I started smoking typical aromatic stuff in 1997/1998. For the first 6 months of my smoking experience, I had no particular teacher other than a set of instructions from the local B&M where I purchased my first pipe.

Eventually I found my way to alt.smokers.pipes newsgroup and my pipe smoking has grown by leaps and bounds ever since.

I've grown away from those aromatics, now having a strong lean towards a good VA or English blend. Along the way I learned that I hate Perique and love Latakia! Somehow Cavendish has become abhorent to my taste buds lately.