Balkan Sobriane & Esoterica; What's the Deal?

[Auxsender]

I doubt a lot of brick and mortars sell to China...and I personally would never sell anything to anyone in China, tobacco or anything else.

Why?

 

[hoipolloiglasgow]

Why?

Because, they sell out so fast to their regulars. I know when my B&M gets them in stock, they will let me know when I walk in. The owner would never have to sell them to China at super marked up prices, he's a good dude and would rather look out for his customers. I'm sure you'll find most B&Ms to be like this. And as for me personally, I wouldn't sell to China because it's scams galore.

 

[Chasing Embers]

Hol'up. Esoterica is that popular with Chinese pipe smokers?
What suggests this, and are they actually consuming all of it or reselling?

We've had several first time posters here from China trying to buy it. A couple of local B&M owners I know couldn't get it off of their shelves until they were contacted by Chinese buyers. With China being the world's largest consumer of tobacco, its no surprise. GH supply dwindled stateside for a couple of years due to Chinese interest as well.

 

[burleybreath]

Been smoking a pipe since 1962 (not the same one, of course). I miss the ol' OTCs of yesteryear, more than any rarity of today. They just seemed to be more fun. Smelled better, too--more "pipey." I still indulge in what's left of them, at a ratio of 10:1 vs. the esoterics, of which I have closet full. They're too valuable to smoke. (Joke, I think.)

To the OP: experiment. That's what everyone else does. I've never had a recommendation that worked out for me, none that I remember. Below, one of my favorites.