Best Pipe Blends For Beginners

[@superkool7]

This man is a true American treasure ✝️🇺🇸

[@shellbackbeau7021]

Why cover him in wax and put him in a museum!

[@superkool7]

@@shellbackbeau7021 agreed 👊🇺🇸

[@BluGiant14]

Wrong flag…

[@kalebbooher8092]

I see a new pipe cottage video, I click it. I'm a simple man😂

[@pnwfarmdog4090]

Ain’t that the truth!

[@paulfitzpatrick6566]

Simple Men Unite 😊

[@Sneaky-Sneaky]

I started smoking a pipe about 50+ years ago when I was in the navy. I smoked mostly burley and burley blends for the next 40 years. After that and continuing to this day….I smoke mostly English and bulkan blends. I’ve tried to like Virginians and its blends and the closest I can get are some of the stoved heavier Virginias which can be decent for me….thanks for your intertaining videos! Really enjoy them!

[@jaredanderson682]

These videos encouraged me to buy my first pipe and tobacco tonight. I'm rather excited!

[@knriggz]

I have fond memories of the smell of pipe tobacco wafting around the bar of my Grandfather's tavern. There were always well dressed men stopping by to contemplate their week over a pint and a pipe after Mass. Fast forward 40 years later and I find myself converted to being a pipe smoker. Thank you for the recommendations and I very much am enjoying the East Farthing blend. As a Tolkien fan it makes me smile as I sit and commune with nature and the Lord. Thank you for sharing your experiences to make entering this hobby far easier to understand.

[@bubbz222]

I think you realized that coming back to the simple videos like this is exactly why the channel grew as well as it did originally. Well done Sir. We love this stuff.

[@triplebgames6152]

Got a pipe from thw Renaissance faire from my wife as a firstfathers day gift. Today look up some begginer stuff. This video came out less than an hour ago. Must have been a sign to watch you!

[@stu7161]

Just coming back to pipe smoking after a few decades with cigarettes, and I'm finding it a pretty easy conversion so far. I didn't realize how much I missed actually enjoying smoking rather than doing it out of habit. Thanks for your informative videos, I've already purchased a couple of the brands you recommended.

[@aussiePiper_Dan]

What an epic way to start the video. Bell chimes.

[@UnrulyVet]

I'm restarting my pipe journey and I picked up some Early Morning. This is the third video I've seen recommending it and it sounds exactly like what I'm looking for. Thanks for doing this!

[@ruggedgentleman]

Ephemeris is very good. I was near Birmingham for my sons Travel Baseball team, stopped in The Briary and picked up a new pipe and some Ephemeris and Eileens Dreem. Great people and great shop.

[@stpcassidy]

Early Morning Pipe was my introduction to pipe smoking, so I was not surprised at all when it was mentioned. Love your channel. Keep up the great work!

[@trolojolo6178]

First time pipe smoker here. Bought early morning pipe and i almost threw up when i smelled on it. Is it supposed to be that way or did i just bought a bad batch? It smells like cold old ashtray its hideous.

[@stpcassidy]

​@trolojolo6178 That's probably not a bad batch you got, I got mine in factory sealed tin rather than loose. I would rather call the smell from the tin "campfire". That smell is likely to come from the Latakia which is not everyones taste. I like English blends rather than aromatics so it suits me. Do some research and find something you like, don't let the experience put you off the pipe hobby.

[@melaniet8914]

Just discovered this channel. I enjoy a pipe at home but live in a country where tobacco is taxed to the extent where it is outrageous. Enjoy the accent!

[@JohnsPipeJourney]

Thank you, Alan for all that you do for us. I stumbled upon your channel 16 months ago, and I loved listening to your accent and all of your wisdom And that’s when I decided to try smoking a pipe. Thank you for all your great videos. You have a blessed week, my friend.

[@SteveKN4POP]

As a self proclaimed artist of many things and variations of art, I would enjoy a video on Tin Art. As a wet shaver I enjoy some of the art that is presented on some tins. Sometimes the art is a perfect representation of the scent of the shave soap. If anyone reading this comment agrees give it a thumbs 👍🏼. Maybe we'll get a video. And good sir, if you're reading this comment. Please indulge me with some tobacco Tin Art. And keep bringing the atmosphere you generate with your videos.

