Archive 1

Posted by Paul on Friday, 01-Dec-2006

Just like the gas prices. Although our country won't go to war over tobacco. I think it will anger some folks enough to want to go to war over our country's need to control adult lives and habits. Sure, if tobacco was never consumed (smoked, chewed, snorted etc..) then we might have a healthier world. But we smoke therefore we are.
I think we all know that tobacco prices will never decrease. Ten years of tobacco is quite a purchase and I know that I could not afford to do that. So for now just like smoking the time to stock up is up to each of us.

[ link ] to this. Go to [ top ]

Posted by Wazmo Nariz on Friday, 01-Dec-2006

Might be time to consider stockpiling some seeds and growing our own...undoubtedly some chucklehead someowhere would press to crinilize the act of growing tobacco....
[link]

[ link ] to this. Go to [ top ]

Posted by Warren on Friday, 01-Dec-2006

Thanks for the link. I saved it. You never know where this antismoking hysteria is heading. One would certainly have to plant some in the back yard if there is an outright prohibition in sight.

[ link ] to this. Go to [ top ]

Posted by bebop on Saturday, 02-Dec-2006

Well the trigger point in RI is already here. I already have to cross the border to buy my supplies. I don't think growing my own tobacco would help here, as what they heavily tax here is the tubes (good luck trying to find those here) and the rolling papers. Though if i really have too, I may have to try a pipe (though i hope it never gets to that point). I do find myself buying a few extra boxes of tube and maybe one more bag of tobacco when i buy my supplies. But there's no way i could afford to stock pile for too many years unless i do it gradually. How long do you think tubes would stay good anyway?

[ link ] to this. Go to [ top ]

The Great America Light Up

Posted by Warren on Saturday, 02-Dec-2006

> How long do you think tubes would stay good anyway?

I don't know about filters, but the paper should probably outlast any one of us. I have an old almost used up pack of English Ovals (non-filtered) back from 1982 which I kept as memorabilia (I was trying to impress my date with fancy cigarettes; it worked and I married her year later). The paper is still flexible, although tobacco turns into dust if I touch it.

[ link ] to this. Go to [ top ]

Re: When to stock up?: Posted by bebop on Saturday, 02-Dec-2006
Wow that is long. You just gave me an idea, I have been saving the rolling papers with tobacco i get, trying figure out what to do with them. Maybe i better continue to save them, You just never know.
[ link ] to this. Go to [ top ]

Re: When to stock up?: Posted by pete on Tuesday, 20-Feb-2007
I would like to recommend you visit www.tma.org
This is a site dedicated to the tobacco industry and will give you a heads up on the upcoming tax increases, changes, etc. Might give you some insight.
[ link ] to this. Go to [ parent | top ]

SAMPLES

Posted by mike c on Saturday, 25-Nov-2006

Is American Thrust the only place for 1oz samples?? I am convinced that I must have a taste of the wonderful stuff of which so many speak!! I don't need chocolate or licorice in my tobacco, and don't need anything for "occasional" smoking...what I want is the finest all around smoke available!! I was leaning toward Ramback, thinking the price is for a reason...anyway, open to suggestions of what, where, and how much to make the shipping "come out in the mix"
mc

[ link ] to this. Go to [ top ]

Re: SAMPLES: Posted by Wazmo Nariz on Sunday, 26-Nov-2006
The 1 oz samplers are a great idea, and a good place for a newbie to start; I wish other retailers would institute similar options.

Try not to go crazy and roll and smoke a stick from eight or ten samples all at once, though, like I used to do before I found my fave blends. Unless a sample really sucks, try to smoke an entire oz before moving on to the next (but save out a couple of sticks worth from each smaple so you can have something to compare with other than memory once you've narrowed the field down a bit). Good luck!
[ link ] to this. Go to [ top ]

Posted by Wazmo Nariz on Friday, 24-Nov-2006

That tired old chestnut, the Great American Smoke Out, is fast approaching...and it's way past time for smokers (and even those who champion individual rights over collectivism) to start planning the Great American Light Up to highlight the great inequalities smokers face in the Land of the Free (nudge-nudge, wink-wink) these days. Abuse, coercion, unfair and repressive taxation without equitable representation, etc.

The list is long and the tide is rising, so screw these people intent on "protecting us from ourselves."

