What I have learned so far.

[gphenry]

Well, it has just been a couple months since I started smoking again, and after a splurge on a few (5) Savinelli pipes I am certain I like the big Billiard of my Oscar Tiger 811 ks best. I have my father's straight billiard which also smokes very well. So, I have a stock of fine pipes, and now to start picking out tobaccos.
First, for the one that didn't do it for me. Nothing wrong with it, but it is just didn't hit me right, CAO Moontrance. Again, nothing wrong with it, just not for me.
Now for the good things I have found.
Ole Shenandoah Barrel No.76 smokes real nice. Light, easy smoke, burns right to the bottom of the bowl. I definitely liked a lot about this tobacco, but it is a little too light, with very little flavor.
Lane 1Q is a step up, it adds flavor to what was not there in the 76 experience. Very nice, I also have enjoyed 1Q.
Now to Lane RLP-6 and Trout Stream. Both with different flavors, both a step up in flavor from 1Q, and I will most likely stick with these as regular smokes. RLP-6 is 1Q with more flavor, I think my favorite. Not too much, but I think just right. Trout Stream for me is the same, but with a more tobacco taste. A little more smoke flavored. Both burn well without need for relights, and a little hot and wet if I don't take care. I will smoke this stuff pretty regularly.
Next up in my exploration will be Seven Seas Royal, and some tins, Mississippi River, Frog Morton's On the Town and Cellar and The Original Old Church (just because I can't just try all the popular stuff).
Just some thoughts from a neophyte. Thanks for the look.

 

[wilson]

Enjoy the journey. Trying new blends is one of the best parts of pipe smoking. What else, for around $10, can give as much excitement as a new tin of tobacco?

 

[papipeguy]

Welcome to the forum. As a non-aromatic smoker I do, on occasion, go for something on the sweet side. E. Hoffman's Distinguished Gentleman works for me. In cooler weather C&D's Autumn Evening. Two Friends' English Chocolate is in my weekly rotation too.

Good luck and enjoy your pipe exploits.

 

[fadingdaylight]

RLP-6 was a favorite of mine for a while early on as well. Keep sampling. Usually when I pick up tobaccco, I get 2 things I know I like and one new blend. That was there is always something new to try out, and if it fails, I still have my guaranteed winners. There are so many blends out there, you will never run out of options.

 

[necron99]

The discoveries made in a short time are like a star of silver in the darkness of infinite knowledge yet to be gains, but fret not for the sterling silver ladle of information will pour the steamy gravy of knowledge over the freshly smashed potatoes of your mind. So eat it up and savory the flavor because there is so much more.

 

[gphenry]

Thank you guys

 

[misterlowercase]

The discoveries made in a short time are like a star of silver in the darkness of infinite knowledge yet to be gains, but fret not for the sterling silver ladle of information will pour the steamy gravy of knowledge over the freshly smashed potatoes of your mind. So eat it up and savory the flavor because there is so much more.

Good stuff,

diggit!
You've been onna roll today,

whatcha been reading?
Words like a halo-storm from cloudburst of magma waves raining streamways

toward an unknown sky where all our dreams unify into the flame itself

burning pure on the ecstasy of true love.

 

[mso489]

Welcome to Forums. Plenty of time to roam around and try different blends and maybe mix a few of your own.

 

[gphenry]

I have thought of mixing that Moontrance with some 1Q.

 

[ravkesef]

Well, it appears to me that you have learned a great deal so far. You want to like, and you know what you don't like. This, in my book, makes you an expert. Before long, you will increase your range of tobacco's sampled, and before long you will be offering advice to other neophyte smokers. Keep on track, you're headed in the right direction, and as said above – enjoy the journey.

 

[mattia76]

You can't go wrong with Trout Stream. Still one of my favorites because it actually tastes like it smells (unlike the 1Q).
Next you should try Anniversary Kake and see what that does for you. For me it was a revelation.

 

[macabra11]

I am a fan of the Ole Shenandoah '76 as well gphenry. I have some Lane 1Q and it is very mild to me. Actually more so than the Ole Shenandoah! If the RLP6 really is like a super 1Q, then I will most certainly have to try it.
If you like aromatics, have you tried Stanwell Melange or Molto Dolce yet?

 

[settersbrace]

I can tell you that the shop I work at sells more RLP-6 than any other bulk blend and the guys that buy it get it in pounds. This and C&D's Autumn Evening are going to be my test samples when I decide to give aro's an honest try. The smell of these two blends is mind blowing.

 

[gphenry]

Thanks for the warm welcome guys

 

[necron99]

I am grockin your mouth music, Misterlowercase.

 

[gphenry]

Ok, trying Cornell & Diehl Briar Fox tonight in my Clark's Favorite. I don't like the taste of this one. It was a free sample from SP. Not for me, very ashy and smokey tasting, like a cig. I will pass it on to my brother-in-law.