Home : Retailers : D&R Tobacco :

Posts from 2004 through 2006

A manufacturer/distributor and retailer of many highly rated tobaccos. The best selection of tubes I have seen. 3.5oz. sample cans and assorted kits. The site is badly organized with way too many pages scattered about. Product prices are reasonable (their tobaccos are ~$19 - $25 per LB). Shipping charges are on the high side (15-20%).

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D&R Tobacco...on the holidays
Posted by Mikey c on Monday, 11-Dec-2006

UPS just knocked real hard on my door which freaked me out as I like to lounge in boxers, anyway, my DnR Christmas is already here.....the Supermatic box appears brand new, I got more tubes like Ramback elite, and Ramback prestige, as well as all others ordered and I believe they gave me FREE shipping.
they have won my heart, that's an understatement....the tobacco I've got is Ramback (think I got a deal on that too), Two Timer, Vengeur, and Windsail Special Edition Gold.....I am off to hand-inject some Ramback, and those of you who have become private friends, lookout, I'll be bombarding you with "how-to's"....wow

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D&R Tobacco (early morning coffee chat)
Posted by mike c on Thursday, 07-Dec-2006

morning early birds! (if there are any!)...thought it was 7 am, god it's only 6...never did get to sleep last night till night-time proper, had company and just shut up for a while.
some mental projections....1st of all, anybody here who knows Mark Ryan and all about him, please don't get sick.
My dealings with him were purely by happenstance as I was aggressively after another Rizla De Luxe hand injector, because the word "Rizla" on it can wear off fairly easily, and I didn't want to break out my mint unused one,,,but now I have for display purposes and the occasional demo use of it on a cig size!! lol! In speaking to Mark, the Hildbrant was one of the machines we discussed, which led to some fun stories about the Supermatic and RBA vs the Topomatic and Republic, and I guess everybody knows the parts are not interchangeable. In my dealings with Mark in email and in person, I have tried my damnedest to bring him here...because...in a VERY humble manner, he has let me know that he is about as "old timer" as it gets in this industry. One of the things I enquired about was the whereabouts of Doug Kennedy. He said Doug is primarily a musician and is busy doing that, and Mark has been trying to encourage him to "lighten the RYO mag load" so he is able to publish more often. So I guess Doug is still alive.
Mark has expressed to me personally a great interest into coming on this forum, but is extremely hesitant/cautious about such a maneuver...he said he is afraid it would be "unethical" since he runs a business, and to be quite honest, said he would be tempted to make corrections and didn't want to be seen as a "know it all" OR detract from the freedom of expression here or anyone's enjoyment of it.
He told me he sure has got some "stories" he could tell. Among topics discussed were industry terminology, because after reading RYO mag, I decided I wanted to take my own "stab" at a free Supermatic machine since it was as yet unclaimed.(far as we know). Mark let me know that D+R basically coined the terms "rolling" and "stuffing" back in 92. It sounded to me that he was letting me know that the government uses the term "rolling", or Ryo, and I am to assume this is to Marks doing, etc. The only reason I bought a Supermatic yesterday, was because he offered me a deal I couldn't refuse, and he is so damned nice, and if I am going to own one, why the hell shouldn't mine come from them!! I am not planning on asking Mark for any more time/attention, he is real busy right now. When I mentioned Dave Lers "gifts" yesterday, what I meant was his engineering skill. That stuff amazes and confounds me, as looking through his usage, tweaks, and maintenance info, I can comprehend about ZERO of what Dave is saying!! Nix Capiche!!! so I have a very great respect for him in that area. I can't retell all of the voluminous info I was given all about cigarette tubes, but believe he was telling me that the Windsail variety is in fact one of the very best, and he is sending me some to peruse. I wanted to also mention that when I said I got a Supermatic (reconditioned) cheap, I meant it....the only reason I didn't state the price is I wasn't certain if that exact same price applies to anyone else, but I am 97 percent sure it does. I thought somebody might need a machine real quick in time for x-mas, which by the way to me is a seasonal holiday for EVERYONE, regardless of religious standing, etc, etc, etc
When I said yesterday, that to me the Ultimatic is better because of the charcoal crank arm, I was joking, although I *do* personally find it very appealing
guess that is it, I have things I need to accomplish, oh yes, I did go to a mental institution yesterday for people with depression problems, drug problems, and homeless problems, and gave my bag of Farmers Golden Leaf to a lady friend there who gave me Bugler packs when I had no money...I was assured that it would go to a specially selected individual, and I know it will....among my adventures there, I amazed a girl with my MYO smokes and the cab driver (they pick me up in a cab whenever I need ride, hahah, wish I had known this 3 years ago, etc.) ended up having me write down the terms RYO, SYO, and MYO, so he could do internet research...whew, what a day that was....and I am going back there today to discuss this list with my therapist (who I don't need but they like me and I go there and we BS for 45 minutes)
have a nice day all
mike c who apologizes for calling myself mdc777, just another term I like and I used to be known on the music lists as the person whose name changed all the time and nobody ever complained.

