Quotehardeveningsuburb - 10/3/2011 10:20 PM
Long post, my apologies.
EDIT: grammar.
No worries, I like long posts. They make for good conversation. Just takes me longer to formulate my response and get back to you!
You can get GH&Co blends in bulk by the single ounce from
PipesandCigars.com. I bought 1oz each of 5 different blends that I read reviews on and had to try. They all ran around $5 per ounce. The price drops if you buy more, but for the option to try just a one ounce to sample I was happy to pay the premium. GH&Co are often strong and natural tobaccos (some say cigar-like), but some are Lakeland (like Ennerdale) which is known for it's "soapy" floral flavor. I enjoy it but others don't, it certainly is strong and distinctive. I read reviews and suggest the same.
In case your B&M runs out again, I buy my Stokkebye's from
WVSmokeshop.com. There shipping to CA is funky, check the shipping to your area before commiting. It is cheaper for me to get 3 separate 8oz orders, with individual shipping, than it is for my to buy the 1.5 pound bag all at once. But it is cheap! Lil Brown Smoke Shack also had good prices if I remember. It is afully cool that your B&M stocks it though. Mine uses McC blending tobacco and also have a healthy tin selection of mostly McC, some Dunhill, and a few CAO tins. I've been bombing the tobacconist with my other blends, including LNF, trying to convince them to broaden the selection!
My B&M has sample tins of all the Premium Aros, except Captain Cool, so got to try them before buying. Mellow Mack is a little nutty and sweet, like pecan pie or Cherrios or something. I enjoyed it, but didn't buy it since I liked the Town Topic more (Maple Syrup flavor). Like the others, the casing is present but not too strong, and the quality is superb.
I have a tin of Smyrna No 1 just sitting around... I should really open it!
About Dunhill, they are English of course and are known for their English Blends, which I don't smoke because of the latakia. Others RAVE about them though, especially EMP, Nightcap, and My Mix 965. I have only enjoyed the Royal Yacht blend, but I need to try a couple more. Royal Yacht (RY) is an aromatic with a slight plum or currant flavor, but very heavy in nicotine. It's pleasant tasting, but very lightly cased. It is certainly quality tobacco. I enjoy it all day long, and usually start my day off with it, and yes I highly recommend it. I also recommend having a drink handy because the vitamin-N will dry out your mouth about halfway through. And EAT beforehand too!
Their Deluxe Navy Rolls (VA/Per) and their VA Flake are on my list to try soon too.
Damn, all this talk about tobacco and I haven't even had my first pipe of the day yet. I better get to packing!