IPSD (International Pipe Smoking Day) 2017

Howdy fellow Cigar and Pipe Smokers,
What a month February's been. We started out with news that the second oldest family run Cigar shop / Lounge was sold to Altria, a division of Phillip Morris, leaving only Barclay Rex as the last family run establishment in New York.

Which brings me to the title of this post. Myself, Dimitri Sassov, and Vernon Vig were charged with securing a venue in New York that would accommodate our celebration of IPSD.  Back in October, Halloween weekend to be exact, I was at Barclay Rex's new shop on 126 Pearl Street enjoy the launch of Tatuje's Halloween Cigar. They had a party where all in attendance were in costume. I happened to meet the owner, Vincent Nastri's daughter Vanessa. We talked and I broached the idea of the New York Pipe Club doing an event with the store. I suggested us collaborating on celebrating IPSD in February. I also suggested this to Joanna Ubowska, a sales associate. They were both receptive to the idea but had to run it past Vinnie for his approval.

At the December meeting myself and Dimitri proposed the idea of holding IPSD at Barclay Rex. Club president Lou Carbone was keen on the idea and presented a list of questions that he wanted addressed before he could announce the event to the membership. Back and forth email between Joanna and myself were exchanged. Eventually all was resolved and the event was a go.

Fast forward, preparations were underway for the event when we learned that Nat Sherman was sold to Altria making Barclay Rex the last family run shop in NYC. This made the event more special. This was conveyed to the members.

Event day February 18th, Saturday, came and as always the NYPC and our sister clubs, the South Jersey Pipe Club, and the Christopher Morley Pipe Club (Philly) came out in full force. Also in attendance were pipe smokers who were on the store's email list. We were able to also invite Joyce from Lane Tobacco, a division of Scandinavian Tobacco Group, to join our event. She spoke about what the FDA's pending ruling meant to the industry. She said as long as the blend contained components that has been in the marketplace there were no issues. She also spoke of lawsuits that they had filed delaying the implementation of the ruling. Barclay Rex came thru with a special tobacco blend that featured a 12 yr old Virginia blend with Turkish Orientals. A tasty blend that became. (I was privy to be one of the tasters who was involved in getting the blend to it final stages) . The club and the Lane rep bought tobaccos for the attendees to sample. Members brought bottles of liquor for all to enjoy. Barclay Rex offered 20% off all pipes and included a hand made Barclay Rex pipe, carved by Vinnie's grandfather. They also provided light bites which consisted of an Italian smoked meats platter, chips and guacamole dip, and also an onion dip as well. A raffle for an antique pipe tobacco jar was also held.

Sadly 😢, the event came to an end, as must all good things. But feedback gathered, event was positive with all on attendance very impressed. Maybe we'll do this next IPSD event there as well.

As I close this post, the first in a long while, we had a blast and anyone wishing to get a sneak peak at our event can check out my Facebook page, Patrick Grant, for a sneak peek of Facebook live videos I shot of the event. Pictures of the event are posed on the New York Pipe Club's Facebook page.

Join me at Barclay Rex on Monday February 27th as we celebrate National Cigar Day, featuring a whiskey tasting. Event is from 1pm - 8pm at the store at 126 Pearl St.

Also next pipe club event is the New York Pipe Show, March 11th, at the Wyndham Newark Airport Hotel to be followed by a trip to JR Cigars in Whippany NJ.

November Pipe Club meeting

Mike B smoking his pipe at the November Pipe Club meeting

Howdy all, your friendly neighbourhood blogger here. Can't believe it's been so long since I last posted any updates. A lot has transpired since my last post and I'll try to document them in this blog post.

Well we've got a lot to speak on.  We had our annual summer picnic at Hank's house in East Brunswick NJ. A great time was had by all.  Plenty of food,  wine and beer plus other alcoholic beverages were on hand. We ate drank and smoked our pipes till the daylight faded. Our former president Vermont Via and his wife Susan paid us a surprise visit on their way to their upstate retreat.

But,  you'd have to be there to enjoy the loads of food and drink that was provided for the barbecue. My thanks go out to Hank for putting on such a glorious  spread.

We had our August,  September and October meetings at Circa  Tabac, now called the Soho Cigar lounge.  Finally I am now able to document,  in pictures and words our meetings.   I shall start with documenting the happenings since my last post and share pictures of our November meeting.

The second to the last meeting of 2014 had a great turn out to enjoy the great tobacco finds of our member Martin.  We got to sample four square tobacco,  three nuns,  original Balkan sobrani and many others.  Pictures from the meeting can be seen Here.

