Where in the World Can You Buy Esoterica Tobaccos?

[smoker13]

I've just about given up the chase. Every month or so, 3 or 4 online sources, NOBODY seems to ever have anything by these guys. What is the secret behind their distribution?

 

[hobie1dog]

That's where your problem is

You can't put your name on a call list with 500 other people on an online site,and expect them to call you.

You need to start a list of B&M stores to call monthly, as you need to compile a list of every name you hear mentioned on the forum, get their info. I have a list from all over the USA, when I was buying years ago, I would call everyone who was on the list, weekly (15-18 calls) and would make friends, and find the occasional shipment. Like everything else in life, it takes effort.

I've typed this so many times.

 

[Lonecoyote]

The only way you'll get any Esoterica blends are as follows:

If any pipe smoker decides he wants to sell what Esoterica blends he has.

You are gifted some by a generous pipe smoker who has plenty on hand.

If it's left to you in a WILL from a pipe smoking friend or family member.

That's basically it, it ain't being made NO MO!!



KEEP ON PUFFING!!!

 

[hobie1dog]

The only way you'll get any Esoterica blends are as follows:

If any pipe smoker decides he wants to sell what Esoterica blends he has.

You are gifted some by a generous pipe smoker who has plenty on hand.

If it's left to you in a WILL from a pipe smoking friend or family member.

That's basically it, it ain't being made NO MO!!



KEEP ON PUFFING!!!

When did production cease?

 

[Lonecoyote]

The Esoterica blends  are made by J.F. Germain & Son's and they have officially announced nothing as always as far as ALL of their blends. There website has been down for quite a while. J.F. Germain & Son's  blends have been out of stock from ALL retailers in the US for over a year.

Copy & Paste from their website:

Made under ideal climatic conditions in the island of JERSEY, where the family business of J .F. GERMAIN & SON commenced manufacturing tobacco in 1820.
The experience gained by succeeding generations in the art of blending has produced the range of fine individual tobaccos available today.
The reconstructed factory is situated on the site of the original premises facing the harbour of St. Helier, from whence, 180 years ago, Jersey-built schooners sailed to many parts of the world, some returning with cargoes of leaf tobacco for Germain's factory.
Today we have three main areas of operation:
Tobacco Manufacturing
Importing and Distributing
Tobacconists

The Company manufactures its blends for distribution in the Channel Islands, the United Kingdom, Germany and Italy and also undertakes bespoke specialist 'own-label' manufacture.

I was told by a well known tobacconist/blender from Europe that  J .F. GERMAIN & SON is no longer in business.

Basically just the history of the company is now posted. Nothing more.

KEEP ON PUFFING!!!

 

[Fight'n Hampsters]

Wow, didn't know they went kaput...

 

[Lonecoyote]

NOTHING WAS STATED OFFICIALLY

But if you have a friend that lives in Europe some of the Germain's blends are still available at B&M's. Maybe your friend would be happy to accommodate you!!

PS, ask Chip from Smokingpipes. He would know if Germain's will ever be made again. But it's made in Europe and most countries can no longer ship tobacco's to the ?? USA ??. The U.K. Will NOT ship tobacco's, lighters and some other accessories to the USA

KEEP ON PUFFING!!!

 

[Richard Burley]

Whazzat?! Germain's is gone? A replacement must be found at once for nonobtainium! Whatever could it be? Let's see...FVF has been done, and it's so yesterday. I need a moment to ponder, maybe longer...then again, maybe I don't care. A real puzzle. :scratch:

 

[JimInks]

Most Esoterica blends (Stonehaven wasn't one of them) were at a bunch of places, briefly, last week. A few Germain's blends were as well.

 

[Lonecoyote]

Germain's website is basically non-existent compared to only 6 months ago.



KEEP ON PUFFING!!!

 

[DrumsAndBeer]

Most Esoterica blends (Stonehaven wasn't one of them) were at a bunch of places, briefly, last week. A few Germain's blends were as well.

