REVIEW | Samuel Gawith Squadron Leader Pipe Tobacco - Is It Worth the Hype?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 28 ก.ย. 2024
- Today we explore what many believe to be the quintessential English pipe blend!
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Thanks!
@@wesmeisberger5736 thank you so much, Wes! Your continued encouragement is very much appreciated 🙏-Kevin
Squadron Leader is one of my favorites. I have stocked up several tins of this and Presbyterian Mixture. Glad you enjoy it as well. Thanks for another great video!
@@ReformedPiper it’s a good English blend for sure!
Hey, I joined the channel a couple of weeks ago and I have gone back to the beginning and I'm working my way forward. I am a long-term smoker (45+ yrs.) and have smoked a pipe on and off for nearly the same amount to time, but with several and some long-term gapes in pipe smoking. I enjoy English style tobaccos without strongly added tastes/smells of aromatics. Recently I've taken the pipe up more aggressively and smoke 4-5 bowls a day. I tell you all this because you are still a smaller channel, and consequently you may get to know your views better than others. Apologize for all that rigamorall. Bottom line, I enjoy your approach to these videos, your explanations help me look beyond what I "think" I like to broaden my horizons, so a huge THANK YOU! Keep em coming!
@@mikequayle4000 I really appreciate this encouragement, thank you for taking the time to write this comment!
Hey Kevin, good morning, just was watching one of your older segments (If you only could smoke 1 brand, what would it be?). This got me thinking and hence this post, which would be better suited to a long email format, so pls. forgive me but others may be interested in your response. First, as a less experienced smoker I would like some guidance from you to broaden my journey. Under the scale you use for richness/depth of tobaccos (high or light, medium, and low for strong/rich), I am looking to open up to more initial selections under these categories. Currently I believe I am OK on the "low" side of things with favorites of mine (haunted bookshop, Boswell's backwoods, pirate kake, highland a mix from a local store {the Pike Rack in Akron OH.}), in the medium group (Boswell's private reserve). Would you suggest 1 or 2 from me to try in both the medium and high/light group to get my breath expanded?? PLS! Second, I would love for you to review both Boswell's private reserve and Highland from The Pipe Rack in Akron, OH. (Currently my favorite. (Your will note from my list, that I am not an aromatic smokier with much or any toppings but prefer the pure tobacco flavors, which I know significantly does reduce the list. I would send you some of the two I'm asking you to look at, but obviously I don't know where to send them, sorry.
@@mikequayle4000 I encourage you to listen to my Pipe Blend Reviews playlist and select the ones from the categories you mentioned that sound best to you! My full thoughts are shared there and I would recommend trying anything in that playlist
When i got done with everything i needed to do today i sat down with my pipe full of cascadia downwind to enjoy this video
@@travisholman7696 that’s great! I hope you were able to unwind with a relaxing smoke :)
@@hobbitonpiper I definitely did and your videos are always just like sitting with a friend, thank you.
Great to see a new ep!!
I hope you enjoy! :)
@@hobbitonpiper I always do! BTW - I have started making pipes. I am working on my third one! Fun hobby.
Lol, I was literally talking about this blend a day or two ago and how several years back, everyone HAD to have it
@@PhillipRivara haha yes Phil, it’s been quite popular! :)
Always happy to see a new video. Thanks Kevin. I also feel inclined to pick up a tin or 2 after watching your review. I have really been enjoying orientals lately.
I think you’ll enjoy the experience!
Hi Kevin! You should also try Squadron Leader's sister blend 'Skiff Mixture'. A fine blend worthy a review.
I do have some! I need to spend more time with it though…
I just ordered a few tins of this today! Looking forward to it, it has been quite illusive until now.
@@wild1athletics awesome! Let me know what you think of it
@@hobbitonpiper It is a very nice smoke. I'd describe it as bold, yet mellow.
Great video Kevin! I'll have to try this one. My current fave in this profile is C&D Star of the East Gold. It matches your description of this blend perfectly but it also has that trademark rustic taste of C&D and a touch of that Haunted Bookshop mustiness, great stuff.
