Is there a specific tobacco I should use to break in my pipes?
Actually, as with everything in the pipe smoking hobby, there are no hard and fast rules about what tobacco to use when breaking in a pipe. You will encounter folks with different preferences who may have multitudes of reasons for why you should use this or that tobacco. Feel free to take their advice, but ultimately it comes down to your own preferences.
Image source: mccranies.com
There is one general idea, however, that most pipe smokers seem to agree on regarding breaking in a pipe: don't use a strong English or Latakia blend if you plan to use the pipe for aromatic tobaccos.
The reason for this is very simple: the stronger tobaccos will leave a "ghost" flavor in your pipe and may adversely affect your ability to enjoy other types of tobacco in the same pipe. For this reason, many smokers prefer to have at least two pipes, one for aromatics and one for English/Oriental blends. Of course, if you plan to smoke stronger blends in the pipe, there is no reason not to break it in with those types of blends.
In the final analysis, you should not be overly concerned about the details. Smoke whatever tobaccos you enjoy. Smoke slowly, and evenly paced. Over time, the pipe will break in and become "seasoned," and you will be rewarded for your patience.
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