I have often seen posts recommending to new smokers blends beloved by experienced smokers. I am not sure that this is indeed the best path. Having 40 +years smoking and a couple of stints running tobacco shops, I think that the ”accidental” way many of us began may be the best method to introduce new smokers and have them develop a palate for pipe tobacco and to discern personal preferences. By this, I mean, grab a pouch or two of a couple of drugstore blends, go to your B/M and get a couple of ounces of 1-Q and their house English, and then gravitate into straight blending components to see what is compromising blended tobacco. Do I smoke 1-Q today? No, but I have smoked a bunch of it and I did not get scared away. Once again, I’ll say that, it is difficult to go by someone else’s taste. You have to find out what you might dislike as well as what you like. Frankly, that is some of the enjoyment of smoking. Just let the adventure begin.