Very cool! I should spend some time with that blend soon
Excellent to see you back. I got myself some peterson 965 since last i checked the channel, havent smoked it long enough to gove a detailed review of my thoughts but rather pleasent. More of a winter blrend i would say not for this inclemently warm weather we're having here (i like all nearly all brits hate overly hot weather). One has been trying to nail down the breath method, so far not too lucky i cannot for thelife of me do it without inhaling into the lungs. Im sure ill get the hang of it at some point.
That method to me can be thought of as inhaling clean air through the nose, while allowing smoke to enter and exit your mouth in the process. I wouldn’t over think it, just enjoy your pipe the way that makes sense to you. :)
@@hobbitonpiperthanks for the advice. I did post a vid of me smoking my pipe on my channel. Not really a review or anything of that nature just fancied a pipe and put the camera on. I am nit very goid infront of the camera though.
Been my daily go-to for many years. Dont know why but 2 years ago I started hating Latakia. So now it is mainly Virginias and Burley
@@aiarch that happens :)
Nice to see a post, buddy!
Thanks!
Greetings from Norway. Fellow pipe and Tolkien fan here. Great video! Thank you. My current english favourite is My Mixture 965, but now I’m eager to try Squadron Leader!
You should! Let me know what you think of it if you do :)
Currently smoking my first bowl of 965 right now, new piper here, this stuff is fantastic!!
Love your channel, keep up the good work. I think we should make you an honorary Englishman with your style, caps and love of an English blend 😂 Have you tried Samuel Gawith Skiff Mixture? Similar but even better in my opinion with a bit more orientals making it one of the best English/Balkan blends. Recommended.
@@northyorkshirefieldsports I have some and need to spend more time with it!
Great tobacco, it is a nice milder blend that is easy to smoke and I like the newer tin art - you have the older version. My favorite tobacco is Ennerdale, love the Lakeland essence. Great review 👍
Ennerdale Flake is a very polarizing blend in the community it seems! :)
Got off work, saw Kevin posted on IG about a new vid, sprinted to my PC, packed a bowl of Cult BRM. Thanks for the upload sir!
Watching this I also had a thought, I had some Peter Stokkebye Proper English No. 52 and it was campfire and leather. I am not fond of it. Maybe too much for my noob palate. But, do you have any suggestions for something more akin to Early Morning Pipe? Sort of that smoked meat, tangy sweetness?
@@xxExtolsmoked meats? Yes, this one below (but it’s quite strong so eat a good meal beforehand):
th-cam.com/video/QYCqtLVPiKQ/w-d-xo.htmlsi=kqWU50YTugEcYWtl
@@hobbitonpiper thanks buddy! It's now in my cart on smokingpipes lol. Now, I reckon, I should get a new pipe just to smoke it out of...... right?! ;) if you and Mr. JimInks on tobaccoreviews like it then I am all in!
Havent had this one, EMP or Nightcap in a while. All three, imo, are right down the classic english lane. I agree with your placement of SL being between EMP and Nightcap. Great review!
Yes, I think they are all 3 worthy of attention! :)
I enjoy all of your reviews. A couple of years ago I wanted to try an English blend. Many recommended Squadron Leader. I enjoyed the tin note, but the flavor was too pungent for my taste. It almost ruined me on English blends lol. Then I tried Hearth and Home’s BlackHouse. The sweetness of the orientals balanced out the pungent qualities of the Latakia. BlackHouse has become my English blend. Great review, as always. Maybe I should revisit Squadron Leader since I am now acclimated to Latakia
Based on your comment, you should definitely try these:
th-cam.com/video/ynVZe8oQDeA/w-d-xo.htmlsi=VDbCeoLb3SreVzW7
th-cam.com/video/9wavJIK2kEY/w-d-xo.htmlsi=-5R5ECOHOGEw-gMY
@@hobbitonpiper I certainly will. Thank you!
Nice Video. Ed
@@armchairpiper thanks Ed!
I just bought a new headset and I could very faintly hear young kids chatting, I thought it was my oldest. Turns out its your kids chatting through the video and my new headphones are just awesome haha.
