Starter Tobacco?

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Could you/will you buy tobaccos sold in the USA and ship it? If it's cost effective, I urge you to buy only bulk- tobacco mixtures/samples sold by the ounce. Trust me.....you'll spend a small fortune buying tinned tobacco mixtures that you may ultimately hate right from day one, after smoking them. Buying bulk blends, and small samples is a hell of a lot cheaper....no matter where you live in this world. Some big retailers offer "samplers" of the most popular bulk-blends they offer. Buy some "aromatics" and "English" samplers. There's the good and bad within each grouping, and only YOU can decide what you'll enjoy in spite of suggestions from others. Your tastebuds are unique.

I have no clue what shipping and handling, taxes, tariffs, permits, you might incur when buying pipe tobaccos, but make every effort to buy smaller quantities until you lock in on what you enjoy smoking. Don't give up the searching, you'll find some blends you'll love, but I guaranty you'll be smoking something totally different within a few years....or, maybe months.

Happy hunting, and have fun smoking. I kept a little note book handy, and jotted down some critiques/comments/prices when smoking different mixtures.
 
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GrannyTinnie said:
Hello, for an absolute beginner and not a smoker at all. What would be the best pipe tobacco to start with? I'm in UK. Preferably something light, not to strong but enjoyable. Something that would go well while reading Tolkien 😄 using a Peterson pipe.
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If you can get it in the UK, GL Pease’s Chelsea Morning.
 
Bud Savoie01 said:
I bought my first pipe in September of 1961, my first purchase as I matriculated as a freshman in college. For one dollar, I got a pipe, a pouch of Sir Walter Raleigh, and a booklet (also by Sir Walter Raleigh tobacco company) on how to smoke and care for a pipe. Started me off, and here as I enter my 80th year, I'm still a devotee. You might start your adventure with Sir WR; and now they also have an aromatic version. but be careful---aromatics sometimes tend to give tongue-bite. Welcome to the great fraternity!
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That's was a great investment for them to give you tobacco along with a pipe..an 80 yr investment in a customer
 
I agree whole-heartedly with both Zeno and BPNYC
1) Sample different tobacco varieties w/o casing: find a niche that appeals to you. Learn what to expect from varieties before you add flavouring.
2) Buy small sample sizes in bulk and save yourself some cash while you do your search. Tinned products are far more expensive.

Had I been given the same advice when I started this hobby I would have a better collection of pipes and a more educated palate.
 
GrannyTinnie said:
Hello, for an absolute beginner and not a smoker at all. What would be the best pipe tobacco to start with? I'm in UK. Preferably something light, not to strong but enjoyable. Something that would go well while reading Tolkien 😄 using a Peterson pipe.
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Maybe send a PM to Zippo. Since he is in the UK he might have some good recommendations.
 
I started with an aromatic blend for my first introduction, and I think it was the wrong move. As someone who was a cigar smoker, trying out English and Balkan blends was more familiar to my taste.
 
You're in the UK, so Gawith Hoggarth, Sam Gawith, Rattray's, and Peterson, Condor, St. Bruno blends should all be available near you. I smoke a fair amount of Gawith Hoggarth and St. Bruno. We can't get Condor here in the states or I'd be smoking it as well. The names for some blends are a bit different here than the UK due to regulatory requirements.

St. Bruno is a classic Lakeland, not to dark, not to light, with a touch of aromatic topping. Gawith Hoggarth CR Flake is an excellent Virginia, and so is Sam Gawith Full Virginia Flake.
 
I agree with a few of the guys comments about getting some small sample packs if you can. The UK, like over here the backy is too expensive to get something you don't like. I am excited for you being a new pipe smoker exploring your tastes so many choices so you are guaranteed to find something you love and have fun doing it. (y)
 
Just lite an H Upmann rubusto.Great flavor. Rain here all day. I'm enjoying this cigar.
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