Salewis wrote:
"Perique is an acquired taste and I am not sure that if a smoker is turned off by perique that they should continue to condition themselves to this additive since pipe smoking should be enjoyable."
Enjoyable, yes. But how often do we talk here about all of the things that go into reaping that enjoyment: Learning to pack correctly, learning to smoke correctly, understanding about different tobaccos and cuts, exploring a wide range of styles and approaches? There is much to learn. So why shouldn't "palate education" be part of that curriculum?
Otherwise, none of us would ever develop a love for foods or beverages we don't initially care for. None of us would learn to appreciate music that sounds confusing or boring on first listen. None of us would stick with a movie that at first seems baffling to discover the artistry at work. You get the idea. There's a reason why there is a thing called "an acquired taste." You seem to be suggesting that no one actually make the effort to acquire it.
I think there is great value in learning to understand and appreciate things that might initially be unappealing or off-putting. Frankly, too often I read posts here from folks who swear off a new blend after trying a single bowl. Or they find they don't like a particular style after a couple of bowls and never go back to that style again to figure out why they don't like it or to try to figure out what others might find in it that makes it enjoyable for them -- essentially, to challenge and educate themselves.
Bob
"Perique is an acquired taste and I am not sure that if a smoker is turned off by perique that they should continue to condition themselves to this additive since pipe smoking should be enjoyable."
Enjoyable, yes. But how often do we talk here about all of the things that go into reaping that enjoyment: Learning to pack correctly, learning to smoke correctly, understanding about different tobaccos and cuts, exploring a wide range of styles and approaches? There is much to learn. So why shouldn't "palate education" be part of that curriculum?
Otherwise, none of us would ever develop a love for foods or beverages we don't initially care for. None of us would learn to appreciate music that sounds confusing or boring on first listen. None of us would stick with a movie that at first seems baffling to discover the artistry at work. You get the idea. There's a reason why there is a thing called "an acquired taste." You seem to be suggesting that no one actually make the effort to acquire it.
I think there is great value in learning to understand and appreciate things that might initially be unappealing or off-putting. Frankly, too often I read posts here from folks who swear off a new blend after trying a single bowl. Or they find they don't like a particular style after a couple of bowls and never go back to that style again to figure out why they don't like it or to try to figure out what others might find in it that makes it enjoyable for them -- essentially, to challenge and educate themselves.
Bob