Kyle Weiss
Well-known member
- Joined
- Sep 18, 2011
- Messages
- 11,988
- Reaction score
- 7
I should have titled this "I just realized I hadn't written about the fact I tried GL Pease's Union Square."
I picked up a can of this stuff after trying it probably back in October or November. I can't remember. It was before I started these "I just tried" threads, which have always been a great way for me to keep track of my experiences with tobaccos, especially those I like (and even some I didn't understand or like, with good tips and suggestions from the Brothers).
Greg's tobaccos continue to have "wow factor" for me, and as a relatively new piper, this is very important, perhaps to other new pipers out there. Union Square was actually my first GL Pease product, and what ushered me into realizing what a talent this guy has with doing what he does, and being thankful he has the backing of C&D, who (by no shock to me) also has blends I find unique and with quality.
It's going to be tough to get that unique "just tried" experience, but I'll try and go based upon the smokes I have had, because they all led up to the point where I am with this blend, which is still "new." I also, today, revisited this blend because it got buried and I--somehow, for no reason, forgot I had it.
Union Square is a unique Virginia blend, cut in evenly-sliced flakes that rubs out (or is stuff-and-folded) easily. The first lights start out warmly toasty and sweet in only the most natural ways. This is what grabbed me from my first try of this stuff at my Tinder Box (on recommendation). The sweetness doesn't really start to come alive until about 1/4 bowl to the 3/4 mark, where I could get oatmeal cookie, key lime, and a lesser but noticeable "toastiness." Unlike the darker, matured Virginia I've become a fan of, this stuff stays bright and warm. Not to be outdone, the last part of the bowl has a delicate, multidimensional flavor that I seem to get different flavors depending on the smoke. All of them good. Today, it was almost like a spicy, malt-like thickness.
It burns extremely well, and for slow, steady "breath smokers" (I guess, like myself) it really responds wonderfully to a good sit-down. I used my Jirsa blowfish, which has a wider bowl and a good, open draw. It responds well to light tamps to maintain the burning, and provides extra depths of flavor.
Forgiving, light, satisfying and full of flavor, if you haven't yet gotten yourself some, please do so. New smokers and seasoned palettes alike. If Virginias aren't "your thing," this one may make you a convert, and by the least opening up your world a little.
It was worth a mea culpa to make mention of this blend quite after the fact of my original christening, as once again, GL Pease shines in his craft. May I not let it sit in the back quietly as I rotate through blends again! Luckily, it is not a jealous or vengeful smoke--it reminded me of my mistake neglecting it by being as kind and awesome as it is.
I picked up a can of this stuff after trying it probably back in October or November. I can't remember. It was before I started these "I just tried" threads, which have always been a great way for me to keep track of my experiences with tobaccos, especially those I like (and even some I didn't understand or like, with good tips and suggestions from the Brothers).
Greg's tobaccos continue to have "wow factor" for me, and as a relatively new piper, this is very important, perhaps to other new pipers out there. Union Square was actually my first GL Pease product, and what ushered me into realizing what a talent this guy has with doing what he does, and being thankful he has the backing of C&D, who (by no shock to me) also has blends I find unique and with quality.
It's going to be tough to get that unique "just tried" experience, but I'll try and go based upon the smokes I have had, because they all led up to the point where I am with this blend, which is still "new." I also, today, revisited this blend because it got buried and I--somehow, for no reason, forgot I had it.
Union Square is a unique Virginia blend, cut in evenly-sliced flakes that rubs out (or is stuff-and-folded) easily. The first lights start out warmly toasty and sweet in only the most natural ways. This is what grabbed me from my first try of this stuff at my Tinder Box (on recommendation). The sweetness doesn't really start to come alive until about 1/4 bowl to the 3/4 mark, where I could get oatmeal cookie, key lime, and a lesser but noticeable "toastiness." Unlike the darker, matured Virginia I've become a fan of, this stuff stays bright and warm. Not to be outdone, the last part of the bowl has a delicate, multidimensional flavor that I seem to get different flavors depending on the smoke. All of them good. Today, it was almost like a spicy, malt-like thickness.
It burns extremely well, and for slow, steady "breath smokers" (I guess, like myself) it really responds wonderfully to a good sit-down. I used my Jirsa blowfish, which has a wider bowl and a good, open draw. It responds well to light tamps to maintain the burning, and provides extra depths of flavor.
Forgiving, light, satisfying and full of flavor, if you haven't yet gotten yourself some, please do so. New smokers and seasoned palettes alike. If Virginias aren't "your thing," this one may make you a convert, and by the least opening up your world a little.
It was worth a mea culpa to make mention of this blend quite after the fact of my original christening, as once again, GL Pease shines in his craft. May I not let it sit in the back quietly as I rotate through blends again! Luckily, it is not a jealous or vengeful smoke--it reminded me of my mistake neglecting it by being as kind and awesome as it is.