Late in November we had the pleasure of meeting Erik  Stoykebye at The Nat Sherman tobacco shop.   He unveiled the latest tobacco in the 4th Generation  tobacco family.  Afterwards some of us went to Circa Table to enjoy more smoking and enjoy a few cocktails. Club president Lou Carbone gave Erik one of our club pins making him an honorary member of the New York Pipe Club.

As I finish writing this long overdue blog entry we had our last meeting of 2014.  Hard to believe that the year is almost finished.  A few of us were talking and we may,  date and location to be determined, invite the members,  those who can attend, to a gathering to celebrate the holidays.

Well I think it's time to close this by wishing everyone a happy Christmas,  Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and holidays.

NEWARK PIPE SHOW AND MARCH MEETING

New York Daily News Reporter Jason Silverstein

Happy St Patrick's Day to all my followers.  Figured it'd be time that I get you caught up on the happenings that have gone on with the pipe club.

I'll start with the NY Pipe show held at the Whyndam Newark International Hotel in Newark NJ on Saturday March 8th, 2014.  The vendor turnout was smaller than it was the last time I attended.  Steve Monjure was unable to attend due to  getting snowed in the Carolinas (hard to believe as we had the first warmest week-end this way).  It was still a great turn out, with Master Blender Russ Oulette showcasing some of his newest tobacco blends.  One of which was a tasty aromatic called Erin Go Bragh.   This is an aromatic blend featuring American and African Virginias with some sweet Cavendish and some Burley tobaccos.  Topping it all off was a hint of an nice peaty Irish Wiskey. Russ even discussed a blend he's working on to pair with the Corn Cob pipes.  Interesting seeing what new stuff the blenders are working on.  Also some fantastic pipe makers were once again on hand displaying both Briar and Meerschaum pipes. I actually purchased two pipes at the show.  One was a yello bole pipe and the other was a Kaywoodie Pipe (both are great smokers).  The only downside was that the organizers decided to raise the entrance fee from $5 to $10 which didn't sit well with attendees.

Afterwards some members of the NY Pipe Club and the Philly Pipe Club drove over to JR Cigars in Whippany NJ where we smoked our newly acquired pipes and tobaccos.  Also we drank and ate as that was something they allowed in the location.  As always a fun time was had by all in attendance.  Here's a link to photos from the evening. Newark Pipe Show

On Tuesday March 11th, 2014 we had the monthly March meeting at Circa Tabac in NYC.  A great turn was on hand, roughly 25 members,  to welcome two special guests to our meeting.  One of the attendees was the gent who was selling Meerschaum pipes that he has carved and shipped from Turkey. The reporter, Jason Silverstein, and his photographer from the New York Daily News.  The Meerschaum pipe seller showed up about 7pm and stayed for a number of hour.  He was able to sell a few of his pipes to members who were unable to attend the pipe show in Newark.  The reporter came by the meeting around 9:10pm or so and did a lengthy interview with our president Lou Carbone and some of the members who were in attendance.  He was to meet with Lou the following afternoon at Nat Sherman tobacco shop to discuss the pipe club blends.  Again a great time was held by all in attendance.  Here are some of the pictures from the wonderful event. March 2014 Meeting

Well folks that's a lot to put in your collective pipes and smoke, so go ahead and, as always, check out our website and Facebook page for more pictures of these wonderful events.  See you at our next meeting which will be on April 8th, 2014. Hopefully by then we'll be moving on to the warmer weather.

SNEAK PREVIEW

Lou, Hank and guys at JR's Whippany NJ

Howdy all,  just a quick post to let you folks know what's happened and will be happening with the NY Pipe Club.  On Saturday we went  to The Whyndam Newark Airport International Hotel for the annual NY Pipe show.  We met a nice gent from PA who sells some of the most beautiful meerschaum pipes I have ever seen.  Since he's not that far away we invited him to join us at our upcoming meeting to be held tomorrow @ Circa Tabac.  He will be showing and have for sale some of his fine pipes.

Also, as an added bonus, a freelance reporter and pipe smoker from the NY Daily News is coming to our meeting with a photographer to take pictures and write a feature article on the club and the hobby in general. He is doing this since there's been a upswing in the usage of the new E Cigarettes as well as the fact that states are legalizing marijuana for medical use.  He is also going to talk to Lou, in depth, about our four pipe club blends.  Should be a fun article.

If you see this post in time please join us for a truly spectacular evening tomorrow, Tuesday March 11th, 2014.

I will have a full review of the Newark pipe show plus the happenings at our March meeting.  Happy smokes to all. As always smoke 'em if you got 'em.

