7th Annual Spring Forward Box Pass.

Brothers of Briar

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Seeing that all is going to he'll in a hand basket over this, although it is not inconceivable that a brother or god forbid two had light fingers with the box it is not impossible that it was a theft unknown to the possessor of the box

Could have been grabbed by anyone with access, and i am sure it has had unwatched hours in near every house

At least something Sherlock would consider...

And some tins really do open too easily, with contents too shifted - a tin of Ashtons and a tin of Petersons I opened two days ago would have set a team of experts ablaze in argument as to their seals...

Of course if you dipped them in paraffin... :)

And although I was trying to avoid overstepping my bounds and giving away pd's windfall, I think he will agree with me that it is too unfair for you to be out half of your tins over, well, over whatever may have happened...

The box should go back to PB in the end, perhaps after laundering it in the trading post to obtain tins of your liking...
 
Boys, 2 things. #1, end of story, we cannot go back and change or fix anything, we didn't have an accounting system in place substantial enough to check off every pass publicly, it just kind of went south a little bit this time. We still have 6 participants to go, let's have fun with this and just run with what's in the box. PB is gonna go on vacation pretty soon so contact me (per his request) if you have any concerns (I'm, totally OK with that Bran).

#2 - PB's gonna get his ;) Being as I'm last before him, and he's last, here's how it's gonna go. When the box gets to me I'm going to sample what I want to sample and do my trades. I'm sending 15 tins to PB. What tins, that's up to me ;) but they'll be good'uns :) My daughter serves on the Nimitz in the navy and has told me several times that there are quite a few pipe smokers there on the ship. All sealed pouches, opened but in good condition tins and large samples that are in good condition will be going there for those boys. Now, it may not be the same as the troops overseas thing like Mike did a couple of years ago, but I don't have the connections to ensure that the stuff will go to the right people and the amount isn't really all that large like it was when we took donations last time. Still, it will be going to servicemen who just recently got back from tour in Afghanistan. If anyone wants what's left - which will probably be just a bunch of small bagged samples - you can send me $$ for postage and you may have the lot of it.

We will get this thing off to a respectable ending, and please, let's finish in style 8)
 
Perhaps next time a different, more tightly controlled, accounting system could be developed - such as requiring unique numbers to be assigned to all puts and takes right from the first pass? A master list could be posted at the beginning of the pass, and then updated periodically as the box makes it rounds. This way, everything taken and put would have a unique identifier, which could also be physically marked on the baggie/tin/pouch by way of one of those little round 'garage sale price' stickers, a pack of which could be included in the box for folks to use as they add to the inventory. Two colors of stickers could be used: one for sealed tins (for trade) and the other for open samples.

In any case, just a thought for next year's planning (if indeed it will be done again at all).
 
Box has arrived in fine style. But I will probably need to replace it. Getting a little soft. Haven't had time to open it yet. 8)
 
Carlos":g5f5f6jy said:
Box has arrived in fine style. But I will probably need to replace it. Getting a little soft. Haven't had time to open it yet. 8)
It was becoming more tape than box when I sent it off, but figured that it could make at least one more trip.
 
SAMPLE NOTES #5

James B. Russell Bengal Slices: Came dry as the dickens, but rehydrated just fine; the first time I have had it, and probably the last due to its scarcity. This stuff is quite impressive; reminds of Penzance but much brighter, sweeter, and perhaps a bit more flavorful. I noted a refreshing citrus undertone and a particular roundness to the Latakia notes which I have never encountered elsewhere. This is a luxurious English flake. A true gem amongst the samples; I almost felt bad smoking it in a humble cob.

Samuel Gawith Black Rope: Not for the timid: this is strong ... did I mention that it is strong?
 
