Stonehaven/jJ f Germain & Co. Customer support - draw your own conclusion
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This whole thing is just wonderful. I think that Germain's are stupid if they really don't like people cellaring their product. I mean, WTF, who doesn't want to sell more product? I also think the OP should grow a pair and call the guy. I think the product consistency issue is a significant one, but I don't think this post will go very far toward fixing it.
Stupid like a fox maybe. Mr. Germain is obviously happy with the current situation. I believe Germain sells all the product they can or are willing to produce.
They can't even keep up with the demand already for their product. I'm sure they could mass produce it and you'd have the "bud light" equivalent to their products. They're an old style tobacco producer that does it by hand.
I'm on the fence about product consistency.
The variations in Germain's products obviously doesn't effect their sales, and I'll argue that it might increase them. They aren't churning out tobacco Budweiser-style (high quality, low flavor, extraordinary consistency), it's more like they are preparing a great meal in a small restaurant. It's part of what people find alluring: hand-made, limited quantities, high grade leaf, fabulous old backstory, reclusive company that doesn't bullshit customers or strive for the LCD of approval. Part of the proof of that persona for consumers are the minor inconsistencies. It's always good, it's just not always the same good. I miss that in a lot of products. Remember when you could buy bread in the supermarket that wasn't a clone of every other loaf on the shelf? Remember when milk would taste different carton to carton, season to season? We live in a world that has become so damned homogenized that we're chastised if we don't talk alike, think alike, vote alike and agree that the King's new duds are just simply fabulous.
The great British beer critic Michael Jackson once told me that consistency is the enemy of interesting. I'm inclined to agree with him.
The variations in Germain's products obviously doesn't effect their sales, and I'll argue that it might increase them. They aren't churning out tobacco Budweiser-style (high quality, low flavor, extraordinary consistency), it's more like they are preparing a great meal in a small restaurant. It's part of what people find alluring: hand-made, limited quantities, high grade leaf, fabulous old backstory, reclusive company that doesn't bullshit customers or strive for the LCD of approval. Part of the proof of that persona for consumers are the minor inconsistencies. It's always good, it's just not always the same good. I miss that in a lot of products. Remember when you could buy bread in the supermarket that wasn't a clone of every other loaf on the shelf? Remember when milk would taste different carton to carton, season to season? We live in a world that has become so damned homogenized that we're chastised if we don't talk alike, think alike, vote alike and agree that the King's new duds are just simply fabulous.
The great British beer critic Michael Jackson once told me that consistency is the enemy of interesting. I'm inclined to agree with him.
I never suggested mass production, nor do I think it is a good idea for Germain. However, I have never encountered a business owner who was grumpy about SELLING their current inventory/production to eager customers. I mean, why the heck would you even be in business at all if you didn't want to sell stuff?
I think the distinction that the OP was cellaring is a silly one anyway. Who can smoke through an opened 8 oz of Stonehaven right away? I would think most people have it in a jar for a year or so while chipping away at it. Besides, virtually everyone agrees that Stonehaven gets better with age- if Germain doesn't know that, then maybe they aren't the untouchable tobacco alchemists that people think they are.
Pipe tobacco is meant to be purchased and then smoked... PERIOD I mean really... what blender in their right minds are going to advertise their blend by saying, 'Good blend, but best smoked after storing it in your basement for 10+ years'! Buy it, stuff it, smoke it.
Funny but didn't the Brits kind invent putting tobacco away and letting it age? Cigar smokers are encouraged by many tobacconists to store cigars for a time.
Mike S.
Mike S.
Yes, but the Brits had invented time travel, too. They would just go back in time, buy "new" tobacco and bring it back here to "old" . Of course, that really screws up the warranty, but you can clean up on stock tips and vintage postage stamps.
And to that I say BS. They're just hopping on the bandwagon with the insanity of cellaring tobacco for those that have been suckered into believing that is the only way to properly smoke pipe tobacco. If a tobacco isn't 'designed' to be smoked straight out of the tin, then it isn't worth smoking in the first place.
Obviously targeted to those of us that cellar with TAD. The question is 5-10 years down the road, when the tin is opened and the consistency, quality is questionable or there is mold or some other issue, who should accept responsibility? If I buy a consignment tin with years of age and the tobacco is subpar for any reason, where is the recourse? None, of course.
That being said, C&D appears to be accepting responsibility for the long-term outcome of their cellar series regardless of how it is cellared (which they have no control over).
That being said, C&D appears to be accepting responsibility for the long-term outcome of their cellar series regardless of how it is cellared (which they have no control over).
Some people get into business with the intent of selling to a select, limited clientele and have no desire to get rich. Possible they are already rich, see a need in a boutique market and service it, mostly for kicks or, as a diversion from their chosen profession.
An 8oz tin would last me, at best, a few weeks. Less if it was one of my favorites.
Cigars are usually stored in carefully maintained humidors, not in jars on a shelf in a closet or cabinet. While they certainly do age, the intent is to maintain freshness not change original flavor. Cigar smokers usually pay for space in a humidor and the vendor is wise to push such rentals so as to increase his profits. Moneys can also be saved buying cigars in quantity so it may pay to shell out for humidor space.
People who cellar blends are hoping for different a different(improved?) taste or flavor, from the original purchase. They shouldn't be surprised if a blend goes south while moldering away in a cool, dark corner.
An 8oz tin would last me, at best, a few weeks. Less if it was one of my favorites.
Cigars are usually stored in carefully maintained humidors, not in jars on a shelf in a closet or cabinet. While they certainly do age, the intent is to maintain freshness not change original flavor. Cigar smokers usually pay for space in a humidor and the vendor is wise to push such rentals so as to increase his profits. Moneys can also be saved buying cigars in quantity so it may pay to shell out for humidor space.
People who cellar blends are hoping for different a different(improved?) taste or flavor, from the original purchase. They shouldn't be surprised if a blend goes south while moldering away in a cool, dark corner.
Woods, I had written that exact same thing, but then deleted it, thinking people just wouldn't "get it." As an old school jeweler, I don't (can't) reproduce each setting exactly, but I can assure that each one is excellent, just not exact.
I once heard an entertaining bafoon berate a waiter because his meal wasn't exactly like the last time he'd had it. "There aren't even any vegetable shavings decorating the top." The chef came out and explained that this wasn't McDonalds, no food machines pfffft'ng out identical plates, day after day, year after year. "...and, those shavings were acorn squash, It's not even in season right now! Everything is handmade and in season!" To the smiles and quiet applause of the other diners.
I once heard an entertaining bafoon berate a waiter because his meal wasn't exactly like the last time he'd had it. "There aren't even any vegetable shavings decorating the top." The chef came out and explained that this wasn't McDonalds, no food machines pfffft'ng out identical plates, day after day, year after year. "...and, those shavings were acorn squash, It's not even in season right now! Everything is handmade and in season!" To the smiles and quiet applause of the other diners.
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