Welcome, and greetings from the Texas Coast. How are things in California-Lite? 
Just kidding, my friend.
Don't sweat the learning curve, like tongue bite and discovering your palate's preference, it all comes with patience, practice, trying new things, and a willingness to learn; all of which you seem to have going for you. So, you're headed in the right direction.
Feel free to disregard the following unsolicited blend recommendations and advice, however, I can somewhat relate to your transition to the world of premium tobaccos and pipes.
First, with VA's, do take your time letting them dry out. Make it a part of your smoking ritual, if you will. They typically do not take incredibly long get to the acceptable moister level. Second, sip them slow and smoothly: they can possess incredible nuanced notes and they absolutely do burn hot, leading to bite. Lastly, I prefer a little spice, or kick, with my VA's and humbly suggest trying out a Virginia Perique (VA/Per) blends, similar to C&D's Haunted Bookshop, but with a higher content of Perique than Virginia. These Perique-forward blends, like Pease's Haddo's Delight or C&D's Kajun Kake, offer a more full-bodies flavor profile, as well as having medium to full strength.
More unsolicited recommendations (all apologies, I just enjoy talking tobacco and pipes): traditional English blends always carry a unique ability of reminding me of my younger, more ignorant days when I smoked cigarettes, but in a profoundly positive manner. The aroma, taste, and smooth strength they offer continuously take me back to the magical time when I first discovered tobacco as an adolescent; however, such blends positively illuminate the special bond between man, tobacco, and fire, minus "Big Tobacco" and their conniving schemes and carcinogens.
A few English blends I prefer, and are well worth a try if you have yet to have the opportunity, would be Samuel Gawith's Squadron Leader,Dunhill's Peterson's Early Morning Pipe, and GL Pease's Westminster.
If you are looking for richly dark, heavy flavor bombs, packed with unadulterated nicotine power and strength,I recommend the following: Mac Barren HH Vintage Syrian, Bold Kentucky, as well as Old Dark Fire, Pease's Jackknife Plug, Captain Earle's Ten Russians, and Five Brothers PIPE TOBACCO! Tread lightly with the last two... they don't mess around! (side-note: an old-timer taught me if you ever do experience that awfully good nicotine sickness, pour a packet of sugar into your palm and lick. Then follow with a few sips of water. It alleviates the symptoms rather quickly).
Anywhose-it, enough of my delusional ramblings. Welcome, brother! And keep Austin weird!
Just kidding, my friend.Don't sweat the learning curve, like tongue bite and discovering your palate's preference, it all comes with patience, practice, trying new things, and a willingness to learn; all of which you seem to have going for you. So, you're headed in the right direction.
Feel free to disregard the following unsolicited blend recommendations and advice, however, I can somewhat relate to your transition to the world of premium tobaccos and pipes.
First, with VA's, do take your time letting them dry out. Make it a part of your smoking ritual, if you will. They typically do not take incredibly long get to the acceptable moister level. Second, sip them slow and smoothly: they can possess incredible nuanced notes and they absolutely do burn hot, leading to bite. Lastly, I prefer a little spice, or kick, with my VA's and humbly suggest trying out a Virginia Perique (VA/Per) blends, similar to C&D's Haunted Bookshop, but with a higher content of Perique than Virginia. These Perique-forward blends, like Pease's Haddo's Delight or C&D's Kajun Kake, offer a more full-bodies flavor profile, as well as having medium to full strength.
More unsolicited recommendations (all apologies, I just enjoy talking tobacco and pipes): traditional English blends always carry a unique ability of reminding me of my younger, more ignorant days when I smoked cigarettes, but in a profoundly positive manner. The aroma, taste, and smooth strength they offer continuously take me back to the magical time when I first discovered tobacco as an adolescent; however, such blends positively illuminate the special bond between man, tobacco, and fire, minus "Big Tobacco" and their conniving schemes and carcinogens.
A few English blends I prefer, and are well worth a try if you have yet to have the opportunity, would be Samuel Gawith's Squadron Leader,
If you are looking for richly dark, heavy flavor bombs, packed with unadulterated nicotine power and strength,I recommend the following: Mac Barren HH Vintage Syrian, Bold Kentucky, as well as Old Dark Fire, Pease's Jackknife Plug, Captain Earle's Ten Russians, and Five Brothers PIPE TOBACCO! Tread lightly with the last two... they don't mess around! (side-note: an old-timer taught me if you ever do experience that awfully good nicotine sickness, pour a packet of sugar into your palm and lick. Then follow with a few sips of water. It alleviates the symptoms rather quickly).
Anywhose-it, enough of my delusional ramblings. Welcome, brother! And keep Austin weird!
