Royal Yacht... my not so royal experience.

[grouchydog]

... I find it's not the tobacco that mellows as much as your opinion of it.

I think this is a very insightful comment, and quite likely correct. There are a couple of blends I've tried which have kind of kicked me in the head because I didn't really know what to expect. With a little reality-based expectations in hand, the second bowl is a very different experience especially with a little time to warm up to the idea.

 

[shutterbugg]

I also find that the taste experience of RY varies across different pipes more than aros and English-Lat blends. RY doesn't ghost, but it does seem to pick up on whatever was last smoked in the pipe.