INTERNATIONAL PIPE SMOKING DAY

The front entrance to Nat Sherman's Tobacco & Pipe Shop on E 42nd Street.

Howdy folks and a Happy belated New Year.  How time's flown since I last posted anything new.  Well this month, February, has a few things worth talking about.  We've gone thru 2 monthly pipe club meetings plus celebrated International Pipe Smoking Day.

We had our January and February meetings at Circa Tabac in Tribecca.  As always the atmosphere was inviting and the people friendly as ever.

This past Thursday February 20th,  was the official International Pipe Smoking Day.  To celebrate I went to see the Erik Stokkebye pipe event where he was on hand selling his 4th generation tobaccos, the revived Comoy pipe line as well as a few freehand Danish Pipes.  A great time was had and I was able to sample two Virginia blends plus an English blend from his 4th Generation tobacco collection.  Each blend  carries a year instead of a name which Eric explained was to celebrate the birth year of the gentlemen in the Stokkebye clan.

The New York Pipe Club, as always, celebrated International Pipe Smoking Day on Saturday February 22nd.  This year we were invited to celebrate the day at Nat Sherman's Cigar / Pipe Shop located on E 42nd Street.  Newly hired pipe and tobacco aficionado  Chris McGrath invited the pipe club to celebrate the day at his exclusive smoking lounge.  He even blended a special English Blend, named 702 Dragoon, for the occasion. He has also agreed to, if requested, blend tobaccos based on NY Pipe Club member requests.  As at past International Pipe Smoking Days the host, this year Nat Sherman, offered discounts on pipes, tobacco and related products which a few of the members took advantage of.  We were at Nat Sherman's from 3pm - 7pm and a good time was had by all in attendance.  Afterwards a few of us went over to Merchant's Cigar Lounge where we smoked a few more bowls and had some food and drinks. Pictures were taken by your's truly as well as by Club President Lou Carbone.  My pictures can be seen here, IPSD,  and Lou's can be seen on the club's Facebook page.

Well folks, as always will be keeping my ear to the pipe ash to see if anything develops.  See you at the New York Pipe Show, our next event taking place at the Wyndham Newark International Hotel on March 8th, 2014.  Those interested can join us afterwards at JR Tobacco Shop and Lounge in Whippany NJ where we'll smoke our pipes and enjoy some great food and drink.  Our next Pipe Club meeting is scheduled for March 11th, 2014 @ Circa Tabac in Tribecca starting @ 6:00pm - onward.

Till next time happy smoking to all.  I will make my way homeward by enjoying a bowl of the 702 Dragoon from Nat Sherman Tobacco and Cigar Shop.

HOW TIME FLIES WHILE ENJOYING THE BRIAR

Brother Allan enjoying one of many bowls at the October Pipe Club meeting

Wow, it's been a while since I last posted any updates.  Hard to believe we've gone thru Spring,Summer and now we're into the Fall Season.  As I sit here and get this started I reflect on all the events that have taken place since the last post.  We had our annual Pipe Club picnic, at Hank Saatchi's house for the second year. (thanks to Brother Hank for volunteering to host it again).  We've had meetings in June, July, August, September and earlier this month (October).  This blogger also celebrated a milestone birthday event, the big 50, this past September.

But I digress,we also, a first for the club, had an impromptu gathering at a place called Art:Side NYC back on September 6th, 2013.  The weather was picture perfect for this event where we were on, as far west as you can go without leaving NYC, the west side by the NY Waterway Ferry building.  This is a nice venue run by a husband and wife team.  They serve food and cocktails, and most importantly they allow smoking in an outdoor venue (a first for NYC).  We had a pretty decent turn out to enjoy the sunny evening and most of all being able to partake of the briar.

The picnic at Hank's house in East Brunswick NJ was even more successful than the last one.  We had the picnic this year on July 13th, 2013.  Weather cooperated and a grand time was had by this blogger and the rest of the Pipe club.  Hank was a gracious host providing us with great fare.  We had burgers, hot dogs and other great fare including mouth watering steaks.  It was a great turn out and members who haven't been at this event were able to attend including Brother Dominic.  This was the fourth Pipe Club picnic for this blogger and am already looking forward to next year's picnic.

Meetings, meetings and more meetings.  We've had meetings from June thru October 2013 held at Circa Tabac in Soho (one of the few venues where eating, drinking and smoking is still allowed).  The October meeting had a great turn out of people and as always a great time was had by all in attendance. Here's a few pictures for those unable to attend the October meeting.

