My Experience So Far

[Medy]

Well it’s been about a week since I picked up my starter set. I’ve tried the 3 pinch and the rolling method of packing a bowl, and I like the rolling method. As for using a filter I found that I prefer to not use one. I get more flavor and have a better draw along with less relights. As for a Boswell blends I’m still working on the five blends I have they are all aromatics. May try picking up an ounce or two of the Boswell English blends here in a week.

 

[AroEnglish]

Sounds like you’re already learning a lot. If you go towards Boswell's English blends a lot of people will recommend Northwoods but it could be too strong in flavor (or just right!) so if you want to try something lighter I’ve recently read someone recommending Mild English.

 

[LeafErikson]

Sounds like you’re enjoying yourself so far

 

[solideogloria86]

One thing to you need to be doing, if you're not already doing it, is something that everyone who smokes a pipe needs to do. It's probably the most critical and important aspect of pipe smoking. A lot of beginners overlook this particular aspect because of all the various contradicting and conflicting views on the various areas of pipe smoking. The internet can be a bit of an information overload at times, so it's understandable. But, the very most important thing when smoking a pipe, and I cannot overstate this enough, is to enjoy it.

 

[Medy]

Sounds like you’re already learning a lot. If you go towards Boswell's English blends a lot of people will recommend Northwoods but it could be too strong in flavor (or just right!) so if you want to try something lighter I’ve recently read someone recommending Mild English.

Okay I’ll get them both to try

 

[captpat]

Aromatics can be challenging to smoke and I don't recommend them for folks just starting. Codger blends can be a good starting point, and there are quite a few well-regarded blends in just about every genre (VA, VA/Per, Burley, English, etc.) Enjoy the journey.

 

[Medy]

Okay so from what I’ve read in the forum and from online is that Aromatics are a challenge like Captpat said. Why would good tobacco shop put them in a starter set for new people to start with?

 

[Briarcutter]

I be

Okay so from what I’ve read in the forum and from online is that Aromatics are a challenge like Captpat said. Why would good tobacco shop put them in a starter set for new people to start with?

l believe they believe that those highly flavored tobaccos will taste good to the beginner and keep them smoking the pipe. Unfortunately, the challenges they present sometimes do the opposite. Keep asking questions, you'll find answers.

 

[Old Smokey]

Okay so from what I’ve read in the forum and from online is that Aromatics are a challenge like Captpat said. Why would good tobacco shop put them in a starter set for new people to start with?

It's the flavoring. The idea is that if it tastes good then they'll be more inclined to continue even though aromatics take a while to get used to. Slow cadence, retrohaling, and frequent tamping is the key to enjoying a aromatic blend. I tend to lean towards aromatics but I've been smoking a pipe for 23 years.

 

[kcghost]

There's plenty of time to get into aromatics after you have learned how to smoke a pipe. They usually burn too hot for beginners to cope. Better to get a feel for what you are doing with a mild English blend. Once you've done that you can return to aromatics.

 

[Medy]

Yeah I’m actually surprised the gentleman at the store didn’t tell me about the English blends as I told him I was transitioning from Cigars. I actually told him that would like to find one that was comparable to a Maduro as that was what I normally smoked and he said no

 

[Trainpipeman]

You may find Boswell's "Northwoods to be more akin to a mauro cigar. Not the same, but closer than an aromatic.

 

[Medy]

You may find Boswell's "Northwoods to be more akin to a mauro cigar. Not the same, but closer than an aromatic.

Thanks for the info will definitely have to pick up and ounce or two next friday

 

[Trainpipeman]

Thanks for the info will definitely have to pick up and ounce or two next friday

You bet! I do hope that you enjoy it!

 

[Medy]

So I picked up the Northwoods today and already smoked a few bowls and I really like it! I don’t know if it’s because I’m switching between Aromatics and English blends or not. But I’m noticing I’m getting more flavor out of the Aromatics now.

 

[renfield]

Aromatics usually smell better to other people in the room than they taste to the smoker. It takes some skill/experience to get the flavors out of most aromatics.

Aromatics are easier to sell to beginners because the tin note is so strong and is usually appealing. Many of us started with aromatics but they’re not the best thing to start with, IMO. The best starter tobacco setup would be one aro and a nice Burley blend or something with some Latakia.

Ultimately exploring what’s out there is a lot of the enjoyment of the hobby.

 

[CrabbyPiper77]

So I picked up the Northwoods today and already smoked a few bowls and I really like it! I don’t know if it’s because I’m switching between Aromatics and English blends or not. But I’m noticing I’m getting more flavor out of the Aromatics now.

I am a pipe newbie. I started back in January. I was sent a sample of Northwoods by a generous guy I bought a couple of pipes from and after smoking my first bowl of it, I just wanted more. I ordered some along with Countryside. I love them both.

 

[Medy]

I am a pipe newbie. I started back in January. I was sent a sample of Northwoods by a generous guy I bought a couple of pipes from and after smoking my first bowl of it, I just wanted more. I ordered some along with Countryside. I love them both.

Yeah I really like the Northwoods. I’m gonna get some more blends every payday. Luckily I’m only minutes away from the shop so I don’t have to pay shipping and I can smell the blends before I get them.

 

[OzPiper]

Yeah I really like the Northwoods. I’m gonna get some more blends every payday. Luckily I’m only minutes away from the shop so I don’t have to pay shipping and I can smell the blends before I get them.

Boswell’s do sampler packs - a good way to try a few blends with similar components, but in different proportions.

 

[Medy]

Boswell’s do sampler packs - a good way to try a few blends with similar components, but in different proportions.

Oh I know..lol… but they have so many and the sampler only has some. This I can pick the one I know I’ll probably like most.