SP,
Well, in my Extremely Limited Experience, I've found the Havana cigar tobacco to be incredibly mild, if not flat out tame, in a pipe. Even the Cuban Pipe tobacco I've tried was very subtle.(again limited experiences) I tried the blends as an experiment. The plain mix of All (Habanos,Opux,VSG,ect) has a bit more character than just Habanos alone, but it's not a consistant flavor profile. I mean how could it be. I'm hoping that as it matures, the Heinz 57 aspect will settle down. It's interesting that the Ulta Premium Domestic tabaccos seem to perk up the Cuban tabac. You would think the opposite. But, certainly the Opus is far more aromatic thand most Cubans. I limit the domestic contributions to the two stated Brands and maybe one or two others in small amounts. (like Anejos & Greycliff's) For sake of argument and curiosity, I tried the cut up Cuban in a pipe ( with a MM Cuban ) awhile back and again it was Boring. Strange that something with very specific and great flavor characteristics in a Cigar, is nearly devoid of them as pipe fodder. Of course that's why You have the two completely different mediums, for enjoyment.
Question SP? Why did You say that the Opi and VSG were a waste on You?
I guess everyone has favorite commecial Tabacs. But, I have an urge to search out and try everything I can and even try a hand at blending a bit. It's just too tempting. Example: Taking Your two favorite Tabacs and putting them together. Or taking a Plain or one demensional Tabac and combining it with another simple type to get a more complex flavor profile. Of course You can get some less than optimal experiences. (yuk) Surprisingly, (to me anyway) on more than one occaision, I accidently recreated a known blend profile. (lol!) OK, something "close to" the familiar taste of a known blend.
Well, that's how They did it in the first place, right?
I also realize that I am still on the tip of the Iceberg. I'm still a newbie and learning more everyday! I'm judging stuff on 5 or 6 months aging. We all know that's not real aging, but Ya gotta start somewhere, Yes? Plus, I've had alot of help from very knowledgable Brothers who are willing to Share and Help me learn, I would not have got very far, without Them! (Plain Truth!)
But, I'll tell Ya what though, it sure is Fun!
Slack