Customer Reviews (56 Total)
Bombs away!!!
December 05, 2017
Product: Samuel Gawith Squadron Leader 50g
On the contrary. This is not a Latakia Bomb. Although the Latakia is very present. It is very smooth. This is a all day smoke for sure. Very balanced and a great introduction for someone starting into English. A Beauty of a mix.
An all day smoke
July 02, 2016
Product: Samuel Gawith Squadron Leader 50g
A little bit wet? Not a problem. Just dry them out. Smokes mellow with just the right amount of latakia sipping in the background. Excellent and an enjoyable smoke. SL is my permanent english blend. A must try for every newbie. I started off pipesmok... Read More
ing with aromatic blends which i did enjoy for a few months. Decided these type of heavily cased, topped flavoured blends is definately not for me. Then comes virginia based blend/vaper. Well, too dull i suppose.. And i try to stay away from burley based blends as i was a ciggarette smoker before. English blends, virginia, orientals, latakia came next and i've tried them all from dunhill, mcclellands, rattrays, well, whatever thats available at the tobacconist in malaysia. Most are heavy on latakia of which tin notes reminds me of the stables. I was a bit reserved at first to try samuel gawith as i have the assumption that these are more for the experienced pipe smokers. Obvious, i was wrong. Well, newbies...you want the best english blend? This is it!! Read Less
The BEST English blend
May 27, 2018
Product: Samuel Gawith Squadron Leader 250g
Nothing else to say.
And I’m sure other pipesmokers partners will agree with me. This one is THE english blend.
Like all the S. Gawith tins, it’s moist moist moist, you’ll need to dry it out gradually one or two weeks.
This 250gr pounch is another... Read More
kind of stuff, the moisture of the tobacco could be a risk..
But the price is great!! Even for here, Spain, were the S.G. tins are quite more cheaper than in the US.. Read Less
Wet and smooth
May 31, 2016
Product: Samuel Gawith Squadron Leader 50g
A little wet out of the tin but once dried what a smooth flavorful smoke. I am stocking up on SQUADRON LEADER.
250g Worth It.
February 28, 2017
Product: Samuel Gawith Squadron Leader 250g
Buying 250g of SG is somewhat risky because it's not in a vacuum sealed tin. Even the larger 100g tins are not vacuum sealed. This is a thin cardboard SG box (as pictured) wrapped in cellophane. Inside, the tobacco is in a ziplock baggy.
I hadn't... Read More
seen SL on the market for a while so I snagged this up, hoping for the best but ready with my humidor. Fortunately, the moisture content was absolutely perfect. Not quite as wet as a brand new vacuum sealed tin, but I don't like it THAT wet either. I usually let it air out for a few minutes, and that it is the moisture content here.
Thanks for another great smoke, SG. And thanks Smoking Pipes for bringing it to my doorstep!! Read Less
Esta bien
December 26, 2019
Product: Samuel Gawith Squadron Leader 50g
Esta bien, es loq ue siempre uno imagina con una buena fumada al estilo ingles, lo tiene todo y todo en su lugar, solo el no encontrarlo tan regular te decepciona, siempre quieres un poco mas en tu tazon
A british 'best in class'
July 06, 2016
Product: Samuel Gawith Squadron Leader 50g
A fantastic blend, too often maligned for its semplice. To me SL is very nearly identical to skiff mixture, the latter having just a bit more of the wonderful component that set this one apart from its peers: The fantastic turkish! More than a rep... Read More
lacement for the Red Rapparee I remember smoking 15 years ago.. And that famous gawith va sets the stage for a very mellow, sweet smoke. There are those who will be off put by the lightness of this blend, or the particular tang of the orientals, but I find it has wonderful, rich aroma through and through. I think, though I've really only known this blend less than a year, I will be quite sad if it ever goes.. Read Less
Nice and Mellow
February 21, 2016
Product: Samuel Gawith Squadron Leader 50g
The first time I tried this, my impression was 'Meh.' On the second try, I decided that I liked it. I now think it is a very nice, mellow smoke, for those times I feel like it. So, I now have it in my collection for just those times.
My first english mixture
June 10, 2021
Product: Samuel Gawith Squadron Leader 50g
It is still one of my favorite English blends, it is a pity that now it has become too scarce, if you have the opportunity to get some cans, do not hesitate to do so
Something I imagine the late Prince Charles would have enjoyed.
