Pipe Tobacco Review: Samuel Gawith "Squadron Leader"
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- Опубликовано: 12 сен 2024
- What is THE English style pipe tobacco blend? When asked that question, many pipe smokers would answer, "Samuel Gawith's Squadron Leader." It certainly seems to have the credentials. "Squadron Leader" is an uncomplicated blend comprised of dark and bright Virginias, Latakia, and Turkish. It definitely checks all the boxes for what an English blend should be, but is it THE English blend? Find Out!
From the Samuel Gawith website:
"This tobacco epitomizes the traditional English tobacco. Blended dark and bright Virginias, together with Latakia and Turkish leaf results in a perfect, medium bodied product which gives a rich and slow burning smoke."
Thanks for watching! If you like what you've seen, please rate this video, tell a friend, and subscribe to the Stuff&Things channel.
/ stuffnthingsshow
For the last six or seven months I've tried many different English blends getting my fill of the tobaccos with the heavier Latikia accents. Then I came back to Squadron Leader and have come to really appreciate the balance I find in this blend. I liken it to a sweet and sour taste- sweetness brought on by the Virginians and sourness by the latikia and turkish tobaccos. I've also found it smokes better in a meershaum pipe (my father left me a beautiful 40-year old virgin pipe he bought in Turkey at the bazaar). It's a damn fine smoke anyway you look at it. Sitting in my mancave right now enjoying a bowl while a dog (an all-American mutt) I rescued three weeks ago from starvation is chomping down on a rawhide. Damn, life is good.
+Thomas S. - Sounds like you know how to properly enjoy a good smoke!
just smoked this as my first non aro and loved it only been smokin pipe 7 months thanks for the vids mate helpin me to choose low nic baccys from ya informative and fun style delivery thanks again
David King - You started with a good blend! There are so many other great non-aros out there too. Thanks for watching!
"California knows everything about everthing"...lol good one!
As someone born and brought up in the UK, I can say he does a good English accent.
Good vid. I was hoping to try some of this along with their Black Cherry.
Hi! ... long time watcher, first time commenter ... :)
I picked up a couple of tins of this when I was in Prague last year and then didn't touch it for a couple of months. When I did get to it, I was hooked. It was that middle-of-the-road, even flavour that did it for me. It's an easy everyday smoke, with enough to keep things interesting. (I am not an everyday smoker though.)
This and Skiff have become my two favourites. I also smoke them Gawith-soaking wet. It doesn't affect me really.
I have to say, after watching your videos, and the production quality of them, I just can't find another channel that even compares! It's refreshing that you take such time and care when putting your videos together. Just a shout out to say it's appreciated.
+Jack Gillespie - Well, I appreciate your appreciation!
Thanks for the review Bradley. I received this blend as a gift recently and I recalled seeing this review so I watched it again. All your reviews are very informative and are really contributing to pipe tobacco culture. Much appreciated.
Stephen
My slow progress through your reviewed blends continues! I can see this being a good all-day english, but since I smoke two bowls per day at most, there just isn't enough richness of flavour in Squadron Leader to satisfy me. Skiff Mixture, on the other hand, is now the mainstay of my rotation. Thanks Bradley!
Three Pipe Problem - Skiff Mixture definitely has a bit more "snap" than Squadron Leader. Both good blends though!
Stuff&Things Update: I misjudged this tobacco. I thought I had it dried out enough, but clearly I was wrong as some additional airing time (and finding the right pipe) has completely transformed it! I'm still learning to judge the correct moisture content...
These Gawith blends definitely need a LOT of drying time.
My first English Mixture. Very nice, mild and with lots of nuances to be discovered, if smoked slowly and gently.
Received my first tin of Squadron Leader this week and I am really enjoying it. I think it was a good choice for my first non-aromatic tobacco and I have your review to thank for that. I feel that this could be the beginning of a pipe tobacco safari though..damn you for introducing me to the deliciousness that is the English blend!
John Flynn - Squadron Leader is a great place to start. Not too over-powering but very flavorful.
I just cracked my first tin of Squadron Leader ever. I found it very tasty. I love Samuel Gawith's Virginia tobaccos. I find them very sweet. Most of the sweetness shows up in the retrohale. I love your reviews. They have seriously broadened my horizons. Thank you, you have made me a Gawith fan.
Glad to hear you like it! I've reviewed quite a few Gawith blends and have enjoyed almost every one.
