GLP EMBARCADERO

[krizzose]

I'm about halfway through my first tin of this blend, and I am enjoying it thoroughly.
The tangy and malty sweetness of the red Virginia is very apparent and is, to my palate, the dominant feature. It does not, however, overwhelm the Izmir, which I taste as an incense-like clove and dry cinnamon which is a perfect condiment for the sweet Virginia. There is a also a bright fruitiness that I can only compare to dried cranberries; not too sweet. The last thing is just a touch of chocolate, which I notice both in the flavor and when I whiff the lit bowl.
I don't know if I'm comfortable with all the flavor specifity I dropped in that paragraph, but I thought it would be a little more helpful than just "this blend is fantastic," though that is how I'd sum it up.
To me it has a medium nic hit, but YMMV. I thought the moisture level upon opening was damned near perfect. So far I've only used the fold and stuff method, and have had best results with a fairly tight pack (these flakes are more broken than not, and not nearly so dense as Mac Baren or OGS flakes, for example).

 

[briarbuda48]

Good review, I have been meaning to get a tin but forgot. Thanks for reminding me.

 

[stbruno70]

A good review.
I love this blend, and have some old tins sitting in the cellar, awaiting the day I call for them.
Meanwhile I will have to get some more quickly, especially since it was introduced after the FDA deeming date and will become extinct within two years. How sad.

 

[bluegrassbrian]

It's been on my short list for a while...

 

[bigpond]

Good review!

Meanwhile I will have to get some more quickly, especially since it was introduced after the FDA deeming date and will become extinct within two years. How sad.

Have no fear, good sir. This one is safe.
Notes: Embarcadero was released in July, 2007.

 

[yaddy306]

Bigpond, it wasn't on the market as of Feb 15, 2007 then?

 

[mso489]

Not from wide experience, but from a tin of the well-regarded Westminster, GLP blends are beautifully tuned but don't hold the "pose" forever. I think the blends are best smoked steadily until gone, within a month or two of opening a tin. By the time Westminster was down to a third of a tin, I had to mix it with sturdier leaf to give it back its mojo. I think it was the Lat that went flat.

 

[stbruno70]

Embarcadero was released in July 2007, as stated on Greg's site under The Fog City Selection. Since this was after the FDA deeming date of March 15th, 2007, Embarcadero will vanish.
Greg's home page notes:

Blends produced after the Deeming Date

8 October 2016

I've been asked many times which of my blends are subject to future regulation, now that the new FDA have stuck their regulatory noses into our little corner of the world. Basically, anything not already in production on the so-called deeming date of 15 March 2007 will have to be demonstrated to be "substantially equivalent" to those made previously. It's unclear whether or not we'll be able to navigate our way through the flaming hoops put in our path, but the following blends are at risk, and may disappear in a couple years. I'll keep you advised as we get closer to what I consider the apocalypse for these blends, many of which are among my own personal faves. This will also be updated on the Unabridged List as we get closer to FD-day.
Embarcadero

Union Square

Maltese Falcon

The Virginia Cream

Key Largo

The entire Old London Series

The entire New World Collection

God, how it sickens me to think that these brilliant creations will be murdered by fiat.

 

[texmexpipe]

Simply beautiful blend. I love it. Come to think of it thought I love most of what GLP comes out with and will miss all of those fine blends that I've yet to try that will be gone with this silliness that is the FDA

 

[yaddy306]

Stbruno70, hopefully Pease's list doesn't get longer, as the grandfather date is February 15, not March 15.

 

[stbruno70]

Yaddy306, you are right - the correct date seems to be Feb 15, 2007.
The FDA so kindly provides a chart of deadlines here.
I just revisited Greg's site to see if this slaughters any more blends. Apparently not, although I am

relieved to see that Westminster, born in January 2007, made it by a scant month. A world without Westminster would be bleak indeed.