New pipe smoker.

[mike32312]

I just starting smoking a pipe last week and am really starting to like it as a nice substitute to cigars. (Don't worry guys, I will always be a cigar smoker first.) Question? What are some favorite blends you would recommend. I love the smell and flavor. I could of search probably but thought I would PW at the same time.

[DruLeeParsec]

I'm also new to pipe smoking although I've smoked cigars on and off for a few years. My grandfather smoked a pipe and I've always enjoyed the aroma.

So here's how my journey has progressed. Grampa smoked Prince Albert. You'll find that Prince Albert doesn't get a lot of respect around here because there are SO many great tobaccos that are so much better. But it's easy to get and it's cheap.

I went to a local Cigar lounge that also has pipes and I bought 3 two ounce baggies of different tobaccos. It turns out that all of their bulk stock was Peter Stokkebye tobacco (which is not bad, but not top end stuff). I liked the "Mellow Mix" and the "B&B".

Then I bought a couple samplers from www.pipesandcigars.com Specifically I got these 2 samplers:
Bulk Sampler Stand By Me
2oz. Captain Black
2oz. Dunhill 965
2oz. English Luxury
2oz. Optimum
2oz. Perfection

and

Bulk Sampler Nuts and Beans
2oz. Hazelnut
2oz. French Vanilla
2oz. Coffee Bean
2oz. Just Plain Nuts
2oz. Tomorrow

Each of those samplers was less than $18 so you get to try a lot of different taste for very little money. And I'll tell ya, a 2 oz. baggie seems to fill a lot of pipe bowls. I've got what feels to me to be a LOT of tobacco.

I may take some flack for saying this, but I like the "Captain Black" that I got with my sampler. I know it's another cheap drug store tobacco, but as a newbie I like it. I've had a couple of the Vanilla tobaccos and I enjoyed them as well. I also like the Dunhill 965.

So my advice is to take advantage of the cheap samplers that are available and try a bunch of different ones. As with cigars, finding out what you like is a fun part of the journey.

[mike32312]

Thanks for the input. I remember my neighbor growing up use to smoke Captain Black all the time. Love the smell of that blend. I'll check out the samplers as you suggested. Thanks again.

[KyLongbeard]

Originally Posted by mike32312

Thanks for the input. I remember my neighbor growing up use to smoke Captain Black all the time. Love the smell of that blend. I'll check out the samplers as you suggested. Thanks again.

Captain Black was the only thing my dad smoked in his pipes. That brings back memories. I've decided to start smoking mine again and I'm going to look into those samplers. Thanks!

[livwire68]

Welcome to the world of pipes. The best thing you could do is go to a B&M that has bulk baccy. You can pick up a few 1 oz. - 2 oz. for $2-$5. A great way to see what you want. Sounds like you prefer aromatics, but they do have light non-aromatics. Like I say do some sampling and adjust according to your taste. Have fun!

[Alpedhuez55]

Originally Posted by mike32312

Thanks for the input. I remember my neighbor growing up use to smoke Captain Black all the time. Love the smell of that blend. I'll check out the samplers as you suggested. Thanks again.

Avoid the Drug Store stuff. It is usually too moist and does not taste as good as it smells.

Dunhill 965 or Medium Mixture are good starting points. Stick with English Blends to start our with. I think you will like it!!!

[ShawnP]

Originally Posted by Alpedhuez55

Avoid the Drug Store stuff. It is usually too moist and does not taste as good as it smells.

Go look in the sticky for Pipe links & look through some for baccy. Read the review section to get some ideas then start buying

http://www.smokingpipes.com has some great prices on baccy.


Oh welcome to the other slope my friend.


Shawn

[Demented]

I like Cavendish, and English blends with burley, turkish and latakia.

Never tried tobacco that comes in tins, have always bought bulk.

Dmntd

p.s. Which pipe did you get?

[Mister Moo]

Originally Posted by mike32312

I just starting smoking a pipe last week and am really starting to like it as a nice substitute to cigars. (Don't worry guys, I will always be a cigar smoker first.)...

Mike - don't be so sure. Pipe smoking can add one dimension at the cost of another. You are sliding down a razor blade, sir - proceed at your own risk. Pipe tobacco has flavor zones you will not experience with cigars and pipes themselves have their own magical appeal once they land in your hand; briars feel and store much better than cigar bands. See/read:

http://www.clubstogie.com/vb/showthr...igars%2C+taste