I Tried My First Virginia Today

[mustanggt]

Not familiar with dunhills. I'm buying up all the Virginia I can afford. I believe the reason you must sip slowly and savor the smoke is to be able to taste the more subtle flavors of that tobacco. Tongue bite may or may not result, in my experience, if you puff too fast but you will surely miss all the flavor possible with each blend. Trying va/pers is another way to ease into straight Virginias. I started out that way but not on purpose. It just turned out that way.

 

[zonomo]

Well, maybe I just too new at this to really appreciate it. I remember when I started drinking red wine, they all tasted bad but I have a very particular red wine taste now. I tried another bowl and had the same experience. Now i have taken an ounce out and put it on a plate to dry out. We'll see. I smoke some hobbits weed afterward and boy was that delightful, at least to me.

 

[mustanggt]

There is a huge variety of Virginias out there so I'm sure you can find one. Briar fox by C&D as well as exhausted rooster are very tasty and don't have the ketchup or vinegar smell to them at least to my nose.

 

[zonomo]

Thanks for all the advice guys - I will definitely stick with it, dry it out, smoke it slooooooooowly. I also think I am going to take nsfisher's advice and smoke it in an broken in pipe.

 

[rmbittner]

The analogy between truly understanding and appreciating of pipe smoking and of wine are quite apropos -- the big difference is that pipe smoking takes a great deal longer to "get it."

It's also much easier to meet with other wine aficionados, pick up wine books at any good bookstore, watch educational wine videos, and visit vineyards and tasting rooms. The options for those wishing to learn about and discuss pipes and tobaccos are far more limited. Seventy years ago, odds were good that most people knew someone personally who smoked a pipe. Your mentor could be a friend, a parent or grandparent, the guys at the local tobacconist.
The Internet is a great resource and a wonderful source for finding a similar community these days. But, you know, sometimes it's just nice to sit down beside a more-experienced pipe smoker for some face-to-face mentoring. I've learned things about wine from meeting winemakers and other fans that I've never encountered in books.
I'm rambling. . . Maybe this is just turning into a plug for attending pipe shows. . .
Bob

 

[sparroa]

No, Bob, it is all very true and I have said the same thing myself.
It is easy to educate yourself about wine, but to learn about tobacco is a solitary adventure for most.
(Those fortunate enough to be able to attend said pipe shows or specialty tobacconists being the exception)
I've got a few long out of print books on the way, but any information helps!
I truly wish I knew someone who was a really experienced pipe smoker - it would be an honour to learn from them.
Anyway, I think zonomo hit the nail on the hand - he probably needs to acclimate himself to the flavours of Virginias and try a wider variety, along with just giving the HH Mature Virginias some more time to sing...
Re: Straight Virginias, the only blend I have seen where the blender guarantees it is 100% VA is Union Square. (uncased at that) Most of the rest do use a bit of burley for body or seasoning - or in the case of Orlik Golden Sliced, perique.

 

[supdog]

I tried Wessex Brown Virginia Flake last night and thought it was amazing. The tin note was awesome and the smoke was fruity and sweet. I smoked it after a bowl of SPC Plum Pudding which was also very good.