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Post by pepesdad1 on Mar 11, 2019 13:36:44 GMT -5
Thanks for your post, Steve (Pipestud). You have developed a reputation of being an honest broker...something that is as rare as hen's teeth. About everyone I know all agree that when they die or become so incapacitated that they cannot smoke anymore, that you are the man to see about selling their pipes and tobacco. I know my wife has your website written down in case I crap out...and several other people have the same thing. That is a hell of a recommendation! To be KNOWN as a solid, honest person...damn few people can say that.
So, congratulations for developing that kind of reputation and regard as someone who will not cheat my wife or relatives in business...and thanks for being there. You are a comfort to those of us who have little but know that you will be fair with our grieving family...so, again, my thanks, and I'm sure many others feel the same way...it's a good feeling.
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Post by qmechanics on Mar 11, 2019 14:15:59 GMT -5
Howdy Gang, I sure appreciate all of the kind words and for you gentlemen taking the time to read that recent blog. And gmechanics, you and anyone else here can certainly email me directly at steve@pipestud.com, but it is not necessary because I am going to tell you that all I can say right now is exactly what was in my blog. I don't want to give away the information you will be receiving - which will include direct quotes from blenders who are well known and have solid as a rock reputations - that I will reveal in that blog. And by the way, that upcoming blog is still a work in progress. I darned sure want to have all of my facts straight before releasing the information publicly. Also, I want to clarify what you wrote in your OP, gmechanics, when you said " Pipestud also clearly states Cyprian Latakia has relatively recently changed." I absolutely did not say that. If you go back and reread the blog here is what I wrote - " ... there are reports out right now indicating that what we are now receiving from Cyprus is not the same Cyprian Latakia – for a variety of reasons – that was processed and exported even just a few years ago." My next blog on the subject will address those reports and whether I believe them to be true or not. Fact - Cyprian Latakia has not been made for years, but that does not necessarily mean there will not be more available in the future. Thanks again for everyone's kind words and trust. I promise that I will not state anything "as fact" that is no more than hearsay. That never has been and never will be my MO. Steve Steve I just wished you and others to understand that, knowing you are a Patch member, I purposely messaged and linked your handle to the posts in hopes that you would answer. As stated, I do not believe in rumor and know you to be a man of honor and principle. So I posted my questions, not to spread fear, but to gain true knowledge in place of fear, sad to say a bit hastily. Further, I acknowledge that you did not state Latakia has changed and apologize (I should have caught my mistake). You clearly reported that there are others who claim Cyprian Latakia has changed, to one degree or another. I look forward to your future blog explaining the reports and your take on the issue. PS Hearing about the end of Latakia from other fellow pipe smokers, led me to look this up where I found pipestud's blog. I posted this information to strictly keep to the facts, though I did not catch my own mistake in the process. My desire is for each of us to be knowledgeable and not given to rumor. I hope you folks understand my goals. If the end is near, I also believe other Latakia sources might spring up. |
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Post by blackmouth210 on Mar 11, 2019 14:41:59 GMT -5
It is a hell of a time to become a pipe smoker. Despite the setbacks there are some things that still make this a better time than nearly ANY other time in pipe-smoking history to enjoy a pipe. The positives are out there if you wade through the mess. Most importantly, don't focus on the doom-n-gloom. Despite rhetoric to the contrary, you have a better selection of pipes and tobaccos at your disposal than darn near any generation before you. And the quality is not bad if you ignore the hype about old blends being the best...there's a lot of sentimental tinting to many of those opinions. No different than an older person's opinions about today's music, film, children, society, etc. Absolutely. I probably have over a hundred blends cellared. Probably over a hundred blends cellared and yet you were "a little pissed off" when you posted. Just goes to show how easily we take our pipes/tobacco circumstances for granted. Not judging or accusing.I'm just as guilty of that type of behavior too. I guess it's human nature. |
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Post by peteguy on Mar 11, 2019 15:15:52 GMT -5
Hopefully pipestud will be able to purchase the last big Latakia shipment to pass on via his website.
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Post by PhantomWolf on Mar 11, 2019 16:27:32 GMT -5
Absolutely. I probably have over a hundred blends cellared. Probably over a hundred blends cellared and yet you were "a little pissed off" when you posted. Just goes to show how easily we take our pipes/tobacco circumstances for granted. Not judging or accusing.I'm just as guilty of that type of behavior too. I guess it's human nature. I just don't like seeing things change. Regardless of my cellar, I don't like the idea of a latakia-free world. Also, I posted this early before having my first smoke. I tend to be grumpy in the mornings. Hahaha |
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Post by Dramatwist on Mar 11, 2019 16:33:12 GMT -5
This may sound heretical to some, but even if Latakia disappeared tomorrow, as much as I love it, I could be relatively happy smoking nothing but SWRA or Captain Black original. For myself, the ritual of pipe smoking is more important to me than any particular tobacco.