[ link ] to this. Go to [ top ]

Posted by Captain U-96 aka Mike on Friday, 24-Nov-2006

What you say is music to my ears; but, unfortunately I think the band is on vacation!
Back in September I was in the hospital to have a pump implanted to treat pain from a failed back surgery. When I went in for my Pre-Admittance testing and paperwork I was confronted by the nurse who did my paperwork about smoking. She asked questions about what medications I take etc, and advised me I wasn't to smoke for 24 hours prior to the surgery! I, out of hand told her I make my own smokes, and that she didn't have to worry about other chemicals contained in factory made smokes. She then got on a roll about the ills of smoking, and informed me that soon, I wouldn't be able to smoke on hospital property, and that the hospital doesn't condone smoking. What she forgot to mention was that I needed to quit taking my Plavix at least 10 days prior to surgery! The nurse even went over my medications and paperwork a second time before I gladly left, but didn't mention anything about the Plavix. I came back to the hospital on the appointed day and checked in. I was prepped for surgery, and on a gurney waiting to be wheeled into the surgery when the anesthesiologist walked up to me and asked when was it I took my last dose of Plavix? Last night I replied, and was then informed that I needed to be rescheduled and to quit taking the Plavix! I laid there 45 minutes waiting to be discharged before I raised hell to expedite the process. If I had been operated on and bled to death; they probably would have blamed it on my smoking! Mike

[ link ] to this. Go to [ top ]

Posted by Warren on Friday, 24-Nov-2006

They're full of it. First they impose obscene taxes on cigarettes for made up extra medical cost of smokers, then they give you grief when you try to get medical service, even threaten not to provide service and force you to wheel yourself with IVs attached beyond the hospital property to have a cigarette. The anti-smokers are unbelievably evil (see an interesting discussion on this [link] ).

[ link ] to this. Go to [ top ]

Posted by Captain U-96 aka Mike on Saturday, 25-Nov-2006

You wouldn't believe how hateful they can be! After my surgery, which was minor in nature, and after being sent to a floor and room I decided to go out for a smoke. The first couple trips I wasn't hassled, but that was to change! I had an I.V. with Antibiotics on an I.V.pole, and on my way outside to smoke one a emergency room nurse(male) approached me to ask where I was going? I then got a talking to about smoking yada yada. After getting outside and situated on a bench; this same male nurse approached me again to examine my I.V. and wristband without a word. Later that day, on my way to the elevator to go downstairs, another nurse approached me and told me I had to sign off the floor before I left. I was further told that if anything happened to me while outside that they'd call an ambulance for me rather than just help me themselves! When I returned, I found a big No Smoking sign on a restroom door just outside my room! With all that I got pissed! Earlier that day asking for a cup of coffee, a nurse showed me where it was, and told me to "help myself"! Later that day I was told I wasn't allowed in there by a different nurse; by a different nurse whom I could took pleasure from the telling being she was smiling. I smiled back and went about my business of getting a coffee! Don't underestimate the anti-smokers! They are a hateful lot! Mike

[ link ] to this. Go to [ top ]

Posted by Wazmo Nariz on Saturday, 25-Nov-2006

They're a snotty, crotchety bunch in the main, that's for sure...same as any other powerfreak wannabes who finally get presented with the opportunity to throw their puny weight around thanks to equally snotty politicians. Common sense and civility goes straight down the crapper; amazing. The only answer is to ignore them and/or dish it straight back--plus, I believe I'd pass your story along to the AMA and the local press, just to shove their upturned little noses in it.

[ link ] to this. Go to [ top ]

Posted by mike c on Saturday, 25-Nov-2006

is there ANYTHING we can do?? is there ANY hope?? I feel very discriminated against as I wouldn't have thought Texas was about to be the 7th highest tax state on smokes come the 1st of next year. My old favorite smoke shop now seems to be in it's death throws...she told me distributors are purging their inventories and everything is dried up. Along with asking you guys if there is any way for us to fight back, I ask...DO YOU THINK IT WILL STILL BE A WHILE BEFORE THEY GET ME ON MAIL-ORDER BY MY STATE, and tax me according?? I hope to god that is ways away, otherwise my lights are about to be shot out! (BTW boxes of tubes here are $3.00 everywhere) MYO products are going up 40% and the prices here seem to be higher than what is common.
mike c

[ link ] to this. Go to [ top ]

Posted by Wazmo Nariz on Sunday, 26-Nov-2006

I'm sure that among the faithful here and smokers who visit other sites and forums, there are people who are thinking of ways to band together and buck the statist trends. Despite the BS they like to spew at us, archaic smoking regulations, insane taxes and such aren't designed to "cover the increased cost of health care" or any of the other garbage we hear...it's pure Nannyism and control. "We don't like what you do, and so our gang, being in a position of power, decides to stick it to you."
It's also a property rights issue...but property rights means almost nothing in America anymore, it seems....

Organisation is the key, of course. We're crazy to keep taking this nonsense from thugs, idiots and holier-than-thou social engineers--and if we do, we'll be getting what we deserve. To expropriate something from 9/11, "Let's roll."

[ link ] to this. Go to [ top ]

Re: The Great America Light Up: Posted by Warren on Sunday, 03-Dec-2006
> To expropriate something from 9/11, "Let's roll."