May 27, 2021
Product: Samuel Gawith Squadron Leader 50g
The quintessential English I would imagine! I can picture Prince Charles climbing out of the bi-plane, walking into a pub and settling back with a pint of bitter and lighting his pipe and regaling fellow aviators with outlandish tales of bravery and ... Read More
fortitude! Love this blend and my only complaint... it isn’t more readily available in the USA Read Less
Nice, but overrated
April 01, 2021
Product: Samuel Gawith Squadron Leader 50g
I'd been curious about this one because so many people seem to like it. It's nice, but for the price I don't think it's much better than the typical, heavy latakia bulk blends. At least, it wasn't for me. There's a slight ashy taste to it. It burns w... Read More
ell and I had no trouble keeping it lit. I just wasn't blown away by it. Read Less
Nice yet strong
March 15, 2021
Product: Samuel Gawith Squadron Leader 50g
This is basically my 2nd favorite English blend. It had a very nice Latakia presence and a surprisingly decent amount of nicotine. If this came in bulk it might take over as my favorite.
Very very nice
February 26, 2021
Product: Samuel Gawith Squadron Leader 50g
The star rating application here has a hair trigger it seems. I was trying for a 3 1/2 rating. Was eager to try SL but had no real idea what to expect based on reviews, some being high in praise with others just being ok. I found it to be just lovely... Read More
, pleasantly mild, nice flavors, deliciously smooth with excellent retro hale! When finishing the 1st bowl my thoughts were “more! Read Less
All Day English
February 15, 2021
Product: Samuel Gawith Squadron Leader 50g
The text book definition (or so I’m told) of a traditional English blend. Rather mild in taste and strength but a wonderful Virginia forward flavor. The Latakia and orientals are a nice condiment. The perfect beginner or all day English. This blend i... Read More
s like a ice tea. Nothing special, but sometimes you just want a glass of no BS iced tea. Satisfying. Read Less
Didn't know I would like this so much!
February 05, 2021
Product: Samuel Gawith Squadron Leader 50g
Squadron leader is an english blend with a compelling flavor different than all the others.It is incredibly well balanced between natural sweet Virginia and savory latakia but there is also this subtle mystery from the orientals that I can't quite id... Read More
entify and it keeps me wanting more! I am normally a perique freak but this has none and I don't miss it. I am ordering more! Read Less
Just Glorius
February 04, 2021
Product: Samuel Gawith Squadron Leader 50g
So smooth! Really a flavorful and rich smoke.
Latikia in the front with some woody notes and a tiny bit of almost nutty-carmel... but not sweet. A freshness I cant quite put my finger on like forest air or a mountain breeze?
Every time I try a... Read More
new SG blend I'm blown away. I disagree that this needs to be dried out. I prefer a little moisture and a softer pack, so I always try that first. Straight out of the50g tin into a restored Dr. G Starfire bent bulldog, and it burned right to ash with no relight. This is an all-day smoke for sure. Very approachable, and probably a perfect gateway for cigar/cigarette smokers who are interested in pipe. Read Less
Sad and boring
December 09, 2020
Product: Samuel Gawith Squadron Leader 50g
Too Soft for me.H e won't sleep in my cellar........
Nigel Puffed That Blend Before Each Takeoff, In Case ‘Twas His Last...
October 12, 2020
Product: Samuel Gawith Squadron Leader 50g
Behold the first Samuel Gawith blend I ever tried. The blend in the rectangular tin, hidden behind a firmly-placed cardboard lid, is an impressive Jackson Pollock-esque pattern of black Latakia, light brown Turkish and bright and dark Virginias (I be... Read More
lieve in that descending order in terms of proportion). The Latakia never leaves you, through each puff or retrohale, and though it’s the leader of this squadron, its victory only comes via its teamwork with the incense-like Turkish/Orientals and the sweet Virginias bringing up the rear. At least to this piper, pulling slowly on this blend will transform the flavor into, for fleeting moments, a sort of silky milk chocolate. In all, this mixture is medium in strength and body, like the relatively short-lived (at least in the RAF during WWII combat) Gloster Gladiator itself. Delicious, and I am keen on getting my claws on a tin of Squadron Leader Special Edition—so I can try the original blend seasoned with some peppery perique. 4.5 stars. Read Less
Dogfighting Champion
July 24, 2020
Product: Samuel Gawith Squadron Leader 50g
I cracked this tin, and was hit with Islay Scotch aroma. This is maybe one of the best middle of the road strength english blends I've ever smoked. I'm not sure why it took me so long to try it. First tin, I had 6 bowls of it over the course of the d... Read More
ay. Fantastic stuff. Read Less
Quintessential MOTR
July 31, 2019
Product: Samuel Gawith Squadron Leader 50g
To me this is the quintessential Middle of the road English tobacco. Not to strong but has enough flavor to go all day.
