I mostly smoke one blend in a grouping of pipes. The variables are bowl cleanliness, my mood, time of day and how pleasant the weather.
I always expect to enjoy myself, but…
There are times I’m disappointingly underwhelmed and there are times I’m pleasantly surprised by the delicious flavor from start to finish.
The greatest factor, in my opinion— is the freshness of the pipe. Last night I grabbed an MM Cob that I’d rinsed clean of carbon and had a Nirvana of a bowl. I wasn’t expecting anything. Sometimes the variables all line up.
If you initially have a good experience with a blend, stay with it for a while. Allow it to develop.