Mustn't forget another annual event that took place on the Friday before the Pipe Club picnic.  Steve Monjoure had his Rinaldo, Brebbia and Ardor trunk show at Barclay Rex Tobacco shop on W 42nd Street here in NYC.  We tried to convince Steve to stay in town an extra day and attend the Pipe club picnic.  He declined stating that it was not in the cards but promised to add it to the schedule for 2014.  Would love to have Steve attend the NYPC annual summer BBQ (fingers crossed and a reminder will go out to Steve from this blogger so he adds it to his NYC schedule).

Updates, our Pipe Club blends are selling well.  Pipes and Cigars was sold to Cigar International.  That is a win for the NYC folks as we no longer have to pay the draconian tax on the purchase of our tobacco blends.  Brother Z is on the road to recovery, albeit slow.  He is constantly in the thoughts and prayers of the Pipe Club and we hope to have him back with us enjoying a bowl or two.

Well I will sign off now and return to the real world outside of this blog to see if I can make a few bucks.  Until the next meeting or event (which ever comes first).  Keeping my ear to the briar as always.

~Patrick

Latest Happenings in the Pipe and Cigar World

The Pipe Club celebrating International Pipe Smoking Day at De La Concha Tobacconist.

Howdy folks,  It's hard to believe that Fall came and went and so did Winter and we're finally enjoying, albeit a tad late, Spring weather.  For those who follow this blog you've noticed that I've been absent the past few months.  Well I decided to rectify that and bring you up to speed with all the happenings in the pipe and cigar world.

The NY Pipe Club introduced, to much success, the four signature club blends at the Chicago show earlier in  May of 2012.  They were well received and we've had positive reviews from the pipe smoking community on them.  A pat on the back goes to Bill Roberts and Dan Silverstone for their work on the verbiage and tin art that adorns our blends.

Meetings and more meetings.  Since the last post we've had meetings in November, December, January, February, March, April and this past Tuesday May 14th, 2013. A wonderful time was had by all and plenty of pictures were taken.  Also on December 8th, 2012 (solemn day for this blogger, was my late mom's birthday and also the date that singer John Lennon was killed)  we attended the Kaywoodie Pipe event in Peekskill NY at the Kaywoodie Pipe factory.  This was the first time I had the pleasure of attending this event and took part in the sanctioned slow smoking contest.  I surprised myself by finishing in the top 20.  Not bad for someone's first time.  It was a fun event and I am already looking forward to attending this event   this year.  Lots of food and drink to be had and there were a few vendors, Steve Monjure being one of them.  For those not familiar with the slow smoking contest here's how it works.  Every participant is given a pipe, all the same shape, 3ozs pipe tobacco (this year was the John Cotton throw down Winner) 2 matches and a wooden dowel to be used as the tamper.  We're then given 5 minutes to pack our pipes then the fun begins.  Everyone then, using one of the matches, lights their pipe and the smoking commences.  There are monitors and judges floating thru the room to ensure that all a playing by the rules. Once your pipe has gone out you raise your hand and the judges record your name and the time that you went out.  The winner this year went well over an hour.  He got to move on to the national slow smoking contest held at the Chicago show. As always a fun time was had by all.

As soon as Kaywoodie was still fresh in everyone's mind we had our last meeting of 2012, and our second meeting at Circa Tabac, on Tuesday December 11th, 2012.  We're slowly settling into our new home and hopefully we're here to stay.

2013 finally arrived and we had our first meeting of the new year at Circa Tabac  We learnt that one of our members Z was dealing with some severe health issues.  We raised many a bowl in his honor.  Wishing him a speedy recovery. Also at this meeting we had a number of new members including a few women who've taken to the hobby (great to see that their are women pipe smokers).

Meetings continued at Circa Tabac in February. We also celebrated International Pipe Smoking Day at De La Concha Cigar Shop in NYC on Saturday February 23rd, 2013 and we then went to Merchant's where we once again hosted Peder Jeppesen who brought more of his wonderful pipes to show and also sell to those who were interested.  I also stopped by Midtown Cigar on the official day of International Pipe Smoking Day to raise a bowl ion the official day and was entered their raffle to win a pipe and 6ozs of pipe tobacco.  Needless to say I was the winner of a nice Savinelli  pipe, a tobacco pouch and 6ozs of their bulk tobaccos.  March and April (missed that one as I was in Jamaica celebrating my grandmother's 101st birthday).  I was able to attend the May meeting which happened this past Tuesday May 14th, 2013.  A fun time was had and we announced the date for our annual summer picnic.  This year, as it was last year, it'll be at Hank Saatchi's place in NJ on Saturday July 13th, 2013. Also tried the new La Flor Dominicana cigar with the Claro wrapper (for those not familiar with this cigar the wrapper that goes on this cigar is green in color).  I will post a review of this cigar at a later date.

