I strive to produce blends that coalesce into an experience that engages the smoker, that holds their attention, and that offers an evolving smoke from beginning to end, because a bowl of tobacco connects us to the past like nothing else. - Gregory Pease

For 20 years, Gregory Pease has applied this idea to every blend he's developed. From the archetypal tobaccos of the Classic Collection to the nostalgic mixtures of the Heirloom Series, his portfolio encompasses a host of blends celebrated in every corner of the globe. Be it a spicy Virginia/Perique or a smooth, silky English blend, each of Greg's creations captures a moment in time, a shared experience accessible by all who possess a pipe and a flame.

To celebrate the 20th Anniversary of G.L. Pease, Greg chose to enhance those smoking experiences he has already developed with special-edition adaptations of his most popular and storied mixtures: Cumberland and Samarra.

Cumberland 20th Anniversary:

A blend close to Greg's heart, Cumberland was originally released in April of 2002. For this special anniversary edition, Pease has incorporated small-crop, semi-fired Kentucky leaf from 2019 for a slightly softer, more delicate profile. Maintaining the original's signature plum-like fruitiness and complexity, it presents additional flavors of baking spice, sweet grassiness, and freshly baked bread. "It's really remarkable, so similar to the original, but different enough to stand on its own, and it will age beautifully."

This version of Cumberland is a wonderful variation on a theme. The aroma in the tin shows hints of allspice, clove, a ripe plum fruitiness, the sweet grassiness of the Virginias, and a delightful, almost bready character. It's really remarkable, so similar to the original, but different enough to stand on its own, and it will age beautifully. It would be great fun to have a few tins of both the 20th Anniversary edition and the regular blend to taste horizontally over the coming decade.

Samarra 20th Anniversary:

One of the first blends Pease released in 2000, Samarra is a refinement of a blend Greg originally developed for Drucquer & Sons in the 1980s called Sublime Porte. For this special anniversary edition, Greg has elevated the mixture by incorporating a blend of vintage Basma, Samsun, and Black Sea Soukhoum Orientals into the original recipe. It possesses all the signature qualities that have made Samarra a cellar-worthy staple, but with more nuance and complexity courtesy of these rare varietals.

The differences in these two Samarra variants are more subtle than those of the Cumberlands, but are certainly notable. I find those wonderful dark cocoa undertones in both, but the 20th Anniversary edition has additional deep layers of incense-like spice, a distinctive earthiness, and an almost Sherry-like creaminess. As with the Cumberland, this will offer interesting comparisons throughout the years. As Samarra has always been one of my favorites, I'm not sure I'll be able to keep it around long enough.

In many ways, these unique expressions represent Greg's signature approach to blending: "a pursuit of purity and quality of ingredients, care and precision in blending balance, and complexity." The singular profiles of these special-edition blends highlight the ingenuity of the original recipes and underline the history of tobacco that inspires all of Greg's creations.