Reflection
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I got my S.T. Dupont lighter about 20 years ago. Yes, a Bic has the same soft flame. No, the palladium does not add to its effectiveness. And no, I do not recommend them if you lose stuff. But nothing beats that Dupont “ping!” That said, it has been the most reliable lighter I have…
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Here are my picks for the best new pipe tobacco blends of 2025. While I do highlight one in particular as my pick for the best new blend of the year, they are not in a ranked order. All of the tobaccos mentioned in this video are outstanding in my opinion. What were your top…
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In my review of this year’s release of From Beyond, I mused that it seemed different from my memory of previous releases, and that it would be interesting to see if that were true and if so how. Looking in my cellar, I found I indeed had a tin of the original release of From…
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Today, October 11, 2025 is Pipetoberfest, an annual pipe event at Twins Smoke shop where we focus on beer pairings with tobacco alongside a trunk show. This year, for $20 you get a Pipetoberfest stein, a bag full of swag, and access to all five 7-20-4 Briary Blends tobaccos–Boston Tea Party, Queen City, Dexter’s Secret,…
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I often describe Esoterica’s Penzance as the “Opus X” of the pipe tobacco world. A few years ago, I smoked Seattle Pipe Club’s Plum Pudding Special Reserve side by side with Penzance and found it strikingly similar. The same feeling happened when I had my first bowl of Gladora’s Pesse Canoe Latakia Flake-40. That led…
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I always have a selection of favorite tobaccos in my bag when I head out to Twins Smoke Shop. Lately, it has been heavy on the G.L. Pease side of things. I do love his stuff! This video highlights what Pease blends have made it to the top of my list: Cumberland, Windjammer, Penny Farthing,…
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I am excited to announce that, as of June 22, 2025, I will be serving as the Interim Pastor at West Newbury Congregational Church in West Newbury, MA, while they conduct a search for a new pastor. No, I am not leaving my position at Twins Smoke Shop and will continue to manage the Londonderry…
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As a cigar and pipe smoker and a Certified Retail Tobacconist, there are some things I don’t leave home without. In this video, I reveal some of my personal essentials that I always have with me. Always be prepared. Always have contingencies!
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In this short video, I share some of the basics of humidor etiquette. Do you agree? What are some other details of humidor etiquette that are important to you?
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It is true. I am a legitimate pastor. Today, May 23, is the 21st anniversary of my ordination. In this video, I share some of my backstory and how the moniker, Pastor Padron, acknowledges my vocation in the cigar and pipe industry as the manager of Twins Smoke Shop and my calling to pastoral ministry…
Not Just Blowing Smoke with Pastor Padron 