Yesterday, I had the opportunity to visit JM Boswell's shop in Alexandria, PA. As a relatively new pipe smoker, this was my first venture into a real pipe shop. I've been to a few cigar-focused stores with pipe tobacco, but nothing like a true, genuine brick-and-mortar tobacconist. The experience was top-notch and I cannot wait to get back! JM, his daughter, and grandson were on the front lines attending to customers all afternoon ( I was there from 1 to 3). All three of the Boswell clan took time to talk with me and answer any questions I had. While visiting, I was encouraged to try any of JM's house blends that I wanted to and those bowls were on the house (I smoked three different tobaccos while there). The smoke lounge was also a great experience. The shop was rather busy, it was after all a Saturday afternoon. But it is a rare treat to sit in a room full of men and a few ladies who were all enjoying Boswell's blends out of handcrafted Boswell pipes. As you can imagine, I wasn't going to be left out, so to the counter I went with my own Boswell pipe to load up with one of JM's blends. I'm not sure how many other places there are where you can smoke a house tobacco blend in a handmade pipe, both crafted by the same man, while he offers you a cup of hot coffee! I have only been smoking a pipe for 10 months now, but if anyone were to ask me why I started, I'd direct them to the experience I had at JM Boswell's and explain that there are a few hobbies and a few places left in the world that prove that the deep roots of old traditions still bear good fruit today. I walked away with a new handmade pipe, some good tobacco, and some new friends. It was a blessed experience, and I thank the Lord for the opportunity to travel to JM Boswell's.
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