I like that one. There is an depth discussion on SpeakEasy on this exact topic, how to organize in couple parallel threads. Maybe you should post something there, too. I think there are some interesting ideas on strategy (yep, its a war) being tossed around:

Getting Organized [link]
Yellow Star Armbands [link]
Anti-smoking pseudo-science [link]
[ link ] to this. Go to [ top ]

Posted by Captain U-96 aka Mike on Sunday, 03-Dec-2006

Believe me Wazmo I've thought about it allot! But, I was told by that same nurse that did my pre-admission testing that "accidents happen in hospitals" at least twice! If I were to pursue this publicly; on my own word against basically the hospital? I don't trust them to keep my well--being as #1 priority being an outspoken smoker as it is; much less if I were to go to the news media who I trust even less to tell the truth! I have an idea now what it felt like to be a witch back in Salem--I smoke therefore I am against the public good and welfare according to them! I don't want to explain here, but I have good reason NOT to trust hospitals around here. But I do agree with you 100%. Mike

[ link ] to this. Go to [ top ]

Posted by Wazmo Nariz on Sunday, 03-Dec-2006

Naw, you'd have to have back-up on such a thing...a witness, recording, or something. Otherwise, however, it might be fun (if you know their names) to put 'em on some of those mailing lists that send out coupons for Camels, Dorals, etc. and on a few tobacco retailers lists--delivered to the hospital in their names, of course. :-)

[ link ] to this. Go to [ top ]

Re: The Great America Light Up: Posted by Captain U-96 aka Mike on Sunday, 03-Dec-2006
Good point, and worthy idea. Mike
[ link ] to this. Go to [ top ]

Posted by Wazmo Nariz on Monday, 27-Nov-2006

The Supremes just ran a batch in the face of the anti-tobacco Nannies regarding the P/M "lights" debacle. More here:
[link]

[ link ] to this. Go to [ top ]

Costs rising too fast

Posted by mike c on Monday, 27-Nov-2006

I stumbled onto this one...
apologies if everybody already knows this, but to me it is new, highly interesting....
so is PM serving tobacco at all?? the lights always gave me a headache
[link]

[ link ] to this. Go to [ top ]

Re: The Great America Light Up: Posted by Matt on Tuesday, 28-Nov-2006

Had to share this one...[link]

He's one of the "good guys" and above reproach , so this should never stick...

[link]
[ link ] to this. Go to [ top ]

Posted by short sharp shock on Wednesday, 08-Nov-2006

and more from me and more still.....
when I started MYO/SYO in about 2002, it was 2-fold...it looked fun and savings was a real hitch. I lost my home, and as a result, my music mail-order, so I just decided to drop out of the normal society for a while. Still enjoying freedom however material possesions are very limited. Having said that, when Gambler tobacco appeared, it was good enough and priced at $5.99 per 6oz bag. To my horror, it is now $8.49 in that only shop I could find it. They had other cheap brands, but those are gone. To make things worse, they now put it in cheaper/crisper bags and it dries out quick. I got another shop to order it, but they inform me it will be $17.00 per LB. NO DEAL. NO THANKS. I was able to obtain a cheaper brand I will post about for opinions, but what I am saying is that here in Texas, taxes are supposed to go up by $10.00 next month (on factory brands, like Marlboro) , and they are trying to tell me that the MYO/SYO/RYO companies know this and are already hiking their prices. It is my belief that this SUCKS
(excuse expletive) and I think anybody taking the trouble to make their own deserve DIRT cheap prices, especially on the low-end markets such as Gambler is supposed to be. The MYO cigarettes may not contain chemicals, and do taste better in many cases, but they do not burn perfectly like factory cigarettes. How can I fight? who can I bitch to, and threaten?? are any of you noticing large increases over short periods of time? I mean, in 4 years what will we pay?
*Anarchist Mike*

[ link ] to this. Go to [ top ]

Posted by Kerry on Wednesday, 08-Nov-2006

Ummm... $5.99 for 6 ozs. = $18.00 per pound.

[ link ] to this. Go to [ top ]

Posted by the corrected mike c on Wednesday, 08-Nov-2006

Dear Kerry.....right on!!! I keep confusing 12oz's for a pound!! so this not only means I can score a LB of Gambler if I decide to splurge a little, and as long as it's not full of dust and shake. More importantly you've made me discover the 2 pounds (they say 1 LB right on the bag) of People's True Taste has more than the 4 6oz bags I almost bought. I've put the dunce cap on for a while. I would still like to know opinions about MYO companies pre-raising their own costs because they are aware of tax increases comming on pre-mades. Sounds slimy to me and I hope it's just Texas here.
thanks again
mc

[ link ] to this. Go to [ top ]

Re: Costs rising too fast: Posted by Matt on Wednesday, 08-Nov-2006
I first started rolling right before the MSA came to be in '98. My first can was a can of Top for $5.39. Now a can of Top or Bugler will run between $7.99 with coupon up to $11.00 in my area.
[ link ] to this. Go to [ top ]

Posted by ekim nameloc on Wednesday, 08-Nov-2006

"Ummm... $5.99 for 6 ozs. = $18.00 per pound."
I'm missing a calculater but wouldn't I get 18 ounces as opposed to 16??
sorry sorry, hopefully you will respond another time when it interests you!
peace
m

[ link ] to this. Go to [ top ]

Posted by Kerry on Thursday, 09-Nov-2006

Quite correct. Making it $16.00 per pound at $5.99/6 oz.

