Mystery Man Tobacco Insider for Last Radio Show of 2020

[admin]

For our last Pipes Magazine Radio Show of 2020, we have something special, and full of Christmas cheer for you. We have a former pipe tobacco insider that was in the business most of his life. He has some great stories, and will also reveal previously secret information on one of the most well-known, and revered pipe tobacco blends … which is no longer being made, but you might be able to find on the secondary market. This is one of the best shows of the year. (Because of the extended interview, there will be no “Pipe Parts” segment.)

 

[renfield]

Thanks to Mike for coming on the show. Getting more of the background on Christmas Cheer from the man himself was most enjoyable. By dumb luck I’d opened a tin of 2010 Christmas Cheer to enjoy while listening this week. At least one thing worked out in 2020.

Thanks again and Happy New Year.

Renfield

 

[Jwebb90]

Ha, I have one of the infamous tins of Christmas Cheer from 1996. What a great show!

 

[kcghost]

Mike McNeil is simply aces in this interview!!

 

[mikestanley]

Hopefully, Mike will return to the "airways" again. Mainly because you just can't get these kind of insights otherwise. Additionally, I would love to hear a little about Nutcracker Flake. To my memory, it was the finest Virginia Flake offering from McClelland, and that is saying something. If my memory serves, it filled the gap of the 1993 Christmas Cheer. And, maybe my second favorite, a ribbon, the first run of The Sophisticate. Probably a PCI blend in the beginning.

Mike S.

 

[Simmerdown☕️]

Definitely gonna have to take a listen tonight. ?️

 

[gnarlybriar]

Very much enjoyed the "history of Christmas Cheer"! What a great idea to have him do this! But, of course, I still think that the multitudes of McClelland Tobacco fans should lobby the McNiel's to include this as a chapter in THE BOOK, which I hope they are working feverently on! Happy New Year everyone! Enjoy your pipes!

 

[lordofthepiperings]

Ah Mike, the Grinch who stole Christmas Cheer lol. Good to hear Mike again. That man has forgotten more about pipe tobacco than I'll ever learn in my life. Hope the holiday season has been good to Mike, Mary, you Brian, Kevin, and all the forum members. May the new year bring even more sweet smokes.

 

[trouttimes]

Wow! Mike McNiel, the man, the myth, the legend. I love the history, the stories, the insight and especially the personality. Mike is truly one of a kind and a real treasure.

 

[mikestanley]

I remember in the early days of the OPC (now NASPC) Swap, the McNeils used to provide the coffee and water at the show. Let me tell you, copious amounts of coffee were consumed!
he in the "techie" in the family. She researched it and found that it was British Woods from the LPI era. It seems the blend code was different for British Woods after Barry Levin's passing.
In a way, I feel totally responsible for the last 5 appearances of the McNeils on the show. After Mike appeared in his first episode, I e-mailed them, thanked him and encouraged more such appearances. I can only my e-mail was taken to heart! lol. No need to thank me. ; )

Mike S.

 

[kcghost]

This was just a sensational show. Mike McNeil really had it going on in this interview. He wasn't wound as tight as usual and Brian did a great job of keeping him on track. Mike and Mary's contributions to the pipe hobby are almost too many to count. They are a quality couple. They do a tremendous job of sharing credit with everyone who helped them. And their charity work is more than appreciated.