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Re: D&R Tobacco (early morning coffee chat)
Posted by Dave L on Thursday, 07-Dec-2006

Many/most Supermatic parts can be used on the Top-O-Matic. The mechanisms are geometrically identical. See the bottom of my TOM blurb.

Allowing folks to 'make corrections' is one reason why every topic on this site has a comments section. If Windsail tubes are something more than white tipped FF CTC made Premiers, I want to know. Who would be most qualified to make any correction and how would it be "unethical" to do so?

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Re: D&R Tobacco (early morning coffee chat)
Posted by platoslostdialogue on Thursday, 07-Dec-2006

"Who would be most qualified to make any correction and how would it be "unethical" to do so?"

That's a good question, and Mark made the same point to me in an e-mail several months ago. He doesn't want to stick his nose where he feels it doesn't belong. Personally, I think everyone would appreciate his opinion. Windsail tubes are crap, at least the ones they sent me. They're probably different, though.

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Re: D&R Tobacco (early morning coffee chat)
Posted by mike c on Friday, 08-Dec-2006

interesting Dave....I have never used a premier tube, they are not offered anywhere I shop, and
Mark told me the reason Republic couldn't be sued was because of the changes/non-interchangeable parts
maybe someone else who knows Mark, or anybody wanting him here, can take the ball and run???
also Dave if my long "coffee" chat post is something that doesn't really belong/I should be embarrassed about would you be kind enough to remove it???
thank you sir (ps....while white tipe are something different for a change, I prefer regular tips on mine, I didn't know they were wt)

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Re: D&R Tobacco (early morning coffee chat)
Posted by mark on Monday, 11-Dec-2006

one of our new customers, mike c., left a message for me friday afternoon that i should check his posting on your forum for corrections. some of our customers are members of your forum and i check it periodically. although i have posted to the site several times in the past, most of our customers contact us directly if they have an issue or feedback. mike had emailed earlier with a list of questions (which we answered) and he has subsequently asked me several times to be more of a contributor to your forum. for several reasons, i feel it would be inappropriate to make excessive use of the forum. first and foremost, it is a user forum. i do not believe it is intended for self promotion by manufacturers. some readers might also conclude d&r had some direct connection/association with the forum. on a more personal note, i mentioned to mike that i had been around ryo since 1991 so had experienced most of the evolution that some folks just speculated about. nevertheless, i do not want to repeatedly post corrections to what seem as objective to me but may be subjective to others. my doting oversight might inhibit posting and discourage free flow of consumer ideas/opinions. i would like to continue to post some more educational content in the future (light tubes discussion is needed) and maybe an occasional product update. regarding the term used for our segment, we are fine with consumer preferences and usage. the government uses the term ryo for tobacco. myo, syo (or both) are ok with me but i am reluctant to use cmc as we would prefer to distance ourselves from "cigarettes." mike asked if doug kennedy were still well (and alive) and i said he was well and busy with numerous things. as many of you know, doug can answer for himself. doug provides an entertaining and edifying magazine for ryo enthusiasts. thanks and we appreciate your encouragement and support.

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Is D&R "new blends" page in error?
Posted by Warren on Friday, 01-Sep-2006

It seems their web page ( [link] ) for these new tobaccos is written in Spanish ("Sigaretta Tobacco") and their order forms below lack the brand name (the form has only some kind of item number which is not connected to the tobacco brand name). How do you order on their page the "Two-Timer gold or Rayback gold"? Which number is which tobacco?

Generally, while their tobaccos are of high quality and their personnel is friendly, their web pages are substandard and ambiguous. They have much too small item pictures which combine multiple items on a single jpeg image, without identifying which sub-picture is for which product. For example, this [link] is their cigarette boxes display -- how do you associate one of 9 sub-pictures with the box name on the boxes "description" page [link] . Additionally, the item descriptions are either absent or poorly written and uninformative (again lumping multiple items under the same description at the top, without specifying which attributes apply to which item e.g. [link] ). Are we supposed to count the attributes in the bulk description and match them to some item number somewhere?

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Re: Is D&R "new blends" page in error?
Posted by Dolores on Friday, 01-Sep-2006

Scroll down to the bottom of this web page [link] to read info about "Don Giovanni Sigaro™ [and] Sigaretta™" premium RYO cigar blend tobaccos.

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How to order D&R Two Timer or Ramback Gold
Posted by Dolores on Friday, 01-Sep-2006

Warren,

From the D&R home page, click on "Cigarette Tobacco" [link] from their "Shop Online" menu at top center page (I browse with Safari on my Mac, so I don't know how it appears on a PC using IE, Firefox, or Netscape).

You'll see a list of tobacco links below their online shipping links - the top two are their "New Blends" (including Two Timer Gold, Ramback Gold, Ryback Gold, and others). If you're interested in a 14 oz. pouch, click on the top link. If you're interested in a 3.5 oz tub, click on the link just below this. Both will lead you to a page where you choose your quantity. Pick whatever you may be interested in to then select your tobacco. Don't worry - none of this will be added to your cart until you select the flavor and consequently click the option to continue shopping or place your order (either of which will add it into your shopping cart). And, if you accidentally do, you may empty your cart at any time.

