I definitely remember my first AHAH moment.

Early on in my pipe smoking journey I had tried several aromatics and while I loved the smell, the taste hadn't done anything for me.
I had a bowl of Orlik Golden Sliced and the clouds parted and the angels sang and all was right with the world.

Since then I've enjoyed every VA and Vaper I've tried. I've graduated to stronger blends than the OGS at this point, but it turned me on to VA blends.

I agree with you about the smell of an aromatic, both in the pipe and when it's being smoked. I just can't stand the taste of most of them. There are a few I can smoke. I do like a bowl of H&H Burley Kake sometimes.