[@Kcutthth]

Watching the video and so far I have his first two choices. I came into the pipe game from cigars. I just smoked Early Morning the other day and it was a nice mellow smoke. I enjoy watching these videos while I’m smoking because it’s like sitting down with a friend

[@BriarEsquire]

Loved Orlik Golden Sliced starting out. Still do!

[@johnsweet6883]

I absolutely, love stories of Catholic pipe smokers. The pipe, a pint and the scripture.

[@Bach6032]

Love this video, as I do all of your others, but after 50+ years at the hobby, I have to confess that your view and my view of Cult Blood Red Moon could not be more opposite. It's the only blend that I've tossed after only a few puffs. It strikes me as a combination of Robitussin cough syrup and my childhood chemistry set. Really like your new setting for the video!

[@TheBrooklynPipe]

Early Morning Pipe has been a staple in my own collection. I gotta try East Farthing now. I'm a sucker for anything appropriated from literature. Especially Tolkien and Lovecraft.

[@blue_u_defense]

I have to say, Missouri Meerschaum 150th anniversary blend is my favorite so far! Mild, sweet, good tin note AND room note

[@TO-ps2qq]

I have been smoking pipes since I was 15. I am now 64. My favorite tobacco was named Eclair. It came from the Tobak Shack from Eagan MN.

[@DougAnderson-br4gh]

Also Sutliff AE 503C, a smooth light English/American blend. Similar in my taste, to East Farthing. Thank you for all you do my ‘pipe smoking hero.’

[@craykard8325]

I have one of those large Granger Rough cut tins i found at a garage sale. I use it to store my tobacco. Those Donniford tins fit nicely in my roll out pipe tobacco pouch. Goid stuff. I live in New Braunfels, Texas and one of my first tobacco purchases was their cherry blend.They don't have it anymore but i still have some left and I find it good. But i am about a year into this hobby so I am learning as I go and I am so glad I found your videos. Definitely has shown me the proper method.

[@troyleach8]

When I first started I stuck with captain black original. That was all I enjoyed for the longest time. Would love to see a video on some beginner pipes!

[@MidWayPiper]

Great timing. I got my first pipe a couple weeks ago and have the tinsky arriving this week. Waiting to try your old home place blend until the tinsky arrives.

[@MidWayPiper]

@@rubenmartinez4346 the pipe cottage rough finish.

[@eddiejr540]

I have 3 Mark Tinsky pipes and I absolutely love them…I think his pipes have the most comfortable stems👍

[@keithfred3321]

Love your content. Trying not to hate your haters- especially the cowardly ones with comments disabled!

[@toddtipton2857]

Love the folks over at The Briery

[@yusufsayed1583]

Good Morning 😊 This is the sort of content i appreciate 🤗 Informative and Educational👌🏽 Thanks For Sharing 👏🏼 Have a Blessed day and God bless You and Your Family 🙏🏽 Greetings From South Africa 🇿🇦

[@CarlosAVilches-dr9ek]

Hi , i’m an old pipe smoker from Puerto Rico. I have tried a lot of blends since my law school days. Still i found your video informative and interesting. Keep on ….

[@stonylawncottagepipe4429]

I SEE YOU IN YOUR CHAIR...the Bishop of pipes😊...love vids❤

[@darrylthehorntoadpiper]

I so agree with your choices Dr Harrelson! The first two Blood Red Moon & Early Morning Pipe were my first choices & still are after returning to pipe smoking after 30 years. Wonderful video as I have been come accustomed to from you! 👍👍😎

[@AviatorFred]

Northwest Trek from the country squire in Jackson MS is my favorite go to smoke. Goes well anytime of the year to me

[@cartoonringo]

I spy a nice haydock bible in the background there! One of the best volumes available

[@4one6Piper]

That is an interesting list. Father Dempsey and cult blood Red Moon intrigue me the most. Thanks for sharing.

