The funny thing about English blends, to me anyway, is that I am in the mood for them only sometimes. I am trying to quit smoking cigarettes and that may have something to do with it. I do like Billy Budd as it tastes a lot like a cigar.
I've only been smoking for a month and a half now, and already have sensed the "English blends are for men" kind of vibe. I think it's pretty awesome that you've posted a video like this. Kudos!
Hey Kel, i have just bought my first pipe (jeppesen smooth freehand pipe (not too sure wether its good or not but its pretty) and was wondering if yu could reccomend some tobacco to start with, i would prefer a smoother tobacco if you know of any? Please and thanks
I don't think I've ever been exposed to any type of pipe tobacco other then Aromatic. In fact that's what I like about pipe tobacco most, is the pleasant flavors and smell.
I'm about to go and buy a basket pipe to smoke my first aromatics in. Samuel Gawith Black Cherry and then maybe some Celtic Talisman (vanilla blend). Just in time for my birthday too lol
It is pretty silly and pretentious to ascribe a moral or character meaning to such things.
I prefer English/Balkan blends and aged Virginia flakes with no top flavour. That tells you absolutely nothing about me or what kind of person I am. It is meaningless. Some prefer beer to wine. I even know people who prefer Bourbon to a good single malt Scotch.
This is an excellent topic. There is definitely snobbery, and trying to win approval of said snobs is what led me into tins and ropes, but I am now secure enough to smoke what I like. I also went through ALL the drugstore tobaccos. There are the straight burleys like Walter Raleigh Regular and Prince Albert. They remind me of what my grandfather smoked (and may well have been).
This is an excellent topic. There is definitely snobbery, and trying to win approval of said snobs is what led me into tins and ropes, but I am now secure enough to smoke what I like. I also went through ALL the drugstore tobaccos. There are the straight burleys like Walter Raleigh Regular and Prince Albert. They remind me of what my grandfather smoked (and may well have been).
Awesome channel and series--I am grateful for them. I am new to pipe smoking but I'm already in love with it and your videos are really educating me.
Regarding this video I just wanted to mention that it's probably not "ego" that causes people to hold the incorrect notion you discuss here, but rather ego-less-ness. That is, lack of a solid sense of self or ego.
Pipe smoking is about preference if you like cheap drug store blends, smoke them and don't let any body tell you different. i smoke all kinds of tobacco, Va/Per, Flake, english, aromatic. it depends on my mood.
It's just like any flavour tasting hobby, everyone's palette is different. This is why there are flavoured/aromatic tobacco's to begin with, and there are mild/medium/strong. Same is true of scotches. There is no "proper" taste, it's whether the taste suites you at the time. Quality is another issue, if you buy a low quality tobacco, then it is no longer elitism.
Well said Kel! Right now for example I want to smoke english tobaccos but my tongue can't taste the Latakia at the moment, I oversmoked a bit. So everything I smoke tastes totally bland... enjoy your smokes! :)
I totally agree, there's far too much elitism about English blends. It's funny the anti-aro freaks always seem to be die-hard english fans, in fact many pipe smokers start on aro's, change to Latakia (because of the hype) and end up on VaPers or Burleys.
I love you for posting the video (sound is not very good) but what a great subject! I absolutely love English tobacco's. Lately my favorite is Rattray's Red Rapparee. But I'm like you in the belief that whatever you truly love is the tobacco that's right for you. Hell, I've smoked over 40 different high end tobacco blends and I still enjoy the occasional bowl of Captain Black Gold or Middleton's cherry blend!
It's crazy to get uppity with people over their choice in tobacco. Whatever blend the man next to me is smoking I surely have a lot more in common with him than the guy across the street that thinks we are both weirdos for having pipes!
@PipesterJim I agree. Ever since I moved back home after living on my own in NYC for 8 years, I'm all of a sudden criticized by family and relatives for being a pipe and cigar smoker. It's a real 360 degree turn when that happens. I can't wait to go back living on my own again. lol
@Stormwulf133 Funny thing is, the girl I was talking about how was bugged by that word was the kinkiest little think you can ever imagine. Strange world.
