G. L. Pease Bohemian Scandal
(3.38)
Fine small leaf oriental tobaccos and rich Virginias weave a tapestry of intrigue, serving as an exotic backdrop to showcase the exquisite Syrian Latakia, Bohemian Scandal is a delicious Balkan blend in a style not produced in decades. It has a delightful wine-like character, with a delicate and fascinating spice. Wonderfully balanced, it is excellent in its youth, yet sturdy enough for long aging. Enjoy it now, and be sure to cellar plenty for future adventures.
Notes: From Gregory Pease website: Bohemian Scandal was introduced in August, 2004.
Nearly a year in the making, this blend, the first in the new Heirloom Series, features some truly magnificent Syrian Latakia, possibly the finest example of this exotic leaf that's been seen in 40 years. When we arranged for its import, and the first samples arrived, I fell quickly and deeply for it; Bohemian Scandal is the love child of our little tryst. The Syrian is wine-like, possessing subtlety and nuances that would be easily lost to a heavy hand at the blending table. I chose bright and red Virginias, and rare oriental tobaccos to compliment the spice of the Latakia; hints of cardamom, nutmeg, cinnamon are present, along with a gentle smokiness. A soft, slightly tangy sweetness continues throughout the bowl, with the complex, earthy notes from the oriental tobaccos providing depth. The flavor is bold enough for casual smoking, but sufficiently refined to be engaging during more contemplative moods. Wonderfully balanced, it is excellent in its youth, yet sturdy enough for long aging. Enjoy it now, and be sure to cellar plenty for future adventures.
In November, 2004, a warehouse fire consumed our supply of the exquisite vintage Syrian Latakia that was used in Renaissance, Raven's Wing and Mephisto, as well as Bohemian Scandal. These blends have been discontinued, indefinitely.
Details
| Brand | G. L. Pease |
| Series | Heirloom Collection |
| Blended By | Gregory Pease |
| Manufactured By | Cornell & Diehl |
| Blend Type | English |
| Contents | Latakia, Oriental/Turkish, Virginia |
| Flavoring | |
| Cut | Ribbon |
| Packaging | 2oz Tin, 8oz Tin |
| Country | United States |
| Production | No longer in production |
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
|
3.38 / 4
|
Reviews
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Displaying 21 - 22 of 22 Reviews
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Sep 12, 2004 | Medium | None Detected | Medium | Pleasant to Tolerable |
I don't even know where to begin with this review so pardon its unfocused nature. First, let it be known that I'm not typically a big fan of Latakia. The few such blends I do enjoy are typically those containing a small Latakia component. Having said that, I was completely unprepared for how good this blend is.
Opening the tin, I was greeted by a lovely earthy smell with complex, spicy overtones. The tobacco is surprisingly less moist relative to other GLP blends but certainly not "dry". However, it could also be enjoyed immediately without the usual pause to allow the tin to breathe. Virtually the only downside to this tobacco appears at this point; it seems to have a lot of stems. Other than this minor annoyance, it packs and lites easily and immediately begins weaving it's spell over the smoker.
To my senses, Syrian Latakia is a world apart from its Cyprian counterpart. The leaf Greg chose for this blend, however, is other-worldly. Another reviewer used the term "creamy" and that is an excellent descriptor but doesn't begin to do justice. Calling it "delicate" does it a similar disservice. Scandal opens up a direct neural connection with the pleasure centers of the brain: It's that good!
The room note is mild and seems to constantly hint at an ever-changing kaleidoscope of ephemeral qualities. If you choose to focus on one, you find that another aspect has already replaced it. The label's "wine-like" prose is accurate insofar as it suggests such complexity.
The smoking experience remains consistent throughout the bowl and leaves the smoker approaching the end of a pipe with apprehension. Despite being a relatively light 2-3 bowl a day smoker, I found myself smoking full back-to-back pipes charged with this excellent blend.
There is no hint of bitterness toward the bottom and no amount of overdrawing the pipe will cause it to bite; another sign that this tobacco isn't acting entirely on the physical level.
An aptly named blend, Bohemian Scandal is too exceptional to pass up, regardless of preconceived notions on what type of tobacco you typically enjoy. Order some immediately, while the leaf that forms the basis for this remarkable blend is still available.
Opening the tin, I was greeted by a lovely earthy smell with complex, spicy overtones. The tobacco is surprisingly less moist relative to other GLP blends but certainly not "dry". However, it could also be enjoyed immediately without the usual pause to allow the tin to breathe. Virtually the only downside to this tobacco appears at this point; it seems to have a lot of stems. Other than this minor annoyance, it packs and lites easily and immediately begins weaving it's spell over the smoker.
