Since I've smoked pipes regularly for less than two years I can't really say that I have specific blends to match seasons. It's hard to believe 2017 is almost over and I haven't smoked one cigar this year -- I ended up wandering down the rabbit hole of pipe smoking/collecting/TAD/PAD after smoking cigars regularly for a year or so, but these days I always prefer to reach for a pipe. After seeing Shane Ireland's video on SP about Fall Blends it got me thinking along that line. I suppose the question I'm really asking is are there any blends with flavor profiles that match your mood or frame of mind with the change of seasons -- Fall in this case. Christmas definitely has it's own set of holiday blends, i.e. Holiday Spirit. Spring seems to warrant Virginias's, or blends with those bright floral notes, although I'm having a tough time distinguishing how I feel differently between Spring and Summer.
I spent 5-6 months living in Copenhagen during the Fall of 2008 (unfortunately I wasn't a pipe smoker then, pangs of shameful missed opportunities often haunt me) and the Danes have a word, "hygge", meaning "a quality of cosiness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being." I suppose for myself, Fall brings with it a very hygge feeling. Chris hit the nail on it's head for me -- rich, full flavor blends would be very fitting. Dark red Virginias, Perique, spicier oriental's, dark fired Kentucky are probably the leaf I'm looking for at this time of year.
Haunted Bookshop has been a regular smoke for me. Early on I was put off by the harsher notes that arise when pushed but as my technique has improved with sipping blends, I find this blend to be great for my morning drive to work (nice nic boost as well). Haddo's and Fillmore are great suggestions -- actually opened tin of Haddo's after reading your post Chris. Beacon Extra, St. James flake are blends I own but have not yet cracked the seal. There is an unopened tin of Deep Hollow that has been sitting in my cellar for over a year, just haven't opened it yet due to lots of mixed reviews on TR.com and because aromatic have been out of my rotation for awhile. I think this year I will finally open the tin and find out for myself if I like this blend. HH Acadian, Storm Front and Crossroads are blends I don't own, probably will give them a go in the next few months.
Latakia is something I'm trying to come to grips with at present. I used to smoke quite a few Latakia based blends, and have a significant portion of my cellar dedicated to this variety. I admittedly was fascinated with the smokiness and complexity of Latakia for awhile. Lately, something has changed in my palate, but perhaps I should try easing back into them.
Any other thoughts or suggestions are welcome, thanks!
