Pipes Magazine » Pipe Tobacco Discussion

1. 

   rmbittner
   

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   I've noticed that lots of tobacco blends are mentioned constantly by pipe smokers. But I've also noticed that some of my favorites seem to never crop up in discussions. So I thought I'd start this thread to see if anyone else wanted to give a shout-out to the blends you love that tend to be overlooked or underrated. (Of course, if you'd like to keep your secrets to yourself, I understand! It can be tough to find some blends already, without encouraging others to start buying them! :))

   I want to start by mentioning three.

   Rattray's Jocks Mixture. This is a ribbon-cut blend of Virginias, with just a dash of latakia, tied together with unsweetened black cavendish. I find this quite delicious as a change of pace from more latakia-forward blends and straight Virginias. The latakia never stands out; it is purely a condiment here. And the cavendish adds just a light touch of sweetness that seems to bring the whole blend together beautifully. I think this should age wonderfully.

   Dan Tobacco's London Blend #1000. For me, this is the standard medium-weight English by which I judge all others. It is not the best of its type, nor is it a luxury blend like, say, Westminster. But it is a very well-made, consistent, and solid example of what an English blend should be, in my opinion. (For others, this may be the role that Dunhill Standard Mixture Medium plays in their rotation.) I think it's very well worth seeking out, and I'm constantly surprised by how few seem to know about it.

   Esoterica's And So to Bed. There have been very few blends that have entranced me from the very first puff. Penzance was one; this was another. There's a lot going on in this blend, and I don't pretend to know all the ingredients. But for me it starts with solid latakia flavors that give way to the orientals, a tiny bit of sweetness (from the cavendish here) that only rarely peeks through, and dark and toasty-tasting Virginias (which I suspect are African). It needs drying out first. But for me this is rich, luscious, delicious stuff.

   Anyone else care to share?

   Bob

   Posted 4 months ago #
2. 

   papipeguy
   

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   All great blends that I have enjoyed over the years. I don't think they are unappreciatedn or underrated but you are right in that we don't often hear about them.

   Posted 4 months ago #
3. 

   rothnh
   

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   Here's a few.

   The first one, I am smoking now -- C&D First Responders. This blend started out right after 9/11, released by Greg Pease as "Tribute." Tribute, created by Greg with the Tarlers at C&D, was a limited release with all the proceeds going to the families of the heroes responding to the attack on the World Trade Center. The blend, a virginia/perique, was subsequently released as "First Responders" by C&D. Fans of Va/Pers should give this a shot.

   Next, an aromatic, "Manor Heights," from the Heath & Home Landmark Series. "The name refers to a pastoral section of Cohoes, a city to the north of Albany, NY. Imagine strolling through this peaceful area with this light and dark mixture with an amazing aroma and flavor. Hints of cherry and brandy with just the right amount of sweetness characterize this cool smoking blend. This is one for all-day, everyday."

   Another Va/Per with a twist is C&D's Sunday Picnic. Bob Tate says it best: "It burned cool, slow, dry, and didn’t bite. It has a very pleasant finish as well. This is a pretty complex blend and it is almost like smoking two different blends at once. The first half of the bowl was nothing like the typical VA/Per blend. It had a lot of complex, unique, and pleasant flavors to it. During the second half of the bowl, it switched over to the more traditional VA/Per blend with the sweet and peppery/spicy flavors that you would normally find. This is a VA/Per with a little something special added to jazz it up and make you take notice. If you like VA/Per blends and are looking for something a little different, but want to stay in the same genre, you should give Sunday Picnic a try."

