United Pipe Clubs of America New York Pipe Club

NY Pipe Club March 2012 Newsletter

Mike "Doc" Garr — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 14:18:49 GMT

Dear Club Members and Friends -

Please allow me to thank everyone for your continued support not only for your dues but by coming out to join us at the monthly meetings. I urge you to spread the word about our noble hobby and to get involved with club activities, as I always say, "The club is only as successful in proportion to the involvement of its members", so, I encourage you to get involved! As you know your annual dues are used to support all of our club activities such as, our summer picnic, the monthly tobacco tastings, our web site and emailings, and much more.

Please join or renew your membership now! You can bring cash and checks to the March meeting, and we accept all major credit cards via the website. When you renew, we'd appreciate it if you could please take a moment to update your personal information, such as email, telephone number and address. We're going to continue to have a great 2012!

ATTENTION!!! ATTENTION!!!

Well, it has been a really tough month for your humble President. First, three weeks ago, I lost suddenly and way too early, a lifelong and best friend with whom I shared my first pipe-full with way back in 1977, at the age of 53. Then, a week later, I was involved in a car accident on my way to work with a guy who blew a stop sign! So, it is not too difficult to understand why I completely forgot this month's newsletter! My apologies and thank you, Michael!!! I hope that you receive this and join me later tonight!

NYPC Pipe Tobacco Blends Update!

Exciting news regarding our NYPC Tobacco Blends! Thanks to the Gentlemen in my tobacco tasting Focus Group I am extremely proud to inform you that we are just weeks away from having our very own series of tinned pipe tobacco blends! It is my privilege to tell you that the Club will be offering a total of 4 inaugural blends in what will be known as the New York State of Mind Collection. My sincerest thanks go out to friend and master blender, Russ Oulette for creating an outstanding selection for discriminating palates! The four blends will include a pressed blend of all Virginia tobaccos, a pressed blend of Virginia Oriental Perique, a Balkan which includes a measure of dark fired Kentucky and a Cigar Leaf blend in tribute and honor of our founder and first president, Sailorman Jack, made from his own recipe given to me years ago. I will be bringing the remaining samples tonight! More details to follow!

New York Show on March 10th

Well the Newark Show has come and gone and I can say without hesitation that it was one of the best shows in years! Kudos to Rich Esserman and Sam Barnett and a special thanks goes out to all the vendors and guests that attended the show.

Please be sure to visit our website's News and Articles sections for some important messages such as the special note from Louise Jones of Hermit Tobacco Works, and a very important blog post by Neill Archer Roan from his Passion For Pipes blog.

Do you happen to know club member, Jon Guss? Well did you also know he is one helluva researcher and author? I am proud to ask you to please be sure to check out Jon's masterfully researched and written, The History of Sobranie and its Pipe Tobacco Blends complete with a priceless, Appendix: Dating of Sobranie Tobacco Tins, which comes to all of us courtesy of Neill Archer Roan's Passion For Pipes blog. Jon has collaborated with Neill on what Neill is calling the Vintages Project, an ongoing feature which will serve as a home for scholarship dedicated to research into the pioneers of classic pipes and vintage pipe tobaccos. This is a must read for all and especially for lovers of those fabled blends and the folk-lore that has surrounded them. Jon's compendium can be found here: http://www.apassionforpipes.com/vintages-project/

Our club continues to impress as I am also proud to present and point you to two wonderfully written articles by club member, Bill Roberts who is now writing feature articles for pipesmagazine.com. Please be sure to visit http://pipesmagazine.com/blog/pipe-tobacco-reviews/gl-pease-jackknife-ready-rubbed-tobacco-review/#more-5561 for Bill's insightful review of G.L. Pease's blend, Jackknife Plug Ready Rubbed and http://pipesmagazine.com/blog/drink-accompaniments/tea/a-brief-history-of-two-leaves-tea-tobacco/ for his fascinating look at the relationship between tea and tobacco in, A Brief History of Two Leaves: Tea and Tobacco.

Another is our own Patrick Grant who authors the blog, Cigar and Pipe Musings. Head on over to the following link to catch up on what's on Patrick's mind...

http://cigarandpipemusings.blogspot.com/

How fortunate are we to have these talented gentlemen as members of our club!

Again, my apologies to all for the late newsletter!

Please join us at the next meeting, March 13th at Florio's Restaurant, 192 Grand Street, Manhattan (212-226-7610). Further details and a map to the location are available on the club website at www.newyorkpipeclub.com

January 2012 Newsletter

Mike "Doc" Garr — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 14:33:20 GMT

Happy New Year to All!!!