Aside from ordering by the 3.5 oz tub or 14 oz pouch, you may also order it through a refill kit if you want one of the tube brands they offer in these kits: small includes one 14 oz pouch + 2 boxes of tubes; the large includes three 14 oz pouches + 6 boxes of tubes. On the "Shopping Online" menu, click on "MYO Refill Kits" [link] You first select your tubes by small or large refill kit, add to your shopping cart, select your tobacco, then add to your cart.

If you want tubes outside of their refill kit selection, simply order the tobacco and tubes separately.

And, if you order a large refill kit and are interested in ordering a Premier Supermatic, you may take advantage of a current sales special: buy a large refill kit and purchase a Premiere Supermatic for $34.95. [link]

D&R domestic shipping is calculated on a sliding scale based upon your total up to $99.99. Once your order hits $100, shipping is 10% or 20% of your total contingent upon shipping method and state of delivery. [link]

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Re: How to order D&R Two Timer or Ramback Gold
Posted by Warren on Friday, 01-Sep-2006

Thanks for clarifying the 'sigaretta' items. I thought for a minute you're going bilingual. That 'sigaretta' blend has the blend name under the item, while the others are lumped into a single generic order button. Only after placing the item blindly into the shopping cart, one gets to see the second list allowing to specify the tobacco blend by name.

I think a visitor may not wish to hit the original button to put some unknown item into the shopping cart, since it isn't obvious that there would be another level of selection after one clicks "ADD selected item to your Shopping Cart" -- the verb "selected" on the button implies that all the selection has already occured (which in fact selects only the size but not the blend).

Anyway, I think that page ought to be clarified and made consistent, along with other bulk style ambiguous forms & images (such as those for cigarette boxes mentioned [link] ). You may also wish to send your webmaster to visit the Nielsen's Web usability page "Alertbox" [link] , where he will discover number of elementary usability mistakes he is making ( [link] and [link]). In particular, the rolling banner text on your home page is a big no-no, along with PDF files used for just plain text (in contrast with mathematical papers which can't use plain HTML). The convoluted order forms, ambiguous item displays and missing description are also thwarting customers from selecting or deciding whether to order an item.

Individual (and larger) picture and a specific description for each item being sold, separate from others, would surely help visitor decide whether to order something or not since people generally don't like to order blindly.

Unlike your web page, your tobacco blends are, of course, among the best around. And your service is second to none. I liked especially Ryback gold (which you guys sent as a free gift when I ordered the old Ryback; I was in fact looking for a place on your page to order and try Ryback gold). Now that Gauloises and Black Death zware brands can't be found in USA any more, I hope you will develop a stronger variant of Ryback gold to fill that void.

BTW, are the Excel filterless tubes still being made or are you selling them from the existent stock? Should I buy few years worth of them before they're gone? (It would be a pain the neck to have to use filtered tubes and then cut the filters after stuffing them.)

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Re: How to order D&R Two Timer or Ramback Gold
Posted by Manx on Friday, 01-Sep-2006

Instead of using this forum as a soapbox for your blatherings about web design, why not direct your comments straight to D&R? This site has nothing to do with them.

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Re: How to order D&R Two Timer or Ramback Gold
Posted by Kerry on Friday, 01-Sep-2006

Although I might agree that contacting D&R directly about their web site design might be more "appropriate", I also agree with everything Warren commented about concerning the D&R web site.

Also, the links he provided were/are very interesting, informative and CORRECT concerning web design. D&R should take his advice and read the recommendations. Maybe get another webmaster? Their site has been screwed up like this for quite a while.

As I am absolutely positive that Mark Ryan and probably others at D&R read this forum regulary, this is probably a better place for them to see/read what their customers like/dislike about their site/products because people simply feel more free to express their likes/dislikes with any product or company. Also, as a forum, it gives all of us a chance to see what other folks think that would not be known if we only contacted a company directly.

I wouldn't call his message "blatherings" although it did turn into a message directed "at" D&R instead of "about" D&R's web site, as if this was their site.

My only advice for D&R concerning their web site is stick to the "KISS!" principle. "Keep It Simple, Stupid!"

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Re: How to order D&R Two Timer or Ramback Gold
Posted by Dave L on Saturday, 09-Sep-2006

I have talked with Mark about the site (both years ago and just recently), basically he's had his hands full (like me, in a constant state of catching up). It takes a surprising amount of time to maintain an active and changing site, categorizing and organizing is a bitch.

Most of the MYO online stores bug me in one way or another. The D&R site is getting really bad as far as usability goes. As usual ideas are cheap. Last weekend I tried playing with what I would do with the D&R website [link] After a few hours I started seeing the bigger picture and just how much work it might take to do it right.

