Tobaccos Samuel Gawith - Grousemoor

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	zulujerk (146)	2012-06-23		Mild to Medium	Strong	Mild to Medium	Tolerable

I picked up Grousemoor simply because it was the only Sam Gawith blend available when I put in my last order. The hoarders had rushed to pick up all the more popular blends and I found myself curious about these hints of "lemongrass" spelled out in the tin description and thrown out there by reviewers. Now I've never tried lemongrass. I'm not even sure what the hell it is, but I love to seek out new flavors, and this sounded interesting--especially after reading the very polarizing reviews.

When I cracked open that tin for the first time, I must admit, the scent was bizarre. It wasn't the same floral note of the more traditional Lakeland tobaccos, Kendal Flake and the like. I just couldn't place it. The tobacco was a beautiful bright golden color, lighter even than many of the golden Virginia blends I have smoked. I was quite excited, actually, because this looked like something I had never seen or imagined, and I was optimistic that the flavor would follow that uncharacteristic path.

I hated it! It was horrible...and foreign. What is this?? Who would smoke such oddly perfumed rubbish? Who buys this stuff? Now I know why it's always the last of the Gawith blends to go! I've been tricked...I will never finish this tin! I said all of these things, liberally spiced with more colorful language.

When I had finished that first bowl, I threw the tin in my smoking cabinet. I figured, if they ever outlaw tobacco, I'll probably finish that tin. It was, to me, the British equivalent of Mixture No. 79. An abomination.

Over the course of a few weeks I'd pull many blends out of that cabinet, and I would grow increasingly drawn to that beautiful tin art and that strange scent. I found myself popping the lid, and taking gentle whiffs of that odd Grousemoor aroma. Those gentle whiffs became greedy gulps of intoxicating air, and that led to the inevitable and more frequent "occasional" smokes. I started with bowls in my smallest pipe, nothing more than ten minute concentrated smokes. I swore I wouldn't allow this tobacco to ghost one of my larger pipes. But as I continued with greater frequency in my experimentation, I found that I required larger bowls--to explore the nuances of Grousemoor, and isolate this "lemongrass" note that people kept mentioning.

It became a guilty pleasure, like gorging on Halloween candy. That sweet, oddly addicting additive kept me intrigued. I didn't even care about the lightness, the lack of nicotine. Grousemoor became an obsession. I wondered what the hell a grouse was, and learned it was a very swift bird, hunted by the British for game. "Oh..." I thought. That's why there are hunting dogs on the tin!

Well, this has been an educational experience, and in my budding studies, I learned that the blend was also sold as a plug--an absolutely beautiful brick of bombastic blending! I will hunt this tobacco with the ferocity of a man chasing wild game. Stay away! I will shoot you with my shotgun if you people turn Grousemoor into an endangered species!

92 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	A. Morley (97)	2006-03-21		Strong	Strong	Very Full	Pleasant to Tolerable

Grouse-Moor is a very often maligned tobacco and this is simply not fair. It is a carefully produced blend of the finest ingredients and a consistent blending tradition going back over two hundred years. I would proffer that the reason so many would thumb their noses at it is because it is the sort of blend that we serious pipemen are told to shy away from because it is not laden with manly amounts of Latakia or smoky stoved Virginia.

For my part, Grouse-Moor is one of my favorite tobaccos, representing, as it does, the pinnacle of one of the most venerable traditions in the realm of tobacco, that of the English Lakeland. Only the finest steamed and stoved bright Virginia is employed, cut into deliciously long ribbons that pack easily and are perfect for slow, relaxed puffing. It is the top casing that truly defines Grouse-Moor, and the sauce used is the very best blend of essences of any that are employed for Lakeland-style aromatics, managing to be floral and herbal and fruity in delicate balance all at the same time. The essence used by Samuel Gawith is a secret blend of all natural components known only to one employee of that historic blending house. I can recall the time that I visited the factory in Kendal and the reverence with which the bottle of Grouse-Moor essence was brought out to be sprinkled onto a batch of leaf to fulfill my request for a pound of Grouse-Moor direct from the factory floor.

Oddly, to me, at least, it is the extra flavoring that people seem to dislike in this blend. The few people that like Grouse-Moor here have attempted to justify it by saying that it has been around for so long that it must be good. I believe there is more to it than that. The floral essence of a Lakeland aromatic is, in my opinion, one of the greatest innovations in the realm of pipe smoking. The specific flavor notes of Lakeland aromatic essences serve to heighten and exemplify the nuances of a fine Virginia and even cut out some of the excessive sootiness to be found in many examples of the leaf, as opposed to German and American style aromatics which only cover up the true tobacco flavor. Consider Earl Grey, among the most popular tea blends in the western world: the oil of bergamot with lavender notes with which the basic Ceylon/Assam blend is laden helps to better marry and mellow the invigorating bitter-sweet flavor of the tea. This is the same sort of relationship of taste that is to be found in Grouse-Moor and so many other fine tobaccos of the Lakeland tradition.

Forgive my rabbiting on for so long, but I have enjoyed this sort of tobacco for years and became tired of listening to a lot of brutes and cads guffawing and casting it aside for 'serious' tobacco. Grouse-Moor is serious tobacco. The Virginia leaf is not only of the finest quality, but also quite strong. The affect of the top dressing is perfect if approached with an open mind. This is a tobacco for real men, and by that I don't mean John Wayne and Mike Hammer, but guys who truly deserve the title like William Wordsworth and Thomas Hardy.

Regards, A. Morley Jaques

75 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	JimInks (3048)	2015-06-28		Medium	Strong	Medium to Full	Pleasant

The Virginias are very grassy and more tart than tangy citrusy with some earth, wood, bread and tangy dark fruit. The toppings are a mix of Lakeland and fruit (seems like sour lemon, orange and a touch of plum), though I only notice a little of the Lakeland (especially when compared to the regular Grousemoor), and not very often once past the first quarter of the bowl. The other toppings seem a little obvious than the plug version. There is a minor sour hit, and many tart and tangy notes amidst the sweetness. In plug form, the power is lightly diminished compared to the ribbon cut version, but it’s also a little more well rounded, which is not uncommon. The strength is medium. The nic-hit is a rung lower than the strength level. The taste is a couple of steps past the medium mark. Burns clean, cool and a little slow, and though some prefer to dry it, I do not. Leaves a little moisture in the bowl, but no dottle. Requires some relights. Because this is more aromatic than the plug, the flavors are a little more intense. The after taste lingers a bit. Has a pleasantly lingering room note. It will ghost a briar. Not an all day smoke.

-JimInks

37 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	SeoulSister (37)	2014-06-29		Mild to Medium	Medium to Strong	Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

Grousemoor was one of the first blends that I fell in love with as a new pipe smoker. Now, nearly three years later, I still really like it. It is a tobacco that has a very unique taste that is sweet with a strong floral note and I can taste the lemongrass. I think Grousemoor is something you either like or dislike, but I do enjoy this blend, it could be because it is so unique and different from anything else I smoke. This blend doesn't seem to change at all thought out the bowl for me and doesn't have a bite. Reminds me of being in a field of freshly bloomed flowers on a warm spring/summer afternoon.

34 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Pipestud (1829)	2002-12-14		Mild to Medium	Mild	Medium	Pleasant

Well, the tin does have a handsome retriever on the front. This flue-cured Zimbabwe leaf is incredible, and needs slow smoking to bring out the unique flavor. This is a very light, fully rubbed out Virginia blend. I can see how our great grandfathers could have nearly worshiped this one!

32 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Noorrmm (192)	2002-01-27		Medium	Mild	Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

Appearance: Generally uniform light tan color, medium ribbon cut.

Aroma: A mild aromatic, not particularly fruity. The flavoring is an old family secret, and I would not hazard a guess as what is in it. The tobacco characeristics could not be deduced by their aromas. I was unable to tell whether this was because of the flavoring, or the steaming process.

Packing: Easily packs into almost any size pipe. Nice springy feel when pressed, no tendency to harden up on top.

Lighting: The blend lights easily, sometimes needing only one match to start.

Initial flavor: A light fresh flavor, an interesting change of pace for a dedicated Virginia and Oriental smoker like me, but not a typical aromatic. No clue about the primary tobacco, but makes me think it?s a Vrginia or close relative.

Mid-bowl: No real change in flavor or strength. There is some strength (nicotine wise), but the blend is a gentle smoker, as well as dry and cool.

Finish: As expected, the finish is just a tad harsher. Not unusually so, nor unpleasant. The ash was fluffy white.

Summary: An excellent change of pace, which will not goop up your pipe. Neither will it leave an excessive flavor or aroma in the bowl. From the smoking character, it may be deduced that there is no PG present, and that the quality of the leaf is top-drawer.

21 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30194)	2012-05-06		Mild	Strong	Very Full	Pleasant to Tolerable

Grousemoor has the distinction of being the only tobacco I have ever discarded.

I pitched my first tin after only one bowl (half a bowl, actually). Vile stuff, I thought.

And then a funny thing happened. I began smelling Grousemoor in my mind's nose at random moments throughout the day. I began smelling it (I'm not joking) in my dreams.

I would fish the heavily ghosted tin (how is a tobacco heavily scented enough to ghost metal?) out of my desk, where I was using it to hold paper clips... and I would inhale deeply.

I bought another tin. And when I'd smoked all of that, I bought another.

Its scent haunts me. I love it. And Grousemoor has become a regular.

18 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	oldcodger (74)	2015-05-11		Mild to Medium	Mild to Medium	Mild to Medium	Pleasant

I am not a big fan of the so called Lakeland tobaccos, but I find Grousemoor (the tin reads GROUSE-MOOR) to be a nice change of pace smoke. Lakeland tobaccos take their name from the Lake District in northwestern England, home of Samuel Gawith and Gawith,Hoggarth tobacco companies. The term Lakeland generally refers to the aromatic versions there produced, marked by a flowery, perfumy note. Not all of the tobaccos produced by these manufacturers have the aromatic essence. In addition, some refer to tobaccos not produced in that district but which have a similar flowery note, Condor and St. Bruno in particular, as Lakeland tobaccos.

Grousemoor is supposedly a secret recipe in excess of two hundred years old. Among the flavoring essences is something called Lemon Grass. The flavoring oil derived out of Lemon Grass has a distinct citrus note, similar to lemon, but not as sour. A subspecies of Lemon Grass is the basis for citronella, often used for adding aroma to soaps and perfumes.

This tobacco is steamed and stoved, although the color is not especially dark. It is in the form of a fairly broad ribbon. This is Virginia, and straight from the tin fairly moist. It does not take an easy light without overpuffing, Overpuffing invites tongue bite. Take your time getting a light, and use a sipping cadence. With the relaxed puffing, tongue bite will not be a problem except for those particularly sensitive. The nicotine level is not high.

The flavor of Grousemoor is flowery, but unlike any other tobacco I have smoked. It is a taste strength somewhere between mild and medium, and it does not entirely obscure the tobacco flavor.

The room note is also mild to medium, not at all unpleasant, but distinctly less heavy than many aromatics.

This is not a tobacco I wish to smoke regularly, but as a change of pace it does very well for me. Lakeland tobaccos (the flavored varieties) will ghost a pipe. I restrict this to cobs, meerschaums, and cheap briars such as Dr. Grabows, which is what I favor for aromatics.

Smokers who enjoy the aromatic Lakeland blends are probably already familiar with Grousemoor. If not, they should give it a try. Although I am giving this only two stars, I really do suggest that pipesters who like variety in their smokes should also give this a try. If you do not like it, try cutting it with about one third of a cheap burley such as Prince Albert or a pure Virginia such as McClellan 5100. That reduces the aromatic nature of the blend significantly, and puts it a a level which very few would find obnoxious.

Grousemoor is also available in a plug form, a variation which I have not tried.

13 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Young Piper (304)	2015-02-26		Mild	Medium to Strong	Mild to Medium	Very Pleasant

Yummy yummy stuff this Grousemoor! At first I was put off and punished it by ball jarring it and forgetting I had it for 6 months. After the aging the topping has subsided just a little but enough to make it smoke able. Now after having smoked half a tin I can say this is a delicious Virginia blend with a lemony grassy topping that is actually very refreshing. Even chuffing like a train I didn't get much bite and the nicotine content is very minimal. The topping is one that when you get the acquired taste for it, it becomes addicting!! I find during the day I crave the aroma and taste of Grousemoor, a very intriguing blend. If you don't like it at first, ball jar a tin and come back after 6 months, it will be a totally different beast altogether. I was initially scared reading the reviews that Grousemoor was like Dark Scented Flake or Cannon Plug or 1792 (all very stinky, very tasty, Lakeland blends) but alas Grousemoor is just unusual and has no equivalent. Just picture its 200 years ago, you are hunting or hiking in a sunny but cool Autumn field, a place without cars or planes or cell phones, internet and all that other crap we have now and you light your pipe enjoying the dogs at your feet and the sights and sounds of nature. You can really enjoy taking a trip to the past with Grousemoor, its such a fun smoke!! I could see this being someone's daily smoke as its a no bite Virginia with a nice room note but I prefer a larger Nic hit and a dry Burley but I could smoke this daily without complaint.

Age When Smoked: 6 months in jar

Purchased From: Pipes and Cigars

13 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Old Shrink (21)	2017-12-28		Mild to Medium	Mild to Medium	Medium	Very Pleasant

There is a variety of reviewers...I’ll be brief...as a former upland bird shooter I was, of course, attracted to the English Setters on the tin cover... the smoke is not unlike upland bird hunting...SURPRISING...there is a glorious tin presentation and visual appeal to the flavorful golden tobac, it is a lively smoke with savory, deep and rich taste, yet not heavy; it is resonant and satisfyingly complex. Some reviewers report “ghosting” in their briars...I have not experienced this...yet... I’ve smoked dedicated briars. This is a harmonious smoke that highlights a good spot of hot tea! I’ve smoked Gawith Hogarth & Mac Barens tobac 40+ years and find this a treat....i recommend it to the experienced or newer pipers....

Pipe Used: Dunhill, Big Bend, Blatters, Ashton’s,Comoys

Age When Smoked: Aged 2 yrs to new

Purchased From: SmokingPipes.com, Etc.

12 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	FiremanMick (12)	2015-03-14		Extremely Mild	Strong	Medium to Full	Very Pleasant

There is no other pipe tobacco remotely like this blend to my knowledge. A real one off stand alone baccy.Having been a 40 + years smoker of English blends and the occasional foray into Aromatics I can safely say this is 'different'.In a very good way.I have smoked a good number of tins over the past couple of years or so and every pipeful has been a joy. Better smoked in a large capacity bowl...usually my Billiards or 307's lets the baccy expand and work its magic. Never one to get going after the true light and usually needs more.Beautiful lemony zesty tang from the smoke even when re-lit after letting the pipe rest awhile.Flavour pretty much unchanging throughout the bowl.No bite.Very clean smoking.Fine grey ash with very little dottle.Aftertaste lingers for a long time.No doubt this tobacco doubled up as a room deodorant in Victorian times before the advent of room sprays....the room note is divine! Best to leave out on a large plate overnight as quite moist straight from the tin.

Pipe Used: Large Billiards,Peterson 307's

Age When Smoked: New

Purchased From: My Smoking Shop in UK

Similar Blends: This is a true one off..

11 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	pencils (60)	2019-03-25		Medium	Strong	Full	Very Pleasant

In search of a different experience, I bought this tin. I got one.

Grousemoor is unlike anything I have ever put into a pipe - and I immediately declare myself shockingly impressed. The idea of lemongrass in a pipe should have me running for the hills with my tail between my legs, but hoping for a new aromatic tobacco to add to the stable, I have hit upon an absolute winner. I understand that not everyone likes Lakeland style tobaccos, and I would be the first to name myself in that number - I don't enjoy the odd, cloying, pipe-ghosting sicklyness that many identify. If you are similarly inclined, don't let this put you off! The tin note is lemony, floral, citrussy and with a whiff of that lakeland oddness in the background but to the match, I can't detect it.

This is one of the best aromatics I have ever had. It has a quality and taste profile that doesn't tire my palate and is a pleasure to smoke. It is really addictive as every time I tapped out the fine ash from one pipe, I immediately wanted to pick up another to continue this intriguing journey with this cool-burning, spring-summer tasting blend. There is something special and enduring about this longstanding blend that once tried, certainly can't be forgotten, and has the potential to reach greatness when I look back on the myriad bowls that I have smoked over the last thirty years. I know it is easy to exaggerate and to stray into hyperbole when you find something you like, but like or loathe, this is genuinely unique and should be experienced at least once in your pipe odyssey. It is fresh and lively - not sherbetty like Cube, or chemical-laden such as can be the case with heavily cased aromatic goop-monsters, but infused with a unique and light floral experience that can only be experienced and not described. Excellent quality tobacco.

