Union Square Unleashed

8th May, 2009

On the News page of 31st March, just a couple weeks ago, I announced that even in my absence, a new blend, Union Square, would likely be unveiled at last weekend's Chicago gala. It was, and quite a few tins found their way into eager hands wanting to give it a try. All that was left was for me to sit back and wait for any early reports, just to see if others think it's as good as I do. Really! I like this one a lot. I smoked up the prototype in record time, and had to wait until early retailer orders were filled before I could replensih my own stocks. (That may come as a surprise those who have been paying attention over the past ten years. Why? Read on…) Anyway, at least a few others are telling me they like it, too; I've received some pretty enthusiastic email already.

This blend is quite different from anything I've developed. For one thing, it's my first 100% straight virgina; no orientals, no Latakia, no perique, no cavendish. (I remember saying I'd probably never do such a thing, that straight virginias were boring. So much for that.) Additionally, unlike a great many, perhaps most modern pressed VAs, this one has no added sugars, sauces, casings, or flavourings of any kind. (I also seem to recall my saying that pretty much all straight tobacco blends need some level of “enhancement” if they're going to taste and smoke their best. So much for that, too.) In Union Square, bright, sweet virginias, are combined with deep, rich reds, pressed into a firm cake for several days, and then sliced and packaged. The result is a blend that is full flavoured, without being overly strong. It delivers layers of pure tobacco character, and burns wonderfully, leaving both pipe and alate clean and virginia fresh.

Union Square is another great summer blend, for sure, but it will also be welcomed in the cooler months by virginia purists, and by those seeking a softer alternative to a steady diet of heavier Latakia mixtures. I expect it to age wonderfully, of course, developing greater complexity and richer mid-tones over the years to come. Smoke it now, and lay several tins down for sampling in five, ten, twenty years. This is one that I fully expect will outlive me, and I plan on a very long life.

You don't take my word for it. Bear Graves had this to say about Union Square

"Celebrate good times, come on!" Only one tobacco blender in the world could get me to quote Kool & the Gang, and Greg Pease is back with a blockbuster new release: Union Square. Greg starts this sure-fire hit by eschewing the added sugars and flavorings that are used in so many virginia flakes on the market today, electing instead to let the sweet bright leaf and mellow, earthy reds to do all of the talking in this delightful sliced cake. I am puffing on a bowl right now and I can testify that this is one extraordinary bowl of tobacco-y goodness. Full on the palate and displaying a fine nuance and layering, this leaf leaves a clean finish as well as a surprisingly pleasant room note in its wake. G.L. Pease's blends have become legend for their ability to age in a manner that might make a Grand Cru Bordeaux blush, and I think it's safe to say that we can add Union Square to that list.