RE: A different friend (not the one referenced in the OP):
I was meeting a different friend of mine for drinks after work Friday, and I told him I was stopping by a nearby cigar shop beforehand, so he met me there instead of at the bar.
We looked at the pipes, and he bought a Missouri Meerschaum and a bulk aromatic (didn't recognize the name). I bought a small portion of bulk C&D Engine #99.
He tried his, and thought it was ok (didn't seem excited). He dumped it out and tried the Engine #99, and loved it. So, I gave it to him.
Today, at work, he said he was smoking it over the weekend and loved it.
I have to say, I liked the Engine #99, too. First time I'd had it. I would totally buy it again.