I do give you a significant caveat - this is a blend that ghosts. Many, if not most warn of that, but I failed to listen, and I foolishly went ahead with smoking it in a much loved pipe that if ghosted, I would be really sad. My next bowl of latakia in the pipe carried none of the overtones that others have found, so I pressed ahead with more. Unfortunately, it ghosts. It REALLY ghosts. I now have an ex-Latakia pipe that is given over to Grousemoor. If I didn't love it, it would be a disaster.

Thankfully, I do. If you are less certain, get yourself a cob and dedicate it to this fine, fine blend. I doubt you will regret it.

Pipe Used: Various - large bowls and small

Age When Smoked: New

Purchased From: Turmeau and GQ tobaccos

Similar Blends: Nothing I have ever tried before.

10 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30194)	2009-05-09		Mild to Medium	Extra Strong	Overwhelming	Tolerable

This tobacco is the reason I try out new blends in a corn cob. The other reviewers who noted the overwelming perfumey taste weren't joking. This is the tobacco version of a wino drinking your grandmother's perfume to get a buzz.

In the pouch it smelled wonderful. Notes of tea and herbs, but once you load your pipe and put flame to tobacco, look out! My wife thought it smelled great, but couldn't smell the over powering perfume. Have you ever accidentaly walked by your wife with your mouth open right after she sprayed on perfumed? That would be preferable to smoking Grousemoor. What was even worse was for the next month, no matter how often I cleaned that pipe, every time I smoked anything in it all I could taste was cheap perfume.

If you care for you pipes at all please avoid Grousemoor.

10 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	initials SG (29)	2015-10-03		Mild to Medium	Very Strong	Mild	Pleasant

On first opening the tin I got suckered in by the strong flavoring, started craving it, and quickly got burnt out by how strong and omni-present it is. Difficult to describe the flavoring itself- something in common with lemongrass, sure. Likely to inspire a love-hate reaction with most.

So, it sat on the shelf for a while, and the next time I smoked it, thanks to the poor seals on Sam Gawith tins once opened, it had dried out to bone-dry status, although it didn't become powdery.

OK, so once the flavoring has evaporated and the real tobacco flavor is exposed, Grousemoor is revealed to be superb! The tobacco itself is some of the best golden virginia I have smoked. Buttery and delicious. The flavoring is still there, but no longer overwhelming, so one can enjoy what it brings without getting kicked in the teeth by it.

Although I generally prefer to smoke SG tobaccos right from the tin (have learned the tricks to deal with high moisture content I suppose), this one is best smoked very dry. I get the feeling that back in the day when it was first created, it was likely smoked this way. Not man enough I guess to deal with the flavoring if not dried out completely, and besides, why miss out on the wonderful tobak flavor that it obscures?

Just a great smoke for springtime/early summer. Two stars at wet or normal moisture levels, four stars when bone-dry, so I will give it three as a compromise. Not something I smoke every day, but I love it. So nice to experience these traditional flavors on a base of the best.

9 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	doc'spipe (242)	2018-07-07		Medium	Mild to Medium	Mild to Medium	Pleasant

First let me say right from the start; this is one superb smoke! Always intrigued by the love-it-or-hate-it reviews, I finally decided to try this but it was out of stock for months here in the USA. Fortunately it has resurfaced and I ordered 2 tins.

This is the most "blonde" colored tobacco I have ever seen, like sunshine in a tin. For some reason my first thought was that of a goddess from Greek mythology, ala Jason And The Argonauts! Perhaps it was the all ribbon cut that looked liked golden curls of hair. I was surprised at the subtlety of the tin note; primarily lemon and other, non-descript fruit essences. No Lakeland aroma or flowers to my nose (think Gawith-Hoggarth). Considering the freshness of the tobacco, it loaded and lit quite easily; maintaining the smoke throughout the bowl with a few relights. It smoked clean and dry to the heel with a light grey ash residue and no dottle. Can smoke a tad hot, but there was no tongue bite at all - even with fast puffing. It didn't burn too quickly either; for example as compared to Germain's ribbon cut Plumcake. I might add that the pre-draw light tasted of a superior manufacturer's production of a hard lemon candy sucker. The overall taste sensation was the same, but subtle, and mixed with a background of sweet honey/vanilla, also subtle. Overall almost biscuit like with a slight incense-like aftertaste similar to Germain's Plumcake. It was the creamiest of smokes I have ever had. There was plenty of tobacco flavor and a good mouth feel with this. I usually find straight Virginias too vapid with regard to mouth feel; I'm sure the casings have added to the experience for a fuller smoke.

In no way did this taste Lakeland in the traditional sense or like some of the previous reviewers' comments of perfume laden grannies underwear! Unless they changed the formulation, there was none of that to my sense of taste or smell.

This can serve as an everyday smoke and will do so for me, so I better had snag a few more tins. 5 stars.

Pipe Used: Stanwell Vario Billiard

Age When Smoked: Fresh from tin

Purchased From: smokingpipes.com

Similar Blends: JF Germain's Plumcake, Sam Gawith's Black Forest.

8 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	MikeHaggarKJ (22)	2018-04-03		Medium	Extra Strong	Medium	Pleasant

What devilry is this? People actually enjoy smoking this absurd concotion? From wence did it come? Who, apart from the most insane scientist from the most unintelligebly absurd multiverses from rick & morty would think off making this hellish blend? People enjoy this? Do those people also enjoy eating pure soap? Perhaps they make little plates with their favourite soaps and eat them on crackers, like normal people do with cheese.

All off these comparisons off lakelands to soap was far more accurate than I could've possibly imagined. It even had the same bitter aftertaste. If there is great Virginia beneath this topping than there will never be any way for anyone to know.

Or so I thought.

This original impression thankfully did not persuade me to throw it away. I kept the tobacco in a jar. This is Samuel Gawith, my most trusted tobacco companion. They're the creators off the perfect English Blend, skiff mixture. The crestors off the only tolerable cherry blend I've ever smoked. 1792. Black XX. Their blends are not to be tossed.

Perhaps I could dilute it with other tobacco to make it smokeable, or make a potpurri out of it. The topping had an interesting citrusy aspect that I could see working as a bright VA enhancing flavour. The room note was mesmerizing.

I tried it again in a few weeks. God awful, I thought. I didn't dry it out properly. I was smoking bitter steam carrying soap flavour. Tobacco was completely subdued and impossible to discern.

Then is when I decided to dry it out - COMPLETELY. I left it out on plates for several days and put silica gel bags in the tobacco (they suck up moisture).

After 3 days I tried smoking this ridicolously dry tobacco. This was like, fall apart at the slightest touch dry. The pack was essentially a gravity pack as the slightest touch with the tamper would make the tobacco crumble. I expected the smoke to be harsher than the worlds worst cigarette. Any other expectation from tobacco this dry would be unreasonable. This was merely a test to see how much off the topping had remained.

To my great surprise, what revealed itself was the most wonderful bright VA I had ever had the pleasure off smoking. VA this dry should not be able to taste this rich, sweet and wonderful! Citrusy sweetness at the core off the flavour, mmm.... Sublime. And the topping... the distinctive lemongrass taste and aroma was there, but the soapy bitterness was gone. It was now a perfect condinement to the natural, tangy, citrus VA taste previously subdued.

I was now suddenly craving the taste off that lemongrass topping.

I immediately ordered a new tin. Tried it fresh. Almost as terrible as I remembered. I did the same drying out process, but a bit shorter and without silica gel.

It is now sublime, god-like. The topping perfectly accentuates the yummiest notes off the VA.

After it had been in it's jar with some 65% boveda baga to rehydrate, it was even better. But I still recommend this to be a dryer smoke than most, imo dry grousemoor improves the balance between the topping and natural tobacco flavour. If it is as moist as you'd usually want tobacco to be, the topping goes in a more soapy direction and the natural VA taste seems to get more subdued... My guess is that it has something to do with how steam from the moisture in the tobacco carries the flavours.

NOT recommended to smoke straight out off the tin. Either do what I did or dillute it with another bright VA. Although I doubt you will be able to find another bright VA as wonderful as this.

Had it arrived in the dried out state it would be an easy 4 stars.

Pipe Used: Briars and cobs

8 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Pre Republic Peterson (13)	2014-05-24		Mild	Very Strong	Medium to Full	Very Pleasant

I had read the reviews, who hasn't? I noted the love or hate people were giving it. Well on opening the can, overpowering smell of flora. But stunning brightly colored tobacco. Lovely packaging. First smoke, super strong flavoring, but creamy smoke. Second and consecutive smokes, super smooth and yummy. This is addictive, like others I am lusting after it and can taste it just by thinking of it. Often it calls my name and I cannot resist. Strangely tastes like a green tea Oral-B toothpaste that is available here in Hong Kong. Thats a good thing, if a slightly acquired taste. Will I buy more - YES, I am addicted. Its 200 years old for a reason. Unique and recommended.

Pipe Used: Barling TVF, Peterson 365

Age When Smoked: New

Purchased From: Online

8 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	tpatriarche (43)	2017-12-22		Mild to Medium	Medium to Strong	Medium to Full	Very Pleasant

First Impressions - on opening the tin, the floral topnote is almost overwhelming, and I thought I would not like this tobacco. A couple of pipes changed my mind. The name suggests Scotland, but this is NOT a Scottish blend, rather a unique "Lakeland" blend from the English Lake District. The tobacco is uniform, fine cut and quite damp (humidity 70%+). The taste is neutral rather than sweet, which means it hasn't been "over-Cavendished" if that's a word. The first few puffs confirmed the perfumy topnote, which apparently comes from lemongrass; there is an almost soapy quality which recalls Lemon Verbena more than the eastern lemongrass.

After a couple of lights, my pipe (Carey Magic Inch) burns smoothly to the bottom. After the first few puffs, the lemony topnote is no longer offensive, but delightful, and delightfully different. About half-way through, a butterscotch aroma becomes prominent. The last part of the pipe loses some of its aroma, but remains sweet and smooth.

There is very little tongue bite (much less than some Dutch Cavendishes); I am not sure of the nicotine content as I was taking nicotine lozenges at the time, but I suspect the lightness of the smoke conceals a moderate nicotine kick. This tobacco is gentle enough for an all-day smoke, although I suspect the flavour would pall after a while.

After 3 pipes I really like it. As I say, I would not want to smoke only this blend all day (I like variety in any case), but it is a very fine tobacco. It grows on me! After one pipe I would have given it only 3 stars - just another Cavendish; but after 3 pipes I think it has something unique to offer, which rates 4 stars in my book.

Equally good for the beginner and the experienced smoker, this is a great tobacco to contrast with your usual smoke. Four stars for a unique blend.

P.S. This blend is positively addictive! I have four other fine blends in my humidor, and I keep coming back to this one. You'll either love it or hate it.

PPS. I love this lemongrass topnote so much, I bought some lemongrass essential oil today to ad to my "shitmix" of Syrian & Virgina Bright until I get to my tobacconist Monday....

Pipe Used: Carey Magic Inch; Briar Churchwarden

Age When Smoked: Fresh from tin

Purchased From: Goodfellas http://www.goodfellascigarshop.com/pipe_smoke.htm

7 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	jonoz (14)	2014-12-23		Mild to Medium	Strong	Medium to Full	Very Pleasant

Never write a review after first impressions! Did usual S.G. ritual-open tin,fluff up, let stand 3 days lid off. Tried first pipe- hated it,burnt paper doused in perfume. Put aside 3 more days, lid off, at least it made a good air freshener. Tried again, now 6 days, lid off. Wow , what a difference. Golden Glow on steroids! Not being an Aro smoker, took me a while to come to terms with the floral taste,but soon became intrigued with the duel going on between the floral and the tobacco taste. Unlike other Aros there is a lovely earthy, malty Virginia taste under the floral and it fights to the top from mid pipe on.

(later)I should have remembered my advice to self : beware of bright yellow tobacco! This tends to burn my delicate tongue, it may not do it to you.

Further update: Due to above mentioned tongue bite, and not being able to tolerate the perfume, but still finding it an intriguing tobacco, I mixed 50g tin with Best Brown Flake- rubbed out. I started with 1 to 1 but have added 25% more FBBV. This is now amazing and been smoking it daily for months now, rotating with Skiff cut with the other 75% BBF to tame it a bit.(see Skiff review)

Pipe Used: various

Purchased From: www.smoker.co.il/info@smoker.co.il

Similar Blends: Nothing on this Planet.

7 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	TallPuffO'Burley (633)	2014-06-05		Medium	Extra Strong	Mild to Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

This stuff tastes just awful to me. The topping is way over the top. It just seemed to gag me every time and as if that wasn't enough, it left a ghost on my pallet that made everything I ate, drank or smoke less pleasurable. I gave it about six bowls before passing it on to a forum buddy who likes it.

It is for him and Sam Gawith I give this 2 stars. For me it is not recommendable.

Similar Blends: Huffing Pine Sol..

7 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Greekpipesmoker (201)	2018-05-16		Mild to Medium	Medium to Strong	Medium to Full	Pleasant

S.Gawiths aromatic blends are not typical and common and this one is not an exception.once the tin breaks a tense aroma combined from some citruses,sweet lakeland notes and orange hints comes out.the nice ribbon cut bright virginias are smooth and a bit moist.i prefer not to dry it out because packing and lighting is easy.while smoking as the aroma promises the virginias are subtlimated by the topping though they offer some grass and citruses.the topping is present till the end being sweet with lemon and orange notes.some times a soapy flavour is detected.generally the flavours taste nice though not very natural.burns medium hot and quick with some moisture being created at the end of the bowl and the filter.the nicotine level is almost medium and the aftertaste it s sweet.the room note is pleasant.this blend can ghost easilly a pipe.generally i consider it to be a soft lakeland style blend that can be an all day smoke and satisfy a smoker that looks for a different style in aromatic blends

Age When Smoked: Fresh

6 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Twolk (1)	2017-11-09		Medium	Medium to Strong	Medium	Strong

First, I am new to pipe smoking....around a year but what I lack in experience I make up for in enthusiasm for my new hobby. I have made it my mission to sample all manner and style of pipe tobaccos on offer.

That being said, in my short pipe smoking career I have attempted to try each tobacco with an open and unbiased approach giving each one its own due course before developing my opinion.

So this brings me to Grousemoor. I was excited to try my first "Lakeland style" tobacco. Admittedly, I was unsure what this meant but I still wanted to give it a go.

I opened the tin with same excitement that I have opened every tin....expecting to find a new and interesting experience within. I certainly did. The tin note of Grousemoor can best be explained as eccentric I think. I have not encountered another tobacco quite like it yet. I could smell the tobacco components but it was the other aromas within the tobacco that took over at my first whiff immediately. I describe that aroma as follows; pungent old lady perfume, flowery and herbal and a touch citrusy. Mostly however, it smells like of the flowery perfume. I wasn't put off by the tin note but I have to honest and say that I wasn't encouraged. It was a bit off putting to this old sniffer.

I packed a bowl and proceeded to light. I puffed away. I am glad to say that it smoked and tasted different than the tin would have suggested. However, this is not to say that I necessarily enjoyed it. If you remember "Thrills" gum (not sure if its made anymore......little pinkish-purple Chiclet type gum) this is how I would describe the flavour of Grousemoor. Admittedly, I hated that gum. It tasted floral and soapy with a bit of white sugary sweetness. Grousemoor also tastes like this to me. I finished the bowl and was happy it was done. I tucked the tin away in my tobacco drawer never to be seen again. No not really, im sure I will give it another go but not for a while. It is certainly a different experience for me as a pipe smoker.

Im sure there is a loyal and dedicated following of this type of tobacco out there but I shall not be including myself in that category.

Pipe Used: Peterson bulldog

Purchased From: walper tobacco

6 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	hubup (14)	2015-06-25		Medium	Strong	Medium to Full	Pleasant to Tolerable

I tried this for once and I'm looking for the same taste in every tobacco i try. This one is the real deal, my favourite tobacco. Nice smell, full aroma, medium strength.

Pipe Used: Savinelli 115 KS

Age When Smoked: 6-7 months

Purchased From: Istanbul, Underground Tobacco Shop

Similar Blends: This one is so special, singular....

6 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Nicotiana_rustica (23)	2014-01-30		Mild to Medium	Medium	Mild to Medium	Pleasant

First it should be noted that GROUSEMOOR is indeed a special tobacco, that requires somewhat different initial approach than other SG tobaccos. And that fact is crucial and really important! I think the approach to smoke grousemoor requires a relatively long drying time (much longer than for other SG blends!). By that i mean the tobacco should be really bone dry...BONE DRY. It should be dry to the level, one could think it would simply turn into dust by itself. Grousemoor needs to by dried to such level! I normally dry the whole tin quantity for 3-5 days (i put the whole tobacco on large tray and let it dry). During that period that famous lemongrass aroma evaporated to the extend it is more inoffensive. After 5 days i put the tobacco back in the original tin. EVEN AFTER ONE YEAR (!) the tobacco in this (bone dry) condition is still perfectly smokable. It seem Grousemoor could newer be to dry!

