Bulk Tobacco

[robisjebus-cl]

So last night I went to my local B&M with my buddy to see what types of pipe tobacco they sold.

As we looked, we noticed that they had huge glass containers of, for lack of a better term, "bulk tobacco".

They were right by the door when you first walk in.

So my friend (being ever so thrifty) found some that smelled good, and bought 2 ounces ($4.99) of "Black & Silky".

He pulled out his pipe, packed a bowl, and lit it up. Meanwhile, I was still thinking if I should invest in a corncob to tide me over till I get a real pipe. But I decided against it, and after he was done packed another bowl and let me smoke it.

I honestly didn't like it too much. The tobacco tasted stale and cheap. (which i believe it was)

so my question is....

Should I (or do you) purchase the bulk tobacco that is at a B&M?

I know that pipe tobacco should be kept in a cool dark place, but this was right by the door and a ton of windows. I have to think that sunlight shines in ALL DAY and maybe that's why the tobacco didn't taste too great, or is it just a common thing that a novice pipe smoker shouldn't purchase the bulk tobacco in the jars and just stick with the tins. it was also felt very "wet" to me.

I have seen people buying bulk tobacco from online and I'm sure those retailers take better care of their stock, but what about the B&M's?


:baffled:

[Newfie]

Rob, next time we meet, I'll make you up a little gift pack of a few things you'll love to smoke, and will 'splain the basic ins and outs.

For the most part and as a basic rule (and there are exceptions), don't buy the B&M bulk tobacco unless you absolutely know what you're buying and how it is.

For the most part, Aromatics (the bulk of .................. B&M bulk tobaccos) are extremely mild and are very wet as you mentioned. That's mostly due to the amount of PG in it to keep it from drying out. "Good" pipe tobacco for the most part should feel almost "crispy" when it's the right RH for a good smoke.

[robisjebus-cl]

Hey Jim, long time no see.

Thanks for the info. i'll definietly let my friend know as well.

When do you think you'll be making it across the border again?

[Mr. Mojo Risin]

I've tried several bulk aromatics but I've found one that I really enjoy. It is wetter than I prefer, and I am nonplussed at the fact that I'm probably smoking PG, but I prefer the aromatics. Am I lost forever? HAHA

[koolhandk]

Just remember that smoking a pipe is so different than smoking a cigar, do yourself a favor and don't try to compare the two because it really is apples and oranges. I am in no way implying that that is waht you have been doing, it's just that I know it was something I had to get over.

[smokehouse-cl]

Originally Posted by Newfie

For the most part and as a basic rule (and there are exceptions), don't buy the B&M bulk tobacco unless you absolutely know what you're buying and how it is.

For the most part, Aromatics (the bulk of .................. B&M bulk tobaccos) are extremely mild and are very wet as you mentioned. That's mostly due to the amount of PG in it to keep it from drying out. "Good" pipe tobacco for the most part should feel almost "crispy" when it's the right RH for a good smoke.

I will agree. I would stay away form those B&M bulk aromatics they will give a false sense of what real pipe tobacco is. There is much better stuff out there.

[Fatmandu]

Concerning B&M bulk tobacco...if the store is a PIPE shop, go for it...most CIGAR shops don't carry (good/much/fresh) pipe tobacco, or the stuff mentioned in the above replies...they are, after all a cigar shop!

[robisjebus-cl]

there aren't too many places around here (if any) that sell pipe tobacco without selling cigars as their staple.

Even the shop that i thought was a pipe shop ended up having about the same quantity of pipe tobacco as the cigar shop down the street.

From reading smokehouse's other post, there is a place that i haven't been to in MI that seems to have a decent pipe selection that i'll hit up eventually.

I can't wait!

[Newfie]

Rob, I'm hoping soon dude. I met with Jon last night on short notice but a trip to Ann Arbor is in the making VERY SOON.

Have you ever heard of Paul's Pipes in Flint?? If you want pipes, it's worth the drive, trust me!!!

[Fatmandu]

Mr MOJO....no Bro...yer not lost forever. When ya get a notion to sample other tobacco's, you will; and remember, this too is a hobby...ya try everything in search of the Holy grail...good luck!

[Mr. Mojo Risin]

So aromatics from the likes of Boswell and such are OK in your opinion, or all aromatics are subpar?

[Slow Triathlete]

Originally Posted by Fatmandu

Concerning B&M bulk tobacco...if the store is a PIPE shop, go for it...most CIGAR shops don't carry (good/much/fresh) pipe tobacco, or the stuff mentioned in the above replies...they are, after all a cigar shop!

I think what FJ is trying to say is that if you have a local shop in town, which may or may not also sell cigars, that has a decent pipe and pipe tobacco collection then you are probably safe to sample their bulk blends. If you walk into a tobacco shop and they have a huge humidor and only 5 pipes on the wall collecting dust, then I would probably steer you clear of their bulk blends.

What I have found is that most bulk blends in tobacco shops are re-lableled bulk blends from Lane, Altadis, Stokkebye, etc. There are very few shops that actually blend their own blends with different blending tobaccos. The few that I know of are:

Hearth & Home Series at pipesandcigars.com
Peretti's


I know that there are more out there, but these are the only ones that I have tried myself.

If you have a good shop, go in and start talking to someone there that has some knowledge of the pipe tobacco and ask him which ones are good for beginners and which ones are their best sellers.

[Fatmandu]

Thanks SLOW, ya hit the nail. MOST pipe shops that carry bulk stuff, in the jars in the open ar the LANE, etc... Others, carry DUNHILL, Peter Stockkeby, etc. I like BULK..it's cheaper and if one smokes a lot, thats the way to go..I think! I buy DUNHILL, Early Morning Pipe, Nightcap, and 965 in bulk. I also buy P. Stockebby Proper English and the good old LANE HGL. I have enough BOSWELL AUTUMN something or another, and Lite w/out Bite to keep my happy for a good while. No sir, I'm truely not saying that bulk is sub-par....best bang for the buck! Sorry if I gave ya the wrong impression.