   OK, I may be in a rut, last here but certainly not least, there's "Exhausted Rooster." For those who love Perique and Va/Pers, but haven't tried this one, you should! Again, from Bob Tate: "I love it when a blend with Perique slowly has it build up so that you are able to taste the subtle flavor of it before getting the full spicy flavor of it. In this blend, the Perique slowly builds so that you can taste different levels of it. A little bit past the half way point, the Perique stepped to the front and became the star. Towards the end of the bowl, the Perique started stepping down and the Virginia sweetness started moving back towards the front to share the stage with the Perique. This is a pretty complex blend. The flavors slowly change and they do it in harmony with each other. This blend smoked slow, cool, and never bit me. All while the tastes were changing, it still maintained a nice sweet finish. C&D Exhausted Rooster is a great blend and I thoroughly enjoyed it."

   Posted 4 months ago #
4. 

   dhizzy
   

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   Great topic! I am with you on ASTB; it is an outstanding blend that IMO, Penzance can't hold a flame to. Two of my favorites are MacBaren The Solent Mixture and another that doesn't see alot of showtime is MacBaren Acadian Perique. Both blends are my ideal pipe tobaccos and run the range of where I like to be when I'm smoking.

   By the eternal! There is a man whose form should be cast in deathless bronze and the statue placed in every college in the land. It is not book-learning young men need, nor instruction about this and that, but a stiffening of the vertebrae which will cause them to be loyal to a trust, to act promptly, concentrate their energies; do the thing - "carry a message to Garcia!" Elbert Hubbard "A Message to Garcia" 1899

   Posted 4 months ago #
5. 

   dhizzy
   

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   One more that I didn't mention that is very nice is MacBaren Navy Mixture. I've never seen it mentioned here but I have recently discovered it and it is high quality stuff.

   Posted 4 months ago #
6. 

   flyguy
   

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   dhizzy wrote: "One more that I didn't mention that is very nice is MacBaren Navy Mixture. I've never seen it mentioned here but I have recently discovered it and it is high quality stuff."

   +1

   “Apples for walking, and a pipe for sitting.”
   ― Samwise Gamgee

   Posted 4 months ago #
7. 

   morton
   

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   I have quite enjoyed 4noggins (bulk) Prairie Wind of late. Its rarely mentioned on these forums, its got a very beautiful "tin" note, smokes really nicely and for a VaPer, I find that it doesn't bite. At all. Not to mention, every time I call to order, I speak with Rich himself and he's a pleasant fellow to deal with and full of good suggestions. Whats not to like?

   Be careful what you wish for, as you just might get it.

   Posted 4 months ago #
8. 

   sothron
   

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   I'm mostly a VaPer smoker, so not really into Aros. But at times they are handy for non-smoking guests or smoking in public. Or just for a change of pace to make me appreciate my VaPers. As such, some underrated blends, IMHO:

   Savinelli Cavendish and Gatlinburlier Mountain Mall Mix. Two of my favorites. Both get rave reviews on their room notes and if smoked slowly can satisfy the non-aro smoker (at least temporarily). Each has the wife seal of approval.

   Stanwell Melange. Amazing tin note. Smoke it slowly and you'll get some of that flavor in the smoke. Great room note. Word on the street is that it ghosts a pipe, so I dedicated a cob.

   Posted 4 months ago #
9. 

   locopony
   

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   I am a big fan of my b&m house blends. I dont always know who is the maker but thats cool by me. There is a Scottish blend that I am fond of and an Irish. They also have an english called english commander or something like that. For some reason these are my thing. I like tinned and pouch baccy and pla. To try half and half soon.

   Posted 4 months ago #
10. 

    Lawrence
    

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    I have to submit the following: Mac Baren Plumcake.

    
    "Ending a sentence with a preposition is something up with which I will not put." Winston Churchill
    

    Posted 4 months ago #
11. 

    foggymountain
    

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    Here are a few I like which are not mentioned here often: Charles Fairborn Balkan, 4 Noggins Button Bay, Gawith & Hoggarth Broken Scotch Cake, Macbaren Dark Twist, McClellend's St. James Woods.

    Posted 4 months ago #
12. 

    cajundad
    

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    G&H commonwealth .... English
    Orlik Golden slices.... Virginia
    IRC 3star blue ...... Aromatic

    I dont see these mentioned as much , but fine choices IMO !

