They say history repeats itself, and I suppose it sometimes does. The first pipe tobacco I ever had the pleasure of smoking happened to be Captain Black, back in 1978, after conniving a Jobey from a Baptist preacher. Captain Black eventually fostered a fondness for straight black cavendish which, in turn, resulted in a taste for Argosy. Though I never tired of trying something new and dark, I burned Argosy more frequently, perhaps, than most of the others. Not surprisingly, however, I eventually progressed to English mixtures, for upon discovering Latakia I felt I had found nicotine Nirvana. Inevitably the aromatics gradually fell by the wayside.
Then, about a month ago, I picked up a package of Captain Black, although I don't remember why. Heresy of heresies, I honestly enjoyed the junk. Strange, isn't it, how one small act of self indulgence can push a man right down the primrose path of social degradation? Good reputations have been totally ruined by dalliance with an aromatic. Yet, I have willingly succumbed to said endangerment for Captain Black has once again led me to Argosy. Only this time I didn't settle for the paltry pouch of years ago. Sin boldly, Luther said, so I bought a big bucket--12 ounces of tar colored leaf--and I am not one bit repentant.
Argosy is characterized by the essential virtues of excellence and economy. It's slightly drier than the majority of similar cavendishes, lights nicely and smolders sweetly without getting too syrupy. No complaint about the price either. The average 50 gram (1-3/4 ounces) tinned tobacco costs around $9.00. A 12 ounce tub of Argosy sells for approximately $24.00, making 1-3/4 ounces equal to $3.50-a savings of $5.50. Bottom line: you don't have to spend a lot of money for decent pipe stuffing unless you really want to.
After all, why do we even bother with pipes? The reasons will vary from person to person, but common to every puffer is a genuine appreciation for tobacco. Would you really put a pipe in your mouth if the contents within produced a disagreeable flavor? Therefore, should a blend prove sufficiently satisfying, is there any just cause to be ashamed if that particular concoction doesn't warrant the approval of elitist reviewers? I pose the question because I occasionally notice an air of unbecoming snobbishness hanging about those who favor Latakia. English, Scottish and Balkan blends are fantastic, but if a person regularly prefers an aromatic . . . well, to each his own. Argosy, then, would be a superb choice for the unabashed connoisseur of black cavendish.
I have reached the point in life where I have little tolerance for bovine defecation (metaphorically speaking). Thus, when the pipe smoker's version of the good life--illustrated in full color on glossy magazine paper--consists of a $500.00 famous maker briar filled with big bucks tobacco, I think the whole image portrays a steaming pile of philosophical crap. Don't get me wrong: The pipe may be beautiful, the blend might be wonderful, but the whole deal is still nothing more than wood and weed. Ultimate pleasure can hardly be equated with an overpriced tobacco crammed in a pipe worth half a grand. Yet, the message conveyed by such an ad says otherwise and gullible people believe the lie. Inevitably they get ripped off both spiritually and monetarily. The guy who finds his chief happiness through glorifying God, while burning inexpensive tobacco in . . . say a Grabow, knows something of the difference between eternal and temporal assets. Argosy in a cheap pipe: what a reality check. It's well worth trying.
When you're expecting the worst, but get the best, it's a pleasant surprise indeed. My experience with "drug store" brands is a long tale of woe. Most of them are lousy, with only the rarest of exceptions, so when I had the chance to try Field & Stream, I put a match to the blend with no small amount of trepidation. Turns out that this weirdly dressed (licorice and other natural flavorings) aromatic is magnificent in all respects. In a peculiar sort of way the blend fits in well with its pitched context of hunting and fishing pursuits. Quite a discovery, in my distinctly prejudiced opinion.
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©copyright 2003, Perry S. Fuller