That said, I DO have plenty of Latakia and Latakia blends in the cellar...
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Post by Legend Lover on Mar 11, 2019 16:37:18 GMT -5
This may sound heretical to some, but even if Latakia disappeared tomorrow, as much as I love it, I could be relatively happy smoking nothing but SWRA or Captain Black original. For myself, the ritual of pipe smoking is more important to me than any particular tobacco. That said, I DO have plenty of Latakia and Latakia blends in the cellar... I'm with you in this...mainly because I can't taste much by way of flavour. I do notice if latakia is present, but I could live without it just fine. That said, I hope it stays around. It would be a shame to see it go. |
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Post by Stearmandriver on Mar 11, 2019 16:56:01 GMT -5
I guess I'll be the outlier here, and say that if latakia were to disappear and I didn't find something else I enjoy as much, my pipe smoking would either end, or dwindle to insignificance.
I occasionally enjoy a Virginia or VaPer, but it's really occasional. Most of the time they are not what I have a taste for. And there's no point to me to smoke something I don't really want, just for the sake of smoking.
I've been curious about pure oriental or oriental/VA blends; I remember McClelland's had some but I never tried one. I think there's potential for me to enjoy something like that enough to smoke more regularly, but I would sure still miss latakia.
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Post by blackmouth210 on Mar 11, 2019 16:56:35 GMT -5
This may sound heretical to some, but even if Latakia disappeared tomorrow, as much as I love it, I could be relatively happy smoking nothing but SWRA or Captain Black original. For myself, the ritual of pipe smoking is more important to me than any particular tobacco. That said, I DO have plenty of Latakia and Latakia blends in the cellar... Good point. If there's at least 1 blend we like still available to smoke, we're good. |
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Post by sperrytops on Mar 11, 2019 16:59:12 GMT -5
Howdy Gang, I sure appreciate all of the kind words and for you gentlemen taking the time to read that recent blog. And gmechanics, you and anyone else here can certainly email me directly at steve@pipestud.com, but it is not necessary because I am going to tell you that all I can say right now is exactly what was in my blog. I don't want to give away the information you will be receiving - which will include direct quotes from blenders who are well known and have solid as a rock reputations - that I will reveal in that blog. And by the way, that upcoming blog is still a work in progress. I darned sure want to have all of my facts straight before releasing the information publicly. Also, I want to clarify what you wrote in your OP, gmechanics, when you said " Pipestud also clearly states Cyprian Latakia has relatively recently changed." I absolutely did not say that. If you go back and reread the blog here is what I wrote - " ... there are reports out right now indicating that what we are now receiving from Cyprus is not the same Cyprian Latakia – for a variety of reasons – that was processed and exported even just a few years ago." My next blog on the subject will address those reports and whether I believe them to be true or not. Fact - Cyprian Latakia has not been made for years, but that does not necessarily mean there will not be more available in the future. Thanks again for everyone's kind words and trust. I promise that I will not state anything "as fact" that is no more than hearsay. That never has been and never will be my MO. Steve Steve I just wished you and others to understand that, knowing you are a Patch member, I purposely messaged and linked your handle to the posts in hopes that you would answer. As stated, I do not believe in rumor and know you to be a man of honor and principle. So I posted my questions, not to spread fear, but to gain true knowledge in place of fear, sad to say a bit hastily. Further, I acknowledge that you did not state Latakia has changed and apologize (I should have caught my mistake). You clearly reported that there are others who claim Cyprian Latakia has changed, to one degree or another. I look forward to your future blog explaining the reports and your take on the issue. PS Hearing about the end of Latakia from other fellow pipe smokers, led me to look this up where I found pipestud's blog. I posted this information to strictly keep to the facts, though I did not catch my own mistake in the process. My desire is for each of us to be knowledgeable and not given to rumor. I hope you folks understand my goals. If the end is near, I also believe other Latakia sources might spring up. qmechanics, thanks for bringing this to our attention. As a result of this thread, I now know a lot more about Latakia production than I ever did before. It's nice to understand the background of these tobaccos. |
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Post by PhantomWolf on Mar 11, 2019 18:28:35 GMT -5
