I finally managed to get a tin of Top Mill. To my surprise the first pinches out of it had a vague but unmistakable touch of menthol. I’m a big fan of the SP No. 1, but up to now had only tried Top Mill in the little blue boxes and it always tasted very similar to its brother to me: plain, pungent and and definitely not mentholated at all. Does it normally have a hint of menthol when fresh or was this some kind of mix-up at the factory?
No, and there is no menthol in there. (But, speaking personally I always find this type of plain SP to be as head clearing as menthol, and without the congestion that menth causes) If there is a menthol taint its more likely to be because its been stored next to something strongly mentholated; only the large JandH tins are airtight, the smaller ones will get stale on the shelf eventually and could get contaminated I suppose.
Top Mill should contain no menthol. However, flour on site is sometimes accidentally contaminated. Menthol is the usual contaminant since it only requires tiny amounts to affect snuff. In my career I’ve returned canisters from both Sheffield and Kendal on account of menthol contamination. There was a massive mix-up about ten years ago at the Sharrow Mill affecting Princes. All concerned were very contrite about the whole affair and, as I seem to recall, scored a free 1/2 lb by way of apology.
Top Mill is one of my favourite snuffs and I know it shouldn’t have menthol. May I ask how/where you managed to get a tin of Top Mill from?
Snuffster, it was an airtight tin. PhilipS, I can imagine the horror at getting mentholated Princes but a half pound of snuff sounds like more than fair compensation. I wonder if Imperial would be as obliging… Street Carp, a friend of mine found it in Manchester.
where in Manchester? Which friend? Does you friend think menthol is a good perfume?
bob how are you! Do you want a cup of tea?
Ill have one please, and while you’re at it, any chance of some marmite on toast?
Sure and biscuits as well!
Don’t forget the crumpets
Yes a cup of tea would be very nice.
Chinese, Indian or a blend? Milk, lemon, sugar or honey?
any