My 'go to' English blends are Dunhill Std and 965, so I was reluctant to try Squadron Leader. But I finally pulled the trigger a few weeks back and I must say, I'm delighted with it. It succeeds where EMP misses the mark. Each of the component tobaccos are easy to taste, and yet the overall impact of the blend is unified. The round mellowness of the smoke is very satisfying while remaining mild/medium in body and taste. Great review, Bradley.
-- Bill
+prwpt - It's great to hear your take on this blend, and I'd have to say that I agree with you. Thanks for watching!
Got my first tin for Christmas 🎄 from a good friend. Enjoying it! Great review and thanks as always!
Yes Bradley you are right about bulk. I'v had a bag a few years ago ( Early Morning Pipe) and did notice a difference. Back to Squadron Leader. This is my favorite go to tobacco with coffee in the morning. Better if the morning is cold damp and foggy. Good review.
I definitely seem to favor a mix like SL in the winter and reach for a VA/Per more in the summer. Thanks for watching!
Thank you sir for the honest review . As always , I'm enjoying your videos, please continue with everything your bringing to the RUclips pipe community . Cheers to you my friend .
Thanks for stopping by! Your channel is the one I forgot to mention in my last round of shout-outs. Sorry! I did put a link in the description though, so hopefully that threw some new eyes your way. You deserve the subs.
Ah so it was you! It definitely helped, the subs started rolling in one day and I was wondering why. Thank you sir , keep up the killer vids
Not sure if I can really take the credit or not, but I'm glad the subs are going up!
I agree with your review. I enjoy this blend, it's a good quality all day smoke for me. I've only had the tins, and they ARE quite wet.
Great review and thanks for validating my opinion on Squadron Leader.
Thanks for watching! So many people seem to love this blend that I was thinking I might have ruffled a few feathers by not declaring it my absolute favorite. It's certainly quality stuff though.
I just bought a tin of this because of this review. Wow! really good. I'm a big fan of Dunhill MM965 and BB1938. That stated, this is a great English style tobacco. It's nice to have around as a lighter English.
Thanks for the reviews.
Also, the best reviews always reference 'rectal probing'.
Thanks for watching!
Another nice review mate. I recommend The Navy Flake of SG. Lovely Virginia tobacco with little bit latakia - Very tasty, very sweet and creamy, but not so strong, like probably Squadron Leader :) Gives me satisfying smoke. Hallo from Czech Republic ! Carry on with this! Love to watch.
Thank you! I've been looking at more Gawith blends lately, so I'm sure I'll get to it soon.
Such a great line of thought regarding this, really makes sense, thank you for the perspective. Sometimes you don't want the "extra" and the baseline hits the spot. Such a simple concept and it took me aback to let it soak in. This applies to so many things and not just tobacco; again wonderful perspective!
+Lee F. - I'm glad the review struck a chord with you!
Very nice review, Bradley; your reviews are always well thought out & thorough. I’ll have to get a tin to try. Incidentally, I chuckled when you said “You have to lean back when you’re tasting tobacco”.
Once again, thanks to ur review, i ordered two tins. I just hope i can find the time to tryall these fine tobaccos. As always. Great job with ur videos. And i love the california crack. Lol
Well, I hope you end up enjoying it (when you find the time of course)!
Another great review. Interesting to read below that you bought Skiff as well. I love SL but almost prefer Skiff for my orientals fix! If you miss the extra shot of latakia, Gawith's answer is Commonwealth mixture, where latakia is about all you taste! Thanks again!
All the Gawith blends are looking pretty interesting to me at the moment, so I'm excited to delve into them more deeply. I appreciate the information, and thanks for watching!
Fantastic reviews -- love the format and your open-minded approach to trying new tobaccos. You are a gentleman and a scholar.
So nice of you to say! I'll have to make sure I continue to live up to your assessment.
Hey Bradley, nice review. Definitely liked it. I am new to pipe smoking, just getting into it a bit. I really value your honest opinion on things and stuff. Keep up the good work, Peace..
Eliakela - Thanks for watching, and I'll do my best!
Great reviews! Entertaining, very informative, and detailed. Keep makin' them and I'll keep watching. Thanks!
+Dan Majors - Thanks! It's a deal.
Thanks for all those amazing reviews you've been very helpful
Hi Bradley. I've just received shipment of tobacco that included Squadron Leader. Looking forward to try it. BTW, another nice review of tobacco. Thanks for it.