I guess I'll be the outlier here, and say that if latakia were to disappear and I didn't find something else I enjoy as much, my pipe smoking would either end, or dwindle to insignificance. I occasionally enjoy a Virginia or VaPer, but it's really occasional. Most of the time they are not what I have a taste for. And there's no point to me to smoke something I don't really want, just for the sake of smoking. I've been curious about pure oriental or oriental/VA blends; I remember McClelland's had some but I never tried one. I think there's potential for me to enjoy something like that enough to smoke more regularly, but I would sure still miss latakia. Have you tried any of the dark fired Kentucky blends? Could be a backup choice for ya. |
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Post by qmechanics on Mar 11, 2019 18:33:57 GMT -5
Though I applaud others' ideas, I for one would find it a big disappointment if Latakia was no longer available. With that said, I propose that we not get ahead of ourselves. I started this thread to seek information and promote awareness. We have yet to hear the full story. Until we hear more from Pipestud and others in the know, I believe it best to find what information we can and sit tight. PS As important as Latakia is, big firms like STG will probably find alternative sources, if need be maybe from Turkey. Also keep in mind Perique was in danger not so long ago, until Mark Ryan took the reigns. Yes the Perique story is a bit different, though the concern was great. One man made the difference. I also did not mean to imply pipestud is given to rumor or hysteria. My if statement was merely my default position these days with all the uncertainty in our hobby (It is in my very nature to seek sources and/or information that I can verify.) and was intended to keep each of us calm until more details emerge. The very reason, I posted was because of my respect for Steve Fallon's word and character which promoted my concerns. With that said Steve aka pipestud, you have my thanks. Though I understand your position might keep you from being a regular Patch poster, I think I speak for all of us in saying we appreciate pipestud 's input anytime it is offered. |
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Post by Stearmandriver on Mar 11, 2019 20:38:58 GMT -5
I guess I'll be the outlier here, and say that if latakia were to disappear and I didn't find something else I enjoy as much, my pipe smoking would either end, or dwindle to insignificance. I occasionally enjoy a Virginia or VaPer, but it's really occasional. Most of the time they are not what I have a taste for. And there's no point to me to smoke something I don't really want, just for the sake of smoking. I've been curious about pure oriental or oriental/VA blends; I remember McClelland's had some but I never tried one. I think there's potential for me to enjoy something like that enough to smoke more regularly, but I would sure still miss latakia. Have you tried any of the dark fired Kentucky blends? Could be a backup choice for ya. Actually no, that's something else I've been meaning to try and it's a good idea, thanks. |
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Post by qmechanics on Mar 11, 2019 20:40:30 GMT -5
qmechanics, thanks for bringing this to our attention. As a result of this thread, I now know a lot more about Latakia production than I ever did before. It's nice to understand the background of these tobaccos. My pleasure... |
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Post by Deleted on Mar 11, 2019 22:19:35 GMT -5
Last year I saw an article about Turkish growers trying to replicate specifically Syrian Latakia. Not sure where I saw it, but I'll hunt around.....
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Post by Ronv69 on Mar 11, 2019 22:46:42 GMT -5
I'm telling you guys that Matehuala has the perfect dirt for this. And it could be smoked over the leftovers of the agave grown to make tequila. The Texas Hill county has some areas with the right dirt, but they keep planting grapes and then fermenting the juice. As if alcohol hasn't caused more trouble than Latakia.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 11, 2019 22:47:44 GMT -5
If memory serves, there was a study done back in the 50s to see if Oriental tobacco could be grown in the US. I believe they successfully grew it in certain mountainous areas in North Carolina, but it wasn't financially viable at the time (it is probably even less viable today). I'll see if I can find the article online and post a link to it. Ben Rappaport may have mentioned it in a recent article in Pipe & Tobaccos magazine (  ) too. I believe the study was funded by the government. Those were the days, eh? |
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Post by Ronv69 on Mar 11, 2019 22:55:01 GMT -5
I probably have 3.5lbs of Latakia blends, which will probably get me to the end of my desire to smoke a pipe. But it would be nice for future generations to have the chance to try it. It is one thing that makes pipe smoking so special.
