Stonehenge Flake
In 2001, the late John Gawith (Gawith Hoggarth & Co.) and I collaborated to create an all new Virginia/perique flake. It was a pleasure working with John, and the result, Stonehenge Flake, was met with overwhelming enthusiasm. Though originally produced as a limited edition of approximately 1500 2oz tins, the continued high-regard of this tobacco, along with repeated requests to recreate it, made bringing it back as a regular blend an obvious choice. It took some doing, but thanks to the efforts of everyone involved, we were able to bring Stonehenge back to life.
Stonehenge is a wonderful traditional flake comprised of bright flue-cured and sun-cured leaf from Brazil, Zimbabwe and Malawi, with just a touch of Burley added for a bit of body, and a slightly fuller flavor. Then, we added a good measure of perique for its unique contribution. Once blended, the leaf is steamed, hot-pressed into blocks and aged, allowing the flavors to further ferment and integrate. The mature blocks are sliced into thin flakes, and cut into 2" lengths.
The label is new, but the tobacco is manufactured to the precise formula and protocol John and I developed all those years ago.The Virginia Cream
Though the actual development of this new blend has took just over a year, it's fair to say that it's been over a decade in the making. I've been intrigued by the idea of aromatic blends, but never really satisfied with any I've tried, and have experimented with various concoctions along the way in the hopes of finding some magical formula. But like so many things in life, the quarry remained elusive. It was essential, as it is with all of my blends, that the tobaccos take center stage, with the aromatic top-note acting as an enhancement to the overall effect without dominating the underlying leaf. Perhaps even more challenging was that it had to taste like it smells right to the bottom of the bowl, offer a delightful room aroma, and leave the pipe clean and free from lingering "ghosts."
Though I've used liqueurs and spirits to good effect in a few blends, their contribution has always been subtle. I wanted to take this one to the next level. The vanilla and bourbon compliment each other in the same way that oak casks add distinctiveness and mellowness to fine spirits, each bringing out the best the other has to offer. After much experimentation and many taste trials, I'm happy to report that it is everything I wanted it to be, and am excited to introduce The Vanilla Cream
From the label:
Distinctively delicious! We season fine red and golden flue-cured Virginia tobaccos with rare condimental leaf, enhancing the result with a subtle vanilla/bourbon topping that is never overbearing. Rare for a blend of its genre, The Virginia Cream delivers on its aromatic promise from the first puff to the bottom of the bowl, while leaving the pipe clean and free of phantom flavors. An all-American blend ideal for Virginia fanciers craving something a little sweeter.
When I sent the final formula off to the factory for a prototype batch, Ted said, "It smells like a really good cream soda." After muttering some incomprehensible syllables that might find their way into the name, I blurted out, "Vanilla Cream!" It stuck. In designing the label, I put "The" in the name because I loved the way it worked typographically, and it seemed to enhance the old-time style I was working with, while also indicating that I really do think this one is a little special. It's always nice when a plan comes together...
The Virginia Cream was introducd in October 2015
Key Largo
In the 15th April issue of the News, I mentioned a new blend, which at the time was "code named" Maduro Cut Cake. It wasn't a very imaginative name, though it was at least somewhat descriptive. A darkish blend incorporating a little cigar leaf, pressed into cakes, and sliced. See? Not very imaginative. But, it provided me something to call it, other than, "this new prototype with cigar leaf," and as I let people at shows sample it, the response was very positive.
Finally, some weeks later, a friend emailed me, writing, "Why don't you call it Key Largo?" It was perfect. A classic, in keeping with the theme established by Maltese Falcon, with a tropical feel, and there's more than a little cigar smoking depicted in the film.
Names lead to concepts which lead to artwork, and once again, illustrator and designer extraordinaire Daniel Bertalotto, of DOXA, did his usual fantastic job with the label art. I think it's really stunning. But, what about the tobacco? Now that it's finally on the shelves, I guess I should say a few more words about it here, for those who don't read the News page.
Key Largo is full of surprises. It's got wonderful, layered flavours of rich Virginias, oriental tobaccos, including a little Cypriot Latakia, and hints of earthy spice from the cigar leaf. It presents a creamy, delicious smoke, with a softer room aroma than might be expected from the ingredients. It's refreshing, yet full-bodied and satisfying. I've been enjoying the prototypes through three seasons, but it seems exceptionally well suited to our late summer smoking. This is a unique blend, and defies the usual classification. It's neither an "English Mixture," nor a Virginia, nor is it just another cigar-leaf blend, yet it offers something of each. Maybe someone else can find a pigeonhole for Key Largo to roost in, but I cannot.
I expect this one to age beautifully over at least the next couple decades. It'll develop increased fruitiness and complexity during the first year or so, and real magic will occur after five or six. And, yes, the coffee mug is available.
Key Largo was introducd in July 2008
Maltese Falcon
I first began writing about Maltese Falcon in early November, and now, I'm excited to the point of bursting to announce that it is finally winging its way to the tobacconists' shelves.