My pleasure, and I hope you enjoy you "Squadron Leader!"
I just had a bowl of this and it is really nice. Satisfying without being overwhelming.
+Tom Benton - That's a good description. Thanks for watching!
this is the first tobacco I've bought. smoking a bowl right now. Must say it is a good mix for as far as I know, probably going to buy EMP when I've finished this tin and just explore the world a but more with the help of your videos. they're very informative, thanks for making them!
This blend is a great place to start!
I agree with a lot of what you've said. Squadron Leader is my favourite tobacco (in my limited experience), but I can't name a single thing that stands out about it. I was going to make the same beer allusion as you. When I want a pipe and don't want to try something new or do the EMP or Night Cap I find that I'm hitting Squadron Leader up. I have had bulk and it is not the same, I'm going to assume it's based on the moisture content but I won't ever buy it in bulk again, yet I cannot tell a difference between bulk EMP and tin EMP.
Great review!
Thanks for watching! It's interesting to hear that you've experienced the bulk difference as well. I think you may be right about the moisture content being the issue. I think there are too many variables in how bulk blends are stored by the various sellers.
The way I smoke Squadron Leader straight from a new tin is, I pack my Peterson Rocky Donegal 999 and char the tobacco. Then I let the pipe sit for a few hours, yes the tobacco will probably dry faster if just set out loose but I like to infuse the newly packed tobacco with the ghosted flavors from any other English blends that I may have smoked in my pipe. My two best smoking pipes (this Peterson & a Nording ) are reserved for English blends only. Great review Bradley, I like the P-Bass & Vox
Thanks for the tip! It definitely requires some drying time out of a fresh tin.
My local tobacconist carry's this in bulk and they keep it at just the right humidity so I can avoid that drowned rat! Great great stuff thanks for the reccomendation
+FrancisBaconButter - Nice! You're lucky to have such a great supply.
Very nice review! I have a tin of Squadorn Leader tk open and your video definitely showed me what to expect. Thanks a lot. Cheers. Cesar
I'm glad you found it helpful!
+Spencer Wright - Thanks! And, thanks for watching!
I'm a little late to the party but, in my experience, Squadron Leader is very underwhelming if you are expecting a Dunhill "nightcap" (or some other heavy Gawith English black death blend) right out of the gate. However, this tobacco, like all English tobaccos, deserves a nice big bowl that you can settle into. Mid-bowl, this becomes a very pleasant and totally satisfying blend.
You are right about the tin verses the bulk. Had both, compared them side by side, and the tin was way better. The one thing you might be missing, as far as the review goes, is Squadron Leader's nuance when smoked out of a churchwarden pipe. It smokes different. If smoking outside, which is what I like to do (rather than smoking inside the man cave) and the wind is not blowing hard, the churchwarden offers a sort of "room note" given its distance from the nose, along with the regular olfactory experience. The Virginias, I believe, come to the forefront and while they don't dominate they utterly take over. I can't sufficiently explain the experience, but I can tell you this- I bought 15 tins of the stuff! It's that good. I limit myself to one bowl a day, usually in the evening. Life is good.
Love listening to your reviews.
Sounds like you're living the life!
I don't know about over there but here in England the Gawith blends don't come wet through anymore, they are pretty much smokable straight out of the tin now!
Maybe they listened to the only complaint anyone has with their tobacco, the moisture, because apart from that they do make some of the finest flakes around.
Your right, leaning back is required when tasting/smoking a pipe. It enhances the image of thoughtful relaxation.
The alien, came out of no where, good show, excellent review, as de rigueur!
Great review as always! It was worth the wait :)
Glad you enjoyed it!
Nice review and good sense of humor! Subbed.
+adventchild5150 - Thanks for the sub!
You definitely should try GH Balkan Mixture. It is really has core of english taste. :)
I'll put it on my list!
I've had a hard time enjoying Squadron Leader. It's good, but just good. Your review helps me put my finger on why. Have you reviewed Pelican? I have a similar issue with that stuff. It's good, I like it. But why don't I love it? I feel bad that I don't love it.
You know, Squadron Leader has grown on me even more since the review. I'll be reviewing more Gawith blends soon, so we shall see if any of the others are more "distinctive."
I dunno Bradley, I don't think you need to be so apologetic, or nervous about offending people with your opinions on tobaccos.
It's your review, and we are watching, we should expect to hear your opinions. You don't have to like everything (I know you like this one), in fact it lends credibility if you don't.