Great advice! In my years smoking pipes I too bought into this notion that english was more of a "purists" smoke and superior to aromatics. As soon as I tried to acquire this taste I was on a long journey wasting time and money on something I really never enjoyed. I've come to the conclusion...that unforgettable smell when I was a small child was what always drew me to pipes and I'm back on track and enjoying Great Aromatics! I enjoy a nice cigar or cigarette too. Follow Kel's advice here.
I relate it to riding motorcycles - "it's not what you ride, it's that you ride." That said, @MrSmokeGuy has it right too. People should not limit themselves to just one type or flavor of tobacco just like food and motorcycles. Try many different types, more than once and often with time in between, and you might notice your tastes shift into other areas.
Yes, just enjoy smoking it, whatever it is! I remember, in my youth, smoking tea (as in Tea from tea bags) as I was too young to buy tobacco. At the time I enjoyed it, so whatever is in your pipe, enjoy it, and sod anyone else's opinion.
I find that, the more I smoke, the more I appreciate lighter, sweeter smokes from my pipe. Occasionally I'll smoke an English blend, but lately I've taken to VA/Burley blends. One of my friends is a Scottish fellow who's been smoking a pipe for about 40 years now. He cut his teeth on Condor. One of his new loves is Carter Hall (an American drugstore tobac, for those who don't know) out of a cob. Irony is a fine thing.
I have tried a few english blends. Northwoods, Dunhill's early morning and some others. To me Northwoods tastes like I am smoking pine needles. I have moved more towards virginia blends, my favorite being WO Larsen's Signature blend. Otherwise my wife only lets me smoke english blends outside. The best thing about a pipe is the variety of blends and the taste testing of them, much like wine tasting or trying different whiskys. If pipe smoking is to be enjoyed. So enjoy what you like!
Great Video!! I read in a book that english blends where invented because at the time it was illegal to add chemical flavoring to the tabacco(this was in england only thats why they are named english blends) so the english needed to add natural flavoring to the tabacco and they used latakia for it.This leads me to believe aromatics where first( I think), Anyway you give great advice just smoke what you like ,pipe smoking is for pleasure.
@PipeProxy One of my ex-girlfriends just HATED that term. Of course, now when I talk about her, it's the one I use. (I know, I know, I'm a bad person) LOL
I agree in part. Definitely smoke what you like BUT to acquire the taste of pure tobaccos there has to be a shift in trying tobaccos other than artificially flavored tobaccos.
Very well said Kel. I too saw 1968eric and his great advice just when I started out on YT. No matter who coined that expression, it's still a good advice and I try to spread it as often as possible. Only reason I kept away from aros is (I think we all can agree on this) that they are of very varied quality. Non aros tend to be more even... and as both types cost the same over here, I opted for the one that would give me most bang for my buck.
You talk some good sense here Kel. I suppose the temptation is for newbies to emulate some of the pipesmokers they see here on YT or on other forums but, in truth, you can only go with what your tastebuds like or can stand. 'Like what you smoke and smoke what you like' was great advice from Eric1968!
The funny thing about English blends, to me anyway, is that I am in the mood for them only sometimes. I am trying to quit smoking cigarettes and that may have something to do with it. I do like Billy Budd as it tastes a lot like a cigar.
theothertoolbox 1 day ago
@theothertoolbox I'm the same way. they also make me stuffy (not in personality, but my nasel passages)
SmokeRingsPipeDreams 1 day ago
Thumbs up for "bang". lol
ryanhayn 3 weeks ago
@ryanhayn My ex-girlfriend absolutely hated that word. So now I use it all the time when referencing her. LOL
SmokeRingsPipeDreams 1 day ago
I've only been smoking for a month and a half now, and already have sensed the "English blends are for men" kind of vibe. I think it's pretty awesome that you've posted a video like this. Kudos!
BransmPiper 4 weeks ago
@BransmPiper You're welcome my Friend, enjoy your hobby what ever you smoke.