    "A pipe is the fountain of contemplation, the source of pleasure, the companion of the wise; and the man who smokes, thinks like a philosopher and acts like a Samaritan."
    -Edward George Bulwer-Lytton, 1st Baron Lytton

    Posted 4 months ago #
13. 

    cigrmaster
    

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    Here are some of my favorite Virginia flakes that do not get much attention. Besides my SG bulks, Wessex represents the most tins by mfg in my cellar. In my opinion they make some great stuff, unfortunately they are not cheap and they do not come in bulk. Besides the flavors of the Wessex, what I really enjoy is they are totally no bite for me. Even if I am not paying attention and get my pipe too hot to hold, they never bite me.

    John Aylesbury Luxury Flake
    Wessex Brigade Campaign Dark Flake
    Wessex Brown Virginia Flake
    Wessex Gold Virginia Flake
    Wessex Gold Brick, has a small coffee casing which is in the background but can be tasted, it is a really nice plug and fun to play with.
    Rotary Navy Cut, has a rum topping which is very slight but tasty.
    Fribourg & Treyer Vintage

    Harris

    Posted 4 months ago #
14. 

    cajundad
    

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    +1 Wessex blends are good , and seldom mentioned .

    Posted 4 months ago #
15. 

    guitarguy86
    

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    Salano Special; An English blend from John T's Cigars & Tobaccos.

    Posted 4 months ago #
16. 

    Al
    

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    Bob: thanks for those three recommendations, I wasn't familiar with any of those but enjoy a mild English with some Cavendish.

    I'm recently enamored with Chief Catoonah's "Princes Street Mixture" (the John Cotton winner). Perhaps the best English I've enjoyed to this point. A very rich and smooth blend, but not overpowering nicotine wise.

    Al
    

    Posted 4 months ago #
17. 

    rmbittner
    

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    I'm surprised by how many of you are recommending house blends or blends from individual blenders (rather than companies). I am, by nature, suspicious of such blends, since so many of the stores I've been to are simply renaming bulks from Lane or Stokkebye (or more-generic companies!). But it's encouraging to know that there are some true blenders out there behind the counter!

    Bob

    Posted 4 months ago #
18. 

    juvat270
    

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    The only one that I really like and is never mentioned or talked about is W.O. Larsen Old Fashioned. Its a Danish aromatic so its not covered in goop and has a wonderful, almost buttery caramel flavor to it. It's not cheap at around $14 per 100g tin and I imagine it can be a little bitey to some. But it's well worth a try!

    Posted 4 months ago #
19. 

    dochudson
    

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    Sundays Fantasy from Radfords is one you never hear mentioned and is a different Aero..

    I Enjoy Aromatics
    I Enjoy Peterson Pipes

    Posted 4 months ago #
20. 

    msandoval858
    

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    I really like a few you don't hear much about.

    McClelland #24: I wish they made this in a full flake instead of broken but I love the flavors of this one. It's a darker flake that is smooth and has the interesting flavors from the drama they blend in. I've always found it to be a very interesting smoke with great deep Virginia flavors and tangy accents to keep it interesting.

    C&D Cross Eyed Cricket: This was actually the first tobacco I ever tried in a pipe. I'm sure it holds a special place in my heart because of that. It's a real love it or hate it blend. I've never met anyone that was on the fence over this one. It's an English/Aro crossover in every sense of the word. They describe the topping as a rum punch which comes across as almost a rasin like sweetness to me. Mixed with the smokiness of the latakia I think the flavors are very dynamic and I find it really enjoyable. This is one that I have to smoke fresh to enjoy. I've found that if I pop a tin open it tends to lose some of the aromatic character very quickly. And yes it will ghost a pipe if that's a concern to you.

