First pipe experience was in 1991. A sort of musty Cretan (?) tobacco that took the top of my head off. It was a strong tobacco spirit, spicy, with a hint of olive, fermented mulberry, or maybe asphodel--and what I now presume must have been an oriental of some variety. I've been looking for it, or something like it, for many many years. The search continues.

Happily enjoying smoking tobacco from a pipe since 2010. Nowadays my favorites are English and Oriental blends, but I also have time for truly exceptional Virginia/Periques.