I mentioned in a previous post that I was anxious to visit my local smoke shop and see what kind of snuffs they might have. I also mentioned that since I knew it was owned by an Indian couple, that I was hopeful that there might be something exotic (or at least Indian). I was dissapointed in that the clerk (who barely spoke English) seemed to have no idea what I was talking about when I asked for snuffs. Finally he directed me to a little section of the store that had mostly the moist (oral) snuffs. But there I discovered also a couple of trays of dry snuff! Sadly, nothing exotic, but I can’t put off trying American snuffs forever. One tray was Tops Scotch and the other Tops Sweet ($3.50 USD each for a 1.15 oz tin -not sure what that is in metric I think about 30 g). I bought a Tops Sweet just for the sake of it. They were in plastic “tins” but I seem to remember these types in metal when I saw them 10 or 15 years ago. Late tonight after a few drinks and now in my quiet time with some tea I mustered up the courage to try some. I was remembering my experience with Nicotine Rush’s free sample of Railroad Mills a few days ago. That train ran right up my nose and set my brain on fire for a good five minutes. Yes, I know I have been warned that these American snuffs are not easy for beginners. Well the label comes up above where the lid is so you can’t see where or how its supposed to open. Gentle twisting turned into stronger twisting and suddenly it came loose with snuff flying everywhere. It was all over my hands, my robe, the lid, my slippers, the floor and my arms. I resisted the urge to snuff it all up remembering how dry and fine these Americans are. So I settled for brushing off my hands back into the tin and cleaning up the rest as best I could. Then the pinch! Sharp, but not too much so. I had a few short coughs telling me I was still sniffning too hard, but less than I had expected from an American. Only a very brief burn which then turned into a pleasant sweetness. The sweetness is still lingering slightly about 20 minutes and one nose blow later. I can see why the Southern ladies would be drawn into dipping this stuff. The sweetness is incredibly alluring. So far I am resisting putting it in my mouth, but I think I will be snuffing it for the remainder of the evening. Yummy! To any of my overseas fellow snuffers that want to try either Tops Sweet or Tops Scotch, please let me know as they are within walking distance of my house. I’d be happy to pick you up a tin or two for a comprable trade from your area. Soon I will venture farther afield for more tobacconinsts to hopefully find more variety. If not, then back to the internet!
That is a great feeling when you find snuff at a local (or semi-local, in my case) tobacconist. When I first found one that carried snuff, I was overjoyed. Of course, they only carried the Poschl and Ozona brands, but just being able to find it after looking at countless other shops was a nice surprise. The only place I have come across that sold american snuffs was this little convenience store around the corner from my house (which was also owned by an Indian or Middle Eastern Family) that I used to go to every day for energy drinks, cheesesteaks, and cigarettes. By the time I was actually interested in snuff, and realized they had it there, it was too late…they are closed down now. The sad thing is, the store is still for sale, and their stock is still inside. It’s so close, and I cannot get to it. Good thing they are american snuffs…they really can’t go bad. Ha. Now I just have to wait for someone to buy the place so I can go in there and buy them out. ~Snuffy
snuffy it’s ninja time 
yeah there was a store selling snuff in the town I lived in but they kept it behind the counter with no signage. What retards!