Samuel Gawith Grousemoor Plug

I've already posted a review on the regular Grousemoor. I'm not sure if the Plug version is even being made any more. I was able to secure a chunk from a prolific poster of precipitous proximity (there, I have exorcised my alliteration urges for the day). I don't recall what I paid, although I recall it was a bit steeper than most pipe tobacco purchases. Still, I am grateful for having had the chance to get it, as I like this even more than the regular Grousemoor. This is like Grousemoor squared. Not much stronger, but the flavor is a bit more pronounced, and everything I like about its regular sibling is present in spades. If you enjoy the regular Grousemoor and haven't yet had a chance to try the plug version, I recommend you try some if the chance arises. Not everyone will like this, and I see that some prefer the non-plug version more, but for me, this is like bliss with a side of contentment.

Der...I actually finally mustered enough brain power to check SG's own website. Among the blends they list is Grousemoor Plug. While that isn't 100% confirmation they're still making it, I'd wager that they wouldn't list it if they didn't still make the stuff (it's not under any archive or "greatest hits" listing). Now, as to how you go about getting some, well, that's another story.

Sam Gawith - Grousemoor Plug.

Now, I must admit that after I had sampled the regular Grousemoor I held quite low expectations for this plug version but upon my first puff I found myself intoxicated by the fresh taste! Don't get me wrong, there are one or two minor faults, the first one being the good old Sam G' niggle of moistness! To prepare mine I slice a few thin flakes and then allow them some airing time before crumbling them.

Once in the pipe it lights relatively easily leaving behind a pure white ash. I find the added taste nowhere near as imperious as the regular ribbon version. It has a subtle lemony taste that is less dominant than in the ribbon version but still gives it a good freshness. I disagree with the description where it says "the taste is very sweet". It is quite sweet but the sprightliness of the lemongrass by far outweighs the sweetness. I find the nicotine is at a very amenable amount for me, being not too strong or too little. It takes its time in burning. I don't find myself requiring a refill after a short while, instead it's a good slow smoke to spend quality time with.

I expressed my prior assumptions based on the ribbon version at the beginning and it brings a good old saying to mind.... Never assume as it makes an ASS out of U and ME! Four stars.

A thick heavy, resinous plug with a deep floral, incense-like scent. The leaves peel off easily and can be cut or rubbed to your preference. Difficult to get going but once it starts it burns surprisingly well and rewards the smoker with plumes of floral white smoke. A full bodied perfumed flavour like nothing else. Not something I can smoke all the time but an absolute delight when I'm in the mood.

Outstanding experience! Easily my favorite smoke.

The plug form allows a nice control over the texture of the tobacco itself. VERY useful when trying to match a bowl shape/size/dimension for optimum burn.

I don't understand anyone saying it tastes like soap. I've had my mouth washed out as a lad several times. Nothing similar there at all. It does have a strong floral SCENT which is very similar to that of fine French milled soaps.

It has a bit of virginia tang that couples with a balancing sweetness.

The floral essence is quite strong in the nose, and does enter a bit into flavor. Not soapy at all! More along the lines of the rosewater that dances in turkish delight candy.

It is a VERY VERY moist brick that ages quite well. Less surface area makes the flavor stay vibrant, yet after a time becomes more unified.

Because it is so moist, it cuts quite easily with a stiff sharp knife.

Generally, I slice strips/flakes across the grain about 2mm thick first thing in the morning, and lay them out to dry during breakfast. After loading the pipe, the rest go into my pocket tin to be used throughout the day (if luck is with me).

Expect to relight unless it's quite purposefully dried.

This has been a consistently enjoyable blend for me.

I can understand however, that it is not universally loved. It is VERY distinctive and not at all similar to many other tobaccos.

Jar not is fresh apricot with a lemon haze. I've already reviewed Grousemoor Blend, so this is quite close. Plug is the easiest I've had to date to slice and rub out. Lighting takes a few goes to get going. Flavour profile is very similar to the blend but here we have a lemon curd rather than a drizzle cake. Others have said that the plug isn't as strong nic as the blend but I found the plug packs a bit more. Very enjoyable experience and can be blended with the ribbon cut of the Grousemoor Blend to tweak the flavour profile. Gorgeous, mad and well worth a try if you are looking for a genuine aromatic that burns clean and leaves very little dottle at the bottom of the bowl.

Hey where is that sweetness from the Virginia's it's lemon orangy tangy plum my nose burning but it's my sinuses maybe to sensitive.... But wait it's quarter of the bowl and suddenly I'm getting earthiness sweetness of that fine Virginia's in every sip and this tobacco is meant for sipping like every other fine ones. This is second experience with SG's plugs first was Canon which confuses me but this is straight forward. Plugs needs preparation time but the moisture content are just a step over which I like. It cuts with a little effort with a sharp blade and I packed it without rubbing too much burns find needs some relights though but Oh man! What a reward you get in every sip... Two thumbs up and 4 stars all the way. Best Virginia's experience. Bravo Sam!

Grousemoor is really a very nice smoke. My two favourite tobacco's are #1 Cob Plug and #2 Grousemoor.

Grousemoor is a lighter smoke than Cob. It has a nice flavour and room note. As I type I am puffing away on a pipe-full of Grousemoor and enjoying it very much.

I find that Grousmoor has a cool even burn with little or no moisture nor nicotine but has a lovely after taste.

Thank you Sam & Co.

I've been a 4 star fan of Grousemoor (50 gm tin) for years and always stock up when available. As such, I've always wanted to try the plug version and recently purchased an 8 ounce brick. A brick it is! Very dense and hard, but with a beautifully sweet smelling scent mixed with that aftershave-like essence typical with SG and GH offerings.

Preparation was not easy, and after cutting/peeling away some layers, I immediately loaded my pipe to try this. It was difficult to get going and to keep lit, but well worth the effort once it stayed smouldering in my pipe. It reminds me more of GH's Brown Flake Scented, another favorite of mine, rather than the 50 gm tinned Grousemoor. In a double blind test, I wouldn't say that the plug version is the same as the tinned version. For me, they are two different tobaccos with the same name, and I don't mind this at all! The mouth feel is very nice with this and it does have a nicotine kick that can creep up on you, taking you by surprise. It was sweet all the way through to the end of the smoke. Takes to relighting after having let sit for a while without harshness. All in all, a pleasant smoking experience. The aftershave essence seems to diminish as one smokes through the bowl, but a tonquin-like sweetness remains throughout and is delightful. I can't say that I taste the lemon grass that is present in the tinned version, or note any other similarities to it.

I don't mind the preparation involved with this. The only downside is the price..around $45 before taxes and shipping for an 8 ounce brick..ouch! In spite of this, I rate it highly with 4 stars.