G. L. Pease Mephisto
(3.46)
The devil's Weed and the daemon Rum conspire in this dark, long stoved mixture of Red and Golden Virginias, a pinch of fine Turkish leaf, and generous portions of Cyprian and Syrian Latakias. Finished with just a drop of Dark Jamaican Rum, then steamed and toasted to bring all the flavors together. Doubly wicked and sinfully delicious, Mephisto will surely lead you into temptation!
Notes: From Gregory Pease website: "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 | Original Mixtures |
| Blended By | Gregory Pease |
| Manufactured By | Cornell & Diehl |
| Blend Type | English |
| Contents | Latakia, Oriental/Turkish, Virginia |
| Flavoring | Rum |
| Cut | Ribbon |
| Packaging | 2oz Tin |
| Country | United States |
| Production | No longer in production |
Profile
Strength
Medium
Extremely Mild -> Overwhelming
Flavoring
Mild
None Detected -> Extra Strong
Room Note
Tolerable
Unnoticeable -> Overwhelming
Taste
Medium
Extremely Mild (Flat) -> Overwhelming
Average Rating
|
3.46 / 4
|
Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 Reviews
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 31, 2011 | Medium | Medium | Medium | Pleasant to Tolerable |
This one simply didn't ring my bell. GL Pease is my favorite blender, and I've been bowled over both by his use of latakias and perique. He does, however, seem to be quite hit-and-miss when it comes to aromatic-style blends. The component tobaccos are excellent, but the rum topping simply ruins it for me (and I have no inherent problem with aromatics, per se -- just their often poor execution). The burning characteristics are fair, and the nicotine level is reasonable. If it weren't for the toppings, I believe I would have enjoyed this a great deal more.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Oct 07, 2005 | Medium | Mild to Medium | Medium to Full | Tolerable |
Mephisto is the only GLP blend I can't, as hard as I may try, get into. The rum topping seems to disagree with the other components, perhaps the Latakia. There is a lingering sourness to the blend that detracts a bit from my overall enjoyment. Also, I find the sweetness to be a bit cloying in this blend. Like all of Greg's offerings, Mephisto a well made blend of exquisite subtlety, but it simply doesn't agree with my palate.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Oct 27, 2004 | Medium | Very Strong | Medium | Tolerable |
Don't get me wrong-- I like this blend. I have bought a tin and will finish it sooner than later. However, as I am not really an aromatic enthusiasist, I find the rum casing in this to be too much. The idea of a "semi-aromatic" tobacco appealed to me greatly-- more flavors to enjoy, with all the complexity of an English! Well, I've been somewhat sorely disappointed after about six bowls. Perhaps I need to smoke more of this and pay more attention, but the rum flavoring overpowers everything in scent and smoke. I am considering jarring this one, to let the mixture marry a bit.
One good idea: If you have a friend who only smokes aromatics, and want them to try an English, this would be just the blend to start with for an easy transition. I must reiterate though, if you like latakia, there's a lot of other blends out there.
One good idea: If you have a friend who only smokes aromatics, and want them to try an English, this would be just the blend to start with for an easy transition. I must reiterate though, if you like latakia, there's a lot of other blends out there.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Jul 19, 2003 | Medium | Mild to Medium | Medium | Pleasant to Tolerable |
My first bowl of Mephisto left me dazzled and dreamy. I thought I had fallen in love with the great adversary himself. The blend struck me as more a potent and complex Frog Morton in overall taste and impact. I couldn't wait for another bowl.
Several bowls and weeks later and I'm less enthusiastic. The blending is still creative and the tobacco quality is good. I love the latakia and the turkish dance that goes on under the aroma of rum. But I feel the taste becomes a bit blurred and muddied...not as interwoven as other Pease offerings I've sampled to date.
The smokiness of latakia and tanginess of VA seem to contrast a bit too much through out the middle of the bowl...leaving the overall flavor a bit bland and sour at times? The rum is present only in the vapor for most of the bowl...less so in the taste of the smoke.
The last third of the bowl picks up a bit with more Orientals coming to the forefront and the rum gathering strength on the palate, but not enough for me to give it high marks compared to some of the other English and Latakia blends I've tried.
Bonuses for Mephisto: this stuff stays lit, produces nice smoke, and burns slow and even. Little to no bite. I've had it actually rejuvinate after only a tamp...getting through a large bowl with only one relight.
I still will likely enjoy Mephisto every now and again, but probably not a blend I'll rush out to restock anytime soon. Perhaps some age would do a can well? We shall see...
Several bowls and weeks later and I'm less enthusiastic. The blending is still creative and the tobacco quality is good. I love the latakia and the turkish dance that goes on under the aroma of rum. But I feel the taste becomes a bit blurred and muddied...not as interwoven as other Pease offerings I've sampled to date.
The smokiness of latakia and tanginess of VA seem to contrast a bit too much through out the middle of the bowl...leaving the overall flavor a bit bland and sour at times? The rum is present only in the vapor for most of the bowl...less so in the taste of the smoke.
The last third of the bowl picks up a bit with more Orientals coming to the forefront and the rum gathering strength on the palate, but not enough for me to give it high marks compared to some of the other English and Latakia blends I've tried.
Bonuses for Mephisto: this stuff stays lit, produces nice smoke, and burns slow and even. Little to no bite. I've had it actually rejuvinate after only a tamp...getting through a large bowl with only one relight.
I still will likely enjoy Mephisto every now and again, but probably not a blend I'll rush out to restock anytime soon. Perhaps some age would do a can well? We shall see...
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