Newsletter: September 2021

In this month’s newsletter we spoil pipe smokers with a fascinating look at the history of Paronelli pipes. Find out what makes them so special, particularly a one-of-a-kind flame grain that we have in store. We also have a new loose pipe tobacco, something sweet for the fans of aromatics.

Later we take a brief look at the interesting history behind one of the most commonly used snuffs, SP. Also, Dr. Plumb Dinky-Nine Pipes, Lowen Prise Snuff as well as offers on Oden’s Chewing Tobaccos and Henri Wintermans Half Corona Cigars…

Paronelli is a pipe brand with a highly respectable reputation. Sought after for their craftsmanship and collectibility, the company only manufactures 1000 pipes a year. Alberto Paronelli was born in 1914, Italy. A scholarly young man, he studied in Italy and Switzerland before travelling to London for vocational studies. Much of his time in London would be spent at the Savoy Hotel or Burlington Arcade. Here he would enjoy perusing and purchasing pipes. From this acquired  habit  a  lifelong obsession was sprung. A large collection was quickly amassed by Alberto and his name was circulated around other serious collectors. From this notoriety he became the go to guy for consultancy pertaining to pipe collecting and acquisitions. Upon his return to Italy he found employment with Leonida Rossi, promptly establishing an office in Milan from which he would distribute Rossi’s pipes.

Founded in 1925 by the Parisian J.B. Rubinovich, Dr. Plumb pipes were first manufactured in the historic pipe capital Saint-Claude, but are presently made in Great Britain. Since the beginning these pipes have been marketed as affordable, cool-smoking pipes made from real briar. The Dinky Nine model is a fantastic bent pocket pipe that is compatible with a 9mm filter.

Despite the name ‘Dinky’ the bowl is actually of a regular size and does not impede on your preferred portion for consumption. Currently we have two finishes in stock, the first is the traditionalists favourite, the Natural Smooth. The second however is a pipe with a brighter modernist finish, the Orange Stain. This colour really makes the pipe distinguishable, accentuating the flowing shape of the pipe.

Northern Briar pipes are world renowned, along with their craftsman Ian Walker. These pipes are instantly recognisable for their style, ambitious designs and high quality craftsmanship. All this on top of the carefully selected high grade briar used for these pipes make them a phenomenal curio.

So much so that we have sold all of our stock. Don’t be disappointed as The Pipe Shop Ltd has a batch of custom made Northern Briars currently in production and soon to hit the shelves. You won’t see these models anywhere else so stay tuned to find out more!

By the time of Queen Anne’s ascension to the throne in 1702 snuff had become the popular way of consuming tobacco amongst the British aristocracy. The British method of manufacturing snuff for over a century had been very costly, restricting its use to the upper classes. It was during the Battle of Vigo Bay, whereby the naval forces of the British and Spanish clashed that British Admiral George Rooke managed to overcome the Spanish and their French escort. When he returned he did so with the many spoils of war. One notable spoil was that of a large consignment of snuff tobacco. There is no record of the exact quantity recovered, but the volume was so large that when it reached London it was quick to find its way into common use by the everyday population. The Spanish snuff had been flavoured with bergamot and assorted citrus fruits.

This was a novelty to the British, who quickly gave it the adopted name of SP, a simplification of the word Spanish. It would end up becoming one of the most popular styles of snuff, still being bought by snuff users frequently over three centuries later.

Pöschl are known for their wide range of awesome snuffs and Löwen Prise is one of their most popular sellers. What makes Löwen Prise stand out from the rest you may wonder?

Firstly, the name translates to Lions Pinch, a name that may refer to its strong nature (like that of a lion). A medium fine cut, the snuff is almost golden brown in colour. This format (along with the moisture content being fairly low) means that it is easy to consume. That being said it provides a reasonable kick as the nicotine content has been slightly bolstered by the toasting process.

The final step of the process is the addition of menthol and aniseed, a combination that warms the nose whilst obstructing any other scents from being discernible for quite some time.

The Dutch born Wintermans brothers established the A Wintermans & Sons brand in 1904. They chose this name for the company as a homage to their father. The brothers both had their own set of skills, Sjaak being the brains behind the sales whilst Henri was the blender and was responsible for purchasing the tobacco.

Over the next three decades the company went on to become a major player in the Dutch market, but in 1934 Henri separated from his brother to set up his own brand. Two years later Henri’s son Adriaan would take over the business and take the company to the next level, increasing sales overseas in the UK and France. By 1965 Henri Wintermans were the biggest selling imported cigar brand in the UK.

For many people in Britain their first experience smoking a cigar was that of a Henri Wintermans Half Corona. A reasonably priced cigar that comes in packs of five, the Half Coronas come individually wrapped in cellophane guaranteeing their freshness. To create these classic cigars tobacco is sourced from a host of different countries. Indonesian, Ecuadorian, Brazilian, Cuban, Dominican, Colombian, Filipino and Italian tobaccos are expertly blended to create a unique, smooth cigar that is palatable at any time of the day. Mild and with a supremely easy draw, it is not hard to understand how the H.W Half Corona became so popular. Buy now anmd recieve £3.00 off of your postage!

Oden’s Cold Portion
Oden’s Cold Portion comes in a sweet spearmint flavoured chewing bag of the larger variety. A pleasant cooling sensation is present thanks to the mint oils that relieve some of the burn provided by the tobacco. When it comes to strength the Cold Portion sits right around medium. As with all Oden’s products the flavour is released quickly and lasts anywhere between 30 – 45 minutes. Buy now and receive £3.00 off of your postage!

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