G. L. Pease Caravan
(3.13)
Rich, smoky Cyprian latakia and a variety of wonderful Oriental tobaccos set the stage for the blend. Lemon and red Virginias provide support, while adding a hint of sweetness. Finally, just a touch of air cured leaf is added for body. Caravan is full and exotic; rich and spicy. A classic Balkan style blend with our own special touch.
Notes: From Gregory Pease website: "Caravan was a long time in the making, and I'm really excited about it. For years, I've wanted to produce a nice, medium Balkan style blend with lots of wonderful Orientals, rich with latakia, and just enough Virginia to give everything else something to hang on to. After a lot of almost right prototypes, I found the missing piece to the puzzle in some magnificent Oriental leaf that had been right under my nose all along. After a little tuning, Caravan was born. A lovely spice up front mingles with all those delightfully exotic Oriental flavors. The smoke/leathery notes of Cyprian latakia weave their way through the smoke assertively, but never in an overbearing manner. A zesty, but delicate sweetness punctuates the statements made by the rest of the tobaccos. The finish is lingering, but won't overstay its welcome. Caravan is full and exotic; rich and spicy. A classic Balkan style blend with our own special touch." - Caravan was introduced in May, 2001.
Details
| Brand | G. L. Pease |
| Series | Original Mixtures |
| Blended By | Gregory Pease |
| Manufactured By | Cornell & Diehl |
| Blend Type | Balkan |
| Contents | Burley, Latakia, Oriental/Turkish, Virginia |
| Flavoring | |
| Cut | Ribbon |
| Packaging | 2 ounce tin, 8 ounce tin |
| Country | United States |
| Production | Currently available |
Profile
Strength
Medium
Extremely Mild -> Overwhelming
Flavoring
None Detected
None Detected -> Extra Strong
Room Note
Tolerable
Unnoticeable -> Overwhelming
Taste
Medium to Full
Extremely Mild (Flat) -> Overwhelming
Average Rating
|
3.13 / 4
|
Reviews
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Displaying 11 - 20 of 30 Reviews
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Nov 10, 2009 | Medium | None Detected | Medium to Full | Tolerable to Strong |
Short brown, mahogany and tan broken ribbon tossed with larger pieces of black and soft chestnut-hued leaf. The tin nose is rich, with a leathery earthiness which is slightly sweet and just the slightest bit smoky. Tinned moderately moist, it packs and takes to the match with little complaint.
In the bowl Caravan offers a pleasant campfire smokiness marked by notes of camphor, black tea, and wood. The Latakia is not overwhelming nor does it overly dominate the mixture's other components. For their part, the heady Orientals offer both spice and a fragrant, fermented-earthy quality and the Lemon and Red Virginas provide an understated sweetness which becomes more pronounced as the bowl nears its end. A light nicotine punch is to be had as well, perhaps a result of the added air cured leaf? It is however, the interplay between the Cyprian Latakia and the Orientals where the true character of the mixture is to be found. While like many such Latakia-forward mixtures Caravan can become heavy on the tongue if not treated with diligence, it offers more than enough in the way of complexity to both entertain and relax, depending on wont or circumstance. A bit of sourness is noticeable here and there as are some ‘sharp edges'. Full bodied, it offers a dry, lingering and slightly sweet finish.
The sample upon which this review is based was quite young, and like others in the class it is assumed that age will round and soften its edges a bit. At the same time, however, the high proportion of Latakia along with the mixture's liberal use of Orientals (not to mention the bits of Burley floating around here and there) could push it past its prime quite a bit earlier than similar preparations which sport a heavier Virginia component. Only time will tell. While not the biggest of the GLP ‘Balkan' offerings, it does serve as an excellent representative of the genre (which may or may not actually exist in any case), and as with most of the Pease offerings clearly stands out amongst the competition.
In the bowl Caravan offers a pleasant campfire smokiness marked by notes of camphor, black tea, and wood. The Latakia is not overwhelming nor does it overly dominate the mixture's other components. For their part, the heady Orientals offer both spice and a fragrant, fermented-earthy quality and the Lemon and Red Virginas provide an understated sweetness which becomes more pronounced as the bowl nears its end. A light nicotine punch is to be had as well, perhaps a result of the added air cured leaf? It is however, the interplay between the Cyprian Latakia and the Orientals where the true character of the mixture is to be found. While like many such Latakia-forward mixtures Caravan can become heavy on the tongue if not treated with diligence, it offers more than enough in the way of complexity to both entertain and relax, depending on wont or circumstance. A bit of sourness is noticeable here and there as are some ‘sharp edges'. Full bodied, it offers a dry, lingering and slightly sweet finish.
