I am now getting back with my pipes. I forgot why I ever stopped. A few years ago I used to buy blends at a place called Tinderbox in Kalamazoo Michigan. They have closed shop I found out. A blend I have a little of still aged now 5 years is called Hay Market. I bought it from Tinderbox but now am at a loss where to find that blend. Not as many places selling Pipe tobacco of any taste in my town.. Will travel 40 miles.. Or order online. If anyone could give me a direction I would be very happy..
Chuck..

I'm not 100% sure but I believe most Tinderbox tobaccos are renamed bulk tobaccos produced by other companies. Their Wilshire for example is Lane's 1-Q. If you can describe the tobacco some guys here might be able to narrow it down for you.

Umm That might be a problem then.. I may have to contact another current Tinderbox outlet to find out the blend.. It looks like an even mix of light and dark with a slight vanilla scent.. I shall work on it via internet with Tinderbox also.. Thanks

I used to buy Hay Market from Hill & Hill Tobacconists in Grosse Pointe Woods, MI. I believe Jim still carries it. If not, try Royal Scot from Pipeworks & Wilke (online) - my replacement for Hay Market. I no longer smoke Hay Market because it contains too much humectant. Humectants are chemicals (such as glycerin or propylene glycol) that are added to maintain a moist consistency. They tend to produce a harsh smoke and conceal the natural flavors of the tobacco. Peterson and Dan Tobacco also provide good aromatic blends. Life is too short, smoke the good stuff!

Chuck,

There are still several Tinderbox tobacconists around the country, and I'm sure they'll do mail order? But as you're getting back to your "old friends", hang around and follow some of the threads here. I'm sure you'll find all sorts of "new" tobaccos you've not tried, and some I'm sure you'll enjoy. There really are a lot of very good blends on the market today and experimenting with them is half the fun of our gentle art.

Oh, and welcome to the fray.

Natch

chuck,

Other than hay-market, what else are you interested in smoking?

-mike.

I just took up the pipe recently, and I would highly recommend the Escudo. I purchased 1 tin with my first order because of what everyone on BoB was saying about it. Should have took their advice a little stronger and bought more as it is my fave of all that I bought.

Well sounds like a good start as any.. I will order it today.. Thanks.. Doing a journal on the different blends and how I like them..

I know that you did not order any other the MacBaren Vanilla Cream but for future reference be advised that MacBaren blends tend to bite, some will tell you that it is not true and I would agree that they all do not bite but I would consider getting some smoking time under your belt before you purchase Macbaren. Good tobacco but not a started brand IMHO. Welcome back to the brotherhood, I myself am a new member and I know that one learns things very fast while on this forum. Cheers