A lot to digest, but as they say a picture is worth a thousand words you can check out all the pictures from the past meetings and events on the New York Pipe Club website.

This blogger is stepping back into the real world with the sounds of Patsy Cline singing Crazy and looking forward to that first bowl of the day. Not sure if it'll be a Virginia blend or an English blend. I should close by saying I'll keep an ear to the pipe and cigar ash to see if anything new springs up.  Keep on smoking those pipes.

Blog Interrupted

Howdy folks, I was planning on updating the blog this week-end.  However in the wake of the horrific incident that occurred in Connecticut on Friday, I will instead take this time to mourn the loss of such innocent souls.

New York Pipe Club Monthly Meeting

Club Members enjoying a smoke

How time flies, here were are getting ready for another pipe club meeting when the last one was just around the corner.  As you see from the picture we had a change of venue.  Our usual haunt Florio's was closed, real reason unknown (we think issues with them not being able to renew their liquor license), so we decided to try another smoking friendly location.

It was decided that we would try out a place called Circa Tabac in Tribeca   This blogger had been there some years back and had always kept it on the list as a place where one could eat, drink and enjoy a smoke (cigar, cigarette or pipe).  This place, for you cigarette smokers, boasts the largest variety of cigarettes available (over 150 I believe). 

People arrived between 5:30 - 6:30pm and availed themselves of Circa Tabac's light bite menu and various cocktails that were offered.  The waitress was nice enough to keep everyone's check separate so that no one could complain about what they ordered.  Prices were reasonable for the cocktails food being served.

We had a good turn out for this meeting, what with the day being the 11th anniversary of the World Trade Center bombings.  About 20-30 people were in attendance and we raised a bowl in memory of those folks who lost their lives that fateful morning. People were also, as done at all meetings, showing off new pipes purchased and talking about events that they were at (the Chicago show and others).

A nice time was had by all and those in attendance feel that this venue could be a place where we'd want to host our meetings, in the event that Florio's doesn't reopen.  

Well gotta run to get ready to face the real world, not the virtual one, and before I close here's the link where you can see the pictures from September's meeting.

New York Pipe Club Summer Picnic 2012

50+ Year Old Tin of Escudo

Wow, hard to believe that summer's behind us.  Well it's been a while since I've posted so I thought it's about time I update the blog with the latest happenings.

As you see from the picture above we got to enjoy smoking a bowl from a 50+ year old tin of Escudo (compliments of Romeo Wood).  We enjoyed this at the annual New York Pipe Club Picnic held, this year, at Hank Saatchi's house in East Brunswick New Jersey on Saturday September 8th, 2012.

The usual suspects were in attendance, Lou, Hank, Mike, Allan, Dan, Bill and Les. Of course your truly was in attendance.  Hank was very generous in providing the backyard, the food and even the alcoholic beverages for us to enjoy.  Also in attendance were a few of Hank's cigar buddies and they brought along some hand rolled cigars which were shared by all in attendance.

For those who attending the picnic got to be part of a rare treat.  Bill (aka Romeo Wood) obtained a 50+ year old tin of Escudo which he'd been saving for a special occasion.  What better place to unveil and enjoy this rarity than to do so at the annual New York Pipe Club picnic.  We had the honor of watching Bill crack open the tin and then all of us got to enjoy the aroma before we fully opened the tin.  Afterwards we then completely opened the tin and then took photographs to preserve the contents, for those not in attendance to see.  We then proceeded to load our pipes with this wonderful tobacco and savor the complex flavors of this well aged tobacco.

As is customary with the picnic one doesn't think that it a few hours and done.  We were smoking, eating burgers, steaks, hot dogs and drinking beer till just about the witching hour then finally we were all smoked out and decided to call it a night until next years picnic.

This blogger has to give much props to Todd Platek for the years that he was able to provide his backyard to host the Pipe Club picnic and we have to thank Hank Saatchi for stepping up this year to host it when Todd couldn't accommodate us this year.

As always you can see the pictures here for your enjoyment.  'Till next time happy pipe smoking.

INTERNATIONAL PIPE SMOKING DAY

Avi, Lou Carbone and Alan Goldschmidt enjoying a bowl for International Pipe Smoking Day

Hey all, the New York Pipe Club got together on Monday February 20th, 2012 to celebrate International Pipe Smoking Day.   We met, as always, at De La Concha tobacconist located on 6th Avenue in New York City.

