Russ is The Man! He really does do some amazing thing with pipe baccy. I lean mostly towards VaPer blends, but will vary it with just about anything else. I am currently smoking my way through the ropes of G & H and Sam Gawith. Black Irish X and Maple Twist are fans thus far.
As far as aromatics go, C & D's Nutty Irishman is pretty darn tasty and my Grumpie's favorite. Rattray's Bagpipers Dream is another one to try. Nording Labradour and Nording Retriever are good as well.
Don't be afraid to try the CAO tins that match the CAO Flavours line.
Last year when Russ and H & H did the blending project and made all the blending baccies from C & D available for us mere mortals to order, I ordered some of each component. I smoked my way through each one separately to train my palate (except the latakia & perique). That experience has really got me stepping out of my comfort zone.
If you haven't found the site that reviews tobacco yet, I have found it to be a very useful site. I don't want to post a possible competitor reference here. If you can't figure it out, PM me and I will send you the link.
I love cigars. Some days I want it simple. No fussing around with a pipe. Light and go.
I love pipes. Other days I want to control every bit of my tobacco journey.
I truly am obsessed with tobacco.
