Esoterica Drop

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alaskanpiper

Enabler in Chief
May 23, 2019
9,438
43,996
Alaska
Maybe some of the online retailers haven't listed their shipment yet. At least that's what I'm hoping for. No idea which ones had them sold yet, I didn't get a chance to see anything anywhere ? crazy how fast it goes
Yeah I’ve been keeping my eyes peeled at all the old familiar places that I know haven’t dropped yet, but with a toddler in the house I am not able to employ the diligence I used to when it comes to checking the sites hahaha. Hopefully I’ll get lucky.
 
Jan 28, 2018
14,053
158,395
67
Sarasota, FL
Don't drag me into this, you all can keep the gold bagged garbage. If Mark's like me, some of the sites call us with availability updates because of years of buying from them.

I've found relying on vendors to consult their list and call is a good way to miss out. When I was really looking for stuff, I'd be calling them when I became aware of a drop and calling back until I hit. I don't blame the big guys, they sell so much and sell out so quickly, they don't need to be catering to anyone. I don't buy many pipes at all from SP or TP so while my tobacco purchases have been fairly large, from a dollar point of view, I'm probably not all that important to them. 100 tins of Vauen 14 or CVP would sell out in less than 15 minutes if they posted it right now.
 

BROBS

Lifer
Nov 13, 2019
11,765
40,041
IA
images
 

alaskanpiper

Enabler in Chief
May 23, 2019
9,438
43,996
Alaska
Would love to hear some recommendations on top readily available Virginia flakes. I've seen you and @cigrmaster post about harder-to-find Wessex blends etc., but I'd prefer to try some easier to source blends. I've enjoyed SG FVF (sometimes available) immensely, and I've liked Duhill (Peterson) Flake, GLP Union Square, and Capstan blue, but there have to be some others out there that I'd like as much as FVF.

Easy:
MacBaren HH Pure VA
KBV Jupiter Slices
GLP Union Square
Capstan Blue
Dan Patriot Flake
Newminster 400

A little tougher but doable with the slightest bit of additional effort:

Astley's No. 44
F&T Special Brown Flake
Sam Gawith FVF
Wessex Campaign Brigade

I'd add Watch City Rhythm and Blues and Simply Red on this list even though they aren't flakes. They are can't miss VA blends.
 

lawdawg

Lifer
Aug 25, 2016
1,792
3,812
Easy:
MacBaren HH Pure VA
KBV Jupiter Slices
GLP Union Square
Capstan Blue
Dan Patriot Flake
Newminster 400

A little tougher but doable with the slightest bit of additional effort:

Astley's No. 44
F&T Special Brown Flake
Sam Gawith FVF
Wessex Campaign Brigade

I'd add Watch City Rhythm and Blues and Simply Red on this list even though they aren't flakes. They are can't miss VA blends.

Thanks! I've tried several on that list and liked them anywhere from "pretty good" (Capstan Blue, GLP Union Square) to "excellent!" (SG FVF). Will try some others there as well.
 

lawdawg

Lifer
Aug 25, 2016
1,792
3,812
I just managed to snag a couple of tins of Esoterica Dunbar from Black Cat this morning, and I'm looking forward to expanding my Va/Per experience beyond my usual Stokkebye LNF. Added a tin of Dunhill "Peterson" Flake for good measure just because I have fond memories of Dunhill Flake as just a good bright, grassy Virginia and haven't smoked any in a while.

This is the first time I've found an Esoterica blend I wanted to try "in the wild." Even though I don't really look for unicorn blends, my "rare tobacco" collection is growing... mainly because I put away several pounds of Christmas Cheer and Frog Morton Cellar in 2016 (or thereabouts) when the FDA deeming thing first started to come into play.
 

sablebrush52

The Bard Of Barlings
Jun 15, 2013
21,018
50,369
Southern Oregon
jrs457.wixsite.com
I just managed to snag a couple of tins of Esoterica Dunbar from Black Cat this morning, and I'm looking forward to expanding my Va/Per experience beyond my usual Stokkebye LNF. Added a tin of Dunhill "Peterson" Flake for good measure just because I have fond memories of Dunhill Flake as just a good bright, grassy Virginia and haven't smoked any in a while.

This is the first time I've found an Esoterica blend I wanted to try "in the wild." Even though I don't really look for unicorn blends, my "rare tobacco" collection is growing... mainly because I put away several pounds of Christmas Cheer and Frog Morton Cellar in 2016 (or thereabouts) when the FDA deeming thing first started to come into play.
I love Dunbar. It's got an apricot topping that doesn't overwhelm the very fine tobaccos. Give it some dry time as, like Gawith, it's quite damp.
 

lawdawg

Lifer
Aug 25, 2016
1,792
3,812
I love Dunbar. It's got an apricot topping that doesn't overwhelm the very fine tobaccos. Give it some dry time as, like Gawith, it's quite damp.

Thanks for the tip. I taste a coconut topping (or similar) in Luxury Navy Flake, and I'm hoping the apricot will have a similar effect.

Dunbar is an excellent blend. If you like it don't miss Dorchester and Tilbury next time you get a chance.

Dunbar was on my short list to try, along with Tilbury since I like burley and am interested in the whole Va/Bur thing, but they were all out of Tilbury. Next time perhaps.