Smoking Ace
June 29, 2019
Product: Samuel Gawith Squadron Leader 50g
This was hard to find, but worth the wait. Forum members have recommended this blend for quite some time and it’s no wonder. This is truly amazing tobacco. It’s very flavorful, yet not overpowering. The Latakia flavor does not drown out the nuttiness... Read More
. This is the first Virginia blend I’ve liked. It was actually love at first puff. Read Less
Product: Samuel Gawith Squadron Leader 50g
This is a solid light/medium English. The ingredients are blended so well together that it is a very smooth pleasant smoke without one component tobacco being too overpowering over another. Very moist out of the tin and requires drying time. I cou... Read More
ld enjoy this more often if it wasn't so hard to come by. I understand with the FDA regulations and Dunhill closing shop along with McClelland that some are worried others will follow suit...that doesn't mean you need enough tobacco stashed away for three lifetimes - stop being so greedy! If you get a chance pick up a tin or two of this and you won't be disappointed...just don't hog it all from the rest of us! Read Less
My Favorite!!
January 29, 2019
Product: Samuel Gawith Squadron Leader 50g
I can smoke this all day long. First bought a tin, then went bulk!!
Very enjoyable
January 15, 2019
Product: Samuel Gawith Squadron Leader 50g
This is one of my favorite blends. It is smooth and flavorful. Needs some drying time out of the tin.
First Tobacco
November 27, 2018
Product: Samuel Gawith Squadron Leader 50g
This is my first tobacco and I smoked it in a Cob now broke in my first briar and now in the top 5 and will probably be there for a while.
My go to English
October 22, 2018
Product: Samuel Gawith Squadron Leader 50g
Simply put, my go to english mixture. It packs a nice amount of latakia, but in any way is that overwhelming nor predominant. Balanced and smooth. An all day smoke.
Outstanding!
August 02, 2018
Product: Samuel Gawith Squadron Leader 50g
Great blend. Could smoke this stuff every day and not get bored. Will definitely buy more.
Just what it says it is
July 13, 2018
Product: Samuel Gawith Squadron Leader 50g
Excellent English blend that is not overly strong like Nightcap but still has a distinct flavor. Would be a nice intro to English blends. For me it is a great all day smoke with good flavor and extremely high quality tobacco. Made using the original ... Read More
1792 equipment at the same old factory. I can respect Samuel Gawith for maintaining this old school manufacturing process. Did I mention how cool the name and tin art for this blend are? Read Less
Just an alright, baseline English
June 27, 2018
Product: Samuel Gawith Squadron Leader 50g
Enjoyable to smoke but won't blow you away in any manner. Easy smoke.
Note that it is very easily to overpack this, it is deceiving. Also needs to be quite dry for it to stay lit and avoid tongue bite.
I would say this is the OTC American burle... Read More
y equivalent (i.e Carter Hall/Prince Albert) for a no-nonsense English easy smoker. But nothing impressive Read Less
“The” pipe tobacco
May 17, 2018
Product: Samuel Gawith Squadron Leader 250g
In my opinion this is the quintessential pipe tobacco
Product: Samuel Gawith Squadron Leader 250g
This is my go-to tobacco. It's mellow, no tongue bite, and not too strong. perfect for all day smoke
Satisfying medium English
March 04, 2018
Product: Samuel Gawith Squadron Leader 50g
I like how the Turks ride above the Latakia current with the undercurrent of the Virginies. Overall a satisfying middling English blend.
Still search for the replacement of my ancient middling fave: Sullivan's 00.
Solid English blend
February 17, 2018
Product: Samuel Gawith Squadron Leader 50g
If you want a dependable, smoky and delicious English blend, then this is for you. I actually prefer this over dunhill 965 in terms of flavor. I would like to recommend this to smokers with a bit of experience.
