Over the last couple of months we’ve been working on a very special project. And the rather cleverly obtuse code-name for this mystery enterprise? PROJECT: B.U.L.K. P.H.O.T.O.G.R.A.P.H.Y. (We thought it read more impressively when written as if an acronym.) Inspired by a combination of customer requests and the fact that, like most every other online retailer that sells bulk tobacco, we’ve been using the same dozen or so images to represent the vast sundry of loose leaf blends that we actually offer, we’ve decided to undertake the lengthy and daunting task of individually shooting and processing the entire catalog of our bulk tobacco selection. I’m sure it’s been just a blast for our photographers John and Chris. But seriously, they’ve done an excellent job capturing each blend, and as an added bonus, they’ve even thrown in a close-up shot of each offering so that you can really see the different components and get a feel for the cut. They’ve been working at it so madly trying to get everything squared away that they’re days ahead of schedule - even while simultaneously keeping up with our regular updates as well. All these new images should be available for you tonight. Thanks, photo guys!

Now, in case you missed last Thursday’s newsletter, we’ve just introduced to SPC a new brand of bulk-only pipe tobacco called Newminster. Produced in Denmark for Villiger, we’ve got 22 new tobacco blends available from the marque that range from the sticky-sweet Very Cherry, to the complex Superior Navy Flake, to the full-bodied and savory English Orient. If you’re looking to explore something new and fresh, here’s your chance.

And lest I forget to mention it, we’ve got a couple different Father’s Day promotions that we’re currently running up through Sunday, June 17th. We’re offering a Father’s Day Gift Set that includes a rather neat looking miniature golf bag cigar carrying case (it’s got a small humidification device inside), a couple cigars, and a cigar cutter. All this is yours for only $19.99. Additionally, we’ve reintroduced the Principal Pipe Pack that can be bought along with a new or estate pipe for the low, low price of $5.00. With it you'll find one bundle each of B. J. Long’s standard, extra-fluffy, and bristled pipe cleaners, as well as a folding pipe stand, a Czech-style pipe tool, and a handy-dandy adjustable chamber-reamer.

New pipes from Former and Pete Prevost hit the site with the update, as well as new works from Dunhill, Peterson, Savinelli, Luciano, PS Studio, Chacom, Johs, Tsuge, and Brigham. Fairly eclectic, and quite a variety, wouldn’t you say?

Ted Swearingen: Vice President, General Manager