    C&D Bow-Legged Bear: I never hear anyone mention this one. It's a crumble cake that I seriously think they couldn't have blended more variety in to if they tried. It's overall english in character but there is seriously a lot going on in this blend. Virginia is definately not as heavy in it but you can pick up flavors from all over the spectrum with the orientals, latakia and perique all playing together. The only thing I don't like is that this has to be one of the most fragile blends out there. It will easily crumble to dust if you're not careful handling it. It's not as strong nic wise as some of the famous power house blends but this stuff does pack a punch.

    Mike

    Posted 4 months ago #
21. 

    lordnoble
    

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    McCranie's has some amazing blends which don't get nearly the amount of lip-service they deserve. Hellsgate, Highland Mixture, Quail Run, Red Flake, Somerled and Southern Cream are all great blends in my book.

    -Jason

    The preceding statement is not to be construed as fact, but merely conjecture.
    
    Proud member of the BlackBlood Society

    Posted 4 months ago #
22. 

    drrock
    

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    Almost anything by Milan Tobacco.
    I've tried Jefferson Street, Doctor's Orders, "Our" London Dock, Sunset Rum, & Wall Street.
    All of their pipe tobaccos are of the highest quality, are not "goopy" & are simply delicious.
    If you like the aromatics from Uhle's, Vtpipes, and Peretti, give Milan a try

    Posted 4 months ago #
23. 

    drlpipe
    

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    MacBaren's Solent Mixture - I hardly ever see people talk about this one, but I think its one of the best they make and definitely the best that isn't part of the HH series. It just tastes great to me and smokes well, fragrant and with enough going on to stay interesting.

    McClelland's Beacon Extra - Another one I don't see a ton of talk about. To me, as someone who has smoked nearly every VaPer available in the US, this is right there with the best. I've had some absolutely transcendent smokes with this in the bowl.

    GLP's Cumberland - This one seems to get a lot less press than many other GLPs and definitely less than something like JKP. This is really better to my tastes and one of the best blends he does.

    Posted 4 months ago #
24. 

    igloo
    

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    LJ Perreti deserves a big shout out .

    “There was an awful suspicion in my mind that I'd finally gone over the hump, and the worst thing about it was that I didn't feel tragic at all, but only weary, and sort of comfortably detached.”

    Posted 4 months ago #
25. 

    rcstan
    

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    G&H commonwealth .... English

    You mean SG Commonwealth

    My daily English. Lots of folks complain on the reviews that is one-dimensional ( half Lat and half VA ). I find it to be sort of a chameleon blend, depending on the particular pipe, packing method, dryness level, mood etc. It's always smokey, sometimes slightly bitter, sometimes nutty, sometimes sweet; sometimes I get a Nic kick ( nothing like 1792 but definitely there ), sometimes I don't.

    

    Posted 4 months ago #
26. 

    rcstan
    

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    Sundays Fantasy from Radfords is one you never hear mentioned and is a different Aero..

    I've had the pleasure to smoke some of that. Indeed, very different flavors there and one of the coolest pieces of artwork on the tin. Has to be at the right moisture level or it will bite like a ferret. It's not imported in the US anymore AFAIK but it can still be had from the UK ...

    Posted 4 months ago #
27. 

    allan
    

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    I guess by reading an earlier post, Lane and Stockabbye are very commercial pipe tobaccos? Cigars International is selling them in bulk, and of course claiming to be every bit as good as Mclellan and Dunhill.

    I'd like to try to buy some bulk at reasonable prices, but as an example, Cigars International will sell five pounds of 'early morning' (dunhill) for $349.00

    I mean, really! I guess I like to smoke, but five pounds? Who in heavens name can buy five pounds unless you are reselling the stuff?

    I just tried Mclellan's number 8 and I think I'm in love! Smooth and without bite, IMHO.

    Where do you guys buy bulk when you find a blend you like?

    thanks
    allan

    Posted 4 months ago #
28. 

    igloo
    

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    Five pounds would be a whole unopened true bulk bag .

    Posted 4 months ago #
29. 

    gecko13
    

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    Hello Allan.