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Post by qmechanics on Mar 11, 2019 23:09:13 GMT -5
I encourage all of us @chico ,@walkman, Ronv69 etc. to find out what we can from reliable sources and post a link for other Patch members to see. This site works best, in my opinion, when we support each other while giving solid information, in particular pipe and pipe tobacco knowledge, for the benefit of all. |
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Post by Darin on Mar 12, 2019 6:32:55 GMT -5
If memory serves, there was a study done back in the 50s to see if Oriental tobacco could be grown in the US. I believe they successfully grew it in certain mountainous areas in North Carolina, but it wasn't financially viable at the time (it is probably even less viable today). I'll see if I can find the article online and post a link to it. Ben Rappaport may have mentioned it in a recent article in Pipe & Tobaccos magazine ( ) too. I believe the study was funded by the government. Those were the days, eh? Turkish strains grow the same here in the US as any other tobacco it's just not profitable enough to the growers. jitterbugdude grew and cured some amazingly tasty Samsun, Prilep, Bucek and others. As more shortages like this appear, more folks will grow their own. |
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Post by dave g on Mar 12, 2019 6:43:57 GMT -5
Sad news for the new guys.
I’ve been cellaring deep for years. My reasons: aging for some, hoarding my favorite endangered species, stocking up while it’s cheap.
Anyone else remember when McClelland’s and Syrian Lat was $8/tin?
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jitterbugdude
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Post by jitterbugdude on Mar 12, 2019 6:55:29 GMT -5
Turkish can be grown anywhere and it tastes the same as if grown in Turkey (and outlying areas). The issue is the wood used to smoke it is very specific to the region. You can try growing and smoking your own but it'll taste more like a Kentucky Fire Cured.
The big experiment with Turkish in the U.S. was done in California.I'll dig up the specific info if anyone wants to see it.
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Post by kingchuck109 on Mar 12, 2019 7:06:50 GMT -5
this is so annoying i am self professed latakia whore. I love the stuff am sad. hell of a time to become a pipe smoker indeed.
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Post by Ronv69 on Mar 12, 2019 8:50:31 GMT -5
Turkish can be grown anywhere and it tastes the same as if grown in Turkey (and outlying areas). The issue is the wood used to smoke it is very specific to the region. You can try growing and smoking your own but it'll taste more like a Kentucky Fire Cured. The big experiment with Turkish in the U.S. was done in California.I'll dig up the specific info if anyone wants to see it. We need a grower to try cedar and Mesquite, both of which are nuisance trees in Texas. It really burns too hot for cooking, but we have to get rid of it someway. |
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briarbuck
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Post by briarbuck on Mar 12, 2019 9:32:50 GMT -5
Question, how much smoke are we talking about during the production of Syrian? Is it really that messy of a process that burns tons and tons of wood? Not asking for any other reason than to understand the process better.
I'll hang up and listen.
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Post by PhantomWolf on Mar 12, 2019 10:07:41 GMT -5
I'm telling you guys that Matehuala has the perfect dirt for this. And it could be smoked over the leftovers of the agave grown to make tequila. The Texas Hill county has some areas with the right dirt, but they keep planting grapes and then fermenting the juice. As if alcohol hasn't caused more trouble than Latakia. Imagine Texas mesquite and or sage added to the fires. We could completely reinvent the wheel! |
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gav
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Post by gav on Mar 12, 2019 10:30:30 GMT -5
I cellared a bunch of Syrian Lat but I have lost my taste for it. Maybe in a few years my tastes will change again.
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jitterbugdude
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Post by jitterbugdude on Mar 12, 2019 12:16:18 GMT -5
Question, how much smoke are we talking about during the production of Syrian? Is it really that messy of a process that burns tons and tons of wood? Not asking for any other reason than to understand the process better. I'll hang up and listen. I have read but never confirmed that the leaf is kept above a smoldering fire for approximately 1 year. |
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Post by Legend Lover on Mar 12, 2019 12:18:35 GMT -5
Question, how much smoke are we talking about during the production of Syrian? Is it really that messy of a process that burns tons and tons of wood? Not asking for any other reason than to understand the process better. I'll hang up and listen. I have read but never confirmed that the leaf is kept above a smoldering fire for approximately 1 year. yikes. That's a longer time than I would ever have thought. |
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Post by Deleted on Mar 12, 2019 12:51:15 GMT -5
I encourage all of us @chico ,@walkman , Ronv69 etc. to find out what we can from reliable sources and post a link for other Patch members to see. This site works best, in my opinion, when we support each other while giving solid information, in particular pipe and pipe tobacco knowledge, for the benefit of all. Well, that might break with the pipe forum tradition of baseless rumor-mongering, but I guess it's probably for the best.  I think I originally saw the link at PipesMag - I'll try to hunt it down when I have some time. Meanwhile, I heard from a potentially good source who once knew someone who was Mike and Mary's plumber's cousin that McClelland is negotiating to buy Syria and turn it into a Lat-producing superstate!  |
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) too. I believe the study was funded by the government. Those were the days, eh?
I think I originally saw the link at PipesMag - I'll try to hunt it down when I have some time.
