New Pipe Smokers: You Have My Respect

[mso489]

No one should start out looking for vast samplings of blends. I think if you start out getting to know a few

well-known bulk blends by major blenders, a few Dunhill blends, and maybe try a sampler or two in your

category of preference, that will give you a fair start. Then read the offerings online at a few of the big

retailers, and over time, sample modest quantities, until you learn more what you like. It's gradual. Don't

over-buy, and don't buy five pounds of the first tobacco that makes you say, "Wow!" And remember, your

tastes will change. But yes, I too am in awe of the numbers of blends, and I wonder if many of them maintain

their taste or if they wander in flavor as their sources change. I am always amazed at the number of aromatics

available; clearly, there is a huge aromatics market out there. Forums people as a group seem to lean toward

non-aromatics of various kinds; I know I do. But someone is buying all those cherry, almond, walnut, caramel,

whiskey, brandy, amaretto, and etc. on-and-on. They are selling all of that, and stocking it, for someone, and

a great many of them.

 

[lostandfound]

I share almost the exact same sentiments as cmdrmcbragg. Assuming all goes well, I have at least fifty more years to live. That'd put me right at seventy-fiive. That's quite a few years to experience different tobacco's. I think, for now, I'd rather find a few tobacco's I really like, and find satisfaction in smoking those.

 

[monty55]

Thanks Bob, and yes, it can be a bit overwhelming, but the shear joy and excitement of opening a new tin of tobacco and smoking a bowl, good or bad.. never gets old. It is the chase that keeps me in the hunt

 

[ragnar]

I've found forums to be super helpful in recommendations for techniques and for tobaccos to try. The single best move i've made so far is buying a lot of corncobs to try new tobaccos in to ensure I don't ghost the pipes I smoke daily.

 

[cmdrmcbragg]

@lostandfound, we continue to agree again. I have a few I have found to like and I throw in a new one as I explore or follow a trend that may be in my wheelhouse. I don't have the money to spend on boxes of tins of shit I know nothing about. Every P&C order I make is around $30 and always included something I know I like and something I haven't had yet. I'll jar up some of the new stuff for later, smoke the rest and maybe I'll buy it again in another P&C order ... maybe I won't. But I'm not going to buy tins or bags of bulk not having a clue if I may even like it right now, let alone down the road.

 

[pipedreamer]

I was grounded fast. First mistake middletons cherry blend. Headed to Jacks pipe shop with burnt tongue where the old guys set me straight.