    Welcome aboard.

    I don't find the purchase of 5 pounds unreasonable or odd. I have done it many times with bulk blends I am fond of, and if there is a good deal. My monthly order (tins, and bulk blends) is generally around 5 pounds, distributed across 1 or more choices. As for where to buy bulk, there are several very good sources listed in the left margin that help sponsor this site

    "The pipe draws wisdom from the lips of the philosopher, and shuts up the mouth of the foolish; it generates a style of conversation, contemplative, thoughtful, benevolent, and unaffected..."
    -William Makepeace Thackeray, from The Social Pipe

    Posted 4 months ago #
30. 

    rothnh
    

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    With the price of tobaccos today (and they will get a LOT more expensive) it's just amazing to me how many of us have the Alfred E. Newman approach to pipe tobacco.

    I mean, really! I guess I like to smoke, but five pounds? Who in heavens name can buy five pounds unless you are reselling the stuff?

    You go, Alfred.

    Posted 4 months ago #
31. 

    allan
    

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    I certainly meant no offense to anyone, I just couldn't imagine at this time buying five pounds of one type of tobacco. To me it would be like buying 10 boxes of one cigar, which, of course, could be possible, but in 35 years I have not done that. Too many new brands to lock into one cigar IMHO.

    I guess when I find a blend that I really am sure about, storage could be an option.

    Allan

    Posted 4 months ago #
32. 

    Al
    

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    5 lbs would be a lot of tobacco for myself, not sure I'd make that investment all at one time. (no, I'm sure that I would not). I have to drive by Cigars International in the next two days (Hamburg PA), perhaps I'll stop and try a few ounces of the Early Morning Dunhill knock-off.

    Posted 4 months ago #
33. 

    allan
    

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    In reading other posts on the forums, I see now that many folks buy in large bulk and store up to 'age'. Rothnh said that he believes that tobacco prices are going to skyrocket, and in thinking this over, he is probably right. Calling it the 'Alfred E. Newman' approach--well, I'm not sure about that.

    Aging pipe tobacco is completely new to me. Do most blends age well? Is that a ritual done by many?

    As a cigar smoker, I love to age my cigars, but it has happened that weavels have entered the large humidor I have destroying many great cigars. I'm not sure why it happened, but I was quite cautious after that checking each cigar and controlling the humidity etc. So certainly my first impression of storing up large quanitities of pipe tobacco gives me pause.

    Is there any possibility that this or similar type of destructive bug could infest stored tobacco?

    Thank you
    Allan

    Posted 4 months ago #
34. 

    lordnoble
    

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    I've not head of it, but I wouldn't say it isn't possible. I store in glass mason jars which I've sterilized. So if anything goes wrong with a blend, it's contained to one jar and it was in the blend before I put it away. YMMV

    -Jason

    Posted 4 months ago #
35. 

    rothnh
    

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    Allan, with cigars, and dealing with cigar beetles, it's a completely different story >pipe tobacco and I could go into lengthy suggestions as to how to avoid this problem completely with cigars, but we're talking pipe tobacco here, not cigars, so I will pass on that.

    Pipe tobacco, properly cellared, in clean, screw-top canning jars, in a cool and dark place, will keep FOREVER. That is all you need to know.

    Now pipe tobacco will mellow in your cellar. Some tobaccos do very well, such as virginias. Some mellow to oblivion, suc as latakias. But even with latakias, they will hold up quite well. Even aromatics will "keep" in your jars for years and come out tasty.

    Think about it. There is no way for bugs to get into your sealed jars. There is no bugs in there to begin with anyway.

    Posted 4 months ago #
36. 

    doctorthoss
    

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    Allan --
    Aging pipe tobacco is done by many (probably most, actually) and is quite easy to do. Either leave the tobacco in its original tin or store it in canning jars.