So, $17.00 per pound bag isn't that bad.

That's $1.00 per oz -vs- $1.0625 per oz.

Or 6.25% more for the lb bag.

My mistake.

[ link ] to this. Go to [ top ]

That Delicious Just-Opened Taste

Posted by Picky Way on Thursday, 09-Nov-2006

Last week I was in Delaware and running low on my D&R Wingate. I bought a 6 oz. bag of Gambler Menthol for $5.99. I'm surprised that the cost was that much different in Texas, but Delaware has a low tobacco tax, and NO sales tax.

There is an interesting article on make-your-own in the current on-line issue of Tobacco Outlet Business (www.tobonline.com). In the article Kevin Dunn of Robert Burton Associates, Ltd (E-Z Wider and Premier Supermatic products) points out that while the sales of factory made cigarettes has continued to decline year after year, the reverse is happening with RYO/MYO.

As soon as the tax-hungry states start realizing that MYO is increasing, they will start to tax, or increase existing taxes on papers, tubes and loose tobacco. Most cigarette tobacco is now sold as tax class J, which is usually taxed very little.

What the states don't realize is that increased taxes on tobacco products just drives consumers to other sources like tribal outlets, Internet sales and other out-of-state sources. Pushed by the anti-smoking lobby, the states claim that the higher taxes reduce smoking, but it usually just reduces legal sales and increases illegal sales.

[ link ] to this. Go to [ top ]

Re: Costs rising too fast: Posted by Kev on Sunday, 26-Nov-2006
I receive some trade magazines related to retail sales due to my employer's line of business. Premade sales are down but this is expected with the taxing entities finding their cash cow. While RYO/MYO sales are up, they aren't covering the shortfall. IMHO, if they did then they already would be taxing the heck out of RYO/MYO. The big box retailers don't see a future in premades thus why only one lane in a 40 lane store only carries smokes. The business shift of premades is getting picked up by convenience stores.

The major tobacco companies have picked up business in the OTP (other tobacco products) area. Smokeless tobacco is a growing business and the profit margins are much higher than premades. That's good news to me since I would rather see RYO/MYO stay below the taxing radar for as long as possible. We have another $1 per pack tax increase on Jan 1st in my state. We know we'll have people stocking up on premades in late Dec. Once their supply runs down, they'll either switch to a lower cost premade, buy online (skipping tax until caught), switch to OTP or stop smoking. Very few will switch to RYO/MYO due to the amount of effort required. Remember that many people don't cook anymore...think they'll take the time to make their own smokes?

Some interesting articles from a retailer perspective (click on the tobacco link) at: www.cspnet.com
[ link ] to this. Go to [ top ]

Re: Costs rising too fast: Posted by Dave Grant on Sunday, 26-Nov-2006
Um, actually, that's $16.00 per pound, give or take a few pennies. :-)
[ link ] to this. Go to [ top ]

Posted by short sharp shock on Wednesday, 08-Nov-2006

I am noticing that when I make a stick right out of the bag or can, and smoke it immediately, it has a wonderful taste of the particular tobacco's essence, that seems to disappear almost immediately if I make up a pack and then smoke them, etc. I used to put them in plastic bags, and I don't remember the results but I don't think that did it.
I am currently filling wood cigarette boxes which just look so classy when accomodated, they have lids, of course, and don't seem to dry anything out, I just never can taste that wonderful straight-from-bag taste!!!!! any tips/suggestions?? maybe I will just make up a pack for travel and do mine at home one-by-one out of tightly packed fresh tobacco??? waiting!!!!

[ link ] to this. Go to [ top ]

Re: That Delicious Just-Opened Taste: Posted by Captain U-96 aka Mike on Wednesday, 08-Nov-2006
For as far back as I can remember: that first smoke out of the bag, can, or pouch has been the treat of the day for me! I've been trying different ways to extend that just opened experience, and believe I've found the formula. It all has to do with the moisture content of the tobacco. I've been using D & R tobaccos for a while, and though D & R's tobacco usually comes with the optimum moisture content; it is soon lost it seems if the tobacco is left in its original bag. I've got by using a sponge in a plastic shot-glass to keep the tobacco hydrated. Each tobacco has its own optimum moisture content. For instance; D & R's Winsail Platinum is best at 63% Relative Humidity, Two Timer's is 63%, and Ramback is 70%. Keeping these tobaccos at the mentioned RH has worked out for me, and injecting a packs worth to go seems to work out well too. I though like you enjoy making my smokes one at a time as I need them. Another discovery I made is that taking the tobacco out of the bag in one whole piece and putting it in my Lock and Lock 2.7 QT containers helps keep down the shake as well. These containers are mentioned in the Storage section on this site. The least you handle the tobacco--the better. I ended up with less than 2 Grams of shake from my last bag of Ramback, and about the same with the Windsail Platinum. I didn't even bother to check the Two Timer; as it looked like even less. I can't stress enough the moisture content, and minimum handling. Using the above mentioned containers allows me to take what I need after the tobacco has had a chance to expand; without ripping the tobacco. It's just been easier for me to work with the tobacco this way. Easier to maintain RH, and easier to handle.
I apologize for the lengthly post, but to explain how I keep my tobaccos fresh and tasty needed explanation. I hope this helps you out. Mike
[ link ] to this. Go to [ top ]

