Hi everyone. I am going to be going to the states on a road trip (motorcycle) and am going to take along a couple of pipes with the hopes of picking up some OTC tobacco that isn’t available here in Canada to try while relaxing after the days ride…. along with a beverage. I’d like to try SWR, SWRA, Velvet, etc. if I can find it. I’m just wondering where can you typically find them (pouch size) and maybe what to expect cost wise. I’ll be making my way south through WA, OR, NV, CA, AZ, UT, ID most likely. Are they sold at the grocery store tobacco counter or do I need to make a special trip to a tobacconist? How much is a pouch of OTC tobacco these days? Thanks in advance.
OTC Tobacco
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Going to be tootally random. Some gas stations have them some don't. Drug stores and grocery stores totally random. Around here walmart has a selection of otc blends.
If you know what route you'll be taking, you could check for tobacconists on the way and call them up in advance to ask if they carry any of the otcs you're after. I haven't seen any of 'em in the grocery on my side of the country, but I also haven't looked very hard.
Price... Probably $6 or $7, BEFORE the state's vice taxes and retailer fees (which seems to be more reasonable in ID, NV and AZ). Someone who actually lives in one of those states should have a better answer for you.
Price... Probably $6 or $7, BEFORE the state's vice taxes and retailer fees (which seems to be more reasonable in ID, NV and AZ). Someone who actually lives in one of those states should have a better answer for you.
SWR is great. I live in a small town in Washington without a proper tobacconist but there's a dodgy smoke shop that has it and Half & Half. I really enjoy both, they're in my regular rotation. They also have CB, couple Borkum Riff flavors, SWRA, and Super Value English, I plan to get SWRA and SVE next time I visit. In my opinion every pipe smoker should try stuff like that, So my advice would be to hit up those sorts of shops, usually they mostly sell cigarettes, chew, and pot accessories but sometimes you can find OTC blends.
Even the states where it's the most expensive is probably much cheaper than anywhere in Canada
Generally cigarette stores have them. Often less than $10/pouch or less than $40/tub.
Thanks everyone for your reply’s. And yes, tobacco is now insanely expensive here, so to spend a few bucks on some different varieties is a real treat. Cheers!
In Southern California if you are on PCH or the 405 freeway there are three I can recommend.
Los Angeles Marina Del Rey/ Venice area; Tobacco Trader. Probably the biggest selection.
Orange County South Coast Plaza area; The Tinderbox. Good selection and a brick and mortar that deserves to be supported. If you are near, please stop and grab something.
Orange County Costa Mesa/ Newport Beach area; Hi-time Wine Cellars. Not a big selection of pipe tobacco but they’ll have something from C&D, Pease. What you will not find is a larger selection of Spirts and Wines at the low prices they offer. Hi-Time is an absolute must visit if you’ve never been, especially if you’re looking for rare Rums, Whiskies, Scotches, tequilas….. you name it. It’s seriously impressive, especially for (me) their rum selection! They make the big chain outlets, BevMo…. Total Wine, look like convenience stores by comparison.
Los Angeles Marina Del Rey/ Venice area; Tobacco Trader. Probably the biggest selection.
Orange County South Coast Plaza area; The Tinderbox. Good selection and a brick and mortar that deserves to be supported. If you are near, please stop and grab something.
Orange County Costa Mesa/ Newport Beach area; Hi-time Wine Cellars. Not a big selection of pipe tobacco but they’ll have something from C&D, Pease. What you will not find is a larger selection of Spirts and Wines at the low prices they offer. Hi-Time is an absolute must visit if you’ve never been, especially if you’re looking for rare Rums, Whiskies, Scotches, tequilas….. you name it. It’s seriously impressive, especially for (me) their rum selection! They make the big chain outlets, BevMo…. Total Wine, look like convenience stores by comparison.
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There are tobacco shops all over, they will have a selection of pouch or bag tobacco's. Gas stations will have bulk selections on occasion, but mostly for rolling cigarettes sold as pipe tobacco. I don't think you will have a problem if you keep an eye out as you travel.
Which State matters. Here in the Peoples Republic of New Jersey I think you’ll find Captain Black and perhaps, if you’re lucky, Carter Hall.
It’s really that bad.
Every sign that says, “Tobacco” will be a Vape Shop with roll your own.
Mail order is the best way.
Side note: I couldn’t find Rigilletto Blackjack (cigars) anywhere while vacationing in Florida. — They’re made in Tampa. I suppose mail order there too.
It’s really that bad.
Every sign that says, “Tobacco” will be a Vape Shop with roll your own.
Mail order is the best way.
Side note: I couldn’t find Rigilletto Blackjack (cigars) anywhere while vacationing in Florida. — They’re made in Tampa. I suppose mail order there too.
I did the same thing a few years back and picked up a bunch of OTCs while travelling in the States. Was really glad I did really enjoyed them all. The Tinderbox in Tacoma is easy to get to and some of their bulk blends are also worth trying, e.g., luxury bullseye flake.
I'm near the east coast in the U.S., North Carolina, so the west coast may have some different distribution on tobacco products depending on the state. I'd go by advice from residents in the states where you will be traveling.
Even in the U.S., distribution on pouch/tub blends like SWRA, SWR, Half-and-Half, Granger, etc. is oddly spotty. I haven't seen a selection of blends in drugstores, groceries, or Walmarts; they might carry one off brand, and it is hidden down behind the check-out counter or at customer service.
Likewise with local independent pipe and cigar shops, these will often carry tins of more premium blends and some bulk blends in baggies, but maybe no pouch tobacco at all. And so on. It's pretty much hit and miss, and staff at the places that don't carry what you want have no idea where you might find it.
The selection at most locations is arbitrary, hit or miss. So be patient and if necessary buy a small amount of whatever they have to fill your need. I'd rather you are surprised by finding something you want than frustrated at what you can't find. Most of us depend mostly on online retailers.
Even in the U.S., distribution on pouch/tub blends like SWRA, SWR, Half-and-Half, Granger, etc. is oddly spotty. I haven't seen a selection of blends in drugstores, groceries, or Walmarts; they might carry one off brand, and it is hidden down behind the check-out counter or at customer service.
Likewise with local independent pipe and cigar shops, these will often carry tins of more premium blends and some bulk blends in baggies, but maybe no pouch tobacco at all. And so on. It's pretty much hit and miss, and staff at the places that don't carry what you want have no idea where you might find it.
The selection at most locations is arbitrary, hit or miss. So be patient and if necessary buy a small amount of whatever they have to fill your need. I'd rather you are surprised by finding something you want than frustrated at what you can't find. Most of us depend mostly on online retailers.
I don't travel that often these days, but when I do, I always try to find a brick and mortar, and I don't often score. Most places that are "smoke shops" are weed adjacent, which is cool, but lacking in OTC blends. I wish I had a ton of money. I'd open a sick brick and mortar. I'd probably go out of business quickly, but it'd be glorious for a short time.