150 Years in My Pocket - The 60-Second Addition to the Daily Smoke

[Yigal]

 

You all know the 90-minute ritual of a fine Churchill, but I’ve recently found that a different kind of tobacco experience fits perfectly into the gaps when the torch isn't an option. I recently pulled a 150 year old Victorian snuff box from the family archives It belonged to my late grandfather, and I have vivid memories of him taking a snuff pinch during our walks when I was a kid. 

It isn't a replacement for the cigar but it’s a brilliant addition.

I’m two weeks into this journey and liking it more every day. One particular Artisanal blend I've discovered is remarkably Habano-esque. On the draw, it hits with a deep, dark-fired earthiness reminiscent of an aged Lusitania, followed by notes of old leather and a creamy, fermented finish. It provides that satisfying feeling and a lingering spice on the palate that you usually only get from a nicely aged stick.

I initially struggled with a nicotine wall in the late afternoon, but since I’ve dialed in the pacing and the precision, moving away from large hits to a more controlled smaller sniff, the energy curve is now steady.

I’m curious to see if there is a "secret society" of snuffers here. Is anyone else adding snuffing to their tobacco ritual? What are you currently enjoying, and how does it sit alongside your CCs?

I’m finding the 60-second satisfaction to be a perfect companion when I don't have 60 minutes for a burn.   

[LaoFan]

That box is wild.

I spent quite a bit of time in London in my 20s. I dabbled for a while and loved it. Don't see it very often anywhere else but if I see some I'll usually grab a box. Very interesting buzz. Very awkward stares in public.

[helix]

Do enjoy a pinch of McCrystals.

[JDoughty]

Never tried snuff and it hasn't interested me before, but your flavor description has me intrigued. What blend is this and how do I get some to try? 

[Yigal]

The blend is Elmo’s Reserve, a UK-based artisan classic. Nasal snuff has been a staple of the tobacco world since the 1500s, though it truly peaked in the 1700s and 1800s. My 150 year old Victorian box is actually a relatively modern accessory in the grand history of the leaf.

 

If you want to dive into the heritage, varieties, and technique, modernsnuff.com is the definitive bible for the hobby.  It’s an incredible informational resource. To source heritage blends like this, look toward mrsnuff or toquesnuff, both online and they are the primary hubs for the UK-based specialists.

 

It is a deep, historical rabbit hole, but for anyone who appreciates the character and pedigree of the leaf, it’s a revelation.

[chasy]

Oh man, it reminds me of my first trip to Oktoberfest. I was shocked that so many people were consuming a white power via their nostrils out in the open, no attempt to conceal. My first thought (I was mid / late twenties) was that this is about to be the craziest party I've been to. Turns out it was still crazy, but that white powder was Schneeburg, a nicotine-free nasal snuff made in Germany. It had a minty / menthol flavor. Not gonna lie, I was a bit let down. It did make for some pretty interesting group photos...

[JDoughty]

Sadly no US based dealers I can find have any. 

[zacca]

Yeah snuff was one of my methods in high school when teachers would nail us for dipping. Nobody suspected we’d go there.