Recommended Starter Tobacco

[onizuka]

I went through 6 pages of threads and I thought to myself: it might be a good idea to have a thread like this. What I mean is this and I think anybody here can really contribute to this post and help out a newbie pipe smoker pick out a blend that he/she will enjoy.
Basically, with the collective pipe smoking forum community, newer smokers and veterans alike, recommend a tobacco with what it tastes like or smokes like to you. Also, what is a tobacco to stay away from and why, e.g., "it tasted like hot pockets of salt marsh water".
You can also put down how long you've been smoking pipe tobacco in your reply, I'm not sure how it will help, but I know it some how will!
Looking forward to what you guys have to recommend and what to stay away from.

 

[chuckw]

For a new pipe smoker, I'd recommend Carter Hall or Prince Albert. I'd recommend staying away from Mixture 79 and Middleton's Cherry Blend unless they have a leather tongue.

note: It's been 40+ years since I've smoked either one so they may have changed.

 

[duncan]

Lane LTD 1Q is a very nice mild smoke with some great flavor.
I would suggest starting with the heavly flavored Aros since they tend to bite and a tattoo needle on the tongue will turn most people off to the hobbie.

 

[admin]

Aromatics that taste and smell good, and don't bite:
- Mac Baren 7 Seas

- Cornell & Diehl Nutty Irishman
English:
- Frog Morton

- Maltese Falcon

 

[papipeguy]

1Q is one of the world's most popular pipe tobaccos and a good starting point for new pipers. Most pipe shops carry it and ,usually, under their "house name". Ask for 1Q and they'll know what you mean.

Additionally, most shops that csrry bulk blends will offer small samples so don't be shy about asking to try something you may like. Ask your tobacconist for suggestions. The real pros can get you started on the right path. Enjoy your journey.

 

[cortezattic]

So far, all good suggestions.

I'd recommend avoiding flakes and shags -- for diametrically opposite reasons.

Medium ribbon cuts and square/rough cuts should help develop packing technique.

As for a particular blend, that would depend on previous smoking experience.

For a former cigarette smoker a very mild tobacco (P.A. or a Va/Oriental blend).

A cigar smoker could enjoy a sophisticated blend right away (English or Vapers, etc.);

and a virgin would benefit from a blend that, above all else, introduces the

taste of tobacco (H&H's LJ Heart Burley or Va.) just to see if he likes it.

That's my 2¢ worth.

 

[classicgeek]

Something to remember is that although you don't want to start out on something really strong or really complex, you also don't want to start with something so boring that you walk away. That happened to me: I was recommended a blend (burley ribbon) that in retrospect didn't do anything for me. I didn't realize the amazing variety of blends out there and so I walked away from the pipe after trying it for a bit. It was only after getting myself some extra blends this year that I really "came back to it".
I would encourage the beginner to grab three blends (1/4 oz samplers): a mild English (like Frog Morton), a mild aro (like CB / 1Q) and something random that tweaks their interest (cherry, apple, rum, VaPer, whatever). Then they would know right from the start that there is a huge range of tastes to explore.
Simon

 

[pstlpkr]

Like several above Lane 1Q is a good "go to" smoke. It is easy to pack, burns well, and tastes good without being too complex.

Mac Baren 7 Seas Royal Blend is an excellent smoke for the "noobie" for several reasons.

And, one that has been overlooked... Captain Black White. You can find it almost anywhere, and is an old standby.
"Room note" should be a consideration for the new piper. Those around the new pipe smoker might be inexperienced with the aromas produced from a pipe. All of the above are excellent choices in that regard.

A negative experience for those in the room could result from a blend with latakia in it (English Blends). However, if the smoker is "in the zone", latakia is the bee's knees.

 

[lordnoble]

I agree with pstlpkr, Both Lane Ltd.'s 1-Q and Captain Black White would be my first suggestions on the aromatic side. This said, if the person is looking for an English-type blend, look no further than Peter Stokkebye's English Luxury. It is a great introduction to English styles, but doesn't kill you with latakia which could be a turn off for many.
Just my $.02...
-Jason

 

[ltrav3nw00d]

I saw on a pipe store website that Lane Ltd is no longer in business ?

 

[bubbadreier]

I highly doubt that they are going out of business... Lane Limited is owned by a much larger tobacco company and it is one of the best selling brands ever...

 

[ltrav3nw00d]

Perhaps it was meant as its own company ?

 

[lordnoble]

Hey... As long as they still make 1-Q, I'm happy.
-Jason

 

[bubbadreier]

But it isn't its own company... It is owned by a very very large tobacco company, so it wouldn't go out of business, the larger company would just shut down the lane limited side of business!
But I don't believe the would do that, the website might have been misinformed!

 

[strongirish]

I always recommend to a new smoker that they start with Prince Albert to cut their teeth on the pipe. The reasons are thus, it is mild and does not bite, it builds a quick cake in your pipes which you want as it cools the smoke, it stays lit very well, it will give you the basic taste of tobacco. Once you have the technique down, then order some sample packs from different blenders to find what you like. Just my 40 years worth of experience.

 

[scratchglfr]

You've just gained about 200 years worth of knowledge and experience from the forums experts. Strongirish I cut my teeth on captain royal, have tried the white but prefer and still smoke the gold. Since joining I've been reading everyones reviews and have been making small one ounce purchases from my local B&M.

 

[unclearthur]

Some 40 years ago I started out with Sir Walter Raleigh and Prince Albert . Both are relatively mild and smoke well for a beginner.

 

[spacecowboy57]

Captain black white or prince albert are great starters. not many new pipe smokers want to drive many miles to find a tobacconist, and they may not want to wait a week and pay shipping when ordering online. both of these brands can be bought at walmart or a drugstore.

 

[hilojohnny]

I believe a starting piper would be drawn to a tobacco that smells good in the pouch and doesn't draw scowls from the wife/friends. For me the obvious choice would then be Lane 1Q.....if this goes well, then expanding to RLP-6 and BCA would be a logical step. At that point it is reasonable to then scratch your head and ask....What is an English etc.?

 

[onizuka]

Looks like the ones to be checking out so far are:

Lane Limited 1Q

Captain Black

Prince Albert