We had a good turn out of people from the club who got together to raise a bowl in celebration of this day of solidarity for pipe smokers world wide.  As always De La Concha provided us with seating in their smoking lounge and also provided us with discounts on pipes and pipe tobaccos from their wonderful selection.

A great time was had by all and we got to meet some pipe smokers who frequent the smoking lounge at De La Concha.

Here's some pictures from the event  International Pipe Smoking Day  Enjoy!!

JANUARY 2012 PIPE CLUB MEETING

President Lou Carbone, Harvey Silver and Hank Satchi

Hey all,  been a while since I've had a free moment to post some long overdue updates to my blog.  Been a busy four months.  I've been busy working on my family tree for my upcoming trip to Jamaica this Thursday to celebrate my grandmother's 100th birthday.  I still can't believe that she's hitting that milestone.

Since I have a free moment to work on my blog I figured it's about time I work on updating you on the latest happenings in the world of Pipes and Cigars.

Since my last post I traveled to Jamaica over the Christmas / New Year holiday to spend some time with my Grandmother and decided to start working on my family tree which has become almost a full time job.  But I digress,  I will update you on a few events that have happened since the last post.

The New York Pipe Club had the first meeting of 2012 on January 10th.  We got together to smoke some great tobaccos and talk about the final stages of the New York Pipe Club blends.  We had the opportunity to sample what will become our signature blends, unfortunately I am unable to say more about them at this time.  I will say anyone who will attend the Chicago Pipe show happening on May 5th, 2012.  There NY Pipe Club members will, in conjunction with Russ Oulette (the blender), unveil the blends for all to sample and purchase.

Here are pictures from the meeting for all to see and enjoy.  January 2012 meeting

Monjure Pipe Show et al

Author's new Brebbia Pipe

Howdy all, it's been a while since I last posted anything to this blog.  A lot has happened since my last post. I went to two pipe club events, one being the annual NY Pipe Club picnic and the November meeting.

The pipe club picnic featured, as always, the summer corn cob pipe in both straight and bent styles.  We had a few aromatics and other tobaccos brought by the club members.  We also had great food, pork chops, burgers, sausages and this time we enjoyed beers from a number of micro breweries.  As in 2010 the weather was perfect not too hot and we had a slight breeze blowing.

The November meeting was our pre-Thanksgiving leftover event.  We smoked tobaccos that were featured at previous meetings.  Some of the tobaccos that were featured included samples of the pipe club blends (still in progress) plus samples of the blends that were featured in the Balkan Sobrani showdown at the Chicago pipe show.  Two of those blends won and one, Blue Mountain (McClelland's entry), is available for sale.  The other by Russ Oulett is still in work and should be available soon.  It was a pretty nice event with a pretty decent turn out.  Pictures can been seen here November_Meeting.

The Monjure pipe show took place at Barclay Rex Tobacco shop, 75 Broad Street and 70 East 42nd Street, on December 8th and 9th, 2011. This is Steve's big event in NYC before the Christmas / New Year Holidays.   As always pipes from Brebbia, Ardor and Rinaldo were featured. Steve Monjure was on hand to answer any question regarding the pipes.  Yours Truly bought, yet, another Brebbia pipe.  This one was smaller than any of the other Brebbia pipes I bought in the past but it is great as I didn't have a pipe for a quick smoke.  Also on display was a gorgeous Rinaldo pipe which, is the custom, was to be raffled off.  As always I put my name into the hat not expecting to win.  Low and behold I get a phone call from the folks at Barclay Rex informing me that I won the raffle pipe from Steve Monjure.  I collected my pipe the next day 12/9/2011 and have been smoking it since. Here are pictures of the pipes at the show Monjure Pipe Show. Pictures of my Rinaldo pipe to follow.

As I write this I am sitting in the dining room of my grandmother's house in Kingston Jamaica in the West Indies.  The temperature here is in the low 80's.

As I close I want to wish all the people who take time out to read this a Merry Christmas and a Healthy and Prosperous 2012.

March 2011 Pipe Club meeting

Michael and President Lou Carbone discussing pipes

Hi all, just got some time after a busy week and week-end to bring you up to date with the latest happenings in the New York Pipe Club.  This month we were fortunate to get two tins of Solani Pipe Tobacco, courtesy of Steve Monjure from Monjure International, for the club to sample. 


The blends we tasted were:


Blend 633 - A classic flake with bright Virginias and perique. This cool, slow burning blend has a natural sweetness and a wonderful room aroma.


Solani Aged Burley Flake - Blend 656- A skillful mixture of three aged Burley's - dark brown Burley from Kentucky, light Burley from Brazil, and white Burley from Malawi - Southeast Africa. A very natural blend with absolutely no additives or flavors - a true Burley blend.  