Tasty English
January 09, 2018
Product: Samuel Gawith Squadron Leader 50g
When someone refers to an English tobacco, this is probably the best example of that genre. It is smoky a little sour and a little spicy and the taste is spot on. My only problem with it is that for some reason it doesn’t agree with my body chemistry... Read More
and always ends up biting the heck out of my tongue, which is unfortunate because I found it to be quite tasty. It is very moist from the tin, which is typical of many SG blends, I would recommend drying it for about an hour prior to smoking. Read Less
classic
December 25, 2017
Product: Samuel Gawith Squadron Leader 250g
burns consistently, cool, dry, perfect moisture out of the bag. quiet, smooth flavors, perfect for sipping and relaxation, only downside is price and availability.
Not a favourite
December 12, 2017
Product: Samuel Gawith Squadron Leader 50g
To begin with, this blend smelled great in the tin. It presented me with the classic (to my experience) English nose: dried meats and a hint of starch, but with a clear finish of dried fruit, primarily fig and currant.
However, it did not live up... Read More
to the nasal advertisement. I got a very distinct basic taste, not unlike soap, which spoiled much of the bowl. Now, I will admit that I am not an experienced smoker, nor am I an expert in all things English blends, nor do I claim to have an excellent nose and palate. I would happily try this again, perhaps after a decent period of aging. Sadly, my first impression was not too good.
In all other respects, though, it appeared to be a good, tasteful, but not robust English blend. Not a match for say, MM 965, or Blackpoint, or Old Dublin, but certainly a light-middle weight contender.
Cheers to all and good smoking! Read Less
Switching to English Blend
August 28, 2017
Product: Samuel Gawith Squadron Leader 50g
As my first English blend, it was a pleasure and very tasty. I got a bit of a nicotine high (I'm a bit of a lightweight), which was thoroughly pleasurable. For me, it is best smoked on a full stomach--after dinner is my time for a bowl. I highly reco... Read More
mmend it for those interested in trying an English blend for the first time. Read Less
Gold Standard
October 25, 2016
Product: Samuel Gawith Squadron Leader 50g
This is my gold standard for English blends.
Contents variable
September 21, 2016
Product: Samuel Gawith Squadron Leader 50g
I started off liking Squadron Leader very much. Then I had a tin that was completely different - wispy, thin, difficult to smoke. Since then I've had some tins that were 'good' and some tins that were 'bad'. I appreciate that tobacco is a natural ... Read More
product, but I've stopped buying SQ because I just don't know what I'm going to get in the tin. Read Less
Not the Original
September 02, 2016
Product: Samuel Gawith Squadron Leader 50g
They need to go back to their original blend with Perique. This one is lacking because they don't include this anymore.
Product: Samuel Gawith Squadron Leader 50g
My opinion apes Anthony R.'s in most respects as I did not much care for it the first time I tried it but now enjoy it quite a bit. Not terribly strong but strong enough with a pleasing aroma. Burns down to a fine white ash with an occasional need to... Read More
give it a very light tamping down. I find it does have a bit of nicotine in it though. Read Less
The let-down squadron.
January 24, 2016
Product: Samuel Gawith Squadron Leader 50g
I like the tin label, since I am a pilot myself. Too moist out of tin, even for me. Had to let it dry considerably. Smoking conditions are unsatisfying. SQL is a light, faint English Mixture.
The body of Virginias is obvious. A little scrumptious ... Read More
Latakia is there, but it is under-represented. The Turkish leaf adds some spiciness, which turns quite peppery, cigaretty and acrid in the second half of the bowl. Some guarded topping there, even if they claim there isn’t. This blend is really weak. No depth, no richness, no bouquet. At this point it is a big disappointment for me. I was expecting at least a little power and personality; I thought the name implies this. SQL might not even be an advisable entry to approach English blends. In my opinion this mixture is highly overrated and the occasional fuss about it is not justified. Credit, where credit is due. Not here, I’m afraid.
