Samuel Gawith Squadron Leader
(3.38)
Samuel Gawith Squadron Leader pipe tobacco epitomises 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.
Details
| Brand | Samuel Gawith |
| Blended By | Samuel Gawith |
| Manufactured By | Samuel Gawith |
| Blend Type | English |
| Contents | Latakia, Oriental/Turkish, Virginia |
| Flavoring | |
| Cut | Ribbon |
| Packaging | 50 grams tin |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Production | Currently available |
Profile
Strength
Medium
Extremely Mild -> Overwhelming
Flavoring
None Detected
None Detected -> Extra Strong
Room Note
Pleasant to Tolerable
Unnoticeable -> Overwhelming
Taste
Medium
Extremely Mild (Flat) -> Overwhelming
Average Rating
|
3.38 / 4
|
Reviews
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Displaying 21 - 30 of 176 Reviews
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 12, 2020 | Medium | Extremely Mild | Medium | Tolerable |
I was going through my cellar (a random jumble of tins and jars) and discovered some squadron leader I had put away in 2008. Fired up a bowl and was enjoying it when I thought "I wonder how this has changed in the 12 year aging process?". I decided to pull up my original review on this site to compare, and discovered......I had never reviewed squadron leader! How does that happen? This is a staple in the pipe tobacco world, and I have smoked a lot of it over the years. So, to right this wrong....
For me, squadron leader is the blend I compare all medium english mixtures to. This is one of the first (if not THE first) english blends I ever bought as a young inexperienced piper. I am not ashamed to admit I did it for a silly reason. The tin art, I mean come on! What is cooler than a Gloster Gladiator biplane on a tin of tobacco? Little did I know I was cutting my teeth on the EPITOME of a great english blend.
For me, this is the perfect all purpose smoke. An all day blend for me is one I don't have to concentrate on. I often think of the great American standard burleys like Carter Hall or Velvet. I can puff away doing what ever I want and not miss anything. The opposite of these are the complex thinking tobaccos. You have to sit down and really concentrate to pick up the nuance. I love squadron leader because it can be both. I can puff away and enjoy it, or I can really focus and always pick up interesting little tidbits.
This is not a latakia powerhouse. It is, in my opinion, a perfectly blended mixture. No component overpowers another, they all work in great harmony. This is a medium english. Doesn't bite much, not a huge nicotine whollup. I at times, find it buttery smooth. The orientals add that perfect sour type note, the latakia that smoky feel, and the Virginias the perfect touch of sweetness.
If you have not tried squadron leader, this is what a medium english mixture is supposed to be. I compare all others in this category to it.
For me, squadron leader is the blend I compare all medium english mixtures to. This is one of the first (if not THE first) english blends I ever bought as a young inexperienced piper. I am not ashamed to admit I did it for a silly reason. The tin art, I mean come on! What is cooler than a Gloster Gladiator biplane on a tin of tobacco? Little did I know I was cutting my teeth on the EPITOME of a great english blend.
For me, this is the perfect all purpose smoke. An all day blend for me is one I don't have to concentrate on. I often think of the great American standard burleys like Carter Hall or Velvet. I can puff away doing what ever I want and not miss anything. The opposite of these are the complex thinking tobaccos. You have to sit down and really concentrate to pick up the nuance. I love squadron leader because it can be both. I can puff away and enjoy it, or I can really focus and always pick up interesting little tidbits.
This is not a latakia powerhouse. It is, in my opinion, a perfectly blended mixture. No component overpowers another, they all work in great harmony. This is a medium english. Doesn't bite much, not a huge nicotine whollup. I at times, find it buttery smooth. The orientals add that perfect sour type note, the latakia that smoky feel, and the Virginias the perfect touch of sweetness.
If you have not tried squadron leader, this is what a medium english mixture is supposed to be. I compare all others in this category to it.
Pipe Used:
2007 Peterson St. Patricks day 221 type shape
Age When Smoked:
12 Years
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 18, 2016 | Mild to Medium | None Detected | Mild to Medium | Pleasant to Tolerable |
Wow! I was quite surprised when I fired up this baccy. I wasn't expecting the lightly sweet & tangy flavor mingled well with the smoky overtone of Latakia ... yet it was quite welcomed! Latakia tends to dry out my mouth & throat so I partake in moderation ... therefore it's not an all day smoke for me. Many before me have foretold of the wonderful flavor & aroma of this blend ... so I'll leave those fancy descriptions to suffice. If you're an Aro guy thinking about a venture into the world of natural tobacco flavors ... I'd recommend that you give this one a whirl. Good stuff ... loses some of the sweetness & becomes rather tart toward the bottom of the bowl ... me thinks this is because of the particular Orientals used in this blend ... as I haven't experienced this from other non-Oriental blends. This one marries well with a little BCA (if desired) to smooth out the tart edges. A few months of "cellar time" in a jar does wonders too.
