Friboug and Treyer (Now Wilson's of Sharrrow): Dr. J. R. Justice

Nasal Snuff was the earliest use of Tobacco in England. While smoking was accepted among those in eastern European countries, it was only seldom used in England, and seen as crude compared to the elegant ritual of snuff taking. To say snuff had a large following would be and understatement. People from every social class used snuff of varying quality. Its long and prestigious reign as the “correct and proper” way of using tobacco has given rise to hundreds variations each with its own legacy.

Dr. JR Justice was first made some time in the early 1960′s by a company named Friboug and Treyer (est 1720). Though F&T no longer exists today their recipies were sold to Wilson’s of Sharrow and the F&T brand lives on. Each tin still reads: “Fribourg&Treyer, Tobbaconists and Purveyors of foreign Snuff for their late majesties The kings of Stanober and Belgium, To their Late Royal Highnesses, The Dukes of Sussex, Cambridge& Duchess of Kent. I’ve always admired those credentials.

Like most snuff that has stood the test of time Dr. JR justice has its own personality, a background, a unique history. James Robertson Justice was named for his father, a geologist, and had fought in the spansish civil war on the republic side before coming home and becoming and actor. It was famous comedian, James Robertson Justice, who requested a personal blend of snuff from F&T. A comedian famous for his part in the film Vice Versa and his role as Sir Lancelot Sprat in the Doctor in the House t.v series, he was a well known customer of F&T’s Haymarket shop.

The blend F&T created was 50% Bordeaux and 50% Morlaix. It contains an astounding number of tobaccos including; Zimbabwe Flue Cured Stem, Dark Fired, Sun Cured Leaf, and Flue Cured Stem. Its consistancy is corse but moist and the initial scent is reminicent of lilac and a hint of lye. The aroma comes from violets, geranium bourbon, lemon may blossom, tonquin essence, and musk. Though there is one more ingredient it is a well kept secret.

The snuff is very dark and has a very pleasent aroma. While the snuff isnt ground so small, it still remains silky to touch and feels very moist. The snuff is easy to take, and tends to stick, which is good for taking, but also tends to clog ones nose. On the initial snuff you first recive a small sting from what smells and feels like lye used for making soap. Immediatly thereafter, however, you are treated to an amazingly sweet blend of floral scents, lilac stands out in my mind, but the scent is so complex that one often feels as though its a different snuff each time.

For its complexity and ease of use, F&T’s Bordeaux/Morlaix Dr. J.R. Jusitce, is a blend that most any snuff taker can enjoy, begginner and vetrain alike.

9/10