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Re: How to order D&R Two Timer or Ramback Gold
Posted by Warren on Sunday, 10-Sep-2006

This site is very simple and streamlined, like the old Yahoo or Google, just the stuff visitor cares about. Highly usable (in Nielsen's sense). With the inevitable growth of SYO ahead, I think it will become quite big if it maintains its present style and content. It wouldn't bother me if you were to add some text ads and links for paid advertisers, such as tobacco and SYO supplies vendors (and not, of course, for any professional anti-smokers, or medical & big pharma peddlers), if that will keep the site growing and allow it to receive the full attention.

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Re: How to order D&R Two Timer or Ramback Gold
Posted by Kent C on Sunday, 10-Sep-2006

Dave,

I like your suggestion. It would be nice just to have all the tobacco listed on one page. He could say in the 'blurb' whether it was 'new' or 'premium' etc. rather than the links to a page of only those tobaccos. Same for the tubes and other stuff - one page for each type of product. I understand the 'kits' may be more difficult.

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Re: How to order D&R Two Timer or Ramback Gold
Posted by Dolores on Friday, 01-Sep-2006

Warren,

I'm very new to the world of MYO. I made my second order with D&R and also found their web site a bit clumsy, although their quality products and stellar service more than compensate for this shortcoming. Customers may also call their toll-free # during their open hours of operation to make inquiries and/or submit their order to a live person (or through a recorded message on their answering machine after business hours).

I spoke with a lovely woman named Patsy (I believe this is her name) when I received two boxes of the wrong tubes with my order. She is truly a gem ~ she sent me the correct tubes and even threw in a few additional boxes of tubes (shipped immediately via USPS Priority Mail) ~ AND, I got to keep the wrong tubes as well. Why not give her a call to voice your concerns? Toll Free: 1-877-989-9458

I apologize if I confused you with my response to one of your questions. I simply knew the answer as I went through this myself before I finally submitted my order. Now that I have figured it out, I'll have no difficulty submitting all my future orders through their web site.

Very best ~ Dolores

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Re: How to order D&R Two Timer or Ramback Gold
Posted by Warren on Saturday, 02-Sep-2006

> I apologize if I confused you with my response to
> one of your questions.

Oops. From your detailed and helpful instructions on getting around the D&R web page quirks, I was under impression that you work in tech support/customer service for D&R. Oh well, since this site is "The Place" to visit for anyone in SYO, I am sure D&R folks read these messages, especially those with their name in the title, hence my suggestions for their web page improvements won't go to waste.

I also apologize to the fellow smokers here who got irritated by my reply. With the present-day witch hunt and obscene extortion of smokers, I think we already have more than enough enemies and battles to fight, to still dissipate time and energies on petty squabbles among ourselves.

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D&R Tobacco - Vera Cruz tubes
Posted by Dominick Versetto on Saturday, 26-Aug-2006

D&R has been out of Vera Cruz tubes for about a month now.

Has anyone heard when they expect a new supply?

dominick

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Re: D&R Tobacco - Vera Cruz tubes
Posted by DS on Monday, 28-Aug-2006

you could email or call them

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Re: D&R Tobacco - Vera Cruz tubes
Posted by MAJ on Wednesday, 13-Sep-2006

D&R is showing Vera Cruz tubes are in stock now. It looks like they have the new St. Vincent brand since they are also offering the Vera Cruz Elegant as well as the Nocturne versions.

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Re: D&R Tobacco - Vera Cruz tubes
Posted by Kent C on Wednesday, 13-Sep-2006

Just saw that last night and ordered some Elegantes to try. Also picked up some Rizla tubes from some of the reviews posted here.

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D&R Tobacco
Posted by Captain U-96 AKA Mike on Monday, 14-Aug-2006

I have been ordering my Ramback Turkish from ryotobacco.com, because D&R's advertised shipping rates seemed to be a bit steep; compared to ryo's $7 Priority Mail on any order! I ordered two pouches of Ramback from ryo last week, and both seemed to be a bit dry, and the vacuum seemed to be gone as well. A small bit of damp sponge has fixed the problem, but I was disappointed none the less.
   So, I ordered one pouch of Ramback from D&R on the 10th, and received it today, the 14th. There was a noticeable difference in the product from D & R in that it was fresher. The shipping on one pouch of Ramback was $6 bucks Priorty Mail, and it'l probably cost me $11 to $13 bucks if I order 3? What I'm getting at is I'd have been ordering from D & R right along if their shipping wasn't as aggressive. Mike

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Re: D&R Tobacco
Posted by Kerry on Tuesday, 15-Aug-2006

Love their tobacco. Smoke it almost exclusively! Love the people too! As I like to say: Nice folks with a quality product!

However, their "shipping and handling" charges do leave a LOT to be desired. Not to mention that there are absolutely NO local retailers in my area for ANY of their products. So, I have to order either from them or another "long distance" retailer.

American Thrust raised their prices on D&R products recently, but I haven't done the math to figure out whether their shipping rates (free for orders over $90) make it cheaper than ordering direct for a given amount of tobacco.

Oh, well. Maybe Mark Ryan will see this and make some changes, but I am not holding my breath.

Still, D&R makes the best SYO/RYO tobacco for the money that I have found.

Hey Mark Ryan, did you read this? (grin)

P.S.