This one sports a brand new look, thanks to the creative direction of my dear friend Neill Archer Roan, and a brilliant realization of Neill's direction by designer and illustrator Daniel Bertalotto of DOXA. The label is gorgeous, but it's what's inside that counts, right?
Originally conceived as a replacement for the old Raven's Wing, Maltese Falcon quickly evolved into something bigger. It's a rich, bold blend, with excellent body, a beguiling sweetness, and solid structure, ideal for those who enjoy a sophisticated, yet comfortable and refined English-style mixture.
Maltese Falcon was introducd in January 2008
Westminster
Westminster was introducd in January 2007
Bohemian Scandal
“Perhaps my own personal Arcadia...
“I have been bested by this most seductive Lady Nicotine. The others? I've loved them all, but never like this. They are like young birds, to be taught to fly, and set out into the world. They are my children, and I love them equally.
“This one, though, is different. She brought more to me than I could give her in return. She teased me with her exotic ways. She promised a taste, and delivered a feast.
“At night, I lie with her smoky kiss upon my lips; her perfume lingers about me, filling my head with reverie. As the sweet arms of Morpheus carry me to the abodes of slumber, I look forward to dreams of her. In the morning, I rise to thoughts of her, swirling through the fog of awakening. All through the day, she fills my thoughts. When I am with her, she consumes me. When she is absent, I long for her. Barrie can have his; this is my Lady, my Arcadia, my Queen.
“As I wander in my mind through the ancient streets of Bohemia, she is my companion. She dances in the mist, and plays a coy game of hide and seek, though I know the light of a match will reveal her again to dance and twirl before me. She enthralls those who chance upon her, but, for now, she is mine alone. Yet, she, too, is a bird to be set free. Enjoy her company. Treat her well, and she will show you what she showed me...”
Nearly a year in the making, this blend, the first in the new Heirloom Series, features some truly magnificent Syrian Latakia, possibly the finest example of this exotic leaf that's been seen in 40 years. When we arranged for its import, and the first samples arrived, I fell quickly and deeply for it; Bohemian Scandal is the love child of our little tryst. The Syrian is wine-like, possessing subtlety and nuances that would be easily lost to a heavy hand at the blending table. I chose bright and red Virginias, and rare oriental tobaccos to compliment the spice of the Latakia; hints of cardamom, nutmeg, cinnamon are present, along with a gentle smokiness. A soft, slightly tangy sweetness continues throughout the bowl, with the complex, earthy notes from the oriental tobaccos providing depth. The flavor is bold enough for casual smoking, but sufficiently refined to be engaging during more contemplative moods. Wonderfully balanced, it is excellent in its youth, yet sturdy enough for long aging. Enjoy it now, and be sure to cellar plenty for future adventures.
Reviews are available on the wonderful Tobacco Reviews web site. My deepest appreciation to those who have taken the time to share their impressions of my latest creation!
Regretfully, Bohemian Scandal is no longer available. See the 23 September, 2004 news for more details.
Bohemian Scandal was introduced in August 2004
The Collection
This collection will never be large. It's reserved for tobaccos that, I think, are exemplary in their category, or those that blaze new trails. The first was Bohemian Scandal, may it rest in peace. As most know, the vintage Syrian latakia that was featured in the mixture was lost in a warehouse fire in November 2004, shortly after its introduction. It is still presented here for posterity. The next was Westminster in 2007, a very classic mixture. Maltese Falcon was added in January 2008, then Key Largo in July of the same year. The Virgina Cream made its debut in October 2015.
My Thoughts
It's hard to make comments on a collection as full of unique personalities as this one. Scandal was wonderfully received during its short life, and has become something of a “Holy Grael” blend for many. I don't know, for sure, if this is due to its rarity, or because it really was that good. I know I liked it, but I was a little surprised by the enthusiasm of its reception.
The other blends in this collection have also become very popular, and with good reason. Each has all the characteristics that can ultimately make a blend a classic. Time will tell, of course, but they've been going strong since their respective introductions, so I've got high hopes.
Each one has a unique charm, yet they still seem to get along with one another.
The Future
I've smoked tins of Bohemian Scandal at three years, and found it superb. I'm looking forward to the next milestone, which will be five years. I'll report back then. [At ten years, it's still going strong. The latakia has softened somewhat, but the overall experience remains delightful, with the added complexity of age bringing new elements to the smoke. -glp] Westminster, of course, is far too young to make any definitive comments on, but my experience tells me that this one will develop for at least 15 years, stabilize for a decade or so, and then begin a slow decline. I'm sure it'll still be wonderful in 20-30 years, but it's peak will likely be quite a bit earlier, like most full bodied English/Balkan mixtures. Still, I'm cellaring it in enough quantity to prove myself wrong in my own tenth decade.
The Virginia Cream is still something of a wildcard. Though the virginia base will certainly have a long life, we'll see how the topping holds up. At the time of its release, I samples of early prototypes spanning over a year, and they were still delicious, so I'm pretty optimistic. Cheers! -glp