Aerating Bulk Tobacco

Posted by Wazmo Nariz on Wednesday, 11-Oct-2006

I was looking through a few posts relating to the apparent variations experienced in tobacco tastes...such as those in the Windsail forum concerning the difference in taste between tubs and the 14 oz bags, or from one tin to another of PS tobaccos. Here's something I've always done whenever I buy tins of Peter Stokkebye, 14 oz bags of D&R, etc.:

I open the tin or bag and dump the contents out onto a large tabletop, spreading it out as much as possible by carefully loosening up the compressed tobacco. I'll let this lay out and "breathe" for about 20 minutes, then carefully turn and mix the tobacco. I'll let it sit again for another 20 minutes or so before loosely placing it into storage containers. This allows any toppings or additives to dissipate and lets the tobacco dry out a bit (if it dries out too quickly, which I rarely have a problem with being in Florida, I'll lightly mist it with distilled water).

Two examples; the taste of Windsail Platinum straight from the bag has a nondescript taste...extremely mild, to be sure, but little real taste. However, after allowing it to breathe for awhile like this, you can not only see the difference (the tobacco turns almost totally golden yellow), but the delicate sweet, nutty taste comes through in spades.

The same with London Export, or even McClintock FF (especially--it looses quite a bit if not all of the fruity smell and you can taste the Virginia better).

Anyway, something to try....

[ link ] to this. Go to [ top ]

Re: Aerating Bulk Tobacco: Posted by Dave L on Thursday, 12-Oct-2006
Since toppings typically contain volatiles, this makes sense. On the other hand (my phrase of the day :), flavors are muted when tobacco is overly moist, dryer (not dry) tobacco typically has more depth/flavor.
[ link ] to this. Go to [ top ]

Re: Aerating Bulk Tobacco: Posted by andrew on Friday, 13-Oct-2006
I'll be giving this a try thanks. I aerated a tub of SJ Rimboche last nite until it started to dry and fluff up a bit and placed it back in the tub. I wont completely know the results until i smoke some more.
[ link ] to this. Go to [ top ]

Re: Aerating Bulk Tobacco: Posted by MAJ on Saturday, 21-Oct-2006
What a great tip!! I was disappointed in the taste of the Windsail Platinum until I read this. I gave it a try and the difference in the taste of the tobacco is significant. I had been removing the tobacco from the D&R 14 oz. bag and placing it in a container for storage without much handling or preparation. The tobacco did not seem to be too moist for stuffing and responded correctly to touch and feel in this state, so I would just take some out of the container, feather it (loosen it) for injecting and make my smokes. Aerating the tobacco did make it taste better. I will be doing this to all of the tobacco I buy from now on. I have been MYO for almost two years now and still learning. Thanks for the site Dave.
[ link ] to this. Go to [ top ]

Ner D&R blends

Posted by Wood on Thursday, 14-Sep-2006

Anybody tried the new cigar blends from D&R?

[reply moved to the new Don Giovanni page]

[ link ] to this. Go to [ top ]

BUGS in Railroad Tobacco

Posted by Mary on Wednesday, 06-Sep-2006

Help! I started making my cigs a year ago and last night a bug crawled out of the hopper of tobacco. It was very small and looked like a baby roach (?) What could it be? Well I was very distressed at this and dumped all the tobacco except what's in the bag, then went to the gas station and bought 3 packs of Basics. OH MY GOD? Is this a common thing? I don't know anything about the brands, is this RAILROAD tobacco cheap stuff? Does all the tobacco no matter whether cheap or not risk the chance of having bugs in it? Is there any brand that you know will probably never contain any bugs? Someone please help me out here and give me some advice. I admit I am a heavy smoker and making my own saves me about $150.00 a month, which was a big surprise and a huge help in my living expenses. Now if I have to go back to buying packs, I am going to get very depressed. Also, should I write to Coastal Leaf Processing, who makes the Railroad brand, and tell them? (Actually I can't find the address or # of CLP). Thank you for your input.

[ link ] to this. Go to [ top ]

Posted by Wazmo Nariz on Wednesday, 06-Sep-2006

I can't say I've ever run across bugs in my tobacco, and I've been RYO/MYO for well over 6 years now. How did you have this tobacco stored? I've never heard of Railroad tobacco either, so here's hoping it was an isolated incident....

I did, however, years ago find a small screw in a Marlboro Light 100 I was smoking. I sent it back to the company with a handwritten, good-natured note telling them I had found the screw they were probably looking for...they sent me 5 coupons good for one carton each.