My orders are always via UPS as they are large enough and I don't live in a state that D&R requires USPS delivery.

One other thing I wish D&R would do is list ALL the ingredients in all their branded blends. The wording used in their descriptions is at best misleading. Some people believe there are NO additives in their tobacco and D&R says nothing to dispute this incorrect perception.

Nearly all tobacco, with very few exceptions, has additives for flavoring, including pipe, cigar, chewing, snuff and cigarette tobaccos. The mistake folks make is in the details or semantics.

No "chemical" "flavorings", "additives" or "casings" does not mean "NO ADDITIVES" or "NO CASINGS". The additives may be "natural", however the definition of "natural" may be the real problem in some cases. In any case, additives are additives and SHOULD be listed so that the consumer is aware of what they are consuming/smoking, etc.

For the most part there are only so many "types" of tobacco available. The "taste" or flavor difference between each is due, for the most part, to added flavorings. Either natural or not, these are still additives. With VERY few (if any) exceptions, ALL tobacco has additives.

OK, there I go again...

Figure it out for yourself.

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Re: D&R Tobacco
Posted by platoslostdialogue on Tuesday, 15-Aug-2006

I too have shied away from D&R recently. Their tobacco is some of the best I've smoked, but their shipping policies leave much to be desired. I have turned towards ryotobacco for two main reasons, the flat-rate Priority shipping, and the carrying of mcclintock virginia and auld kendall (which is now called Sagamore Platinum). I haven't seen auld kenall at any other store, and while the last time I ordered from D&R they did have mcclintock virginia, the higher shipping costs and larger distance (I live in CA) turned me off of them. I agree their labels are misleading but they also tell you more about their blends than just about any other company, especially if you e-mail Mark. I will probably turn to them again in the future when my last can of Rimboche runs dry and I want something more unique, but for now, RYO Tobacco is the place for me. I just don't like the whole sliding shipping rate system (and I don't want to wait five-six days for a package).

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D&R Tobacco
Posted by Dolores on Sunday, 13-Aug-2006

After my first purchase at American Thrust and trying a number of the $1 samples, I made my second purchase with D&R. As I submitted an order exceeding $100, shipping was 10% of my total.

I ordered a few sample kits and small MYO refill kits, in addition to purchasing different brand tubes - to try them all out. My order was filled quickly, shipped fast, and very safely packed.

Purchasing D&R tobacco directly from the source saved me some cash (versus other online vendors), which always makes me happy!

Their web site can definitely be better organized to simplify navigation, although their excellent service, competitive pricing, quality products, and stellar reputation more than make up for this shortcoming.

I'm definitely purchasing from D&R when my inventory runs low.

Many thanks again to the host of this discussion group and for the comments ~ all of which helped me tremendously in deciding from whom I chose to purchase.

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Re: D&R Tobacco
Posted by Eric on Thursday, 17-Aug-2006

Hello everyone
It is my 1st. time posting, but have been using this great site for a little over a year after I got started syo.
The past year I have been buying tobacco/tubes from local smoke shops, the variety is just not that good here in phoenix for syo tobacco. The best so far locally I have found is mc menthol mixed with mc light for menthol lights. Tube choice is poor also; premier lights are the best in the stores here.
This past week I made my first order to d&r, made a mistake, ordered rayo ff tubes oh god are they bad! Very poorly made at the filters, there is a hump the length of the seam.
Now d&r tobacco, I got the Wingate light…love it! Great taste smooth, I will order again
From d&r.

Eric

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Re: D&R Tobacco
Posted by Eric on Thursday, 17-Aug-2006

Special thx to patsy for replacing the rayo tubes at no charge! D&R will be getting my repeat business!

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Re: D&R Tobacco
Posted by Wazmo Nariz on Thursday, 17-Aug-2006

D&R is the Motts when it comes to customer service. I've never been blown-off, treated with disrespect or anything of that nature. If you call, they'll try to answer every question and make every effort to behave as if you're their one and only customer. Great place.

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Re: D&R Tobacco
Posted by ERIC on Wednesday, 06-Sep-2006

I have to agree, their site is not the easiest to navigate, nor are the pic’s of their products lined up to match their description. But service/quality is great! s/h is on the high side compared to the site I used to use (ky cigarettes.com) where the same s/h charge was the same price no matter the size ($8.00). But their price for mcclintock menthol went up to high for me.

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D&R pouch bags are terrible
Posted by andrew on Sunday, 16-Apr-2006

So I order 2 pouches of D&R tobacco after trying the tub samples which were excellent, and as soon as i open the pouch the seal breaks off, even though i opened the foil above the seal. Then the tobacco tastes stale or something, likes its missing all of the flavor. The weird thing is this never happens in the tubs, only the plastic vaccum sealed bags. This is the second time this has happened, and i think it sucks.

I guess the point is if you want to experience the tobacco the way its meant to be smoked only order the sample tubs from D&R, because the pouch packaging they use somehow affects the taste of the tobacco. Maybe tobacco isnt meant to be vaccum sealed. Or perhaps the plastic lining affects the flavor/quality.

