That tends to happen when supply disappears. It's a shame, but there are people out there that will take advantage of others looking for their favorite blends.
It's much like what happens when tins get a few years on them. They aren't sold at a discount because they are old, there is a price increase because they are aged.
I agree with @mfresa I went to my local B&M and got a couple (3 tins) of my favorite McClelland blends to have since they are going out. I am storing some for me personally. I was talking to my brother and he stopped in a couple of days afterwards and he said everything was gone. Someone had come in and bought anything and everything McClelland off of the shelves, I am sure they are one of those on eBay asking a premium like @thebadgerpiper was saying.
Last week the B&M where we hold our monthly meetings had 25 tins of different McClelland blends left on the shelf before our meeting. I think the had about 10 left at the end of the night. They also had four or five lbs of different bulks.
The manager told me they had a guy call from out of state and wanted to buy out the McClelland stock he had. The decision was made to sell it locally instead to the regular customers who supported the shop.They didn't raise the prices either.
Glad to hear that @PappyJoe . I can understand people who buy up stock of their favorite blends for their own use. However, I will not do any business with people taking advantage of stock scarcity for their own gain. It also happens in my other hobby (video games), and it annoys me to no end. I have an unopened tin of Frog Morton's Cellar that I might trade, since I've yet to smoke Cellar, and I'm not that interested in trying new blends I can't buy more of. If I do trade it, I'll be asking for a tin of equal value. I view other pipers as fellow brothers and sisters of the briar, and I will not take advantage of them.
@thebadgerpiper - in an age of cutthroat behavior, it was really nice to read your take on this. I have several tins of FM that I know I will never smoke, but will give as gifts in the next few years to fellow smokers who will appreciate the one of a kind opportunity.
It's just capitalism at its most rapacious. I can't really blame those who are responding to supply and demand as we've been taught. I can admire those who refuse to buy into it, so to speak.
@thebadgerpiper what size tin is that cellar if you don’t mind me asking...I’d be up for a trade if you’re still interested.
I have some unopened tins of Nording Hunter Labrador, SPC Plum Pudding Reserve, The Mind Meld Latakia. I’d possibly be willing to part with a Mind Meld/Labrador combo.
@thebadgerpiper I’m interested in a trade if you’re still wanting to move the Frog Cellar. If I have anything you want that is....I have unopened tins of The Mind Meld Latakia, Nording Hunter Labrador & SPC Plum Pudding Special Reserve. I’d be willing to part with a Labrador/Mind Meld combo or the SPC...
I know you’re not looking for stuff that won’t be available, but the Labrador is still currently out there. Maybe if you try one, you may want to cellar some. Picked up a couple extra tins myself since @PappyJoe spoke very highly of it.
the prices will likely continue to go up, which makes sense. they will be rare, and with age some of them will likely smoke/taste better. if its something someone wants years down the road, theyll be willing to pay more, just like we all pay more for scotch with more age/rarity.
Thanks for the kind words @Mangoandy . I'm a strong believer in capitalism, but I'm not down with taking advantage of others with a supply/demand issue.
I've contacted @ocpunk714 , and we're going to do a trade for that tin of FM Cellar.
Really going out of business? I have a few unopened tins hidden away somewhere that I picked up back in the 90’s.I think they always produced first rate mixtures.
I wish I would have bought a tin or two of FNC before they all disappeared. I have been a fan of the whole series and was waiting to try the cellar. Thinking I had time with the FDA ultimately taking it away, I waited. Now the only consistent source, eBay sellers, is auctioning them off around 50. I guess that is one blend I will have to place into the I should have when I had the chance file... PS I recently came back to smoking pipes..
It's sad when something you like disappears like that. I'm glad that I have a couple of pounds of 5110 and 2020 and a few tins of FM. I probably won't use it up, my Doctors all say cut down so I only do 1 pipe full a day, but it's still good to have. I wish I had stored a good dozen or so of my favorite Wally Frank Blend, I went through 8 oz. or more every month till they closed before I got back there.
The only tin I’m regretting not getting when I had the chance to get more of, is Master Penman. I really enjoyed that aromatic, I only have a couple of tins left unopened.
In a related topic, today I finally got up the gumption to go to the Cobbler in the next town and see if I could pick up some green leather dye for my Big Ben Jade pipe that needs refinishing. And wouldn't you know it ... a shop that has been open for over 50 years closed down. The Cobbler had a nice sign in the window thanking customers for their years of patronage ... but just like tobacco blenders like McClennand, little specialty shops around the country are shuttering up their shops. When was the last time you took a pair of shoes to a Cobbler to be repaired? Most people simply buy a new pair. So with less customers it's no longer viable to keep a shop open. And I fear with the dwindling reduction in pipe smokers it's only a matter of time before tobacconists become as obsolete as cobblers.
@qmechanics - There has been a renewed interest for about 10 years or so. The problems lie with the FDA deciding on its own that it also regulates pipes and cigars to start with. Follow that with the Dunhill decision that been connected to pipe tobacco and cigars is detrimental to the men’s lifestyle image they want to portray. The McClelland decision to close its doors was based on several factors; the McClelland’s were having problem getting the quality leaf they wanted, FDA regs, and the simple fact they wanted to retire.
@ ghostsofpompeii I to recently went to have some new soles put on a pair of boots and the cobbler had closed shop. He was 80+, no apprentice. It’s a throwaway society, few places left for true artisans/craftsman. My brother had just had a pair of boots repaired there recently, it was where my father had his work boots repaired in the past as well.
Comments
The manager told me they had a guy call from out of state and wanted to buy out the McClelland stock he had. The decision was made to sell it locally instead to the regular customers who supported the shop.They didn't raise the prices either.
I have several tins of FM that I know I will never smoke, but will give as gifts in the next few years to fellow smokers who will appreciate the one of a kind opportunity.
I have some unopened tins of Nording Hunter Labrador, SPC Plum Pudding Reserve, The Mind Meld Latakia. I’d possibly be willing to part with a Mind Meld/Labrador combo.
I know you’re not looking for stuff that won’t be available, but the Labrador is still currently out there. Maybe if you try one, you may want to cellar some. Picked up a couple extra tins myself since @PappyJoe spoke very highly of it.
I've contacted @ocpunk714 , and we're going to do a trade for that tin of FM Cellar.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=COdUXxMMFC8
PS I recently came back to smoking pipes..
Q
I to recently went to have some new soles put on a pair of boots and the cobbler had closed shop. He was 80+, no apprentice. It’s a throwaway society, few places left for true artisans/craftsman. My brother had just had a pair of boots repaired there recently, it was where my father had his work boots repaired in the past as well.
hmm.....no space after the @.