My neighbors grandkids, but yes, you can hear them! :)
Yay! New video! Great to see you! I literally almost bought this last night at my local brick and mortar, I ended up with another blend by the same company. I’ll probably get it next time, I don’t know why or the cause of it but the tin art is great and doesn’t have all the warning labels on the tin. It’s also not on the tin I did get! Thanks for the review!
That’s ideal! The warning labels are so obnoxious
I very much enjoy your reviews and pipe journalism.
Just for the record, only the Italians used biplanes in WW2, and then only in the very beginning. Biplanes were used extensively during WW1 except for the Germans who slipped in a triplane or two.
Happy piping.
@@artistny0000 I’m not a history buff, but I’m pretty confident Italians were not the only ones using biplanes in World War II. Monoplane designs had largely replaced biplanes but I think several nations still used biplanes, especially in the early years of the war. I think Britain’s Royal Air Force used the Gloster Gladiator biplane for example during the early stages of the war, and the famous Fairey Swordfish torpedo bomber was also a biplane. Something to research anyway, maybe I’m mistaken.
I love your content, squadron leader is my most purchased pipe tobacco ever. Honestly if it were always available I wouldn’t smoke anything else, it is very elegant, no sharp edges, round taste, and I’ve never gotten tongue bite with it. I personally like to pair it with an iced dr. Pepper. Cheers.
@@carlossp6211 if you smoke it in the morning, try pairing it with coffee. Good stuff!
Me again 😂 I can 2nd the comment about letting it dry for a while. One of my first online orders included the KBC (Kendle black cherry) from the same company and when I opened the tin and smoked some fresh, it didn't speak to me. Well after drying it on my desk for an hour a few days after opening the tin (as if you haven't tried KBC it's a very thick cut) I loaded a pipe and wow! I can highly recommend if you like a subtle cherry with plenty of very interesting nuances. Still enjoying the content along with some other great piping TH-camrs & bloggers. I found a filter in my bent cheapo pipe with the moist aromatics make it much more enjoyable with no gurgling etc 😂 p.s if you have a chance to go the Lake District in England where I believe they make this, you have to try the Kendle mint cake!
@@billythekid6420 cool info! Yeah a little drying time can help these SG blends, just don’t take it too far. Dry crispy leaf burns much too quickly and will rarely ever be your best flavor experience
Squadron Leader for me is such a well balanced blend.None of the constituent tobaccos dominate but they all work together creating just a great English style blend.I would only put Presbyterian Mixture above it
@@ref6122 I’m glad you enjoy it!
Hey Kevin have you ever watched the Sherlock Holmes movies. The Basil Rathbone ones as i think he was the definitive Holmes. Keep your videos coming. 👍
@@GaryMoore5573 I have not but I need to!
Think you will enjoy them. Nigel Bruce is a great and funny Watson and I think Rathbone was a pipe smoker in real life. Have a great week mate 👍
How often do you smoke a pipe? Is it a everyday thing or do you have to be in the right mood? Just curious cause I find sometimes for me, as a new pipe smoker, I have to take breaks. Haha.
@@jerichothegrey I only smoke outside, so it’s a mood + enough time to sit and enjoy + weather that’s agreeable for me :). It varies. I do smoke more in the spring and fall than in the blazing heat of summer or bitter cold of winter. I still enjoy my pipes in those seasons, but not as often.
Have you reviewed Solani Gold?
@@jasonkelsey3441 see my Pipe Blend Reviews playlist from the Playlists tab for the full list! (spoiler: as of today, no)
I have heard many negative comments about "Lakeland" blends. Is SG Squadron Leader in that category ? If not which blends are ?
@@stefanomagaddino6868 No. I address this in the review. Strong Lakeland essence blends would be like Ennerdale Flake, while there are other with it in smaller amounts
@@hobbitonpiper Thanks for the quick reply .
