If the fact that Austin now has several roll-your-own cigarette shops says anything, it is that the trend is beginning to gain steam. But only since November, when Rock Bottom Smokes opened on RM 620 near Lake Creek Parkway, has the concept been available in Northwest Austin.

"We did a lot of research, and there's still demand from smokers," said John Charlton, who co-owns Rock Bottom Smokes with his girlfriend, Natalie Lambert. The couple relocated from opposite ends of the country to start the business.

Rock Bottom Smokes has two machines, RYO Filling Stations, that roll the cigarettes for customers. Charlton and Lambert measure out the tobacco and show the customer how to use the machine, which rolls a carton in about eight minutes.

"People love the way they taste, but they also love paying half the price of a regular carton," Lambert said.

The roll-your-own method can cut the cost of a carton of cigarettes—normally $50–$70—down to $32.99.

Rock Bottom Smokes carries three types of tobacco: light, medium and full-flavor. Charlton and Lambert said they are able to match the taste to a customer's preferred brand of cigarettes.

Their tobacco, imported from North Carolina, is preservative- and chemical-free, giving it a smooth flavor, Charlton said.

"They taste better, and people feel better because they're not smoking all the chemicals," Lambert added. "It doesn't smell as much."

Rock Bottom Smokes also sells smoking accessories, including corncob pipes, and Charlton said they will soon begin offering roll-your-own cigars.

Rock Bottom Smokes, 12129 N. RM 620, Ste. 501, 373-3414, www.rockbottomsmokes.com