Please allow me to thank everyone for all of your support this past year, not only for your dues but by coming out to join us at the monthly meetings. I urge you to spread the word about our noble hobby and to get involved with club activities, as I always say, “The club is only as successful in proportion to the involvement of its members”, so, I encourage you to get involved! We're going to have a great 2012!

It's that time of year again, when we ask all club members and friends to renew their membership for the New Year. As you know your annual dues are used to support all of our club activities such as, our summer picnic, the monthly tobacco tastings, our web site and emailings, and much more.

Please join or renew your membership now! You can bring cash and checks to the January or any meeting, and we accept all major credit cards via the website. When you renew, we'd appreciate it if you could please take a moment to update your personal information, such as email, telephone number and address.

Be sure to attend our January meeting, where we'll be tasting two delightful blends from Esoterica Tobacciana, made for them by J. F. Germain & Son:

Tilbury: A harmonious blend of Golden and dark Virginias with small portions of Burley and air-cured leaf. Matured by a special process over 100 years old, producing a unique natural aroma and piquant flavor.

Dunbar: A mature recipe of seven types of Virginia tobaccos blended with Louisiana Perique, lightly pressed for several days to mellow the mixture, then cut into flakes and rubbed up. A high quality blend with a savory taste and a fine bouquet. An outstanding tobacco with a rich depth of flavor.

Please be sure to visit our website’s News and Articles sections for some new and important messages such as the announcement of the Newark Show on March 10th, a very special note from Louise Jones of Hermit Tobacco Works, and a very important blog post by Neill Archer Roan from his Passion For Pipes blog.

International Pipe Smoking Day is just around the corner, so mark your calendars for February 20th. The event is celebrated around the world as pipe smokers everywhere raise a bowl together. More information (and even a photo of NYPC celebrants) is available on the IPSD website at http://www.IPSD.EU . From the website:

"On this day we will take a breather and celebrate the noble art of pipe-smoking and the noble spirit which pervades the brother/sisterhood of the briar. We will put into practice the time-honored and ancestral traditions of raising our pipes in toast to each other in the evening in unison and, thus, share a bowl together."

Once again, Ron Melendi of De La Concha has offered to allow us a spot in the front window and we appreciate that so much! He asks that we select either Sat. Feb 18 or Sun. Feb 19. He will be glad to welcome us either day and asked us to get back to him when we decide which we prefer. Please check your calendars and let me know which day works best for you. When we find out the majority, we’ll set the date.

Come on out to the meeting this Tues. and kick off the New Year with us! All are welcome!

Please join us at the next meeting, January 10th at Florio's Restaurant, 192 Grand Street, Manhattan (212-226-7610).

December 2011 Newsletter

Mike "Doc" Garr — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 14:52:14 GMT

Dear Club Members and Friends -
It's that time of year again, when we ask all club members and friends to renew their membership for the upcoming year. As you know, your annual dues are used to support all of our club activities, such as our summer picnic, the monthly tobacco tastings, our web site and emailings, and much more.

Please join or renew your membership now! You can bring cash and checks to the December meeting, and we accept all major credit cards via the website. Thanks everyone for all of your support this past year, and we're going to have a great 2012!

The Kaywoodie event was held this past weekend, and lots of NYPC'ers participated. Please join us at Tuesday's meeting to congratulate the competitors, cheer the victor, and console the loser. There will undoubtedly be lots of new pipes and treasures from the show to share.

Please join us at the next meeting, December 13th at Florio's Restaurant, 192 Grand Street, Manhattan (212-226-7610)

Viprati Pipe Trunk Show Featuring Luigi Viprati November 15

Mike "Doc" Garr — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 19:30:02 GMT

We've received the following notification from our friends at De La Concha:

On Tuesday, November 15, from noon - 8:00 PM hundreds of handmade, one of a kind Italian pipes will be made available to you at fantastic event-exclusive prices.

Join us for the Viprati Pipe Trunk Show and meet the pipemaker himself, Luigi Viprati!

Viprati Pipes are sought after for the caliber of craftsmanship and genuine artistry Italians are famous for. Don't miss the rare opportunity to learn from the maker himself!

