Squadron Leader??

[pipemike]

I was told Squadron Leader is a good choice for the novice pipe smoker. Is this true? I have checked a few places but they are all out of stock. Any ideas out there or perhaps other recommendations.

thanks

[indigosmoke]

Hi Mike,

I am also a new pipe smoker and recently bought SL as my first english blend (I'd smoked five other blends before). As another relative noobie I would say this might be a good introduction to english blends. From what I know of english blends (not much...lol) this seems to be a relatively middle of the road blend so it might be a good place to start with english blends. I don't find it harsh or all that stong, but I think it would definitely give you a taste of what a latakia type blend tastes like. It's certainly very different than the aromatics and Va/Bur/Pa blends I've tried. One thing about SL, if you like the smell of leather you'll love the tin aroma...at this point I think I like the tin aroma better than the taste, but I smoke at least a bowl a day as I want to see how my tastes change and develop.

I'll let the other more experienced members give their opinions of whether it's a good place to start with pipe smoking in general. So far my favorite tobacco is Grey Havens, an unusual Va/Bu/Pe lightly cased blend that from what I've learned here is different from just about everything else, so my experience or tastes are probably not that typical.

John

[pipemike]

So far the only Pipe Tobac I can get my hands on is some House blend at a local tobacco/cig discount store and Captain Black Gold and Cherry. I think I need to expand my horizon but hate to spend money on a bunch of Tobacco products that I don't like.

[ghe]

You should all check out the Newbie Sampler Trade For Pipes sticky in the WTS/B/T Pipe Stuff forum.

[indigosmoke]

George,

Thanks for the advice. I can't wait until my post count is high enough to enter the trade forums.

Wait, this is one more post. Excellent.

John

[pipemike]

What is WTS/B/T Pipe Stuff forum?? And Where is it??

[indigosmoke]

Mike,

They are special forums where you can trade tobaccos, etc. However, you have to have a certain post count before you can see them. I believe it is 25 or 30 or so. Does anyone know the exact amount? Once you can access those forums you can look for some of the more experienced members who might be willing to put together a sampler for you and trade it for a tin or two of one of their favorites. Seems like a great way to get small amounts of a wide variety of tobaccos to try. I'm looking forward to it. I'm sure as I buy tobaccos to explore some won't be to my taste so trading seems like a fun way to pass things around so that everyone gets to enjoy lots of different blends. Anyway, that's what I was told in another thread so I thought I'd pass it along.

John

[pipemike]

If that is the case I will be asking lots of questions then

[indigosmoke]

I here ya Mike.

I've been trying to restrain myself and jump in where I think it won't seem too obnoxious, but it's not easy. Enjoying a bowl of SL as we speak. I must admit it's growing on me.

This makes 18 for me.

[indigosmoke]

Mike,

I noticed you were in CA. If you do decide to get some SL, I got mine from The Tobacco Barn in Lake Forest, CA via their website. The service was great and they shipped the same day I ordered. Sorry, just checked..and they are out of stock of both SL and Grey Havens! I guess I'll have to replenish my GH stock from another vendor. If you are anywhere near The Tobacco Barn it seems like it would be a good place to visit.

John

[indigosmoke]

Mike,

Just checked and smokingpipes has it in stock in bulk but not in tins. Can't post the link until I have 30 posts but search for SL and you'll find it. Payless Pipes also seems to have the tins in stock at the moment, but you better act fast...TB had both in stock last week when I ordered.

John

[MarkC]

pipesandcigars.com has it in bulk as well, along with FVF if you want to 'double up' on Sam Gawith for a couple of excellent tobaccos. I'm probably being silly, but I'm still holding out for tins. Next time they're available, I'm goin' nuts!

[indigosmoke]

There is something about tins I like as well. Not for any flavor reason as I'm to new to the art to have compared the same blend from a tin and from bulk. I just like the tins in and of themselves.

[commonsenseman]

Actually never had SL so I can't say much about it, except that a lot of people seem to like it.

I would recommend Frog Morton as a good intro to Latakia.

Also Westminster is my current favorite english blend, just plain delicious.

[indigosmoke]

Frog Morton is already on my to do list...I'll have to check out Westminster.