Rich, ripe, red leaf forms the base of this wonderful Virginia blend. The flavors are deep and round with a smooth, natural sweetness and subtle notes of orange peel, roasted oats, leather and peat. The smoke develops richness as it progresses delivering a long, clean finish that is never cloying or syrupy, with hints of malt and grapefruit. Pease's Laurel Heights is for lovers of darker, natural, unstoved Virginias.
This is a really good blend that focuses on the darker unstoved Virginia tobaccos. I really didn't notice the latakia until I realized it was applied so lightly it was giving a wine like taste to the smoke more than a smoky flavor. Not quite like Syr... Read Moreian but close. Even then it was dancing around in the background but it gives an amazing depth to the flavors. This is truly a condiment use of latakia that I can tolerate in my Virginia's. Not an every day all day but I'll definitely order again. I've smoked it aged and fresh and it's good both ways. Read Less
Surprised nobody has reviewed this yet - if you like McClelland Red Cake, then try this. Very similar profile without the bbq/ketchup smell and taste - a touch richer as well - great stuff!
There aren't many blends out there with the same components that are really this good. The Virginias are outstanding and natural-tasting with great fermented character and just a bit of leather and smoke in the backdrop. It's kind of punchy and in yo... Read Moreur face with Virginia character which is unusual and I like it. Read Less
Tin note of mildly sweet hay. Tobacco cut rough cut and ribbon, with chunks as large as a 2-inch square after unfolding the leaf. I guess older tins may need some attention with "trimming" some pieces down. Moisture content is fine. Burns slow with m... Read Moreany relights. The strength is medium and nic is mild. No flavoring detected. Taste is medium and somewhat consistent, with notes of mild tangy orange, sweet grass, earth, bread, floral, sugary dark fruit, wood, musty leather, spices, a mildly lemony background note, and a mildly peppery retro. Virginia is leading with Latakia on leave to visit family far far away. Room note is pleasant, and aftertaste is good. Read Less
I am in LOVE with Union Square from the same "Fog City" series. Laurel Heights is also a straight Virginia (with a tiny bit of latakia) but it has a darker, more orangey tang to it than the more lemony tilt of Union Square. They are both terrific and... Read More I could easily see alternating them in the same role in your standard rotation.
GL Pease has made a believer out of me. I've yet to try anything of his that I didn't love after a bowl or two. Read Less