IPSD 2011 @ HABANA PREMIUM / ALBANY, NY

[DoverPipes]

Well, how was your IPSD 2011?
Myself and Andrew (Rugbysh9) made our planned pilgrimage to Habana Premium aka Pipesandcigars.com in Albany, NY to celebrate IPSD 2011.

I was interested in sampling the new Hearth & Home Blends by Master Tobacco Blender Russ Ouellette. Lucky for us, we arrived at the shop and were met by Russ' lovely Daughter. She told us that Russ was on his way and would have samples of: The Hearth & Home IPSD 2011 Limited Edition Blend, Sweet and Savory, Magnum Opus, Steamroller, and Lakeland Brickle. WOO HOO!!!

Well, the man of the hour arrived and he spent a quite a bit of time chatting with the two of us. I hope we didn't make the poor fellas' ears bleed! Russ was a gracious host indeed! He gave us several samples and goodies. Andrew made a huge PAD purchase (I'll leave that up to him to reveal. His Wife will KILL HIM if she finds out! ) I grabbed some odds and ends for pipe maintenance and grabbed a huge bag of the new Hearth & Home "Sweet & Savory". Russ threw in quite a bit into the bag. I was very happy with the "extra" tobacco I have to say the blend was great!

After several hours of tobacco and pipe talk, we decided we'd leave Russ alone and go to grab a bite to eat before heading back home on our eighty-five mile journey back to my house. Well, Russ wasn't done yet! He told us to follow him to the back of the shop. We followed and went up a flight of stairs into a huge warehouse area that housed the entire operation for Hearth and Home & Pipeandcigars.com !

We got to see where Russ blends all of his tobaccos and where they store all of their supplies and merchandise. Let's just say, I've never seen so many pipes and tons of tobacco in one place at one time. To say our heads were spinning would be an understatement! Row after row, rack after rack it never seemed to end. I have taken the liberty of snapping a bunch of photos that I hope you'll all enjoy.

RUSS IS DA MAN!!!! Thanks again Brother for being such a gracious host and listening to us all afternoon! Do yourself a favor and try some of the Hearth & Home tobaccos and check out the website, you won't be disappointed. CHEERS TO RUSS OUELLETTE and HABANA PREMIUM.

Click here for the photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/47895928@N03/?saved=1

 

[Centurian 803]

Wish I'd been with you. Spent my IPSD working. Managed to get in a couple of bowls when no one was looking.

 

[Blue Max]

Sounds like a lot of fun. The pictures are great and I feel your joy at seeing all that tobacco and all those pipes in one place. Good to know who's keeping the industry alive.

 

[babysinister]

Great post Dover! Russ O is Da Man indeed, dedicated and exemplary skilful at his craft, humble, and approachable to H&H fans, and responsive to their interest in his fine blends. Very glad to hear you all had such a nice time of it at that IPSD outing.

 

[mark]

Thanks for sharing your trip with us Dover. Talk about sensory overload. Russ sounds like a pretty regular guy and inviting you into his blending room was impressive. Sounds like he was very generous with his samples, he must know word of mouth advertising is the best.

 

[Ol'Dawg]

A big thanks for the narrative and photos of your trip! Sounds great and the photos prove it.

Jim

 

[DoverPipes]

Russ is one of the most approachable and down to earth people you will ever meet. He must think I'm a stalker by now! Every time I talk to him, I learn more about our fine hobby and the art of making great tobacco. He is always eager to hear what we think about his tobaccos and he actually LISTENS to the good and the bad about what we have to say.

It was an incredible day indeed. :cheers:

 

[flytyer]

Thanks for the post and the pics Dover....it was cool to see behind the scenes at my favorite online tobacconist.