New Guy Having Troubles
- Thread starter bradcongo
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Wow thanks for all of the replies! You guys are awesome! Sorry it took so long to reply- I had to work today. I am using a Zippo pipe lighter. I’ve also used matches, thinking that maybe I would get a better light. The two tobaccos that I’ve tried were indeed aromatics. I tried Captain Black regular, and CAO Bella Vanilla (I think that’s the name?). I took a little out of the rim and laid it on a plate to dry for about 45 minutes. It didn’t clump together when I pinched it, so I figured it was dry enough. I guess I just need some more practice. I really appreciate all of the advice! I’ll keep trying and will try to not allow my frustrations to get the better of me.
A few words on drying: aromatics shouldn't be dried to 'bone dry' as is the common suggestion. Sure, they will stay lit more easily, but you'll also lose flavour, which defeats the point of smoking.
Another thing: some aromatics, especially OTCs and **cough, cough** the fabled Lane's BCA, among others are heavily loaded with humectants, most notoriously PG (propylene glycol) to prevent drying. I can leave out a good quality aromatic, say Sillem's Blue or Black, on the table in a coffee filter for about 15 min at a relative humidity of ~40-50% and it's ready to smoke; Lane BCA can sit for 45 minutes under the same conditions and it'll still be goopy. In many cases, these humectants and other crap additives will impart a chemical aftertaste to the tobacco: upon puffing you taste vanilla, and upon exhaling you taste chems. Ugh! These additives can also make the tobacco burn hotter. Maybe these are the reasons why many, at least on these forums, shun aromatics.
I'd stay away from cheap, crappy aros like **cough, cough** Captain Black, Borkum Riff and the like and go for a quality aro that isn't laden with chemical crap and that gives you a nice aromatic experience. Give English blends a try too, when you get the chance.
Another thing: some aromatics, especially OTCs and **cough, cough** the fabled Lane's BCA, among others are heavily loaded with humectants, most notoriously PG (propylene glycol) to prevent drying. I can leave out a good quality aromatic, say Sillem's Blue or Black, on the table in a coffee filter for about 15 min at a relative humidity of ~40-50% and it's ready to smoke; Lane BCA can sit for 45 minutes under the same conditions and it'll still be goopy. In many cases, these humectants and other crap additives will impart a chemical aftertaste to the tobacco: upon puffing you taste vanilla, and upon exhaling you taste chems. Ugh! These additives can also make the tobacco burn hotter. Maybe these are the reasons why many, at least on these forums, shun aromatics.
I'd stay away from cheap, crappy aros like **cough, cough** Captain Black, Borkum Riff and the like and go for a quality aro that isn't laden with chemical crap and that gives you a nice aromatic experience. Give English blends a try too, when you get the chance.
Ok here’s another question that has been sort of answered already, but I’ll ask again for clarification. Should I just try another type of tobacco altogether? I hear nothing but good things about Frog Morton, but it seems like it’s no longer an option. I’ve never smoked anything before ever, so when I say I’m green, I truly mean it. I know every person is going to have their own personal preferences, but is there possibly a tobacco that is a good starter that the general consensus agrees upon? Is a Virginia more preferable to an English?
I would suggest Carter Hall or Chatham Manor, these are relatively inexpensive and easy to find blends but the main reason I recommend these for beginners is that they burn very well and are not gonna melt your tongue if you Puff a bit too enthusiastically. This will give you a chance to work on your packing technique and cadence.
Before we go about throwing suggestions at you, we need to consider your supply situation. Some of us have to buy online and import the tobacco, which means a hassle if customs assess duties. Thus, please forgive if I suggest a given blend that is not available to you. If you're in the US, and don't live in Washington or Utah states, you shouldn't have to worry much, though.
Anyway, Virginias tend to burn hotter because they have more sugars. If tongue bite/burn is an issue for you, bear that in mind. Aromatics can burn hot too, because of the sugars in their toppings and/or due to the humectants cheap aros are laden with. English blends tend to burn the coolest, since they have more oils than sugars.
That being said, I'd strongly suggest trying all of the kinds of blends—aromatic, VAs, VaPers, English, and even Lakelands. What is preferrable is up to YOU. Your taste buds will steer you in the right direction.
Another thing to consider is room note. If you live alone or smoke outside, or what have you, room note might be unimportant; feel free to smoke a latakia bomb and stink up the place. If, on the other hand, you must accommodate others around you, that will also play a part in your final selections, and you'll be choosing tobaccos with room note rated from very pleasant to tolerable.
Anyway, Virginias tend to burn hotter because they have more sugars. If tongue bite/burn is an issue for you, bear that in mind. Aromatics can burn hot too, because of the sugars in their toppings and/or due to the humectants cheap aros are laden with. English blends tend to burn the coolest, since they have more oils than sugars.
That being said, I'd strongly suggest trying all of the kinds of blends—aromatic, VAs, VaPers, English, and even Lakelands. What is preferrable is up to YOU. Your taste buds will steer you in the right direction.
Another thing to consider is room note. If you live alone or smoke outside, or what have you, room note might be unimportant; feel free to smoke a latakia bomb and stink up the place. If, on the other hand, you must accommodate others around you, that will also play a part in your final selections, and you'll be choosing tobaccos with room note rated from very pleasant to tolerable.
When I started out, I tried whatever I could get my hands on. The blends I immediately liked were the ones with latakia. They are very flavorful and can easily be appreciated even with an untrained palate. I also liked straight virginias and va/pers, but I didn't appreciate them the way I do now, and who knows where I'll be in a year or two.
My advice is to try everything. Latakia is good for starters, and IMO those blends are often easy to keep lit and smoke without tongue-bite.
My advice is to try everything. Latakia is good for starters, and IMO those blends are often easy to keep lit and smoke without tongue-bite.
Before you go trying different blends, it might be prudent to get your packing/drying/breathing game in order. That way you can start to taste some subtlties in your blends.
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