De La Concha Tobacconist / 1390 Avenue of the Americas / New York, New York 10019 / (212) 757-3167

New York Pipe Club November Newsletter

Mike "Doc" Garr — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 19:39:34 GMT

One of our favorite parts of the Thanksgiving holiday is the consumption of copious leftovers. Please attend our November meeting, where we'll steal a march on Turkey Day and celebrate the spirit with delicious tobacco leftovers from recent club tastings. There will be Margate and Dorchester from Esoterica Tobacciana, Fred Hanna's Legends and Wilderness from McClelland, the two E. Hoffman blends Spilman's Mixture and Distinguished Gentleman, recent versions of the new club blends by Russ Ouellette, plus whatever else Lou and I can find in the club tobacco trunk. Like any leftovers, first come first served, so get to the meeting early and start scrounging for the choicest bits!

The 2011 annual World Cup Slow Smoking Contest was held October 16th in Eindhoven, Netherlands. The US smokers placed 35th out of 82 teams - congratulations to all of them! Read the report and all of the results in our News section.

For those who did not pick up the new club logo denim shirts and polos they ordered, we will distribute them at the November meeting. If you ordered one, please bring $30 in payment for each denim shirt and $20 for the polos.

Plus, patrick has posted photos from our October meeting!

Please join us at the next meeting, November 8th at Florio's Restaurant, 192 Grand Street, Manhattan (212-226-7610).

New York Pipe Club October Newsletter

Mike "Doc" Garr — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 16:36:04 GMT

Please attend our October meeting, where we'll be tasting two delightful blends from Esoterica Tobacciana, made for them by J. F. Germain & Son:

Margate: A classical English mixture done in the "old style" of many of the fine tobaccos that have now disappeared from the market place. Choice Orientals and generous quantities of premium Cyprian Latakia keynote this rich, full bodied blend. A well balanced, robust and eminently satisfying smoke.

Dorchester: A special formulation of six light Virginias plus Golden and dark Virginias with air-cured leaf and a pinch of Louisiana Perique. Easy burning is ensured by the carefully selected cut. The Perique balances the Virginias; for the discerning palate.

The new club logo denim shirts have arrived and we will distribute them at the October meeting. If you ordered one, please bring $30 in payment for each shirt. The order of polo shirts was delayed but we should have them for the November meeting.

Radice Pipe show at De La Concha - Radice, one of Italy's premier makers of handcrafted pipes, will be hosting a Trunk Show at De La Concha Tobacconist on Tuesday, October 11, from 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM. These pipes, known for their beauty, craftsmanship and smoking characteristics, have been prized worldwide for decades. Enjoy a 10% discount on these beautiful works of art! Guests will also be able to view and purchase from a selection of new designs, not yet seen in the U.S. market.

The 27th Annual CORPS Pipe Show will be held this weekend in Richmond, VA. This is the second largest show in the country after Chicagoland. Some of our NYPC members will be attending, so we expect that they'll have some treasures to show at the next meeting.

Please join us at the next meeting, October 11th at Florio's Restaurant, 192 Grand Street, Manhattan (212-226-7610).

New York Pipe Club August 2011 Newsletter

Mike "Doc" Garr — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 15:56:09 GMT

NYPC Club Blends
You’ve been hearing about it for some time now but we are be very close to selecting the four blends which will become our very own New York Pipe Club series of tinned tobacco blends. As you know, renowned and award winning master blender, Russ Oulette, of the Hearth and Home series of tobacco blends, (and fresh off his outstanding victory in the 2011 Chicagoland Balkan Sobranie Throwdown), has offered to create the four blends. Based upon our suggested “tweaks”, he has masterfully blended yet another rendition and shipped us a selection for the club to sample. Please be sure to join us at our August meeting where we will have opportunity to taste all four delicious blends from our friend Russ Oulette of Habana Premium Cigar Shoppe of Albany, NY; their pipes & tobacco offerings are found here: http://www.pipesandcigars.com/.

The four proposed NYPC Club Blends will be:

Virginia #1- A straight Virginia blend of yellow, 3 different reds and a stoved black Virginia for a moderately sweet smoke.

Virginia #2 - Yellow Virginias and wonderful Macedonian Orientals combine with a bit of Perique to make a fragrant, somewhat floral, sweet and savory blend with a bit of bottom note from the Perique for balance.

Balkan #1 - A bright Oriental dominant medium-light Latakia blend, fragrant and lightly sweet and smoky.

Sailorman Jack's Cigar Leaf Blend – comprised from our founding member, past president and dear friend’s own recipe which he shared with me years ago, this blend consists of Red Virginia, Lemon Virginia, Latakia and Perique, along with the addition of shredded cigar leaf. This blend packs a wallop and was a favorite of Jack’s.

