fast shipping:
My Smoking Shop
Black Swanne
GQ Tobaccos

All the best,
Barry

 

[MisterBadger]

Hi again Mike,

Here are a few suggestions that may help:

Check out tobaccoreviews.com. Indispensable and fantastic resource for deciding what to squander your pension on next. Whole chunks of my life are spent on there. Could become a serious drain on your finances so be warned!

A few tobacco recommendations coming from Gold Block, all mild but still good IMO (feel ree to ignore). Don't be put off by 'Aromatic'. It just means they don't stink of sweaty feet like Condor but have a mild, pleasing room note:

Mac Baren Mixture Scottish Blend (similar to GH Black and Brown)
Mac Baren Original Choice (Burley/Virginia - Aromatic)
Amphora Original (Burley based)
Amphora Full Aroma (Aromatic).

All the UK online tobacconists are excellent with good stock and fast shipping:
My Smoking Shop
Black Swanne
GQ Tobaccos

All the best,
Barry

@Mikerr BarryH is right about tobaccoreviews.com. My advice is to filter a blend review by 'Newest' (ithe default setting is 'Most Helpful'), as blends change over time. I can also recommend Smoke-King (Tobacco, Cigars, Cigarettes - Smoke-King Tobacconist - https://www.smoke-king.co.uk/) for their 8x 5gr tobacco sample packs and their 10gr individual samples, which saves one committing to 50gr of something one discovers one doesn't like.

 

[Mikerr]

Hi again Mike,

Here are a few suggestions that may help:

Check out tobaccoreviews.com. Indispensable and fantastic resource for deciding what to squander your pension on next. Whole chunks of my life are spent on there. Could become a serious drain on your finances so be warned!

A few tobacco recommendations coming from Gold Block, all mild but still good IMO (feel ree to ignore). Don't be put off by 'Aromatic'. It just means they don't stink of sweaty feet like Condor but have a mild, pleasing room note:

Mac Baren Mixture Scottish Blend (similar to GH Black and Brown)
Mac Baren Original Choice (Burley/Virginia - Aromatic)
Amphora Original (Burley based)
Amphora Full Aroma (Aromatic).

All the UK online tobacconists are excellent with good stock and fast shipping:
My Smoking Shop
Black Swanne
GQ Tobaccos

All the best,
Barry

Hello Again Barry,

My first comment is what pension? The way things are going in the UK, pipe smoking will soon become a capital expenditure.

But on a more positive note, that tobaccoreviews.com site is a whole other world and as you say a fantastic resource. And I haven't even begun to really explore it's potential yet.

I agree with you I have thought the aromatic tobaccos could be a good starting point for me. Especially as I learn to sip and savour the tobacco more, rather than taking a long draw for the hit.

Have noted your new tobacco suggestions and suppliers. I feel it won't be too long now before I place my first order. In the mean time for as long as it lasts, I'm still enjoying my aged Gold Block.

I feel like the classic 'old dog learning new tricks'

Thanks again Barry.

All the Best,
Mike

 

[Mikerr]

@Mikerr BarryH is right about tobaccoreviews.com. My advice is to filter a blend review by 'Newest' (ithe default setting is 'Most Helpful'), as blends change over time. I can also recommend Smoke-King (Tobacco, Cigars, Cigarettes - Smoke-King Tobacconist - https://www.smoke-king.co.uk/) for their 8x 5gr tobacco sample packs and their 10gr individual samples, which saves one committing to 50gr of something one discovers one doesn't like.

Hello Mr Badger,

Great name. That used to be the students cheeky name for me when I worked as a technician at an Art College. It was because I was starting to go grey.

Going for the latest tobacco reviews is a really good idea, thank you. Knowing me I would have started at the beginning and waded through loads of old reviews first. As you say blends change over time. Especially as I have recently discovered other manufactures have taken over some of the old established brands I once knew.

Now I'm investigating tobacco suppliers I'll definitely look into the 8 x 5gr sample packs. As well as smaller quantity packs until I establish the tobaccos I prefer.

Thank You, All the Best

Mike

 

[bpinkstaff]

Welcome from Rockton Illinois!

 

[Doctor Chopper]

Good to hear that you are finally growing up and becoming more responsible young man! If you keep up bad habits, you won't live to a ripe old age!

 

[Mikerr]

Good to hear that you are finally growing up and becoming more responsible young man! If you keep up bad habits, you won't live to a ripe old age!

View attachment 341601

Hello Dr Chopper,

When I had a new heart valve they said it would last 10 years. I've already had 3 years so far. So I thought just enjoy life, and that's the reason I began smoking again. Although, I am hopefully doing it in a more responsible way now. And so far, so good. It's good to be back.

Mike

 

[emac.917]

Hello from Manila!

 

[Doctor Chopper]

Hello Dr Chopper,

When I had a new heart valve they said it would last 10 years. I've already had 3 years so far. So I thought just enjoy life, and that's the reason I began smoking again. Although, I am hopefully doing it in a more responsible way now. And so far, so good. It's good to be back.

Mike

I wish you the best my friend, a long and joyful life! 10 year valves can last 20 or 30.

 

[mr_future]

Welcome from Texas!

 

[Home Brewing Piper]

Welcome from Wisconsin.

 

[Pappy Coon]