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 21 - 30 of 92 Reviews
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| May 18, 2001 | Mild to Medium | Mild to Medium | Medium | Tolerable |
I've taken more time with this blend before writing a review than I have with any other. Over a period of 6 weeks, I've smoked 10 bowls, only two of which were back to back. I've kept some fairly extensive tasting notes, which I have distilled down to basic descriptions, eliminating the impression that popped up, never to be made again, and concentrating on those that were displayed consistently. For my 10th and final tasting, I went down to my Gent's Club and shared a bowl with Paul Buza, Tobacco Store manager and a pipeman of 20 straight years, and the only palate in the world I think is more sensitive than mine . I had him smoke a bowl, for first impressions, write his notes, with no conversation, save baseball going between us, and later we compared. We were in virtual agreement every step of the way as it turns out. The following impressions are mine alone, with Paul's designated as such. Appearance: Lightly dappled medium brown in appearance. Latakia content is less than some of Greg's others. Some burley, red va's, some flue cured or possibly lemon va's and turkish that beat the s--t outta both Paul and I as far as it's ID goes. Unlit fragrance is quite pleasant, fairly monochromatic. Moisture content is dead-on beautiful. Packed extremely well. I used an English only Autograph for the final tasting, Paul used a pre transition Barling. Flame hits weed releasing a soft, round smoke with a leather base note, muted, nutty mid-range, and a keen, dry, woody top note. The wood impression wasn't that of the usual conifer (cedar, pine, what have you) but, unusually, a hard wood such as hickory. The Room Note had the usual English accent to it augmented by hints of freshly sawed lumber. The yet-to-be-identified Turkish made it's presence well known with the Latakia in more of a supporting role. The burning qualities were as good as either of us have ever experienced. The fragrance and taste was relatively straight forward, haunting in it's familiarity, yet there is something in the smoke to differentiate it, something ephemeral...... Mid pipe, the weed developed a more pronounced nuttiness and softened on the high end. Paul attributed this aspect to the youth of the sample, having, essentially zero age to it (more later). Paul remarked that he was quite impressed with it, and it could replace Samarra as his all day English. My impression is that it would make an excellent aperitif tobacco, a perfect pairing with a dry martini, followed by a good steak. End pipe. Top note returned with some vigor creating one of the few experiences that I've had in tobacco where the end game was as nice, or nicer than the middle of the match. Summary: Highly recommended by both testers. Should become absolutely spectacular with additional age. Get a few to lay down, and a few to smoke. It's a keeper. 8 out of 10 Bearclaws with aging potential of 10 out of 10 Bear
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 12, 2015 | Mild to Medium | None Detected | Medium | Pleasant |
Am enjoying a tin from Feb. 2007 (thanks, Pipestud), so it was laid over 8.5 years ago. Thus I cannot comment on a fresh tin. My goodness, the tin yielded up a sweet and sour must that I instantly knew was going to be good. And it is. These Balkans, like so many others, become so refined with a long nap.
There is a light natural sweetness but not overmuch, since the VA is well in the background. I would love more VA but--it IS a Balkan. The Lat is front and center but very distinguished and soft from the years, and the Turkish pokes its head up now and again. The blend has melded so well that it simply is faultless. It is not a nic hit, but on the high end of mild-to-medium. Supposedly ribbon, my tin has a lot of broken flake in it, some of which are pretty tough, so I just spend a little more time rubbing it out.
The aroma is sweeter than the smoke and is wife-approved. (And she don't approve much.) You might not like every Greg Pease blend but he's never made a bad one. And this one sings. It really ghosts a pipe, though. You want a pipe dedicated to this blend or to similar blends.
There is a light natural sweetness but not overmuch, since the VA is well in the background. I would love more VA but--it IS a Balkan. The Lat is front and center but very distinguished and soft from the years, and the Turkish pokes its head up now and again. The blend has melded so well that it simply is faultless. It is not a nic hit, but on the high end of mild-to-medium. Supposedly ribbon, my tin has a lot of broken flake in it, some of which are pretty tough, so I just spend a little more time rubbing it out.
The aroma is sweeter than the smoke and is wife-approved. (And she don't approve much.) You might not like every Greg Pease blend but he's never made a bad one. And this one sings. It really ghosts a pipe, though. You want a pipe dedicated to this blend or to similar blends.
Pipe Used:
Englander briar (for Balkans)
PurchasedFrom:
Pipestud
Age When Smoked:
8.5 years
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Sep 05, 2013 | Medium | Mild | Medium to Full | Pleasant to Tolerable |
This was my first experience with a G.L. Pease blend. I had read a few articles written by Mr. Pease and was impressed with his knowledge, common sense and humility on the subject of all things pipe. The tin (dated 2012) is plainly adorned- nevertheless, I could hear Duke Ellington performing the jazzy exotic "Caravan". Also, the use of the word "opulent" in the description was enough to hook me like a trout.