I've smoked this blend twice and have had excessive re-lights. On both occasions I had the tobacco air out for about 30 minutes, but have had no luck. It's to the point where I do not enjoy this blend and it tastes like an ashtray. I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong as it only happens with this blend. 🤷🏾♂️
@@oldschool1503ify what sticks out to me in this comment is the word “twice”. For some blends it may take quite a bit of trial and error (many bowls) to figure out the proper drying time, pipe, and cadence for you to smoke it enjoyably. However, if you are unable to find enjoyment or are getting too frustrated, jar it up and move on to other blends. That way you can always come back to this blend down the road. You may find you have a completely different experience later.
@@hobbitonpiper Thank you for your advice. I will keep trying until I get it right. Happy Smokes!
Would you recommend a clay churchward pipe?
@@zerovranger I only use clays for taste analysis as described in this video, so I see no need for a super long clay churchwarden. I’d much prefer a briar one.
@@hobbitonpiper thanks for your reply is there specific seller of churchwarden briar pipes you would recommend
@@zerovranger this series at the link below hands down (see my Pipe Stories playlist for less expensive options as well):
th-cam.com/video/YTbUJzWU_dQ/w-d-xo.htmlsi=rPvXFMozHS7Zhj1Y
@@hobbitonpiper thanks I’m working my way through your videos now
Excellent review. Spot on with the flavor profile of this blend, especially over the last few years. I remember it having more depth several decades back. We need to get hold of some of the green tins with perique.
@@russhicksart ooh, yes let’s look for some! :) That would be a super fun comparison…
I know this is a pipe tobacco review, but....
love the shirt!
@@Rubber_Ring ah, cool! I like that shirt too :)
He does do good shirts
I took this tobacco with me to Cuba last winter while on vacation. Squadron leader in the morning and then cuban cigars the rest of the day. Good times!
@@jasonkelsey3441 now that sounds like a great time!!
Cuba, my home away from home😊 Caibarien to be exact, planning to bring a pipe and tobacco with me this November
Hello from 🇨🇦 - Do the latest Squadron Leader tins arrive sealed ? I’ve had a couple arrive over last year or so that were not. However, the moisture level was still ideal @ moist to dry. Happy Piping ✈️
To me, that aged leather smell reminds me of WWII era Cockpits.
Thank you for sharing !!
Ah a great comparison! My tins are aged, but I’m confident that fresh tins will be sealed, I’m just not 100% certain on the exact method used currently, maybe others here will know
@@hobbitonpiperI had a few without vacuum seal but they did have the plastic wrap in place. I tinned them up for future enjoyment.
Perhaps these Squadron Leaders experienced a ‘rapid re-compression’ during shipment 😆
It's cold and has been pouring rain all day. I'm on my balcony enjoying a bowl of Squadron Leader and watching your review. Sometimes life is really nice!
@@Matthew-LAMF awesome, so is your continued support of my efforts! Thank you Matthew! -Kevin
You don’t want to cellar anything from this house - which may be my favorite - in their tins, as the failure rate of the seal is regularly around 30%. Even the company’s primary public representative implores customers avoid doing so. Thanks for your thoughts on this blend!
Thank you for this statistic! In order to reinforce the seal for long term storage in the original packaging (allowing you to maintain its value in case you wish to sell some tins later), a couple methods can be used, including Parafilm and/or sealing the tins in vacu sealed bags, both of which I describe and demonstrate in my 2-part video series How To Cellar Pipe Tobacco:
th-cam.com/video/nbyuFOc3AP4/w-d-xo.htmlsi=TRT1TumbDtA7zB2m
th-cam.com/video/bbQtE9PFghY/w-d-xo.htmlsi=CtWweMc3In4QMULn
@@hobbitonpiper nice!
It makes me laugh - being an Englishman and seeing how the UK government are keen to ban tobacco completely - in a few years to come we won’t be able to buy an English blend in England 😢 building a cellar of pipe tobacco and cigars is so key for us
Cellar while you can, friend
From an American (and an anglophile as many Americans are wont to be), God bless England for giving the world such fine tobacco!
Good to see you again. Keep up the good work.