When i first purchased a tin of Grousemoor i of coarse didn't know how initially to process the tobacco. I was disappointed. If You smoke grousemoor that is still wet, the aroma can be a bit overpowering, the natural sweetness of the virginia to much subdued. No fun at all. If grousemoor is really properly dry; one could enjoy the mild, CREAMY, SWEET Lakeland blend at its best!

I think GROUSEMOOR receives so much negative critics because fellow smokers simply don't know how to treat, preprepare GROUSEMOOR. Therefore always bear in mind it should be dried even more than some other SG blends. As all virginias you should smoke Grousemoor in medium sized pipes (MISSOURI MEERSCHAM LEGEND!!!!!), take Your tin, sip the tobacco and enjoy life!

Grousemoor is a serious Lakeland tobacco. The mildest one on market today. The 200+ years of production is indeed a good indicator for a quality tobacco pipe tobacco. One of my all time favourite ribbon cut virginias, that i dedicate for special moments and smoke for almost 11 years.

Age When Smoked: needs to be dried first!!!

Purchased From: https://pipe-shop.net

Similar Blends: ///.

6 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	SteelCowboy (685)	2011-12-15		Mild to Medium	Medium	Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

Having enjoyed Grousemoor Plug, I set out on the long journey to find a rarely available tin of Grousemoor Mixture. Having finally found a couple of tins I set off to make the inevitable comparison between the plug and the mixture. The mixture has a much stronger floral scent in the pouch, typical of most Lakeland aromatics. While the plug has somewhat of a “baked cookie” taste with the florals further in the background, the mixture shares the similar taste of cookies with a much more forward floral scent. (Yes, I know it sounds a little silly and I seldom compare tobacco to food). The tobacco found in most Lakeland style blends is of high quality and it really comes down to whether or not the smoker finds the casing appealing, so Grousemoor will likely be a love or hate blend for most pipers. Be sure to have a pipe set aside for Grousemoor because it will leave a ghost in your briar. For me, it won't be an everyday blend, but I will keep some around as a nice change of pace. Recommended.

6 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Tantric (321)	2002-07-04		Mild to Medium	Medium to Strong	Medium	Tolerable

Gawith tobaccos seem to be uneven. Some, like BBF, FVF or SL, are very good, in terms of their consistency and of the clarity of their flavour (e.g.: straight Virginia or good, strong Latakia). I find others to have an indefinable quality, in the sense that one does not know exactly what the stuff your smoking is made of.

IMO, Grousemoore (togehter with Perfection) is one of them. It purports to be a kind of Virginia blend, with a slight aroma. I couldn't make out neither. Some reviews question the "soapy" taste of many a British tobacco. In this case, it is not so much a soapy taste, but a sour-sweet concoction that pervades whatever tobacco there may be in this blend, effectivel turning it (at least for me) into something I cannot smoke.

At worst, it reminds me of something called Palladin Black Cherry; at best, it is akin to Erinmore mixture (i.e, a pineapple gone bad).

6 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Captain Casual (21)	2019-08-19		Mild	Medium	Mild to Medium	Pleasant

This blend is highly unusual. The leaf is extraordinarily bright. The smoke is very light and somehow, this blend manages to turn "soapy flowers"-flavouring into a good thing.

In all seriousness though, this blend is interesting. There's some mellow fresh grass from the leaf itself, and the topping provides a gentle, fresh, floral flavour. It can be a bit soapy, but i find that it doesn't detract much from the experience.

It'll need some drying and some relights, but largely, it's a well behaved blend that burns nice and clean. You're going to want to smoke this one slowly, though. It doesn't seem to bite, but it loses quite a bit of it's flavour if smoked too fast and hot.

I quite like it. Also, bonus points for the nice tin art.

Pipe Used: Various briars

Age When Smoked: Brand new

Purchased From: Cigarworld.de

Similar Blends: Vauen - Trüllerie.

5 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Aleksander Szyszkowski (6)	2019-07-16		Mild to Medium	Medium to Strong	Mild to Medium	Pleasant

My experience with Grousemoor is quite strange to say the least, although in the end I will say that it's generally positive.

I was intrigued by the strange, seductive smell of the tobacco right out the packet. To me it's really one of a kind - fresh, almost a bit sour, similar to some exotic flowers and citrus fruit. It was quite dry and I had to refresh it for a few hours before smoking. I packed a corncob I bought just to try Grousemoor, afraid of potentially ghosting my old aromatic-dedicated pipe. The experience was interesting - the aroma is definitely of lemongrass and citrus, with slight hints of vanilla. It bites easily, which is a small minus, but if smoked carefully it can be very relaxing and enchanting, as it is quite different from smoking your average aromatic. After that I tried smoking it in my filtered briar pipe - this drastically worsened the taste, cut out most of the aroma and made the smoking dull and frustrating, as my every attempt at squeezing at least a bit of the distinct lemongrass aroma out was met by an awful tonge bite. I wouldn't recommend smoking it with a filter.

I will most likely come back to this blend from time to time, but I don't think I will ever fully love it like I do my Amphora aromatics. Grousemoor is an oddity at least worth trying.

Pipe Used: Corncob; B&B 212

Age When Smoked: New

Purchased From: Smoke; Wroclaw, Poland

5 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	PipeDragon (44)	2019-04-16		Mild to Medium	Medium	Medium	Pleasant

After years of pipe smoking, it was finally time to sample a Lakeland style tobacco. Grousemoor was part of a trio containing the first SG blends I've ever smoked. It waited a few weeks to be smoked, while I was waiting for a new pipe to arrive and which will be dedicated to Lakeland blends. Then, when it was with me, I was very anxious to finally smoke this one.

Comes very moist and compact in the tin, but I was actually surprised at how quickly it dried out inside the tin; it is almost ready to be put in a jar (my tin of Squadron Leader, purchased together with Grousemoor, still needs some more drying). Comes in a well cut ribbon, almost bordering shag cut. The tobacco has a nice, bright, golden color from the steamed and stoved Virginias. The tin note, a real delight. This is the most pleasant smelling unlit tobacco I've ever put my nose on. You're greeted by a wonderful floral bouquet, lavender, a touch of cinnamon and it almost reminds me of that rice and milk dessert, with a touch of cinnamon.

Mechanically, there is one thing worth mentioning. Due to the fine ribbon cut, some extra care needs to be taken when packing the pipe as it's very easy to get it clogged in the bowl. After a proper packing is made with a good draw, then it's no fuss. Lights very easily, burns well, doesn't heat, doesn't bite, doesn't gurgle. This is meant to be puffed slowly.

Let's talk about the smoke. I'll take a moment to talk about the Lakeland essence. Yes, this is an aromatic. But, if your perception of an aromatic is that of a Danish or Black Cavendish-heavy blend, this is not that. This is an English type of aromatic, using natural flavorings instead of artificial-chemical ones. And when you first sample a proper Lakeland blend, such as Grousemoor, you get it why it's a very polarizing flavor. People either love it or hate it. Personally, I love it. It's a very pleasant change of pace from the more "mainstream" aromatics.

That being said, throughout the smoke this one is two-faced. In the first half of the bowl it's a pretty mild, delicate blend. That flavoring comes to the front and it has a nice floral, citrus, perfumey, slightly aftershave-ish taste so unique that it's very hard to describe. Once you're halfway through, the tobacco becomes a bit potent and more of that Virginia taste becomes prevalent. I get the more earthy, bakery, bit darker taste of Virginia as opposed to the grassier one. The flavoring is quieter, but still there and forms a nice balance with the Virginia. Burns to a nice, fine ash and leaves a pleasant room note. Beverage wise, this tobacco almost begs you to smoke it while drinking a nice cup of tea.

Grousemoor is a very unique blend and has that sort of old fashioned character that you don't find in many tobaccos. And you get a very solemn feeling knowing that you smoke one of the oldest blends that it's still being made the way it was made 200 years ago. This is history in a tin. A tobacco that will most definitely become a permanent addition in my collection and that will offer me great pleasure and satisfaction with every pipeful. A classic and a legend.

Pipe Used: Szabo Bruyere Mixed

Age When Smoked: 2 weeks

Purchased From: Online tobacco shop

5 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	fr_tom (393)	2019-02-04		Mild	Mild to Medium	Mild to Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

The tobacco comes as a fairly uniform tan. It is mostly a medium chopped ribbon with some fish flake bits. Pouch note is a sweet with some citrus and earth. It came at a good level of hydration for me in the ziplock baggie sample from a friend. I smoked it as delivered.

Smoked, this is fairly mild in terms of strength. There is a little hay from the Virginias, I get a hint of citrus and sweet with a little floral and perfume in the topping. I think I found the topping a little milder than the reputation would suggest. The smoke was pleasant. It burned a little fast for me. The flavor had a tart edge at times, and I am not sure if that is the Virginia base or the topping.

This was good and I enjoyed it. It was not interesting enough or punch enough buttons to merit keeping a tin around given the price. It is a 2.5 on the overall rating scale.

5 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	PiedPiper1010 (16)	2018-12-26		Mild	Mild to Medium	Medium	Very Pleasant

When I first started smoking a pipe, I smoked aromatics and that was pretty much all I smoked. As my love for smoking a pipe grew, my curiosities did as well and I started testing the waters with other blends, such as English, Balkan, VAs, etc.- and eventually strayed away from Aromatics, only smoking them occasionally.

I bought a tin of Grousemoor for a couple reasons... because of the mystique that surrounded it, and because at the time it was one of the only blends that wasn't out of stock. I must say all this mystique is for good reason, this is one fantastic blend. I wished I had discovered this sooner. It is thee most unique aromatic I may have ever smoked. In the sense that, the flavor is not something you will find in any other blend that I know of. Lemongrass? Huh? What the hell is that? Whatever it is I really like it. This blend is refreshing, citrusy, slightly floral and sweet. The tobacco is very high quality and it burns very nicely. It does require a few relights, perhaps it needed some more air time. The color is a beautiful golden - yellow, and the scent when the tin pops open reminds me of limoncello, which makes me wonder if there is a hint of alcohol topping on the blend. We will never know for sure however, the word is the recipe is kept secret. It is said that only three people in the company know it's actual contents and this had been the case for over 200 years. The people change, needless to say, but if it has lasted this long, it's liked by many and they just added another person to the list, because I will certainly be buying this again. It is one of very few aromatics that you really get the taste of what it says it is flavored with. In this case lemongrass, which I suppose I like, who knew!

Pipe Used: Meershaum

Age When Smoked: unaged

Purchased From: Smoking pipes

Similar Blends: Nothing I know of..

5 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	dbl-bbl (45)	2018-03-20		Mild	Mild to Medium	Mild to Medium	Pleasant

The sealed tin I received was from 2015 so it had a few years of age on it. The tobacco is a beautiful bright golden color; significantly lighter in appearance than many other golden Virginia blends that I've smoked (this aged tin was a little on the dry side). I'm not sure if a newer tin would arrive with more moisture ... guess I'll have to pick up a new one to find out.

Me thinks the flue-cured Zimbabwe leaf is most likely the main star here. The age-old top note that SG uses is purported to be a 200+ year old family secret ... and I can attest that I've never tasted anything quite like this before now. Nonetheless, in my humble opinion the top note does not overly sublimate the tobacco yet promotes a cool, clean, & fresh smoking experience. Others have described it as lightly fruity, citrusy, lemon grass, perfume-like, soapy ... to all this I say "yeah". Sure I've smoked & enjoyed other Lakeland Floral blends ... but this one is uniquely different and lightly done. The flavor nuances come out best when smoked slowly. If puffed like a freight train I think you'll miss the unique flavor profile this one intends to deliver.

All said, if you can handle Lakeland Florals I'd recommend giving it a whirl. I myself am an old American upland bird hunter ... so what's not to like about the brace of English Setter bird dogs on the tin cover? It takes me back to youthful & simpler times ... I've enjoyed the companionship of many a good bird dog ... boy do I miss 'em!

Pipe Used: Briars & Cobs

Age When Smoked: 3 years old

5 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	CarlosGardel (15)	2017-04-16		Mild	Medium to Strong	Medium to Full	Pleasant

I am a huge fan of Lakeland tobaccos, GH better than SG. Even among those, Grousemoor is still one of a kind. It’s rather mild in nicotine content and its perfume is light and fresh, unlike my favorite Ennerdale which I would classify as dense. This makes Grousemoor a very good all-day smoke. As with the best blends, the result is more than the sum of parts. Apart from the evident Virginia and floral and citrus notes, I also feel tea and chocolate (in the way a good Assam tea reminds of chocolate). I found some variation from tin to tin, sometimes more pungent and sometimes less. As with many SG tobacco it is worth letting it dry a little, but not too much, or it may lose some of its flavour.

Pipe Used: Mostly Capt. Warren

Age When Smoked: Fresh from tin

5 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Roy Odhner (9)	2016-07-16		Mild to Medium	Mild to Medium	Mild to Medium	Pleasant

When I was a kid, I spent many a spring and summer at the family property outside of Honesdale, PA. There were two waterfalls on the property, with lots of woods surrounding them. Moss, ferns, old leaves, clean mountain air, rich earth, fresh running water, Mountain Laurel, trees, lichens - typical Pocono mountain terrain and fauna. Put all that in a pipe, add some lemon grass, and smoke it - that is my take on Grousemoor. A more simpler analogy might be Earl Gray tea. No matter, either way you get a great approximation of this venerable smoke. Wonderful stuff.

It's a Lakeland blend, but in the earthy sense of Samuel Gawith blends - not the floral sense of Gawith, Hogarth, and Company blends. I got the SG version right off the bat, but the GH&C version took me a bit longer to appreciate - and Grousemoor was the first SG blend I ever tried. That was about four years ago, and I've had a few tins of Grousemoor in my cellar ever since.

Some people recommend letting it dry for quite some time before you smoke it. This is a good idea, since it really allows the quality of the top notch Virginia leaf to shine. Let it dry less, and the wonderful mossy/earthy Lakeland essence shines. Both of these approaches have their merits, but I kind of prefer to let the mossy/earthy notes to come peaking through. Either way, though, I enjoy this bend very much and I can see how it's been a classic for 200 years now. I could smoke it all day, every day, and be a happy camper. However, I prefer to just smoke a tin every now and then so that it never loses its special appeal and becomes just another smoke.

Pipe Used: MM Mark Twain (Bent)

Age When Smoked: Cellared 2.5 years ago

Purchased From: 4Noggins

Similar Blends: Nothing else, and that's what makes it so wonderful..

5 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	pacman357 (15)	2014-08-18		Mild	Medium	Medium	Very Pleasant

I can see how this could be a "love it or hate it" smoke. Personally, I love it. It's not something I could smoke on a daily basis. Frankly, that is a good thing, in my book. It's certainly got a pronounced lemongrass flavor, with no bite for me. I think smoking it every day would cause me to eventually get sick of it. Instead, I appreciate it once in a while for a nice change of pace, even though my tastes range widely (from super-sweet aromatics to the heaviest English blends, and just about everything in between). There certainly isn't another blend out on the market like it. In fact, the closest thing I can think of is an Earl Grey blend I make for a small B&M cigar and pipe place my wife and I own, and even that blend is a good distance apart from this fine blend. Grousemoor is simply one of my favorite pipe smokes of all time. My compliments to the chef.

5 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	StevieB (2081)	2014-07-26		Medium	Very Strong	Full	Pleasant

Sam Gawith - Grousemoor.

This is a 'love it or hate it' blend.

The tobaccos, as ever with Sam G', are high quality. But I can't get along with the casing. The lemon causes an extreme bitterness, and the florals are way too perfume like. If you want to try it for heavens sake use a cob, it ghosts horrendously. Because I can't smoke more than half a bowl I won't do it the injustice of a long review.

Two stars.

Pipe Used: Peterson

Age When Smoked: New

Purchased From: Smoke King

5 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Anglesey (4)	2014-01-23		Mild	Medium to Strong	Medium	Very Pleasant

This blend is an assault on the senses from start to finish. Upon opening the tin, it seems very damp, as seems to be the case with SG. The lemongrass is immediately noticeable, but nothing else really comes through until you smoke it. It's certainly not unsmokably wet straight out of the tin though, so that's what I did. Loaded up a clay tavern pipe, for fear of ghosting a briar if I didn't like it.

Didn't take to light immediately, or stay lit constantly at first, but it certainly wasnt impossible to get going. Again, the lemongrass comes through instantly, but not so overpoweringly so. It is, surprisingly I found, reminiscent of heather covered moors, and I even got a whiff of leather, cream, and vanilla. The good woman noticed heather, but I didn't so much. It's not half as perfumey as it smells, and smokes wonderfully.