[@justinphillips3829]

Just started pipe smoking a month or so ago, and I have watched so many of your videos during that time. Would love to see a pipe video about beginning pipes to use, and a second one of these about some more beginning tobaccos to try. Keep up the amazing videos!

[@gregizzo4191]

I bought an ounce of the Old Home Place. I'm really enjoying it! It has become my current favorite. Very pleased. Thank, great job.

[@konanoobiemaster]

got myself some Cult Blood Red Moon last week - delicious!

[@Nightmare-kh1eo]

Just ordered this, can’t wait to try it

[@JohnsPipeJourney]

Very nice list, Alan. When I started, I didn’t like any of the aromatics because they tasted horrible to me. Therefore, I started out with non-aromatics three that come to mine are all Peterson’s; such as early-morning pipe, my mixture 965, and nightcap. You have a blessed week, my friend.

[@grahampawson1502]

Three of my all time favourite blends 🤙🤙🤙

[@JohnsPipeJourney]

@ Since the posting of this video, my pallet has changed. Now my three favorites are all Boswell blends. They are Northwoods, English biscuit, and countryside. If you have not tried any of these, I urge you to try them. You have a blessed rest of your weekend, my friend.

[@barlotardy]

Good afternoon gentlemen! I require blend suggestions for spending the first week of July in a hammock next to a river. Thanks!

[@BobbySixguns]

My first non aromatic when I started was Peterson My 965. I found it easy to pack and keep lit. It was very easy to smoke with a poor cadence and not produce tongue bite. As a fan of Autumn Evening, I might have to give that Cobblestone a try. Excellent video.

[@ecchrom]

Your videos are phenomenal and originally what got me into the hobby of pipe smoking. I would highly recommend Squadron Leader by Samuel Gawith as an additional option.

[@fragwagon]

Squadron Leader will put hair on your chest. I wouldn't recommend it for beginners, except as a dare! But happy you enjoy it. (I do too)

[@humdrumm5456]

Thanks for another great video Alan…great choices here for beginners with some thoughtful commentary. 👍😀

[@Khajiitt]

Great channel. As a beginner pipe smoker I found your channels information useful and accurate. My first pipe was a bent cherry wood pipe from Missouri Meerschaum. Great pipe at a great price, First smoke was Amphora, I would not go with that again. The first smoke I really liked was a recommendation from your channel Davidoff luxury flake. Thanks again for your continued content.

[@joeleastman5371]

After years of trial and error I stick to the Missouri meerchaum corn cob, and Peter Stockebye twist flake. The bullseye flake and Navy flake are good also. I stick to those.

[@bdagnolo]

Great work, very much appreciated. Yes, a video on starter pipes would be very interesting. BTW, I very much enjoy your blend from The Country Squire.

[@giotorres73]

Would love a video on tin art if you find the time.

[@dennisalbers2]

All good recommendations. Great to see you again!!!👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@nitegoat1369]

The first English blend I tried, when I was new to pipe smoking, was Sutliff Private Stock Blend No. 5. It is still my favorite English blend, with Quiet Nights, as my 2nd favorite.

[@BrentMB79]

A few week ago I was in central PA for work and stopped at Boswells. Although JM doesn't necessarily tell you what you should buy, he did recommend No Bite Delight when I questioned him. I also picked up JMs Favorite which I haven't tried yet. However the NBD is wonderful, if you like the aroma of chocolate and a soft aromatic. I recently picked up some Sutliff black raspberry which is wonderful!!!

[@bootgrip6]

May I suggest that you create a video about particular blends and characteristics of a blend to AVOID as a beginner pipe smoker. There are so many options out there these days; a blessing and a curse of sorts.

[@eddiejr540]

Do not ever smoke straight perique…your welcome🤣

[@logiberra418]

I appreciate this video very much sir.

[@IndianapolisGerry]

Enjoying my Lane 1Q whiile waiitng for this to finish buffering :)

[@benjaminshirley]

Great list Dr. Alan 👍

[@johnwortham1595]

Thank you for the recommendations, sir! Also, I think the idea you had for a video covering tobacco tin art sounds very interesting! I see so very little in the pipe smoking YT community about it (tin art).

