Squadron Leader vs. ?

[londonbriar]

OK, a few thoughts:

Skiff Mixture
Definitely my first recommendation. Even better than SqL. Tins are fine fresh, but if you can age one for a couple of years it will be even better. It needs to be smoked dry.

King Charles Mixture
In the UK this is easy to come by. In the US it is rare as hens teeth. It is true manna. Again, needs to be served dry. If you can get Germain's then all their latakias are worth a try - but this is my favourite and most like SqL.

Rattray's Red Rapparee and Black Mallory
Red Rap is light - comparable to SqL. Black Mallory is darker but don't let that put you off - it is delicious.

Peterson Dunhills
Early Morning Pipe, Standard Mixture, My Mixture 965, Nightcap. All classics and worth a try.

Latakia = yum!
Steve

 

[oldguyoldpipes]

I like Squadron Leader more after letting it sit in an opened tin for a couple months. When I smoked it on a fresh opened tin, I didn't much like it. Once I let it sit in the opened (re-closed?) tin and dried out, it became very pleasurable to smoke. I am trying the same with the Perique version. So far, not as enjoyable, which is strange since I usually like light Perique blends. Each time it becomes available, I buy two tins of each and add it to my "cellar". The Samuel Gawith's are hard to find. I have my email notification in for Skiff and a few others. As soon as they pop up on my phone, it's a no brainer. Buy. Quickly.

 

[virginialover]

G.L. Pease Quiet Nights, Chelsea Morning and Abingdon, SG Balkan Flake, Hermit Ten Russians, J.F. Germain King Charles Smoking Mixture.

 

[madox07]

I cracked open my first tin of Squadron Leader as I explore further the English category. Nice smoke! I am looking forward to a few more bowls.

I don’t smoke a lot so I need to be very selective, so I would appreciate any suggestions of your favorite blends to compare against. On my short list so far is Skiff Mixture and PS English Luxury.

I found it quite similar to another all time favorite - consummate gentleman by ashton

 

[badbriar]

OHHH Boy! Now, jump over to the Scottish side with some Rattrays blends. Exquisite!

 

[marconi]

Skiff mixture,Charatan First Bowl,Balkan Sasieni.

 

[kschatey]

Thanks everyone. Definitely Skiff Mixture, Presbyterian, Westminster and Nightcap are on my shortlist. My Mixture 965 sounds good too.

Arango Balkan Supreme