Recent content by CACooper

Sometimes, to save a great deal of time and energy, I'll chuck one of these pre-drilled blocks in my lathe. Using a test indicator I'll slowly rotate it and get it as concentric as I can, at least within a few thousandths. Then clamp it tight and turn as if I had drilled it and fit the stem...

The awful truth is the FDA is an un-elected, un-accountable entity. All the petitions in the world will do absolutely nothing. The original legislation was carefully crafted to insure that no Congressional oversight, except the outright banning of tobacco or nicotine, was allowed. The only way...

I have an idea why they're doing this. The upcoming FDA regs. require shops to register as a "tobacco manufacturer" if they custom blend tobaccos on-site. This is going to be prohibitively expensive for a mom and pop operation to comply with, possibly forcing them to discontinue any house blends...

Yep, remember them all. Some are more irritating than others. Here's one my favorites, probably from around '59 or '60. Wish they could still advertise pipe tobacco like this. A kinder, gentler time, for sure. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hE1sirPGbmk

I emailed P&C asking if they would offer 1oz. sampler packs of the new blends. I would like to try a few of them first before spending 25 bucks and end up hating it. My previous experience with "match" blends has been less than satisfactory. Their reply: Sorry, no samples. Only the tubs are...

I agree the lounge is more cigar oriented. I did my best to cultivate a pipe culture in my store and make everyone feel welcome in the lounge. But cigar sales are the bread and butter of the business, so the lounge area is cigar dominate and a necessary evil. And it brings some problems. As far...

About customers being all about price...I found that cigar customers in particular, are the least loyal. Pipe guys are a little better. The cigar customer might have been a "loyal" customer for 5-10 years, then a competitor opens a mile away offering deep discounts and "freebies" and guess what...

As the former owner of the Village Smoke Shop in Scottsdale, AZ from 1995 to 2005, my advice is: Strongly reconsider the smoke shop idea. In the ten years I spent in the premium tobacco business, I learned one thing. BE THE LANDLORD. He was the only person who got paid every month. On time...

Don't be so sure Cuban leaf isn't already used in some Nicaraguan cigars. I asked a sales rep from a Nicaraguan cigar manufacturer (which will remain nameless) if some Cuban leaf was being used in a couple of the blends. His response was - "I can neither confirm nor deny that". Interesting...

Sadly, this nation has sent nearly all of it's manufacturing to China. Not solely because of wages, but mainly because of the extremely burdensome regulations (EPA, OSHA, EEOC, labor unions, etc.) that drive up the cost. It's just easier and more cost effective to dial up China Inc., request...

You most likely mean Erik Stokkebye, the late Peter Stokkebye's son.  Peter unfortunately passed away a few years ago and is greatly missed.  His son Erik is carrying on the family tradition quite well. I agree the 1931 flake is excellent.  Remember to ask Erik to autograph one of your tins.  ...

Around 1979 or so I witnessed these craft slowly flying silently in the night.  I only saw the lights in the triangle formation, no outline of a craft.  There seemed to be two in locked formation.  I watched them until they disappeared from view over the horizon.   " /> Haven't seen anything...

I live in the Denver area, would you mind divulging the shop and it's location?  I'd like to stop by and check it out.  Thanks! CACooper

Most Cavendish style aromatics contain Propylene Glycol (PG), a humectant that preserves moisture and allows the flavoring to penetrate the leaf.  It also has anti-fungal properties that retards mold.  PG is a food grade additive found in many foods, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.  Tasteless...

Here's a few blends that are similar to Lane 1-Q.  Every other major tobacco manufacturer has a copy of 1-Q because it is the #1 seller.  Some are hits, some are misses.  Most are bulk, a couple are tinned.  Try an ounce or a tin and you can decide. Sutliff (Altadis) 1-M (bulk) McClelland T-Q...