Once we finalize our decision on these blends we will name them, create the tin art and write up the tin descriptions, all of which are in different stages of completion.

As per Russ:
“Sample them out and let me know. I can get them into production immediately, and we'll have about 2 1/2 to 3 weeks from your approval until I receive the first batch of tins. Hopefully, that gives you enough time to get me the label artwork … so I can get them on the website and start filling orders. I will also plan on attending your meeting following my receipt of the initial round.”

We thank him for the supply of our four blends and look forward to sampling them!

Member Businesses:
Welcome to Briar Blues!

From our News section, we'd like to welcome our newest Business Member, Mike Glukler of Briar Blues. Most of us are familiar with this wonderful website full of quality new and estate pipes, but you might not know that Mike also sells smoking accessories, pens, and shaving requisites. He even has a variety of logoed items on Cafe Press!

Mike is one of the finest pipe men in the business, and we are pleased to welcome him as a supporting member of the New York Pipe Club. Please be sure to check out his website.

Also, long time club member Hank Saatchi has his ebay site brimming with some outrageous deals on tinned tobaccos. Time’s a-wasting so check it out: Hank's ebay store or here.

As per Hank:
Would you kindly bring it to the club members' attention that I currently have several Peterson and Ashton Tobacco tins listed on ebay. All sealed, from 2002 to 2006. Prices are less than half of the current retail.

Also, I encourage you to please be sure to visit the websites of all of our Member Businesses as we appreciate the support they give to our club.

NYPC Third Annual Summer Bash: Saturday August 20th
Just a quick reminder that our Club BBQ/Picnic at Todd Platek’s is less than two weeks away. Be sure to RSVP and I encourage you to come out and join us. Take a look at the link here and come on out it will be a great day! (*If previous years serve as an indicator of how enjoyable the day will be, you won’t be sorry if you make it a priority!)

We've posted some new photos from our June meeting on the Photos Page. Be sure to take a look.

Just a quick reminder, please take a moment to renew your club membership. The dues are critical to the running of the club and allow us to have the website and email system, as well as regular tobacco tastings and planning of club events. You can pay your dues at the meeting, via the website, or by mail. We need you!

When you renew, please take a moment to update your personal information, such as telephone number and address.

As you are aware, there has been a change in our relationship with Florio’s. Effective with the February, 2011 meeting, there will be a $10 per person cover charge to use the cigar lounge upstairs. Payment of this fee will enable us to continue to use the lounge for our monthly meetings, and will be collected by the waitress when you enter the lounge. The fee is for use of the cigar lounge only and does not go to the waitress. Please note that the main complaint from Florio’s management has been that the waitress is not sufficiently compensated (tipped) for her service, so please heed the message and tip accordingly as you settle your drink tab for the evening.

Please join us at the next meeting, August 9th at Florio's Restaurant, 192 Grand Street, Manhattan (212-226-7610).

See you on the 9th - Lou

New York Pipe Club Featured in Pipesmagazine.com Debut Section on Profiles of Pipe Clubs

Mike "Doc" Garr — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 13:15:44 GMT

Many of you already know about the fastest growing pipe and tobacco related website, pipesmagazine.com, created by Kevin Godbee, a real “champion” of the hobby. If you are not aware of this fantastic resource now is the time to check it out.

A new monthly feature profiling a different pipe club each month has begun and the debut article features the New York Pipe Club! The New York club has been selected as the first club to appear in the new monthly feature! As per Kevin Godbee, "We kick off our new monthly feature where we profile a different pipe club every month with The New York Pipe Club - By Bob Tate. Happy Smoking! Best regards, Kevin."

Be sure to visit the site and check out it out! The feature can be found here.

Please sign up for free membership on the website which can be found here:

New York Pipe Club July Newsletter

Mike "Doc" Garr — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 18:32:57 GMT

Well the heat is on and summer is here! What better time to enjoy a tasty blend of Virginia tobaccos? Be sure to join us at our July meeting, where we will have opportunity to taste a delicious blend from our friend Robert “Lawdog” Lawing of The Pipe and Pint (http://www.thepipeandpint.com/). He has graciously sent us a sampling of his most popular blend, Magnolia Avenue. According to Robert:

“Magnolia Avenue is one of the Pipe and Pint best selling blends. It is a blend of 6 Virginia tobaccos, 3 of which are flake, and a dose of perique for a bit of spice. All tobaccos are hand blended in the shop by myself or Larry Christopher. It is a blend which most customers buy by the pound and some as many as five-ten pounds at a time. It is a blend we have a time keeping in stock. Most people, after trying it, order enough to smoke and age...with some time on it it really becomes something to behold...”

