Club Info & Events

Details from the July Meeting
The July meeting was a little like old times with absense of our Rhode Island contingent. It was the usual suspects who have become the tried and true for many years and are always a pleasure to hang out with and share a bowl. The meeting consisted of the typical banter which usually starts these month's with an update on the health situation of our very good friend and club secretary Rick Frederics. Rick has been dealing with quite a lot over the past six months but had managed to keep up an extremely positive attitude throughout all his trials and tribulations. He also is one of the tried and true previously mentioned and I'm sure not being able to attend the meetings bothers him almost as much as it bothers those of us who don't get to share his company. If you're reading this Rick (which I know you are), we're all thinking of you and routing for you as you continue on the road back. We'll be here waiting and look forward to seeing you again soon.

CONGRATULATIONS!!!
Hot Off The Press! Well actually, it's a bit luke warm now that a few weeks have passed but definitely well deserving of another big round of applause and hearty congratulations for our resident pipe make (and the official SHPC Pipe of the Year procurer) Tim Hynick for a great article about him, his pipemaking and even a bit about SHPC. The article was written for Pipes & Tobacco Magazine by William "Cliff" Nelson who joined us at the April meeting. My copy will be well preserved for eternity. Be sure to pick one up before they're all gone. Nice work Tim, we're all happy for you. (click image for a better view)

2015 Club Pipe Update
Back at the June meeting the club looked at about a dozen photos of Icarus pipes and voted on their favorite. Although there were a few contenders in the lot, this pipe had the most votes and there was enough interest from the others to move forward. It's a bit of a nose warmer which is a little different from the pipes we've had commissioned in the past but it does have some class. The price will be $120 which also includes the purchase of a new stamp. We plan on having them done sometime in the fall but need to get a head count on who wants one. So keep an eye on your email for the official purchase request.

Dunhill’s My Mixture - Baby’s Bottom

Dunhill/smokingpiprs.com says:
A blend of Virginias and Latakia made famous generations ago for its smooth-smoking qualities, Dunhill's My Mixture, Baby's Bottom was at the top of the list for mixtures we wanted to see re-introduced. Now, thanks to the folks at British American Tobacco and General Cigar, it has returned.

Thanks to our monthly tobacco raffle I can review a tobacco I doubted I would ever buy. I lit-up when I got home after the July meeting. First off, no baby’s bottom was ever this rough. However after a day of smoking and an evening at the SHPC meeting, it was wise to withhold judgment until BB could be tried with a clean tongue.

Two days later fire was put to BB and it came across with the customary zing of most Virginias (constant puffers beware) but started to mellow out about a third of the way through the bowl into a very smooth and tasty smoke. In retrospect, I believe the tobacco was just a bit too moist and in the beginning produced a lot of steam.

Two weeks later Baby’s Bottom is something to look forward to and is living up to its name. It is smooth with a citrus sweetness melded with the best Latakia I have tasted since the old Syrian type. I’ll keep it around.

Note: Pipes and Cigars have an alternative tobacco in their Match Series called “Match Dunhill’s BB1938”. I might purchase an ounce or two and do a comparative review at some point. - Ernie

Hearth & Home Marquee Fusilier's Ration 1.76 oz
Start with dark, smoky Cyprian Latakia, and add some of the most amazing Oriental leaf, a variety of Virginias from around the world and a touch of unflavored black Cavendish. Then lightly scent it with an old fashioned top dressing and hot press it to marry the flavors and mature the blend. Slice it and prepare for a smoking experience that's truly, well, revolutionary.

Butera Blended Flake
There are many Virginia/Perique flakes, but Blended Flake is a stand-out because of the addition of fine Oriental tobaccos, and the variety of Virginias that are slowly pressed with tangy-sweet Perique.

Pipe Sighting - Nantucket, MA

Old codger sporting a cobb and a stick. Watch out!!.