Samuel Gawith Squadron Leader

3rd Latakia /English blend I have tried since my journery into english blends and so far it's my fav! I've tried Old Dublin & Latakia Flake by MCclelland/Blackney. It tops both of them! Great balance, cool smoke, and super cool name! Slightly moist out of the tin but didn't have much issues with lighting really. It could be a little dryer but really not bad. Highly recommend if you are thinking about giving Squadron a go. Definitely in my daily rotation. I really really like this one!

Believe it or not, I tried this tobacco after years of Erinmore Mixture!! Took me 100g of smoking to get rid of the taste of the former! My impressions......one of the best, best tobaccos ever!! Lets get rid of the bad bits first.....in the UK it's difficult to get hold of (in Suffolk anyway), Samuel Gawith aren't interested in aswering any of your letters (this always pisses me off!), it's too moist when you open the tin (more profit!)...but then the good points!!!.....you open the tin and sniff....heaven!! Slight smell of bonfires witha pleasant tobacco after smell. I filled my first pipe lightly, as, in my mind, it was too moist, and then went to my shed (the only place I'm allowed to smoke my pipe nowadays - but it is a very nice shed!!) Quite hard to light and keep alight (it was a bit moist!), but....BOY....when it was firing correctly I didn't want to go back to the house. I sat there and smoked each "favourite" pipe one after the other....I turned the wireless on, lit the heater, and just wanted to continue!! Not too high a nicotine hit, no hiccups from over-smoking, no tongue burn, and if you like a subtle taste of Latakia then this is the one...it's gorgeous!! A really good "smoke" but difficult to keep alight. I since found, when dog walking in a light breeze, smoking my Peterson Billiard, it is a "dream"...but no breeze and I spend all the time with the dog pulling whilst I try and re-light. Overall, I would strongly recommend, if you like "english" tobaccos.....the only thing that holds me back is the lack of availability and the lack of any communication with Gawith. PLEASE try it, and 50g isn't enough....... I soon have a few 100's of grams of Punchbowle to try....at least you can buy it in a half decent tobacconists!! will let you know!

This is a traditional English blend in every respect. There is a very nice oriental note to the blend that plays with the sweet and earthy VA tobaccos. The Latakia added rounds this mixture into one of the smoothest and creamiest smokes around. The tobacco does not bite and burns cool, and leaves nothing behind. This is an overall great tobacco, and with a bit more kick would be an absolute favorite.

after one tin, I need another. Lot's of creamy delicious smoke.

Squadron Leader is just an amazing tobacco all around. A traditional English blend with a taste all it's own given to it by the multiple tobacco's used in it's making.

The latakia makes for a strong, creamy, and robust taste which mingles with the Turkish tobacco's that add a citrus note and a great tin aroma. The Virgina's finish off this blend by adding to it a very sweet taste that plays in just right.

This is a cool smoke that takes alot to get bitten from so even heavy puffers have little to worry about. Meanwhile you will be able to enjoy the great flavors that make this such a notable tobacco.

The only problem that anyone might be able to find is that the after taste seems to linger (much like a cup of coffee one you have finished it), but even with this it's still a 4star blend.

A must for most English lovers!

Ah, the tin with the little 1930s airplane on the lid. This Turkish-Latakia-Virginia blend is one of my top favorites. Turkish leaf dominates this blend, with Latakia playing in the background. The Virginia is discernible but takes a back seat to the other two. This tobacco provides a lot of smoke, fine savory needles straight to the tastebuds, and rich aroma. I've stocked up on this one - which has become sporadically difficult to get lately - against the uncertain times ahead.

I have been wanting to get my hands on this blend for some time. I love SKIFF and this was just a natural move to try Squadron Leader.

I was not disappointed. I found the flavors to be right down the middle of the road with hints of fruit and creamy musk. I did find it hard to take to light but I suspect its a tad moist so I am gonna let it dry out a tad.

Its now on my daily rotation.

Get some and see how it fairs for you.

Excellent burning characteristics, packs well, impossible to make it bite. First half of the bowl tastes of sea salt, second half is very creamy. Give it a couple of weeks to sit after you've popped the tin.

I was expecting something powerful. The tobacco has nice flavors, sweet Virginia and cool Latakia but unfortunately these flavors are hard to detect. Burns even and smokes effortless. More strength and some more taste are needed while smoking it..