To my senses, Syrian Latakia is a world apart from its Cyprian counterpart. The leaf Greg chose for this blend, however, is other-worldly. Another reviewer used the term "creamy" and that is an excellent descriptor but doesn't begin to do justice. Calling it "delicate" does it a similar disservice. Scandal opens up a direct neural connection with the pleasure centers of the brain: It's that good!
The room note is mild and seems to constantly hint at an ever-changing kaleidoscope of ephemeral qualities. If you choose to focus on one, you find that another aspect has already replaced it. The label's "wine-like" prose is accurate insofar as it suggests such complexity.
The smoking experience remains consistent throughout the bowl and leaves the smoker approaching the end of a pipe with apprehension. Despite being a relatively light 2-3 bowl a day smoker, I found myself smoking full back-to-back pipes charged with this excellent blend.
There is no hint of bitterness toward the bottom and no amount of overdrawing the pipe will cause it to bite; another sign that this tobacco isn't acting entirely on the physical level.
An aptly named blend, Bohemian Scandal is too exceptional to pass up, regardless of preconceived notions on what type of tobacco you typically enjoy. Order some immediately, while the leaf that forms the basis for this remarkable blend is still available.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Sep 07, 2004 | Medium | None Detected | Medium to Full | Very Pleasant |
So many vendors offered samples of Bohemian Scandal at the 2004 NASPC show that I ended up snagging at least two ounces of the stuff by the time I left the venue. I blew my loot on pipes and other must-have tobaccos at the show, despite my urge to buy an 8-oz. can. Thanks for the new bulk format, Greg. Big cans are great, and they work really well for tobacco too!
Anyway, I ran this weed through every pipe in my collection. I also finished off a bowl of the Scandal before writing this review.
The Scandal gives Syrian Latakia the limelight, and it really shows just how luxurious the Syrian Latakia is. Now that I've come to know this blend, I can't say enough good things about it.
LEAF: Great color. Deep, rich, earthy tones.
NOSE: Exotic, fragrant, and spicy. All natural.
QUALITY: As is expected from Greg Pease, the leaf is top quality. I did notice some stems, or perhaps stiff mid-rib materials, but I'm told that stems really carry over the Latakia essence. In any case, they can be sliced with scissors and smoked with no problem.
PACK: I tend to approach Pease blends with a lighter hand, and I think this one sings a bit more if packed with little pressure.
BURN: Good light, great burn. I prefer smoking G.L. Pease blends on the dry side.
TASTING NOTES: The Syrian Latakia lends great spice and a creamy body to the mixture. Its presence is evident throughout the smoke, but the Scandal is deep. Marvelous room note!! Some great Virginias come out of hiding quite frequently and keep the conversation interesting (though I could smoke a bowl of straight Syrian Latakia and love it). At times the Virginias give away the youth of the blend, which is not to say that the Scandal necessarily suffers from any rough edges. There's no bite. The Orientals lend their sweet/sour character to the smoke, and everything just clicks.
This stuff is as complex as Renaissance and, dare I say it, can sometimes rival it. The mouthfeel is silky overall, but some spicy spots can come through. Greg says he spent a year refining this mixture. His efforts are obvious. This is a fantastic smoke young, and I can't begin to imagine how superb it'll be after six months or a year of aging. I hope I can let some rest that long!
Anyway, I ran this weed through every pipe in my collection. I also finished off a bowl of the Scandal before writing this review.
The Scandal gives Syrian Latakia the limelight, and it really shows just how luxurious the Syrian Latakia is. Now that I've come to know this blend, I can't say enough good things about it.
LEAF: Great color. Deep, rich, earthy tones.
NOSE: Exotic, fragrant, and spicy. All natural.
QUALITY: As is expected from Greg Pease, the leaf is top quality. I did notice some stems, or perhaps stiff mid-rib materials, but I'm told that stems really carry over the Latakia essence. In any case, they can be sliced with scissors and smoked with no problem.
PACK: I tend to approach Pease blends with a lighter hand, and I think this one sings a bit more if packed with little pressure.
BURN: Good light, great burn. I prefer smoking G.L. Pease blends on the dry side.
TASTING NOTES: The Syrian Latakia lends great spice and a creamy body to the mixture. Its presence is evident throughout the smoke, but the Scandal is deep. Marvelous room note!! Some great Virginias come out of hiding quite frequently and keep the conversation interesting (though I could smoke a bowl of straight Syrian Latakia and love it). At times the Virginias give away the youth of the blend, which is not to say that the Scandal necessarily suffers from any rough edges. There's no bite. The Orientals lend their sweet/sour character to the smoke, and everything just clicks.
This stuff is as complex as Renaissance and, dare I say it, can sometimes rival it. The mouthfeel is silky overall, but some spicy spots can come through. Greg says he spent a year refining this mixture. His efforts are obvious. This is a fantastic smoke young, and I can't begin to imagine how superb it'll be after six months or a year of aging. I hope I can let some rest that long!
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