Tobacco Review: G.L. Pease Samarra

Recently while taking a look at the tobacco shelves at my local B&M, I was informed that G.L. Pease Samarra is developing a reputation as being a replacement for Dunhill 965 - so naturally I had to try it. So I bought a tin and shelved it until I finished up a tin I was already working my way through.

Upon opening the tin, I was greeted with what has to be the greatest tin scent of any tobacco I have yet tried. The aroma was mainly of leather, with hints of citrus throughout it. Furthermore, the moisture level was good and pliable - which means of course that it packed easily.

What I discovered upon its lighting is that Samarra is a good, full English blend. The Latakia is in full presence with its smoky flavor; the Virginias provide a delicate balance to that smokiness. But there is more than just Latakia and Virginias to Samarra. There is also a strong presence of Oriental tobacco as well to provide a spice that rounds this blend out quite well.

I do have one complaint about Samarra, however: It isn't as forgiving to bowl shape as some of Pease's other blends. If not in the right bowl, it can come across as too strong and flat. But if put in the right pipe, Samarra sings.

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