Customer Reviews (36 Total)
Excellent
December 10, 2017
Product: G. L. Pease Navigator 2oz
I keep coming back to this one. I recommend a small bowl for this blend due to its strength. I say that as a person that never smokes on an empty stomach.
When you open the tin you can smell the rum, which is helping out some really fresh Virginia... Read More
s (smells fruitier with an aged tin upon opening). The moisture level was good for me right out of the tin, but burned better with time in the jar, allowing more air to get to it. I would keep coming back to this every couple of weeks or months and it only got better.
The moisture level was good right out of the tin, if you don't mind some re-lights. At first light this usually begins spicy and woody, and you really get these flavors in the retrohales. Some of the flavors linger on the tongue. As you get down the bowl, the spiciness calms down and becomes more of nice compliment to a fruit sweetness. This blend is so pleasant and delicious. Some flavors that form remind me of dark fruits, some citrus notes, woody notes, some light cigar notes, cocoa, and tangy notes like stone fruits. All of the fruit notes are enhanced by the topping. The order in which you experience the flavors will vary from bowl to bowl because the flakes are broken and as you smoke through a tin or jar you will get different mixes, and the random bits of tobacco you pick up and load will vary as well.
If you leave the room and come back it smells like someone has been burning wood, sort of. Overall with proper technique it should mostly smell sweet and bakery-like, mixed with the smokiness.
Age on this blend brings out more of the fruit character of the Virginias, and you will still notice the rum further enhancing the character of the Virginias.
I am a real navy blend fan, and this blend always makes me come back to it. This is one of my favorite blends. Read Less
Clear The Decks For Action!
March 30, 2017
Product: G. L. Pease Navigator 2oz
Like the other reviewers say,smoke this one slowly.This would be a great morning or evening smoke.I am smoking this in one of the Ropp "Vintage Briar" pipes,and the flavor is excellent.Later,I will use a pipe with a larger bowl,to see if th... Read More
e flavor expands any.As is,the tobaccos trade back and forth as I puff my way down to where there is nothing left but ash.One of the best Virginia based mixtures I have smoked Read Less
Product: G. L. Pease Navigator 2oz
Take this one slow and easy! Definitely balanced, a bit stronger than Sextant, but just as good, sweet, savory zesty, not overwhelming, going to buy more for sure!
If you like this, you'll love Sextant, and Sixpence! Same line IMO, but each one rais... Read More
es the bar more than the first! Read Less
best of its kind
January 27, 2017
Product: G. L. Pease Navigator 2oz
This is strong, but not crazy strong like 1792 or some of the GH ropes. But it is strong. A splendid rum soaked flake. Pease's use of rum and brandy is the best out there. The Kentucky gives it a bottom but the Virginia is the center of the blend. O... Read More
ld school. Strong and addictive. Read Less
Unique Navy Flake
March 28, 2018
Product: G. L. Pease Navigator 2oz
Less sweet than a traditional navy flake but with more depth of flavor. Very well balanced and the dark fired Kentucky does not overpower the Virginias.
Whats not to love?
March 05, 2013
Product: G. L. Pease Navigator 2oz
Deep, intense, virginia taste of plums/raspberry with slightly spicy, smoky, undertones. A tobacco of real substance in every sense. Sweet but light and in no way cloying. Innocuous room note.
Order this one quickly...
January 02, 2013
Product: G. L. Pease Navigator 2oz
I have been patiently awaiting the arrival of this blend for a week now. I immediately ordered a tin when I received an email from one of the major online retailers, announcing the newest addition to Mr. Pease's Old London Series. I usually do not ju... Read More
mp on a new blend so quickly and, the only other blend of late that did get ordered in such a fasion was Mac Baren's HH Old Dark-Fired. I ramble, though. I feel that it can be a great mistake to review a blend after such a short time spent smoking it, and perhaps I am doing a disservice to this one, writing so soon. However, this is a masterful blend from a masterful blender and one simply cannot go astray with anything from Mr. Pease, hence my early review...
Tin: Typical C&D 2 ounce pull-top lid, and I only mention the tin to be thorough, but the artwork is quite nice too; in an understated way.