I had the opportunity to try the Blend 633 and as a fairly novice virginia smoker it was refreshing to try another virginia blend.  I found it an easy smoke and took care to smoke it slower than I normally smoke other tobacco blends.  For those not familiar with pipe tobacco blends Virginia blends have Virginia tobacco as either the only tobacco or one of the components (as was the case with the Blend 633).  The Virginia component is high in sugar which can lead to tongue bite if smoked too quickly.  Also the flavor component is not as sharp as other blends so smoking it slowly allows the subtle flavors to develop.


We had a great turn out for this meeting so a lot of folks got to try the blends as well as peruse the pipes Hank brought to sell.  i looked thru the pipes and purchased another Brebbia pipe (guess I'm drawn to this brand).


A great time was had by all.  Up next I'll be reviewing the NY Pipe Show that took place earlier this month in Newark NJ.  

INTERNATIONAL PIPE SMOKING DAY

New York Pipe Club celebrating International Pipe Smoking Day

Howdy all, back with you again this time we're at De La Concha Cigar Shop celebrating International Pipe Smoking Day.  This year we celebrated IPS Day one day earlier, on Saturday February 19th, since the official IPS Day fell on Sunday this year. We had a good turn out, on such a cold day, by members of the pipe club (as seen in the picture above).

We arrived at roughly 2pm and proceeded to get setup in our usual spot by the window.  Our thanks go out to Vernon Vig who secured the spot for us to hold IS day.  Also, to our surprise, Vernon had De La Concha display the custom made Dunhill pipe presented to him by the NYPC.  President Lou brought couple of bottles of Port Wine for the members to share,  Also De La Concha extended a 10% discount on all pipe tobaccos and some of the members took advantage of this.

It was a fun time and everyone enjoyed getting together to celebrate International Pipe Smoking Day even if it was a day earlier.  As always pictures can be seen here IPS Day.

Hope to see you all at the next meeting to be held on March 8th, 2011 at Florio's from 6pm - ?.

MEETING WITH PIPE MAKER PEDER JEPPESEN

Pipe maker Peder Jeppesen

Happy Friday to all my readers, as the title of this post states I will be giving you an overview of the New York Pipe Club's meet and greet with Peder Jeppesen at Merchants East on Thursday February 10th. In attendance were club president Lou Carbone, Avi, Larry, Bob Sacks, Hank Satchi, Allan Goldschmidt and yours truly Patrick Grant.

A history lesson for those who are not familiar with this pipe maker. He is a Danish pipe maker who, for 25 years, worked with a few well known Danish pipe makers one of whom is Erik Nording. After perfecting his pipe makings skills Peder went out on his own forming Neerup Pipe Company, named for one of his grandmothers.

Peder was on a tour of the US visiting as many Tobacconists and the occasional Pipe Club to introduce the stores and pipe club members to his rather wonderful pipe line. Avi and Allan purchased a few of the pipes Peder brought to show us.

It was nice to have this event at Merchants so some of the members could see the location and decide, for themselves, if this was a venue they'd vote for.

It's now Saturday the 19th of February and I figured I should, since I have a free moment while I clean my pipes, to finish this post before heading to celebrate, a day early, International Pipe Smoking Day at De La Concha cigar shop and lounge. Hopefully we'll get a great turnout for this event.

Pictures from the Peder Jeppesen meet and greet can be found here Peder Jeppesen. See you at our March meeting at Florio's in Little Italy.

REVIEW: FEBRUARY MEETING NEW YORK PIPE CLUB

Club President Lou Carbone enjoying his pipe

Howdy all, just got a free moment riding the #7 train to update my blog site. Here we are in the second month of 2011 and we just had our second pipe club meeting. As always we met at Florio's in Little Italy to have dinner then retire to the smoking lounge to smoke our pipes.

This meeting was different, what with the passing of Larry Amarouso the previous month, we now have to pay $10 to use the smoking lounge. The management referred to this as a usage fee. The members that were there paid the fee and enjoyed a night of pipe smoking and camaraderie. We had a total of 19 people that showed up in the lounge, with a smaller contingent coming for dinner.

All that being said, we still had a wonderful time smoking our pipes and trying tobaccos brought in by other members. Meeting adjourned around 11:30pm or so.

The next Pipe Club meeting is in March, plus we have the International Pipe Smoking Day on Saturday February 19th from 2pm - 6pm at De La Concha on Sixth Avenue. Hope to see you there to hoist a bowl for a wonderful evening of pipe smoking.

Before I go, here is the link to the pictures from the meeting Photos. Enjoy!!

