For all of you interested in Snuff from the Amber Coast, I have good news. A new snuff maker has started business in Frankfurt an der Oder, Germany, right on the Polish border. His name is Rene Rosinski and he produces five snuffs in the Kashubian Tradition. Such snuffs have been very difficult to obtain in the last years, due to EU regulations. Mr Rosinski has developed new sauces to comply with regulations while retaining the original aroma. Since Rosinski Tabaka does not retail snuff directly, I can give you his Internet coordinates: www.rosinski-schnupf.com and info@rosinski-schnupf.com for enquiries. Perhaps he is also still looking for trade partners. For the collectors among us, he will also bring an interesting selection Kashubian Horns, traditional snuff mulls, to the market. Including amber and silver decorated mulls and a pocket sized version. Donald Tusk, EU Parliament President, himself a Kashub and avid snuff taker has been seen with such a snuffhorn at several occasions. Donald Tusk is also our (= snufftakers) main lobbyist in the otherwise so prudish EU. I will receive samples of Mr Rosinskis snuffs in A few days and will try to comment on them In a later post. With your gracious permission, I shall retire now, with a nice book, a brandy and of course, snuff Patrick B. Ludwig
Can you give us a clue as to what the Kashubian tradition in snuff is, Ludwig? Sounds fascinating…
While a Slavonic People and part of Poland, Kashubs speak their own language and do not consider themselves as ethnic Poles but as a distict cultural group, comparable perhaps tot he Sorbs in Germany. For a long time, Kashubia was under German control and actually considered as part of Germany – at least by the German ruling classes. This flavored the regional snuff culture as part of the German snuff culture, as found in Bavaria with its Schmalzlers or the mining regions in the Ruhr Valley. Kashubian snuffs are usually of the dry and coarser type and never treated with fats or lards. Kashubia produced different flavours and sauces and produced greener snuffs, less fermented tobacco, as well as darker, even smoked snuffs. Very often, Kashub snuffs were produced by the locals at home, most Kashub country houses would have a wooden pestle to grind the tobacco. This custo is still practised today. Snuff in Kashubia is usually carried in snuff mulls made by hand by local craftsmen from cows horns. These are part of the Kashub national costumes (yes, plural, many variations, the Ladies costumes are gorgeous !) and look remarkably like old gunpowder-horns. They come in different sizes and are sometimes richly decorated with amber or silver. Mr. Rosinski is negotiating with a Kashub craftsman, these should be available by this summer. A Premiere on the Internet! Kashub tradition considers the offering of snuff a social grace and tourists will routinely be offered snuff as a treat. A treat at least, for our ilk, most others are usually rather put off. Their are even snuff contests, the largest being in Chielmno as an important part oft he local tobacco fair held once a year. Really worth visiting, by the way. Unlike the Bavarian snuff contests, wher participants endeavour to stuff as much snuff into their noses in as short as possible time, the Kashub contests are more refined. You are supposed to hold a small speech, dressed as finely as possible in national costume. This is ended by the elegant taking of snuff from the horn. Speech, dress and gesture are judged and the best partcipant wins. It is mainly a manly ritual but women may participate too (so I was told). Apart from snuff, Kashbia hold many attractions, such as the upside down house, a fairy park of wood carvings, very gentle (in the old sense) pe0ple, beautiful landscapes and of course, an interesting history and culture. A very good place to spend the summer holidays. The coastline is spectacular. Incidentally, Thomas Mann, the German Writer had a house in Kashubia. Please excuse this very amateurish intro. I am sure Mr. Filek, himself fromPoland and contributor to this forum could provide far more Information. To himMy apologies for any mistakes. Some films on Kashubia and its snuff may be found on youtube. I hope to have been of service and send my very best regards Patrick B. Ludwig
@Ludwig_1954, fascinating! Have to keep an eye out for these snuff mulls!
I am hopeful we will have these in store shortly.
I had seen some video documentary on this; the bowls used to grind the snuff and the snuff horns being made. It was in a tongue I couldn’t understand but it was very interesting. And some were wearing traditional garb and enjoying brass and other musical instruments while partying. They snuffed off the back of the hand if I recall correctly. I just hope the old craftsman had an apprentice to carry on with these traditional mulls.
@Ludwig_1954, fascinating!
I knew it would be! 
Mr Ludwig, thank you for the excellent history. I have received 5 jars of Mr Rosinski’s snuffs, and they are wonderful. Unlike any others I have tried. Now I understand what Kashubian snuff is. For me, these are snuffs only to be used sparingly, as they are delicate, expensive, and quite distinct from all other snuffs currently on the market. Although I don’t plan on getting a horn mull or the traditional costume( it would be out of place here in the western US), I do look forward to my evening relaxation with my Rosinski Kashubian snuffs.