Pipes Magazine Radio Show Episode 700: Big John
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Kevin Godbee - Feb 10, 2026
- 1 min read
Tonight on The Pipes Magazine Radio Show, we welcome Big John. He is a micro-blender and the creator of the Niall of Nine pipe tobacco line. His journey into pipe smoking began when he inherited his great-grandfather’s pipes, an experience that sparked a lasting connection to the hobby. Today, he’s known for crafting distinctive micro-blends that often feature rare and unusual components, including Syrian Latakia and Cuban cigar leaf.
Several of his blends draw inspiration from the themes and imagery of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit. Another notable mixture, Aberdeen Extinction, showcases an eclectic range of tobaccos: 2015 Virginias processed as Perique, 2016 McClelland Perique, 2014 Black Cavendish, 2001 medium brown Burley, and 2018 Cyprian Latakia.
At the top of the show in Pipe Parts, Brian will go over an article about the iconic Connecticut shade tobacco. The industry has all but vanished as demand dwindled and land was developed, leaving Dwight Arnold — on a farm just over the Massachusetts border — as the last grower of the traditional shade-grown leaf prized for premium cigar wrappers. We also have news about nicotine pouch vending machines.
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The Pipes Magazine Radio Show features interviews with pipe makers, tobacco blenders, pipe and tobacco aficionados, collectors, and more. Episodes air every Tuesday.
Our show is sponsored by SmokingPipes.com, Cornell & Diehl, Missouri Meerschaum, Savinelli Pipes and Tobaccos, Peterson Pipes and TinBids. Please give them some consideration when making your next pipe or tobacco purchase.
We hope you enjoy our 1-hour show produced just for you—the pipe smoker and collector.
Written by Kevin Godbee
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Thanks for the interesting yet cautionary news segment.
Big John was a wonderful guest with the traditional pipe and tobacco journey of interest and growth. I enjoyed his description of tobacco blending and the company he has built based on limited produced mixtures.
I love Dr. John’s music and “Right Place Wrong Time” is a particular favorite.
“Celebration” as an intro to a “rave” is a nice touch. I’m not a steady Olympics watcher. I will watch some of the “big” events and catch up on the highlights, and I’m mightily impressed by the skill, grace and commitment of these incredible athletes, but I leave the nonstop viewing to my wife, who is glued to the coverage.
I look forward to which tunes will accompany your end-of-show comments.
Thanks for the always entertaining show.
Dino