Esoterica - "Stonehaven"

[deathmetal]

Good article on the RDF-vs-Stonehaven analysis:
https://dutchpipesmoker.wordpress.com/2014/11/30/germain-rich-dark-flake-vs-esoterica-stonehaven/

I wouldn't consider paying the $100+ prices being charged for an 8 ounce bag because, as much as I like it, I don't like it THAT much. I don't like ANY tobacco that much.

I have the same constraint. I also tend to shy away from things that become ostentatious or overly popularized.
And every time I think about chasing after exotics, I am reminded of the heaps of Royal Yacht, Old Joe Krantz, Semois, Irish Flake / Perfect P(l)ug, and other everyday favorites that await the flame.
For me, pipe smoking is a joy, an aid in work, and possibly a hobby or as someone articulately put it, a "fascination" much like my other anachronisms (and anarchisms), but not a life-replacement. When something gets too difficult, I shrug and head back to the Old Favorites.

 

[jackswilling]

"I flat out enjoy it and buy because I like it."
Bingo
"I would argue that quite a few hate based solely on principal so that they can seem smug and claim to know better."
Seemingly. I have no doubt there are a few in this category. Not my cup of tea, but I'm not going to dis it.

 

[deathmetal]

The flip side of that is that some people criticize any opinion which goes against popular opinion as contrarianism, which is both not true and a bad pathology.

 

[jackswilling]

"some people"
Agree, that some people criticize opinion which is all subjective in the first place, in this instance. We are in a mental cul-de-sac it seems.

 

[deathmetal]

I don't have any particular people or group in mind. It's just a human tendency.
Are opinions really subjective? If they're based on reality, they involve an observer and what is observed. For them to be subjective, they'd have to be arbitrary.

 

[shikano53]

There is only one thing that is close to Stonehaven. Stonehaven.

 

[jackswilling]

"Are opinions really subjective?"
When it come to an individual's tobacco blend preferences, absolutely.

 

[shikano53]

2nd Timothy 2:23 - Last sentence NIV

 

[sablebrush52]

2nd Timothy 2:23 - Last sentence NIV

Which is well and good if you support the judgement that the argument in question is both foolish and stupid.

 

[jackswilling]

"2nd Timothy 2:23
Sound advice.

 

[deathmetal]

Good point, sable. I'd add to this that sometimes, a silly argument can be improved. The Republic is full of such wonderful turns and twists.
Also this struck me as interesting:

Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.

I think what he's saying is that you can lead a horse to water and all that. People can only understand what they can, but when they remove the ego from the question, often the truth comes out.

 

[shikano53]

Good points. Hard to learn if my ego is in the way.
This is what I shoot for in my little patch of the sandbox.
Micah 6:8

 

[shikano53]

Hey deathmetal, Did that sample of Penzance I sent you arrive?

I am curious what you think of that Esoterica blend and how you think it compares to Stonehaven.
I just finished an awesome bowl of Magnum Opus in my MM Freehand. That was IMHO a really great smoke. I just about froze smoking it, but it was a really great smoke nonetheless.

 

[deathmetal]

Thank you for sending the sample. I have it here and am planning on enjoying -- er, analyzing it later today!

 

[4etecjonathan]

ESOTERICA
Simply the WORLDS Finest Tobacco Blends made TODAY
Jon :puffpipe: :puffpipe:

 

[davet]

:roll:

 

[Chasing Embers]

+1 :roll:

 

[cigrmaster]

Stonehaven is a world class smoke that only gourmands can appreciate. It is wasted on the teeming masses so they should not be able to buy any. Only a master pipe smoker has the knowledge to smoke this blend correctly to appreciate all of it's glory. :rofl:

I crack myself up.
It is available at so many small mom and pop stores. I haven't looked for it in years, but decided to call a source when people talked about Esoterica being in stores once again. I bought 2 bags of Stonehaven and another 6 bags of assorted Esoterica blends. If I called a day earlier I could have bought all ten of his Stonehaven bags. He does gouge as the price for an 8 oz bag as it was not the going retail price of 35, but he charged me 37.95, the prick. Stop your whining( I can't get any) make some calls to the low tax states and buy it. But remember, master pipe smokers only. :nana:

 

[jpmcwjr]

I guess I'll never make the bar that Harris has set. I don't care for burley, and so Stonehaven is not on my must cellar list. So, maybe I can get into the English or Balkan HoF if I keep trying. :roll: I will try it again in six months to a year; tastes change. Now, Margate is one of my go-to's, and I am lucky enough to have some aged P.

 

[cigrmaster]

jpmcwjr,

I guess I'll never make the bar that Harris has set

I am glad to see that you know your station in life. I think if you try a burley blend say like Orlik Dark Strong Kentucky, you may find you enjoy it. Then you can work to raise your level high enough to start your journey to Stonehaven nirvana. :clap: