Posted: 3/26/2026 12:56:26 PM EDT
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If you have been in the game seriously for decades you might know a couple of names - these guys were legends. The first is Mel Feldman. Before Mel died he was an internationally known collector, purveyor, and expert on all things briar and leaf. He owned a store in Albany called The Smoker, and he did trade shows across the country. The man literally had tens of thousands of estate pipes, and if you asked him for a 1924 Dunhill %#$%^ he would know which plastic tub to go to and probably had a dozen in various grades. Ask him about a pipe tobacco and he could break it down to its nuances, and probably mix you a very close replica if out of production, unobtainable, or just too pricey. One of his colleagues and friends was the second man I'll discuss. The other legend from the scene is a man named Russ Ouellette, the award winning master blender behind Hearth and Home pipe tobacco which was made for, and sold through, pipesandcigars.com which was owned by my fraternity brother who also owns Habana Premium Cigar Shoppe in Albany. My fraternity brother sold pipesandcigars.com to Cigars International. As part of the deal, Russ moved to PA and ran the division for CI. Russ recently returned to Albany to work with his daughter and old friends at Habana, and I suspect will be back in the blending game! I'll keep folks posted here, but I'll just say, Russ is one of the true legends in the industry and glad he is back pursuing his passion and art. If any of you guys find yourself in the Albany area and are pipe aficionados, drop me a line and I'll see if I can find a time for us all to fill a bowl with some of his blends. I largely gave up on pipes when he left the area, but am super excited to have him back. Oh yeah, word is he is working on blends that will give more of a cigar flavor profile - something I've always wished for. |
The duty of a patriot is to protect his nation from its government.
"I would remind you that extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice! And let me remind you also that moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue!"
"I would remind you that extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice! And let me remind you also that moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue!"
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My step dad used to deliver the mail to Mr. Feldman. He had a fair amount of pipes he brought home. I am guessing about 30 or so. I never picked up the habit but this brings back memories of the nice smelling tobacco. Thanks for the memories. I recall like the smell of the cherry tobaccos best but there were other nice ones. |
The only hyphenated names I like are cartridge names......30-06, 30-40, 38-55 etc.