You always back up your opinions with with well thought out, and expatiated reasoning.
Anyways, I had an idea, how about a Bradley's top ten tobaccos video?
The Lowmein - That may happen eventually, but they keep changing!
hey bradley, I agree with you. My experience is that the Gawith-blends often shift in case of their taste.
My first two tins of SqL were like cooled dark chocolate. It was the best I have ever smoked. Some tins were too much on the mild side, the tin I now got opened is like you have reported. Try Balkan Flake (and Best Brown for Virginia), its terrific!
Many greets from Germany,
Giacomo ;)
Greetings from America, and thanks for watching!
I'll try to get to a few more Gawith tobaccos soon. I already have a tin of Skiff Mixture, but I'm sure I'll be getting some others as well.
I bought skiff and squadron at the same time and always liked skiff better...but now that you mention I want a tin right now
Hi, I've been enjoying your videos, your reviews are spot on. Skiff will help you to know SL even better, as it's very similar but without (or w/ minimal) latakia. As years go by I've been moving away from latakia more and more, to the point I now choose it maybe for 10% of my smokes, and Skiff takes a place in rotation as a break to the virginias and vapers but without conceding into the latakia. Keep up your nice work. Cheers!
excuse me; what is 'vapers'?
Vapers stands for virginia/perique blends. Cheers
Thanks for watching and for the comment! I have yet to smoke any Skiff Mixture, because like the SL it came pretty damn wet, but I'm looking forward to seeing how it compares.
Interesting, thanks! Helps inform my tobacco purchase.
Hey Bradley: Squadron Leader has always been a mystery to me for the same reasons you seem to have mentioned here. I think the "Lakeland" note that you mention is sometimes present in S.Q. and sometimes not. I was talking with a fellow a few years ago about that issue. He was from England and smoked several different SG tobaccos and his theory on the subject was that the Lakeland essence which is so predominant in many of the SG blends is such a strong and pervasive component in a blend such as, for example, 1792 that the very presence of the condiment in the air on the factory floor will make itself known even in some of the blends such as Squadron Leader simply by absorption through the air. I tend to give this theory a certain amount of credence having seen the rather primitive conditions at the Gawith factory. Until they moved their operation and consolidated with Gawith and Hogarth they were still using the same cutting tools, for example, that they had been using since the early 1800"s! Nothing wrong with that but it does give one pause to wonder how much attention is paid to keeping the "dreaded" Lakeland presence out of blends which are not intended to contain it. We carry both the tins and bulk of Squadron Leader at Cargohold but I can't say that I have noticed much difference in quality one from the other. I can tell you though that when paying for the stuff by the ounce out of bulk stock you are getting closer to 50 full grams of tobacco whereas out of the tin, as you note, you are paying for a bit of water as well.
Excellent review Bradley. CongtrasI liked it so much, Thanks a lot.
haha! It would be very kind of you to give the alien a tin of tobacco. Terrific review! I've got a couple tins of Squadron Leader now and will pop one of them soon. Interested to see how my experience compares to your review.
Well, He came all that way. It was the least I could do!
SG do a lot of interesting blends which comes out of 200 years of manufacturing. The related firm Gawith Hoggarth also do some great blends, my favourites being Revor plug and Coniston cut plug. Squadron Leader is like THE introductory tobacco for a first time pipe smoker, at least that what's I think.
It's definitely mild enough to be a first Latakia blend for someone just starting out. From what I can gather, it's definitely more well known in the UK. Thanks for watching!
It's funny because everyone seems to get soggy squadron leader whereas my tin was dry as bone. Definitely get a light soapy/Lakeland taste, not sure how I feel about it.
Thanks for your quality review and input on this tobacco Bradley. Good thing for the giant variety of pipe tobacco's, and surely everyone has different tastes and their favorites. When we're used to a medium or full, the milder tobacco might not be as satisfying; and vice versa. So it's not controversial review as you kindly put it. I know with a taste for whisky at 43% ABV or 46% and higher, then trying a 40% whisky, it will seem so light; when it really isn't. Great company Samuel Gawith is, and all the respect I have for the tobacco's, even though some are not my cup of tea. Thanks, Wade
Thanks for watching! Yes, different tastes for different blends. You also have to appreciate a company that's been around as long as Samuel Gawith has. You figure they must be doing something right.