PurchasedFrom:
Smokingpipes.com
Age When Smoked:
Fresh
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 21, 2016 | Medium | None Detected | Medium | Pleasant |
At the beginning I didn't like it very much. I thought it was to low flavours. But after some smokes I start liking it. I think because I was more into aromatics. Now I appreciate this blend. It is medium body, woody and grassy flavour, acidity is very present. Without filter it bites a little. With filter very few bitterness. Room note is kind of burned dry leaves. It is an everyday blend.
Pipe Used:
Peterson POY 2016 w/filter
PurchasedFrom:
Tabacosbr
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Mar 27, 2023 | Medium | None Detected | Medium | Tolerable |
I like how one reviewer described this tobacco: as riding the line between the VAs and the turkish. With latakia in a supporting but non dominating role. It's often described as a "light english" and can see why.
When I load up a bowl it lights easily. Large amounts of creamy smoke. I taste good but not quite sweet VA's and the dry/spicy turkish/orientals. The latakia is definitely there but is nicely in a supporting role to the other tobaccos. Smokes smooth with no bite. Leaves a nice grey ash. While I smoke this only occasionally I could see this being a daily smoke. If you don't want a lat bomb this might be a good choice.
When I load up a bowl it lights easily. Large amounts of creamy smoke. I taste good but not quite sweet VA's and the dry/spicy turkish/orientals. The latakia is definitely there but is nicely in a supporting role to the other tobaccos. Smokes smooth with no bite. Leaves a nice grey ash. While I smoke this only occasionally I could see this being a daily smoke. If you don't want a lat bomb this might be a good choice.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 23, 2022 | Mild to Medium | None Detected | Mild to Medium | Tolerable |
Prep: A soft to the touch, ribbon cut. On the moist side but not enough for concern.
Notes: The bright Virginias dominate the Virginia profile with grassy, citrusy, notes. The Red Virginia take a back seat with slight fruity, earthy notes.
The Turkish brings great spicy and woody notes and the Latakia is...well...smoky, like Latakia normally is! Yet, it's certainly lightly added, making this more of a light English blend than medium.
SL is quality smoke, but with so many in this category on the market, I can't say I'd spend the extra coin or the extra energy to chase it down. 7/10
https://youtu.be/Rtl67qwEWVA
Notes: The bright Virginias dominate the Virginia profile with grassy, citrusy, notes. The Red Virginia take a back seat with slight fruity, earthy notes.
The Turkish brings great spicy and woody notes and the Latakia is...well...smoky, like Latakia normally is! Yet, it's certainly lightly added, making this more of a light English blend than medium.
SL is quality smoke, but with so many in this category on the market, I can't say I'd spend the extra coin or the extra energy to chase it down. 7/10
https://youtu.be/Rtl67qwEWVA
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 15, 2022 | Medium to Strong | None Detected | Medium | Tolerable |
To give you a hint from where my below impressions are coming from; I favor aromatic blends (vanilla being my favorite), although I am finding I enjoy English/Scottish blends more frequently, which I could not stand when I first started smoking a pipe. I have been trying more of the English/Aromatic combo blends, which I have found being more and more of that I am reaching for for my everyday smoke
Opening the tin the primary note I smelled was the Latakia. Strong and leathery but not overwhelming. I could not smell any of the other tobaccos.
The flavor I tasted surprisingly was not primarily the Latakia, but the spicy Turkish with the Virginia very lightly in the background. I got no sweetness, it was more sour for me.
It arrived semi-dry, so no drying time was needed. Was able to light this without issue and few relights. I did not have any tongue-bite with this blend.
Opening the tin the primary note I smelled was the Latakia. Strong and leathery but not overwhelming. I could not smell any of the other tobaccos.
The flavor I tasted surprisingly was not primarily the Latakia, but the spicy Turkish with the Virginia very lightly in the background. I got no sweetness, it was more sour for me.
It arrived semi-dry, so no drying time was needed. Was able to light this without issue and few relights. I did not have any tongue-bite with this blend.
