Gatlin-Burlier Smokies Smoke-Eaze

I'm surprised this one doesn't have more reviews, as it's a very unique and enjoyable Balkan. In fact, it's one of the most distinctive blends of its sort on the market - I've never tried another blend this reminded me of! This is not a sweet blend, although it does have some "high" notes. Rather, it's a very savory, earthy mixture -- it's in the same vein as GLP's Charing Cross, only different. The description says it's basically lots of Turkish leaf with some latakia thrown in, and I can definitely say the flavor is entirely in keeping with its billing. The is a "Balkan" in the sense that the primary note is from the orientals, although I wouldn't be surprised if there's a base of burlies (then again, maybe not). In some ways it reminds me of a premium Turkish cigarette. I wouldn't call it "complex" -- I think "exotic" is a better word.

This is the only G-Burlier blend I've tried that didn't have a pronounced topping or casing, although it does have a little PG. The burning qualities are excellent, and this stuff doesn't have a bite in it.

I can't say I smoke this all the time, but there are days when nothing else will really do. Three stars, and some might be inclined to give it four. I definitely recommend it for Balkan hounds, if for no other reason than its uniqueness.

Smokies Smoke-Ease is only one of many fine blends offered by the Gatlin-Burlier smoke shop in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. This ribbon-cut blend smokes cool and dry right out of the bag. The Orientals and Latakia are balanced very well here; the influence of the Latakia is of mild/medium intensity while the Orientals provide the primary taste. The blend components are of high quality; no undesirable pieces (midribs, leaf veins) were encountered. Lighting the bowl is a pleasure with the medium-fine ribbon cut. The initial flavor for me was that of Latakia, followed shortly after by the Orientals. The taste of the Latakia seemed to diminish as I smoked down the bowl with the Orientals providing the bulk of flavor. The finish was about the same as the middle of the bowl. The nicotine strength is mild/medium. The Latakia adds smoothness and a little more complexity. The body of smoke is of moderate richness. I smoked it in a BBB Sovereign sandblast Dublin and a Missouri Meerschaum. If you are ever in Gatlinburg, you should visit the Gatlin-Burlier. The staff are very friendly and helpful and will spend considerable time with you. The manager gave me some homemade Pumpernickel bread.

A good English style mixture with Turkish and Latakia tobaccos. Smokes well without relights after the initial charing light and one relight. Some Latakia, but not a heavy latakia blend.Smokes to the bottom with dry gray ash. I like the taste and smokability of this tobacco from Gatlin-Burlier. These folks, located in Gatlinburg, Tn. are very friendly to pipe smokers and they are willing to impart a lot of information about pipes and tobacco.