First Impressions of GL Pease's Union Square

[lordofthepiperings]

Today I stopped at the Ye Olde Pipe Shoppe in Phoenix and picked up a bowl of GL Pease's Union Square. I wasn't much a fan of Pease, because he doesn't really have any aromatic blends and I only smoke aromatics really. I was gifted a bit of Samuel Gawith's Full Virginia Flake a few weeks ago and enjoyed it, so I decided time to give a Mr. Pease Virginia a try.
I have to give kudos on the tin artwork. Very classy, elegant, and eye catching. I know it doesn't affect how the blend tastes or smokes, but it's always good to have an attractive tin with nice artwork on it.
As for the blend itself, it's a nice flake of bright gold and yellow Virginias and rich darker red Virginias. The moisture level in the tin was perfect on opening. There's absolutely no drying time needed. I use the fold and stuff method, and one of these flakes fitted nicely into my Peterson Aran B5. It takes a charr light brilliantly and burns just as good. It hasn't required many reilghts at all. As for the taste it's a nice light naturally sweet Virginia with a bit of grape like notes similar to the tin note. I did notice a light nic hit after getting up and refilling my glass of water, but nothing major. Overall I'm greatly enjoying this blend. Great work Mr. Pease.

 

[sparroa]

Still haven't tried it but I've heard nothing but good things. Thanks for the review.

 

[galeon]

I got some of this in my last order since I'm kind of a VA nut, and I didn't really enjoy it all that much. It has a kind of a spice to it that just doesn't tickle my fancy. That being said, I've only smoked two bowls and I wouldn't feel right knocking it without trying the whole 8oz tin. I guess I'll update this post in a few weeks.

 

[ghost]

Thanks for the review. As an aromatics fan looking to finally branch out more, I appreciate your perspective.

 

[pitchfork]

I tried Union Square not long after starting the pipe and I really didn't enjoy it. Part of it was the pipes I was using (one is great for latakia blends but bleh for VA's; the other was a dud that I nver smoke anymore), but also I hadn't had enough experience with VA's and I know I smoked it way to fast and hot. I remember the tin note being just amazing, so I'll have to give it another try.
As for Full VA Flake, that's a totally different animal. The tobaccos are steamed and pressed and it's really hard to get it to bite or smoke too harsh. One thing about the British flakes is that they're very forgiving of poor technique. Union Square, not so much, as I can attest from experience.

 

[kalc]

I thoroughly enjoy union square - so after trying out from a 2oz tin, i got myself a 8oz