Aroma: The first release of air from the tin is a wonderful blast of funky. If you enjoy finely aged meats and cheeses, you will understand how this "funky" is a good thing. Very mature Virginia leaf is the leading player. There are hints of the dark-fired leaf and an occasional hint of rum. Mainly, though, the aroma of very nice Va. leaf.
Tobacco: This is a flake and one in the wonderful C&D tradition of loosely pressed, easy to rub up flakes. They are only a couple of inches long, not the massive straps of Sam Gawith and the like. The leaf is mainly a medium brown with flecks of golden leaf speckled with what presumably is the touch of dark-fired leaf. The moisture level is just right straight away. No need to dry and one would do well to keep in mind that C&D typically uses only water to hydrate their tobacco, so, either smoke this one quickly of put it away in a bell jar.
Method and Pipe: I fully rubbed up two flakes, again with little effort, and loaded the leaf into a medium sized Charatan Pot. I don't really follow in one type of packing method and have settled on a vaguely defined method of my own that tends to work well. I imagine that any method would work well with this one. I do utilize the delayed gratification method with Va. blends and flakes.
Charring Light: I use matches as the combution rate seems to be much lower thus producing a more pleasing smoke. The first wave is pure Virginia leaf; second match.. more of the same. After I let it sit for a wee bit, I put another match to it and settled in.
The Smoke: Very nice, this one. Again, as with the tin aroma, well matured Va. is the key player early on but things do progress very nicely soon after you get the pipe to a smolder. You simply must take it slowly with this one; not because of any bite either. If you smoke slowly, you will reward yourself with a very rare treat: A very complex smoke from a very simple recipe. The Va. is both sweet and full on the palate, perhaps it is the rum. Who knows? The dark-fired is there, but not really. Only hints, it seems. As you progress through the middle portion, the strength picks up and, from seemingly out of nowhere, the touch of dark-fired leaf that early on was way in the background, now comes to the front with strong cigar-like undertones. The room note is amazing at this point. It smells as though someone else is in the room enjoying a fine cigar while you puff away on your mature Virgina flake. This interplay continues on through the end of the smoke, too. Wow, what a wonderful blend. Two simple ingredients (well three if you count the rum) but it has the complexity of one of Mr. Pease's famous English mixtures.
Final thoughts...
I did have to use a pipe cleaner once during the smoke but that was probably my fault as I got a bit eager towards the end. The smoke was very cool and flavourful. Nice salt and pepper grey ash at the bottom. I give this one 4.5 stars out of five. The other half star would easily come with age and I can only imagine what a year of two will do to this one. I hope that it is packaged in 8 or 16 ounce tins soon. Read Less
Product: G. L. Pease Navigator 2oz
Not a lot going on here. The dark fired and virginia taste mild, like burnt steak. I'm a fan of Odyssey and Haddo's Delight, but this blend just isn't doing it for me. It burns okay, has a good moisture content from tin. But rather than being smo... Read More
key and sweet, it has just a burnt flavor to me, even when sipped. Read Less
going to buy again for sure
June 08, 2015
Product: G. L. Pease Navigator 2oz
I originally did not know what to think of this tobacco at first seeing as I have never had a good experience with flake tobacco.
The tin smell when first opened had a brandy smell along with a smoky hint to it. On my first bowl I tasted just the br... Read More
andy and not much outside of that. However a couple of bowls later I started to pick up on some other flavors. There was the brandy twang but there was also a sweetness almost vanilla that I did not smell when I opened the tin.
I also picked up on kind of a campfire smokeyness that showed up just before it went to the sweet taste. Even at the bottom of the bowl I could still taste the flavor. It is not too overpowering but just strong enough to put you in that calm state. Takes a little effort to light but once going it is a fantastic smoke. This something that will definitely order the pound version off in my next order. Read Less
Very good tobacco
March 01, 2023
Product: G. L. Pease Navigator 8oz
I am very satisfied and delighted with this product. The aroma and taste is enchanting.
good to go.
