I've been smoking pipes and cigars for about 30 years and I've never been able to understand how people claim to taste leather, spice, etc. All I've ever tasted was tobacco. I don't care for aromatic tobaccos, mainly because they have a chemical taste to me. I prefer English, Scottish and Balkan blends due to their lack of casing. Although I never quit trying new tobacco blends in the event one might surprise me and change my religion.