Stuff&Things That's for sure, and I can go for a lighter blend sometimes; and it's a nice change. I like the deeper, piquant and earthy tobacco's, but this morning had McClelland's 'Holiday Spirit' for a real change of pace and really enjoyed it. As a quote from dear old Watson (Sherlock Holmes') friend "nothing like the first pipe of the morning".
Ha. Yes, a good quote. My favorite pipe-related quote form the Sherlock Holmes stories has always been ,"It is quite a three pipe problem..."
Stuff&Things A great pipe-related scene for me is from 'Hound of the Baskervilles' (Jeremy Brett), where Watson walks into a room so cloudy with pipe smoke that he can barely see Holmes and Holmes simply states that 'he's visited Devonshire last night in spirit'. So he enjoyed meditating with his trusted pipe.
Great. Yes, a pipe is certainly conducive to meditation and concentration.
Excellent review as always...I also would have to agree the Tin smokes much better than the bulk but that seems to be the case for me regardless of the manufacturer. Take care and sweet smokes!
This & That - Thanks for watching! Yeah, you never know how the bulk blends are being stored and what their moisture content will be.
Hi Bradley, Love your videos. Relaxed and thoughtful. I agree with you about Squadron leader, it's a nice mild all day smoke. A good tip is to have some Pirate Kake to hand; a pinch of it in with a bowl of a mild english or Balkan will greatly increase the depth of flavour. Think of it as a condiment. My regular evening smoke would be one part Pirate to four parts Peter Stokkeybe's Balkan Supreme.
A propos of nothing, the aeroplane on the tin is a Hawker Fury
Cheers, Ian.
Thanks, Ian. It's always nice to hear what people are smoking!
As a kid, I was obsessed with WWII airplanes, but I never really delved into WWI. Thanks for the interesting tidbit.
Hi Bradley, The weird thing is that people rode into WW11 on horses and bi-planes, including the Fury; up until 1941, I believe. Horses don't run out of petrol and slow moving but highly manoeuvrable 'planes were very difficult to defeat; the enemy would have to put their flaps down to engage! Happy smoking, Ian.
Yep. US forces were definitely equipped with WWI era weapons at the beginning. Interesting stuff!
Great review! This blend is to mild for my taste. Not bad tasting, but just not much taste at all. Recommend trying it out if you are a piper who is into light blends.
Thanks! Enjoy your videos and I hope to try Squadron Leader soon!
Thanks for watching!
I know you have had lots of recommendations of tobaccos to try Bradley but I would love to know what you make of Davidoff's English blend. A very controversial blend amongst reviewers for not being a true 'English' (which I think is bollocks) but for me it's mild subtlety is genius. I think you would appreciate it having watched all of your reviews.
Jonathan Sawtell-Gist - I do indeed get lots of requests, but I'll be happy to add yours to the list.
Love your reviews! May I request "Samuel Gawith Scotch Cut Mixture"? A *real* Scottish mixture. Would be great to hear your opinion about it (I do love SCM). Thanks for your efforts!
I'll put it on my list!
Thanks for this excellent review.
Daniel Spielmann - My pleasure! Thanks for watching.
I just purchased a Peterson spigot, I think I will break it in with some Squadron Leader tonight.
Interesting review - reminiscent of the Comoy testimony regarding the Clinton indictment.
Bradley, how long do you usually let your tobacco sit out before smoking. Not talking about how long in the tin. Talking how long out on a try ( about bowl size ) ?
I got this in a thin just an hour ago and the first smoke was very pleasant. As a guy who has been smoking aromatics for about 3 months now, this blend was very smooth and the leathery taste was very nice.
Now I dont know about all the fancy things that pipe nazis are concerned with, all I know is that this was a pleasant and mellow smoke.
you gotta post more videos of stuff!.....and things!
I'll do my best!
Another great video have you tried yet SG's Balkan Flake and Celtic blends yet I would be interested to know what you think of these blend?
+Giorgio Corrado - I haven't had either one yet (as far as I can remember). Someday!
The one thing I miss about your reviews is the room note 😜😂
Smoking some Squadron Leader right now!
nice P-bass :)
Евгений Горе PJ Bass 😎
I am just recently getting into pipes and received my first Peterson yesterday! Currently smoking Orlik Golden Sliced at the moment. My question to you is, should I dedicate my pipes; do you? Thanks!
-Luke
+Luke Dorton - I don't dedicate my pipes. I'll smoke any blend in any pipe as long as it isn't an aromatic. Enjoy your new pipe!