@@InWithBothFeet thank you again, Ian, for continuing to support my efforts! 🙏-Kevin
Thanks for going over this blend. I am very formilar with EMP. Also Night Cap so to put it in the middle of those I know what you are talking about. I wonder what it would be like to order it in bulk and put it in a mason jar for a while if it would be as good or better than purchasing it in a tin. You are a good teacher and I learn from you. Thanks and have a great weekend
I expressed my thoughts in this video about tin vs bag. That being said, if you do purchase a bag I would move it to a mason jar immediately.
My son went to Scotland recently and stayed in Edinburgh for a few days. He dropped by a pipe shop while touring the city and picked me up a few ounces of their Gawith & Hoggarth house blend. I'm fairly new to pipe smoking, but I'm certain it includes latakia. It was packaged in a rolled up plastic bag with no description. Just the name, Gawith & Hoggarth in small letters. Most of the bag was plastered with ridiculous government warnings and a picture of diseased lungs. I moved the tasty tobacco to a proper container to keep it from drying out. It's also very comparable to Peterson's Nightcap.
@@Interesting_Placebo yeah those warning labels are so awful
And here I foolishly thought Jacobfuckingjones to be the most chill tobacco youtuber...
A pretty chill vibe here for sure. If only we could get that level of viewership! One can dream… :)
The Squadron Leader of Samuel Gawith is one my all favourite English blends, though I would say that I prefer the Commonwealth of SG, because it's still smokier than the Squadron Leader..
But the pipe tobaccos of Samuel Gawith are generally my favourite ones on the market !
They make some great blends!
Just ordered a tin of this legend. I hadn’t seen it in stock anywhere for no less than five years. Love the patient package opening. Can’t wait to take on the aroma first hand. 🎉
I think you’ll enjoy visiting this one!
Its just " Ok," and sadly nothing compares to McClelland.
Sadly, nothing at all compares to McClelland. Absolutely true.
Butt sweat on the saddle seat. Not smart enough to enjoy it. Cheers from the Soggy South Carolina Lowcountry.great video.
Haha these blends just may not be for you! You are not alone, there are many people who don’t like Latakia :)
Stellar review on a historic tobacco. I agree with English is great for fall winter and early spring. Love my more traditional old codger non aromatic blends in hot weather and in my cob. Happy piping
@@michaelpage4199 yeah this one is particularly good in the fall season to me
Hello Kevin very nices pipes i smoke SL in a pouch of 50 Gr and i dont like it and was very dry i cannot finish the pouch but i have a tin with 10 years old and i will tried it sure a secind oportunity Thank you and goids smokes.😊😊😊😊
Yeah, give that tin a try and let me know! :)
Hey Kevin! Great review as always. Was just wondering, is the lighter in this video a butane Zippo? I've been interested in buying one and would love to hear your thoughts if so. Thanks!
@@C.B2 it is indeed a Zippo with a butane insert, although this insert is the Z-Pipe brand. I believe Zippo now makes an official butane insert as well
Great review as always! Actually smoking a pipe as I watch this one. Have some sunbear tupelo in a savinelli. Going to have to look into this blend.
I think you should! :)
I have to ask even though you probably get it a lot...did you print those labels for your jars or take them off the tin? They look printed because when I took the labels off my tins they were too large for the cap so I put them on the side of the mason jar EDIT: I see there is a video on this! will be watching
@@Yoshi-zt5df yes, I have a full video tutorial on this! :)
I’ve really struggled to get the moisture level right on Squadron Leader. To the touch it seems OK out of the tin but almost had to refill the lighter before I finished the bowl! On my second attempt, I dried it out for quite a while but again relit the pipe far too many times. I’ve decided to wait till fall to try again, might just have to get all this Tennessee humidity out of the air before I can get it dry enough without artificial means. As you said, certainly quality but tricky to read the moisture content.
This is true. And natural humidity in the air can make a difference. When you’ve got it right, you’ll know it. :)
Where do you buy online? I usually just type in the tobacco I want and a random website comes up. Any staple websites you can give?
smokingpipes
Is there anything even lighter than EMP? Total newb just got my first pipe
@@jadeuru for English blends? Probably not? It’d be fine for you to start with EMP
Hey man, I live in Central AR and travel through the river valley often. If you’d like to sync up for a pipe sometime please shoot me a message.
@@osbornetechnology4746 cool!
