They all taste the same... or is it just me??

[haroldt]

I've been at this now for a year. During this time I've learned to pack and keep the darn thing going. I am trying to find three blends that I would have in my "forever rotation," my everyday - any day smoke. And then maybe another 1 or 2 as a specialty. The forever rotation is to include an English, and Aro, and something that's kind of a hybrid. It's this in between blend that is so allusive.
In my quest, I open a new tin and might say "ya, this is nice." But then after 5 - 7 bowls I find it taste just

like the other 14 blends I've been trying. So as always, I've got questions:
1) Am I alone or is this rather common
The Big Question...

2) What blends are you smoking that is distinctively different, pleasurable, AND doesn't leave a crappy taste in ones mouth?
For me I have found both Dunhill and Match "Early Morning Pipe" is a keeper - wonderfully mild with both a nice taste and nice room notes. This fills the English position well.
As for a distinctive aromatic, "Vermont Meat Candy" from our friend Russ of Pipe and Cigar is superb.
So now to find that one that fits the third position, one that is that every day hybrid. I've tried several Frog Morton's and honestly find they are all very similar to each other. And perhaps one of these might be the one. I've tried "Smokers Pine Hill" (thanks to one of our members, jfox520, mailing me some) This too might be the one. I've had Cornell & Diehl da Vinci. To me, this is a specialty blend. Not everyday and I think would stay in my rotation for that purpose.
So can you help a brother out??? What's going to fit that allusive 3rd position. "What's On 3rd?"

 

[cosmicfolklore]

For me, the fun is trying, sampling, and discovering new tastes. I do have one blend that is always open in my rotation, but I have at least twelve open tins going at a time, and smoke all day. The idea of three blends being my constant three blends eludes me. I love trying new ones, retrying old ones, and continually exploring. I am not looking for my set few blends, I am just always in flux. But, that's me.
You might try Escudo? I love it. Others also seem to like it. Give it a whirl.

 

[cortezattic]

Somewhat hybrids: G L Pease's Haddo's Delight; Two Friends' Valle Crucis; and C&D's Captain Bob's Blend.

 

[zekest]

The Big Question...

2) What blends are you smoking that is distinctively different, pleasurable, AND doesn't leave a crappy taste in ones mouth?

That is so objective, there is no single easy answer, just thousands of personal opinions.

 

[voorhees]

I have several tobaccos that contain latakia and while similar have varying degrees of sweetness and strength. I also have a few aromatics and VaBurs and VaPers but rarely buy something that seems similar. So I cannot say it all taste the same.

Early on in my pipe smoking, I tended to stick to "like" blends. That did get a bit boring.

 

[agnosticpipe]

You could always go to P&C and create your own blend that they will make for you. Or do what I do. For a mild all day blend that has good Virginia flavor, I mix H&H Louisiana Red 50/50 with Lane 1-Q. I also mix Lane HGL or Dunhill Early Morning 50/50 with 1-Q for a mild latakia blend. I usually do this when I'm puffing on a pipe while doing something else, like mowing the lawn or going for a walk, and am not paying a lot of attention to exactly what I'm smoking, just enjoying the flavor and general process of smoking.
There's lots of interesting combinations you can experiment with, rather than looking for just the right ready made. Just a thought.... ::

 

[peteguy]

Some of the OTC's may fit your style. Prince Albert snuck up on me and found its way into my forever rotation.

 

[weezell]

Lane HGL Blend is my kinda reach to...

 

[haroldt]

Wow - guys thanks a lot for the thoughts and suggestions. I will take a look into some of these suggestions.

 

[peteross]

You might also try Seattle Pipe Club's PlumbPudding or Mississippi River. I've not had the Mississippi River but it's quite popular and I plan to try it some day.

 

[rthbaum]

I would recommend giving 4noggins Prairie Wind a try. Not an aromatic but a good anytime of day smoke.

 

[mcitinner1]

I second Plum Pudding, or Newminster Superior Round Slices.
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