nelliefox Enthusiast
I guess after thinking about this one a bit more, that is in regards to your question about what to initially (And I have heard that Astely has a few mild VA blends) put in that Big Ben...............I may suggest to you to get a tin of GLP's Union Square....................open the tin and place some of the flake (they will be like little slices) on something to dry. I like this flake really so I would leave dry over night. Leave out for as many as 20 hours. Rub these few flakes out quite a bit and that's how you dry a VA Flake tobacco. Do not pack too tight and do not over pack by putting too much in the bowl. You can pack and unpack the tobacco as much as like or need to before actually giving it a lit. After you get it going remember to get a cadence w/ regard to you actually smoking your pipe. Sip the pipe slowly and it will take care of you well.
I hope if you try this it works for you well. A ribbon cut tobacco would also work well for you, possibly better. Mind you this option may or may not work well for you..................There is a learning curve for every pipe, every tobacco and each and every smoker. Good luck.
Nellie Fox