Samuel Gawith: Squadron Leader 50g Pipe Tobacco

Product Number: 003-059-0001

Samuel Gawith was the son-in-law of Thomas Harrison, a snuff manufacturer who moved his trade and equipment to Kendal, Cumbria, England from Scotland in 1792. Gawith inherited this equipment from Harrison, and the company has been crafting premium tobacco since, with one of Samuel's two sons continuing the brand while the other joined with Henry Hoggarth to establish Gawith, Hoggarth & Co. Though offering separate blends, both brands remain forever linked and still share the same manufacturing facility in England's Lake District, utilizing processes and techniques that date to the brands' 1792 roots. In many of their mixtures, Samuel Gawith maintains the standards enforced by the United Kingdom's strict purity laws of the 19th and 20th centuries — such laws dictating how much and what type of flavorings could be added to pipe tobacco and ensuring that sub-quality leaf wasn't hidden under the veil of exorbitant toppings.

Squadron Leader from Samuel Gawith is a classic, quintessential English blend named in honor of the Royal Air Force pilots who flew Gloster Gladiator biplanes in the early days of WWII. As a pipe tobacco, Squadron Leader features Bright and Dark Virginias bcombined with Latakia and Turkish leaf for a cool, all-day English mixture.

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$16.65
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  • Components: Virginia, Latakia, Orientals
  • Family: English
  • Cut: Ribbon
Customer Reviews (80 Total)
Overall Rating:
4.07 out of 5 stars
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.
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
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
Why the Hoopla?
February 22, 2022
Product: Samuel Gawith Squadron Leader 50g
I'm smoking some of this after reading so many grandiose reviews and I can't figure out the reason why. It's a mild English, nothing more. Don't waste your time chasing it. Any Peterson/Dunhill blend is a better choice.
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
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.
Gloster Gold !
January 22, 2022
Product: Samuel Gawith Squadron Leader 50g
Top shelf English 👌 Period
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
Tally Ho!
February 03, 2022
Product: Samuel Gawith Squadron Leader 50g
Scramble to get this one! This is the gold standard of English blends in my opinion. Perfect from start to finish!!!
Best English!!
November 14, 2021
Product: Samuel Gawith Squadron Leader 50g
This blend is perfect in every way. I just wish it wasn’t so hard to get. It burns smoothly and never bites. I love it.
SG家销量第一的草
September 08, 2021
Product: Samuel Gawith Squadron Leader 50g
如在天空翱翔一般的体验,非常美妙
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
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
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
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
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
非常完美
March 06, 2023
Product: Samuel Gawith Squadron Leader 50g
淡淡的拉草,很好抽,不是很浓的那种,适合刚刚接触的斗客。
Very Light English
December 12, 2022
Product: Samuel Gawith Squadron Leader 50g
Just cracked another tin of this and realized I haven't rated it. Honestly, it's not worth the price. There are SO MANY light english blends available at a MUCH lower price. The quality is good, but so Cornell and Diehl. The latakia is used light... Read More
O brave new worlds!
April 30, 2022
Product: Samuel Gawith Squadron Leader 50g
I remember smoking this as my introduction to the entire tobacco world.After that I realized that my life was alive and living.It was always preparing something new and wonderful for me.Before that I studied Western Literature and it was the culture ... Read More
Great smoke
December 01, 2021
Product: Samuel Gawith Squadron Leader 50g
As others have said. It’s a little wet but once it sets a bit it’s perfect.
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
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
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
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
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.
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.
Perfect
May 04, 2018
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
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.
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
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
和晴朗的天空一样清爽
February 11, 2024
Product: Samuel Gawith Squadron Leader 50g
由于家庭的影响,我对天空,空军都有一份特殊的情感,这款草也是我入坑以来梦寐以求的,不论配方,就论它的包装和主题!怎么说呢,抽起来的感觉就是一个字——清!不是亡国的那个大清,而是清爽,和矿泉水一样清爽,可能这就是天空的味道吧,空旷,清新!
最初的回忆
January 21, 2024
Product: Samuel Gawith Squadron Leader 50g
飞机,小艇,蓝狗都是过去SG给我带来的美好回忆
可以引发颅内高潮
September 12, 2023
Product: Samuel Gawith Squadron Leader 50g
