DO:
- Get an inexpensive corn cob pipe ~10 USD. The trusted famous brand is Missouri Meerschaum.
- get a well loved “codger blend” like Carter Hall or Prince Albert
- watch some YouTube videos on packing and lighting; keep it simple (3 step packing)
DON’T
- buy an expensive pipe to start with
- get frustrated with learning curve - patience
Tobacco Types
- wealth of info at tobaccoreviews.com
- aromatics (broadly, smell good but no taste)
- virginia / burley: core tobacco leaf types (notes of bread, hay, leather)
- latakia: smoke cured (campfire smokey smells)
Try them all. See what you like. (But va/burley is the best!)
Image source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/miguellopezmallach/15365251481/in/photostream
I was just straightening up my storage unit this weekend, and found a jar of Squadron Leader that has to be aged by 6 years by now. I cracked the seal, and it smelled soooo good. Haven't smoked a pinch yet, saving the experience for my upcoming birthday.
If one must smoke latakia, SL is my top recommendation. Subtle balanced smokiness that harmonizes alongside the natural tobacco notes. Happy future BD!
I'm a big fan of Squadron Leader, nice taste and and an easy smoke. I have literally nowhere to smoke now, so I've got a jar I'm kind of aging out of necessity