Wanted to Like Smoking the Pipe But ....

[pipo514]

Guys, I am confused. The Blatter Reserve and Cavendish are said to be natural, not aromatic. Either way, there is no doubt that my choice of tobacco has been the turn off. Hopefully, I'll get to try some of the recommended tobaccos, blends and brands.
Thank you for the input.

 

[sparroa]

Dany,
The term "natural" used in the context of pipe tobacco is incredibly misleading.
http://pipesmagazine.com/blog/put-that-in-your-pipe/a-tale-of-two-syrups-casings-and-top-dressings/
Read the article listed above. It will explain (better than I can) the difference between casings and top dressings in pipe tobaccos.
"Aromatics" (imagine Captain Black or Old Port) are "cased" and "topped" with heavy doses of flavouring such as chocolate, vanilla, or cherry. They are designed to be sweet and to have a prominent pleasant room note.
Blends that are considered "natural" such as straight Virginias and burleys are often "cased" with a substance such as sugar, licorice, molasses, et cetera. This does not make them aromatics! It may, however, impart subtle flavouring or aroma to the blends.
I believe that the Blatter blends have a noticeable "casing" but yet the tobacconist continues to describe them as natural in sharp contrast to the "aromatic" pipe tobaccos they have available. I really don't know why they are calling them natural tobaccos, but I have my own thoughts on the subject so I can't speak for their reasoning...
Anyway, Dany, this is confusing but pipe tobaccos in general are often quite processed in comparison to the truly natural flavours of your premium hand rolled cigars.
Most English or Balkan or Oriental blends are "natural" with no added flavouring, but there are countless exceptions to that. Blatter Reserve is an English blend but from your testimony and from some of the reviews I have read it does have a noticeable casing. I really do not know what to believe without trying it for myself. Dunhill Nightcap is an example of an English blend that should have no added flavouring beyond the smokiness of latakia. Yes it tastes of campfire, earth, leather, mushrooms, et cetera, but these are functions of latakia.
Long story short, there are few pipe tobacco blends that are completely "natural" because they would be overly harsh tasting. The tobacco is cured and flavoured for optimal smoking pleasure. In most "straight" or "natural" blends the flavours are not noticeable but they add nuances to the natural tobacco taste. Samuel Gawith Full Virginia Flake and Peterson Irish Flake that I mentioned earlier would fall into this category.
Aromatics, on the other hand, are meant to showcase the added flavours.
"Crossovers" such as Frog Morton (a semi aromatic English) and possibly Blatter Reserve fall somewhere in between.
I hope I have not confused you further, but it is a fairly confusing subject.
GL Pease Union Square is the only Virginia I know of on the market that is completely unflavoured, but there are many Virginias where the flavouring/casing just serves to pleasantly highlight the characteristics of the tobacco.

 

[pipo514]

Simenon, thank you very much for your feedback and the link to the article! I learned a lot a lot. And, believe me, I am less confused. Your explanation and the article make a lot of sense. I now understand the licorice, burnt sugar, maple syrup, wine/rum, raisin, fig aroma. It's something I don't like but again, it's a matter of taste.
I return to Blatter & Blatter to see what could be done. One of the Blatter brother explained to me that almost all pipe tobaccos contain a certain amount of sweetness. Something that is inherent to the process. What you and the article explained in great detail.
They were, once again, very courteous and understanding. They gave me a credit for the tobacco and unused pipe tools. I bought couple cigars instead. I am keeping the beautiful pipe and who knows what tomorrow holds.
Lastly, I wish to thank you all again for your help and time. You guys have a great community here.
Best regards,
Dany

 

[sparroa]

You are welcome, Dany.
Pick your battles. Enjoy your cigars for now but don't be afraid to dabble in pipe tobacco.
A Missouri Meerschaum corncob (easily found on eBay) could be a cheap investment that allows you to see another side of pipe smoking - an easier going side with less fuss and less maintenance.
In the meantime, your Blatter & Blatter briar will be a nice keepsake. I intend to buy one of those them the next time I am in Montreal.
Take care.

 

[rhogg]

Don't rush to judgement. It is a PIA to begin with. I remember my Grabow gurgling like a bong. My tongue felt like an abused doormat. Pipe smoking has a learning curve that really pays off if you stick with it.

 

[hfearly]

I too used to smoke cigars for many years, and still do once in a while. But I can say that I have become a full-fledged pipe smoker ever since. The learning curve is high, but the rewards are even higher.

 

[pipo514]

@ Thank you. Noted for corncob pipes. Do visit Blatter & Blatter when you're in Montreal, you will like it a lot. Dozens of made in house Blatter & Blatter pipes, estate and others. It's a must for any pipe smoker.
@ rhogg and @ hfearly: There is no doubt that pipe smoking requires time and dedication. I did rush to conclusion but I believe I am too used to Cuban cigars to make the change, at least now. I am keeping the pipe in case I wish to revisit it down the road. Thank you for your inputs.

 

[oldmooner]

Boy! You really ran the flock out of the henhouse on this one didn't you? Most of the advice given here is very good. Now for a bit more from a long-time practioner. When I first started (with a new pipe and new tobacco) I got a burnt tongue and a case of the dizziness I could'nt believe. However, I kept the pipe and changed the tobacco over and over until I found one I liked. Smoking a pipe is supposed to be for relaxation and cannot be hurried if you are going to get the most out of it. The "fooling around with" the pipe as my ex used to call it is part of the calming process and not unlike the Oriental tea ceremony. You don't just boil the water and soak the tea. But, you are correct, pipe smoking isn't for everbody. I've yet to be introduced to many hyper pipe smokers. Most are kinda laid back and very relaxing folks to be around. Welcome to the group . Hope you stick with the pipe for awhile just to give it a chance.

 

[pipo514]

Still replying out of courtesy. Didn't want to leave an impression of walking in, taking what I need and walking out.
Thank you one last time and take all good care. Happy smoking. ::

 

[jeffboyrd]

Jud, I think you said it best.