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Post by bonanzadriver on Feb 5, 2022 3:00:41 GMT -5
It's one of those nights / mornings... Went to bed earlier. Tossed n Turned for quite a while and decided to get back up, walk up to the mancave and have a bowl and ponder life. Then I looked through my modest briar stable and tobacco cellar for the better part of 30 minutes, searching out the "Perfect" combination for this early morning smoke. My eyes kept landing on my Dr. Grabow Royalton. A replacement of my very first pipe, given to me by a dear friend and mentor back in the early 80's. So, I picked it up and then searched through my cellar for another good bit. Then I found it. A pouch that has been untouched for the better part of a year. No, it's not a fancy blend. It's not one of the unobtaniums that many discuss here and on different forums. Neither is it one of the discontinued blends that we all lament. It is the blend that was handed to me when I received my Bent Bulldog Royalton.... Borkum Riff Bourbon. I know, I KNOW ! Why would anyone smoke that old codger blend when there are thousands of other blends available. All with more elaborate ingredients, more pedigreed history and with a much more sophisticated following? Well, sometimes nostalgia, respect and appreciation win out.  Here's to you General Jim. Much gratitude and reverence to you for introducing me to the world of cigars and pipes. cheers all |
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chasingembers
Senior Member
Posts: 1,909 
First Name: Duane
Favorite Pipe: My Growing J. Everett Collection, Fifteen Day Bruce Weaver Set, Meerschaums, Oguz Simsek Skulls
Favorite Tobacco: Black Frigate,Solani Silver Flake, Yenidje Highlander, Angler's Dream, Watch City Slices, Salty Dogs, Mephisto, Ennerdale Flake, Rich Dark Honeydew, 1792 Flake
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Post by chasingembers on Feb 5, 2022 3:17:50 GMT -5
I know, I KNOW ! Why would anyone smoke that old codger blend when there are thousands of other blends available. All with more elaborate ingredients, more pedigreed history and with a much more sophisticated following? Why feel shame or need to justify what you're smoking? That one has been around for 63 years and has outlived the likes of even McClelland. If I was limited to feeling like I needed to smoke what everyone else was smoking I'd give it up completely. Enjoy that Borkum Riff and cheers to the memories. |
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Post by bonanzadriver on Feb 5, 2022 3:22:06 GMT -5
I know, I KNOW ! Why would anyone smoke that old codger blend when there are thousands of other blends available. All with more elaborate ingredients, more pedigreed history and with a much more sophisticated following? Why feel shame or need to justify what you're smoking? That one has been around for 63 years and has outlived the likes of even McClelland. If I was limited to feeling like I needed to smoke what everyone else was smoking I'd give it up completely. Enjoy that Borkum Riff and cheers to the memories. Thankyou my friend. Not apologizing, per say, just trying to help those that might possibly "pounce" to understand that , for me anyways, there are things more important than the ring on the cigar, brand of pipe or label on the tin. dino |
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chasingembers
Senior Member
Posts: 1,909
First Name: Duane
Favorite Pipe: My Growing J. Everett Collection, Fifteen Day Bruce Weaver Set, Meerschaums, Oguz Simsek Skulls
Favorite Tobacco: Black Frigate,Solani Silver Flake, Yenidje Highlander, Angler's Dream, Watch City Slices, Salty Dogs, Mephisto, Ennerdale Flake, Rich Dark Honeydew, 1792 Flake
Location:
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Post by chasingembers on Feb 5, 2022 3:25:43 GMT -5
for me anyways, there are things more important than the ring on the cigar, brand of pipe or label on the tin. Absolutely! That's why I rarely mention a pipe's make in the WAYS thread and I always discard cigar bands before lighting. I respect what others are smoking and hope they give me the same courtesy.đ |
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chasingembers
Senior Member
Posts: 1,909
First Name: Duane
Favorite Pipe: My Growing J. Everett Collection, Fifteen Day Bruce Weaver Set, Meerschaums, Oguz Simsek Skulls
Favorite Tobacco: Black Frigate,Solani Silver Flake, Yenidje Highlander, Angler's Dream, Watch City Slices, Salty Dogs, Mephisto, Ennerdale Flake, Rich Dark Honeydew, 1792 Flake
Location:
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Post by chasingembers on Feb 5, 2022 3:26:50 GMT -5
Beautiful Grabow BTW.