REVIEW: JANUARY PIPE CLUB MEETING

Well it's a miserable day here in New York so I figured I'd take the time to get you up to speed on the latest happenings in the cigar and pipe worlds.  Since my last post I suffered an unfortunate mishap.  Nothing too serious, if you don't consider a broken left elbow serious.   It will require surgery to repair and at least a three month recovery, but other than that all else is operational since I'm a right handed person so I can still function.

On to better things,  on January 18th we had our first pipe club meeting of 2011.  It was both a happy and a sad occasion.  More on the sad bit later.  Our first 2011 meeting was delayed a week due to the inclement weather we've been having in New York this winter.  We met, as usual, at Florio's in Little Italy where we had dinner and  then went upstairs to smoke our pipes.

At this meeting we honored former president Vernon Vig with a one of a kind custom made Dunhill pipe for his hard work and dedication to the efforts of the club.  We also had a custom certificate made to commemorate the occasion.  Vernon was quite surprised by the generous tribute bestowed on him by the club. In honor of the occasion the club generously bought all in attendance a drink of their choosing.

We then retired upstairs to enjoy the newly reintroduced Dunhill pipe tobaccos, courtesy of Peter Guss and Liam O'Mally, which were a big hit with all in attendance.  Meeting was a great success with all in attendance.

Our normal high energy meetings were made a bit somber when we were informed of the passing of our host, for many years, Larry Amoruso at 51 years young.  He lost his battle with cancer on January 13th, 2011.  Our condolences go out to his family and close friends.

Our next meeting is on February 8th, 2011.  Hope to see you all in attendance where we may sample some unusual tobacco.  Before I forget here's the link to the pictures of the evening  Pipe Club First 2011 Meeting

DECEMBER 2010 PIPE CLUB MEETING

A belated Merry Christmas and a happy 2011 to my followers.  Sorry about the lateness of this post, but like most of you, I was enjoying a bit of the holiday cheer myself.  I'm sitting down with a lovely cocktail and figured that I've put it off too long and I should get to writing the latest installment.  As the title suggests this is my review of the year end holiday meeting of the New York Pipe Club.

As always we had a wonderful turn out of folks at this meeting and we also had some brand spanking new members who came to support this wonderful past time.  In attendance was our current president Lou Carbone as well as our past president Vernon Vig.  We all sat down to a wonderful dinner followed by a round of drinks on the club, which as Vernon explained has been a tradition.  Afterwards we proceeded to the smoking lounge where we unpacked our pipes in preparation for smoking.

This evening featured a tasting of some wonderful blends from GL Pease.  The blends we tasted were Quiet Night and Chelsea Morning.  Quiet Night is a flake tobacco while the other, being the same blend, is a ribbon cut tobacco.  Also in attendance was a gentleman named Charles, who said he was a long time member.  Charles is the keeper of the 'leaf' and to that end he produced the suitcase of some unusual tobaccos for members to sample.

As always we had a wonderful time trying the GL Pease blends, one of the author's favorites, and celebrating the holidays with the members.

Our next meeting is January 11th, 2011, it's hard to believe 2010 is in the rear view mirror, and hopefully we'll have some interesting tobaccos to taste.

As always I'll keep my ear to the cigar / pipe ash to see what events are in the works.

Oh, least I forget, here's the link to the pictures of that fun evening.  NYPC FINAL MEETING 2010

Hope to see you at the first pipe club meeting of 2011.

MONJOUR PIPE SHOW

Steve Monjour at the Barclay Rex Pipe Show

Howdy all, just got a chance to report back about the Monjour Fall Pipe Show.  Show was held on Thursday December 2nd, 2010 at Barclay Rex 75 Broad Street, NYC from 11am - 6pm.  There were pipes from Brebbia, Ardor and Rinaldi with varying prices.  Steve Monjour, as always, was on hand to answer any questions on the pipes.

There were many lovely pipes, some of which I loved, but were out of my price range.  However I did find another pipe, yet another Brebbia, that is a clear version of my squashed tomato bowl Brebbia I bought at a previous Monjour Pipe Show. (Picture to follow)  

Steve also brought a pipe that was made to be raffled off.  Unfortunately I didn't win the raffled pipe.  Hopefully I'll be able to win one at the next Monjour Pipe Show.

Here is a link to the pictures from the Monjour Pipe Show Monjour Pipe Pictures.

The next event coming down the pipe (no pun intended) is the December New York Pipe Club meeting on December14th, 2010 at Florio's / Three Little Indians in Little Italy.  We'll be tasting two blends from the GL Pease tobacco line.  Hope to see you pipe lovers there.