All in all, this is a lovely tobacco. The room note was lovely, to the extent that the good woman consented to let me smoke it inside. I wouldn't smoke it if I was walking on the moors, but for sitting in the morning with a nice cup of tea, it was absolutely perfect, and even affected the taste of the tea, but not unpleasantly. I could smoke this day and night and not get bored of it. The only downside was the very end of the bowl was rather bitter, this is the only point the tobacco got overly lemony. Not much nicotine at all either, but I have other tobaccos for that. Will certainly be buying more.

Pipe Used: Clay tavern pipe

Age When Smoked: Straight out of the tin

Purchased From: Pipeshop.co.uk

5 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	PipePaladin (78)	2008-02-09		Mild	Strong	Full	Tolerable

I am not an aromatic person so my apologies for dooming this one! This blend looks great and smells wonderfully but waaaaaayyyy too strong! It reminds me of the Old Spice perfume! When it comes to smoking it has an earthy and heavy floral taste! I bet the casing involved shoveling earth and flora otherwise it just doesn't make any sense! As with all the Gawiths its quite wet and needs some drying. But still it will smell like after shave or creamsoap! If you like herbal staff and you feel adventurous yeah go and buy some. To smoke this (as with the Black Cherry) I had to tame it down with some squadron leader.. I love Gawith flakes and blends but this one it did crossed the line..

5 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Olivermac (19)	2021-02-05		Mild to Medium	Medium to Strong	Medium to Full	Pleasant

I am one who is not put off at all by very unusual, floral, Lakeland tobaccos. I usually smoke a lot of Virginia in my day to day, but I absolutely love a good Lakeland blend. This is the first time I've tried grousemoor and I love it. I like it straight out of the tin. I'm not quite sure why I like it so much because the tin note of this particular baccy is like old man aftershave of some sort. I guess one reason is because I find the flavor very intriguing. It makes me feel like I'm smoking some long forgotten old blend that I found in my grandfather's secret stash and it was there because it was the awesome aromatic of his time. Idk, I like it. My advice, open your mind and taste buds and see if you find it as tasty as me. I usually don't smoke aromatics because I like to inhale my pipe tobaccos from time to time and most of them are simply too darn weak to please me. Not so with grousemoor. It's got that little throaty kick I just love. It also makes me think of some smoke straight out of Tolkien's world. Just awesome.

Purchased From: Iwan Ries

Similar Blends: There's nothing exactly like it, but some of the gawith and hogarth Lakeland blends are in the ballpark..

4 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	musicman (131)	2020-09-13		Medium	Very Strong	Medium	Pleasant

I love Grouse-moor, Like really love Grouse-moor.

For me, grouse-moor is a unicorn tobacco. An unheard of commodity in the pipe world. The thing is, all smokers want two things out of an aromatic, two things they almost never get. First, we want the tobacco to taste as it smells in the tin. Many come close, almost none can pull it off. Secondly, we want our aromatics to smoke like non-aromatics. No goop, no slime, no sludge (my fingers should not be sticky after packing a bowl). No relights after every five seconds, and no need to dry it out for a month before smoking.

For me, grouse-moor does both of these things, making it an endangered species in the pipe world.

The other thing I love about this tobacco is the uniqueness of its flavor. So many aromatics are similar in casings. Vanilla, chocolate, caramel, berry, and alcohol flavors seem to make up 90% of the aromatic casings you come across. This tobacco is unlike any smell or taste I have ever experienced. Yes this is technically a lakeland, but totally different from what I think of as lakeland flavors (think ennerdale). The smell in the tin is of.....who the hell knows? Citrusy? Kinda. Floral? Kinda. Intriguing ? Oh yes! I love everything about it, and for some reason, it seems to keep calling you back.

I usually age most of my blends, but this blend I prefer as fresh as possible. I feel it loses the potency of its casing pretty quick, and I just cannot get enough of that casing. For some, that may be a huge plus. If you don't like the flavor of grouse-moor, don't throw it out! Tuck it away and revisit in a year. It is a whole new tobacco, with a milder topping.

The one cautionary note I can give is that this stuff ghosts and ghosts hard. You practically need an exorcism after smoking this. Try it in a cob first, or a pipe you don't mind dedicating.

This is a must try tobacco, because there is nothing else like it. Even if you think you won't like it.....aren't you curious? Try it, you just have to.

Pipe Used: Grabow Golden Duke, Wessex Viking

Age When Smoked: 4yrs old

Purchased From: Smokingpipes.com

4 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Flyingdutchman (20)	2019-12-10		Mild	Strong	Mild	Very Pleasant

Well, I was quite curious to taste a lemon scented tobacco. Lemon is my favourite fruit, lemongrass is among my favouite spices so... I had to give Grousemoor a try! First, the tobacco. I am a regular flake smoker, not used anymore to cut tobacco and it was a pleasant surprise to see a Yellow bright tobacco cut into ribbons easy to pack in every pipe. Moisted, but not too much, it lights up quickly and keeps going without relighting. If some has ever been in a Moor in spring, this is what it would smell. Tin aroma is grassy, flowers and, of course, lemongrass above all. Packing, as said, is easy, so it's lighting up. Puffs are sweet from the beginning to the end, power is very mild, this is an every hour smoke, room aroma is very pleasant. So, if you like aromatics and want to try something different from Ennerdale, give this rascal a try!

EDIT EDIT EDIT EDIT EDIT EDIT EDIT! may 27th 2021

What ever happened to this tobacco???? I just bought a fresh tin and tobacco is completely changed! Nothing to do with the wonderful tobacco I used to smoke. First of all, the color is light yellow, very light, probably too light to be appealing, second, the tin aroma. Gone are flowers and citrus, just a (pleasant) smell of red chili pepper and tomato!!! Tonight I will light up a bowl and come back for a full smoking review.

Pipe Used: Brebbia bent briar

Age When Smoked: fresh

4 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	BROBS (67)	2018-02-20		Mild to Medium	Medium to Strong	Medium to Full	Pleasant to Tolerable

I was VERY pleasantly surprised by this one. I would certainly say it has some Lakeland, but the lemongrass and whatever other aromas marry perfectly to create a delicious, light, yet full flavor. I almost get a note of patchouli on the palate, and the room note I feel is similar. Will not bite, and burns evenly to the bottom. Don't be fooled by it's seemingly "light" profile.. does have a decent amount of nicotine. Puffed way too hard this weekend trying to quickly color a meer (stupid, right?) and because this tobacco is so light without bite I was able to do so. I was then greeted with the sickly spinning head syndrome and had to eat, so beware. Seems moist from the tin, but you will find by the time you pull it apart (sort of a pressed block of shag cut) and get it packed in a bowl it's the correct moisture content... so don't be fooled by appearances. If you pack directly from the tin and loosely on the bottom of the bowl you will be greeted with one of the most interesting (and addicting) flavor profiles in pipe tobacco. A total change of pace, but a welcome one.

edited: Room note may be stronger than it seems to the smoker.. so I dinged the room note one notch for that but still a full 4 stars on this one.

Pipe Used: Vauens, Falcon, Meerschaums

Age When Smoked: direct from tin

Purchased From: smokingpipes.com

4 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	1979 (62)	2017-10-30		Mild	Medium	Medium	Pleasant

Samuel Gawith - Grousemoor

Archway lemon cookies + gingerbread + the barest hint of ivory soap, both taste and room note.  Grandpa shaving on Sunday morning.  The lemon is far more herbal than citrus.  These essences mostly overpower the natural tobacco taste, although the tobacco occasionally shows some punch.  Attractive looking blonde leaf in the tin, very moist but free of unnatural humectants.  Soft on the palate, no bite.  Not much nicotine hit. This is not the sort of tobacco that comes to mind when I think of hunting. More like tea and crumpets on the back patio around Easter. Straight smokin' the tea.  The topping will subside some with jar time.  Surely a unique blend.

Where can you get Grousemoor plug without importing it, besides England?

4 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Volcán (2)	2017-08-05		Medium to Strong	None Detected	Very Full	Pleasant

This unique blend is superb... I can't find any description truly justified. So simply taste it and enjoy... Be carefull with the pipe that you will chose: The scent remain

Similar Blends: No similar at all....

4 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Mr. Big (321)	2015-08-11		Mild to Medium	Strong	Mild	Pleasant

The story on this tobacco is the VERY unusual scent and flavor. I'm not usually an aromatic smoker but after reading Zulujerk"s, "Out of Body Experience" , I had to try this blend. Well, I have to say, it is intriguing. Upon opening the tin, it smells like a scented candle, OK which one ??? Maybe "Fresh Scent, Ocean Breeze, Linen , well, I guess, "Lemon Grass" ? Upon lighting up, it tastes and smells similar, but leaning more to a "peach apricot cotton candy". That's the best I can do in describing this blend.

The tobacco is very light in color , is cut is a wide ribbon, packs and smokes easy. No bite , doesn't burn hot and it does have a slight bitterness in the background. A well behaved aromatic, for a real change of pace.

I recommend smoking this in a small cob ( I was using a MM Pony) . I really think this will ghost a pipe and it would be cloying in a big bowl. Will I buy again ? maybe, just to have that change of pace once every 3 months . ( wife does like the scent).

Pipe Used: Cob ( MM Pony)

Age When Smoked: 2 weeks open

Similar Blends: None that I can Think of !.

4 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	DrumsAndBeer (217)	2015-07-17		Mild to Medium	Medium to Strong	Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

Grousemoor is surely one of the more heavily-scented mixtures in the Sam Gawith catalog. I don't get much in the way of tobacco leaf flavor; the grassiness of the bright yellow to tan medium cut Virginia is almost entirely spelled by the topping which is front and center in the mix. The smoke is soft, smooth and delicate with a touch of sweetness. Exhaling gives a prominent flavor of fruit blossom, lemongrass as well as a slight peachy aroma and aftertaste. Grousemoor is not a complex blend. From first puff to last, the flavor is consistent and does not change much and the floral essence of the top note remains through the entire bowl.

If you savor scented Lakeland blends Grousemoor is worth experiencing. Personally, I enjoy the unique essence but it's most definitely an acquired taste. Grousemoor makes for a good warm summer day smoke and it pairs nicely with iced tea or a cold pale ale or pilsner. I smoke this one in a cob because I don't want to dedicate a briar pipe to a single blend.

4 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Otis56 (31)	2015-02-01		Mild	Medium	Mild to Medium	Pleasant

I love this tobacco. it is such a beautiful golden yellow colour and has an amazing wonderful aroma of honey and wild flowers. Which is also reflected in the smoke. It is a ribbon cut and packs well. A very lovely smoke. Reminds me of summer and the lake and wildflowers at our lake house. I can see how you could love or hate this mixture. It could be little over the top for some. I say try it. It could be. Your new favorite. Peace.

Pipe Used: Ashton bent billiard.

Age When Smoked: 1year

Purchased From: 4noggins

Similar Blends: Heaven..

4 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30194)	2013-07-24		Mild to Medium	Mild to Medium	Mild to Medium	Pleasant

This stuff is gorgeous and addictive (and I don't mean the nicotine). A taste of summer. Hay, slightly floral, citrus and lemongrass as many have said before me. It's not offensive at all in my opinion. Delicate and divine. I can definitely see why this is still being produced 200 years later. My new favourite and a keeper.

4 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30194)	2012-04-06		Mild	Mild to Medium	Mild	Pleasant to Tolerable

Interesting blend. It took me the entire tin to decide if I even liked it, let alone to have any real thoughts about it. Light in color and citrusy in tin aroma with a wide ribbon cut, I'd say "lemon grass" is reasonably accurate. It definitely had a citrus flavor that was not intrusive. I suppose this is SG's take on the "floral" flavorings that G&H excels at. This one was far from the best that G&H offers, but it was a decent blend.

The flavoring was subdued and the tobaccos seemed muted as well. Very unassertive. G&H's florals often make better use of both the flavoring and the underlying tobaccos than this one does. I got the feeling that SG used tobacco of lesser quality for this blend, and may have felt that such leaf would be lost when flavored. By comparison, G&H uses top drawer tobaccos that are robust and flavorful on their own. Consequently, this one seemed more dull than it could have been. The concept was intriguing to me, as a huge fan of a lot of G&H tobaccos. Then again, each blend should be taken on its own merits. So on its own, this one seemed mild, a bit bland, unfulfilled and unfulfilling. However, it does have a nice pleasant flavor and can be recommended for someone who finds Lakeland flavorings too heavy and prefers a more subdued version.

4 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30194)	2011-11-06		Mild	Medium	Mild to Medium	Pleasant

I wanted to hate it. I DID hate it. I couldn't stand it. But I couldn't stop filling my pipe with it.

I just ordered a pound of it.

What's with this tobacco? Crack on a leaf? God help me.

4 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	strongirish (249)	2009-07-15		Very Mild	Mild	Mild	Pleasant

This blend was a new experience to me in that it is an aro but not cloyingly so. The tin is very attractive and looks like an old blend. Upon opening it, I was greeted with a sweet, fermented berry aroma. The tobacco is somewhat sticky and is a light tan color with some darker flakes mixed lightly into it. It is a thin ribbon cut. It loaded in to my pipe sell though I was careful not to overpack because of the stickiness. It lit very easily and stayed lit well for being so wet. I was greeted with a mild, mostly blueberry taste and a great aroma. I settled back to enjoy it with a cup of hot Irish tea.

This blend stayed consistant all the way down with a refreshing flavor on my palette and was in no way overwhelming with the added flavors as many aros are. It has a sweet taste yet one can taste the tobaccos in it. It started mild and stayed that way, never threatening tongue bite at all. I smoked it down to a dark grey ash with very little dottle and once done, immediately wanted another bowl of it. It is light on the "N" and would be a great smoke for newbies or an all day blend for those whom like aros.

I give this four stars as it is as promised and from beginning to end was a delightful smoke. I do recommend trying this.

4 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	McClintock (15)	2021-06-25		Mild	Mild to Medium	Mild	Pleasant

A very unique aromatic. It’s tobacco (golden/bright VA) forward with a light citrus/lemongrass topping. I don’t get much in the way of floral, maybe a slight rose water/honey note in the background. It’s a peculiar scent and flavor, but it grows on you. There is an earthy (almost incense-like, operative word being “almost”) note when burning, maybe due to the variety of tobacco or something in the processing? It’s sweet, light, and pleasant. I really can’t compare it to anything, it’s really different. Don’t fear the reviews hyping this up as some kind of powerhouse (scent ,not strength) of weirdness. Also disregard any references to pine-sol, that’s just absurd. Grousemoor is different for sure, but rather subdued with the topping playing support to the natural flavor of the tobacco. If you’re looking for that soapy/floral antiquarian experience, stick to something like Ennerdale flake. If you want a unique, easy-going light aromatic, give this one a try. It will grow on you, it’s a pleasant change of pace.

Pros: no bite, easy to pack fine ribbon cut, burns slow/cool, pleasantly different but non-offensive room note, tobacco forward flavor, goop-free, minimal ghosting when compared to even a mild vanilla cavendish

Cons: It’s an acquired taste, may be too weird for fans of American aromatics and too subtle for fans of the more adventurous floral Lakeland aromatic offerings.

3 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	MangoLegs (72)	2021-03-07		Mild	Medium to Strong	Medium	Very Pleasant

Preparation & Burn: 8/10 SG blends are notorious for being too moist, and it is the case here. I like to crack a tin and leave it alone for a week. It's a lovely ribbon cut. Packing is easy! Burns cool, no bite. Best to pack the bowl and wait 20 minutes before lighting or will require quite a few re-lights.

Taste: 20/20 Amazing flavor. Tastes entirely natural. Smooth, fresh. A favorite.

Mildness: 10/10 My idea of a good smoke is a relaxing, low nicotine session. Therefore, the milder the better. I barely detect any nicotine here. Perfect!

Total: 38/40

3 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	gchiaram (12)	2020-05-25		Mild	Mild to Medium	Mild to Medium	Very Pleasant

Aromatic tobaccos have generally disliked me. I bought this tobacco like a Virginia, and smoked this tobacco without realizing it was one of the aromatic tobaccos. When I opened the can, I fell in love with the citrus floral fragrances that, along with the light color of the slightly damp threads, invite you to bite into it rather than smoke it. And when I smoked it, I wondered if it was not an aromatic tobacco, although it did not produce any of the allergic reactions that those aromatics usually cause me. It is a slightly fermented Virginia smoke that seems to taste somewhat sweeter than pure virginia, but it is not sweet, and slightly reminiscent of lemon flavor. An excellent variant for a light and fresh morning smoke. Ahhh, and also, it is very well perceived by the family.

Pipe Used: Brebbia Clasica Luna

Age When Smoked: I brought it home and opened it immediately

Purchased From: https://www.franciscodemiranda.com/

3 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Jaylotw (16)	2018-10-20		Mild to Medium	Medium	Mild to Medium	Tolerable

I’ve had a tin of Grousemoor kicking around the back of my tobacco cabinet for ever...I don’t know, eight or ten years. I don’t remember when I bought it except that it was early in my pipe smoking career and I was looking for another tin of FVF but Grousemoor was the only SG blend on the shelf. The tin sat unopened for years, never really drawing my attention until a year ago when I decided to pop it open and have a whiff...