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Post by bonanzadriver on Feb 5, 2022 3:36:40 GMT -5
for me anyways, there are things more important than the ring on the cigar, brand of pipe or label on the tin. Absolutely! That's why I rarely mention a pipe's make in the WAYS thread and I always discard cigar bands before lighting. I respect what others are smoking and hope they give me the same courtesy.đ We are absolutely on the same page. The gentleman that gifted me my first pipe and pouch of tobacco, as well as introduce me to my very first cigar, was a retired Marine Corps General that "adopted" me, while I was stationed @ Corry Station, Pensacola Fl. General Jim had me read The Rules of Civility and Decent Behaviour, by George Washington. He also taught me to remove the band from my cigar before lighting it up, especially when in the company of others. Reason being, as a gentleman, one should not flout their station in life (flex) and make others uncomfortable or feel diminished , and it also avoids those that would do so from assuming a haughty attitude towards you for smoking what they might deem as lesser than or inferior. (in other words, keep you from kicken their arse for being snobs) ;-) |
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Post by bonanzadriver on Feb 5, 2022 3:38:22 GMT -5
Thanks, the grain is amazin.  |
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Post by adui on Feb 5, 2022 3:39:33 GMT -5
Nice Pipe. Nice chess board. My Dad smoked Borkum Riff. I may have to buy a pouch to see if I like it!
I also see you play chess, (I assume since the board is there) Wish I could find some local pipe / cigar fellows who would be willing to meet at a B&M for a smoke and a game...
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Post by bonanzadriver on Feb 5, 2022 3:46:35 GMT -5
Nice Pipe. Nice chess board. My Dad smoked Borkum Riff. I may have to buy a pouch to see if I like it! I also see you play chess, (I assume since the board is there) Wish I could find some local pipe / cigar fellows who would be willing to meet at a B&M for a smoke and a game... I hope you do as well Terry. I love the game and am blessed that my sons do as well. When they come to town we almost always find our way up to the mancave for a cigar or pipe, bourbon or scotch and of course a game or two of chess. |
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mrtalkradio
New Member
Fixing the World One Broadcast at a Time
Posts: 38
First Name: George
Favorite Pipe: All
Favorite Tobacco: Virgina
Location:
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Post by mrtalkradio on Feb 5, 2022 4:55:12 GMT -5
I often ponder how many people would still be smoking a pipe if there weren't forums for them to interact with.
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Post by haebar on Feb 5, 2022 8:24:19 GMT -5
Borkum Riff was also one of my first smokes with my first pipe, a Dr. Grabow smooth bent billiard. Was only about 14 or 15 and remember smoking my pipe with a friend of mine who also had some pipes. I remember it was a delicious smoke and I enjoyed it very much.
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Post by Plainsman on Feb 5, 2022 9:18:20 GMT -5
Absolutely! That's why I rarely mention a pipe's make in the WAYS thread and I always discard cigar bands before lighting. I respect what others are smoking and hope they give me the same courtesy.đ We are absolutely on the same page. The gentleman that gifted me my first pipe and pouch of tobacco, as well as introduce me to my very first cigar, was a retired Marine Corps General that "adopted" me, while I was stationed @ Corry Station, Pensacola Fl. General Jim had me read The Rules of Civility and Decent Behaviour, by George Washington. He also taught me to remove the band from my cigar before lighting it up, especially when in the company of others. Reason being, as a gentleman, one should not flout their station in life (flex) and make others uncomfortable or feel diminished , and it also avoids those that would do so from assuming a haughty attitude towards you for smoking what they might deem as lesser than or inferior. (in other words, keep you from kicken their arse for being snobs) ;-) A gentleman indeed. Not yet a vanishing breed, but close. How lucky you are! |
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Post by trailboss on Feb 5, 2022 10:31:02 GMT -5
Nice Pipe. Nice chess board. My Dad smoked Borkum Riff. I may have to buy a pouch to see if I like it! I also see you play chess, (I assume since the board is there) Wish I could find some local pipe / cigar fellows who would be willing to meet at a B&M for a smoke and a game... Terry, I do not play chess, but I wouldnât doubt it if there was one in the raised poker playing area at big sticks. If there is interest in tye club, we can pick one up and enquire on an email to arrange get togethers. |
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Post by just ol ed on Feb 5, 2022 10:34:05 GMT -5
As always Dino, so well said & the thread starter. No way could I have done it better & thanx. Can't recall how I got started in '62, probably some weight gain from my distance running "career" ending at age 22. Guess corn silk in a cob mighta been the start.