[@shellbackbeau7021]

My first blend was Captain Black Gold, and it was magical! I picked it up from my local tobacco shop mamasan. Golden Cavendish has such an amazing flavor!

[@dualsportPNW]

Just started out and puffing on some gold as I watch. Smooth stuff and easy for a beginner.

[@shellbackbeau7021]

@@dualsportPNW I get Rootbeer notes

[@fossil-bit8439]

Newer to pipe smoking myself so I’ll definitely try some of these out. I’ve only tried a few codger blends. Captain Black (Cherry), Half & Half, and Velvet. I just went with those because they were what was available at my local tobacco store. So far Velvet has been my favorite. I’ve been wanting to try Grainger and Prince Albert as well. God bless you Alan.

[@shanky9076]

Hello Alan, I was wondering if you had tried any Brigadier black tobacco blends, and if so, your thoughts? Seems like the Civil War theme many of their blends have would be right up your alley.

[@DougAnderson-br4gh]

Especially Gettysburg

[@TonyRichards93]

I’m a new pipe smoker and about a month into my journey with it. I’m already better than when I started out in terms of tasting SOMETHING. I’ve established a good cadence (with most blends) and retrohale to taste the tobacco’s. However I can still only taste the very strongest of blends. Some aromatics and non-aromatics all I taste in my mouth is smoke and struggle to pick up on the flavours. I wonder how when I see pipe videos smokers seem to play with the smoke in their mouth and “taste” the smoke. I have yet to develop this ability. I don’t know whether that will come with time or not. I enjoy the calming process/act of pipe smoking too much to put it down, but I do wish I could actually taste the flavours in my mouth and not having to seek out the punchiest of blends to retrohale in order to taste them. Great video as always though Sir

[@dp2pl8]

Awesome place to start, I just moved to where Missouri Meerschaum is based amd have been collecting some cobs, have bought a few of their tobaccos, but these will be great additions! I ordered the Forever Stems from Vermont Freehand for some of the basic cobs to make them smoke better. Currently teied thier 150th, Party Line, Taste of Temptation, Pipe Force's Episode IV, and Taste of Summer fron Sutliff!

[@Warriorkyle]

BTW… As a local to the Briary in Birmingham, AL, I can testify that AM Pipe is a fantastic ribbon cut that they make as a great alternative to Early Morning Pipe. The blend is very similar. I enjoyed very much as a beginner.

[@nimroids6587]

Lane Limited 1-Q is probably my favorite blend currently

[@MrRotwell]

A video on tin art would be really cool!

[@marshallbuch2593]

Thank you, Alan! It’s good to hear you back talking about pipe related material. It was getting a little off track for a bit! I appreciate your passion for the history and general content of pipe smoking!

[@NorViking57]

I just started smoking a pipe at age 67 having never smoked anything in my life. I became fascinated with the briar look/art in a pipe. My first tobacco is called Wilshire which is a light aromatic I believe to be a house blend. I find that I have to relight it quite often. Is it possible for a tobacco to be somewhat too moist to stay lit?

[@SaxoGrammatic]

I'm relatively new to it myself, but I've quickly learned that letting certain blends dry makes life much easier. Some blends I'll take out and let rest for 20 mins or so before smoking, which is what the local tobacconist recommended. For a particularly wet aromatic, I took Muttnchop Piper's advice: sandwiched it between two baking sheets and two pieces of paper towel and let it sit for 8 hours. I even had the dehumidifier on in the room. After that treatment it burned easily.

[@pnwfarmdog4090]

As a random gift some years back my in-laws bought me an ounce of tobacco from Federal Tobacco in Portsmouth New Hampshire. It’s called Ladd Street and it had a very delicious smell to it and was a wonderful smoke. I’ve been on and off with it as it’s offered and then not. I honestly don’t know the blend or anything about, I’ve never been to the store! But they have a large selection of both tinned and blends they make in house, or so I’ve been told. If you’re a pipe smoker in the area… worth a check out. I am unfortunately in Washington state, so harder to find good places. I got my intro to pipe smoking in San Diego, at a little place called Racine and Laramie. Now that place was awesome! Huge selection of cigars, pipes and tobacco blends, and a very nice albeit small, Lounge.

