Greetings Denizens! Today I had the pleasure to have lunch and head out for some pipe shopping with TSD's own @BamaT (Tony) while visiting Birmingham area, Alabama, USA. After a lunch of BBQ at the Original Jim 'N Nick's BBQ in Homewood, Alabama. And, it's no accident that we ended up in this neighborhood, The Briary, happens to be close by! The Briary is located in a converted farmhouse structure in the old part of Homewood. The shop has been in existence for 40+ years, and is the second oldest shop in the state of Alabama. It features rustic floors, lots of wood, an amazing selection of pipes, tobaccos, as well as one of the finest walk-in Humidors in the USA. But today, we were all about the pipes. This is Tony's main tobacco shop haunt, and I feel blessed to get the fine intro I received today. From left: Skip Elliott (tobacconist, pipe maker, proprietor of the Briary), Chris (Bama Samurai), Tony (BamaT) Upon arrival, Tony introduced me to Skip, and we got down to the business of talking pipes. His shop features five cases of pipes for sale, and full complement of bulk and blending options, and a wall of tins! Chris watching Skip wrap up some new goodies, bought two NOS Chacom per the reccomendation of Tony and Skip. Pipes Galore! Tobacco Heaven! Tony and I had a blast! We talked pipes with Skip for almost two hours, and even got a few goodies. One of the real treats of the day was being offered a sample of a prototype blend that Skip is working on. It was pretty cool to get to try something that's not for sale yet! I spent some time looking over NOS Chacom, and couldn't resist the urge to pick up a couple of goodies. Today was a great experience, and it was a true pleasure to get to actually meet Tony. Thanks to Tony for lunch and all the hospitality today! Tony is a true gentleman and someone I enjoy being around very much. And big thanks to Skip, for sharing his knowledge and giving us the VIP treatment at his shop. He made a customer for life in me today, I will revisit this shop as often as possible. If you're ever in Birmingham, and have never been to a world class tobacconist, check out The Briary. It's a top ten shop in the whole USA, and Skip can definitely find a match for any palate. Once again thanks to both of these great guys who showed me a good time today, I had a ball!
Chris, it was a true pleasure having you in town today, finally meeting you in person, sharing a fine meal, and spending some time in The Briary. I've known Skip since 1978, and he is a first class guy and runs a first class establishment. The Briary is truly a unique shop, and I feel fortunate to have such a quality pipe and tobacco shop close to me. I also feel fortunate to count Chris and many other fine folks at TSD as my friends! Chris, I'm glad you had a good time; you picked up a couple of really nice Chacom pipes. Enjoy the rest of your visit with your family, and safe travels home my friend. I look forward to your next visit!
Don't know if I'm more jealous of your visit to the Briary, or Jim & Nick's! I spent two weeks in Birmingham, and practically lived on "Pig in the Potato Patch."
Good times! As someone mentioned, the smell of that place must have been 'intoxicating'! My dad smoked a pipe for years and every time I smell pipe tobacco, it brings me to another time, another place.
