I'm glad I don't have to, but if I had to choose 2 brands (not blends), they would be Mac Baren and C&D. They scratch my itch for Virginia Flake, DFK and VaOr blends. What's a bit crazy is neither of these would have come close for me 3 years ago.
If I had to choose one small boutique or B&M guy, it would be Ernie at Watch City. I think if Ernie would have started blending 20 years ago when the whole tobacco environment was different, he could be a major factor in the industry. What Ernie has done the past couple of years has been innovative and excellent.
Now, were McClelland still in business, they'd make my list. But they're not unfortunately.
If I had to choose one small boutique or B&M guy, it would be Ernie at Watch City. I think if Ernie would have started blending 20 years ago when the whole tobacco environment was different, he could be a major factor in the industry. What Ernie has done the past couple of years has been innovative and excellent.
Now, were McClelland still in business, they'd make my list. But they're not unfortunately.