Not being able to wait for the 30 minute trip back from my local B&M, I decided to crack open the tin in my hot car (evoking a desert caravan experience) and was greeted with a spicy smoky scent that was indeed exotic with the slightest background of balsamic vinegar. The ribbon-cut strands (wider than I am used to and with a handful of decent sized stems) were a nice pleasing mixture of mostly golden browns that fell easily into my Ben Wade Western with an adequate springy bounce. The moisture content out of the tin seemed ideal to me: not in the slightest bit wet. After a quick taste and charring light, the tobacco lit easily and I was soon enveloped in a creamy rich smoke scented with a pure cocoa powder.
I was impressed.
From that moment on, I had to fight the urge to guzzle rather than sip. It had a temperate sweetness in its flavors. I was not only hooked but was now being reeled by a master into an experience that, although being new to me, had the friendly support of the Latakia and Virginias giving it a needed familiarity.
This is my only experience with his blends, yet I suspect Mr. Pease has a rare gift for crafting flavor. Although the delight of discovering something new has lessened some as time passes (particularly evident in the gradual fading of the cocoa), its toothsome quality still remains. No tongue-bite to speak of, only had to relight once and my Lady Nicotine seems gentle only revealing a leg toward the bottom of the bowl. Caravan does not travel across many borders during the journey (it's not overly complex), but the journey is slow and very pleasurable. Thanks and well done Mr. Pease. 3.5 out of 4 stars.
Not being able to wait for the 30 minute trip back from my local B&M, I decided to crack open the tin in my hot car (evoking a desert caravan experience) and was greeted with a spicy smoky scent that was indeed exotic with the slightest background of balsamic vinegar. The ribbon-cut strands (wider than I am used to and with a handful of decent sized stems) were a nice pleasing mixture of mostly golden browns that fell easily into my Ben Wade Western with an adequate springy bounce. The moisture content out of the tin seemed ideal to me: not in the slightest bit wet. After a quick taste and charring light, the tobacco lit easily and I was soon enveloped in a creamy rich smoke scented with a pure cocoa powder.
I was impressed.
From that moment on, I had to fight the urge to guzzle rather than sip. It had a temperate sweetness in its flavors. I was not only hooked but was now being reeled by a master into an experience that, although being new to me, had the friendly support of the Latakia and Virginias giving it a needed familiarity.
This is my only experience with his blends, yet I suspect Mr. Pease has a rare gift for crafting flavor. Although the delight of discovering something new has lessened some as time passes (particularly evident in the gradual fading of the cocoa), its toothsome quality still remains. No tongue-bite to speak of, only had to relight once and my Lady Nicotine seems gentle only revealing a leg toward the bottom of the bowl. Caravan does not travel across many borders during the journey (it's not overly complex), but the journey is slow and very pleasurable. Thanks and well done Mr. Pease. 3.5 out of 4 stars.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Feb 02, 2012 | Medium | Mild | Medium | Strong |
Disclaimer: Maybe I got a bad tin??
From the tin description it sounds like a dream blend, but oh what a foul tobacco. I smoked this in 3 pipes thinking maybe it was just the pipe.
At the start there is a hint of urinal cake. Then I realized why it was called 'Caravan' - this isn't tobacco, it's dried camel dung.
Orientals? Yeah ok. Latakia? Lacrapia. Virginias? What?
Not a good flavor I could detect. Tongue bite. Ashy yukky awful yuk. Couldn't get the taste out of my mouth for days.
Unparalleled as the worst blend I've ever put in a pipe.
Sorry, GL
BTW, the label/date? on the bottom reads '052710.'
From the tin description it sounds like a dream blend, but oh what a foul tobacco. I smoked this in 3 pipes thinking maybe it was just the pipe.
At the start there is a hint of urinal cake. Then I realized why it was called 'Caravan' - this isn't tobacco, it's dried camel dung.
Orientals? Yeah ok. Latakia? Lacrapia. Virginias? What?
Not a good flavor I could detect. Tongue bite. Ashy yukky awful yuk. Couldn't get the taste out of my mouth for days.
Unparalleled as the worst blend I've ever put in a pipe.
Sorry, GL
BTW, the label/date? on the bottom reads '052710.'
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| May 18, 2011 | Mild to Medium | Very Mild | Medium to Full | Pleasant to Tolerable |
Tin: Date stamp on bottom: 011609(JAN 16, 2009). Mostly coarse cut, with short ribbons, and some stems. There is a light smoky Latakia aroma and a ripe smell from the Virgnias. Feels a little dry.
Taste & Aroma: Smooth, a generous hand has been used in adding the orientals and Latakia. Orientals provice a fragrant incense, with Latakia adding a barely perceptible smoky background. This is one where the GLP internet description is rather apt.
Room Note: Nice, smooth, and easy fragrance.
Overall: The cut is a bit stemmy, and the orientals are a little sour and wear on my tongue. 3 stars just barely.
Taste & Aroma: Smooth, a generous hand has been used in adding the orientals and Latakia. Orientals provice a fragrant incense, with Latakia adding a barely perceptible smoky background. This is one where the GLP internet description is rather apt.
Room Note: Nice, smooth, and easy fragrance.