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Re: D&R pouch bags are terrible
Posted by Kerry on Sunday, 16-Apr-2006

I'll agree that the "zip-lock" seal on the bags is lousy. Well over 70% of my bags from D&R have the breaking zip-lock seal problem on initial opening. The rest usually break before I am finished with them. That is why I always keep gallon sized freezer bags on hand. Yes the zip-lock type. I simply place the original D&R bag in one of these and it does the job for me.

As for the taste difference, I haven't tried D&R in the small tubs. I don't think it has anything to do with the plastic bags or vacuum packing, except that the tobacco may have become too dry from a broken seal. In any case, try rehydrating the tobacco and see if the flavor isn't closer to what you experience from the tubs.

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Re: D&R pouch bags are terrible
Posted by JD on Sunday, 16-Apr-2006

My experience with the D&R bags is that I typically have to dump the tobacco out, spread it around and loosen it all up and allow it to "air out" or breathe for awhile. All of the bags I ever purchased from D&R, and there have been plenty, have almost always been quite moist, so I can let them aerate for a couple hours. If they do dry out a little too much, a simply mist the tobacco with a touch of distilled water before placing it into the storage containers I use.

Perhaps this might help, as I've never really noticed a big difference between the bags and tubs when using this technique.

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Re: D&R pouch bags are terrible
Posted by andrew on Monday, 17-Apr-2006

I always dry out enough tobacco for about 20 cigarettes before rolling, because i think the tobacoo taste better sightly crisp. Sometimes I even microwave it for 15 seconds to get it close to the perfect moisture content, if i want to stuff it right away. But i will still notice the slightly off flavor when compared to D&R plastic tubs. Im an ex Marlboro smoker and vegetarian so flavor has to be just right to me or i guess i'll complain.

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Re: D&R pouch bags are terrible
Posted by G on Monday, 17-Apr-2006

Well......

I never smoked Marlboro, but I am a vegetarian with sensitive smell :). I can say that in over a year of buying D&R bags, I have yet to encounter an off smelling bag. The worst I have encountered from them are a couple of dry tubs.

I would call or email them and explain your concern.

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Re: D&R pouch bags are terrible
Posted by JD on Monday, 17-Apr-2006

Nothing wrong with complaining. After all, you're the one laying out the cash. The only diff I've ever really noted between bags vs tubs is that the tubs are noticably drier than the bags 75% of the time I've ever purchased them.

Maybe you might try to work out a deal with Mark about buying however many tubs equals one bag for the price of one bag.... ;-)

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Re: D&R pouch bags are terrible
Posted by DMac on Tuesday, 18-Apr-2006

I've never received a dry tub from D&R, but have got a few dry bags. Combine the dryness with handling during shipping and you get alot of shake. I've almost decided to quit ordering from D&R because of this.
Maybe it's because I know to take care now, but I have found the seal to not be quite as easy to tear away as when I first started ordering. I move the tobacco to an airtight container when I open a pouch so the seal isn't that much of a problem for me, but for others I can see where it would be.
IMHO tobacco (any company's) isn't meant for long term storage or handling in a plastic bag. The cans many companies use are much sturdier and hold up better during shipping, handling and storage.

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Re: D&R pouch bags are terrible
Posted by Dano on Tuesday, 18-Apr-2006

Try breaking the pouches down into air tight Mason Jars when you get them. The jars are dollar store cheap and come in different sizes.

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Re: D&R pouch bags are terrible
Posted by Mike on Tuesday, 30-May-2006

Definitely recommend using mason jars. The 2 Liter Luminarcs hold 14 ounces perfectly, cost about 7 dollars each.

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Re: D&R pouch bags are terrible
Posted by Sponnie on Thursday, 20-Apr-2006

Some of the bags I have ordered from D&R have a different "zipper" that is more like a gallon freezer bag ie. thicker. The new bags seem to seal better and don't pull away from the bag.

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Re: D&R pouch bags are terrible
Posted by Bob on Thursday, 07-Sep-2006

Try cutting the bag before opening the seal-I use a single edged razor blade to cut away the area above the tabs on each side of the bag & just have to be carefull with the zip open top. I do agree that the cardboard/metal McClintock/Stockkebye
is a much better storage container & have opened those containers that are over 3 years since packing & their just fine-I'am trying to think of a better way to store my D&R tobacco but have not found the ideal way YET.

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Re: D&R Tobacco
Posted by boardopboy on Tuesday, 01-Nov-2005

These guys are great!

I once had them send me the wrong tubes. So I called them an was astonished at how they resolved the issue!

The correct tubes arrive, at no charge, the NEXT day, via USPS Priority Mail... AND I got to keep the incorrect tubes... which was nice, as I got to experiment with something other than my usual brand of tubes!

The dealings with the folks at D&R have been nothing but spectacular!

Oh.. JD, I understand they are currently in the process of revamping their website with the customer in mind... expect BIG changes in the navigation and overall shopping experience in the near future! For the better of course!