SmokeRingsPipeDreams 4 weeks ago
Hey Kel, i have just bought my first pipe (jeppesen smooth freehand pipe (not too sure wether its good or not but its pretty) and was wondering if yu could reccomend some tobacco to start with, i would prefer a smoother tobacco if you know of any? Please and thanks
Shaun
SMacca3103 1 month ago
@SMacca3103 There is a video about my tobacco recs. :)
SmokeRingsPipeDreams 1 month ago
@SmokeRingsPipeDreams ah right lol =]
SMacca3103 1 month ago
Aromatics keep the ladies from complaining.
pitbull1975 1 month ago
I don't think I've ever been exposed to any type of pipe tobacco other then Aromatic. In fact that's what I like about pipe tobacco most, is the pleasant flavors and smell.
sagemystic 1 month ago
@sagemystic You might find the english to be nice as well. :)
SmokeRingsPipeDreams 1 month ago
I'm about to go and buy a basket pipe to smoke my first aromatics in. Samuel Gawith Black Cherry and then maybe some Celtic Talisman (vanilla blend). Just in time for my birthday too lol
wildvenisson 2 months ago
@wildvenisson That sounds nice, let us know how it goes!
Cheers,
Kel
SmokeRingsPipeDreams 2 months ago
hey i was wondering what age did you start smoking pipes?
MrMasterTOKE 3 months ago
@MrMasterTOKE I was in my mid twenties.
SmokeRingsPipeDreams 3 months ago
It is pretty silly and pretentious to ascribe a moral or character meaning to such things.
I prefer English/Balkan blends and aged Virginia flakes with no top flavour. That tells you absolutely nothing about me or what kind of person I am. It is meaningless. Some prefer beer to wine. I even know people who prefer Bourbon to a good single malt Scotch.
MacNutz2 3 months ago
Aromatic tabaco helped me get hordes of new friends and aquaintances.
ThePeoplesGuru 3 months ago
smoking cigars and pipes relates to life...... a sudden realization of mine!
thanks for these videos! they're very choc full of useful information!
tarounterburger 4 months ago
@tarounterburger You're very welcome, thank you for being a part of it!
SmokeRingsPipeDreams 4 months ago
This is an excellent topic. There is definitely snobbery, and trying to win approval of said snobs is what led me into tins and ropes, but I am now secure enough to smoke what I like. I also went through ALL the drugstore tobaccos. There are the straight burleys like Walter Raleigh Regular and Prince Albert. They remind me of what my grandfather smoked (and may well have been).
hackamore 5 months ago
This is an excellent topic. There is definitely snobbery, and trying to win approval of said snobs is what led me into tins and ropes, but I am now secure enough to smoke what I like. I also went through ALL the drugstore tobaccos. There are the straight burleys like Walter Raleigh Regular and Prince Albert. They remind me of what my grandfather smoked (and may well have been).
hackamore 5 months ago
Hi, if it's not too personal, I was wondering what you do for a living? You are an excellent orator.
dulsago 6 months ago
@dulsago Thank you. I am a hen teaser.
SmokeRingsPipeDreams 6 months ago 5
@SmokeRingsPipeDreams BEST PROFESSION EVER!!!
comichound 2 months ago
Awesome channel and series--I am grateful for them. I am new to pipe smoking but I'm already in love with it and your videos are really educating me.
Regarding this video I just wanted to mention that it's probably not "ego" that causes people to hold the incorrect notion you discuss here, but rather ego-less-ness. That is, lack of a solid sense of self or ego.
ObjectivistAesthetic 6 months ago
@ApathyCSL No, it's a Reyes family cigar. One of the cheaper ones.
SmokeRingsPipeDreams 8 months ago
Anyone wanna guess what aromatic hes referring to? Im guessing boswell's, which i personally love. They seem to be the hottnes in terms of aros.
smackifilia 9 months ago
Pipe smoking is about preference if you like cheap drug store blends, smoke them and don't let any body tell you different. i smoke all kinds of tobacco, Va/Per, Flake, english, aromatic. it depends on my mood.
doctorpuffer1 10 months ago
You "BANG" women? My, my, my, Kel, doesnt that spread germs?