Pipe Used:
Nording Metal Compass
PurchasedFrom:
justforhim.com
Age When Smoked:
new
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 14, 2021 | Medium | None Detected | Medium | Unnoticeable |
Samuel Gawith Squadron Leader- My tin is about 5-6 years old and the moisture is perfect. I just cant open these SG tins until they have a few years to slowly dry some from cellaring . I like this blend best in a wide deep bowl to get all the flavor . I think the point here is a balanced blend for a mellow English experience. I taste all the components and nothing jumps out to the front . The Oriental- turkish is nutty and sweet but not sour at all . It has just enough sweetness and smokiness to satisfy but not overwhelm . I do enjoy a little sour . A solid 3 star blend for me . Saving the empty tin for the artwork . Recommend for all English lovers .
Age When Smoked:
5-6 year old tin
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Sep 20, 2021 | Mild | None Detected | Medium to Full | Pleasant |
i am back reviewing Sql. i have been smoking skiff mixture for quite a while, because i could not find Sql. i have restocked and am glad. Sql is the perfect all day tobacco english or balcanic (if strict) light (i am nicotine intolerant). excellent. this is an airy tobacco for every hour of every day and every mood. it is somewhat neutral. very low nicotine, very , very pleasant smoke. (several relights on my tin but not bothersome). when i want to add some edge to it, I add some latakia flake.
Pipe Used:
savinelli
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 18, 2021 | Medium | None Detected | Medium | Pleasant to Tolerable |
Ever since I started smoking a pipe this has been a blend I've heard many people talk about. Now as I've learned more about English Mixtures I've found that I enjoy nice light English mixtures like EMP and Skiff Mixture, and medium English mixtures like Father Dempsey and CE Diamond Head so this is an interesting experience. These blends go fast online, but last I checked there were still a few that had some available albeit only sold in a pound.
The tin is simple, and I like the heavy Cardboard insert that keeps the tobacco firm and in place. I usually comment on moisture later on, but these tins come pretty wet. What I do is open my tin and let it sit open for two to three days, then I jar it making sure to fluff the tobacco as I pull it from the tin to let it breathe in the jar. There is a nice mottled brown, light brown, and black ribbon tobacco which is very consistent in cut. The smell is slightly Oriental forward, tangy, sweet, soft, smokey, almost edible. After my drying period I do my usual method for wet tobaccos and I fill my pipe the night before and let it sit out. It takes a light well and keeps a light well.
When I light up I taste soft, buttery leathery, smokey Latakia. The Virginias are sweet citrusy, and haylike. The Orientals add tang, sourness, and slight incense. This reminds me of My Mixture 965, it is a very standard English that is very easy to smoke. This is a nice relaxing blend to sit down with either at the pub or on your porch.
The taste is a medium. The smoke fills your mouth and leaves a pleasant aftertaste, but it doesn't take over. The strength is a medium and it makes for an easy all-day smoke. This is a simple, easy going, consistent English. I don't think it adds enough for me to stake out a drop online but if it was readily available I would pick up a few tins consistently.
The tin is simple, and I like the heavy Cardboard insert that keeps the tobacco firm and in place. I usually comment on moisture later on, but these tins come pretty wet. What I do is open my tin and let it sit open for two to three days, then I jar it making sure to fluff the tobacco as I pull it from the tin to let it breathe in the jar. There is a nice mottled brown, light brown, and black ribbon tobacco which is very consistent in cut. The smell is slightly Oriental forward, tangy, sweet, soft, smokey, almost edible. After my drying period I do my usual method for wet tobaccos and I fill my pipe the night before and let it sit out. It takes a light well and keeps a light well.
When I light up I taste soft, buttery leathery, smokey Latakia. The Virginias are sweet citrusy, and haylike. The Orientals add tang, sourness, and slight incense. This reminds me of My Mixture 965, it is a very standard English that is very easy to smoke. This is a nice relaxing blend to sit down with either at the pub or on your porch.
The taste is a medium. The smoke fills your mouth and leaves a pleasant aftertaste, but it doesn't take over. The strength is a medium and it makes for an easy all-day smoke. This is a simple, easy going, consistent English. I don't think it adds enough for me to stake out a drop online but if it was readily available I would pick up a few tins consistently.
Pipe Used:
Peterson Sherlock Holmes Watson
PurchasedFrom:
Smokingpipes.com
Age When Smoked:
New
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 07, 2021 | Mild to Medium | None Detected | Mild to Medium | Pleasant to Tolerable |
The entry English blend. Moist vibrant ribboncut drys out to a light English with the Latakia and orientals supporting each other with the Virginias ever present. Very enjoyable smoke that should be in the rotation of any English lover. I cant speak to aging it as it never lasted that long.
Pipe Used:
Multiple
PurchasedFrom:
B&M
Age When Smoked:
New
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