[ link ] to this. Go to [ top ]

Posted by Mary on Wednesday, 06-Sep-2006

Wazmo, thanks for replying so quickly. I buy this in a 16 oz bag at a Cigarette Outlet store. It is the cheapest tobacco there, so that might be why it has bugs. What do you smoke? I will gladly pay more if it means no bugs. The tobacco was only a few days old and I smoke so much that I just store the closed bag on top of the bookcase. Also do you think maybe it was the store? What type of store do you buy your tobacco from? Thank you.

[ link ] to this. Go to [ top ]

Re: BUGS in Railroad Tobacco: Posted by Wazmo Nariz on Thursday, 07-Sep-2006
I mostly buy my tobacco from D&R, Mary, but I also pick stuff up locally (usually McClintock tobaccos) and I have friends from the UK send over 25 gram pouches of Drum Gold (formerly Drum Milde). When I first got into MYO, I went through buying the cheap local stuff, but the taste and quality was generally abysmal; especially when you figure that, even factoring in the cost of shipping, you can still make a carton of, say, Windsail Platinum smokes from D&R for about $11.00. There's little real reason to try and save another buck or so a carton when you can smoke great quality chokes so inexpensively. Even paying about $25 for a pound of Peter Stokkebye's tobaccos still works out to only about $13 or $14 a carton.

I'd recommend at least storing your tobacco in a container with a tight-fitting lid or cap. I use large plastic storage jars and keep 'em screwed tight shut. They're only a couple bucks at any dollar store or even Wal-Mart. I spoke with a friend last night who told me he once had a bag of Ramback get infested with what appeared to be gnat-like bugs from leaving his bag semi-open once.
[ link ] to this. Go to [ top ]

Posted by Scott Johnson on Sunday, 17-Sep-2006

I have had this happen in a bag of Smoker Friendly's store brand tobacco. didn't look like a roach, more like a mite or flea. Since I don't buy tobacco there anymore, i haven't seen any more. being that most bugs don't like nicotine, I can't see why it would have wanted in there anyway.

[ link ] to this. Go to [ top ]

Posted by Dominick Versetto on Sunday, 17-Sep-2006

"most bugs don't like nicotine, I can't see why it would have wanted in there anyway. "

Maybe some bugs are antis and others are just more sophisticated.

[ link ] to this. Go to [ top ]

Posted by V.B. on Sunday, 17-Sep-2006

I just opened an old pouch of D&R Two Timer tobacco (haven't used it for several months) and found small bugs crawling out of the tobacco!
Just like you, can't think what the little buggers would eat there (nicotine is supposed to be pesticide!), but had to throw the tobacco away.

[ link ] to this. Go to [ top ]

Re: BUGS in Railroad Tobacco: Posted by Scott Johnson on Sunday, 17-Sep-2006
I think i'll start storing my extra in the freezer.
[ link ] to this. Go to [ top ]

SANDA cigarette filter holder

Posted by Wazmo Nariz on Monday, 18-Sep-2006

Nicotine Sulfate is, indeed, a pesticide. And while the nicotine in tobacco can be toxic if over-injested, many bugs don't seem to mind the potential-for-death by dining on a few succulent bits here and there. Bugs endanger a large portion of tobacco crops each year, and I've often wondered about the pesticides being used by tobacco growers becoming an integral part of the end product of which we smoke. [link]

[ link ] to this. Go to [ top ]

Re: BUGS in Railroad Tobacco: Posted by Wazmo Nariz on Monday, 18-Sep-2006
Probably fodder for another, more appropriate thread, but potentially a very important discussion topic: [link]
[ link ] to this. Go to [ top ]

Re: BUGS in Railroad Tobacco: Posted by Scott Johnson on Monday, 18-Sep-2006
I imagine the pesticides are washed off and/or loose their potency while curing. I would worry more about all the crud the pre-made cig manufacturers add to the tobacco.
[ link ] to this. Go to [ top ]

theres a chat room: Posted by Ron on Wednesday, 06-Sep-2006
[link]
hey theres a tobacco chat room
i know i know...i need a life
i was the only one in there
but still....okay just forget it
i guess thats what these posts are for
[link]
[ link ] to this. Go to [ top ]

Posted by Dave on Monday, 14-Aug-2006

Hello, I just purchased a SANDA cigarette filter holder at the las vegas airport and was wondering if anyone knew where to find replacement filter cartridges.

[ link ] to this. Go to [ top ]

Re: SANDA cigarette filter holder: Posted by Dave L on Monday, 14-Aug-2006
They appear to use a silica gel filter that's very similar to the Denicotea filters. [link]
[ link ] to this. Go to [ top ]

Re: SANDA cigarette filter holder: Posted by Wazmo Nariz on Monday, 14-Aug-2006
I used to use the SANDA holder...it worked quite well, reducing a great bit of tar without altering the actual taste to any major degree. (Actually, I have two--one is a rather large holder that is readily able to accept a MYO smoke and a smaller one that is made more for pre-mades...you have to kinda scrunch a MYO butt into it.)However, the local shop I used to buy the replacement cartridges at no longer seems able to get them. I don't have any old SANDA cartridges around to check measurements to see if the other manufacturer's units will work in them.