Some interesting notes on Bengal Slices (from tobaccoreviews)

Bengal Slices was, originally, the flake version of Balkan Sobranie. When Gallaher took over the Sobranie mixtures from the Redman family the original blenders finding the composition too complex and costly, they simplified it. After Gallaher stopped making the simplified Bengal Slices, Mssrs James B Russell, Inc., arranged for a composition similar to the Gallaher revision to be made exclusively for them by A & C Petersen, Horsens, Denmark. A & C Petersen has recently been sold to Orlik A/S, of Assens, Denmark, which promptly discontinued the manufacture of Bengal Slices. A replacement, under the James B Russell ægis, has been released, approximating the A & C Petersen blend.
 
gandalfpc":jvawr5th said:
Some interesting notes on Bengal Slices (from tobaccoreviews)

Bengal Slices was, originally, the flake version of Balkan Sobranie. When Gallaher took over the Sobranie mixtures from the Redman family the original blenders finding the composition too complex and costly, they simplified it. After Gallaher stopped making the simplified Bengal Slices, Mssrs James B Russell, Inc., arranged for a composition similar to the Gallaher revision to be made exclusively for them by A & C Petersen, Horsens, Denmark. A & C Petersen has recently been sold to Orlik A/S, of Assens, Denmark, which promptly discontinued the manufacture of Bengal Slices. A replacement, under the James B Russell ægis, has been released, approximating the A & C Petersen blend.
Interesting indeed! I have never had the pleasure of trying any of the previous incarnations, nor for that matter the original Balkan Sobranie; but I was quite impressed with the J.B. Russell-era Bengal Slices sample and was very glad to have had the chance to try it. If it were still in production, I would not hesitate to stock up on a few tins.
 
Kapnismologist":ib387vzi said:
SAMPLE NOTES #5

James B. Russell Bengal Slices: Came dry as the dickens, but rehydrated just fine; the first time I have had it, and probably the last due to its scarcity. This stuff is quite impressive; reminds of Penzance but much brighter, sweeter, and perhaps a bit more flavorful. I noted a refreshing citrus undertone and a particular roundness to the Latakia notes which I have never encountered elsewhere. This is a luxurious English flake. A true gem amongst the samples; I almost felt bad smoking it in a humble cob.

Samuel Gawith Black Rope: Not for the timid: this is strong ... did I mention that it is strong?
Kap,
I warned everyone. Those damn square tins suck! I knew it would bounce back with a little TLC and some humidity. Glad you liked it! I may be able to track down some more. I'll let you know.........
 
DoverPipes":zrbpuo9m said:
Kap,
I warned everyone. Those damn square tins suck! I knew it would bounce back with a little TLC and some humidity. Glad you liked it! I may be able to track down some more. I'll let you know.........
No doubt, but it rehydrated just perfectly; thanks again for including it! I think those rectangular tins were originally intended for ease of carrying in the front pocket rather than long term storage, that's for sure.
 
Doing some sampling.

There is a bag of sample baggies of John Patton blends. Smoking Winter Heartbeat. A cigar leaf blend that is right up my alley. Tasty and fairly strong.

Rattray's Accountants Mixture. I cannot recall ever smoking it. I have several tins in the cellar. Good stuff. Good English style blend.

Bufflehead Common Teal. One I do not have in the cellar. Think stronger Frog Morton. More satisfying to my tastes.

GL Pease Westminster. Others rave about this one. I cannot decide if my tongue is suffering sensitivity overload and not giving me much feedback. Or if this is nearly as bland as I really think it is. I traded two pounds off out of the cellar. Still got a couple pounds plus some 2 oz tins. Might have to trade them off also. But I keep hoping age will improve the blend for me.
 
There is a baggie marked "For he who dares!" Is that the Walnut? :lol:


You know, one of the greatest things about a boxpass is the smell. Like a good old fashioned tobacconist shop. :D
 
Carlos":4gy9jfzy said:
There is a baggie marked "For he who dares!" Is that the Walnut? :lol:


You know, one of the greatest things about a boxpass is the smell. Like a good old fashioned tobacconist shop. :D
No, if I recall correctly the sample of Walnut is the one - double bagged - which is marked with a skull and crossbones and a warning reading 'toxic'. The 'for he who dares' baggie is a sample pouch (thanks again for nothing Altadis!) of Super Value Ultra Mild all-natural pipe tobacco. Both should be simply delightful, especially the Ultra Mild.
 
Kapnismologist":gs19hloj said:
... a sample pouch (thanks again for nothing Altadis!) of Super Value Ultra Mild all-natural pipe tobacco.
Ah. Mulch for the garden.
 
I haven't had a chance to look at the box in a couple days. Will get it in the mail on Saturday. Dragging my feet a little. I think I have a replacement box at home, so that should not be a problem.
 
I'm late to this party, but if I can get in on the next round, let me know.

Thanks

Marty
 

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