So we thank him for the supply of Magnolia Avenue and look forward to sampling it!

We've posted some new photos from our June meeting on the Photos Page, take a look.

Just a quick reminder, please take a moment to renew your club membership. The dues are critical to the running of the club and allow us to have the website and email system, as well as regular tobacco tastings and planning of club events. You can pay your dues at the meeting, via the website, or by mail. We need you!

When you renew, we'd appreciate it if you could please take a moment to update your personal information, such as telephone number and address.

Please join us at the next meeting July 12th at Florio's Restaurant, 192 Grand Street, Manhattan (212-226-7610)

New York Pipe Club May Newsletter

Web Master — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 13:53:24 GMT

Please be sure to attend our May meeting, on Tuesday, May 10th, where we’ll be welcoming, once again, special guest, and current owner of Genod Pipes, Sebastian Beaud. Sebastian is making a stop in NYC before heading to Chicago for the “big show”. He will be bringing with him a fine selection of Genod Pipes so please be sure to join me in giving him a big New York welcome.

And speaking of the “big show”, once again, a number of our members will be heading to the Midwest for the Chicagoland International Pipes & Tobacciana Show which takes place on May 14th – 15th at the Pheasant Run Resort, St. Charles, Illinois. If you can make it, you will not be disappointed! It is the Show of Shows!

Balkan Sobranie Throwdown! – Attendees of this year’s Chicago Show are in for a real treat. If you haven’t heard already, the Seattle and New York Pipe Clubs will be co-sponsoring a friendly competition between three of the hobby’s most respected blenders along with three judges who are equally as renown. The “Throwdown” is the brainchild of Matt Guss, President of the Seattle Pipe Club and brother of our own Peter and Jon Guss. As per Matt, “This Throwdown is purely for fun undefined we don’t expect to faithfully actually recreate Sobranie for many practical reasons. This is just the kind of event that breathes fresh air into the pipe world.” What is it all about? Take a look at the following links for full details: http://pipesmagazine.com/blog/pipe-news/2011-balkan-sobranie-throwdown/ and http://www.apassionforpipes.com/neills-blog/2011/4/24/balkan-sobranie-throwdown.html Complete rules can be viewed in PDF form in the 2011 Balkan Sobranie Throwdown Welcome Letter. This event will be great fun, great for the hobby and in the end, we will all come out winners with what I am sure will be some very good blends!

We Need Volunteers! – as with any event, help is always appreciated and the Throwdown is no different. I am asking anyone who is attending the show and is willing to give up just a short amount of their time to please contact me. There are a few areas regarding preparation for the Throwdown that I could use help with so I am asking for volunteers. It won’t take long. Please see Lou Carbone if you are able and willing.

New York Pipe Club March Newsletter

Mike "Doc" Garr — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 19:55:48 GMT

Please attend our March meeting, where we’ll be tasting two Solani tobaccos, courtesy of our friend Steve Monjure of Monjure International. Blend 633 – A classic flake with bright Virginias and perique. This cool, slow burning blend has a natural sweetness and a wonderful room aroma. Solani Aged Burley Flake – Blend 656- A skillful mixture of three aged Burley’s – dark brown Burley from Kentucky, light Burley from Brazil, and white Burley from Malawi – Southeast Africa. A very natural blend with absolutely no additives or flavors – a true Burley blend.

Our own club celebration of International Pipe Smoking Day was held on February 19th at De La Concha. Pictures are in the Photos section, thanks to Patrick. There are also shots from our February meeting, so please check them out.

Of course, coming right up is the next New York Pipe Show, the 18th (or is it 19th?) Annual Pipe Convention, set for March 12, 2011 in Newark, NJ. Read all about it in our News section, and the Calendar even has a map to the location. We’re very fortunate to have two pipe shows in our area annually, so please come out to the show. See you there!

Please join us at the next meeting, March 8th, at Florio’s Restaurant, 192 Grand Street, Manhattan (212-226-7610). Further details and a map to the location are available on the club website.

