Hard-to-Find Blends in B&Ms - Your Experiences

[techie]

Unfortunately for me, there are only two shops in my area. The one nearest me is ending the pipe side and concentrating on cigars, and the other sells only cigars and vapes. However, another member referred me to a shop that's a bit of a drive, but they appear to be very enthusiastic and well stocked. They even host a pipe club, so I'll have to look into this.
Being in the Pittsburgh area I'm sure there must be quite a few places to seek out and visit.

 

[pappymac]

I know of a couple of B&Ms that maintain secret lists of good customers who they call or email first when hard to find blends arrive.

 

[mso489]

I have a good local independent pipe shop, but I've never gone after unusual blends. He has some interesting tins, but I always feel like he's stocking what he can sell. My last "find" with him was Haddo's Delight, which is hardly rare, but was nice to buy locally despite a little higher price than online. For difficult to find blends, I go online. As members know, I tend to score blends higher when they are not a project to locate, big points for availability and distribution. Why "fall in love with the girl" who spends most of her life out of town or out of country?

 

[tschiraldi]

My B&M almost always has Esoterica blends right out on the shelf. They only sell to walk-in customers. Won't ship. 8oz bags are $38.