No 345 October 23 – November 5, 2014 New Arrivals A visit to the Inter-Tabac trade show in Germany is always exciting for us, especially when we can combine it with visits to other suppliers, new and old, in Europe. This year was no exception. In Dortmund things really move fast. On the stand of our major cigar accessory supplier we topped up our usual product range - then finished with the standard question.
The second offer: 73-J9152.
For either humidor you could use a suitable model of
Because of the discounts, the Bead Humidifier would be basically free with the humidor Don’t even think about it, add it - it’s almost for nothing! Colin Wesley No.345 October 23 – November 5, 201 You can read previous articles from "Across the Counter" in The Library. 
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No 346 November 6 - 19, 2014 New Arrivals: Chapter 2 As I said in the article of October 23, a visit to the Inter-Tabac trade show in Germany is always exciting for us, especially when we can combine it with visits to other suppliers, new and old, in Europe. Before reaching Dortmund we visited a bulk pipe tobacco manufacturer in northern Germany (more of this visit later): source of our very good Houseblend No.47 (see review at end of article No.326) In Dortmund things really move fast – we had pre-booked meetings with our pipe suppliers and, as usual, found the visits very interesting. On our visit to the Dunhill “Whitespot” stand we selected some stunning new pipes to add to our pipe selection, including the 2014 Christmas pipe. Our allocation is only one, and it is magnificent. The Stanwell stand was amazing. On the Lorenzo stand Riccardo, and his son Massimo, were their usual gracious selves. Savinelli had its own stand this year, which was much more accommodating and open. Pipe-smoking Accessories Ten out of ten – if the price was right. Then he told me more good news: This special find will be our next offer – making it even more “special”:
Only 25 available, so if you are in need of a very practical carry case when you take your year-end break, make sure you respond promptly. Colin WesleyPS As we were leaving the show on the Sunday, we literally bumped into a very old friend Erik Nording – the Danish pipemaker. We were both in a hurry but he took the time to say “Hello” and thrust a packet into my hand. No.346 November 6 – 19, 2014 You can read previous articles from "Across the Counter" in The Library.
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No 347 November 20 – December 3, 2014 Carry care for your cigars. How bad is it when the opportunity unexpectedly arises to enjoy a cigar, even for half an hour, and you don’t have one with you! So you decide to carry a couple of cigars with you whenever you leave home. It goes from bad to worse: We have three options in cigar cases which fit your pocket, and which should ensure your cigar will be fresh when you are ready to enjoy it. Airtight Chrome Tube for a single cigar –73-J3608. German Leather Cigar Case – With Belt Loop 73-J3621t Leather 2-cigar case lined with Spanish Cedar 73-Ex246s We have 15 of the Spanish Cedar leather 2-cigar cases to offer you at a special price:
Since Cedar is the ideal medium for storing cigars (think cigar boxes) – don’t miss the opportunity to add this Spanish Cedar-lined leather 2-cigar case to your cigar essentials. Colin WesleyNo.347 November 20 – December 3, 2014 You can read previous articles from "Across the Counter" in The Library.
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No 348 December 4, 2014 – January 21, 2015 A natural filter – the Cigar, the Pipe Every time you draw the smoke through the cigar, tars and moisture condense and are absorbed by the leaves. How can we extend the smoking time before it becomes too harsh? 1. The Cut – the narrower the cut the greater the speed at which the smoke is drawn through the opening. 2. The puffing rate – too often / too hard will give you a hot smoke which encourages the juices to deposit. 3. While most cigars can be relit 2 or 3 times without taking on harsh flavours, a cigar that stays lit will generally retain its “fresh” quality longer. Cigar Aficionado Weekly Tips The pipe is a natural filter. The smoke cools down as it is drawn to the base of the bowl, along the shank and through the mouthpiece – filtering out tars and juices on the way. Filtering tars and juices is the up-side, one of the advantages of pipe smoking. The downside: What to do with the filtrate? 1. Keep the smoke cool so that the deposits occur in the stem and don’t come through to the lip of the mouthpiece – giving a harsh smoke. Puff just fast enough to keep the tobacco alight, but don’t worry if the pipe goes out - shake off the ash, tamp down and relight. 2. Absorb the deposits in the base of the bowl (bowl filters) and from the shank of the pipe with one of a variety of filters. 3. Packing the tobacco. Feed the tobacco into the bowl, pinch at a time. Press down and check the draw - it must be firm but not too tight. To start with you may have to test the draw with each pinch but in time it will be second nature to pack it just right for you. If you have filled the pipe, but it doesn't draw comfortably, empty it out and start again. If the draw isn’t right for you, you are likely to draw too hard. Back to lighting up your pipe and cigars: A recent addition to the EUROJET range of lighters is the “Aberdeen” combo lighter R295.00. An innovative lighter, at a good price.
Colin Wesley PS Dunhill Gas (R89.50 per 50g can) is the only gas which is labelled Turbo Compatible. The purity of Dunhill gas ensures that valves are less likely to clog and malfunction, and the anti-corrosive properties protect all metal parts, thus considerably extending the life of your lighter. No.348 December 4, 2014 – January 21, 2015 You can read previous articles from "Across the Counter" in The Library.
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No 349 January 22 to February 4, 2015
For many years we have said that dry-smoking pipes are technically the best-designed pipes for all and sundry pipe smokers. As prices for this type of pipe were rising, we wanted to find a pipe at a more reasonable price.
So, in 2012 we sat down with them to discuss the possibility of a Marca Dry pipe for us. The wait has been worth it. Another choice: Taper or Saddle mouthpiece, whichever pleases your eye.
The stability of the free-standing shape 120 is a good example of the skill of the pipe maker, and the care given to the feel and balance of each pipe. Note: clean the sump regularly with a folded pipe cleaner (and a shot of pipe spray) – to enjoy fresh smoking for many years. A “filter” may be used to mop up excess moisture, helping to keep the moisture trap clean and dry. The Marca Dry retails for only R850.00. Even less?
I am pleased to be able to offer you this well designed, beautifully made pipe, at a good price. Colin Wesley You can read previous articles from "Across the Counter" in The Library.
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