Esoterica Tobaccos Note: Moan and Groan

[burlpettibon]

Note: This is mostly a moan and groan post
Man, what is the deal with Esoterica? I have been wanting to try their blends for a couple weeks now and I havent been able to get a SINGLE tin of ANY of their tobaccos. I'm not even looking for Penzance in particular.
They supposedly have a great product but barely produce anything and there seem to be rumors about them shutting down some of their blends(?) I have been seriously looking for a tin or three of their blends for the last 5 or so days and have called over 6 stores that have a decent selection in stock and when I ask about shipping they cant send their product to Washington State.
SmokingPipes is gracious enough to ship to me but is such a popular site that they obviously dont have any Esoterica Tobaccos in stock. Getting some of these REALLY popular blends is getting to be a real pain. Oh well, such is the life of a Washington State Pipe Smoker I suppose.

 

[burlpettibon]

Yeah, I've pretty much given up on acquiring a tin for anything remotely close to a decent price. You should see how much they are going for on Ebay! Nope! I'll just stick to my McClellands blends for the time being!

 

[fitzy]

I've got a number of a guy that usually has bags of most of their tobacco's even the more popular one's like Penzance and Stonehaven. I've bought a few pounds of each off him.
Call Ed at 866-747-3747

 

[voorhees]

fitzy, who is Ed? does he have a storefront or website? just have a problem calling Ed and giving out CC info.
EDIT...found it

 

[fitzy]

He's got a website but doesn't list the more popular bags like Penzance and Stonehaven. He's got 8 other blends right now on his site. You would need to call to find out his Penzance and Stonehaven availability.
I don't know if he's got a storefront but he's in Nebraska I believe.

 

[voorhees]

I called. Thanks for the number. He is however out of Penzanze at the moment.

 

[petes03]

The only one of their blends I've tried is Margate. It's ok, a little too Virginia forward for me, but has decent flavor. It's nearly all shag cut, so it packs and stays lit very well, though mine was a little on the dry/crispy side. I don't think I would buy it again, it didn't come close to my H&H and McC blends.

 

[burlpettibon]

Nice! Thanks Fitzy! I should have hit up the Forum a bit earlier!
I know it hasnt been too long Roth, just a bit frustrated after even this short of a time. Though I have to admit most of my frustration is with Washington State Tobacco law rather then with Esoterica itself, though the limited supply doesnt help.

 

[burlpettibon]

Should I let him know you sent me Fitzy?

 

[fitzy]

Vorhees I'm surprised he didn't have it. Every time I've called he's had it and I've turned on 4 or 5 others to him as well.

 

[burlpettibon]

Also, Since I am probably going to be buying an 8oz batch (I was originally planning for a couple 2oz tins) does anyone have any personal recommendations? I'm more of a VA forward kind of guy and not huge into Latakia (at least yet)

 

[mrjerke]

I've acquired 8 oz bags of Dorchester, Tilbury, and Pembroke in the last couple weeks with some legwork. It's out there if you look hard.

 

[mrjerke]

Also on a list for Dunbar and Margate. Should be in Monday.

 

[pruss]

I really enjoy Margate.
It's a shag cut Latakia and Orientals blend. I find it starts out with a juniper/piney note and then that just melts into a savoury, peaty/smoky, goodness.
-- Pat

 

[fitzy]

Roth I'm with you on Stonehaven. I think it's over hyped. I do have to say though that Penzance is awesome. Dunbar I really like but I still have yet to try Tillbury or Dorchester.
burl you can let him know I sent you but not sure if that would help any. Give him a call and see if he has any others in stock.
I've got a pound of stonehaven jarred up. I'll let you guys know how it is in a few years. Hopefully much better than it is now. ::

 

[pitchfork]

Psst. Call Fast Eddy. Tell him Fitzy sent you. Also, blue horseshoe loves Anacott Steel.

 

[salewis]

I know what you mean about Esoterica. I have given up on them and I smoke several of the Sam Gawith blends since they are easier to obtain. If you want some of the Esoterica blends try Iwan Reis in Chicago since you can leave your email address for any tobacco blend out of stock and they will email as soon as they arrive for sale.

 

[tarak]

I've tried stonehaven and it was fine. Was it good? Yes. Is it worth losing hours of one's life trying to find it just to spend a ton of money for it? No. There are too many tobaccos that are quite good as well An can be had easily.

 

[mrjerke]

Just found 4 blends in stock at SPC. Picked up some Kingsbridge and Margate. Was told I was too late for the Dunbar.

 

[peckinpahhombre]

I see 4noggins has 2 oz tins of Penzance (c. 2000) for $92.50 a tin. There are still a few left. Glad I could help.