This. I just picked up 2 tins of Dunbar and a bag of Scarborough last week.

There was a good PipesMagazine Radio show interview a year or so back with Premal Chheda. Germain blends Smokers Haven's house mixtures. Premal was asked a bit about Germain tobacco and its limited availability. The answer was simple, very small production combined with very high demand. He also mentioned that for as frustrating as the lack of availabilty can be, he admired Germain's approach which has always favored extraordinarily high quality and a meticulous process, over high output.

My advice for anyone looking for it, is to pick up the phone and call around and don't rely on email notifications from the big guys unless of course you're in front of your computer all day.

 

[Lonecoyote]

This. I just picked up 2 tins of Dunbar and a bag of Scarborough last week.

May I ask what B&M in the US had the Esoterica and Germain blends? Two friends I keep in touch with often from the U.K. have not seen any Germain blends on the shelves of three B&M's in the London area. Also one B&M in the Londonderry area of Ireland in over a year.



KEEP ON PUFFING!!!

 

[Brewdude]

Most Esoterica blends (Stonehaven wasn't one of them) were at a bunch of places, briefly, last week. A few Germain's blends were as well.

This. I just picked up 2 tins of Dunbar and a bag of Scarborough last week.

There was a good PipesMagazine Radio show interview a year or so back with Premal Chheda. Germain blends Smokers Haven's house mixtures. Premal was asked a bit about Germain tobacco and its limited availability. The answer was simple, very small production combined with very high demand. He also mentioned that for as frustrating as the lack of availabilty can be, he admired Germain's approach which has always favored extraordinarily high quality and a meticulous process, over high output.

My advice for anyone looking for it, is to pick up the phone and call around and don't rely on email notifications from the big guys unless of course you're in front of your computer all day.

This. And pipestud's site also offers these occasionally. At a price, mind!



Cheers,

RR

 

[Lonecoyote]

Steve Fallen ( PipeStud ) does offer the blends but at a price much higher than I'm willing to spend. Only recent Germain to be sold by two B&M's was purchased from a well known tobacconist/B&M that closed his doors late last year. He had a TON of Germain's blends. He was a nice guy and a shame the State of Pennsylvania gave him no choice but to close his doors. Can you imagine being taxed .55 cents per ounce for whatever blends you already had in stock!!



KEEP ON PUFFING!!!

 

[arkansaspiper]

what kind did u wish to get i have like 2 oz of stonehaven but i think its still available

 

[smoker13]

Jim and drumsandbeer - Nice that you mention esoterica blends at a bunch of places last week, and drums, you even picked up some Dunbar and Scarborough.

Would it be rude of me to ask you if you thought it might help me out a little by telling me WHICH places these were and Drums, WHERE you actually bought your tins?
( Dunbar being one which I am seeking out)

 

[smoker13]

arkansaspiper - Yes, Stonehaven is one of the blends I am seeking out, as well as Dunbar, Dorchester and Tilbury. Did you buy your Stonehaven recently, and if so , where did you purchase it?

 

[arkansaspiper]

mine was gifted but as far as i can tell you cant get any more at all. i have no idea the condition of mine as i dont care for it and i put it away for later

 

[DrT999]

This. I just picked up 2 tins of Dunbar and a bag of Scarborough last week.

May I ask what B&M in the US had the Esoterica and Germain blends? Two friends I keep in touch with often from the U.K. have not seen any Germain blends on the shelves of three B&M's in the London area. Also one B&M in the Londonderry area of Ireland in over a year.



KEEP ON PUFFING!!!

Mars Cigars had some for a few minutes last week....I wasn't quick enough

 

[DrumsAndBeer]

May I ask what B&M in the US had the Esoterica and Germain blends? Two friends I keep in touch with often from the U.K. have not seen any Germain blends on the shelves of three B&M's in the London area. Also one B&M in the Londonderry area of Ireland in over a year.



KEEP ON PUFFING!!!

Ted, sure. I found the Scarborough at Cup o' Joes and Dunbar at Iwan Ries.