Need some help, novice

[OverMountain]

I'd suggest Peterson Old Dublin. It's one of the standard introductions to the world of pipedom for great many new smokers who aren't happy with aromatics.

Straight Virginia flakes, even as good as Capstan, are for more experienced smokers, in my opinion.

Agree on holding back on the VAs. For someone seeking a “pipey smelling” room note, Virginia’s just smell like cigarettes to me.

Keep us posted OP on how it goes. The good advice on this post is more than enough to get you on plane in the right direction.

 

[jaingorenard]

Since you're based in the UK (as am I), St Bruno is readily available, has been around for donkey's years, and is a flavourful, satisfying smoke.

 

[warren99]

Since you're based in the UK (as am I), St Bruno is readily available, has been around for donkey's years, and is a flavourful, satisfying smoke.

Unless St. Bruno has changed over the years (I haven't smoked it in about 20 years), I would not recommend it as a starter tobacco. Even for a seasoned pipe smoker like myself, it had a substantial bite at that time. I would recommend something like Amphora Original Blend for starters, which is about as mild a tobacco you can get. Since it's now made by MacBaren's in Europe, I would assume it's available in the UK.

 

[jaingorenard]

Unless St. Bruno has changed over the years (I haven't smoked it in about 20 years), I would not recommend it as a starter tobacco. Even for a seasoned pipe smoker like myself, it had a substantial bite at that time. I would recommend something like Amphora Original Blend for starters, which is about as mild a tobacco you can get. Since it's now made by MacBaren's in Europe, I would assume it's available in the UK.

St Bruno was my first tobacco (as it was what my grandad smoked). I never got bitten by it, but you could be right! Amphora is great as well though, mild and really consistent. It used to be easily available in the UK, but I haven't tried to buy any for years.

 

[vosBghos]

Peterson Flake , tastes good barley cased and smokes cool, then when you learn to smoke slow and sip , you can smoke all those writers tobaccos , starting with Capstan Blue , then Golden Mixture , then 3 nuns , these are listed in order of biteyness with capstan being the least bitey and nuns being the most.

 

[mso489]

My usual advice to new pipe smokers is to buy only small amounts of blends over time, even when you find a blend you like, since your tastes will develop and change. Just get an ounce or two of bulk, or one pouch or tin at a time, and take your time. Sometimes it takes an entire pouch to learn a blend so you enjoy it.

I'm not sure what is and is not available in UK. You might like the Amphora series -- Virginia, Burley, English, aromatics. I like Sir Walter Raleigh regular and aromatic versions. Study the tobacco pages online, including listings of the blends you have on hand, to be aware of what you like, and what the constituent tobaccos are. Virginia and burley are the most used as base tobaccos (the greater proportion of blends) so you might try those alone to see how you like them.

I'd jar and keep blends you don't like and try them in six months or a year, and you might have a whole different experience. That's not unusual.

Don't buy too many blends at once. Take your time. Enjoy the ritual and flavor. That's really the idea.

 

[anotherbob]

Good morning all and thank you for allowing me to join the club/forum.

I’m new to pipe smoking but a complete novice, so was hoping for some guidance if possible.

My attraction to pipe smoking comes from my hero’s, Bertrand Russell, CS Lewis, Tollkien but also from sitting in many country pubs as a kid and smelling that sweet delectable aroma wafting over. I’m an avid reader and enjoy to relax so I wanted to try something different. I am 45 this year so maybe a bit late to the hobby.

My question is hopefully a simple one, I want to find a simple, mild tobacco or something easy on the pallet and similar to those wonderful sweet smells I experienced as a kid in all those pubs. Trouble is there are so many on the market I don’t know where to start. Someone recommended Peterson Killarney (Sweet) Pipe Tobacco - I tried this yesterday and it’s given me really bad tongue bite. I have purchased a simple starter Joyoldelf Wooden Tobacco Smoking Pipe from Amazon which is quite nice.

Can anyone recommend a perfect tobacco to try? I was going to buy one of these - Condor, Three nuns, Fribourg & Treyer: Golden Mixture. People are telling me to avoid aromatics.

I would hugely appreciate some help.