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Re: D&R Tobacco
Posted by JD on Thursday, 20-Oct-2005

Man, if every MYO experience was like mine with D&R, no one would be smoking manufactured junk at all. I called and spoke at length to the good folks there about what I'd been used to smoking in the past, what I thought I might be looking for as far as taste, lightness, etc. as well as my smoking habits, tubes I've used, injector, etc. I've not had a customer service experience like that in years (either bricks and mortar or internet/mail order). My experiences with my local shops have been indifferent at best, totally wrong and unhelpful in the main.

My order arrived in 3 days--exactly as ordered and carefully packaged with no tube damage or other problems. I didn't find their web site to be particularly hard to navigate, although it could be a little better laid-out. I found everything I wanted to find rather quickly. Great company, great people.

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Re: D&R Tobacco
Posted by V.B. on Thursday, 03-Nov-2005

I'll second your praise of D&R. I've dealt with them frequently and never was disappointed. The only other place whose service is comparable in its excellence is American Thrust, although their selection of D&R blends is currently very limited.

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Re: D&R Tobacco
Posted by Denny on Thursday, 03-Nov-2005

I'll also second your praise,I never had a problem with them. I have just ordered 2 bags of wingate gold from them. Also I had very good fortune with www.ryotobacco.com, their sagamore line is nice. I know there are other outlets out there, and I haven't used all of them, but from my experience these two, and Lil Brown are tops with me! Speaking of Top, I will be reviewing my experiments,and viewpoints with the Top O Matic vs the Supermatic in the near future. Also FYI the T.O.M, and supermatic cutter/compressor bar are interchangeable, at least mine were.

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Re: D&R Tobacco
Posted by jake on Tuesday, 19-Jul-2005

Best service, friendly folks and I'm pretty sure that there are no lower prices on machines and tubes to be found anywhere else. They even allowed me a credit against other tubes when I found that I couldn't hack the filterless Excel's. Truly an asset to our sport...

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Re: D&R Tobacco
Posted by Terry Ash on Friday, 04-Mar-2005

Firstly, I must say that D&R has top notch service and the best product available.   They have something for almost every smoker.

Anyways, I'm not sure if this is where I should post this but I am in need. My favorite tobacco is D&R's Athey. I smoke it every day. However, just as they warn, it's suggested that one hand rolls Athey. I hate Hand rolling. I much prefer to use my Supermatic. This is the problem, it gums up the machine. I go through part replacements like crazy, which I shouldn't have to.   

Does anyone know a similar smoke to Athey that isn't flake cut or so moist or a blend I might try?

Or does someone know a trick that I don't?

As a last resort, is there a machine for Athey that is as simple to use as a Supermatic?

Deeply in need,

Terry

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Re: D&R Tobacco
Posted by mark on Sunday, 04-Sep-2005

we are developing a new athey blend in the string cut. the task has been more difficult than i anticipated (primarily) because our new blend uses a much higher grade of tobacco (and is therefore difficult to get both aroma and flavor the same). please let me know if you would be interested in beta tasting our current iterations. we would appreciate your feedback.

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Re: D&R Tobacco
Posted by Tim Aydt on Sunday, 04-Sep-2005

Mark, I would love to beta test the Athey blend.

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Re: D&R Tobacco
Posted by CHP on Tuesday, 06-Sep-2005

Absolutely, positively, Mark. Thank you.

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Re: D&R Tobacco
Posted by James on Wednesday, 07-Sep-2005

Mark,

I ordered a tub with my last order and really enjoyed it but decided it was too much trouble stuffing it. I'd be interested in trying in a more stuff-able cut.

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Re: D&R Tobacco
Posted by Bill Phillips on Thursday, 08-Sep-2005

DEar Mark, i would alsp like to taste test your new athey blend Thanks Bill Phillips a current customer

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Re: D&R Tobacco
Posted by Sponnie on Friday, 04-Mar-2005

Hello Gang

Whith my last D&R order they sent a flyer called Tobacconist. In it was an interesting interview with D&R owner Mark Ryan. On the back was news of seven new blends from D&R. The two that look most interesting are Don Giovanni Sigaro and Don Giovanni Sigaretta. Mark Ryan says both blend will contain Cuban seed tobacco grown in the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, and Ecuador. The Sigaretta is blended with flue cured golden leaf. I am looking forward to trying both new cigar blends!

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Re: D&R Tobacco
Posted by E.S.O. on Friday, 04-Mar-2005

I recieved the same offprint with my order this week, and was surprised to see 'platinum' versions of some of the D&R standards advertised (Vengeur Platinum, etc.). I wonder what these will be like?

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Re: D&R Tobacco
Posted by sponnie on Friday, 04-Mar-2005

also noticed several Gold blends (Ramback Gold, Two Timer Gold, Ryback gold, and Windgate Gold) Looks like plenty of new quality tobacco to try!

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New blends? Re: D&R Tobacco
Posted by Kerry on Thursday, 10-Mar-2005

I haven't ordered direct from D&R for a while, but I check their web site regularly and it doesn't list anything new in tobaccos since the Rimboche blends.

