Hello! Rookie Seeking Advice on Variety

[numbersix]

What you see here is what makes a horse race. As soon as someone recommends a tobacco, another will explain why it isn't a good idea to begin your return with that one. My advice: pick a few--try them out. We all have different DNA and are constitutionally different.

+1 (truer words have rarely been spoken)
It's tough to know what will work for you - but I'll offer my two cents anyway! ::
Since you're just getting started and you are inclined to try aromatics (which is fine, I like 'em), perhaps add a latakia blend for variety (this is often the type of tobacco many try after aromatics).
Me personally, I like to have an aromatic in the morning with my coffee and a latakia type blend in the evenings. As such, I am going to recommend getting Frog Morton Cellar. It's a latakia blend that some consider an aromatic as well. Anecdotally, I'd say that 90% of those who try it, like it a lot.
Right now my morning aro is Lane Limited HG-2000. It's very affordable and IMO surprisingly good and pairs well with a strong cup of coffee.
In the evening, Frog Morton or Newminster no. 17 English Luxus (inexpensive but a solid English).

 

[txsasquatch]

Thanks again for all of the advice! I took all of the suggestions to heart and they definitely influenced my selections. I just ordered the following variety along with a handful of MM cobs. I can't wait to try them all!
LL 1Q - Aromatic

GLP Fillmore - VaPer

GLP Abingdon - Balkan

Peterson Old Dublin - English

McLelland Frog Morton's Cellar - Crossover

 

[txsasquatch]

Some ideas I've saved for later depending on how this first round of variety goes and where my preferences lie:
GLP Cumberland: American (Virginia/Perique/Kentucky Burley)

S. Gawith Full Virginia Flake: Virginia

GLP Haddo's Delight: VaPer Hybrid

Stokkebye Luxury Navy Flake: VaPer

McClelland Beacon Extra:VaPer

McClelland 3 Oaks Syrian: English

Dunhill MM965: English

 

[Perique]

Squatch, that Cumberland is great stuff! As is the Haddo's and the Beacon Extra. 965, Luxury Navy Flake, etc: all great choices for your second round. Come back to this thread after your two rounds and let us know what you think of each

 

[rangerearthpig]

I am a Newbee as well, and I bought 8 ounces of Scotty's Butternut Burley on a gut feeling. I like it, but really have nothing to compare it to, aside from the can of cheap crap I bought at Walgreens. My next purchase will be a sampler package. I've seen several of these that offer four or five packets of different tobaccos. I am also eager to try a "purist" tobacco, if one exists...just a good old fashioned tobacco leaf without all the coconut oil, leather, and habanero filling.

 

[txsasquatch]

I'm on my way through the first round's selections. I've had a couple of bowls of each so far, some a little more than others due to pipe rotation and such. I'm happy to say that so far I like everything, but I'm having a little trouble with the Fillmore. It keeps burning really hot on me. I'm not sure what the differences between bite and burn are exactly, but it keeps leaving my tongue and back of my mouth a bit scorched. The first bowl I had of it was straight out of the tin, no drying, and I tried to cube cut the flake and packed it with no pressure, very loose. The second bowl I rubbed the broken flake out then let it dry for a bit before packing with the 3 step method. This was a little better but still very hot. I don't necessarily think I'm smoking too fast because I'm already needing to relight this stuff very frequently. Any slower and it wouldn't be lit at all. Maybe I'm still needing to find the right moisture level, or right packing technique. Any advice on how any of you prepare Fillmore would be appreciated.
Everything else is pretty solid. I've enjoyed 1Q and Frog Morton's Cellar immensely. Abingdon is wonderful because it is so different from everything else. It has this floral, herbal quality that I've not gotten out of any of the others so far. I don't think it is something that I would crave, but for variety sake alone I'm loving it. Old Dublin is good, but I'm still trying to find the right words for it. Both it and Fillmore seem like I'm smoking a barbeque campfire, and I know that I should be able to detect some differences between them. Maybe once I tame Fillmore I'll be able to discover the difference with those two smokes.

 

[txsasquatch]

I had another pipe of Fillmore this morning and I enjoyed it much more. I packed the broken flake straight into the bowl. I smoked as slow as possible, giving it a break every time it tried to heat up. I also let the pipe cool for a few minutes each time it went out. Very enjoyable. Smoky and spicy.
I also had another pipe of Old Dublin this evening, and I definitely can't compare it with Fillmore anymore. Old Dublin was way too reminiscent of cigarette smoke for me. I think I'm looking for different flavors and may steer away from standard English blends for a while.
I've revised my shopping list based on my aversion to English so far, and preference for aromatics or lightly cased blends. I'm also eager to try a burley American style and straight Virginia, so those remain on the list.
GLP Cumberland: American (Virginia/Perique/Kentucky Burley)

S. Gawith Full Virginia Flake: Virginia

GLP Haddo's Delight: VaPer Hybrid

Stokkebye Luxury Navy Flake: VaPer

Cornell & Diehl Autumn Evening: Aro (maple)

Cornell & Diehl Captain Bob's Blend: Aro (grape)

 

[tobyducote]

Frog Morton...try them all....