The Briary 4/26/2025

[Pipeski]

Well I had the great pleasure in finally getting to The Briary in Birmingham, Alabama.

What a treat it was.

In a quaint little house, this gem exists just 5 minutes outside Birmingham Alabama. I walked in and was immediately greeted and welcomed. The employees were as thrilled for an out of state guest who made the trek, as I was for making it.

As I walked in not only the employees greeted me, but the 6+ pipe smokers who were there shooting the shit with each other, talking pipes, tobaccos, and other nonsense. It was wonderful. Young, old, local, and not local (me) just hanging out in the small shop.

After the pleasantries, I gathered up some tobaccos they had in stock, including plenty of Wessex Campaign Dark Flake, and Skips blended Ephemeris.

Please. If you ever find yourself within driving distance, GO. I’m hoping to come back soon and be able to meet Skip and enjoy a pipe with the many locals who hangout there.

 

[TheIronMonkey]

Did you meet @cosmicfolklore ?

 

[anotherbob]

Did you meet @cosmicfolklore ?

He said he had a good time. What do you think?
(like how you could go either way with that! I have to tease @cosmicfolklore since he seems like a great guy who doesn't want you to say that about him too much).

 

[VDL_Piper]

Great insight and its on my to do list on my next trip to U.S. Thanks for the share

 

[cosmicfolklore]

Sorry, I’ve been arting at an art fair all weekend. Maybe I can catch you there next time. Drop me a PM when you’re headed there again.

 

[Pipeski]

Did you meet @cosmicfolklore ?

Unfortunately not. However I will be reaching out next time I’m in town! To my surprise I met 3 younger gentlemen around my age of 30 or so and one I know was 24 years of age. I brought my wife along and she was shocked when walking in and seeing the younger faces. She thought I was the only pipe dork sub 70 years old

 

[Pipeski]

Sorry, I’ve been arting at an art fair all weekend. Maybe I can catch you there next time. Drop me a PM when you’re headed there again.

When I make it back it would be great to link up. Will do!

 

[Sir Yak]

I have been to the Briary a handful of times traveling from AR to FL. It’s a great spot to stop in for a driving break and smoke a pipe amongst great friendly folks. There’s always a nice selection of tins. Anybody who is into our hobby would be glad they stopped in. It’s a gem. HIGHLY recommended.

 

[khiddy]

I’ve wondered about this place after seeing Ephemeris touted a few times on Facebook, but I’ve never seen anyone on the various pipe boards mention the blend and it’s not on TR, so I’ve not gotten the courage to order a jarful. Obviously not every house blend ends up reviewed, but does anyone here have thoughts about the blend?

 

[Sir Yak]

I’ve wondered about this place after seeing Ephemeris touted a few times on Facebook, but I’ve never seen anyone on the various pipe boards mention the blend and it’s not on TR, so I’ve not gotten the courage to order a jarful. Obviously not every house blend ends up reviewed, but does anyone here have thoughts about the blend?

I smelled an open jar of it the last time I was in the shop. It smelled great but I picked up some other blends instead. Later I wished I’d grabbed some of it when I had the chance. I’d love to hear anyone’s review as well.

 

[didimauw]

He said he had a good time. What do you think?
(like how you could go either way with that! I have to tease @cosmicfolklore since he seems like a great guy who doesn't want you to say that about him too much).

Yeah he doesnt like it when people talk nicely about him.

 

[anotherbob]

Yeah he doesnt like it when people talk nicely about him.

not in public.

 

[bobpnm]

Two of my favorite pipes from there. Both Northern Briars. Now that I’m retired, I don’t get around as much. Another Northern Briars or two sounds like a good reason for a road trip!

 

[adam12]

Folks, if you've never been, GO!!! This place is absolutely amazing! They have so much stuff to look at and their smoking area is seriously chill!!!

 

[LOREN]

Yeah he doesnt like it when people talk nicely about him.

He blushes easily.

 

[cosmicfolklore]

He blushes easily.

I'm very sensitive

 

[pappymac]

I used to make stops there when I would travel from home in Louisiana to Johnson City, TN where my oldest son lived. Now that he's moved back to Louisiana, I'm going to have to find another reason to visit the Birmingham area.
I don't know what led Skip to opening a tobacco shop in a small house like that but every time I've stopped there I thought "This is the perfect pipe shop - a small house with a good size porch area, a room with a fireplace used for a smoking lounge and plenty of room for pipes and pipe tobacco."

 

[quantumboy]

Been there, totally agree with you! But the most exciting thing about your post is that they have Wessex Campaign? Haven't been able to find that stuff!

 

[khiddy]

Any thoughts on their Ephemeris blend by any chance, @quantumboy? I can’t find anything about it, and their website is disappointingly nondescriptive on the blend.