Whew, I thought...this stuff smells like oven cleaner or furniture polish or...what’s it say on the website? Lemongrass? Nope...I think someone else once pinned it as “Eau De Grandma.” I jarred it up, making sure to crank the lid on tight to seal in the noxious “elderly woman who applied to much perfume and is now counting change in front of me at the grocery store and holding up the line” fumes, and once again the blend sat in a back corner of the cabinet, unwanted. I laughed of the image of a hunter and his dogs...”that guy wouldn’t smoke THIS,” I thought.

Now, I don’t know what happened. I don’t know what force beckoned me to twist open that jar and take a whiff. Like looking up gory pictures online, or eavesdropping on the trashy neighbor’s fight...some guilt ridden activity that just can’t be resisted...I just needed to get another whiff...

Maybe popping the seal and airing out the tobacco before jarring was enough for that scent to dissipate...just enough...to make the blend not only smell tolerable, but intriguing and honesly quite delicious. Maybe that first whiff was that scent, caged and tinned for years, escaping like some mad elephant from a circus tent to rampage my nostrils and make my eyes water. All I can say is that something changed, and changed quite drastically. I loaded a pipe and excitedly headed out on the porch for a smoke.

Generally I’m not a big fan of bright Virginias on their own, but I have to say that this is one seriously pleasing smoke. Truly one of the better smokes I’ve had in some time! Whatever is left of the top note weaves noticeably but not overwhelmingly throughtout, just enough to accentuate the bright citrusy notes and glue the slightly darker grassy and almost buttery notes together into something that pleased me, and I have to say, suprised the hell out of me. From that first exposure I figured that I’d never smoke this stuff, maybe foist that jar on some unsuspecting pipe hipster...but now after ten or so bowls I find that this really is some wonderful tobacco and worthy of a recommendation, although with the added disclaimer of letting the overwhelming top note dissipate.

I am aware that my Grousemoor comes with 8-10 years of age, so this isn’t exactly an unbiased report...I may update this review if I ever purchase a fresh tin and dive into the scent full bore.

Pipe Used: MM cob, Comoy Prince, Sav

Age When Smoked: ??? At least 8 years

Purchased From: JoVann’s, Cleveland OH

Similar Blends: Nothing I’ve ever smoked!.

3 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	BingCrosby (162)	2018-03-17		Mild	Medium to Strong	Mild to Medium	Very Pleasant

Grousmoor seems to be a 'love it or hate it' blend for most pipers... I fall somewhere in the middle... it is indeed flowery and somewhat one dimensional- but it has an odd charm.. not much tobacco nuance to be found, but flavor in abundance... yes it's perfumey.. but in an intriguing old world sort of way. If I was an aromatic smoker this would be one of my go to blends. As a casual admirer of Lakeland tobacco I would tend to go more for ennerdale. Don't think that this is all Lakeland is about. It's pleasant but other Lakelands do showcase tobacco flavor more to the front. It is something to try. Definitely not boring.

3 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	RamEcl (3)	2017-10-25		Very Mild	Very Strong	Medium to Full	Very Pleasant

From the tin, the smell of floral essential oils greets you. Although it's commonly known that the flavouring is lemon grass the aroma in my opinion is more broad, possibly elements of lily of the valley and various flowers and herbs.

Upon lighting the taste is exactly like the scent, something I found both pleasant and surprising. In addition some of the smoky peaty flue cured virginia. Because of this, I recommend going to your local shop to give it a wiff first, enjoy that, you'll enjoy smoking it.

Later the flavour evolves, with the initial strong taste fading almost completely. This will leave you with simply the virginia which holds its own very well. Although smoking straight virginia would often provide a very one dimensional experience, this particular flue cured leaf has a few subtle flavours that interplay well. It is sweet in the way virginias are, earthy, and offer no acidity that creates tongue bite.

All in all this is a wild card offering from Samuel Gawith, which is at the very least, love it or hate it, worth trying.

Pipe Used: Chacom Little 1884

Age When Smoked: Fresh

Purchased From: smoke-king.co.uk

Similar Blends: Other Kendal Aromatics.

3 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Stefanos (222)	2017-04-07		Mild to Medium	Strong	Full	Pleasant

A very distinctive tobacco to say the least! Its appearance is delightful: nicely cut bright yellow Virginia ribbons and it smells indeed like a perfume, also delightful. I cannot put my finger on it, but if pressed I would say something like lavender, lime and pine combined with vanilla or tonquin. It is the blondest golden Virginia tobacco I’ve seen and also the softest to the touch- incredibly fluffy!

Because it is so fluffy I recommend not to be afraid to pack fairly tightly, not excessively, but still do not be afraid to pack it some. Packed loosely will burn very quick. And do not forget to tamp. As for lighting and moisture, the tin I got was ‘goldilocks’ and lit easily.

This is different from anything I’ve encountered before, even from other Lakelands because it’s smoother, softer.

Initially one can be taken aback by the intensity of the aroma of the tobacco, but it actually is very close to the tin aroma. Gradually I got used to it and I began to taste the fantastic citrucy bright Virginia with a sweet vanilla-like and floral undertone. It smokes veeery smooth and to the last shred, no harshness or bite whatsoever. I did not think that it could serve as an all-day smoke, but it does not overwhelm me and I can smoke several bowls a day. This stuff is addictive! and room note is quite pleasantly tobbacoey.

Can also be used to scent straight Virginias or other tobaccos (goes very well with Oriental leafs!) even if used in small doses. I also wish I could smoke this fantastic Virginia without the topping, seems to be of the highest quality. P.S. Try to smoke a bowl of a mild English blend right after smoking Grousemoor and you will get all the nuances of flavor that you did not believe could be there in the English!

3 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	maigret fan (76)	2017-01-03		Medium to Strong	Strong	Medium to Full	Pleasant

An unusual blend! The smell in the tin reminds of a bar of shaving soap from Trumper's calleds 'West Indian Limes'. The first smoke is similar but afterwards the perception is rather nice if one likes unusual aromatics. To be tried by the experienced smoker. The beginner should avoid it, to the risk of giving up pipe smoking! That said I do not knom why they call it Grousemoor. On their leaflet they say it reminds 'of Springtime on the moors'. Did not know they had cyprus trees on the moors!!!

3 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	L'Italiano (233)	2016-05-30		Medium	Extra Strong	Full	Very Pleasant

OH MY GOD! THIS IS EXACTLY LIKE SMOOKING A PERFUME. Impossible to find any tobacco taste. It is a really strange aromatic Virginia. Inebriating. This tobacco (smell and taste) seems like a woman’s perfume (essence). A wonderful long – lasting fragrance, also for cupboards (believe me). Strong, persistent and highly scented. Flowers? Not only, lemon for example, but it is quite impossible identify the single scented ingredients. When you open the tin you can perceive notes of talcum powder, face powder and cosmetic products (and not lemon grass). Anyway this is not a classic Lakeland tobacco. It is different and it’s impossible to classify it. I’m sure Samuel Gawith wanted to surprise and amaze us and personally I am really shocked from this one. Samuel Gawith is particularly good in making strange and unusual tobaccos (for example Brown No. 4 and Black XX). Unfortunately in my personal system rating (from 1 to 10) my score is 3 and only a star because in my opinion smoking pipe tobacco is not smoking women’s perfumes.

Similar Blends: Nothing at all..

3 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	canvas (337)	2016-04-04		Mild to Medium	Medium to Strong	Medium	Pleasant

EDIT: the second tin of Grousemoor I smoked was not nearly as exciting as the first impression. It was not as flavorful and quickly dried out to an almost unsmokable mess that demoted the rating to a 2.

I heard about how all the Lakeland brands will ghost a pipe with their overwhelming pungency. As an aromatic smoker I was intrigued by this warning as well as the secret flavor (known by 3 people in the world), so I got a fresh corncob and gave it a whirl.

Upon opening the tin you see, what for me, was the blondest tobacco ever. Then the smell hits you and to be fair I found it nauseating. A cross between rotting fruit (apricots maybe?) and those public bathrooms you find at the beach. With a lot of skepticism I packed the bowl. So far, so good. I like a moist light spongy leaf to pack, which this was.

The smoke then hits you and this is where the tastes did not match the original curtains... it became something new. It was light and fresh and undistinguishable. Mildly fruity perhaps?

It just tasted like Spring after a light rainfall, but without the smell of plants blooming if that makes any sense.

If you enjoy a mystery, don't be afraid to give it a try.

Purchased From: Iwan Reis

3 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30194)	2015-07-29		Mild	Strong	Mild	Pleasant

My goodness... That's the first thing I thought of when I opened the tin. The smell is strong, pungent, one can smell it from metres away... Molasses, talc powder, flowers (mostly gardenia and jasmine), tangy and I don't know what else.

It scares, it baffles, it intrigues, and oh boy, we're still at simply smelling the product. Do I like the smell? Absolutely... But... for a tobacco... I am not sure.

Looking at the beautifully rubbed tobacco. Blondes and blondes everywhere. Beautiful colour!

Texture? Slightly wetter than I'd like it. So I wait, and dry the tobacco a tad.

First few puffs provide a very odd combination of a déjà-vu with Ennerdale flake (but not as good), and a sort of a throat tickle... Orgeat taste, granny perfume tasting, where are the virginias? This is a SOAPY smoke "par excellence" because it also seems to have a soapy TEXTURE. People have accused G&H flake of being soapy, but NO... This is soapy.

I HATE the soapiness... but I can appreciate the taste, what on earth is happening? Why oh why SG?

This is not for me... What to do with the rest of the tin? Mix it with some Semois for a "perfumy" kick?

2* because need I remind you my dear pipe smokers that nothing is as vile as a Borkum Riff tobacco

Pipe Used: Pete 302

Age When Smoked: 1 year

Purchased From: MySmokingShop

Similar Blends: Soap in tongue and throat.

3 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	JPWpiper (3)	2014-12-10		Very Mild	Medium	Medium	Pleasant

Thought I would wade in with a brief review on this one as to many this is a love it or hate it tobacco and I am of a slightly different opinion.

This is an Aero but probably in a more traditional respect than many that are around today.

On opening the smell is very strong lemon grass type smell, quite perfume like. My tin was really moist, certainly I had to dry it out to avoid regular relights. The problem I found was when you dry it to an extent that it lights and stays lit you loose a little bit of the sweetness.

I don't love it or hate it I am of the opinion it is a real summer smoke, lovely with a nice sweet drink with ice. For me this isn't something I enjoy with tea or coffee on a cold day. The first few puffs should not be used to form an opinion as it's not until a little way into the bowl you really get the full flavour.

Worth pointing out it is very low in nicotine but is a quality tobacco that needs to be tried at least once.

Pipe Used: Various

Age When Smoked: 26

Purchased From: www.mysmokingshop.co.uk

Similar Blends: Not similar to anything I have tried.

3 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	HPFlashman (9)	2014-05-24		Mild to Medium	Medium to Strong	Medium to Full	Pleasant

I bought a tin of this, after reading the reviews here and after the tobacco came up in discussions, both IRL and on the net.

I will not elaborate on what is in it, other that it is a rather unique tobacco and you really should give it a try. It will be love or hate and I think every pipesmoker should make up his own mind as to where he will place it. Do yourself a favour and try it on for size, or atleast do a joint buy of a tin with friends. I took one bowl, was stunned and can see this finding itself a regular place in the tobacco storage.

Pipe Used: Falcon, London Made

Age When Smoked: Fresh from shop

Purchased From: http://www.augusto.no/

3 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	hypno (2)	2013-09-02		Mild to Medium	Mild to Medium	Medium	Pleasant

Nice mild tobacco with a medium to full flavor of sweet Virginia and a very pleasant undetone and tast of lemon. The tobacco burns down to a fine white ash. You can smoke it fast or slow and no bite. If you enjoy Virgina and do not want to sip the pipe but smoke it without fear of bite, this is for you. SG is a qulity brand and this blend is a fine example; will be on my rotation

3 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30194)	2012-11-13		Medium	Strong	Very Full	Pleasant to Tolerable

I'm always reticent to buy a new tin as there is no way to know what the tobacco is like before you open it. I was intrigued by the polarized reviews here and decided to try it for myself. The tin note was surprising, it smells more like lemon zest tea than tobacco. It is packed a little on the moist side but still smokeable straight from the tin. The tobacco has a light color, like untreated burley and a velvety texture. It packed easily and lit successfully after a charring light. The flavor begins as a mixture of nutty sweetness and slight hints of lemon. As the bowl progresses, the tobacco flavor takes a backseat to the lemon topping. This is where the magic begins. By the time I was five minutes into the bowl the flavor was a light and slightly bitter lemon, reminiscent of hot tea with lemon zest in it. The flavors are pronounced enough to be detectable and identifiable but not overwhelming or cloying. This begs to smoked with a cup of tea and some ginger snaps. I've been smoking it comfortably all day (and maintaining a healthy nicotine buzz too!). I could see smoking this first thing in the morning, after a meal, or while out and about. This will go into my daily rotation and will be a staple for pheasant hunting expeditions. It is a rare day that I know I will finish a tin of tobacco after the first bowl, this was such a day. Give it a go with an open mind and you'll be pleasantly surprised!

3 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30194)	2012-10-19		Mild	Mild	Mild to Medium	Pleasant

I cannot and will not attempt to duplicate several other excellent and detailed reviews of Grousemoor..... Suffice it to say I was intrigued by the love it or hate it nature of this blend and decided to take a flier on a tin....... Now let me state categorically....I am NOT an aromatic smoker.....no, not me. So now I have this guilty pleasure of sneaking into my tin of this stuff and neglecting my usual rotation of Da Vinci and AJ's VaPer.....all because of this bloody addicting Grousemoor! I opened my pouch tonight after lodge to load up the pipe and the other pipe smokers all ooh-ed and aah-ed over the fragrance and loved the room note. I honestly think this might be my desert island tobacco........and now, I have truly become a heathen. Curse you Grousemoor!! Update: The only problem is finding this deliciously addicting blend......everyone seems to be out of the bulk.....

3 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30194)	2012-04-11		Mild	Mild to Medium	Mild to Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

I originally tried Grousemoor because I was intrigued by a blend that has survived throughout so many generations of pipe smokers. While that by itself doesn't mean it's a great blend, I hoped that anything that's been around this long must have something special. At least for my particular taste, that turned out to be true. I've cellared quite a bit of this and continue to replenish as it has become part of my regular rotation.

As pretty much every reviewer has said, Grousemoor is a very unique blend. While I have tried other Lakelands since, I really haven't found another like it. It is subtle and strange, with both perfume and grass flavors that do remind me of Spring. To me, the taste is a somewhat acidic (perhaps what other reviewers have better described as citrus) and has very little to no sweetness. It's a fairly light smoke and finishes dry in the bowl.

While I highly recommend this blend, it really is one of those you either love or hate. There doesn't seem to be much of a middle ground here.

3 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30194)	2012-04-04		Medium	Strong	Medium	Pleasant

This is a complex aromatic, although it's not an especially sweet aromatic. The acid sharpness is evocative of citrus and moorland, but it's quite delicate too.

This the type of tobacco that only Samuel Gawith could blend.

3 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Kilmarnock Piper (251)	2012-02-09		Mild to Medium	Medium	Mild to Medium	Very Pleasant

I'm really liking this one. I bought it on a whim when I found some of the less popular Samuel Gawith blends on a pipe site for the old-school price of $6.95 a tin. I have to admit I've been on a Lakeland kick lately. I like unflavored, pure Virginias as well. Those who are turned off by the stronger scents found in certain SG and especially GH offerings should avoid this blend!

I am now "ghosting" a classic Yello-Bole from 1933-1936 that I went through a lot of trouble to clean up and have decided to dedicate to Lakelands exclusively. The topping, believe me, is rather strongly present, and reminds me most of that of SG Cannon Plug. Lemon Grass, my ass! Maybe it's in there, I don't know, but the toppings of Grousemoor and Cannon Plug both remind me of Patchouli incense. My dear brother (who is a RYO smoker but interested in my pipe hobby) gets figs from it, and I can sort of see it. Doubt there is any fig in there though.

I'm not good enough to distinguish the exact type of Virginia used beneath all that scent, but probably light African Virginia from Zimbabwe just like they said. Perhaps it is the same for the Cannon Plug I compared the topping with. All I know is that I'm smoking the hell out of it. Goes well with a nice hoppy...beer.

Burns well, smokes well, no fuss. I really should have bought more than two tins, and will be on the lookout for more. The first tin is going fast...

3 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Monopod (26)	2010-11-14		Mild to Medium	Extremely Mild	Mild to Medium	Pleasant

Grousemoor ?? I've bog-hopped enough grousemoors to recognise the aura of one ... that is when I had two legs. The memory is more poignant perhaps since I won't be doing it again in this life.

