Thinking about trying pipes but I have a few questions.

[DrRus]

The English blends are all about Latakia - you either like it or not, it has nothing to do with strength.

You should buy a tin of each: English blend, Oriental/Balkan blend and Virginias, and see which one floats your boat. Make sure you buy quality, though. Even the most expensive tins are cheaper than a premium cigar, so don't buy anything cheap.

You can try aromatic blends, if you like, but I am sure you'll be disappointed and burnt (literally).

[tonygraz]

I've smoked pipes regularly since 1978 when I gave up cigarettes. After trying many different pipes and many different tobaccos, I settled on E.A. Carey pipes as they seemed to be the best at minimizing tobacco bite. My favorite tobacco is black cavendish and Carey had about the best blend I've tried. I now smoke more cigars and maybe 2 or 3 pipes a month. I still smoke black cavendish, but now a cheaper and inferior couple of brands. Captain Black is not one I would recommend as it generally is too moist and a bit nippy.