November 23, 2022
Product: G. L. Pease Navigator 8oz
Tin note of sour stewed fruit, spices, and mild smoke. Tobacco is red-brown broken flake. Tobacco is mostly dry and rubs out fairly easy. Burns is slow with a few extra relights. The strength is medium and nic is mild to medium. Flavoring is not dete... Read More
cted despite description. Taste is medium and inconsistent, with notes of very earthy, very woody, very mild sweet fruit, bread, roasted bitter nuts, dry herbs, lemon grass background note, and a spicy retro. Virginias is leading with Kentucky supporting. Rum is missing in action. Room note is pleasant to tolerable, and aftertaste is great. Read Less
Tasty and smokey
September 15, 2022
Product: G. L. Pease Navigator 2oz
Very good tobacco. One of my favorites
Product: G. L. Pease Navigator 2oz
I try different blends constantly but this one I always have on hand. The Virginia's are definitely center stage and the kentucky really helps to strengthen and smooth out the blend. The gentle use of rum is the best I have experienced.
A PIRATE’S TREASURE!!
April 21, 2022
Product: G. L. Pease Navigator 2oz
Wow another amazing find on my never ending quest for the finest pirate tobaccos! I’ve been smoking it for a month and I absolutely love this! I’m still a fairly new pirate piper and I can’t say that I can truly discern all of the subtle flavors yet ... Read More
that you crusty ol seaman can, but I sure know when I love something! And this stuff is delicious! It has an amazing aroma in the tin and especially when you’re smoking it! The flavor to me is earthy, Smokey, slightly sweet, and just awesome! Sometimes even a tad bit salty which is perfect fer a salty Ol pirate like me! If your a new piper don’t be afraid to chart a course with Navigator, it’s all smoooth sailin! Cheers! Read Less
Good Burley
April 19, 2022
Product: G. L. Pease Navigator 2oz
This is good actually tkes my breath away at times when first lighting Overall it's a good straight-up burley
Navigated directly to Flavortown!!
February 21, 2022
Product: G. L. Pease Navigator 2oz
Wow, this is delicious! I love windjammer but this is on another level. The DFK and VA leaves are working together on this one, and the results are one sweet, savory, and consistent flavor all the way to the bottom of the bowl. It’s rummy and yummy,... Read More
and I can imagine this will age very well. I find most blends with DFK taste incredible after at least one year in a jar. I highly recommend trying this tobacco. I can’t imagine a pipe smoker not enjoying this flavor and aroma. Happy smokes! Read Less
Saucy, sweet, and luscious
January 08, 2022
Product: G. L. Pease Navigator 2oz
I've been working through GL Pease's various Navy flake offerings since trying -- and really liking -- "Windjammer." Like that one and Sextant, these are Navy flakes with a twist. The twist here is the dark-fired Kentucky. Navigator gives you that ru... Read More
mmy bouquet in the tin and in the early smoke, while the dark-fired Kentucky works up a head of steam. By mid-bowl the flavors harmonize to a deep-tasting spiced rum kind of flavor.
When I'm in the mood for a Navy flake, I want that boozy, fruity character that Navy flakes give me, and this gives less of that than the more perfumed Windjammer. But it's a great alternative when you want something darker, deeper, and more satisfying. Read Less
Exactly as advertised
September 06, 2021
Product: G. L. Pease Navigator 2oz
The rum note is a pleasant complement to the rich Kentucky and sweet Virginia. I love this blend! The flavor is balanced and easy to smoke. Goes well with black tea.
Exceptional.
July 15, 2021
Product: G. L. Pease Navigator 2oz
This is a blend that has a similar feel to sixpence, in my opinion. That rum flavor is not over powering, but adds just a touch of sweetness.
This is a perfect workshop blend for me. Sip it slow, and you'll be rewarded.
A bit of a challenge for me
April 16, 2021
Product: G. L. Pease Navigator 2oz
I found it really difficult to pick up much of the natural tobacco flavours until i'm almost done. There is a heavy dose of a Navy Rum on this blend that kinda makes me need to think while smoking to really pick up on the nuances.
Although I do quite... Read More
enjoy the blend, and am a massive rum fan, I think this one could stand to lose a bit of the rum.