The sample upon which this review is based was quite young, and like others in the class it is assumed that age will round and soften its edges a bit. At the same time, however, the high proportion of Latakia along with the mixture's liberal use of Orientals (not to mention the bits of Burley floating around here and there) could push it past its prime quite a bit earlier than similar preparations which sport a heavier Virginia component. Only time will tell. While not the biggest of the GLP ‘Balkan' offerings, it does serve as an excellent representative of the genre (which may or may not actually exist in any case), and as with most of the Pease offerings clearly stands out amongst the competition.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 09, 2007 | Medium | None Detected | Medium | Pleasant to Tolerable |
Although my tin was only 6 months old, Caravan smoked like a much more mature blend, with all of the flavors solidly working together to deliver a very smooth and creamy Balkan. I love Balkans, and I tend to love Pease blends. This one delivers.
For me, a *great* Balkan has a quiet foundation of great-tasting Virginias that almost never come to the forefront, letting the latakia and orientals take turns in the spotlight. And when the latakia and orientals really hit together, you get what I call "creaminess."
Caravan doesn't *always* hit that "great" note for me, but it gets there more often than not. It shines its brightest when it's in a clean pipe that's already been broken in with previous bowls of the blend. It also seemed to achieve greatness when smoked in a larger-bowled pipe (a Group 5 rather than a Group 4).
Caravan is a wonderful Balkan that has found a permanent place in my rotation and in my cellar.
For me, a *great* Balkan has a quiet foundation of great-tasting Virginias that almost never come to the forefront, letting the latakia and orientals take turns in the spotlight. And when the latakia and orientals really hit together, you get what I call "creaminess."
Caravan doesn't *always* hit that "great" note for me, but it gets there more often than not. It shines its brightest when it's in a clean pipe that's already been broken in with previous bowls of the blend. It also seemed to achieve greatness when smoked in a larger-bowled pipe (a Group 5 rather than a Group 4).
Caravan is a wonderful Balkan that has found a permanent place in my rotation and in my cellar.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Oct 02, 2006 | Mild to Medium | None Detected | Medium to Full | Pleasant |
Update: I have found myself reaching for other medium Balkans and ignoring Caravan. Caravan thus loses a star. Carole's No. 10 from Pipeworks & Wilke is my "go to" Balkan as it is more interesting and easier on the palate than Caravan, and Caravan being warmer and "prickly."
4-22-05: If you peruse my ratings on various GLPease blends, you will see that I am not part of the "Pease Corps," lacking the qualifying accolades for whatever emigrates from his East Bay lab. Caravan has won my wallet and time, though. This blend instantly focuses my thoughts and calms. Other than over puffing and over packing, you cannot miss with this.
The label is accurate to the essence of this blend. If you love dominate, rounded, mouthwatering Oriental leaf and more than a modicum of Latakia resting on the pillar of fine flue-cured tobaccos, then Caravan is a must try. Smokers delighted with full-English blends are a natural audience for this bountiful Balkan, though it will be noticeably less sweet than even a full-English.
If you need sharp, acrid Orientals jolting your timbers, you might be disappointed with Caravan. If you can be satisfied with full-flavor, with Latakia lashed behind Turkish steeds, climb aboard here.
This is the middle of the line for GLPease Balkan blends, but really works all day or any time. I do not require more Latakia than what is present here, as there is after all, Commonwealth Mixture, Pirate Kake and C&D?s Da Vinci if Latakia lust prevails.
4-22-05: If you peruse my ratings on various GLPease blends, you will see that I am not part of the "Pease Corps," lacking the qualifying accolades for whatever emigrates from his East Bay lab. Caravan has won my wallet and time, though. This blend instantly focuses my thoughts and calms. Other than over puffing and over packing, you cannot miss with this.
The label is accurate to the essence of this blend. If you love dominate, rounded, mouthwatering Oriental leaf and more than a modicum of Latakia resting on the pillar of fine flue-cured tobaccos, then Caravan is a must try. Smokers delighted with full-English blends are a natural audience for this bountiful Balkan, though it will be noticeably less sweet than even a full-English.
If you need sharp, acrid Orientals jolting your timbers, you might be disappointed with Caravan. If you can be satisfied with full-flavor, with Latakia lashed behind Turkish steeds, climb aboard here.