[@mikereese15]

Amazing content and choices. I think I might like P&C's match for EMP better than EMP itself. Added some more from this list to try out. Thanks

[@jondaly4501]

I had a chewer when I was younger. Snuff like Skoal and Copenhagen was tough to quit. Pouch tobacco was different.

[@pipesmoker956]

My first blend was from Amphora. Then I moved to Cult Blood Red Moon, which I bought 40 tins's.

[@RichardIIfan]

I started with a house tobacco and Ashton's Artisan. Unfortunately the shop I go to hasn't stocked it since. I then tried Early Morning Pipe, which I also like. One I've heard of and want to try is Sillem's Black, but I don't think it's stocked in England.

[@TurboThailand]

Excellent video. Have just ordered my first pipe and EMP was one of my selections so looking forward to the arrival. I have been an avid vape builder for many years on 0-3% (3/8ths are $#$# all ) nicotine as the build and process was my interest. Since moving to Thailand 5 years ago, vape builds and parts almost don't exist here, only pre-made vapes (still illegal). Cigarettes other than the social aspect don't do it for me so I am looking forward to the relaxing & satisfaction of a good tobacco selection, good food, drink and a few minutes to myself having a pipe as the Sun rises.

[@theSimpleGeorgian]

I have Granger, Kramer's, and Cult Blood Red Moon in my cellar currently. Still have to add the others. I have so many other blends now, it's hard to keep up with.

[@mcekim2]

Geeat recommendations! I'll have to try the Walnut Maple Pie. And you're right, The Fr. Dempsey story is a good bit of pipe smoking/ Catholic/ Americana. The Kramer Pipe & Tobacco story is an interesting one, as well - a shop in Beverly Hills that catered to many famous Hollywood figures. Anyway, one more recommendation: Edward G. Robinson blend. An "aromatic" blend, the development of which he personally oversaw. Now produced by Sutliff. It's an old school aro blend of Burley, Virginia, Cavendish, Black Cavendish and a touch of Latakia. Topped with a little liquor and cinnamon. Nutty, a little fruity and a little smokiness and wood from the bit of Latakia. A pleasant room note that might remind you of an uncle or grandfather's pipe. Really nice aftertaste, incidentally.

[@timh3178]

If I was able to spend $400, or whatever, on a meerschaum pipe I don't think I would forget I bought it! 😆

[@kylemaclachlan9209]

Dang! I need to get outta Washington State!

[@Nathan-zw7nq]

Presbyterian I think is a good beginner English as well. And I think a good beginner Virginia blend is Orlik Golden Slices (it has perique in it, according to Orlik’s website, even though it doesn’t say that on the tin).

[@timdolan6162]

Where can I find that wall mounted pipe holder you have behind you? I love it!

[@nitegoat1369]

Etsy. I have one, and I love it. I was told by another piper who also has one - not to put a pipe with a sterling silver band in it, as it heavily tarnished his. So my Peterson Christmas 2023 is kept elsewhere.

[@timdolan6162]

@@nitegoat1369 thanks so much! I’ll be sure to get one but keep the Petersons in their own realm 😀

[@joeyriddle1214]

You should have put Boswell No Bite Delight. You recommended this one for me when I started.

[@TheSprinklerNinja]

HI, can I ask, what is the shape called of the pipe in the thumbnail? Thanks for the blend recommendations!

[@Mark-zh7eo]

I started out in the 70's with Doue Egbert's original Amphora Full, and Captain Black Original.

[@ruderabbit797]

I'm so sad, I got covid Jan 2022, and resulted in long covid with major taste changes. Having to like start over for tobacco flavor. Went back to Sillem's Copenhagen block as it's still tasty to me for a go to.

[@rvsam4u]

Subscribed

[@taldeus4008]

What is the pipe in the thumbnail, and is there a half bent version?