I got no citrus scent or flavour, but what I did get was the faint acid tang of the peat, sweetness of moorland grasses and heather, and the tang of bruised bracken from under my feet.

Nostalgic ? Perhaps, but the underlying consistently good tobacco combined with my memories "Does" it for me.

How could I not want a regular rendez-vous with this one ?

3 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Sinister Topiary (84)	2010-07-22		Medium to Strong	Medium to Strong	Medium to Full	Pleasant to Tolerable

Another love it or hate it blend from SG, who seem to specialize in blends that so curiously polarize our community. This is one of those blends that I believe once you develop a taste for, you're hooked. But I can also see how many don't like it.

Me? I love it, I was hooked from my very first whiff upon opening the tin to my very first sip. And my infatuation with it deepens with each bowl.

It's a very curious flavor, difficult for me to put my finger on. It's subtle and subdued, yet simultaneously prominent and distinctive. Perhaps A Morley Jacque, in my favorite review on this site, captures it best: "floral and herbal and fruity in delicate balance all at the same time." Sceny, in his review, says "It is very interesting, with many different flavors to enjoy on the palate; I'd call it a 'brown' taste", which seems oddly correct. For me, an aromatic garden in a sun-dewed meadow on a hot summer afternoon comes to mind while smoking it. I'm also reminded a little of Oban, a delicate, complex, slightly floral and fruity aromatic single-malt scotch.

Indeed this blend has more than a few paradoxical qualities: it's a generally bright and hi-key blend that has depth to it; the casing perfectly complements and brings out the virginia flavor rather than masking it; and it's an aromatic that has a remarkable amount of complexity and nuance. Ultimately, it's an aromatic virginia that is somehow both less than and greater than these two components taken alone, but when combined create a unique smoking experience. But this blend will only reveal its delicate mysteries if packed with care and smoked slowly, for it can turn harsh and bitter if you're not careful. (For some reason I find this a tricky blend in which to find a good smoking rhythm, but once I find it I'm nicely rewarded.)

I'll give A Morley Jaques the final word on this blend: "The specific flavor notes of Lakeland aromatic essences serve to heighten and exemplify the nuances of a fine Virginia and even cut out some of the excessive sootiness to be found in many examples of the leaf... The Virginia leaf is not only of the finest quality, but also quite strong. The affect of the top dressing is perfect if approached with an open mind. This is a tobacco for real men, and by that I don't mean John Wayne and Mike Hammer, but guys who truly deserve the title like William Wordsworth and Thomas Hardy."

Well said, A Morley Jaques.

UPDATE: Since writing my review three months ago I can state that this tobacco has single-handedly changed my smoking habit. During this time I believe that more than 85% of my bowls have been this weed. There's something about Grousemoor's flavor that I crave, and which I find almost perfectly satisfying to the point of frustration: the flavor is alluring, yet mysterious, always just outside my grasp, like trying to focus on something in your peripheral vision that disappears when you look at it. It's like the coquette who obsesses you precisely because you can never possess her. Never has a topping complemented a leaf so well. (Perhaps that's why it's been around for a couple hundred years.)

I now find, when needing a different flavor once in a while, that I'll grab the straight virginias more than my beloved english, balkan, and VaPers. I attribute this change in taste to this blend.

I hope someday my predilection balances out, since I've invested quite a bit in cellaring english & oriental blends. But for now, I'm very much enjoying my immoderate infatuation with Grousemoor.

3 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Dubinthedam (133)	2010-02-04		Mild	Medium	Medium	Very Pleasant

I love it, just when you think know what an 'lakeland' or an 'aromatic' is then you smoke this stuf...simply wonderful, the harmony of floral flavor and sweetness is superb. This is like a gentler Condor, much more sophisticated and better quality leaf me thinks. I think this is one for lakeland lovers and haters...it will please one and convert the other...top stuff.

3 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30194)	2009-08-07		Mild to Medium	Medium	Medium	Tolerable

I am trying this blend from an old rusty tin that came to me in a box pass. I had to try it, so I got out a small meerschaum and gave it a go. The Zimbabwe VA is excellent, has some real tobacco taste that transcends through the bizarre casing. The tobacco was fairly moist but was not clogging in the pipe. I am pleases with this aromatic, but wish that I could put my finger on the taste. It has some fruity and earthy quality but not sure what it is. Overall I am pleased to have tried this blend, am glad that I did not buy it, but would have some again if offered. By the way, the doggy on the front of the tin is beautiful.

3 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30194)	2007-12-22		Mild to Medium	Medium to Strong	Medium	Tolerable

I did not know what to expect when I opened the tin, but not this. Cheap perfume, or maybe a floral potpurri. The taste is very dry and the soapy smell fills your mouth. It says aromatic on the lid, and in my vocabulary it means rather sweet VA, maybe toasted burley, cavendish and so. Not this dry perfumed stuff. I really hope that I haven't ruined my thirty year old Peterson.

3 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Carlos (21)	2004-04-25		Medium	Medium to Strong	Full	Pleasant

I like this one very much - it smokes good, cool. If you would like to start adventure with English-style aromatic tobacco - this is a good choice.

3 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30194)	2003-12-04		Mild to Medium	Medium	Medium	Tolerable

This tobacco is one of those,"love it or hate it", types. Grouse Moor,(GM) is made up of African Virginia leaf, mostly light in color with a fleck of brown sometimes seen. The cut is a long ribbon,and packs well and lights well too. I had to re-light only one time, and it stayed lit well down to the end. The taste of this tobacco is rather odd, and the room aroma is weird as well,but on the good side of weird. I've never smoked a tobacco that tastes like the after-shave used in old time barber shops but this one taste like that. If anyone wonders what that mysterious aromatic agent is in a lot of British tobaccos,including this one, it's Meadow Foam Seed Oil. The first time I smoked GM I almost knocked it out of my pipe after the first few draws. I could'nt believe someone would make a mixture so odd. I kept smoking the pipe and the tobacco kept getting better. The more I went the better it tasted.Wow what good tobacco taste! Mid way down the bowl it transforms into true tobacco taste with that Brittish style flavouring that really shines here. Further down the bowl GM turns into a sweet virginia that leaves you ready to fill up the bowl again and do it all over. I didn't think I would like GM, but I've made it a part of my daily balanced diet. This is a scented type plug,cut into ribbon form so If you don't fancy the Brittish style flavouring stay away. GM does burn without being sticky and cloying,and does not leave any odd taste in the pipe.Good tobacco flavour here. In a rating of one to ten I'd give this one a 6. And the British flavouring agent that everyone wonders about,is Meadow Foam Seed Oil. This flavouring agent is used in several things,from tobacco to lip balm.

3 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	ScienceSmoker (60)	2022-01-29		Mild to Medium	Medium to Strong	Medium to Full	Pleasant

Grousemoor is definitely a polarizing blend. There are those who hate the strong lemongrass flavor, and others who absolutely love it. I think it's a fairly high quality, refreshing blend.

Upon opening the tin/jar... there's a very strong lemongrass/lemon-y scent. It's so strong that it's hard to smell anything else. The look of the tobacco is fairly light with some streaks of darker brown. First few puffs... mostly bright Virginias. It's lemony and tangy sweet. Topping flavor stays potent for the entire bowl... but it matches well with the quality bright Virginias. The more you dry out Grousemoor, the less intense the topping flavor seems to be. Some people like it bone dry, but I actually prefer it at a moderate moisture. I like the interaction of the bright Virginia's and the sharp lemongrass flavoring. However, I do like to age Grousemoor at least 6 months or so, as it smooths out some of the tartness and intensity and makes it much more mellow and enjoyable for me. This is an absolutely perfect springtime blend, and I almost exclusively smoke Grousemoor in the spring and early summer. It's refreshing and pleasant. However, it'll definitely ghost a pipe. So I have two pipes set aside for strongly "lemongrass" blends like this, Vauen's Oriental Blend, and K&K's Asia 2018, ,to name a few.

Bottom line: A polarizing blend indeed. It's more tangy lemongrass and herbal notes. and less fruit sweetness than most aromatics. But if you can embrace what it is, it's one of the very best, most refreshing springtime blends.

Similar Blends: Vauen's No. 2 Oriental Blend and Kohlhase & Kopp's Asia 2018.

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	KingLeary (9)	2020-12-04		Mild	Very Strong	Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

This blend has a very unique tin note that translates slightly into the bowl note. It smells exactly like lemongrass. I did not get any notes of lemon, lime, or citrus. It is very much "one note lemongrass" with Virginia. That being said it is by no means flat. Very rich and complex flavour and aroma of the tobacco. It will ghost any and every pipe it comes into contact with. In fact, if you even utter the word "grousemoor" any pipe within a 10 kilometer radius will get ghosted. You will either hate it or love it. I hate it.

Pipe Used: Canadian

Age When Smoked: New

Purchased From: Tobacconist

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Bowman (1)	2020-08-20		Mild	Mild	Mild	Pleasant

Surprise It was not what I thougt, I had ordered. I supposed a nice pure virgina mixture. It was very fine virgina, really. But this is not all. When I opened the tin, I felt like a little child in a candyshop. Amazing! I tried the tabacco at once. The first 3 puffs, when incending, belong to the most amazing I'd ever smoked. Then began the difficulties and I expermetated with different pipes, kinds of filling till I came to my decision: Midsize bowl Meerschaum, filling very fluffy, direkt out off the tin, not dryer, and smoking as cool and slow as possible. Sometimes I have a cup of tea with that. Perfectly harmonizing is Earl grey. Take a good one, no bags, if you would like to try. Why? I prefer english or oriental blends. And normally I don't like them sweet. Same with tea. I liked them unflavoured, not even sugar. But now, I like the fruity flavors, (dryed plaum and maybe figue) and I like this special aroma. I absolutely can't imagine, that the use of lemongrass was usual 200 years ago. But there is a flavor en vogue since the begin of 19th century: bergamot. And this is what i think that Grousmoore and Earl Grey have in common. The tobacco smokes fine with few condensat to the end, if you are carefull. I will ever have a tin of that and my favorite pipe for that will soon get a sister. Enjoy this fine blend.

Pipe Used: Meerschaum

Age When Smoked: new

Similar Blends: nothing compares.

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Pikey Mick (49)	2020-08-20		Mild	Mild to Medium	Medium	Very Pleasant

This has the power to transport a person! Once again another creation that's as mad as a box of frogs on acid by the unrivalled Sam Gawith. Tin note is pure lemon fondant laid down on a tobacco that's as blond as ABBA. It's a ribbon cut which is usually a complete no no for me as I like my baccy to last at least 40 minutes in a large bowl. However it was the usual moaning and carrying on by the lily - liveried detractors of anything Lakeland, and the mention of "ghosting" that intrigued me to buy this surreal and joyous offering. Tobacco was goldilocks straight from the tin and I decided to stuff it quite firmly into a large bowl. Took a few lights to get it going and immediately I had to go to my music collection and dig out Captain Beefheart Upon the My oh My! Initial flavour from the false light brought upon me a "oh, hello!" moment. A gorgeous lemon experience from the get go that got sharper as the bowl progresses and reminds me of lemon drizzle cake. The Virginia is probably the mildest I've ever smoked without being flat and bland. This is great tobacco with a light, grassy yet cakey flavour and the lemon citrus topping is a marriage made in heaven. Flavour stays constant to the bottom of the bowl and only required one relight to a fine white Ash with no dottle whatsoever. Room note is stunning too. Goes great with black coffee and a stiff gin and tonic and I can see it pairing extremely well with a blonde Leffe beer. This tobacco is going to cost me though as its extremely moreish and mild in vitamin N. I recommend this to novice pipe smokers who want to try an aromatic that doesn't turn bitter and ashy. The plug version is excellent too and can be blended with the ribbon for variations in the flavour. The plug is more "lemon curd" than drizzle cake. I get no soap or old lady perfume from either. This for me makes a "holy trinity" alongside Kendal Cream and Grasmere flake.

Hands low, hands high Upon the My-O-My Got to make her roll, got to make her fly Upon the My-O-My Now tell me, good Captain How does it feel To be driven away from your own steering wheel? Upon the My-O-My - Captain Beefheart.

15/10 from me for a delightful, mad and unrivalled aromatic.

Pipe Used: Molina straight billiard, Butz Choquin Mexico

Purchased From: GQ

Similar Blends: Lemon drizzle cake.

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	GabrielCRT (115)	2020-04-06		Mild	Mild to Medium	Mild to Medium	Pleasant

When I first tried Grousemoor I did not care for it at all. I could barely finish a bowl of it the topping just did not agree with my palate it reminded me of Lemon Pledge. A few years later I had a random craving to try it again and quickly became obsessed with it. I became accustomed to the topping and bought several tins. It is a wonderful, easy smoking, grassy bright Virginia blend. The lemongrass essence is one of a kind and addicting. Smoked in a clay or meerschaum the flavors really come alive with more spice and fruit notes. I hope this blend never disappears.

Pipe Used: Falcon Pipe

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Indianapolis (49)	2019-12-27		Mild	Medium to Strong	Mild to Medium	Pleasant

Why would you want to smoke "pledge" (lemon scented furniture polish)?

Seriously, I dont get this one. Its unique, I'll give it that. A new flavor in aros. Not sticky sweet.

But all I can think is that I'm smoking pledge. Even the tin note smells like lemon polish. If I wanted to huff pledge, I think I can buy a can from target. I'm stumped.

Pipe Used: Clay (I'm not ghosting briars)

Age When Smoked: Fresh

Similar Blends: Pledge.

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	FabioFromRomeItaly (2)	2019-05-02		Mild	Medium	Medium	Pleasant

RECOMMENDED, SURE, BUT PLEASE PAY ATTENTION ! I'm not a fan of SG - the wettest tobaccos in the world - but a friend of mine pushed me in a try of this Grousemoor. I admit try was good enough to have more of it: gold appearance, wet (yes, wet wet) thin-cut leaves, wonderful fruity aroma and optimal packing, lighting and smoking. So I decided to buy a couple of tins... and THAT WAS MY MISTAKE, since even if well vacuum-proof, both tins once opened showed all another stuff: gold AND BROWNY ROUGH-cut leaves. It can be the time it has been cellared: vacuum and humidity were ok, and as far as I know leaves do not change their consistency even after ages. At worst they become dry and darker, but this is not the case. In addition, I can still smell fruitiness, but aroma changed in some way into a sort of incensed smell: let me say, I purchased another tobacco... which I do not recognize, not being a fan of SG. Not smoked yet because I'm afraid of what I'd meet - in terms of sensation AND health too. So I'll definitely give up with such Brand, and this explains my poor star. Sure, I can ask to change both tins, and I'll do: with another brand!

Pipe Used: Ser Jacopo Sandblast

Age When Smoked: 3

Purchased From: Cavallini Lugano

Similar Blends: SG Christmas Mixture 2015.

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Mailly92 (1)	2018-12-17		Strong	Very Strong	Full	Very Pleasant

This is a tobacco you have to smoke more than once, before you begin to like it.

My first two bowls I were overwhelmed with the "soap" taste - which drowned out the other tastes - , literally had the thought "why would people buy this, when they can just put dishwasher soap in their mouth". On my third bowl, the soapy taste had died down and all the wonderful tastes came through.

I did this straight from the tin - it wasn't moist, more like morning-damp. Result was a good smoke. Drying a bowl overnight makes it even better tastewise.

Pipe Used: Different corn cobs

Age When Smoked: Presumably new.

Purchased From: Local pipe shop in Copenhagen

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Jul (2)	2017-04-16		Mild to Medium	Medium to Strong	Mild to Medium	Pleasant

As a new Slow-Smoking lover, I must say this kind of tobacco is absolutely original. Maybe exclusive, I'd say. At first, when you open its tin, as a mysterious as a strange flavour overflows you, something you have not surely smelt from other S. Gawith's Tobaccoes or other brands. "What is that?", " Is it a tobacco or any exotic and bizarre essence coming from unknown far land? , they are the first unavoidable questions pointing out. You should be bold enough for trying that blond Virginia blend in your favourite pipe. Once done, you realize you're smoking a very different tobacco, with a dense and aromatic smoke looking like an appealing girl who tries to charm you with her glowing smile. Its particular flavour seems to take you in wide and wild moors with its ancient and distinguished perfumes. Something special is in this tobacco, surely something making us remember elegance and nobility. In other words, something containing signs and splendour about happy past times. So, the second, third and next smoking appear much more interesting and pleasant and you look forward to starting again with that nice blend. I think it can't be considered as an all-day blend for its mild to medium strength, but I see it as a very good tobacco for particular events and moments of thinkings with your favourite pipes. You need to try it and must not trust in your first impression. Go ahead and smoke it at least three times and you'll see its amazing effects. I've found, at least for my short expierence, it needs more than a lighting at the beginning, but the bowl seems to be smoked till the end. Let's have a big hand for S. Gawith !

