G. L. Pease Laurel Heights

I smoked through a tin of Laurel Heights several years ago, although I never reviewed it. My notes from back then were simply along the lines of “naturally sweet, darker citrus notes, toast and a subtle trace of latakia, quite complex, very enjoyable...” Fast forward to today, where I recently purchased a newly manufactured tin of it. I opened it only to discover that the cut is quite a bit finer than it used to be, and now closely resembles that of a STG manufactured Dunhill mixture.

Needless to say this altered-cut version of Laurel Heights burns faster and is less complex as a result. And while this mixture has retained most of its richness and flavor strength, the sweetness is definitely not as noticeable and the overall taste is much more concentrated. It's one, earthy tobacco note almost devoid of any finer, more delicate flavors. The subtle blips of latakia rarely come through and the finer citrusy nuances are hard for me to detect. The bottom line is that the nuances that this blend once had are now quite lost amidst the muddled-up flavor created by the accelerated burn rate.

Obviously, I am disappointed here. Moreover, this change in processing perfectly highlights how much of an impact the cut of a tobacco can have on the overall smoking experience. I have been told that most, if not all of C&D’s ribbon cut mixtures have moved to this format. It makes me wonder what effect this will have on the smoking quality of mixtures like Telegraph Hill, Samarra, Haddo’s Delight, etc... Complex blends that are meant to smolder slow and deliver layers of flavor. Blends that are designed to challenge the taste buds, even if that means a few more relights and a bit more trial and error along the way.

What used to be a very fine smoke is now just another decent Virginia mixture. 2.5 stars.

When I was in grade school, one of my teachers gave each student a small square of paper and told us to put it in our mouths. (Yes, this was in the 60's, but no, she hadn't come directly from Woodstock). Half the class found the taste salty, while the other half found it sweet.

The reviews of this blend kind of show the same pattern--lots of 4 stars and 1 or 2 stars, I'm afraid I fall in the latter camp. I'm a big GLP fan, and I like all of the other blends in the Fog City line, but in all honesty this one didn't quite do it for me. I found the tin aroma flat and nondescript, and the favor followed suit. As straight Virginias go, I like the Union Square much better. But I'll revist after the LH gets some age on it.

GL Pease sometimes takes some hits for the way he writes his tin descriptions. Without getting into a debate as to whether his style of floral prose is appropriate, I have to say that in this case it's completely accurate. I actually tasted "malt and grapefruit," as well as a lot of pure Virginia flavor. The latakia is applied very lightly here -- it's noticeable, but that's it. It butns fairly well and doesn't bite so long as you go slow and don't smoke consecutive bowls. Unfortunately, it is an exceptionally mild smoke, both in regards to flavor and nicotine strength. I don't reach for this often (mainly because I have a low threshold for VAs), but there are rare times when it hits the spot like nothing else does. If you like well-crafted, delicate VA blends, grab some of this. For my part, it's just too mild to provide me regular enjoyment, but you might feel differently.

A rather bland tobacco with a slightly sweet taste. the cut was very good tho!

2/23/11- I've had this in a jar since 2007. Been smoking it the last 2 weeks. It's ok. There is no topping; an all natural smoke. I like the ribbon cut of this blend. Makes packing and smoking pretty easy. I found it behaved nicely and did not bite. I know that not all VAs are sweet, but I always found myself expecting this one to show some sweetness. It hasn't happened yet. It was a little bland. Not a bright VA flavor. It's nice to try for something different than your typical VA experience. I have decided to cellar it again for now and will give it a try down the line. Just not very tasty IMO right now.

GL Pease is arguably the best blender today. I now have seven of his blends in my rotation and at least one of his tins open at all times. Having said that, I must concur with Mainspring's assessment of this quality blend.

As much as I have tried to enjoy Laurel Heights, I just don't seem to be able to. It isn't the quality of the tobacco because it is obviously top shelf. My taste buds are to blame. To me it is a harsh and hot smoke. The moisture in the tin seems to be just right. From the charring light to the last shred in the bowl, it just doesn't give me any enjoyment. Maybe some aging will change my rating.

All of the tobaccos used by Greg and Craig are of the highest quality, and my two star recommendation should not reflect that fact. I have been "cursed" with an uncanny ability to shudder when latakia is even mentioned in a room, let alone smoked. When I attempted to smoke LH, all I could detect is latakia. Understand, the amount of latakia is minimal, almost microscopic, but its not a tobacco for me. The foundation of red and other virginias is wonderful, and I feel that this blend will receive the highest accolades.

aj

I've never given 2 stars to a Pease blend, but this is it. The tobacco looks and smells great. The burn is nearly perfect, I've never had more one match bowls on any blend before. I found the strength somewhat strong but the fullness in the mouth somewhat mild. Not a very rich, satisfying smoke for me. I kept trying it and expecting a different experience, but it was consistent throughout the tin, and that's good if you like this blend. Some obviously love this tobacco, but I can't seem to be satisfied enough.