Samuel Gawith Squadron Leader Special Edition

I jumped at the opportunity to buy three tins of this limited edition release and just recently finished the first tin. My reasons were two part. The first is that I absolutely love Squadron Leader, so I was interested in how this iteration would compare. The second is that I am a sucker for good marketing and limited edition tins are never a bad thing to have in the cellar.

As for the tobacco inside the green tin, I was let down. This is not too surprising as Squadron Leader itself is firmly rooted in my top ten tobaccos, so the odds that this would jump up to join it were pretty low to begin with. I did start to like it more as the tobacco started to dry than when it was just opened.

This taste very little like squadron leader. The change wrought from the perique is overtly apparent, yet it is far from a perique powerhouse. The blend does not really feel much stronger from a standpoint of nicotine. The primary problem with this blend is the addition of the perique kind of covers up or changes everything that I like about the standard squadron leader. There is almost a compost type element to the smoke that just doesn't do much for me.

Don't get me wrong, I did not despise the blend, but I just find that it is inferior to the white tin standard SL. As for rating this blend, that is also difficult. As only 2000 were made and I can attest that now there are less, it goes without saying that if you can pick up a tin for around $10 or the cost of a standard tin, then I highly recommend it from an investment standpoint; however, don't buy into the hype and spend a lot of money on this as it is not really worth it.

I am leaving this one at two stars as there are just too many other tobaccos that I would prefer over this. But I will say that this is a unique blend as there is nothing that I really can compare it to. I do not doubt that some people will love this blend as we all have varying tastes.

According to Samuel Gawith, this green labelled Special Edition is exactly the same mixture like the regular SQL, with an addition of Perique. Since only 2000 tins were produced, I could not put hands on this Special Edition. Therefore I have made the experiment myself, adding different amounts of pure Perique into the regular SQL. The best result is an upgraded SQL from a 1 to a 2 star on my personal rating. The blend became a bit stronger, tastier and the room note was better.

For more details about my critical view of SQL, check my review on the other page dedicated to the regular SQL.

I purchased several tins of this very limited release and just finished my first tin. SOLID. Smokey, full and delicious. I am very satisfied after each bowl and almost instantly crave another. This stuff deserves a full re-release. My guess is, this was a test run and smokingpipes will make a deal with the folks at Sam Gawith to get this blend to the masses(I hope). As a previous poster said, this stuff is going to be wonderful with a year or two age on it.

Since I have so little, I too will probably only smoke this on special occasions. Here's to hoping for a mass production of this delicious leaf!

This is the 2019 edition of the special edition and is every bit as successful as the 2015 edition. It retains all the essential characteristics of Squadron Leader but has a fuller, deeper and, if you will jauntier taste. If you can snag some, do so. This tin is going to pipe club with me The others will be put down to mature

Tin #488/2000

Its that time of year again, where I slowly transition over to more Latakia forward blends as the autumn season approaches. Even though its been a bit warmer here in Southern Michigan, I can't help but crave English and Balkan blends as the first aspen leaves begin to turn golden.

Almost through with this tin, so I thought it would be appropriate to share my thoughts.

Tin aroma isn't as strong as I remembered the original SL. Seems quite muted. Somewhat dry in the tin, definitely something I'm not used to when it comes to SG mixtures. Upon opening the tin and pulling back the white paper liner, I find wide cuts of mostly medium to dark brown leaf, with a bit of golden mixed in. Loading the pipe with the lack of moisture allowed the pipe to be packed quite full and firm, without hampering the draw. Charring light was almost all Perique to me. The Latakia took a backseat the duration of each bowl, while the Perique remained overpowering. This blend is sharp and can sting the nostrils when exhaled. Leaves a very clean palate with a nice refreshing feeling on the tongue. Burns clean and clear, leaving a dark gray ash and nothing more.

I tried to enjoy this but it just isn't my thing. If you can find a tin, it's worth a try if you are a Perique junky.

Tin notes of sour, smoky, tangy and sweet. The fat ribbon cut seems to be bigger than regular squadron leader. Color is brown, dark brown and black. The Tabacco is relatively dry, and no prep needed. Burns at a normal rate and required few relights. The strength is mild-med and nic is mild. No flavoring detected despite tin note. The taste is med-full, with notes of spicy, smoky, slightly sweet plums and floral. Latakia is driving with perique riding shotgun. The Virginias and Turkish are bringing up the rear. Room note is tolerable. Has a very great aftertaste.

My impressions of this blend are based on a 2017 limited release.

Like most Samuel Gawith blends, this comes moist. After setting it aside for 40 minutes, it’s ready to smoke.

Upon lighting, I sense a bit of smokiness, a mouthwatering sweet and sour tanginess, a citrusy sweetness and the distinct presence of peppery perique.

This is an Oriental forward blend, but the Virginia acts as a sweet and smoothing base. The perique is always noticeable and almost moderately spicy in the beginning. By the second half, it becomes less potent, but always present. The latakia (smokiness) quickly recedes to the background after lighting. It’s makes brief reappearances upon tamping.

It’s less then medium in body, and the nicotine level is slightly more then mild. It never gets harsh, even with fast puffing.

This is a good all-day smoke and will be appreciated by Oriental enthusiasts. It works best for me as a morning pipe. Unfortunately, it’s only produced as an occasional limited release.