Theliberalssuck1 1 year ago
@Theliberalssuck1 only the strong ones.
SmokeRingsPipeDreams 1 year ago 3
How many women smoke pipes?
I think you're ok...
joeevil 1 year ago
@joeevil Not very many, but some. We have had a few female pipe smokers in the pipe community.
SmokeRingsPipeDreams 1 year ago
what kind of cigar is that? The band looks like Tatiana
SmokeItUpMindset 1 year ago
It's just like any flavour tasting hobby, everyone's palette is different. This is why there are flavoured/aromatic tobacco's to begin with, and there are mild/medium/strong. Same is true of scotches. There is no "proper" taste, it's whether the taste suites you at the time. Quality is another issue, if you buy a low quality tobacco, then it is no longer elitism.
BennyBlanc0FTB 1 year ago
Well said Kel! Right now for example I want to smoke english tobaccos but my tongue can't taste the Latakia at the moment, I oversmoked a bit. So everything I smoke tastes totally bland... enjoy your smokes! :)
ProjectLiberty 1 year ago
@ProjectLiberty I over smoked this afternoon, four cigars. My tongue tastes like a burning tire from a farm tractor. LOL
SmokeRingsPipeDreams 1 year ago
I totally agree, there's far too much elitism about English blends. It's funny the anti-aro freaks always seem to be die-hard english fans, in fact many pipe smokers start on aro's, change to Latakia (because of the hype) and end up on VaPers or Burleys.
dubinthedam 1 year ago
I love you for posting the video (sound is not very good) but what a great subject! I absolutely love English tobacco's. Lately my favorite is Rattray's Red Rapparee. But I'm like you in the belief that whatever you truly love is the tobacco that's right for you. Hell, I've smoked over 40 different high end tobacco blends and I still enjoy the occasional bowl of Captain Black Gold or Middleton's cherry blend!
ivyman123 1 year ago
@ivyman123 I'm that way too, I love high end stuff, but I also love some of the cheap bulk blends. I guess I'm just a mutt when it comes to tobacco.
Cheers,
Kel
SmokeRingsPipeDreams 1 year ago
It's crazy to get uppity with people over their choice in tobacco. Whatever blend the man next to me is smoking I surely have a lot more in common with him than the guy across the street that thinks we are both weirdos for having pipes!
PipesterJim 1 year ago
@PipesterJim Well said Sir, well said.
SmokeRingsPipeDreams 1 year ago
@PipesterJim I agree. Ever since I moved back home after living on my own in NYC for 8 years, I'm all of a sudden criticized by family and relatives for being a pipe and cigar smoker. It's a real 360 degree turn when that happens. I can't wait to go back living on my own again. lol
sfk1066 1 year ago
It's interesting that this video has sparked some of the longest responses from people of any video I have ever put up.
SmokeRingsPipeDreams 1 year ago
My gf-thing has no problem with that word lol. I will have a video response up shortly btw. At least if the cam stops acting up.
Stormwulf133 1 year ago
@Stormwulf133 Funny thing is, the girl I was talking about how was bugged by that word was the kinkiest little think you can ever imagine. Strange world.
Cheers,
Kel
SmokeRingsPipeDreams 1 year ago
@SmokeRingsPipeDreams I dunno. I can imagine quite a bit.
Stormwulf133 1 year ago
YES! Thank you. It's YOUR pipe. Smoke what YOU like, to hell with what anyone else thinks.
thetanukikaji 1 year ago
Great advice! In my years smoking pipes I too bought into this notion that english was more of a "purists" smoke and superior to aromatics. As soon as I tried to acquire this taste I was on a long journey wasting time and money on something I really never enjoyed. I've come to the conclusion...that unforgettable smell when I was a small child was what always drew me to pipes and I'm back on track and enjoying Great Aromatics! I enjoy a nice cigar or cigarette too. Follow Kel's advice here.
astroman2112 1 year ago
I relate it to riding motorcycles - "it's not what you ride, it's that you ride." That said, @MrSmokeGuy has it right too. People should not limit themselves to just one type or flavor of tobacco just like food and motorcycles. Try many different types, more than once and often with time in between, and you might notice your tastes shift into other areas.
kidego3kgt 1 year ago
what is latices?
mofoinnoob 1 year ago
@mofoinnoob Do you mean "latakia'?
