- Joined
- Oct 23, 2011
- Messages
- 1,671
- Reaction score
- 385
Nice show, small venue at the State Fairgrounds building. Got to hang out with R.A. most of the afternoon telling stories and smoking different blends. R.A. doesn't live too far from me so I may be able to twist his arm and meet up at a local watering hole near him that I frequent from time to time.
My local B&M participated in the show for the first time. Phil (PipeAndLeaf.com) is a great guy and bought Tobacconist of Cary a few years ago. The old owner pretty much killed the pipe business and focused on cigars. Phil has been changing that shortcoming the last 6 months and has been adding a very nice selection of tobacs and pipes (Savinelli, Peterson, etc) and put them front in center of the store. The TAPS show was a great way to let everyone know in the local area that the Triangle has a committed pipe store and he seemed to be well received. For folks not in the Raleigh area the pickin's have been slim for the pipe connoisseur. Most just order online or drive down to JR's Cigars down I-95 or up on I-40 about an hour away.
I heard a rumor that Russ (PipesAndCigars.com) was working on an Escudo blend like the days of old. I was able to score a sample after giving Russ the secret high sign (actually I begged) and he obliged. Immediately after lighting this up I had verbal, "Oh Wow" moment. This is a savory tasty blend that I hope he will sell one day. He doesn't even have a name for it yet. Keep an eye out for a new one from Russ, it is going to be good one.
My local B&M participated in the show for the first time. Phil (PipeAndLeaf.com) is a great guy and bought Tobacconist of Cary a few years ago. The old owner pretty much killed the pipe business and focused on cigars. Phil has been changing that shortcoming the last 6 months and has been adding a very nice selection of tobacs and pipes (Savinelli, Peterson, etc) and put them front in center of the store. The TAPS show was a great way to let everyone know in the local area that the Triangle has a committed pipe store and he seemed to be well received. For folks not in the Raleigh area the pickin's have been slim for the pipe connoisseur. Most just order online or drive down to JR's Cigars down I-95 or up on I-40 about an hour away.
I heard a rumor that Russ (PipesAndCigars.com) was working on an Escudo blend like the days of old. I was able to score a sample after giving Russ the secret high sign (actually I begged) and he obliged. Immediately after lighting this up I had verbal, "Oh Wow" moment. This is a savory tasty blend that I hope he will sell one day. He doesn't even have a name for it yet. Keep an eye out for a new one from Russ, it is going to be good one.