G. L. Pease Triple Play Tobacco Review
-
Kevin Godbee - May 9, 2011
- 5 min read
Part of the joy of pipe smoking at times can be the nostalgia it brings as an aged pastime that has spanned hundreds of years. The new G. L. Pease blend, Triple Play, has two nostalgic factors going for it. 1) It is in an old fashioned plug form, and 2) the name Triple Play along with it’s Springtime release connotes the all-American pastime of baseball which is also nostalgic, and brings back childhood, fun, Summertime memories, just like smoking a pipe does. Triple Play is also a double-entendre referring to the trio of tobaccos that work together to create this unique blend. This is a Virginia / Perique with just a touch of Dark Fired Kentucky. Pease tells PipesMagazine.com; "Triple Play has much less dark fired Kentucky than JackKnife Plug. I put just enough to add some dimension."
Upon popping the tin and taking a whiff, I am pleasantly greeted with the aroma of prunes, apricots and raisins. As far as appearance, even though this description has been somewhat overused in my reviews, it’s still the most fitting – it looks like a brownie. With the initial aroma and edible appearance, it is also reminding me a Lärabar energy fruit bar. It’s tempting to take a bite out of it. It smells and looks delicious. Color-wise, the hard chunk of pressed tobacco is mostly quite dark. There are just a few intermittent very light-brown or tan spots, but 99% of the tobaccos range from dark brown to very dark brown. There are some pieces that look nearly black, but on appearance alone, it is hard to find what I think the Perique should look like, since it is black. However, you don’t need a lot of Perique to affect a blend. It is referred to as a condiment tobacco after all.
 |
 |
The uncut plug feels just a tiny bit moist, which is natural for pressed tobacco. The extreme pressure creates a unique marrying of flavors. It also can release moisture and cause fermentation, which is what creates the special tastes, flavors and aromas of a pressed tobacco blend.
After cutting off a couple of slices you can see the layers of pressed tobaccos and I am once again tempted to take a bite out of it, but know that smoking Triple Play will offer a much better experience than eating it. I cut off two slices and rubbed them out. I only needed one and a half slices to fill my pipe, so I put the rest of the rubbed out tobacco back in the tin.
 |
 |
The tobacco is slightly moist. I busied myself with some other tasks for about two hours and came back to it. Now it feels just right for smoking. After rubbing out, the tobacco pieces remain a little bit chunky. Also, after the tobacco is sliced, rubbed out and given some drying time, the aroma changes. The Dark Fired Kentucky mostly dominates with a very light smoky aroma, which is completely different than a Latakia smokiness. The aroma also reminds me of being on a farm. I can smell the dirt, the hay in the barn, the horses. I am starting to wonder if this is going to be one of those great "Blends of Summer".
The pre-light draw is similar to the rubbed out aroma. It’s a beautiful Summer day and I am on the farm.
 |
 |
The initial light once again has the Dark Fired Kentucky greeting you with it’s outdoorsy, woody, smokiness, which is immediately followed by a nice light sweetness. I now have connotations of barbequed pork with a sweet BBQ sauce. I have to admit that I love Va/Per pipe tobacco blends. I don’t think I’ve ever met one I didn’t like. This one is certainly individualistic with the addition of the Dark Fired Kentucky though. There are some wonderful complexities going on in Triple Play. The two hour drying time has it burning perfectly and there are some superb tastes sensations happening here.
Did you ever listen to a great song where you could distinctly hear every instrument’s individual part on one level, and then on another level you could hear the overall song with all the separate pieces combining into one? This is what I am experiencing with Triple Play. I can separately taste the peppery Perique, the sweet Virginia, and the woody, smoky Dark Fired Kentucky in individual puffs like they are all taking turns in the spotlight. Then, when they all combine into a harmonious ensemble the flavor is quite robust.
Smoking in the middle of a beautiful sunny spring day here in Florida, along with the hearty flavors and aromas of Triple Play has transported me to a outdoor barbeque in the countryside with sun, green grass, and blue skies where there is a pig being slow-roasted on a spit. Triple Play once again reminds me of the flavor of a hearty piece of pork roasted over an open fire with just a slight smattering of sweet barbeque sauce. It is quite full-bodied. Many pipe smokers will enjoy this after any meal, but if it’s breakfast or lunch, a fuller meal would go better than a light one. After a hearty dinner Triple Play will be most enjoyable.
 |
 |
There is a nicotine hit here, but I am smoking very slow. I started to smoke a little bit faster and the nicotine kicked in a little more, so I slowed down again. Isn’t that what pipe smoking is about anyway? To slow down, relax and enjoy the wonderful flavors and aromas?
Ok, forgive me for ending like this, but I can’t resist saying that G. L. Pease hit it out of the park with this one. I highly recommend Triple Play.