NY Pipe Club February Newsletter

Mike "Doc" Garr — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 14:28:06 GMT

Our January meeting, as members know, was a unique evening for us. We took the opportunity to present our President Emeritus Vernon Vig with a very special, one-of-a-kind Dunhill pipe as a gesture of our deep appreciation for all he has done not only for the club but for our hobby. The pipe was engraved with Vernon’s name, had a special hallmarked silver band, and came in a marvelous presentation box.

The evening was not without sorrow, however, as we learned that our generous host over the last number of years at Florio’s, Larry Amoruso, lost his hard fought battle with cancer on January 13, 2011. Lou will speak for us all in offering condolences to his family. The club will also make a donation to Larry’s favorite charity, The Marine Corps Law Enforcement Foundation.

As you are aware, there has been a change in our relationship with Florio’s. Effective with the February meeting, there will be a $10 per person cover charge to use the upstairs cigar lounge. Payment of this fee will enable us to continue to use the lounge for our monthly meetings, and will be collected by the waitress when you enter the lounge. The fee is for use of the cigar lounge only and does not go to the waitress. Please note that the main complaint from Florio’s management has been that the waitress is not sufficiently compensated (tipped) for her service, so please heed the message and tip accordingly as you settle your drink tab for the evening.

Our own club celebration of International Pipe Smoking Day is just around the corner, so mark your calendars for February 19th. The official IPSD is always on the 20th, but since that is a Sunday this year we’ve decided to hold our celebration a little early. We have been invited to De La Concha for the event, and they are offering a 10% discount on pipes and tobaccos, so please plan to attend.

Please join us at the next meeting, February 8th at Florio’s Restaurant, 192 Grand Street, Manhattan. Further details and a map to the location are available on the club website at www.newyorkpipeclub.com

New York Pipe Club January Newsletter

Mike "Doc" Garr — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 14:33:36 GMT

Be sure to attend our January meeting, where we will taste some of the newly available Dunhill tobaccos. Which ones? That will be a surprise!

Now that the new year is here, please take a moment to renew your club membership. The dues are critical to the running of the club and allow us to have the website and email system, as well as regular tobacco tastings. You can pay your dues at the meeting, via the website, or by mail. We need you!

When you renew, we’d appreciate it if you could please take a moment to update your personal information, such as telephone number and address.

While you’re doling out the cash, please consider joining the NASPC and subscribing to their valuable bimonthly publication, The Pipe Collector. The cost is only $17 annually, and this is one of only two regular publications in all of pipedom. Please visit their web site at www.naspc.org for more information.

International Pipe Smoking Day is just around the corner, so mark your calendars for February 20th. The event is celebrated around the world as pipe smokers everywhere raise a bowl together. More information (and even a photo of NYPC celebrants) is available on the IPSD website at http://www.IPSD.EU . From the website:

“On this day we will take a breather and celebrate the noble art of pipe-smoking and the noble spirit which pervades the brother/sisterhood of the briar. We will put into practice the time-honored and ancestral traditions of raising our pipes in toast to each other in the evening in unison and, thus, share a bowl together.”

We’ve posted some new photos from our last meeting taken by our official photographer Patrick. Thanks, Patrick!

Please join us at the next meeting, January 11th at Florio’s Restaurant, 192 Grand Street, Manhattan (212-226-7610).

New York Pipe Club December Newsletter

Mike "Doc" Garr — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 14:38:39 GMT

Be sure to attend our December meeting, where we will be tasting the first two entries in the Old London Series from G.L. Pease, Chelsea Morning and Quiet Nights.

Many of us are still recovering from the exciting pipe show in Newark this past weekend, with many NYPC members attending. It was a very successful show, and the place was full of area pipers. This is always a great opportunity to meet friends old and new, scoop up rare tobaccos and accessories, and find that special pipe needed to fill a hole in our collections. Sam and Rich have already scheduled the next one for March 12, 2011, so mark your calendars.

There are also new photos from our last meeting taken by our official photographer Patrick. Thanks, Patrick!

NY Pipe Club’s 6th Annual Pipe Swap Spectacular

Mike "Doc" Garr — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 15:33:56 GMT

6th ANNUAL PIPE SWAP SPECTACULAR
December 4th, 2010
Doors open 10:00 AM

WYNDHAM (Formally the RAMADA) NEWARK INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT HOTEL
1-973-824-4000

New York Pipe Club November Newsletter

Mike "Doc" Garr — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 15:43:23 GMT

Please plan to attend our November meeting, where we’ll be tasting the six reissued Ashton blends from McClelland. These have been generously donated to the club by Mary McNeil and are new versions of a fabled line of tobaccos.