    Most blends age well, with the exception of some of the goopier aromatics. That does, however, depend somewhat on what you mean by age "well." Blends with lots of VA or orientals will change a great deal over time due to the high amount of sugar. Burley-based blends will age as well, but the difference is far less dramatic (the good news being that burley blends will remain stable over long periods of time). English/latakia blends usually age well, but the latakia becomes "softer" after a few years and will turn into a much different blend after long enough. Aromatics don't necessarily age well, so trial-and-error with specific blends is the only way to know.

    The best thing about aging is that most tobaccos will last for many, many years. A well-sealed VA in a canning jar may well "keep" for 40 or 50 years!
    The trick is to store them in airtight containers --again, preferably glass canning jars -- and keep them in a cool, dark place.

    "Many that live deserve death. And some that die deserve life. Can you give it to them? Then do not be too eager to deal out death in judgment. For even the wise cannot see all ends. -- J.R.R. Tolkien

    Posted 4 months ago #
37. 

    cigrmaster
    

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    allan, once you begin to find your favorites, it would behoove you to start buying them in quantity. Price will be triple of what they are now in a few years and possibly higher.

    I would suggest you sample all kinds of different blends and keep notes. Many of us have had out tastes change over the years. I once loved my English blends but then lost my taste for them and now only smoke Virginia and Virginia/Perique flakes. When I came back to my pipes 8 months ago, I began trying all kinds of different blends in the categories I prefer. Once I had a good idea of what my favorites were, I began buying in large quantities. Most of my favorites come in tins. Only 4 of my favorites are bulks and I have about 35 pounds stocked up with those with more coming. I am still looking at new blends but I have a list of 21 that I am loading up on. I have determined how much I smoke a year(9-10 pounds) and I am trying to get a 25 year supply. I think that anyone who loves pipes tobacco should get a plan going so that they will have a cellar to smoke out of when the crap hits the fan

    All of my favorites age extremely well so I have no issues about loading up on them, my bulks I store in bail top jars with silicone gaskets, and my tins get stored as is. I have tins as old as 17 years and they are perfect when opened. You will never have to worry about beetles, there are no larvae in pipe tobacco like there is in cigar tobacco. I have had beetles ravage some quality cigars over the years. I once got a box of Trinidad Fundadores( Cuban) from one of my suppliers that was loaded with beetles, it infected a couple of other boxes before I found them. I always kept my cigars at 65 degrees and 62-65 percent humidity and never had problems, unless the beetles came in from a supplier.

    Posted 4 months ago #
38. 

    rothnh
    

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    Oh great Harris -- now you've scared all those n00bs away.

    But seriously, folks, he's right.

    We're very serious here -- buy what you like now -- and as much as you can afford. If money is tight, buy your usual supply of tobacco each order and try to double it and cellar/jar the extra.

    In a year or two, when pipe tobacco doubles or triples, you'll be smiling along with us.

    Posted 4 months ago #
39. 

    Spyder
    

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    You sure do see a lot of C&D blends and I will add one more, Engine 99. Great English with lots of Lat flavor

    "I used to cry because I had no shoes. Until I met a man who had no feet"- My favorite and I use it to get by...
    
    Support The Epilepsy Awareness Foundation!

    Posted 4 months ago #
40. 

    allan
    

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    Gentlemen

    I am extremely appreciative of all of the advice given, and although I have been noticing small increases in cigar prices I am not aware of the coming huge tax. Is this discussed on another forum? (amazing for a legal product to be treated this way)

    I have given a donation to a lobby group shown on one of the cigar sites against punitive tobacco taxes, but that is about the extent of it. Being in NY, I'm certainly aware of non-smoking policies that are just about everywhere.

    I would be intereted to learn more.

    Thanks again
    Allan

    Posted 4 months ago #
41. 

    freakiefrog
    

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    I am currently enjoying a tin of Aston "Rainy Day". Our winters tend to be cold and rainy here and I'll have to say it's a stronger aromatic on the pallet than most with a good flavor. I like to have this sitting on the front porch on cold drizzly evenings reading a book before dinner..