Pipe Used: Std. System Peterson and Savinelli

Age When Smoked: New

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Kamerling (28)	2016-09-05		Mild	Very Mild	Medium	Tolerable

They say about Grousemoor "love it or hate it". Well, I am one of it's loyal lovers. I cannot even imagine autumn time without this blend. Good one as daily pipe tobacco, especially with a cup of coffee. Great taste and smell, which reminds me a traditional polish Christmass juice from dried pears. That would be best aromatic Virginia for you, especially if you like Peterson's Sherlock Holmes. Unofrtunatelly it's got some defect - it dries too quickly.

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Jorge Soler (203)	2016-03-13		Medium	Medium	Medium	Very Pleasant

I had this tin in one of my drawers for some time, and I am not sure why I decided to crack it open in the end, but I did. The tin note tells of an aromatic tobacco, but it is quite difficult to describe. It has sort of a sweet/tangy note to it, but not floral or soapy, so I'd not call this tobacco a Kendal. Surprisingly enough, the note it leaves in your mouth is similar to that of the tin's. Some people seem to be saying it smells of lemongrass, but I don't know what lemongrass smells like, so I cannot tell. It has a citrusy note to it, but I don't even know if lemongrass is supposed to have it anyway. The Virginia tobacco it comprises seems to be quite good in its own right, so I am taking the topping as a compliment. The room note seems to be quite pleasant and it pleases me to pass it through my nose. I like the fact it seems to develop some depth as you go past every quarter of your bowl and it wants to be smoked at a very low pace. The base tobacco they use as a palette somehow reminds me of Mixed Kendal. I am not sure I can put my finger on it, but it has an earthy note very similar to it. I am not so much for aromatics, but yes I think I can enjoy this tobacco.

Age When Smoked: 1 year

Purchased From: Barcelona

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Ig88 (9)	2015-11-25		Mild	Medium to Strong	Medium to Full	Tolerable

This blend is one of the most unique I've had the pleasure to smoke. The tin smell reminds me of an herbal tea. Smoking is very pleasant and cool. The smoke has a lemon grass taste and overall a nice change of pace.

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Reagold (29)	2015-10-02		Mild	Medium	Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

The only unanimity about Grousemoor is that is very peculiar.

As you open the tin, you smell a very intense and, for me, unpleasant odor. It smells like a pile of cutted grass that´s wet and has been brewing a few weeks in the sun. Not good!

But, after releasing the beautiful ribbons and leave it breathing a while, is much better: the exaggerated strength is gone and it stabilizes. That goes for the taste too. But this peculiar taste only appears when smoking slowly and with the tobacco very loose on the pipe. In this case you can feel a unique and pleasant flavor of lemon grass / citronella. Puffing too fast or packing too heavy makes it flat and uninteresting. But this is not just about the "lemongrass flavor", the excellent quality of the tobacco is clearly noted. For me, the taste is clearly the result of some natural substance developed by SG and does not seem just a pulverized "essence of lemongrass" bought in a chemical lab.

A tasty, light and unpretentious tobacco.

I believe this one could make a bridge from artificial flavored tobacco for more sophisticated aromatics, for here the tobacco dance along with the high quality flavoring. Also, for me came at a good time: a little tired of heavy latakia blends, Grousemoor make a nice introduction for straight virginias or VaPers.

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	gho (9)	2015-05-22		Mild to Medium	Mild	Mild to Medium	Tolerable

I have reactivated my tabaccoreviews account especially for Grousemoor. Amazing! After a time of not smoking the pipe I have picked it up again and had to try Grousemoor as it seems to be quite controversial.

Normally I like to smoke flakes, St. James is my favourite and there is also an open tin of Best Brown. Not bad, not bad, but back to Grousemoore that I have rehydrated in the tin.

Indeed it is flavoured and I can see what others mean by soapy. Personally i find the flavour quite pleasent and it blends nicely with the light virginia. I find that reference to Earl Grey that is refined with Bergamotte quite fitting.

However I can also see how someone could be turned off by the topping but again, i like it and don't find it overly harsh. In fact I have smelled something similar outdoors at the edge of a forest once.

I have dedicated a pipe to it and would buy it again. Personally I would say it is a five star smoke but i would not recommend it to everyone.

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Bluesmoke (75)	2014-11-29		Mild to Medium	Medium	Mild	Tolerable

I don't know what to make of this. It really tastes like it was soaked in a chemical bath...not good chemicals mind you. A blend doesn't have to have tons of latakia or stoved VAs for me to like it, but it does have to taste good. The oddly floral aroma and flavoring of this blend were simply...well...very bad and this is being kindly. The worst SG blend I have tried.

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	H Gillman (39)	2014-06-29		Mild	Very Mild	Mild	Pleasant

I bought a tin to try without knowing anything about it. When I got it, I was quite surprised with what I saw. Pale yellow ribbons and a smell I have never experienced before in a tobacco. I see that the aroma is likened to lemongrass, I find it creamy and yeasty smelling. The tin note is one that I just can't stop smelling. I have nothing like it at all in my library and it is a most welcomed addition. I find it a bit of a chore to light but once done it smokes beautifully. The room note is very much the same as the tin note and a report from the " war department " declare it to be nice. This will definitely stay with my regulars and I would definitely give it a try.

Pipe Used: Several Peterson's

Age When Smoked: New

Purchased From: Smoking Pipes

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Taraban (9)	2012-12-06		Medium	Extra Strong	Full	Very Strong

Awful, never again! // I can smoke it, I won't buy it // = Quite good, worth trying // * Must-have, I'm happy

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30194)	2012-11-03		Mild	Medium to Strong	Mild to Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

Absolutely fantastic. If possible I will always have a tin of this on hand. Lemon grass may be the most identified odor or flavor, but I cannot list all of the flavors I've experienced with this fine premium tobacco. Everything from sweet hay to french fries. The easiest explanation is that it tastes like early summer. Burns extremely clean, with a light fluffy ash. I most enjoy it and find it tastes best out my cob pipe dedicated to Grousemoor alone.

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30194)	2012-10-30		Medium	Medium	Medium	Pleasant

Tin note like Granny's Lemon Verbena. Taste startes of lemony, turns mildly floral, remains slightly sweet. Burns cleanly, but can gurgle. Long slow rhythm puffing brings it out best, like with other SGs. I agree with the other fellas - give it a chance and it can become addictive! No wonder it's been around for 200 years. I'm keeping this as a go to.

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Dr. Scott (82)	2012-10-23		Mild to Medium	Mild	Mild to Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

First impressions: the pleasant citrus aroma is barely detectable as a grassy flavor in the smoke. The Virginia ribbons have a lovely orangish yellow color. Room note is unremarkable, inoffensive, but not especially pleasant. It is not a very sweet smoke, but neither is it savory: just rather mild.

There is a moderate amount of nicotine, and it is easy to come by. Since there is no tongue bite, the mild flavor tends to encourage over-puffing.

Like many SG light aromatics, it is an acquired taste, a taste I have no wish to acquire. But I can understand why a small number might become devoted to Grousemoor.

Update, January 2013: Now I know why this blend has been around for two centuries. The tin aroma is captivating. The mild flavor and moderate nicotine become pleasantly addictive. I'll upgrade to three stars and put in an order for more. A perfect morning blend. It is somewhat dependent on finding the right pipe for it, working better for me in a churchwarden.

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30194)	2012-07-03		Mild	Strong	Full	Pleasant

I couldn't stand this blend the first time I smoked it. The second time I tried it I knew what to expect and it was much better. This is now my "walking around town" tobacco, and I never go anywhere without it.

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	machinebcon (50)	2012-05-07		Medium	Medium to Strong	Medium to Full	Strong

This is such a weird flavour, totally unique and a typical love it or hate it tobacco. Tin aroma, taste, room note is identical - shades of green tea, jasmine, lemongrass, hay/grass, mushrooms, patchouli ... It's much too good base material to bash it, but not an everyday smoke, I think. 3.5 of 5 stars - this is probably the most subjective tobacco on the market.

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Wibblefishofdoom (139)	2012-01-03		Mild	Medium	Medium	Pleasant

Not sure I should be reviewing this now as I am still not sure what to make of it, even after smoking a full tin. I was wide-eyed with anticipation upon first opening the packet and getting a waft of lemongrass that, at first, made me think of cola cubes. Such a pleasantly sweet aroma promised more treats within, perhaps giving me the anticipation of a more lemony, sweeter version of SG's fantastic Squadron Leader.

Continuing bravely on, I found the packing very easy, as it usually is with a good ribbon such as this, as was the lighting. I could not, with both the first puff and every smoke since, decide exactly what I was getting from this. The room note was pleasantly unmemorable and the taste in the mouth, well, what was it? Hints of a less sweet lemongrass? Maybe, can't really put my finger on it. All the way through the tin, I don't remember a single pipeful that really made me sit back and go "Ah!", even with tonguebite, which it seems to be completely lacking. Maybe a dash of it might have actually made me sit up and pay attention in class.

I am going to have to buy another tin because I need to find out what this tobacco is really like, maybe I'll have to buy two to be sure. Until then, I guess three stars will have to do. It's not ball-breakingly bad, it's not even bland. It does, however, lack that punch of flavour that I have come to expect of SG.

Update 29/02/2012: Just finished another tin and, oh may I say, I think I missed out first time round. This tin was a little damper than my first, which I think makes all the difference. What was a good tobacco has become a fine one. That taste of lemon sponge cake is just fantastic, that fruit flavour comes through so much better. It does take a few relights however, but it is worth it. This is a good tobacco dry, and a great one damp, hence the extra star.

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30194)	2011-10-16		Mild	Mild to Medium	Mild	Very Pleasant

Its easy to describe the character of Grousemoor as it has already been done in many of the outstanding reviews here. Easy to pack and light, burns cool and dry to the bottom of the bowl. Quality leaf that tastes exactly like it smells.

However, I find The flavors and aroma of Grousemoor so undeniably unique, it's paradox like qualities must be experienced firsthand by all of ones senses because it truly defies any definitive description using words alone. Smoking this is a refreshing perpetual adventure.

Very distinctive yet Complex and elusive. As familiar as conversing with an old friend, as comfortable as an old pair of shoes, while at the same time being a seductive mystery remaining just out of the grasp of comprehension.

I loved it from the first bowl and it has continued to grow on me and yet elude me for years, keeping me right on the fringe of craving it just enough to keep it in my weekly rotation and a few tins and some of the bulk version tucked away and always on hand.

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30194)	2011-08-23		Mild to Medium	Medium	Medium	Tolerable to Strong

as others have said very soap-soap-soapy/florals in this blend..great quality bacci, just not to my likes

Update: 9/25- taste or change of pipe-weed..this stuff is GOOD! I have a few tins moving faster than light in the pipe

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30194)	2011-04-17		Mild to Medium	Mild to Medium	Mild to Medium	Pleasant

DubintheDam's YouTube recommendation compelled me to seek out Samuel Gawith's Grousemoor. It was hard to find in the US, so I ordered from Mr. Snuff in Scotland at about the same price I would get it for in my home state. The tin was really warped, and the paper lining stained, so I think the tin may have been on the shelves awhile. In any case, it was not too damp, lit easily, burned dry to white ash, and gave off impressive smoke. It's the first non-sweet aromatic I have tried. The packed tobacco looks like cork. Ribbons are cut long but rather wide. The taste of this blend is old. Not Winston Churchill old -- maybe King George III old. Maybe older. It tastes the way I expected Ruins of Isengard or Shortcut to Mushrooms to taste. Unlike those two blends, Grousemoor seems authentic. Like an old castle I once stayed at in Rothenburg. Three-and-a-half of four stars, on my own personal scale, which translates here as three stars, for now.

Update: Four stars

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30194)	2010-11-10		Medium	Medium	Medium	Pleasant

Firstly I would like to apologize because I bought it thinking that it contained latakia, without doing any research. I was wrong in composition, but not to the quality. Virginia with a very distinctive aroma of flowers and plum or fig. What matters to me is that it retains its aroma and flavor all the way to the end of the bowl. I was also surprised by how clean my pipe was after smoking. Fills the bowl and lights easily, not very heavy. I forgot to mention that is a major problem. It is very humid when opened (probably the most humid tobacco I've ever smoked) and it needs a lot of patience in the drying process. I will order 2-3 tins to keep in store and occasionally smoke, making an aromatic break.

A blend of bright and brown Virginia grades with Latakia, matured under pressure in the Cavendish style and blended with golden Virginia Broad Cut.Slow burning with a cool and gentle smoke

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Captain Pete (83)	2010-11-09		Medium	Medium	Medium to Full	Pleasant to Tolerable

Over the years, I have smoked most of the Samuel Gawith blends. There have been some I didn't care for, but most have provided a very positive, if not downright delightful, experience. Grousemoor is of the latter; it's an exceptional blend.

The ribbon cut is nearly always a little over moist upon first opening the tin, but if you've been cellaring it for a couple years or more, it will be perfect. Most people seem to be unable to put their finger on any exact flavoring used, as there is such a melange of different tastes and smells, that to do so would be impossible. It has a hint of the Lakeland floral to it, but this is barely detectable among all the other flavors.

There is a definite citrus note to it, as well as a delightful peatiness. It is mildly sweet, never bitter, and nearly always bite free. It is just simply a very good tobacco that smokes down to a fine gray ash. The flavor is complex, so don't get bogged down trying too hard to sort it out. Just enjoy the ride.

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Loboatomy (41)	2009-12-13		Medium	Medium	Medium to Full	Pleasant

Fantastic "honey" floral flavors with a hint of something fruity, but in no way goopy or overpowered. Fine quality leaf, no bite whatsoever. Smoked down clean to a tiny wafer of dry dottle and some salt and pepper ashes.

Absolutely wonderful. I suspect that I'll be buying this in bulk soon...very soon...

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	newmission (14)	2009-07-19		Mild	Mild	Mild to Medium	Very Pleasant

This tin brought an unexpected joy to my daily routine. The initial opening of the tin brought me back to a hint of the old Harrod's Irish Mixture,(without the Latikia of course)... the sort of sweet, fruit cake smell. The first bowl brought a mix of flavors and one in particular that I still cant put my finger on. This one sweet yet pungent smell/flavor in undefinable to me. Upon further smoking I find that it is a fun smoke and in no way comparable to any aromatic that I have ever smoked. Some have considered this an aromatic, I disagree... this is a sweet natural smoke that delivers good quality flavor and satisfies even the most particular taste. Good for anyones rotation. Nice Sunday morning smoke with a cup of Black Tea after some Toast and Cheese.

EDIT: Local Michigan stores have been out of SG blends and I just found a tin of Grouse-Moor and am smoking it now. One suggestion to all. Give this stuff a litte more time to air out than most. In my excitement to smoke I planted it a little to early and its too moist. Suffering from a bit of bite and cant seem to keep it lit. Still a GREAT smoke... even on a damp rainy day.

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Pseudo Nim (129)	2009-05-11		Mild to Medium	Medium	Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

I don't let aromatics anywhere near my briars, this gets dried out thoroughly (which seems to get rid of most of the topping) and is smoked in a clay.

I tend to smoke this in the spring, it makes a nice stepping stone from the latakia bombs of the winter and a prelude to the promise of sweet virginias in the summer.

An excellent companion when mowing the lawn............... I'm not allowed anywhere near the flower beds.

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30194)	2009-03-26		Mild to Medium	Very Mild	Mild to Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

My first tin of this was a curiosity thing, based on the "love it or hate it" mixed reviews. OK...not bad, not bad at all. The Lakeland scent not nearly as pronounced as some reviews would lead one to believe, and recedes into the background soon after the first quarter of the bowl. 3 stars based on 1 tin. I am now on my second 50 grams, and this stuff keeps growing on me, so make it 4 stars. Best indoors (for me, at least), as I prefer flakes outdoors...1792, Bracken, FVF in cold weather. I'm thinking a flake version of the Grouse would be a great warm weather outdoor smoke. Dare I try some Grousemoor Plug? Hmm...

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30194)	2008-07-19		Medium	Medium	Medium	Pleasant

My very first bowl of this tobacco was awful. Put the thin aside, after one month tried it again. The floral notes were still there, but not offending any more. This second bowl (after one month) was delicious. The floral essences really support the Virginias. I smoke this stuff every now and then, and especially like it on a sunny day.

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	CapnStuby (33)	2008-07-14		Mild to Medium	Mild	Mild to Medium	Pleasant

It seems as if you either love this or hate it. I happen to love it and I'll describe why.

This blend is unashamedly aromatic and boasts a 200 year heritage to back up its claim as a classic. I couldn't agree more! At first light, you'll feel kind of poncy, since the floral sweetness feels sort of foppish and ephemeral. However, as you proceed through midbowl, the floral fragrance and taste gives way to some meaty virginia and there is a hint of pepper at the roof of the mouth, but with NO bite on the tongue or back of the throat. As you make your way to the bottom, the strength of the nicotine and the pure tobacco flavors blend on the tongue with the floral, caramel taste in a precise and pleasant way. This is never harsh, never rude and always genteel. I would say that it's the most noble tobacco I have smoked to date and with its pedigree, I can see why it holds such high rank in the world of tobacco!