这草适合憋一天的烟瘾等到晚上休息时抽。烟草味浓郁,抽前半斗的时候感觉非常解瘾,到了后半斗都会有些微微的颅内高潮,太爽了。
Very nice smoke
August 27, 2023
Product: Samuel Gawith Squadron Leader 50g
Very nice smoke. A little spice to it but not over done. Definitely a blend to keep around.
Gawith Squadron Leader
August 20, 2023
Product: Samuel Gawith Squadron Leader 50g
The definition of an English mixture. Not overly loaded with latakia. Definitely an all day smoke. Can get a little boring. Quality tobacco. Recommended.
One of the best
August 01, 2023
Product: Samuel Gawith Squadron Leader 50g
If you like English than this is a must try in my top 10
Fine English Blend
January 29, 2023
Product: Samuel Gawith Squadron Leader 50g
A finely blended English with just the righ amounts of Latakia and Orientals to provide the wonderful flavors for English tobacco. A hint of sweet from the Virginia with a slight nutty flavor, and tastes of orientals. The ribbon cut on this is excel... Read More
Magnífico tabaco, mala calidad de empaque.
January 25, 2023
Product: Samuel Gawith Squadron Leader 50g
El tabaco es magnífico, combustión perfecta y lleno de sabor. El único problema es que las nuevas latas no tienen buena calidad, algunas las he abierto con muy poca presión, por lo tanto no son seguras para almacenar en lata. Mejor abrirlas y almacen... Read More
One of the smoothest yet flavorful blend
January 06, 2023
Product: Samuel Gawith Squadron Leader 50g
The flavor of this tin reminds me of Early Morning Pipe but with slightly less Nicotine. This blend is so smooth yet flavorful, I sometimes smoke more than 1 bowl the same day. The tobacco is very wet out of the tin. I just have to make sure I dry th... Read More
过于平庸。。。
December 31, 2022
Product: Samuel Gawith Squadron Leader 50g
sg家是有很多宝藏的,可惜这一款不是。L草和O草的含量过低导致总体的调配显得寡淡和单调,并不是说它不好,相反就柔顺不咬舌这方面来说很不错。。。。。。但是对于这个价格来说是不合格的。喜欢清淡英式的人可能会喜欢,而那些追求L草占有更高比例的人来说。。。。。。请选择他家的共和国 巴尔干切片和海军切片吧
awesome!
November 19, 2022
Product: Samuel Gawith Squadron Leader 50g
Tin notes of sour smoky sweet goodness. The mix of ribbon and broken flakes are brown, dark and light brown, tan and black. Tabacco is relatively dry, no prep needed. Average burn and few relight. The strength is med and nic is mild. No flavoring det... Read More
My Go To!
August 07, 2022
Product: Samuel Gawith Squadron Leader 50g
Mild but full flavored. The Latakia in this blend is something else. While th Lat is forward it is well supported by the Virginias with the Turkish dancing in and out in the background. The botton 3rd of the bowl is my favorite with a nice toasty d... Read More
Good, good English
April 20, 2022
Product: Samuel Gawith Squadron Leader 50g
SG flakes are epic, but their ribbon cut blends have some really good gems and this is one. Smokey and spicy, smooth and mellow. Don't let it dry out and you'll be treated from start to finish on this one. Great blend for the river or the grill. All ... Read More
Bland
January 29, 2022
Product: Samuel Gawith Squadron Leader 50g
I have been smoking English mixtures for 60 years now so I have pretty well tried most of the big names. My favorites were by Dunhill but when they stopped making tobacco blends back in the early 80's I had to shop around. I was friends with Carl E... Read More
October 25, 2021
Product: Samuel Gawith Squadron Leader 50g
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
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
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
Sad and boring
December 09, 2020
Product: Samuel Gawith Squadron Leader 50g
Too Soft for me.H e won't sleep in my cellar........
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.
Solid
June 25, 2019
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
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!!
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.
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
“The” pipe tobacco
May 17, 2018
Product: Samuel Gawith Squadron Leader 250g
In my opinion this is the quintessential pipe tobacco
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
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
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
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
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.
Very nice
July 26, 2016
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
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
mmmmm
January 24, 2016
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...
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
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
Classic!
April 02, 2014
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.
CFAF
September 20, 2013
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
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
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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