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Review of G.L.Pease "Odyssey" |
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Written by Administrator
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Saturday, 20 December 2008 05:14 |
G.L.Pease "Odyssey"
I've been having the 8oz can since 2005. Upon opening I am greeted with the wonderful smell of sweet and smokey tobacco, There is an earthy smell as well, and Since Odyssey is a "balkan" Blend, No doubt the smokey smell comes from the the serious amount of latakia in this blend, and the sweet from the Red Virginia. This particular blend also has a fair amount of Oriental tobacco to give this Balkan a well rounded taste.
Odyssey is ribbon cut, and I find that this tobacco is best smoked in a large bowl. For this review I used a Savanelli Tundra that I use strictly for English blends.
I packed the first three quarters of the bowl, and left the top layer somewhat loose. I find that the packing of this particular tobacco to be fairly easy. As a side note, I never use filters of any sort in the shank, as I believe that it diminishes the taste. Instead I generally make a couple of passes with a pipe cleaner during the smoke, so the "gurgling" sound and tar taste often associated with pipe smoking is never an issue with me.
After lighting, I was immediately hit with a strong woodsey and leather flavor.And like the smells described earlier, a sweet and smokey taste as well. The first part of the bowl, which stayed lit until I re tapped and relit, was extremely satisfying. The bowl produced a large volume of bluish gray smoke.
When I reached the middle of the bowl, the flavors changed. Floral and spice had become the dominant flavors with the sweet Virginias and smokey Latakia taking a back seat. The floral taste and smell was no doubt the Orientals in this blend.
As I neared the bottom of the bowl, the Latakia came back with a vengance, The rich taste of leather and smokey wood came back, but this time it was accompanied by complex undertones that I cannot honestly describe. The taste was wonderful and full.
I found that the nicotine in this blend was exceptionally high, given that it is a English blend. The tar level however, was suprisingly low. during the bowl and I only used one pipe cleaner.
The room note is not very favorable for this tobacco and might be considered offensive to most. It seems that most Balkan blends have this problem.
However, this blend burned well and was a truly enjoyable smoke. easily one of the best blends that Greg Pease has to offer. If your a Latakia lover, I would highly recommend Odyssey.
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Last Updated on Monday, 22 December 2008 02:54 |