But still another good Pease blend. Read Less
Not a Navy Flake
April 07, 2021
Product: G. L. Pease Navigator 2oz
It kinda irritates the gums a bit. That being said, I could literally smoke this all day long, and I am half tempted to do it. It has a really, really solid rum casing, and the tobacco is just so, so sweet. This is one of those smokes that I don't th... Read More
ink belongs in a cob, but runs really, really smooth in a meerschaum. Smokes best when rubbed and then left to dry for 20-30 minutes. Without hesitation, I found myself smoking this everyday. I hadn't intended to, but it just out performs other similar blends. This here is a best of all the worlds. Read Less
Excellence
December 07, 2020
Product: G. L. Pease Navigator 2oz
Not since smoking Vintage tins of McClelland's offerings have I tasted such rich, bold, satisfying Virginia Flake. I'm smoking this presently in a Premium Peterson 1/2 bent Author, and loving every puff. The Virginias are absolutely astonishing, the ... Read More
mixture and pressing are perfection, the slight addition of Dark Fired Kentucky and Rum add deep, mystifying layers to a gorgeous broken flake. This flake is well behaved, cool smoking and enough to satisfy any sailor or land lubber. Read Less
An interesting smell.WONDERFUL&INCREDIBLE
September 27, 2020
Product: G. L. Pease Navigator 2oz
He burns well and smokes very well.....I love its smell....Authentic sea wolf......NIRVANA!!!!!!!
Nothing special
July 30, 2020
Product: G. L. Pease Navigator 2oz
I’ve smoked several bowls just to make sure I wasn’t being too critical too soon. I love dark fired/va blends this just average in taste, there’s some faint sweetness but overall tastes a little harsh
A Nice Change
April 19, 2020
Product: G. L. Pease Navigator 2oz
Navigator has less rum note than most Navy blends. The addition of fire cured Kentucky is very welcoming. Smoke it slowly to enjoy all the subtle nuances. Very nice blend from GLP
Product: G. L. Pease Navigator 8oz
My tin had aged for 7 years and is fantastic. I will getting more to age. Has a sweetness of honey.
Mixed Feelings
February 12, 2019
Product: G. L. Pease Navigator 8oz
It's good. But not something I'll have regularly. I'll finish the tin, then I'm done with it. It's very strong. Very "tobacco-y" and earthy. Not BAD but just too one-sided of a flavor profile. The taste of the casing is there (Rum, citrus, ... Read More
maybe something else) but it's not present enough for me. All I taste is earth. I have nothing bad to say about this blend. It's just not what I prefer. I expected to fall in love with this blend but it didn't happen. I've had other Virginia+Kentucky blends that I thought were more flavorful, between the casing and the natural earthy-ness of the tobacco. This one didn't hit that mark. I see where Pease was going with this. He probably nailed it. The question is, is it what you're looking for in a smoke. For me the answer was no. Read Less
Tears, sweat, or the sea...
January 09, 2019
Product: G. L. Pease Navigator 2oz
As a man who once lived by the sea and spent many hours upon it, the name and marketing of this blend appealed to me.
As a former McClelland devotee, it harbors the Virginia darkness and naturally sweet depth that I thought I had lost.
The tin ... Read More
note to me is far more citrus than rum, but what they have done here is really quite nice.
Now, when you read the reviews advising that you go easy, or perhaps pack a small bowl, you should most definitely heed those warnings. I did not, and nearly paid the price.
Halfway through the bowl this becomes nearly divine, but that is also about the point where I needed to convince myself to take a break, but did not, and kept going because it was so lovely.
This is a full but not overpowering and very satisfying blend. For me it is not by any means an all day smoke.
Highly recommend for lovers of Virginia blends. Read Less
Fold and Stuff
July 15, 2018
Product: G. L. Pease Navigator 2oz
There is a learning curve to Navigator that is steeper than most blends. As stated numerous times in this review section, Navigator is best when smoked slow, and in my opinion the absolute best when folded and stuffed with kindling on top which will ... Read More
help facilitate a slower smoke. When smoked quickly the dark fired will quickly overpower and dominate your palate, or at least it did for me. When folded and stuffed, and smoked slow, the flavors really open up and the sweetness of the rum and VA flavors dance with the dark fired beautifully. No matter how slow you go, however, it should be noted that the dark fired is a large part of the flavor profile here, and it is done very well. Moisture level in my tin was perfect, and the nicotine medium. I'm really looking forward to seeing how this blend ages. Especially once the virginias get deeper and the dark fired softens a little and melds more. It should be a supremely delicious blend and would earn the final half star. Will update then. Read Less
A revised opinion
June 02, 2015
Product: G. L. Pease Navigator 2oz
I tried this right when it came out a couple years back.
