Re: What does a noob really need to know?
Smoking harder or faster gives you less flavor than sipping slowly, even if your brain keeps telling to do it.
Find something on which to wipe your tamper or your pants will forever show the evidence of your hobby.
Never, never EVER smoke your own tobacco when gathering with friends, especially not for the first few years. This is your best chance to try new tobaccos, and you can't afford to rob yourself of it.
Don't let your wife count your pipes. They refuse to believe you need more than one, since you only smoke one at a time.
You can't buy enough mason jars. Any tin that gets opened or bulk tobacco you bring home should immediately go in one. That way you don't have to smoke them all at the same time.
Don't clean new mason jars. They're cleaner from the factory than they are from your dishwasher.
There are good aromatics and there are bad aromatics. Don't let anyone tell you it's all one or the other.
Tastes change, so don't give up on a blend entirely, but also don't pass up on the chance to trade it for something you do or could enjoy now.
Don't be afraid to go out on a limb for something special. An ounce of tobacco is about 10 bowls. You can often find rare and well-aged tobacco for about $5 per bowl, which is what you might pay for a common cigar.
Enabler, Philosopher and Resident Imbiber