The answer is to
experiment methodically; and we would like to help. There are only 6 basic
groups of tobacco mixtures, so it is quite practical to sample each type,
and eliminate the flavours/tastes you don't like. Buy the Wesley Houseblend
Sampler Pack covering these basic groups:
Nos. 1, 15, 24, 25, 41, 46, 43, 55, 58 (total of 110g of tobacco).
When you're trying any new tobacco, concentrate on the flavour. If you
like the taste but it burns too hot, keeps going out, or everybody complains
about the aroma, we can fix it. But if you don't like the flavour then
it is no good going on with that tobacco. Some of the most satisfying
blends have been made by just "throwing everything together"
indiscriminately, but do make sure that you have tried each of the parts
of the mixture on its own, otherwise if you don't like the blend you won't
know which part you don't like.
SOME
TOBACCO PROBLEMS
"Burns hot,
giving a sore tongue" - this is usually due to the tobacco being
smoked too fast, a very common problem. There are several possible
reasons for this:
1. The tobacco is too weak. The smoker does not find it
satisfying and smokes it too fast. If you haven't already done so, try
a slightly stronger tobacco (Houseblends 24, 25, 41, 46, 43, 15, 52, all
a little stronger than medium), or strengthen your existing blend with
a plain, strong tobacco (Houseblends 8, 24 or 59).
2. Not enough flavour. The Dutch and some American type
tobaccos, particularly, can be very bland. Test the English type tobaccos
(Houseblends 13, 15, 55, 58) to see which kind of flavour you like, and
add some to your "bland" tobacco if it is perfect in other respects;
or change to the new flavour possibly adding some Houseblend 24, or 43
or 25 for aroma. Try No.46
3. You have difficulty keeping the pipe alight. Rub the
tobacco out well, it will burn more easily; Or add a small amount of an
easy burning blend (eg. No.24). If the tobacco is too wet, let it dry
out a little. Read about "Wet Smoking".
4. You smoke too fast because you are anxious. Consciously
slow down and relax. Smoking should be an extension of breathing, gentle
and rhythmical.
5. The tobacco is too alkaline. Neutralise this with a little Virginia tobacco (13, 15, 58) which is more acidic, or try No.43 or No.46 – which combine Burley and Virginia.5. The tobacco is too alkaline. Neutralise this with a little Virginia tobacco (13, 15, 58) which is more acidic, or try No.43 or No.46 – which combine Burley and Virginia.
Other problems:
"Too strong
" - makes you cough or feel dizzy. Try a lighter blend on its
own, or mix some in with your "strong" tobacco (Houseblends
1, 13, 26, 43, 55).
"Smells unpleasant" - add a little aromatic tobacco,
just enough to smell nice, but not so much that it affects the flavour.
About 10% to 20% (Houseblends 23, 24, 25, 26, 43, 44, 46).
"Too bland" - not rich enough. Add the flavour you like.
Try Nos. 15, 41, 46, 50, 55, 52, 58. (Read
about Latakia and Perique tobaccos.)