SmokeRingsPipeDreams 1 year ago
@SmokeRingsPipeDreams Sorry i do not know the spelling i think so. The substance that is found in English tobacco :)
mofoinnoob 1 year ago
@mofoinnoob Yes, that is Latakia, check out pipedia.org they have a lot of good info about tobacco.
Cheers,
Kel
SmokeRingsPipeDreams 1 year ago
Agree, but I bagan with english's..stupid...If I can everybody can (ok I know not everybody is as manly as I am...;) )
Its all about personal taste ! So don't give a F*** on what some Stupid says or said.
Cheers
Sam
Samwiseallmighty 1 year ago
Yes, just enjoy smoking it, whatever it is! I remember, in my youth, smoking tea (as in Tea from tea bags) as I was too young to buy tobacco. At the time I enjoyed it, so whatever is in your pipe, enjoy it, and sod anyone else's opinion.
raindog951 1 year ago
I find that, the more I smoke, the more I appreciate lighter, sweeter smokes from my pipe. Occasionally I'll smoke an English blend, but lately I've taken to VA/Burley blends. One of my friends is a Scottish fellow who's been smoking a pipe for about 40 years now. He cut his teeth on Condor. One of his new loves is Carter Hall (an American drugstore tobac, for those who don't know) out of a cob. Irony is a fine thing.
strangescrivener 1 year ago
@ToBaCCoRoW I haven't a clue. LOL
SmokeRingsPipeDreams 1 year ago
I have tried a few english blends. Northwoods, Dunhill's early morning and some others. To me Northwoods tastes like I am smoking pine needles. I have moved more towards virginia blends, my favorite being WO Larsen's Signature blend. Otherwise my wife only lets me smoke english blends outside. The best thing about a pipe is the variety of blends and the taste testing of them, much like wine tasting or trying different whiskys. If pipe smoking is to be enjoyed. So enjoy what you like!
classicrider21 1 year ago
Great Video!! I read in a book that english blends where invented because at the time it was illegal to add chemical flavoring to the tabacco(this was in england only thats why they are named english blends) so the english needed to add natural flavoring to the tabacco and they used latakia for it.This leads me to believe aromatics where first( I think), Anyway you give great advice just smoke what you like ,pipe smoking is for pleasure.
marco9231 1 year ago
hahahah "Bang", my wife is fine with the word...she loves it.
PipeProxy 1 year ago
@PipeProxy You have a keeper there my Friend, hold on to her! :)
SmokeRingsPipeDreams 1 year ago
@PipeProxy One of my ex-girlfriends just HATED that term. Of course, now when I talk about her, it's the one I use. (I know, I know, I'm a bad person) LOL
SmokeRingsPipeDreams 1 year ago
I agree in part. Definitely smoke what you like BUT to acquire the taste of pure tobaccos there has to be a shift in trying tobaccos other than artificially flavored tobaccos.
MrSmokeGuy 1 year ago
well said man
DarthPawl 1 year ago
I love the apples and oranges metaphor! Keep the vids coming brother. Happy smoking.
Seth
kissphantom05 1 year ago
Good vid! Btw is that cigar Roly Rothschild Maduro?
hyppezz88 1 year ago
Very well said Kel. I too saw 1968eric and his great advice just when I started out on YT. No matter who coined that expression, it's still a good advice and I try to spread it as often as possible. Only reason I kept away from aros is (I think we all can agree on this) that they are of very varied quality. Non aros tend to be more even... and as both types cost the same over here, I opted for the one that would give me most bang for my buck.
Cheers,
-Mike
Flieger671 1 year ago
You talk some good sense here Kel. I suppose the temptation is for newbies to emulate some of the pipesmokers they see here on YT or on other forums but, in truth, you can only go with what your tastebuds like or can stand. 'Like what you smoke and smoke what you like' was great advice from Eric1968!
Paul
significantguy 1 year ago