I'm not very familiar with Peretti blends, so I can't speak to their quality or flavor, but I'm a big burley fan, and I want to try to answer your question objectively.
There are a few reason I can think of that pipe smokers should try burley-dominant blends.
First, the way burley is typically prepared (i.e. air-cured) means it is less acidic, less sugary, and typically higher in nicotine than many other kinds of tobaccos. The benefits of this are two-fold. First, burley takes to casings and toppings rather well, and even without added flavorings, the natural characteristics of burley rarely crowd out or sublimate other tobaccos. Second, burley tends to burn more readily and offer less chance of bite.
Another good reason to try burley blends is because burley, much like virginia, finds its way in many, many blends. Being familiar with the nuances of burley can help one appreciate other blends more.
Burley has a naturally earthy and nutty taste, with the best having a naturally cocoa or roasted-nuttiness flavor(s) to them. This can pair exceptionally well with dark fired kentucky (which is a kind of burley) or perique, making for a bold smoke that doesn't taste overly sweet or artificial.
And that nicotine I mentioned earlier? For those looking for a good nicotine punch, burleys deliver. I'm not a fiend for nicotine, but I do find myself appreciating its restorative properties after a hard day's work. But for those who are coming to pipe smoking from cigarettes or rub, burley blends may be their first stop, as it is usually the most nicotine heavy.
There are other reasons, but they venture into subjective territory. I will say, burley's reputation has really improved in the last decade, but for a long time it has been considered inferior because of its association with value brands. But quality burley can be a delicious leaf, and at the very least, is a valuable blending component to many, if not most, blends out there.
ljperetti.com