+Stuff&Things So should I keep a pipe for aromatics and then another pipe for non-aromatics? I have 2 MM cobs and 2 estate old Medico briars. I recently smoked Petersons connoissur choice and the Medico pipe still kinda smells like it. I'm new to pipe smoking as well. I have bought a few tins, a few Petersons pouches and then some Peterson and Dunhill 1 oz samples. Trying to find my taste. I only opened 1 pouch and am trying to go through the bulk 1 oz samples 1st.
It's really up to you and your own preference, but I WOULD recommend having separate pipes for aromatic and non-aromatic blends.
Good review: I think Sqd Leader is a simple blend, a bit tame for my tastes, but enjoyable.
what component in this blend is it that smells like a bonfire? I found this one to be dissapointing, felt it was a bit like early morning pipe, but it just lacked that extra bit that EMP has that i really love.. But what do i know, been smoking for a whole 1 month ^^,
The Latakia.
Can you please tell me the difference in taste and smell, between latakia and orientals? I thought they were very similar.
Great video! I love watching your videos! Keep up the terrific work
Latakia is technically an "Oriental," since it comes from the region typically associated with Oriental tobaccos (Middle East, Near East), mostly Cyprus these days. The difference with Latakia is in how it's cured, using smoke from aromatic woods. This gives the tobacco a very dark coloring (almost black) and a very "smokey," almost leathery flavor. Its scent is very distinctive: campfire, leather, incense, dark, and rich. If you have a local tobacconist who carries blending tobaccos, you should go in and put your nose into a jar of pure Latakia. It is VERY distinctive.
Just a thought . . . I was able to secure 10 tins of the stuff. If I sent you a couple of tins could you do a comparison review?
Thomas Spearman - I appreciate the thought, but for now I'm not taking any packages from viewers. Eventually, I'd like to get a PO Box to make all this easier. Thanks for the offer!
good review .. honest and non stuffy
I tried SG aromatics in a sample pack and it really put me off them, I'm so glad I tried a non aromatic SG
Have you tried SG’s Scottish Cut Mixture? What do you think about it?
Ahaha nice sound effect!
Ha. Thanks!
Hi, could you tell me what pipe you smoked in this video? I love the shape of it:) thanks
+Zoltan Zemo - It's a Castello Sea Rock finish shape 55 pot. Thanks for watching!
Great review, thanks! Have u sampled purple cow?
John Meyer - That's by C&D right? Nope. I haven't had it yet.
Stuff&Things
That's cool. Hope you do soon, I've been thinking of getting it but want to have an honest review first.
Like this blend but prefer the Gawith Commonwealth with more latakia. Unfortunately, the female of the species seems to have a natural aversion to latakia so this might be a better bet if you are trying to please your significant other.
The dry, spicy oriental notes remind me a bit of Durbar at times. FWIW, I consider Commonwealth to be the baseline English blend. Straight Va/La to me is quintessential.
Hey there, thanks for your vids.
What would you recommend for a Latakia newbie who is curious for the english taste? Squadron Leader or Commonwealth?
Thanks for your help.
The only thing wrong with it is the 30g of marsh water you're paying for. Personally, I wish it had more Latakia, but it is a nice smoke just the same (after a year of drying out).
+Daniel Sidaway - It IS a little wet. A nice mild smoke though once dry.
What kind of pipe is that? Looks like a nice pot.
but would it taste better with some age on it?
Perhaps the word 'understated' might be used to describe Squadron Leader.
Some would say boring compared to the heavy hitters. But SL is always good, and develops nuances over time. A deep nutty kind of quality. Also a great fire-it-and-forget-it smoke.
Too bad A&C Peterson No. 466 (Grand Reserve) is no longer available. Highly similar, but even toastier. Being Danish though, it would probably never have been regarded as quintessentially English. Which seems to be what you're after. MIght be hard to top 965 and Standard Mixture in that category.
Cheers, Mark
The whole question of which blend is THE English blend is probably a bit of a straw man anyway because I don't think it's really possible to say that one exists. It does foster some interesting discussion though.
Thanks for watching!
The question is a great one, very worthwhile. It's a lot like sticking to primary souces when doing research: trying to home in on the essence of a subject.
Having roughly 100 open tobaccos at present, I'm in serious need of discrimination. However I must admit I love ALL of them, each in its own way. The only downside is that smoking becomes a blur after a while: too much variety. Pondering questions such as yours helps to sharpen things up a bit.