Love English blends and a P lip bent stem. The P lip is the perfect teeth clincher, hangs nicely when you're doing something with your hands.
@@georgevalkosky7451 very cool, yes it does clinch nicely!
So keeping tobacco in a tin is just as good, if not better than removing it from the tin and storing it in a jar?
This 2-part cellaring series should answer all of your questions!:
th-cam.com/video/nbyuFOc3AP4/w-d-xo.htmlsi=QDGtdKVGzoI2zUe6
th-cam.com/video/bbQtE9PFghY/w-d-xo.htmlsi=0r9LpVMiTcyw6pJP
Your videos are really relaxing, enough to enjoy a pipe during - and I know, that's the point. I will however say that I am having issues trying to enjoy the tobacco and not taste the bitterness or "smoke" flavor of it. I would certainly like to taste the sweetness and fruit flavors and such associated with it, and its scented of it, rather than tasteful of it to me. I go slowly, tamp and relight as necessary, and just can't get the sweet, fruit, or other "flavor" it is labelled as. The PS 24 Nougat for example - it smells like the 3 Musketeers bar you described - but during the smoke, I couldn't taste that flavor or sweetness. I might be having issues because I used to smoke hookah and I'm comparing it to that. Any insight is useful, thank you kindly.
@@ChefDansHookah hi Dan, here is my entire presentation on the subject, very detailed. Enjoy!:
th-cam.com/video/mVxLoKhLvUc/w-d-xo.htmlsi=tOoyNS063-3jSUcZ
I seriously look, and I suppose I am not paying close enough attention to the contents. Thank you. Watching now.
Always happy to see a new video from you. I enjoy your channel a lot.
Happy to hear that!
I love Squadron Leader, I have plenty in my cellar😊 One of the first englishes I tried, like it more than EMP and others
Very cool! It’s a great one :)
Thanks!
@@paulrapp613 thank you so much, Paul, for supporting my efforts! -Kevin
Another great video. I had a tin of this about 7 or 8 years ago. It’s been too long! I need to revisit for sure. BTW, I’m sure you’re on it, but friendly reminder that the new Sun Bear comes out on Tuesday. You were kind enough to let me know last year, so I figured I’d return the favor.
@@amanrelaxes yes, I’m aware! Thank you for supporting my efforts! 🙏-Kevin; Iv’e already uploaded my next video but you will be included on my next video credits, thanks again!
@@hobbitonpiper yeah I figured 🤓. Looking forward to it! Never had a chance to try the last Black Locust rendition. Enjoy.
Always love each video you make. I am still a new pipe smoker. I have a Peterson Lestrade P-lip pipe for now. Will definitely be adding some new pipes going forward. Thank you for the effort you put into these videos. As you always encourage, I do enjoy good tobacco, good food and good drink.
Starting your journey with a p-lip mouthpiece, eh?! It will be interesting to see how you like the traditional mouthpieces of other pipes in comparison down the road
I have one tin to try that’s been hanging out in the cupboard for a few months. You’ve motivated me to bump it up in deciding what to open next. Thanks for another great video.
That’s great, it’ll be a nice tin for you to explore this fall!
Squadron leader is definitely in my top 5. Got a few tins that I’ve been hoarding
@@zad223 awesome! :)
Smoking MM 965 in my Peterson Baskerville pipe... Good to see you back again! Nice review 👍
@@benjaminshirley you may appreciate the Latakia in this blend then! :)
is that the Ring of Barahir
@@nicholas_FrostRaven yes! Good eye :)
Wonderful video!
Thank you very much!
Good to hear from you sir. Quality content as always.
@@jamesinphoenix I’m glad it’s appreciated, thank you!
I always look forward to your postings.........so calming and enjoyable.
@@benniebarrow348 I’m glad you enjoy them! More to come :)
That’s a lovely clay - are they still available anywhere?