By the way: You may have heard that there also exists a green labelled Squadron Leader SPECIAL EDITION of 2000 tins only. According to the producer it is the same mixture like the regular SQL, with an addition of Perique. I have made the experiment myself, adding different amounts of pure Perique into the regular SQL. The best result is an upgraded SQL to 2 stars. Read Less
Product: Samuel Gawith Squadron Leader 50g
Es la primera vez que pruebo una mezcla inglesa, bueno, esta en particular a mi no me agrado tanto. Buscare alguna otra de este tipo a ver como me va...
Smooth English
June 11, 2015
Product: Samuel Gawith Squadron Leader 50g
This was the first English blend I tried when I started smoking and it's stayed in my collection. Squadron Leader is extremely mild, smooth and no bite . You have to smoke it slow to really pull all the flavor out. It's nutty, sweet and mildly robust... Read More
in a sense and makes an excellent breakfast, morning smoke with a good cup of coffee. You just have to try a tin you won't be disappointed I promise. 👍👍👊 Read Less
This might be the ONE
March 20, 2015
Product: Samuel Gawith Squadron Leader 50g
I've tried many of the English tobaccos but I keep coming back to this one. I started out with Night Cap, along with several others, but Squadron Leader is my new favorite. It's very tame. Never bites the tongue. Has just the right mixture of Virg... Read More
inias and Latakia- I love its gentle sweetness. This is the one I sit on the front porch with to ponder life. Read Less
Trying To Be Something It Isn't
November 08, 2014
Product: Samuel Gawith Squadron Leader 50g
One of the first English blends I tried, and I really did try to give it a chance. I'm a fan of mild blends and go to more powerful English blends from time to time but this one left me feeling like something was conspicuously missing. Not very com... Read More
plex, not much flavour, inconsistent in the bowl, generally unsatisfying. I thought I might have received a bad tin somehow so I tried it again and found, again, it isn't for me. Read Less
As they say....classic
September 29, 2014
Product: Samuel Gawith Squadron Leader 50g
My favorite English blend....I can and have smoked it all day and enjoyed it greatly. Unfortunately my family just plain hate the room smell so it is an outdoor smoke around here. When talk of an English mix is about this is the one I lean on for con... Read More
sistency and a mild but rich flavor without the Latakia taking front stage. Read Less
Product: Samuel Gawith Squadron Leader 50g
A well balanced blend with Turkish and Virginia leading the way and Latakia in the background. Comfort is indeed the right word for this stuff. Its a classic medium English with a permanent place in my rotation!
More mild than medium
November 23, 2013
Product: Samuel Gawith Squadron Leader 50g
When it comes to medium english tobaccos this one is over rated. its more of a generic mild english. There's a reason why they call it classic, its the standard for plain and basic old school medium english tobaccos.
Sodden sop of a good tin o' baccy
October 28, 2013
Product: Samuel Gawith Squadron Leader 50g
I like this blend. It's a great medium English and one I'd like to keep around. Unfortunately, though, not unless I've a separate container to stow it in. It's, say... very generously moistened, which aside from needing a bit of drying, can rust the ... Read More
tin and impart a foulness to the remaining supply. I certainly recommend SL, but transfer it if you plan on taking your time with it. Read Less
Product: Samuel Gawith Squadron Leader 50g
A really nice light english for my taste. Not heavy on the body with full-blown latakia, but has some good spice to it. Very nice and will be new addition to my "cellar."
Comfort in a tin
August 09, 2013
Product: Samuel Gawith Squadron Leader 50g
To me this is an English mixture to be enjoyed by all. Or if you have not tried an ENGLISH blend then this is a good place to start. It won't knock your socks of flavor or nic wise, but it provides great comfort with a consistent flavor that never so... Read More
urs at any point. My only complaint is that I find it very difficult to keep lit. Read Less
A MUST in my cellar!!
August 02, 2013
Product: Samuel Gawith Squadron Leader 50g
Great, mild and flavorful smoke! It has the best orientals i've tried so far, which are the starring tobaccos on this blend.
Cool, all-day smoker
January 07, 2013
Product: Samuel Gawith Squadron Leader 50g
I tried this "sight-unseen" meaning I'd heard good things and that's about it. My first impression was how cool and light the smoke was. The flavor is very subtle and I tasted a very faint chestnut/hazelnut flavor. Very classy smoke and ... Read More
I will be back for more. Read Less
Go-to English
November 29, 2012
Product: Samuel Gawith Squadron Leader 50g
This is a great go-to, light to medium English blend. There's more Turkish up front than anything else.
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