Kyle Weiss
Well-known member
- Joined
- Sep 18, 2011
- Messages
- 11,988
- Reaction score
- 7
Woah, no way. I had time and the inkling to try something new, and that something new is also something new on the market.
With all of the recent epic bombings as of late, that are waiting patiently for me to get to 'em, those who know my ramblings and taste already knew GLP's "Sextant" was one on my "hot list." Quite honestly, with all of the covertness of my humbling gifts, this is one I have no idea who it came from. Thanks, obscure bombers, but thanks to the man who sent me this sample!
Greg's (GL Pease, if there's some newbies around) mixture, Sextant, is described generally as a full, slightly rum-infused mix of Virginias, Orientals, Burley and Cyprian Latakia. A master of making something out of anything Latakia, being a fan of it himself, Mr. Pease balances this one in a new way--either that, or my whirlwind, relatively new piping hobby just isn't as well-versed as some others--but these "I just tried" notes are mere first impressions and pondering, not meticulous experience and method. In any case, here is my story, and I'm sticking to it:
The "ready rubbed" cut from GLP is great, for a number of reasons. You get the benefit of flake without the cutting. Chunky enough for stuffing, easily loosened up for general filling. It's a tad hard to get lit at first (and my batch was just the right moisture level for me) but when it gets lit, it stays lit. I was impressed by how heady and thick the smoke was--spicy, very background rum notes, and smokiness stood right up and said "Latakia!" Strong stuff! But it doesn't stay that way. The rum faded a little, and the spiciness of the Oriental and brightness of the Virginias started to mix pleasantly with the Latakia. About halfway through, this is where the magic began.
A buttery spice was omnipresent, and stayed that way. While still strong, the volume was turned up and stayed at a comfortable "8" (on a scale of 1 to 11, of course) and left me smiling in meditative bliss. It's not a nicotine powerhouse (ala Jackknife) but will not disappoint those seeking a good punch of "N." In no way did this stuff get unruly or sharp to the tongue, but a good nasal protoexhale/snork will make your sinuses tingle a little--like a little wasabi was added. Delayed Gratification Technique (DGT) was anomalous, and this stuff stayed true to the end of the bowl. Overall, I was intrigued by the fullness, I was enthralled with the broad but direct flavor, and yet felt like I was in good hands the whole time. A pleasant, herb-like bitterness, with smoky, spiced butter, and a salty meatiness to keep it all together. The rum was but an introduction, like a pre-dinner cocktail.
What a mix!
I'm no skeptic when it comes to Greg's blends and mixtures, but sometimes I wonder if I have "hit the wall" with Latakia. I didn't want to get to that "been there, done that" stage so soon, as I really like Latakia. This stuff made me realize there's more tricks to this kind of tobacco, and in the hands of someone who knows what he's doing, it's a real pleasure to be surprised--again. My guess was some of the Jackknife characteristics were carefully mixed with some Burley, Oriental and the just-right amount of Cyprian Latakia to make this pleasant combination known as Sextant, and for those wanting a stronger flavor, this one is for you. It's a serious tobacco.
If I were to wear a tie to a wedding, it would be bright and pleasant. If I were to wear one out for a night on the town, it would be sleek and exotic. If I were to wear one to a business meeting, it would be relaxed, strong, knowing and confident-- GLP Sextant is that tie.
8)
With all of the recent epic bombings as of late, that are waiting patiently for me to get to 'em, those who know my ramblings and taste already knew GLP's "Sextant" was one on my "hot list." Quite honestly, with all of the covertness of my humbling gifts, this is one I have no idea who it came from. Thanks, obscure bombers, but thanks to the man who sent me this sample!
Greg's (GL Pease, if there's some newbies around) mixture, Sextant, is described generally as a full, slightly rum-infused mix of Virginias, Orientals, Burley and Cyprian Latakia. A master of making something out of anything Latakia, being a fan of it himself, Mr. Pease balances this one in a new way--either that, or my whirlwind, relatively new piping hobby just isn't as well-versed as some others--but these "I just tried" notes are mere first impressions and pondering, not meticulous experience and method. In any case, here is my story, and I'm sticking to it:
The "ready rubbed" cut from GLP is great, for a number of reasons. You get the benefit of flake without the cutting. Chunky enough for stuffing, easily loosened up for general filling. It's a tad hard to get lit at first (and my batch was just the right moisture level for me) but when it gets lit, it stays lit. I was impressed by how heady and thick the smoke was--spicy, very background rum notes, and smokiness stood right up and said "Latakia!" Strong stuff! But it doesn't stay that way. The rum faded a little, and the spiciness of the Oriental and brightness of the Virginias started to mix pleasantly with the Latakia. About halfway through, this is where the magic began.
A buttery spice was omnipresent, and stayed that way. While still strong, the volume was turned up and stayed at a comfortable "8" (on a scale of 1 to 11, of course) and left me smiling in meditative bliss. It's not a nicotine powerhouse (ala Jackknife) but will not disappoint those seeking a good punch of "N." In no way did this stuff get unruly or sharp to the tongue, but a good nasal protoexhale/snork will make your sinuses tingle a little--like a little wasabi was added. Delayed Gratification Technique (DGT) was anomalous, and this stuff stayed true to the end of the bowl. Overall, I was intrigued by the fullness, I was enthralled with the broad but direct flavor, and yet felt like I was in good hands the whole time. A pleasant, herb-like bitterness, with smoky, spiced butter, and a salty meatiness to keep it all together. The rum was but an introduction, like a pre-dinner cocktail.
What a mix!
I'm no skeptic when it comes to Greg's blends and mixtures, but sometimes I wonder if I have "hit the wall" with Latakia. I didn't want to get to that "been there, done that" stage so soon, as I really like Latakia. This stuff made me realize there's more tricks to this kind of tobacco, and in the hands of someone who knows what he's doing, it's a real pleasure to be surprised--again. My guess was some of the Jackknife characteristics were carefully mixed with some Burley, Oriental and the just-right amount of Cyprian Latakia to make this pleasant combination known as Sextant, and for those wanting a stronger flavor, this one is for you. It's a serious tobacco.
If I were to wear a tie to a wedding, it would be bright and pleasant. If I were to wear one out for a night on the town, it would be sleek and exotic. If I were to wear one to a business meeting, it would be relaxed, strong, knowing and confident-- GLP Sextant is that tie.
8)