Going to the UK in a Month

[djrags]

So I've only been smoking a short time but was wondering if there was any mild-medium tobacco from England that isn't available in North America that I should pick up? Thanks in advance

 

[withnail]

If you will be visiting Nottingham, or staying at an the same address for a few days (for a mail order delivery) you should look at Gauntley of Nottingham. They have their own in house blender that is very good at what he does. They also have a great selection of pipes too.
Also, if you like mild Virginia's with a light topping, look out for Samuel Gawith Limited Edition 2013.
If you want to try an OTC blend, I think St. Bruno is about the best. Avoid buying from supermarkets as they don't sell much pipe tobacco so what they have tends to be very dry.
Remember though - the UK Treasury love to tax tobacco, so don't expect any bargains! Bringing in your own tobacco from home shouldn't be an issue, especially if the seal is broken which shows it can't be resold.

 

[withnail]

I've not got round to trying Capstan Blue - so many blends, so few pipes! I've heard good things about it although it's one that not every tobacconist stocks. I know many loved 3 Nuns, but I understand the modern version is a shadow of the original.
Where will you be based in the UK, or are you travelling about?

 

[djrags]

I'll be in Windsor, about 20 minutes away from Heathrow for the most part. I'd like to get a bit of the country in but seeing as it is only a 4 day trip and 1 day will be lost to travel I doubt I'll see much outside of the big tourist things.

 

[brewshooter]

I've not tried St. Bruno. However, I know I would be stocking up on Condor in your situation.

 

[kashmir]

We can't easily get St. Bruno Flake in the USA. Worth its weight in gold this side of the pond. So stock up on that would be my recommendation.

 

[withnail]

Re: St. Bruno. The flake is better than the ready rubbed. But do try and get it from a tobacconist rather than. A supermarket.

 

[sparroa]

Well, if you know where you are going to be staying, then it won't hurt to find out what tobacconists are in the area and what kind of selection they carry. This can probably be accomplished via email. It pays to be prepared and efficient if time is going to be limited.
Otherwise, Condor and St. Bruno are safe places to start. I would want Mick McQuaid and a number of other plugs but availability is probably a problem... Player's Navy Flake is also high up on my list - even if it isn't earth shaking. (Capstan is also on my mental list of tobaccos to try in the UK)

 

[plet]

Revor Plug

Capstan Blue

 

[misterlowercase]

...adding to the chorus

::

St. Bruno Flake !!!!!
You may be shocked to find it costing $18 USD per 50g pouch.
If you have the time it might be worthwhile to visit a couple of antique shops looking for old pipes, Dunhill, Loewe's, Barling's Make, Comoy's etc. can be had on the cheap moreso than here stateside, also may find an old tin or two, or a sealed packet of Condor Plug!
This shop pops up as in Windsor:

http://pipesmagazine.com/pipe-store-locator/united-kingdom/havana-house-windsor-uk-518.html
Too bad duty-free at the airport ain't no more, or is it? I dunno.
Anyway, have a blast & enjoy yourself!

 

[zonomo]

Did someone post here recently that pipe tobacco is also under assault in the UK? Would be really cool to find tobacco only available there.