That's an interesting dilemma; liking TOO MANY tobaccos. I find myself kind of in the same boat though!
Just wondering, did you try the Squadron Leader Special Edition made with Perique put out by Smoking Pipes.com?
Thomas Spearman - I didn't! I was intrigued when I heard about it though.
I can never find this blend in stock whenever I have the urge to buy it.
have you tried putting silica packs in there to absorb the moisture? should work, yeah?
That could potentially work. I just try to be patient though and take out small amounts to dry before I smoke it.
Stuff&Things so far, it 'seems' to be working in my instance. i found out about the PG too late and bought an entire lb of the Lane 1Q. i read that PG actually draws moisture from the air which, to me, would make it near impossible to dry out...aargh. so i have most of the lane in a big jar with a few of those silica packs(come in dog treat bags). I smoke out of a shorty jar which i open and close a lot so i put four packs in there and i can say that it has made the lane actually dry enough so i'm not constantly lighting it, yea! In the future i'll look for smoke that contains no pg.
Well, you seem to have found a system that works for you. Thanks for watching!
Yes sir!
How does this compare to early morning pipe? Your rewview kind of reminds me of my experance with that. Im currently looking for something that has a strong sweet fig taste upfront.
Hi Brad! Have you tried Black XX or Black Cherry Rope Samuel Gawith ? see: Pipes + Cigar's
I've had the brown Gawith rope.
Hi Bradly! I hope I spelled your name right. How many ropes are there? Ps: How do I foreign mail order(I.e. U.K) ? Do you ever buy now or bid on eBay, buy off of Etsy, or Amazon, or anywhere?
I know of Brown Number 4 and Black XX off the top of my head. Order into the UK? Most sites will ship to the UK, but you'll probably have to pay import taxes.
Oh. Ok. From U.K. to here. I came across outside U.S. s/h. to U.S.. I thought,"no way" for now. It may of coarse be what I'm seeing on my bank statement.
Have you ever talked about Meerchaum + the corncobb pipes? Have you ever purchased or thought of about doing that?
Have you done a review on Peterson's nutty cut Iv I've seen several review this tobacco most say that it's very light aromatic and other say that they get strong Taste of nuts and rum and then of course some other say they absolutely hate it and I would be interested in seeing your opinion on this tobacco
Do you leave the cover on or off while drying it out ?
If I have a preference, I am going to go with the tobacco discussion, as opposed to the rectal probing. Just sayin. Anyhow, thanks for the review, I will add this to the list.
Hey, man, to each his own (though I would pick the tobacco discussion as well)!
I think you'll like it. It is pretty subtle though.
what's you favourite english blend?
bulk or tin, the tobacco should be identical. have you asked smoking pipes about this? i buy ounces so if i like it, i will feel good about buying a pound. tins are too high for my budget. thanks
Thanks for watching! I don't personally have any experience with the bulk "Squadron Leader," but I've heard others complain about the bulk version. I HAVE experienced a few cases in which bulk versions of blends haven't lived up to the tins, but I usually put that down to differences in how the bulk blends were stored by the various sellers. As far as I can tell, pipesandcigars is the only major American site that offers "Squadron Leader" in bulk, and they won't ship to me, so I'll have to leave it as a mystery!
Stuff&Things " stored by the various sellers"; now that seems plausible to me as well; thanks and yes, p&c do have seemingly odd rules on shipping....and they've amped up the age verify thing as well. you make a good case for the S.L. so bulk or tin ima gonna try it :)
I hope you enjoy it!
Thanks!
This sounds like an English blend I can try. All English and orientals leave an incense taste. It makes it hard for me as I actually enjoy a bowl once in a while. I have a Balkan tin and that should last a year or two. So this sounds like what I am looking for.
+Charles Hibbs - It's a pleasant, mild blend. I think you'll enjoy it.
Well I find all your other reviews so spot on. I like a little taste of England but not too much. I will get one tin of it to try. Also have you reviewed Capstan? I really want to try that as I am a huge Tolkin fan so those will be one my next order...
I haven't reviewed it yet. I'm sure I will at some point.
+Charles Hibbs you talked me into it. I just ordered a tin! I am excited to try this as I am trying to widen my taste!
just bought this blend but is it not drown wet as u speak of it seem pretty dry but the taste pretty good light nightcap but not as strong as nightcap but what worth is the price I say I lot buying this than dunhill blend
like nightcap*
I'm glad you like it!