If anyone finds out, please let me know. I've tried using the other filter units (Tar-Block, David Ross) and much prefer the SANDA.
[ link ] to this. Go to [ top ]

Re: SANDA cigarette filter holder: Posted by Kent on Monday, 14-Aug-2006
Dunhills may fit:

[link]
[ link ] to this. Go to [ top ]

Lil'Brown/H&R tobacco

Posted by dkj on Monday, 07-Aug-2006

I have been buying h&r tobacco from lil brown smoke shop. They quit carrying this brand a month or so ago. Does any one know of an online retailer that sells H&R at a reasonable price? I was paying $10.20lbs.

[ link ] to this. Go to [ top ]

Re: Lil'Brown/H&R tobacco: Posted by Kev on Tuesday, 08-Aug-2006
I use to smoke H&R and it will be tough to find anyone selling for less than Lil' Browns price. They always had the best price. I think ZiggyMart was the only retailer linked on this site that carries H&R and it's priced at $18+.

As an alternative, I'd suggest trying Stokers #2 from Lil' Brown at $15.15lb. I dropped H&R for Stokers #2 a couple of years ago. I've switched to something else since then.
[ link ] to this. Go to [ top ]

The NUTS are loose in England!

Posted by Dano on Monday, 07-Aug-2006

Some 'commission' advising the British government has come to the conclusion that Cigarettes are more dangerous than, (in order of harmfulness)

Cannabis
Solvents
4-MTA (A long lasting synthetic stimulant and serotonin agonist)
LSD
Ritalin
Anabolic Steroids
Ecstasy

I'd better stop having a drink with my smoke since according to them Amphetamines are less harmful than a shot of whiskey. Maybe we all better start doing speed and drinking solvents?

Article Here:
[link]

Spiffy Chart Here:
[link]

[ link ] to this. Go to [ top ]

Re: The NUTS are loose in England!

Posted by Dominick Versetto on Monday, 07-Aug-2006

Sniffing glue didn't even make the list.

[ link ] to this. Go to [ top ]

Re: The NUTS are loose in England!

Posted by Hey Pocky on Monday, 07-Aug-2006

I think glue falls in the solvent category.

I'd gladly use some of the "lesser" evils, but they are illegal and tobacco is not.

[ link ] to this. Go to [ top ]

Re: The NUTS are loose in England!: Posted by Kev on Wednesday, 09-Aug-2006
Not illegal but they'll be creating a black market soon. One of my employer's lawyers mentioned California's effort to raise cig taxes an additional $2.65 per pack. Do you realize a truck loaded with smokes would be worth an additional $2 million dollars at that point? Forget about robbing a store's register, just grab that rack of prepackaged smokes that are worth $10k.
[ link ] to this. Go to [ top ]

Re: The NUTS are loose in England!: Posted by Wazmo Nariz on Monday, 07-Aug-2006
Why shouldn't they be? They've been loose over here for years. :-)
[ link ] to this. Go to [ top ]

Anyone else get this card?

Posted by Matt on Sunday, 06-Aug-2006

Has anyone else got a card in the mail from Bellomy Research? It's for a free RYO product sample & $10.00 upon completing a survey. It's only good for the first 400 who respond & the nice lady I spoke with said I'd get my free experimental sample around the 24th. ( I hope it's the same size sample D&R was sending out of the new Athey blend. )

[ link ] to this. Go to [ top ]

Re: Anyone else get this card?

Posted by Kev on Sunday, 06-Aug-2006

I haven't seen anything but it probably depends on how/where they picked your name. Could be a regional survery too. An "experimental sample"? Sounds like something illegal ;)

[ link ] to this. Go to [ top ]

Re: Anyone else get this card?: Posted by Matt on Sunday, 06-Aug-2006

I think they got it from a Bugler survey card I filled out some time ago. I found out through a Google search that Bellomy Research Inc. is a firm used by RJ Reynolds, which owns Lane Ltd., who manufactures Bugler. Maybe I'll get a can of Bugler Gold but I hope it's something else as I already have a can.
[ link ] to this. Go to [ top ]

Perique article feat. Mark Ryan

Posted by Matt on Friday, 14-Jul-2006

For anyone interested, there is an article in Pipes and Tobaccos magazine about perique with Mark Ryan in it.