This is the middle of the line for GLPease Balkan blends, but really works all day or any time. I do not require more Latakia than what is present here, as there is after all, Commonwealth Mixture, Pirate Kake and C&D?s Da Vinci if Latakia lust prevails.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Oct 01, 2004 | Medium | Mild | Medium | Tolerable |
If you like Balkans, I don't see how you can miss with this tobacco. It is simply the best Balkan I have ever smoked, and even though I am not a habitual smoker of Balkans, I have become a habitual smoker of this excellent tobacco. The tobacco is a short ribbon cut that packs and lights well. At first light, the smoke is light, sweet, and airy with pronounced Latakia depth. It smokes very consistently through the bowl and is an extremely full, rich, and tasty tobacco. How Greg Pease is able to produce a tobacco this full that doesn't overpower, that doesn't turn bitter, and this is always perfectly balanced is no mean alchemical feat. In summary, a nice cool smoke, slightly sweet, with great musty Latakia depth, but the whole thing very well balanced and delicious. Excellent DGT'd. If you have stayed away from Balkans because you've smoked Balkan Sobranie or something similar and didn't like the price you had to pay for depth of flavor, do yourself a favor, pick up some of this stuff, and learn what a Balkan can really be.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Dec 29, 2002 | Mild to Medium | None Detected | Mild to Medium | Pleasant to Tolerable |
I recently finished a tin of this blend, and I too must now give cheers to Mr. Pease.
The tobacco is a short ribbon cut consisting of mostly brown ribbons with some light gold and some black pieces. The color of this tobacco actually reminds me of Squadron Leader with a touch more latakia.
Moisture level tends toward the dry side -- perfect for my tastes.
The taste of the tobacco is nutty. I am reminded of cashews or filberts. The blend is complex, with varying layers of flavor and a wonderful interchange between the orientals, virginias and latakia. The viginias lend a nice modicum of sweetness while the orientals and latikia fill out this blend.
I can't wait to try the other Pease blends that I am aging. Recommended.
The tobacco is a short ribbon cut consisting of mostly brown ribbons with some light gold and some black pieces. The color of this tobacco actually reminds me of Squadron Leader with a touch more latakia.
Moisture level tends toward the dry side -- perfect for my tastes.
The taste of the tobacco is nutty. I am reminded of cashews or filberts. The blend is complex, with varying layers of flavor and a wonderful interchange between the orientals, virginias and latakia. The viginias lend a nice modicum of sweetness while the orientals and latikia fill out this blend.
I can't wait to try the other Pease blends that I am aging. Recommended.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 25, 2015 | Medium | Medium | Medium | Tolerable |
Don't know if I'll ever get a taste for full English or Balkans, mainly because of great blends like this that shows there are other options to the heavy blends! I really enjoy rich blend of spicy and toasty notes to compliment the Latakia smokiness.... Fun to smoke and tastes great.
Pipe Used:
Ardor
PurchasedFrom:
Davidoff of Geneva, New York, NY
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 18, 2015 | Mild | Mild to Medium | Mild to Medium | Pleasant |
Caravan is a very well-balanced, dry-smoking tobacco. The flavor overall is pleasant, moderately complex, and smoky. It is less rich than many Balkan blends, yet a little more assertive than English blends which are light on the Latakia. With some patience and concentration, Caravan is more satisfying than one might suppose at first. It is also a tobacco whose tin aroma gives a nearly-exact impression of what it produces once lit. It is so nicely balanced that I've never felt the urge to experiment with modifying it in any way.
Pipe Used:
meerschaum, Comoy
PurchasedFrom:
online
Age When Smoked:
unkown
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Jun 16, 2011 | Medium to Strong | None Detected | Medium to Full | Pleasant |
This is just as described on the Pease website--a medium Balkan with a great interplay of flavors.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Jan 13, 2011 | Medium | None Detected | Medium | Tolerable |
Caravan is a very good Balkan blend that suffers in my opinion only in comparison to Pease's Charing Cross which is a more buttery and toasty-sweet oriental-forward Balkan. Caravan to me is less complex than Charing Cross, with different orientals in the mix, but it's not bad overall. Caravan's strengths lie in the forward presence of the Cyprian Latakia and heavy use of some semi-musty orientals--it's just not as complex and tasty as Charing Cross in my opinion. If the particular oriental flavors in Charing Cross don't float your boat, give Caravan a whirl instead.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Apr 30, 2010 | Medium | None Detected | Mild to Medium | Tolerable to Strong |
A smooth mild/medium blakan with a slight lack of latakia for my tastes. Tasty and slightly complex with good flavor, yet, it lacks the girth, sophistication and balance of similar Pease offerings, and did not stand out to me as remarkable in any way within the category. Also seems a bit hard to get and keep lit despite not being an overly damp tobacco. Better bouquet than expected, mostly from the heavier amount of virginias and orientals than anticipated. I simply find that mixtures such as Charing Cross have more to offer. From all the reviews describing a latakia-heavy mixture, I wonder if I wound up with the proper mixture in this tin labeled Caravan...? Seemed more like a tin of mild orientals garnished with virginia and a few hits of latakia, than a proper balkan. YMMV....
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