Only reason I leave the gar band on (most of mine no-band), if/when out walking, leaving it on prevents the mouth end from getting really soggy (like clenching the pipe). Don't do cigars to impress enybody, as I mostly smoke alone, neither of us very social people, groups, parties etc. Well said all
Ed Duncan, Batavia, NY
too old to know better!
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Post by pepesdad1 on Feb 5, 2022 11:41:35 GMT -5
Beautiful Grabow BTW....really a fine pipe!
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Post by bonanzadriver on Feb 5, 2022 13:14:16 GMT -5
We are absolutely on the same page. The gentleman that gifted me my first pipe and pouch of tobacco, as well as introduce me to my very first cigar, was a retired Marine Corps General that "adopted" me, while I was stationed @ Corry Station, Pensacola Fl. General Jim had me read The Rules of Civility and Decent Behaviour, by George Washington. He also taught me to remove the band from my cigar before lighting it up, especially when in the company of others. Reason being, as a gentleman, one should not flout their station in life (flex) and make others uncomfortable or feel diminished , and it also avoids those that would do so from assuming a haughty attitude towards you for smoking what they might deem as lesser than or inferior. (in other words, keep you from kicken their arse for being snobs) ;-) A gentleman indeed. Not yet a vanishing breed, but close. How lucky you are! Taking General Jim's lead, I've had all of my children read Washington's little missive. And have taught my sons to honor the gentlemanly way of removing the band from their cigars. This past Christmas Eve, towards the end of our annual Christmas party for friends and family, the men found their way up to the cave for cigars, pipes, and libations. We all started with cigars, I sat back with a knowing smile as I watched my sons (both grown men now) each instinctively removing the band from their cigars as we all settled into our respective places in the cave. cheers |
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Post by sperrytops on Feb 5, 2022 13:22:45 GMT -5
The moment defines the pipe and tobacco required by it. As for cigar bands, you offer a good philosophy. However watching self proclaimed cigar experts on youtube (in this case the proprietor at a London cigar and luxury items store), they will suggest leaving the band on as the glue that secures the band sometimes leaks onto the wrapper. Removing the band can possibly peel away the wrapper. Oh, decisions, decisions.
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Post by Plainsman on Feb 5, 2022 14:28:57 GMT -5
âTrain up thy sons that they shall be the men you should wish then to be.â
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Post by trailboss on Feb 5, 2022 14:29:27 GMT -5
You are on firm ground Dino, you didnât go Captain Black Grape on us.
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Post by sperrytops on Feb 5, 2022 14:31:06 GMT -5
You are on firm ground Dino, you didnât go Captain Black Grape on us. If he did, I would have shuddered. |
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henry
Junior Member
Posts: 108
Location:
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Post by henry on Feb 5, 2022 15:17:55 GMT -5
The pipe seem to be the only tobacco use that is taste driven and also has an aesthetic appeal.
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Zach
Pro Member
If you can't send money, send tobacco.
Posts: 4,360
First Name: Zach
Favorite Pipe: Too many currently, bound to change
Favorite Tobacco: Haunted Bookshop, Big 'N' Burley, Pegasus, Habana Daydream, OJK, Rum Twist, FVF, Escudo, Orlik Golden Sliced, Kendal Flake, Ennerdale
Location:
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Post by Zach on Feb 5, 2022 20:27:50 GMT -5
I found Borkum Riff Bourbon Whiskey to be pretty good the last pouch I had of it, and I love all my Dr Grabows. Especially since the majority of them came directly from my grandfather.
Also forgot to mention that is one sweet Grabow bent bulldog. I love that copper toned acrylic stem and I'd buy one in a heartbeat. I've got more corn cobs and Dr Grabows than all other brands. I have a preference for "everymans" pipes.