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P.S. Ramback temporarily out of stock
Posted by Kerry on Thursday, 10-Mar-2005

P.S.

I did notice that D&R listed their Ramback Turkish as "temporarily out of stock".

Makes me wonder...

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Re: New blends? Re: D&R Tobacco
Posted by sponnie on Friday, 11-Mar-2005

I think the new blends will be released in the spring.

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Re: D&R Tobacco
Posted by CHP on Wednesday, 10-Nov-2004

Just to add my two cents. I've been ordering from D&R about a year now.. They always acknowledge the order and I always receive a tracking number (UPS). The tobacco is first rate. I got an order that was mixed up last week: They sent the wrong papers (ordered Rizla and received Gizeh). I sent an email that night (I also mentioned that another earlier order of vera cruz tubes had a significant number of unglued tubes as an FYI, not a complaint) the next morning, they acknowledged my email and sent the correct papers AND a new box of tubes the same day! Needless to say, I can't say enough good things about D&R. Prompt, courteous, and professional, good customer service is getting quite rare these days, and I think when you receive it, you should acknowledge it. That means more to me than saving a few pennies. They've earned the loyalty of this customer.

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D&R Tobacco
Posted by Kurt Wall on Friday, 23-Apr-2004

I've placed several orders with D&R (http://www.cigarettetobacco.com/) and have been quite pleased. Shipping is quick, the tobacco is fresh, and the folks themselves are quite friendly. I sent my dad a starter kit from D&R and he has also become a customer.

The reason I write this, though, is to sing their praise. In my last order, which was comparatively small (one pound of Two Timer, a 3.5 ounce tub of something else, and one of their private label tins), they also sent *six* 3.5 ounce tubs of samples of their other tobaccos! For those of you who didn't do the math, I ordered 17.5 ounces of tobacco and got 21 extra ounces. I was amazed and delighted.

So, kudos and thanks to D&R! The tobacco has been consistently first rate and they run their business like they intend to stay in it.

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Re: D&R Tobacco
Posted by Tim Mc on Friday, 05-Mar-2004

I like these guys. I have two orders in with them. The first I ordered regular post. It took about 4 business days to arrive. I ordered late on a Tuesday and got it Monday morning. The second I ordered early on Monday morning and got on Wednesday. That one I ordered priority mail. They charge decent shipping rates and if you order it early in the morning it appears it WILL be shipped the same day.

I haven't received any dry products from them. Everything has been fresh as a daisy (a nice change from the loveable but unconcerned Ziggymart).

The site mechanics are strange and I hope they fix that one day. Its the store... when you put something in your cart you have to re-enter the store and find the next item you wanted to add to the cart all over again.

Recently they started shipping with a larger order catalog included in the purchase. This is a nice touch as it is good reading material. Not to mention I am trying to get my local tobacoo store to carry their selection and this will make it all the easier. I can drop off the book with other people and give them some things to think about.

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Re: D&R Tobacco
Posted by Slack on Saturday, 04-Dec-2004

I also have a local tobacco shop which offers to order virtually anything you can think of. Sadly, they never actually get what you wanted in and they always seem to have some other product you can buy instead.
I've had great luck with both Lil Brown and D&R but I have to say D&R go the extra mile with customer service and so far every one of their tobaccos I've tried has been very high quality. Even the ones that weren't to my taste were still good tobaccos.
As for the Ramback, I fell in love with it but of course, everyone's taste is different.

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Re: D&R Tobacco
Posted by Clayton on Thursday, 16-Dec-2004

I recently placed an order for one of the 3.5 oz sample kits and a box of tubes from D&R and I just have to say that their customer service is first rate.

I'm relatively new to MYO and hadn't tried many tubes or tobaccos, so i sent a reply to the confirmation email asking if they could please put together a tube sampler and offer it for a reasonable price on their website. I received a reply to my email that evening indicating that they had shipped my order with some of the light(I smoke light) tubes they had to offer. Imagine my surprise when i opened the box and found that they had not only shipped me samples... they had shipped with my order, six full boxes of tubes(aside from the tubes i had ordered. This at no extra cost!

Not only is their customer service great, their tobacco is outstanding. I look forward to experimenting with all of the tubes and trying more of their tobaccos.

I've been lurking on syo.dalrun for about a month now, trying to soak up the MYO experience. I'd like to say thanks to Dave for the time and effort he has put into the website, and to all the posters who share their knowledge and experiences on the subject. I'm learning a lot and am finally enjoying something that once was just a bad habit that I had resigned myself to. Will probably continue to lurk again for a while untill I find something else that I think is worth sharing.

Thanks again and happy smoking =)

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Re: D&R Tobacco
Posted by Kev on Friday, 01-Apr-2005

I finally ordered from D&R. Order placed at 10am Thu and received on Tue. Good sturdy boxes packed with peanuts resulted in no damage.

I ordered a variety of items - Two Timer, both Rimboche blends, Gizeh Silver Tips/Charbons, Smokey cases and the less expensive Excel injector. As I'm playing with my new toys I must say, it may be hard to go back to my old less expensive tobaccos and tubes.

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