Think SL was first released in the 1930s when the RAF were still flying biplanes
@@dunblanepiper4755 haven’t looked in a while, but the video link below tells where I got this one!:
th-cam.com/video/h97KI84bZO0/w-d-xo.htmlsi=yLPZaxPmG9e01UFe
@@hobbitonpiper Thanks man 👍
Love this blend but I’ve actually found Skiff Mixture to be the quintessential English mixture that I can smoke at any time. That being said, this blend is phenomenal because it is much more available than a lot of their flakes and has a lot of the same Virginias as FVF. I would love to try the original blend with Perique in it. Glad to see you posting again. Hope you are doing well.
I’d love to try that as well!!
@@hobbitonpiper Skiff seems to me to be Squadron leader without the heavier latakia. Very nice anytime of day blend, its become one of my favorites in a canadian styled Peterson Irish Harp.
@@sfzx54 I may have to share my thoughts on Skiff down the road…
Allways a pleasure to see your videos, and you allways seems happy when you make Them. Greetings from Denmark😊My favorite latakia blend is Gaslight and Bob`s chocolate flake has a litle latakia and is fantastic. But i prefer Peterson deluxe navy rolls, Mac baren HH pure Virginia, Marlin flake, Makhuwa, and Peter Heinrichs Dark strong😊
That’s a great list, I’ve reviewed many of those!
Really good review of the blend. A personal favourite sat by a roaring fire in Autumn after a blustery walk. Nice video.
@@HernetheHunter121 ooh yes that sounds nice!!
Ain’t that the truth!!
Have you ever tried Esoterica's Margate? If so, does Squadrone Leader compare? I'm looking for an alternative when I run out Margate. So hard to find!
@@timrichardson4018 yes but it’s been a while. It would certainly be in the same family for sure. It’s worth trying!
I finally got to try it! It is similar to Margate in the component balance I think, but over all flavor is not quite the same. I do like it, but something kept throwing me off. What is that green sort of note? It's almost as if some of the leaf is actually green, as in newly picked. There's a slight clean, almost minty sort of hint to it. Sort of distracting.
Terrific review. I’m not a fan of Latakia but there are 3 or 4 English blends that I do like and squadron leader is definitely one of them. I like that the Latakia is mild and the oriental isn’t too strong either.
The Latakia is definitely mild to me in this one for sure
Does it have a floral note? I hate lakeland or floral stuff.
@@kamoboko86 listen to the review and you’ll find out! :)
Watching from Houston this evening while smoking EMP in a Peterson 03 with a cup of coffee before heading into work tonight. Id also place Squadron leader in between EMP and Nightcap. Definitely reminds me of a leather jacket covered with campfire smoke. As always your reviews are spot on👍🏼👍🏼
@@keganwallace8753 i really love the leather notes in this blend!
I now enjoy tobacco vicariously through you and the YTPC. It has become far to expensive to persue this most enjoyable pastime here in New Zealand. I will continue to smell the aroma of joy that remains within the few pipes I have until they give up their ghosts. A sad day brothers, I am sorry I cannot remain amongst you
I wish it was still available, accessible, and affordable worldwide!
SL is still on my "need to try" list, but I have a tin of its sister blend, Skiff Mixture. Another great English.
Yeah you should pick a tin up sometime and let me know!
Love SL! Somewhere in my top 10. As of 4pm today it was available. Almost ordered a tin. 😊
@@catdadpiper3745 yes, nice to see it’s been available recently!
Hey Kevin, great to see you and hear the happiest music in the YTPC> English blends are really not my thing, however I would have to put Squadron Leader as number 1 for me, followed by EMP. You are correct about the room note for other people, when I smoke an English I hear about it. However Bobs Chocolate Flake, SG chocolate flake and SG Navy flake do let me sneak some Latakia through. Those brats are looking pretty good on the grill too. Have a good one and que the happy music.
@@frankgallik2653 those brats hit the spot! :)
I acquired 3 tins of SL about 3 years ago & have been slowly working on them. I enjoy it; it’s a lot like EMP! I smoke my English tobaccos exclusively in a Vauen “London” straight billiard with a 9mm filter.
There’s a ton available on the tobaccopipes site.
I believe “Squadron Leader” is equivalent to the rank of “Major” in the U.S.
@@chriscon8463 you are wise to dedicate a pipe to your English blends!
