Also considering crossing over for time when i don't have the time for a cigar or when weather prohibits it. I tried a pipe a few years ago and got discouraged after a month of failing, so i know the blends I like. Lane's 1q, and i think it was the bcl... I'm looking at a Missouri meerscham for a starter, but is there a particular style that's better for learning?

It's a Bari just like this one I found a pic of online:

http://www.talkingtobacco.com/wp-con...15/02/bari.jpg



...and I mean JUST like, right down to every facet the uneven "cut" edge. Which disappoints me a little, because I thought it was made from a real block of wood, not cast out of some composite material. Oh well.



It was among dozens from a collection the B&M had acquired. Paid 55, was told it was worth three times that. But what do I know.



After taking a whiff of the various tobaccos they had, they made me a blend that I enjoy just opening the container, much less smoking it. I knew for a few seconds what the ingredients were, but they went out of my head. Next time I'm there I'll figure it out.



Gotta say one reason I got into this was to have a way of repurposing damaged cigars. I already shredded one such stick and mixed it in.



There's always more to a new hobby than you expect, and you get to see how far the hole you think you might ever go. Was told about some guys having a different pipe for every blend they like, due to the cake, and yeah, I don't think I'll ever go that far. I don't segregate my different cigar varieties in my humi either, so I have no problem with a little flavor blending.



My buddy said my midlife crisis must be over, because there's nothing more "old man" than a pipe. LOL

I've been underwhelmed by the flavors I've gotten, especially when compared to cigars.

This is what I'm finding, too. And all the relighting is a pain. I like that a cigar stays lit (generally) going a minute or more between puffs. I feel like I need to constantly puff the pipe and even then it goes out. I suppose it'll get better with practice.

That was my experience with a pipe, I actually tried that before cigars and could never keep the dang thing lit, too much hassle for me.

Funny thing though, a cigar that keeps going out just makes me stubborn and I'll keep relighting and puffing.

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There's a lot to be said about the ritualistic nature of piping and why that can be rewarding, calming, meditative. There's always some level of problem solving, which can be frustrating and/or fun.

The relighting bothers me less and less.....It's all part of learning something new I guess.
As for tastes, I have a feeling it's going to be like cigars with me....I like them all. Some more than others, but can't say I don't hate any (Except if they have no taste at all )