    I have some friends, some honest friends, and honest friends are few; My pipe of briar, my open fire, A book that's not too new.
    Robert W. Service

    Posted 4 months ago #
42. 

    cigrmaster
    

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    allan, the cigar lobby has much more juice than the pipe tobacco one. When Florida instituted a new tax on tobacco, they didn't touch cigars but threw an 85% on the wholesale price on pipe tobacco. The ryo industry drew attention to pipe tobacco and now the FDA is going to see about messing with us also. RYO were using pipe tobacco to get around the tax laws so now we are fair game.

    Obviously the new guys need to first find their favorites which does take time. I do not want people to get paranoid but the facts are the facts. Here is a break down, state by state of tobacco taxes, they are only going to go up in the future. Once the government is able to stop the online retailers from shipping tobacco( there is legislation pending) we will be at the mercy of the states. Check out your state.
    http://www.tobaccofreekids.org/research/factsheets/pdf/0169.pdf

    Posted 4 months ago #
43. 

    salewis
    

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    I have smoked Penzance and afree with you that this tobacco is in a league of its own. After trying two or more dozen English blends including GLP Westminister I always come back to my favorite Dunhill's My London Mixture. This blend a unique blend of latekia, turkish, other orientals has a nutty sweet taste with a hint of latekia at during the first half of the bowl and a little stronger latekia taste near the second half of the bowl. A mild to medium nicotine hit and a very dry smoke.

    Posted 4 months ago #
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    shawn622
    

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    C&D Night Train is awesome!!!

    There's nothing quite like tobacco: it's the passion of decent folk, and whoever lives without tobacco doesn't deserve to live.
    -Moliere

    Posted 4 months ago #
45. 

    rothnh
    

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    Allan, there was a thread here some months ago (sorry I tried to find it, no luck) where I took the time to provide links in substantiation of the fact that tobacco prices will likely rise double or more in a year or so. It has to do with Federal Law. States are pushing this for two reasons: one, to get their state, county and local sates and use taxes from residents and to assist local merchants (not just tobacconists, but of other retail goods) who are losing a lot of money to internet sales. Bills now being considered in both House of Congress, to require all internet merchants to charge all applicable sales and use taxes due based on the customer's billing address, will come up for a vote in 2013 and experts are confident it will pass and be enacted into law.

    Cutting to the chase, this would require internet vendors not only to charge all applicable taxes, it would also require them to develop/purchase and install the new systems (for more than 70 different state/county/local tax codes), revamp their web sites, and train their employees -- of course, the cost of all that extra overhead will also be passed on to the customer.

    Now it is true that, if I buy only a few tins of tobacco a month and from my local B&M, I'm already paying all those taxes and overhead anyway. But it does appear quite prudent to buy ahead from one of our sponsors here to stock up now and save some considerable coin.

    Posted 4 months ago #
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    rmbittner
    

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    Allan wrote:

    I guess by reading an earlier post, Lane and Stockabbye are very commercial pipe tobaccos?

    Well, some might argue with the phrase "very commercial," but, in a nutshell, yes. Lane and Stokkebye probably produce the lion's share of all tobaccos sold as "house" blends in tobacco shops. (This is also the case with Tinder Box blends.) I've been very disappointed in Stokkebye's offerings, but I think Lane produces many enjoyable tobaccos (including 1Q, which is, I believe, still the most popular aromatic in the United States). To my palate, though, these are more "generic" blends that simply don't use the best tobaccos or benefit much (if at all) from aging. IMO, they're meant for everyday, casual smoking. And, also IMO, Lane's blends are far better than any OTC drugstore blend you might find. (I can't recommend Stokkebye at all.) If you're looking for high-quality non-aromatic blends, though, or blends that will improve with age, I think you're better off going with a tinned blend.

    Again, I know there are lots of fans of 1Q and other bulk tobaccos here. So this is just one guy's opinion.

    Bob

    Posted 4 months ago #

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