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Post by bonanzadriver on Feb 5, 2022 22:33:21 GMT -5
You are on firm ground Dino, you didnât go Captain Black Grape on us. Ya know Charlie, I kinda secretly wanna try CB Grape. In one of your pipes of course. Wouldn't dare put that gooperliscious concoction in one of mine !   |
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Post by Ronv69 on Feb 5, 2022 22:34:13 GMT -5
You are on firm ground Dino, you didnât go Captain Black Grape on us. Ya know Charlie, I kinda secretly wanna try CB Grape. In one of your pipes of course. Wouldn't dare put that gooperliscious concoction in one of mine ! There's a cob for that. đđ€ |
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Post by trailboss on Feb 5, 2022 22:39:20 GMT -5
You are on firm ground Dino, you didnât go Captain Black Grape on us. Ya know Charlie, I kinda secretly wanna try CB Grape. In one of your pipes of course. Wouldn't dare put that gooperliscious concoction in one of mine ! Should you accept that mission Dino, I will disavow any knowledge of your mission. |
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chasingembers
Senior Member
Posts: 1,909
First Name: Duane
Favorite Pipe: My Growing J. Everett Collection, Fifteen Day Bruce Weaver Set, Meerschaums, Oguz Simsek Skulls
Favorite Tobacco: Black Frigate,Solani Silver Flake, Yenidje Highlander, Angler's Dream, Watch City Slices, Salty Dogs, Mephisto, Ennerdale Flake, Rich Dark Honeydew, 1792 Flake
Location:
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Post by chasingembers on Feb 6, 2022 0:53:52 GMT -5
You are on firm ground Dino, you didnât go Captain Black Grape on us. Ya know Charlie, I kinda secretly wanna try CB Grape. In one of your pipes of course. Wouldn't dare put that gooperliscious concoction in one of mine ! It's not as bad as you think. C&D's Visions of CelephĂ€is far out grapes CBG. Now that CBG is discontinued, grab some while you can. One of my IMPs was bought just for CBG.  |
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Zach
Pro Member
If you can't send money, send tobacco.
Posts: 4,360
First Name: Zach
Favorite Pipe: Too many currently, bound to change
Favorite Tobacco: Haunted Bookshop, Big 'N' Burley, Pegasus, Habana Daydream, OJK, Rum Twist, FVF, Escudo, Orlik Golden Sliced, Kendal Flake, Ennerdale
Location:
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Post by Zach on Feb 6, 2022 14:44:45 GMT -5
I never did try the Captain Black Grape but I've had Captain Bob's Blend and while I wasn't bothered by the flavor of the grape Nehi soda topping it kept seemingly giving me a headache. I will be trying the Visions of Celephais sometime soon.
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Post by roadsdiverged on Feb 7, 2022 12:24:02 GMT -5
Nice Pipe. Nice chess board. My Dad smoked Borkum Riff. I may have to buy a pouch to see if I like it! I also see you play chess, (I assume since the board is there) Wish I could find some local pipe / cigar fellows who would be willing to meet at a B&M for a smoke and a game... I'll take you up on that when I get back to AZ for good. I'm here now, but leaving tomorrow. Made a quick decision last week to meet the lady in Vegas for a concert đ Beautiful Grabow bonanzadriver I have some nice pipes and quite a bit of unobtanium/unicorn blends, but sometimes it's just really hard to beat the Grabow Freehand and Carter Hall. |
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Post by trailboss on Feb 7, 2022 12:48:36 GMT -5
I never did try the Captain Black Grape but I've had Captain Bob's Blend and while I wasn't bothered by the flavor of the grape Nehi soda topping it kept seemingly giving me a headache. I will be trying the Visions of Celephais sometime soon. I used to bust a gut over at PM, captain Bob himself found a way to make a Segway about.... â Hey, let me tell you about Captain Bobâs blend!â Whenever the subject of tobacco came up.... I started doing the same thing in a soft pedaled way to have fun with it. |
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Post by Ronv69 on Feb 7, 2022 13:41:40 GMT -5
I never did try the Captain Black Grape but I've had Captain Bob's Blend and while I wasn't bothered by the flavor of the grape Nehi soda topping it kept seemingly giving me a headache. I will be trying the Visions of Celephais sometime soon. I used to bust a gut over at PM, captain Bob himself found a way to make a Segway about.... â Hey, let me tell you about Captain Bobâs blend!â Whenever the subject of tobacco came up.... I started doing the same thing in a soft pedaled way to have fun with it. Segway? Two wheeled personal transportation device? My wife loves them. đ |
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