@@hobbitonpiper Great review!
Great video. Smoking some 2023 Sun Bear Tupelo in my Peterson Jekyll & Hyde #03 Fishtail.
@@mcgee227 a new 2024 Black Locust version is coming out this month of Sun Bear! I’ll definitely try to buy a couple tins :)
Very nice presentation. Thanks for sharing! Good to see you again.
@@LifeWithAPipe thank you!
I steered away from English blends for a long time because the idea of tasting leather was not appealing to me. But then I had my first with a decent amount of Virginia, and OH MY! I was in love! Something about that Latakia; it's so smooth, full, savory, cool, and compliments the sweetness of Virginia so well. Love a good English. I'll have to give this blend a try.
@@timrichardson4018 I really think you should, Tim!
@@hobbitonpiperMy first tin of Squadrone Leader will be here Saturday. I'll let you know how it goes!
Great review. I was placing a tobacco order and had this in my cart but had never smoked this blend before. I love English blends and after seeing your review, I didn't hesitate to hit the place order button. I smoke EMP on the regular and Nightcap when I am feeling cocky so this should fit in nicely. Thanks, I always enjoy your reviews.
I’m so glad you purchased some to try, I’m excited for you, I think you’ll enjoy exploring this one, especially since you love English blends! A must try for you. :)
Squadron Leader is hands down my favorite tobacco (thus far)
Very cool!
Nice video and review.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this blend.
Thank you, you’re very welcome! :)
Been missing smoking with you
Well here I am! It’s nice to be missed :)
Awesome review as always! I'm a new piper and now I'm adding this to my list. I love the tin art of the biplane as well.
@@wesb2823 very cool! I hope you enjoy exploring this one!
I’ll be honest I could not smoke this during the summer months. I’m with you that I enjoy my English blends in the fall and winter. With that said I have had this before and if I recall Squadron Leader had a pencil shavings smell to it and maybe even a slight taste to it as well. I remember pairing it with a Tequila because they both share that pencil shaving scent . I had Don Julio 1942 and believe it or not it paired well. 😉
@@AlfonsoTheTraitor sounds like you may have been experiencing a green wood note…a couple years of age on the tin may help to round that off
😅 I've heard it said that pipe smokers smoke as many matches as tobacco! 😊
@@JohnAmidon-c6r I’m not sure what that means, but since I smoke outside in the wind, I use lighters lol :)
@hobbitonpiper it's a snide reference to those frequent relights. Apparently, it's not all that clever! 😅
Glad to see another review from you, Kev! You create some of my favorite pipe smoking content!
I’m glad!
Awesome to hear your take on Squadron Leader! I love this blend. I smoked mine tins immediately, so fresh vs. aged probably has some nuances, but on the tin note I caught scents of culinary herbs, like sage,thyme,white pepper. I also felt some of those scents were in the smoking flavors as well. So reminiscent of those incense qualities Latakia lends, but once again, more on that roasting culinary herb side. I think referring to those nuances being similar to potpourri is spot on!
Cheers and may many more wonderful bowls of Squadron Leader be in your present and future!!
Thank you, I expect they will be! Cheers!
Hello my friend...hey, I recognize that Peterson B42...great pipe. Great review and explanation on Squadron Leader ...think I'll have a bowl of that today. Thanks again for your take on this great blend.
@@jamieblakley yes! And yes you should have a bowl of this! :)
Welcome back, Kevin! I have missed you. Cathy and I got new e-bikes and spent last weekend in Bentonville Arkansas riding them. I just ordered some of this tobacco, because I love the floral/potpourri aroma. That’s what I got when I smokedSeattle pipe clubs, Rainier Levant. You have a blessed weekend, my friend.
@@JohnsPipeJourney you too! Bentonville seems to be the biking capital of the country these days!
Thank you for another thoughtful tobacco review. I will have to say, if you start sniffing dirty socks…
😂😂😂😂😂
Haha, you never know! The things I do for you guys….. :)
Among these three awesome blends, I haven’t tried Squadron leader yet. Also Old dublin is another english blend that I really like.
Lots of great choices out there!