For the free issue, go to... [link]

[ link ] to this. Go to [ top ]

Re: Perique article feat. Mark Ryan: Posted by andrew on Monday, 07-Aug-2006
I smoke SJ Rimboche from D&R that has Perique from St. James. Its very tasty, especially when the tobacco has a light, airy texture to it. That is great stuff.
[ link ] to this. Go to [ top ]

OT: Nasal Snuff

Posted by rom on Saturday, 10-Jun-2006Has anyone tried this? Its great for non-smoking environments and there is a wide selection of types and flavors. My favorites so fare are ozona president, McChrystals original, Jasmin, McChrystals S'nuff and Wilsons Irish High Toast.

[ link ] to this. Go to [ top ]

Re: OT: Nasal Snuff

Posted by Matt B. on Sunday, 11-Jun-2006

Another good one is Tom Buck, which is a stronger version of Best S.P. made by Wilson's of Sharrow. If you haven't discovered it yet, Mars Cigars is the best retailer as far as prices, selection & promptness. ( www.marscigars.com )

I would recommend Ozona President for the beginner not only because the snuff is great but because the mirror-finish tin allows you to check whether there is any snuff that might be smeared under the nostrils. (A problem which eventually becomes a non-issue with experience.)

[ link ] to this. Go to [ top ]

Re: OT: Nasal Snuff: Posted by rom on Sunday, 11-Jun-2006
Thanks for the tom buck recommendation, Im going to check it out. I did order from mars and they sent me a free sample of rose snuff, good but I don't know if Ill order it again.
I do like president, sometimes the menthol is a bit much though. Im gradually getting the hang of irish high toast. Had never thought of using the silvered dispenser as a mirror :) good idea. I just cant belive how cheap snuff is compared to any other kind of tobacco. I love it that the EU had to take the cancer warnings off and couldnt find any health consequences other than addiction.
[ link ] to this. Go to [ top ]

Re: OT: Nasal Snuff: Posted by Dominick Versetto on Wednesday, 26-Jul-2006
OK, I don't know if this is a good idea or not. But, I had a bit of shake after stuffing a few S.J. Rimboche sticks. I was going to dump the shake, but then figured, "what the hell". I crumbled the shake further into a rather coarse powder. I then used it as snuff. It was absolutely amazing! There are flavors in there that you just don't get from smoking it.
The snuff discussion groups tell you not to use MYO tobacco for snuff, but this stuff is good. I mean, really good!

dominick
[ link ] to this. Go to [ top ]

Conclusion of Stoving Experiment: Posted by rom on Saturday, 10-Jun-2006
Three sails at 200 degrees for an hour and ten minutes. That was about 3 months ago. I put the tabacco in an airtight tupperware container and opened it this week. Originally it was a little too harsh for me and when I opened it this week it was much smoother, milder (as in not harsh) and tastier.
It doesnt seem to have affected the nicotine content much if any at all.
[ link ] to this. Go to [ top ]

Desert Island, One Tobacco

Posted by Puffaddict on Tuesday, 01-Jun-2004

I'm asking mostly to find out whats good that I havent tried yet. So if you were stranded on a desert island with only one tobacco, what would you like it to be?

[ link ] to this. Go to [ top ]

Posted by Bob on Tuesday, 01-Jun-2004

From Peter Stockkebye-McClintock Virginia.
IF I was a RICH Islander Peter Stockkebye Danish Export.

[ link ] to this. Go to [ top ]

Re: Desert Island, One Tobacco: Posted by Dave L on Tuesday, 01-Jun-2004
Right now the difference is pretty minimal.
McClintock Virginia $18.64LB @ RYO Cigarette
PS Danish Export $19.88LB @ Lil' Brown
[ link ] to this. Go to [ top ]

Posted by Dave L on Tuesday, 01-Jun-2004

Today, and based on taste alone, my choice would be PS Danish Export. If I had to smoke sparingly it would be Gauloises Halfzware. Both of these are relatively new to me and who knows what I would choose next month. Look-Out Milde would have been my choice the last few months.

[ link ] to this. Go to [ top ]

Re: Desert Island, One Tobacco: Posted by Tim_Mc on Wednesday, 02-Jun-2004
I have been off the PS stuff for a while though I love the heck out of it. If I had to chose right now.... I would go for D&R's Two-Timer. It has a slightly sweet taste that would go great with sea salt air and coconut milk... plus if I get marrooned there with a variety of tubes and rolling papers (or maybe indigenous plants that serve the same purpose!! 8-) )I know it plays well with all kinds of smoking mediums: light tubes, full tubes, papers. etc. etc.
[ link ] to this. Go to [ top ]

Posted by Kevin on Wednesday, 02-Jun-2004

Interesting, I would choose Look-Out Milde right now. I recently purchased a variety of items I haven't tried before. Look-Out Milde is my current favorite until I open something better. I wish I would have bought more Vanilla Shag since the wife seems to like it mixed with Milde.

[ link ] to this. Go to [ top ]

Re: Desert Island, One Tobacco: Posted by Dave L on Tuesday, 08-Jun-2004
Good tobacco always gets extra points when its a new taste experience. Even at 2x the current Lil' Brown price ($9LB!) I'd keep Look-Out Milde in stock.
[ link ] to this. Go to [ top ]