Brand: G. L. Pease
Blender: G. L. Pease
Tin Description: Ripe red and bright flue-cured tobacco are joined by piquant Acadian perique and a balanced measure of smoky dark-fired Kentucky. The leaf is pressed and matured in cakes before being cut into 2 oz. bars, resulting in a bold blend for Virginia and perique fans. This all-American plug is a winning play, no matter how you slice it.
Country of Origin: USA
Curing Group: Flue Cured & Fire Cured
Contents: Virginia, Perique, Dark Fired Kentucky
Cut: Plug
Packaging: 2oz tin
Give us your review, or read others reviews – Triple Play Tobacco Reviews
SPONSORED LINK: G. L. Pease Triple Play – Click Here to Order Now!
SPONSORED LINK: G. L. Pease Triple Play – Click Here to Order Now!
Written by Kevin Godbee
16 Responses
Recent Posts
Welcome to The Pipes Magazine Radio Show Episode 543! Our featured interview tonight is with pipe maker Scott Thile. Scott has been making pipes since 2004. In addition to making pipes, Scott is a piano tuner and re-builder, and a bass player. Scott also founded Pipedia.org, and he was on the show way back in 2012 on Episode 10. Scott’s son, Chris is also a musician, and his band, Nickel Creek will be our featured music with their Platinum record, “In The House Of Tom Bombadil”. At the top of the show, Brian will be answering a listener question related to other collectibles in the pipe and tobacco world. Sit back, relax with your pipe, and enjoy The Pipes Magazine Radio Show!
Walking about a rock-strewn riverbank, flyrod in hand and pipe clenched firmly, it came time to just sit and observe life around me. It was a misty morning, coolish, water rushing on its destination to, where? Maybe the Gulf of Mexico, or to join one of Tennessee’s great river chains. A pensive moment among the hoary rivers. Moss-covered rocks, patched in green rugs and teeming with unknown squiggly activity, caught my eye. As did a blue heron (Ardea Herodias). The given avian sex, male or female, escaped me as I watched this great fisherman bend its lean neck and long dagger-shaped pointed beak close to the water’s surface. Faster than the eye could follow, the heron stabbed a small fish, leaving me in wonder about what else swam below the rushing mountain stream. Memories of past fly-fishing adventures flooded over me as I smoked my pipe. The peaceful process of pipe smoking presents a more thoughtful approach to life, methinks. The entire script of packing, lighting, puffing, tamping, and relighting, adds to (with many remorseful apologies to Mr. E=MC2) a more thoughtful approach to our existence on this beautiful blue orb floating in the black vacuum of time. Albert Einstein’s theories of relativity (and, yes, he smoked a pipe tobacco blend named Revelation, shadowing the name of his theories), and quantum mechanics are the basics today for modern physics (Pundit was once overcome with trying to parse physics in Dr. Neill G. Whitelaw’s Physics 101 class). The spring 1960 issue of Presbyterian College Magazine has one of the best quotes about Dr. Whitelaw that sticks with the Pundit to this day: “Ask any Presbyterian College graduate of the past quarter-century to name PC’s toughest taskmaster, and his likely reply will be Dr. Neill G. Whitelaw.” Ah, yes. And to add to Dr. Whitelaw’s luster in the Pundit’s memory is that his classroom was his laboratory. Across the top of the spacious room was a shelf, lined with empty tobacco cans: Half and Half, Granger, Prince Albert, Bond Street, Velvet, Tuxedo, Dial, Four Roses, Dunhill’s Baby’s Bottom, St. Bruno, Carter Hall, and, of course, Revelation. These are just a few names locked away in the Pundit’s memory of those days long ago lost in Physics 101, attempting to understand not only Dr. Whitelaw but also his friend, Albert Einstein! And Pundit has always admired Mr. E=MC2’s quotes on the subject of pipes and finding the sublime existence surrounding us: I believe that pipe smoking contributes to a somewhat calm and objective judgment in all human affairs—Albert Einstein, 1950. A pipe is the fountain of contemplation, the source of pleasure, the companion of the wise; and the man who smokes, thinks like a philosopher, and acts like a Samaritan. And hopefully, the Pundit isn’t becoming too Kafkaesque here, but over the years, pipes have become a psychological as well as a philosophical buttress for me. Mayhaps Pundit has been reading a