Post by qmechanics on Feb 27, 2023 2:29:39 GMT -5
Family matters have prohibited my normal participation at the Briar Patch. However, today I wanted to post a unique story that occured during my time away.
In the second half of last year one of our members sent me a message concerning a post. A post where I lamented not being able to buy a particular blend. It happened to be a McClelland blend (There are many McClelland blends I miss, as do we all. However, one memory was on my mind at the time. A blend I sampled in Kansas City.). Sad to say, I was one of the last to receive the memo about McClelland's closing. By the time I woke up, all the tobaccos were gone, at least online. Luckily, Smoking Pipes had either found or received a last batch of Frog Morton 100g tins that I was able to buy in a limited quantity. Still, I lost out on purchasing so many favored tins and the aftermarket favors the wealthy (not that I begrudge anyone's hard work, status or ability). What was this blend?
A few years ago at the Kansas City Pipe Show, sitting in the smoking tent, allot of tobacco was passed around. One sample that was offered to me held two bowls of this excellent tobacco. Graciously accepting the blend, I packed one of my finest pipes and began my journey. I remember how silky smooth it was, buttery, the tangy sweetness, smoky goodness, a bit of spice etc. It was sublime. Now, while I am a fan of a number of McClelland's Virginia and Latakia blends, the tobacco in question was Balkan Blue. It stood out in my memory as one of the best I ever tried (I regret not trying it when it was readily available.). I really enjoyed what I sampled, but simply could not justify buying a tin in the "vintage" market.
So, while in Miami, I decided to look into the posts at the Patch and noticed a private message. As I was preoccupied, I did not see the note until some time had passed. It was a text from one of our members offering me some Balkan Blue. I immediately replied asking if the offer was still available? Later, I received my answer...Yes... Well, a few pleasantries passed between and a few weeks ago the items arrived. I was blown away. Two sealed tins of Balkan Blue were sitting in the box as well as an ounce or two of McClelland's Red Cake 5100.
All I was thinking was any sample would have been great. This was incredible.
I write to say thank you again to that nameless gentleman. Sometimes when things are hard and troubles begin a gift, an act of kindness, goes a long way.
The package also contained a nice letter. I told this member a few of the issues in our correspondence and am grateful.
In the second half of last year one of our members sent me a message concerning a post. A post where I lamented not being able to buy a particular blend. It happened to be a McClelland blend (There are many McClelland blends I miss, as do we all. However, one memory was on my mind at the time. A blend I sampled in Kansas City.). Sad to say, I was one of the last to receive the memo about McClelland's closing. By the time I woke up, all the tobaccos were gone, at least online. Luckily, Smoking Pipes had either found or received a last batch of Frog Morton 100g tins that I was able to buy in a limited quantity. Still, I lost out on purchasing so many favored tins and the aftermarket favors the wealthy (not that I begrudge anyone's hard work, status or ability). What was this blend?
A few years ago at the Kansas City Pipe Show, sitting in the smoking tent, allot of tobacco was passed around. One sample that was offered to me held two bowls of this excellent tobacco. Graciously accepting the blend, I packed one of my finest pipes and began my journey. I remember how silky smooth it was, buttery, the tangy sweetness, smoky goodness, a bit of spice etc. It was sublime. Now, while I am a fan of a number of McClelland's Virginia and Latakia blends, the tobacco in question was Balkan Blue. It stood out in my memory as one of the best I ever tried (I regret not trying it when it was readily available.). I really enjoyed what I sampled, but simply could not justify buying a tin in the "vintage" market.
So, while in Miami, I decided to look into the posts at the Patch and noticed a private message. As I was preoccupied, I did not see the note until some time had passed. It was a text from one of our members offering me some Balkan Blue. I immediately replied asking if the offer was still available? Later, I received my answer...Yes... Well, a few pleasantries passed between and a few weeks ago the items arrived. I was blown away. Two sealed tins of Balkan Blue were sitting in the box as well as an ounce or two of McClelland's Red Cake 5100.
All I was thinking was any sample would have been great. This was incredible.
I write to say thank you again to that nameless gentleman. Sometimes when things are hard and troubles begin a gift, an act of kindness, goes a long way.
The package also contained a nice letter. I told this member a few of the issues in our correspondence and am grateful.
