McCranie's

[judcole]

I want to put a little post here to sing the praises of these guys. I have been buying from them for about 8 years now, and have always had great service. I have not purchased a pipe from them, but their house blends are excellent. The various incarnations of Red Ribbon - there have been three, and I have smoked two - are very highly regarded. There are probably 15 tins in my cellar, aging, and I have a 5 year old tin of the 1996 open now. Murdock's Pipe is simply superb, it is one of my regulars. I got some of their Dundee's Blend from the box pass - thanks, Rickpal! - and I have a feeling that is going to become a regular part of my rotation as well.

McCranie's

 

[numbersix]

Thanks Jud - good to know. I've never heard of them before - bookmarked them for the future.

 

[daytonsean]

I've been thinking about ordering some of their Murdock's Pipe. I think it's time. Thanks for that little tidbit of information.

 

[captainprophesy]

Im finishing up some "Murdock's pipe" from 2005 :D ... When I first moved to NC that was the first place I searched out... great people there and very helpful.
I really miss it now that Im in CA.

 

[galeon]

I now feel compelled to buy 5 tins of the Red Flake. How is the actual strength of the VAs?

 

[pipewife]

Their St Alban's Blend sounds intriguing. Anyone have recent experience with it?

 

[captainprophesy]

@Pipewife... I really enjoy it... I am currently finishing off my St. Albans Blend as well as my Murdock's Pipe. Both of those were staples when I was living in NC.
Another really good one is their Highland Mixture

 

[judcole]

I now feel compelled to buy 5 tins of the Red Flake. How is the actual strength of the VAs?

I don't find them too strong - if by strong you are referring to nic level. I am a nic wuss, and avoid things like Uni Flake, MacB Navy Flake, etc. The flavor is very very good.

I personally think the current batch of Red Ribbon - I have not smoked this edition of Red Flake - is better than the '96. It's not as sharp, although the '96 with 5 years on it mellows out nicely. I am anxious to see what the current crop does with 5 years on it.

 

[galeon]

I meant strong as in both the nicotine level, and the actual flavor of the tobacco. I guess ranging from let's say Orlik GS to FVF. I appreciate VA's from all ends of the spectrum, but I prefer those in the middle.
And the way you're describing the Red Ribbon reminds me of McClelland's Red Cake. Ay similarities between the two?

 

[hobie1dog]

I like it that I can walk down to the end of the block and be at their front door.

 

[judcole]

Lucky man, Hobie!
I would consider Red Ribbon in the middle of the taste spectrum for Virginias. I haven't smoked Red Cake.

 

[garyovich]

Anyone smoked their House Brand pipes? I'm particularly attracted to the Italian-made rusticated lovat currently on the site.

 

[rickpal14]

I got some of their Dundee's Blend from the box pass - thanks, Rickpal! - and I have a feeling that is going to become a regular part of my rotation as well.

Glad you liked it Jud!! I also have a cellar full of Red Ribbon and Flake and keep adding more. I get to the Charlotte area 5-6 times a year and a stop into their shop is a must and always worked into my schedule!!!
Chatting with the regulars at the pipe bar is a great way to spend a few hours a night!! :puffpipe:

 

[weezell]

I like it that I can walk down to the end of the block and be at their front door

But...if your not allowed to smoke it's like living next door to a bordello an not bein able to get it up :rofl:

 

[weezell]

Still nothing since Aug 16 th

hobie1dog..Please take that as bein a joke(It has to piss you off to no end that they do that shit to you my brother)Dave

 

[gwtwdbss]

Thanks for the tip Jud. I will definitely give them some a try.