I just received a new order, and it's changed, at least to me.
My first tin, the tobacco was very light blonde in color, rubbed completely out and it's flavours was that of a standard VA, poss... Read More
ibly lightly topped. I never detected the dark fired at all, I am very sensitive to dark fired and can generally pick it up immediately, but I never did with my 2013 tin. Enjoyable none the less.
Flash forward to my recent order. The leaf is very coarsely rubbed out - no where near to the first tin. The dark fired is quite present in this tin (gave me hiccups near the end of the bowl - my personal sure sign of dark fired being present) and the top note not nearly as present.
Deep, dark, rich, smokey, spicey, lightly sweet to the tongue with only a hint of some sort of topping, that truly augments the leaf and doesn't at all over-power or mask the flavours. Nice after taste, nice room note. Only a small dottle near the end resisted burning.
This current configuration really hits a nice niche. Richer than many other VA's, but not as heavy as some of the dark fired leaf, or full VA's.
I liked it before, I like it even better now.
This was a fresh tin too, packed on 4.16.2015 so age doesn't explain the change. Whatever the change, I like it.
I'll be buying more for a standard rotation smoke and to cellar some as well. To date this and Six Pence are my favourite of Pease's blends. Read Less
Tasty with a Delicate Finish
October 12, 2013
Product: G. L. Pease Navigator 8oz
This tobacco is best enjoyed with long, slow draws.
GLP/C&D Do it again!
September 06, 2013
Product: G. L. Pease Navigator 2oz
My tobacco cellar is full of blends that didn't quite hit right with me, and even moreso with blends that didn't sit well with my body chemisty. Alcohol cased blends are particularly notorious for tearing up my tongue and leaving me not tasting anyth... Read More
ing for days. This isn't the case with Navigator. I don't know if it's the Kentucky balancing it out, or if it's a matter of what C&D puts in (or leaves out) of the tobaccos they blend, but Navigator is likely to find its way into my daily rotation. I can definitely tell C&D's hand in producing it by some of the similarities it shares with it's cousin "After Hours". The big difference comes in where After Hours has a definite sweet body to it, Navigator is more balanced and savory. Read Less
Enjoyable
August 02, 2013
Product: G. L. Pease Navigator 2oz
A really nice tobacco here. Plenty of tobacco flavor, a decent hit of nicotine. Nice and smoky. Doesn't burn too hot, never had it get wet on me. A really nice Navy style here. A little sharp to inhale similar to Dunhill Navy. I like the rubbed out f... Read More
orm, it's about right. Room note didn't get any complaints, but very few compliments.
It has an interesting side flavor, sorta reminded me of MacBaren Plumcake, just not as strong or cloying.
It's different, in a good way. Read Less
Sextant Light?
January 07, 2013
Product: G. L. Pease Navigator 2oz
I will try almost anything Sir Pease puts out especially his rum-infused Navy blends. My first impression is that its a lighter version of Sextant. Its cut the same, has lighter blond tobacco in the mix, and doesn't have quite the punch of Sextant.... Read More
I'm a fan of Sextant but I could easily see myself making the switch to this. Read Less
HOME RUN
January 04, 2013
Product: G. L. Pease Navigator 2oz
I GOT THIS IN THE MAIL ON THE 3rd, SMOKED A BOLE ON THE 4th AT ABOUT 10AM, AND THE TASTE WAS JUST OF THE WALL,AND STAYED WITH ME ALL DAY. I JUST LOVED IT. MY WIFE DID NOT LIKE THE ROOM NOTE AT ALL AND SENT ME OUT SIDE TO SMOKE. THIS IS GREAT. LOVE IT... Read More
.. Read Less
Home Run
January 03, 2013
Product: G. L. Pease Navigator 2oz
Another great blend from GLP.
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Navigator 8oz