bit too much over the holidays and early weeks of the New Year. Trying to catch up on his education, as it were. Now, this epistle is no Kafka “Metamorphosis” in which the main character becomes an insect. I have known a mean creature or two across the decades. But I have yet to confront a two-legged insect, except on one or two occasions on lands far, far away. Ahem, and where is this taking us today? The simple answer is this is to get us off and running for a spanking new season of pipes and tobacco. And as we all know, our pipes and tobacco blends are both a bit psychological and philosophical, if only in a very basic sense. I’m positive you possess a pipe or three you consider indispensable to your well-being mentally. I do. Pundit has a rather large galley of best briar friends. This, after years of smoking my beloved pipes, brings me to the question of just how this all happens. What is the precise connection? In the beginning, the pipe can be a bit sour, overpowering for a newcomer to the leaf. Then after break-in and conversations with veteran pipe smokers, the vision and some fresh understanding beam up to the frontal lobe. It takes time for the new pipe smoker to find just the right pipe and a go-to blend of the precious leaf. Revelation, by the by, is a recommendation for rookies of the leaf! Not too strong, not too sweet. Just right. That’s the fun part for the frontal lobe, don’tcha see. Reasoning, creativity, and a host of other executive functions filter through that part of the brain. Providing you were blessed with a big brain. Just sayin.’ Ok, class, this part of the lecture is complete. A pop quiz comes at the end of this session. And just to prove the Pundit walks the walk and talks the talk (people who know me well say it’s yakity-yak all the time), new pipe orders and tobacco are on their way to the herd and closet. Make no mistake, the Revelation Match is among the orders. And just in case you are interested PipesMagazine.com had an interesting discussion in its forums section a couple of years ago on Revelation and other long-gone blends. As for the Pundit, I enjoy Cornell & Dihel’s Epiphany, a match for the old Revelation. For one of his great in-depth reviews, check out Jiminks on Epiphany. And now for our pipe-smoking author and poet of February: British-American poet, W. H. Auden, born in York, England, Feb. 21, 1907, and died Sept. 29, 1973. Auden was an occasional pipe smoker and won the Pulitzer Prize in 1948. And from one of his poems these words of wisdom: The most important truths are likely to be those which society at that time least wants to hear. Now from the Pundit: Here is to hoping we can enjoy our pipes more in this New Year. Happy pipe, happy life.
Welcome to The Pipes Magazine Radio Show Episode 542! Our featured interview tonight is with Gabe Skypala. This is the first in our series of interviews with “Journeymen Pipe Smokers” – guys that have been smoking pipes between five and 10 years. Gabe is a native Texan from Amarillo. He grew up helping out on his uncle’s cow farm and thought that might be his trade at the time. He also played college basketball (he’s 6’9″), was pre-med at Samford University, did some youth ministry, and is now in sales in the electrical equipment business. Gabe also is a BJJ white belt, and amateur pipe maker. At the top of the show, Brian will give us a list of pipe makers that have quit making pipes that you should seek out on the estate market. Sit back, relax with your pipe, and enjoy The Pipes Magazine Radio Show!
Welcome to The Pipes Magazine Radio Show Episode 541! We have a pipe personalities packed show tonight. We’ve been running two different series with two different prominent pipe collectors and authors. We have “Inside Fred’s Head” with Fred Hanna. He is the author of the book, “The Perfect Smoke”, and known for collecting straight grain pipes. The other series is a follow-up to Fred, “Rich Responds” with Rich Esserman. Rich has penned innumerous articles about pipes and tobacco for several publications, and he is known for collecting quite large pipes. We’ll be featuring the final remnants of those two series all in this show. As if that’s not enough, at the top of the show our segment will feature pipe artisan Jeff Gracik with another installment of “Ask the Pipemaker”. Sit back, relax with your pipe, and enjoy The Pipes Magazine Radio Show!