Regards Clint

oh the advice to dry the tobacco is great. But even more great advice with the Peterson Killarney. Even a little bit drier then it's packaged will make that blend a lot less likely to bite. Also people say to smoke slow. I say yes but also gentle. When you smoke your next pipe let it sit in your mouth without drawing on it, you might be shocked to realize how much smoke you can get without drawing. In fact I consider the draw or puff to be mostly about lightly stoking the ember to keep it going or at the temp I want. That's how I look at it. Smoking a pipe is a 16 and over in my opinion type thing there is too young but not too old to start.

 

[anotherbob]

oh and matches are great. Learn to use them and they're the best light source for a pipe in my opinion. I need to make a video of how I light a match in windy conditions.

 

[hyperstar]

It's important not to start with aromatics. The aromatics tasted good, but they can burn much hotter than other non-aromatic tobaccos. You would likely puff too frequently attempt to get more resembles flavor, but the more you puff, the less flavor you will experience.

A bold blend is recommended. Let it dry before packing, it's easier for you to control the heat. You will much more likely to get some flavor. And it will be much easier for you to apprehend the idea of slowing down. Helping you master some of the mechanics of pipe smoking.

V/P or V/B blend is a good start.

 

[mbmoehl]

Hello and welcome!
I'm 43 and have really only been smoke for the last year, so many others much more experienced people will have better advice, but I can share my experience as a someone newer to it. I started with corn cobs and aromatics and also dealt with bad tounge bite. This didn't go away with better pipes and non aro tobacco, it was mostly advice on technique that changed things for me. That being said, a nicer pipe and non aros did make the learning process a little easier which also made it more enjoyable. Look up available blends and buy ones that sound really good to you, and try a verity. Like others have said, once you're technique improves, you will rediscover how they taste and what you really like. Even if a blend sounds good and comes in the form of a flake or cake, don't hesitate on the purchase, use it as a learning opportunity. From what I've read here is even the most experienced are still learning, it's an ever evolving process. One last bit of advice I will give is that even when you think you got it, you will have days when you just don't dry it, pack it or smoke it right and the bite might get ya, but don't let that discourage you. Good luck and enjoy!

 

[lraisch]

You may well be seeing confusing and even contradictory information given the diversity of tastes and experience on the forum, but allow me to add my suggestions based on 57 years as a pipe smoker.

Tobacco which is too wet will generate steam and contribute to tongue bite. Conversely, tobacco which is too dry will burn too rapidly and give the same, unfortunate result. Pick up a pinch of tobacco and it should just stick together slightly. If it crumbles apart, it is too dry.

Try some of the popular mixtures that have been recommended but consider a light English blend such as Peterson's Early Morning pipe or Rattray's 7 Reserve. The fuller flavor means you will find yourself puffing less to get the enjoyment of the blend.

Also, I have no experience with the brand of pipe you have, but posters on this site have not spoken well of it. I would strongly recommend you get a decent briar from a maker like Savinelli or even an estate classic like a GBD or Comoy.

Oh, and welcome from Washington state!

 

[tobakenist]

Here is my best going on your opening post, we are both in UK, go to CQ Tobacco's in the UK search for Red Mixture, it is mild and aromatic, I use it for mixing and lovely on it's own, just had a bowl of it. Enjoy.

 

[DeerparkDays]

oh and matches are great. Learn to use them and they're the best light source for a pipe in my opinion. I need to make a video of how I light a match in windy conditions.

Hey anotherbob. Yes please mate, make that video. I love matches but find I reach for the lighter in anything that’s stronger than a quiet fart.

 

[anotherbob]

Hey anotherbob. Yes please mate, make that video. I love matches but find I reach for the lighter in anything that’s stronger than a quiet fart.

I will have to try now.

 

[OSOBUCO]

I'd suggest Peterson Old Dublin.

Old Dublin has by far the creamiest mouthfeel of any tobacco I have had yet. Like velvet on the palate. A pleasure to smoke. Not my favorite english but definitely solid.

 

[Lumbridge]

If aromatics sound appealing to you, then go for it, but avoid very moist and sugary ones to start with. They can be hard to light and keep lit, and require a slow and controlled smoking cadence in order to get maximum enjoyment from them. They are marketed mainly to beginners, but ironically are best enjoyed by experienced pipe smokers.
If milder flavors appeal to you, I would suggest trying a few different types of tobacco - a decent burley and perhaps a good quality black cavendish (probably the mildest tobacco you will find).

