I began smoking a pipe as a high school senior and have been a moderate smoker ever since. I worked at Tobaccos of Hawaii (the original store at Ala Moana Center) while in College.
I started smoking with the 1970 era Balkan Sobranie Mixture and stayed with Sobranie House as they ran their downward course. I still smoke mostly English mixtures, that is Virginia based with Oriental and Latakia, and always smoke non-aromatic blends (well almost always). I like straight Virginias but smoke them only occasionally.
I currently play the field with tobacco blends having no single favorite. I do like Presbyterian Mixture, Balkan Sasieni and just about and just about anything mixed by G. L. Pease. I am also a fan of J. F. Germain, both their own blends and the Esoterica brand.