Overall: The cut is a bit stemmy, and the orientals are a little sour and wear on my tongue. 3 stars just barely.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 08, 2011 | Medium | Extremely Mild | Medium to Full | Tolerable |
Caravan is Greg Pease's attempt at a full, Balkan-style of tobacco. It's delightful in appearance; cut ribbons of golds and browns with black mottling the overall appearance. The moisture level is, as with most Pease blends, just about ideal. The tin/pouch aroma of the blend is deceptive; at times it seems monochromatic, but the more you smeel it the more layering and richness detected. The charring light comes through as complex, with the latakia riding highest. Early into the bowl the taste is leathery smoky with a gentle sweetness over a nice, nuttiness. There are spicy overtones which are very pleasant, and a kind of almost lemony bite. Mid-bowl the lemony bite remains on top of a smooth, smoky and pleasant, full taste. The Orientals assert themselves well, adding a wonderfully musty, leathery tang. The sweetness of the Virginias perfectly compensate for the other flavors, making the smoke at this point seem a bit nuttier, though less spicy. The overall effect at this point is slightly gentler than earlier or later in the bowl. Deeper into the bowl the spicy overtones return again. The smoke now has wonderful body, and is both full and complex. The Virginia sweetness takes a back seat to the hickory-esque flavor of the latakia and the strong, spicy mustiness of the Orientals. Caravan is, as a Balkan blend, a real success. Deep and complex, layered and mysterious. Smokers who prefer Balkans to English or Scottish blends will find it to be a real pleaser, a blend they can't get enough of. English smokers will also take to the blend though, with its delightful use of quality latakia. Though not a good beginning blend for those used to Virginias, Virginia smokers looking for a fuller, more complex smoke should also be quite pleased. Caravan is another testament to the blending skills of Greg Pease.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Jan 29, 2009 | Mild | None Detected | Full | Pleasant to Tolerable |
I have but one thing to add to the prior wonderful reviews of this immensely tasty Balkan:
My wife, who generally wrinkles her nose in disgust when I enter the room after enjoying a pipe, no matter the blend, and mutters something about an ashtray, asked me what I had been smoking. "Why, GL Pease Caravan," said I. "Hm, you actually don't smell like an ashtray," said she. "It's just kind of a manly, outdoorsy smell." Or something like that. That alone garners it an extra star or three.
Rugged yet contemplative, like a lumberjack monk.
My wife, who generally wrinkles her nose in disgust when I enter the room after enjoying a pipe, no matter the blend, and mutters something about an ashtray, asked me what I had been smoking. "Why, GL Pease Caravan," said I. "Hm, you actually don't smell like an ashtray," said she. "It's just kind of a manly, outdoorsy smell." Or something like that. That alone garners it an extra star or three.
Rugged yet contemplative, like a lumberjack monk.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 10, 2008 | Medium | None Detected | Full | Strong |
overwelming salty oriental-blend. Like every Pease tobacco's, this is a high quality one. But, at the end..... it's unsmokable: raw, crude,inelegant, boorish. And Pease is a sort of illiterate blender. This cook uses quality and tastefull ingredients, but definitly he's inapt to assemble and amalgamate the ingredients. The result is......raw. Sorry Pease, you are discharged. You can smoke a Pease's blend a time a week.....and is very good. You smoke a Pease's blend two time a week.....and is goog. You smoke a Pease's blend a time in a day.....and is unpleasant. you smoke a Pease's blend all the day....and is nauseating. So.....if you are looking for an occasional good tobacco: try it. But if you are looking for a trusty partner....just flee from Pease!!!!
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 06, 2008 | Medium | Extremely Mild | Medium to Full | Pleasant to Tolerable |
Very rich smoke full of Latakia and orientals. The tobacco is a bit on the dry side but burned well. The aroma is a heavy English. Reminds me of Balkan Sasieni. Smoked this after having a few blends around that were light on latakia and enjjoyed the full latakia smoke of Caravan thoroughly. Exotic is a good description of this blend which presents more than just a latakia blend but combined with the orientals and blend of Virginas make this blend. I also detect a nice sweetness. Will be a regular in my cellar. This tobacco can age well and think it will be one that will come out when a special latakia blend is necessary.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Dec 09, 2007 | Medium | Mild | Medium to Full | Pleasant to Tolerable |
This is one of my favorite Balkan blends. This is a very well-balanced concoction. It has a touch of sweetness that sets it apart from other Balkans that I have sampled. Not sure if this comes from the Virginias or the Orientals, but I like it.
Some Pease Balkans and English blends ofter are a chore to keep lit. This one is not. The tin I sampled was two years old and just worked perfectly with a 2002 Savinelli POY.
Pease blends are always presented well and this one is no exception. Moisture content was just about right on. I like tobaccos just a wee bit on the dry side and this did not require much airing out.
Some Pease Balkans and English blends ofter are a chore to keep lit. This one is not. The tin I sampled was two years old and just worked perfectly with a 2002 Savinelli POY.
Pease blends are always presented well and this one is no exception. Moisture content was just about right on. I like tobaccos just a wee bit on the dry side and this did not require much airing out.
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