Via Press Release – JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI – January 18, 2023 – For the past ten years, Jon David Cole, owner and operator of The Country Squire Tobacconist, and Beau York, founder of the podcasting company PODASTERY, have been delighting pipe smokers worldwide with their weekly podcast Country Squire Radio. Long time listeners have enjoyed uninterrupted weekly content from the podcast including the celebrated pipe tobacco focused series such as TOBACCO TALK, PIPE CULTURE, SQUIRE SELECT whiskey and pipe tobacco pairings, and PIPE SMOKING 101 as well as the newer series geared to bring the spirit of conversations had over a bowl of premium pipe tobacco amongst good friends such as HALF BOWL HISTORY, FROM THE LIBRARY, and FATHER TO FATHER. As they approach the 500th episode this year, Cole and York have decided the time has come to bring the show to its conclusion with a live recording at The Country Squire in Jackson, Mississippi. “The amount of content for and by the Pipe Community is higher than ever before with newer pipe podcasts, instagramers, youtubers and more” Cole said. “We have enjoyed our tenure representing and at times shepherding a section of the community, but it’s time to increase the spotlight to this next generation of content creators.” Cole and York have often taken cues from their listening audience who, over the years, have made several trips to the famed Country Squire Tobacconist shop in Jackson, MS. This practice has been dubbed a PIPE PILGRIMAGE by fans of the show who have visited the shop that inspired many hours of listening pleasure. “We want to finish strong,” York said. “There is certainly no better way to do this than inviting all of our listeners, who are able to make the trip, to the Country Squire for the grand finale of the show in a Pipe Pilgrimage like no other!” York explained, “we’ll have music, share stories, and record the final episode of Country Squire Radio together, all while enjoying a one of a kind Pipe Tobacco and BBQ pairing of epic proportions.” The Country Squire Radio Finale will be held at the Country Squire, Tobacconist in Jackson, MS Saturday, March 4th. Tickets are on sale today at The Country Squire Tobacconist (thecountrysquireonline.com) For more information, visit CountrySquireRadio.com or listen to the latest podcast “Episode 490: The Time Has Come” from Country Squire Radio (Country Squire Radio on Apple Podcasts)
Welcome to The Pipes Magazine Radio Show Episode 540! Our featured interview tonight is with Pete Prevost. Pete is a pipe maker and the President of the BriarWorks pipe factory in Columbia Tennessee. BriarWorks is a a pipe maker co-op with several other pipe makers, including Todd Johnson, who co-founded it with Pete. Brian and Pete will be talking about that as well as the up-coming 2023 Muletown Pipe Show which is held at BriarWorks. In a past life, Pete was the guitar player in the band Sanctus Real. Our music segment will feature one of their Grammy-nominated songs. At the top of the show, Brian will give us his comparisons between three different vintages of Sutliff’s Kringle Flake tobacco from the last three years. Sit back, relax with your pipe, and enjoy The Pipes Magazine Radio Show!
I wish GLP tobaccos were available around here. I might have to run the gauntlet and import some. This one sounds like it might be a bit much for a N lightweight like me, but the flavor sounds amazing!
Thanks for the review, Kevin!
Simon
Thanks for the review this sounds like another must try,i tried JackKnife Plug after reading the reviews and love it.
Thanks again Kevin
Roy
I still need to import some Jack Knife Plug, now I will have to order this as well!
Thanks for the review Kevin. This is a must get for me! I love Jackknife Plug and this sounds even better, if that’s even possible.
That this is a ‘must try’ should go without saying. This new series of Greg’s is getting off to a stellar start what with JackKnife and now another plug (pinch me, I must be dreaming). Oh, that the entire series would be in plug form! Heaven on Earth. JackKnife is a daily event for me now…and this one might become a ‘go-to’ item as well. The use of the Acadian Perique is of special interest. I guess you never know what Perique will do in a blend, often creating something ‘completely different’ than expected…and sometimes St. James will work better and other times the Acadian gets the nod. I’m just very excited that this is a VA/Per, especially with the addition of the Dark Fired K-Leaf and also the classic raisin-esque (prunes, apricots and raisins = treacle?) flavors. As for naming…American classic all the way! Named in the direction of the defensive infielders…1st, 2nd & 3rd. The heart and soul of the game. Sure there’s the 3 tobacco thing that plays into the name as well. Now if this had been the THIRD in the series it would have been a 3X3. Regardless, this one has significant promise, in theory! But given the ingredients, the manufacturers (I assume C&D did this one up as well…very trustworthy) and the blender (Keep ’em coming, Greg!)…I expect the fact to be just as good as the theory.
Ive got my credit card ready. I would assume smokingpipes.com will likely be the first place for this new tobacco to show up, as they are close proximity to the source.
It’s in stock at SmokingPipes.com right now. See link above.
[IMG]http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn246/atwageman/sp050911.jpg[/IMG]
This was an excellent introduction to the new tobacco. It is one of those reviews that aroused my desire for both tobacco and food. Now if you had worked-in a pipe babe angle, I think you would have covered all the bases (excuse the pun) 🙂
Ordered three tins today based on your excellent review.
Great review, even though I’m not a fan of Va/Per blends…I can’t say I’ve even tried them…Maybe I’ll have to give Triple Play and/or Jacknife a try…
Hopefully In the near future, G.L. Pease will come up with a plug containing Latakia.
Uh, sorry, guys and gals. I just checked SmokingPipes.com Triple Play is already gone. Drat the luck. I’m always late to the good stuff.
Great review as alway’s Kevin. I’ll be sure to check this one out.
Ok man I ordered a couple tins of the Pease Plug anticipating another wonderful smoke. I’m sure it will appeal to lots of fols out there. I, however think it’s too close in production release to JackKnife. After smoking about 6-7 bowls of this I’m convinced that it’s released on the coattails of JackKnife.
Just found this baccy at pipesandcigars.com so go and get it!
This is great stuff! Grand-slam and kick-ass good!