Pebblecut - Selected red mottled leaf from Carolina, rich in flavor and oils, small Oriental leaves from Macedonia of piquant aroma, bright nut-flavored broad leaf from Virginia, and pure Louisiana Perique all combine to form the framework of this blend which is hard-pressed and then lightly stoved to smooth and enrich. Pebblecut long-flake pipe tobacco is savory with a concert of ever-changing flavors, always intriguing, never dull.
Old Dog - One of the most loved in this series, this is a full English Mixture dark with cool, smoky Cyprian Latakia, spiced with fragrant Xanthis from Macedonia. These tobaccos marry under pressure with aged, sweet flue-cured Virginias and smooth jet-black Cavendish to create a very rich, satisfying blend with a tin aroma that is incredibly appealing. Sit back comfortably to ponder the meaning of life with Old Dog as your companion.
Oldchurch - An aromatic pipe tobacco of incredible delicacy. We spice this Matured Virgina with zesty Carolina and cake-age the blend for an added measure of smoothness before spinning into ribbon form and adding jet-black Cavendish for depth and richness.
Black Parrot - A balanced blend with Virginia, Carolina and pure Louisiana Perique, this unique square-cut pipe tobacco encompasses flavor, maturity, and mellow smoking. The several growths interact and the skill of the blender is exercised in arriving at a balance to tempt the palate. Rediscover this classic. You will be richly rewarded.
Brindle Flake - Flue-curing captures the natural sweetness of the fine Virginia tobaccos in this flavorful blend,. Aging in cakes softens them into elegance. This partially rubbed flake harkens back to English days of old. It burns with regal restraint to a mottled white ash. It is a friend with strong character and considerable charm.
Sovereign - A classic English mixture made with Syrian Latakia, Turkish Djubec, matured jet-black Cavendish, Bright Carolina and Red Virginia. Pressed and matured in Scottish-style cakes before spinning into ribbon form, this is a true connoisseur’s tobacco for those who are seeking that elusive, ultimate Latakia mixture.

Also at our next meeting, we’ll have a special free drawing. The maker of Granito Tampers has kindly donated a lovely rosewood tamper and asked that we give it away to one of our members. He’s new in the market and would like to have some feedback from the lucky winner. We’ll have more details about the maker available at the drawing, and it is free, so be sure to be there.

Please join us at the next meeting,
November 9th at Florio’s Restaurant
192 Grand Street, Manhattan
(212-226-7610)

6th Annual New York Pipe Swap Spectacular

Mike "Doc" Garr — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 15:44:49 GMT

SHOW DATE SATURDAY December 4th, 2010
SHOW OPEN TO THE PUBLIC @ 10:00 AMundefinedundefined-
LOCATION: WYNDHAM (Formally the RAMADA) NEWARK INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT HOTEL 1-973-824-4000
Parking is Free – get stamp or ticket at show or front desk
SPECIAL ROOM RATES Ask the front desk about THE PIPE SHOW DISCOUNT
Rate Per Table: RETAILERS $85.00 (a) Paypal Payment – $88.00
COLLECTORS $70.00 (b) Paypal Payment $72.50
CHECKS ONLY PAYABLE TO: RICHARD ESSERMAN, 238 AYCRIGG AVE, UNIT D, PASSAIC, NJ 07055
EMAIL rhonablustein@aol.com or resserman@unicefusa.org
CONVENTION DIRECTORS: SAM BARNETT & RICH ESSERMAN
Note: The Hotel and Show complies with NJ State Smoking Regulations.

NY Pipe Club October Newsletter

Mike "Doc" Garr — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 15:57:09 GMT

Well, we hear that some of the Dunhill blends are coming back soon, but who cares? Frankly, most of us. But the good folks at McClelland have created some match blends to get you through your day, with tobaccos inspired by EMP, Nightcap, and 965. Although they were designed as clones, I hear that they stand on their own as great tobaccos. We’ll get a chance to try these new bulk blends at the October meeting, so come ready to taste A.M. Pipe, P.M. Pipe, and Nine to Five.

The votes are in (all three of them) for our new line of club tobaccos. We’ll be going with the Balkan #1, the VaPerOr, and the Sailorman tribute blend. Now we need to name them and settle on the tin art. Time to start making room in the cellar!

Good news – the meerschaum pipes were shipped from Turkey on September 28th. Middling news – we hope to have them at the next meeting, but we are at the mercy of the Turkish Post, US Customs, and the USPS. My fingers are crossed (which makes typing this especially challenging).