[@BlackenedNeo911]

Best one I have ever tried (which is not much) is a Brigadier Black Tobacco. Alamo was nice, Waterloo was ok, Bull Run is phenomenal.

[@stefanroller5019]

As I'm living in Germany, most of your recomended blends are not known to me. But nevertheless: congatulations to your bold statement of recomending the "Early Morning Pipe" for beginners. You might be right about but I'd rather go for the "Profesional Mixture" by Rattray's with that amount of black cavendish that smoothens it. A tobacco that could go well for a "frightening newbe" would be the "Brookfields No.1". Very light Virginia and Burley with a light fruity vanilla flavour that doesn't cover the tobacco taste. And it's coming as one of the cheapest pipe tobaccos here for around 6€/50g. For the cigarette smokers I'd not be shy to recomend the "Three Nun's", which is considered a blend with high nicotine level. Anyhow I wouldn't step away from flakes and curleys for a beginner. Only teach the person properly how to smoke it. And the last one is the classic "Mixture Scottish Blend" by Mac Barren. Nothing special, but quite easy to smoke and with the iconic smell and taste of a pipe tobacco. When opening the pouch... that is what most of the people are expecting from a pipe tobacco. Filling the bowl and lightening it up... again it's what most of the people would expect from the taste of a pipe tobacco. Of course the casing is there but also the tobacco. You can't go wrong with that and devellop into each direction, aromatic, natural or english. - But what I would do if I had friend who'd like to start with the pipe: I'd have him over, let him smell all the blends open at my place, even opening a tin for the person on request and have him or her a bowl or two of smoking.

[@ref6122]

Most of the drug store codger blends are good beginner tobaccos for the simple reason they take to the flame easily and stay lit nicely.

[@ragtard7419]

Being 18, I can’t purchase tobacco products until 21. I have made my own pipe out of a branch and water reed. I smoke white clover out of it (it grow in my backyard all year except winter unfortunately). Just 3 more years 🙏🏻

[@turtleneckferret]

Dang

[@magnificatscriptorium]

Bro how can I get past getting nic sickness? My tolerance is so low I get buzzed at the char light phase of smoking.

[@davedinezza6370]

Burley is the primary component of cigarettes? That would be Virginia good sir.

[@totalityofscripture1001]

McCranies 3 cherry blend is far superior to Cult BRM but I understand it’s a house blend which makes it outside the criteria. C&D Cross eyed cricket is another great English hybrid style blend that’s an easy all day smoke

[@Teuts2000]

Friend of mine gave me a Missouri Meerschaum corn cob pipe and passed me this white tin with a frog drawn it about 20 years ago now. I was a cigarette smoker for 15 years before that. Smoked that first bowl of Frog Morton and been a pipe smoker ever since. I can take and leave the smokes, pipes I'll keep until I pass to my eternal reward.

[@EddieNickels]

I want one of those clocks that sound like Church bells

[@j.l.glover4037]

Nice battle flag👍🏻

[@e.joseph273]

"Independence Day" krumble kake, from Missouri Meerschaum Company.

[@restoringbonaire]

Being a Virginian, I prefer it. Virginia blends, that is.

[@matthewconway9152]

If I want to start as a young man, hiw would I get tobacco?

[@Yorkdragonfire]

Country side

[@eddiejr540]

Why is it taboo to smoke tobacco but perfectly acceptable to fill your face with macdonalds and energy drinks🤔

[@thedreadtyger]

oh, the great thing about a pipe is that you can always lie and say that it's for dope so that your neighbors won't call the police on you.

[@airadaimagery692]

Nicotine can be addictive, yes. But, there is something about cigarettes that should be noted, and it’s the biggest reason that it shouldn’t even be compared to pipe tobacco and cigars... And that thing is a particular chemical that is added to cigarettes! And that particular chemical that I speak of is particularly designed to intensify the part of the brain that controls addiction! It is an evil way to get people addicted to cigarettes fast. You don’t know many people addicted to pipe tobacco and cigars like there are with cigarettes, do you? Yeah, that is why. Eileen’s Dream for the win.