IMO, a good quality black cavendish is a great place to start if you want MILD with a capital 'M'. A VA-based black cavendish like Sutliff 507-S (I promise I'm not a Sutliff shill) or McConnell Rich Dark Virginia will give you a pleasant, sweet, mild flavor and an exceptionally cool smoke. These are more traditional, not heavily sauced cavendishes, and have natural, fruity sweetness from the Virginias.

A basic, lightly aromatic burley can be a lifesaver for beginners, as they are simple, easy to smoke, and pleasant. Something like Sutliff Match Ready Rubbed or Match Carter Hall/Prince Albert (or the real deal) would be great to start with, and you can buy a single ounce of the Match blends to try for under $3 US.

Now, I'm not a pipe elitist by any means. Most of my pipes are corn cobs, pear wood pipes, and low-end briars, all of which are pretty cheap but smoke very well. But I have to say - ditch the Amazon Joyoldelf pipe. They are not made of quality wood, and the finishes and especially the bowl interior coatings are of questionable composition and could be unsafe.
You would be much better served by a Missouri Meerschaum cob, a Mr. Brog or Balandis pear wood pipe, or an inexpensive briar like a Lorenzo or a Grabow. You will get a better smoke without having to worry about potential toxic crap used in making the junky Amazon pipes.

Good luck, and enjoy the journey!

 

[Lumbridge]

Old Dublin has by far the creamiest mouthfeel of any tobacco I have had yet. Like velvet on the palate. A pleasure to smoke. Not my favorite english but definitely solid.

That's one I've got tucked away that I'm really looking forward to trying. That and C&D Smooth English.

 

[jaingorenard]

If aromatics sound appealing to you, then go for it, but avoid very moist and sugary ones to start with. They can be hard to light and keep lit, and require a slow and controlled smoking cadence in order to get maximum enjoyment from them. They are marketed mainly to beginners, but ironically are best enjoyed by experienced pipe smokers.
If milder flavors appeal to you, I would suggest trying a few different types of tobacco - a decent burley and perhaps a good quality black cavendish (probably the mildest tobacco you will find).

IMO, a good quality black cavendish is a great place to start if you want MILD with a capital 'M'. A VA-based black cavendish like Sutliff 507-S (I promise I'm not a Sutliff shill) or McConnell Rich Dark Virginia will give you a pleasant, sweet, mild flavor and an exceptionally cool smoke. These are more traditional, not heavily sauced cavendishes, and have natural, fruity sweetness from the Virginias.

A basic, lightly aromatic burley can be a lifesaver for beginners, as they are simple, easy to smoke, and pleasant. Something like Sutliff Match Ready Rubbed or Match Carter Hall/Prince Albert (or the real deal) would be great to start with, and you can buy a single ounce of the Match blends to try for under $3 US.

Now, I'm not a pipe elitist by any means. Most of my pipes are corn cobs, pear wood pipes, and low-end briars, all of which are pretty cheap but smoke very well. But I have to say - ditch the Amazon Joyoldelf pipe. They are not made of quality wood, and the finishes and especially the bowl interior coatings are of questionable composition and could be unsafe.
You would be much better served by a Missouri Meerschaum cob, a Mr. Brog or Balandis pear wood pipe, or an inexpensive briar like a Lorenzo or a Grabow. You will get a better smoke without having to worry about potential toxic crap used in making the junky Amazon pipes.

Good luck, and enjoy the journey!

Just to add, some of this tobacco could be hard to get in the UK (although good recommendations), but you can easily pick up a corn cob pipe. The other good option in the UK is a Falcon pipe. I have loads of these and love them as cheap, knock-around pipes.

 

[anotherbob]

Also, I have no experience with the brand of pipe you have, but posters on this site have not spoken well of it. I would strongly recommend you get a decent briar from a maker like Savinelli or even an estate classic like a GBD or Comoy.

I was about to say something about don't blame the pipe. Then I read the brand again and thought do blame the pipe. Even if the smoker is on a certain budget and can't drop much money on a pipe, a cob, Doctor Grabow, or falcon would be a strong improvement.

 

[Lumbridge]

Just to add, some of this tobacco could be hard to get in the UK (although good recommendations), but you can easily pick up a corn cob pipe. The other good option in the UK is a Falcon pipe. I have loads of these and love them as cheap, knock-around pipes.

Whoops, I just skimmed everything after the first post and didn't read that OP is in the UK. Some US distributors do ship to the UK, though.