For those who ordered at the last meeting, the Loewe and Bo Nordh books have arrived and will be distributed at the meeting.

We hear that the next Newark show is scheduled for December 4th at the usual location. As soon as we get a flyer with the details from Rich and Sam we’ll send it out to all and sundry. Mark your calendars!

Members have been clamoring for more NYPC club hats, so we made a few more and they’ll be available next Tuesday for those that want one.

September NY Pipe Club meeting

Mike "Doc" Garr — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 15:58:56 GMT

At last night’s September meeting, we had another chance to evaluate the special tobaccos that Russ Ouellette from Hearth and Home Tobaccos has blended just for the New York Pipe Club. We had a generous amount fresh samples and take-home baggies, so everyone could try (or retry) these terrific blends. Here are the descriptions of the blends from Russ:

Balkan #1- A bright Oriental dominant medium-light Latakia blend, fragrant and lightly sweet and smoky.
Balkan #2- A medium bodied Balkan style with a deeper flavor and less sweetness than #1, and a warmer undertone.
Virginia #1- A straight Virginia blend of yellow, 3 different reds and a stoved black Virginia for a moderately sweet smoke.
Virginia #2- Yellow Virginias and wonderful Macedonian Orientals combine with a bit of Perique to make a fragrant, somewhat floral, sweet and savory blend with a bit of bottom note from the Perique for balance.
Aromatic #1- Red Virginias, White Burley and unflavored Black Cavendish are infused with maple and caramel for a warm and rich aromatic that comes through in the aroma and flavor.
Aromatic #2- Mostly top-grade White Burley with lemon and red Virginias, it is flavored using an Irish Cream that is concentrated to be enjoyed by the other people in the room, along with the pipe smoker.

As a special treat, Lou prevailed upon Russ to make an additional, special blend according to the favored recipe of Sailorman Jack, founder and dear friend of the NYPC. So now we have seven blends from which to choose two or three that will be issued under our name, so put on your tasting hats! Members, please send your votes by this Sunday 8/19 to webmaster@newyorkpipeclub.org.

We also had copies of the two newest publications from Briar Books Press for members to examine, and we’re taking orders for a club bulk purchase. If you want one or both of the books ($40 each) please let me know by Sunday, as that is when we will place the order. From the Briar Books website:

1. The Loewe Pipe Packet is truly special. I’ve compiled six never-before-seen catalogues, artifacts, and new material from this great old London pipemaker, and I’ve set them within a durable and attractive workable packet. Classic!
2. Bo Nordh, Pipemaker is breathtaking. Author Jan Andersson wrote this fitting tribute to the late master pipemaker. Chock full of four-color photographs of Bo’s pipes, this book is unique. Learn many interesting, never-before-told things about the Swede. An interesting read.

As everyone knows who attended, the now-annual NYPC Summer Picnic last month was another smashing success, thanks to the hard work and generosity of Todd Platek. Thanks Todd! Pictures of this storied event are posted on the website, so take a look.

The meerschaum pipes are being carved for us even as I write, but they weren’t shipped from Turkey in time for the September meeting. Well, that just gives us something special to look forward to in October. Thanks for your patience, and we should see these beauties next month.

PipesMagazine.com invites all pipe smokers to participate in their first annual Pipe Smoker Survey. They’d like to know your thoughts on different aspects of pipes and tobaccos. As they say, even if you just started smoking a pipe yesterday – Your Opinion Counts!

NY Pipe Club August Newletter

Mike "Doc" Garr — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 16:05:06 GMT

From the NY Pipe Club’s August Newsletter:
Be sure to attend our August meeting this Tuesday the 10th, because we’re having a special guest, Russ Ouellette from Hearth and Home Tobaccos (and pipesandcigars.com and Habana Premium Cigar Shoppe – what a busy guy!).

Russ will be bringing several new blends for us to sample, including two English/Balkan blends, two Virginia or VaPer blends, and two aromatics. We’ll get a chance to try them all and then - here’s the great part – the members will vote on our favorite, and that will become our first New York Pipe Club special blend! We will choose it and name it and it will be sold at pipesandcigars.com. If you want to participate in this historic evening, make sure you are at Florio’s on Tuesday.

Also, don’t forget about the club picnic at Todd’s house on Saturday the 14th. We’ll send out a special emailing next week, with detailed directions to his home. Keep an eye on your calendar and count the days, because you don’t want to miss the party.