Seeking advice

Looking for some pointers here- not necessarily a new smoker, have a handful of pipes and have smoked on and off for the last 5 years. Generally smoke Virginia blends and dont have any issues with tongue bite. Also some English blends here and there.

Enter Super Balkan by C&D- I really enjoy this English blend but I can't seem to find the right way to smoke it without it biting me. I've tried several pipes, oom paul/ bent cob/ briar author and meerschaum pot. I've tried rubbing it because its got VA bright flake in it, also tried without rubbing. I cant seem to keep it lit, and I think due to that I cant keep it from biting me.

Any advice is appreciated, I'm at a loss for what I'm doing wrong