I finally broke down and opened my one and only tin of Squadron Leader while hanging out with some guys for a newly inaugurated Pipes and Philosophy group.
It is over 4 years old (probably at least 4 and a half) and knowing that the seals on recent Samuel Gawith tins have been less than water tight, I knew that the time was approaching now or never. I was glad I did, for two reasons:
- this blend is simply delicious and perfectly satisfying at 4+ years, and exhibits those lovely plume crystals everyone covets in aged pipe tobacco
- the seal was probably going bad based on the corrosion of the metal coating at the corners (see the photos below)
I had heard from a friend who tried SG’s Squadron Leader with Perique that it came sopping wet out of the (fresh tin). I believe that happened about 4 years ago. Maybe the seal for mine was not great, but the high moisture content slowly receded until now, keeping it from being bone dry? In any event, the moisture content NOW is perfect!
After a couple bowls I can say that this is probably the best English blend I’ve ever had, with the only exception being GLP Samarra. Lots of fresh ground pepper notes, leather (like the smell of a well-oiled baseball mitt), some sour vinegar from quality Virginias and woody spice from the Orientals. Honestly, just a total winner across the board. I would love to buy this again, but really I should have bought 10 tins 4 years ago for aging. The only problem there would have been whether to open them now to put away in mason jars.
One last note: I tried a bowl of probably recent production SL at my local Oktoberfest and it was much drier than my tin (but still very smokable). But even from that one smoke, I knew I’d love my 4 year tin.
Enjoy the pics!
It is over 4 years old (probably at least 4 and a half) and knowing that the seals on recent Samuel Gawith tins have been less than water tight, I knew that the time was approaching now or never. I was glad I did, for two reasons:
- this blend is simply delicious and perfectly satisfying at 4+ years, and exhibits those lovely plume crystals everyone covets in aged pipe tobacco
- the seal was probably going bad based on the corrosion of the metal coating at the corners (see the photos below)
I had heard from a friend who tried SG’s Squadron Leader with Perique that it came sopping wet out of the (fresh tin). I believe that happened about 4 years ago. Maybe the seal for mine was not great, but the high moisture content slowly receded until now, keeping it from being bone dry? In any event, the moisture content NOW is perfect!
After a couple bowls I can say that this is probably the best English blend I’ve ever had, with the only exception being GLP Samarra. Lots of fresh ground pepper notes, leather (like the smell of a well-oiled baseball mitt), some sour vinegar from quality Virginias and woody spice from the Orientals. Honestly, just a total winner across the board. I would love to buy this again, but really I should have bought 10 tins 4 years ago for aging. The only problem there would have been whether to open them now to put away in mason jars.
One last note: I tried a bowl of probably recent production SL at my local Oktoberfest and it was much drier than my tin (but still very smokable). But even from that one smoke, I knew I’d love my 4 year tin.
Enjoy the pics!