If you remember those old Violet candies, with the hint of lavender, this tobacco's initial taste and light overtones are similar to that. It's never cloying or nasty, though. It's also easy on the pipe, burning down to white, dry ash and never fouling the briar. The room note is heavenly and you get the entire gamut of floral complexity through to good tobacco flavor.

Highly recommended for aromatic smokers. Those English afficionados are better off trying a sample of this in a corncob or meerschaum. Those with fire-blasted tongues and smoke-clogged noses (the drugstore smoker team) will thank the gods of tobacco for bringing them salvation in a tin!

Excellent work!

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Duke (41)	2008-05-21		Mild	Medium	Mild to Medium	Very Pleasant

How I sigh when I read the reviews skewering this blend. First consider that S. Gawith has continued this traditional blend recipe for the past 200 years, 200 years! So it has not been intentionally made to insult pipe smokers. Quality Virginian tobacco is the bedrock of this recipe. I bet the aromatics used are all-natural, for the topping never usurps the tobacco, and always dissipates and never haunts the pipe. I love it in the morning because I capture better the delicate nuances this blend provides. I?ve finished bowls so cleanly I wonder where the ash has gone. Don?t look for a foghorn in this blend, its too refined. So, if you don?t care for the blend, say goodbye, and git yourself a ?whopper? of a tobacco!

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30194)	2008-04-19		Medium	Medium to Strong	Medium to Full	Pleasant to Tolerable

aromatic but unlike those horrible sticky cherry and candyfloss blends.like many things this in an acquired taste as you may find it very different. lavender, bergemot, rose, taste,hard to nail down.an old blend and a must for anybody interested in tobacco,its history and different tastes and blends. this is not an aromatic trying to mimic a specific taste such as cherry but a tobacco that stands on its own and a great example of a lakeland blend. matt

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Glorfindel (86)	2007-09-19		Mild to Medium	Medium	Mild	Pleasant

(Update: with edits, ORIGINAL: 5-07)

I simply love this blend. It is unique among aromatics as many here have observed previously. A blend like this reminds me of why I like pipe smoking.

I was very excited about trying this English Aromatic since I learned that England, some years ago, outlawed artificial ingredients to be added to their pipe tobaccos (I praphrase here and deffer to our friends form England if I have misquoted the law).

The initial tin aroma is that of a floral essence. Lavender, rose petals etc? I don't know but I do know I like it and it tastes like it smells, rare in my experience with aromatics.

This VA aromatic is true and natural, definitely to be appreciated by naturalists and outdoorsmen, which I fancy myself to be. Knowing the ingredients are natural and not synthetic adds some character to the smoke which I enjoy, as it does with foods that I know are natural (organic) and free of artificial additives.

The flavors/aromas: I detect the classic VA grassiness, but it is subtle along with a very pleasant nutty texture that compliments the topping very well. A personal habit of mine is to smell the "bowl aroma" occasionally between puffs. This one smells wholesome, nutty, rich and creamy in the lit bowl. Always a good sign. If I smell charcoal or "chimney flue" in a bowl aroma - it usually gets dumped, and with good reason.

Several things I have learned I recommend you try that will improve the experience of Grousemoor to a 4 star smoke.......

1) Pack loosely, as loosely as your packing habits will allow you to do without "grimacing" as you pack. Then, GENTLY re-tamp as you will after the first lighting.

2) Use a butane lighter (bic style). The blend is so delicate in flavor that you will taste your match or Zippo lighter fluid on lighting and subsequent draws. I am a wood match fanatic and use them on almost every blend and pipe I own, but Grousemoor appreciates the tastelessness of a clean butane flame.

3) When and if your pipe gets too hot to be comfortably held for a few seconds, put it down and let it go out, maybe a 3-5 min break. If your pipe doesn't do this puff away to the bottom of the bowl and enjoy.

4) Dedicate a pipe to this blend that has had a mild non-aromatic smoked through it recently. Preferably a VA or VA blend without perique. The flavor of other aromatics will interfere with Grousemoor on the first few bowls if you use a pipe that has recently smoked aromatics. 3-5 bowls full in the same pipe without smoking other blends are necessary for you to get the feel and spirit of Grousemoor, and for it to mesh flavors with your dedicated pipe.

5) Dry your portion on a paper plate for 10-15 min before smoking. Grousemoor is a bit moist out of the tin, but I like that. I'd rather have a little extra moisture than try to remediate a dry tobacco - it takes too long and is risky for mold. Drying is easy. Outside drying on a clear day is best and fastest. Inside will take longer.

This blend burns evenly and with the least residual moisture of any blend I have yet tried. Grousemoor leaves essentially a dry bowl. Not one single gurgle after several bowls in my Chacom Canadian (10"). Absolutely no bite! I think I'm in love.

A 200 year old blend that is still a success? I can see why. "If it ain't broke, don't fix it."

Grousemoor is now in my daily rotation - and hopefully will be for a long time to come. Try Grousemoor, you will be pleased you did. It is truly a pleasure to smoke.

Thanks,

Ethan

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30194)	2007-03-15		Mild to Medium	Mild to Medium	Medium	Very Pleasant

Grouse-Moor is a tobacco rich in History, as well as taste. While many eschew them, I am a devout fancier of English ?Lake Flakes,? and their properties. This fine tobacco is no exception. I am enamored of the smoking experience I receive from each and every pipe full of this fine Samuel Gawith offering.

It is indeed extremely refined with a soft and rounded mélange of flavors. The pouch aroma is quite reminiscent of naturally fresh and piquant fields of flowers in full bloom during early spring time. The aroma and actual flavors are truly conjoined, which is uncommon, but very well received. Grouse-Moor is easy to fill the pipe with and lights readily. I have found a light fill is the best method to employ as it promotes a cool, slow and dry burn with the best spectrum of flavors.

Smoking Grouse-moor indoors while sitting in my favorite leisure chair is how I enjoy it most. The perfectly sweet smoke produced with each slow sip is marvelous, affording simple pleasure that guides me along the relaxing path to complete repose. Each bowl smokes all the way down into a fine gray ash, leaving a subtle floral aftertaste that imprints into the mind, like the aromas of a flower garden after a soft spring shower. Refreshing, relaxing and satisfying, Grouse-Moor is one fine offering and one of my most favored tobaccos.

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30194)	2006-11-02		Mild to Medium	Medium	Medium	Very Pleasant

What a delightful smoke this is. The comparisons to tea are very apt as it is a delicate and aromatic quality that Grousemoor has. I smoked my first bowl recently with a breakfast cup of tea and the spring sun on my back. I knew at once it was going to be a favourite. The warmth of the sun and the crispness of the air at that wonderful time of year seemed to only enhance Grousemoor. For a while time stood still in what was a sublime smoke. Definitely a warm weather tobacco. I find it also goes superbly with a light flavoured Mexican beer such as Corona or Sol.

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30194)	2006-10-09		Mild	Mild	Mild to Medium	Pleasant

If there is one tobacco that truly defines a region and a producer, it has to be the Grouse Moor. Its tradition has splendidly survived the ages with its political and social upheavals as well as EU outsourcing ala Dunhill and Dan. It?s still produced by Gawith in that hauntingly beautiful region of England, the Lakeland District, with its crags, lonely glens and misty dusks that inspired native son, William Wordsworth to poetry. You can get over the initial tin aroma, which is a cross between English Breakfast tea and cheap Gonesh sandalwood sticks, if you allow it to breathe for a few moments upon opening. The string cut packing is firm and spongy, but be sure you pack in layers and check frequently to avoid annoying plugs and other misbehavior down the road. Start with a clean pipe and draw the taste in a few times before lighting. Where have you tasted anything like this before? High tea, maybe? Bring out the scones and Eccles cake, Trevor! The smoke will bring about tastes and aromas of heather, honey and the moors ala Germain, but with Victorian reserve. You can almost see Basil Rathbone appear amidst the smoky vapor. Very English and dignified, at the same time mystic like the landscape and the atmosphere from where it comes. You will either love or hate this time-honored classic, a special gift from Britain?s glorious past.

Four and a half of five stars

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30194)	2006-06-05		Mild	Medium to Strong	Medium to Full	Very Pleasant

Intro: A favourable floral journey with a historic, Lakeland tobacco.

Tin aroma: The sweet floral perfume of clover, encased in an unidentifiable nest of scent.

Having read previous reviews, I allowed the tobacco to air out overnight before my first pipe load. I do recommend this for the smoker?s first light just in case the taste is too much for you. Taste and tin aroma are more closely related in this blend than in most other tobaccos.

Packing: I consistently use a light pack with Grousemoor.

First impressions: Memories galore!

I was taken back to the sunlit afternoons of my childhood, of running around on wet grass among clumps of clover under the summer?s sun. I thought of whimsical gardens around the miniature golf course when I was nine. I sat back in my chair and sipped and each sip brought back youth and joy and simple pleasures.

This was a glimpse into the rabbit hole as seen by Mr. Carroll?.

Mid Bowl: The fascination continues. The smoke carried me into a soft, reticent mood. The air around me turned pleasantly sweet. Flavour wise, I noted more clover, traces of honey blended with elusive, fleeting things that fluttered by. What a delight!

The Finale: Smoked all way down to the briar. No doddle, only a fine gray ash. Tobacco flavour offered in the most mild of hints. Overall, a bite-free experience that leaves a faint, floral aftertaste that makes me want to light up another pipe right afterwards. Writing this, 24 hours after my last bowl, I still relish the memory of yesterday?s pipe.

Conclusion: I find Grousemoor to be heavenly. I find ?the zone? quite often with this tobacco?much more so than with most. I no longer worry about airing it out; I?ll go direct from tin to pipe. It?s enjoyable in either briar or meer. I?ve found it best served in small/medium sized pipes.

As other reviews indicate, it is a ?Love it or Hate it? blend. It is certainly worth trying for far more than sentimental reasons. Exceptional quality products go into the making of Grousemoor. This tobacco has opened new doors for me in the world of Lakeland tobacco and it has a guaranteed place in my rotation. (I typically smoke one pipe a day, mostly in the evening. I currently have at least 25 different tobaccos on hand ranging from Burley to Latakia to aromatics. For me to smoke one tobacco more than once a week is indeed a compliment).

I recommend Grousemoor to aromatic lovers who are in search of something that is far removed from the typical aromatics of our day.

Also recommended to those willing to venture ?outside the box.?

Life?s short, so smoke what you enjoy.

Personally, I very much enjoy Grousemoor.

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30194)	2006-01-14		Mild to Medium	Mild	Mild to Medium	Pleasant

Despite my tastes for stiff Balkans, my Gemini heritage forces me to crave a lightly flavored tobacco from time to time. I'm not a fan of full aromatics under any conditions, in fact I don't even like to be in the vicinity. That being said, I find the flavoring in this blend to be very inviting and another one of those that I enjoy from time to time. Other reviewers have noted a fine VA under the topping and I agree.

As I do with a few others, I always rub half from the pressed tin into another container. Also, it's important to not pack this too tightly as one would an uncased VA or it will be a steamy blow torch. My pleasure has been hightened by paying particular attention to packing this properly and smoking it in tall narrow bowls. It smokes fast due to it's thin ribbon cut, so I puff slowly. Every once in a while, I crave it ... so it has made it to my second shelf as a before dinner smoke when entertaing. Too mild for after meal.

Cheers, VC

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30194)	2004-12-20		Mild	Mild	Mild to Medium	Pleasant

Talk about history--Grouse-Moor has been in continuous production by Samuel Gawith for over 200 years. Few tobaccos can boast of such a past, and from the reviews here, one might wonder how Grouse-Moor has managed to stay around as long as it has.

The answer is simple. This is a superb, unique pipe tobacco. When I pack a pipe with this, I think of the Englishmen of 1804 who smoked this very same blend. Some have compared it to shampoo or urinal "mints" (I believe the genius who wrote that meant "cakes"). Ignore the naysayers. The flavor and scent of Grouse-Moor have only a slight floral or perfume overtone; otherwise, it is fruity, smelling somewhat of freshly baked apple pie. It retains its flavor throughout the bowl, all the way down to the bottom. It's mild, refreshing, with an understated strength.

I don't know what tobaccos are used in Grouse-Moor; some of it is a mysterious leaf from Zimbabwe. Whatever it is, it's wonderful. Do yourself a favor and give this a try. It's worth all the Nightcap in the world.

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30194)	2004-09-01		Extremely Mild	Very Mild	Mild	Very Pleasant

This was my first foray into Samuel Gawith blends a few years ago, on a tip from a friend of mine. I do admit that when I first opened the tin, the fruity smell surprised me. I have since learned to leave the tin open for about 2 days to alleviate the heavy scent this blend gives when first opened.

This Virginia tobacco packs very easy, and takes me no more than 2 matches to light. I have not had to relight this blend more than once on any given bowl I smoke. My fiancee says that the room aroma is "heaven" to her, and I find the mild taste very refreshing form the many heavier blends I smoke. This tobacco burns quite evenly and produces a grayish-white ash at bowl's end, with a slight amount of dottle.

Since my first trial of this blend, I always keep a tin of Grousemoor handy when I find my palate in need of a change of pace.

Definately one of SG's best blends!

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30194)	2003-08-19		Mild	Mild	Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

Talk about the above descriptions! Soap, Shampoo, Rotten Pineapples, and Urinal Mints?

Upon taking a whiff of the tin, I sensed a very light fruity smell. Sort of ala Angel Food Cake. At first light and maybe a third down a soapy or light shampoo taste does offer a presence. A light fruity taste, somewhat clouded begins to appear and interbreeds with a floral perfume. From here the blend levels out and stays pat. As for being Flat? Maybe, ....But not bland.

*Don't give up on this! This blend grows on you. I find myself wanting a bowl every once in a while. Once accustomed, the shampoo & floral become unnoticable. I've raised my rating on this stuff. This one "IS" different!

Connoisseur, ...I'm not. Soap and Shampoo, I have accidently tasted while bathing. Pineapples gone bad (I assume rotten), I don't recall ever tasting. When they are black or molded, I pass. As for Urinal Mints, ... I may look down at them but I have never touched or tasted one.

I Tinkle and Leave.

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	pxi106 (18)	2002-12-11		Mild to Medium	Medium to Strong	Mild to Medium	Pleasant

I would recommend this blend to anyone who thinks he's "tried it all." What this tobacco looks like(light sweet virginia) and what this tobacco tastes like (Sen-Sen) are just completely incongruous. Now that said, this tobacco can be very pleasant if approached cautiously.

The first third of the smoke has an overwhelmingly floral shampoo-ish sort of flavor; however, as the smoke progresses the flavor fades into the background and one finds oneself actually pulling hard at the pipe because, surprise, surprise, the initially hated flavor has become pleasant.

Smoke this, gently and with an open mind. It's not what you expect. It's not bad, either. It's just really, really odd.

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30194)	2002-09-08		Mild to Medium	Medium to Strong	Medium to Full	Very Pleasant

Another one of those "gotta try just once" blends. I'm not a huge fan of flavored blends to begin with, and by all rights Grousemoor's incredibly sweet, perfumy topping should have me heading for the hills -- yet I kinda like it! The flavor is intense yet light, not cloying the way most maple/rum/chocolate toppings are. The flowery taste is gone by halfway through the bowl, leaving the tasty "empire leaf" to shine through on its own. At this point Grousemoor undergoes an amazing transformation, becoming a robust and pleasing smoke whose flavor resembles a very sweet variation on Gawith's Full Virginia Flake. Grousemoor will leave a residual sweetness in your pipe for the next bowl, which I rather enjoy.

By no means an all-day (or even an everyday) smoke, Grousemoor can provide a welcome change of pace for those who enjoy its sweetness and intense flavor.

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30194)	2002-03-14		Mild to Medium	Mild to Medium	Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

Being a history and nostalgia buff I just had to try this very old blend. The tin is picturesque and the tobacco is top notch. It comes in long light to medium brown ribbons. The aroma is one that I find delicious and I know I have smelled something like it somewhere else, but I do not know where. The tobacco was of moderate moisture and lit easily. It has what I have learned is a characteristic Lakeland fragrance/taste when lit. At first is seems a bit too perfumey, then it settles down into a cool and, well, different smoke. Good outdoors, or relaxing by the fire with book. Recommended.

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30194)	2001-04-27		Medium	None Detected	Medium to Full	Tolerable

This is a very nice, medium Virginia from S. Gawith, one which I enjoyed very much. While I normally prefer darker, flake-style Virginias, the flavors and complexity of this blend won me over. If you enjoy flavorful, well-blended Virginias without bite, I suggest that you try some of this. The aroma in the bag is very mild, faintly sweet and caramel-like with very faint notes of spice - all resting on a base of a medium, dry tobacco smell. The leaf itself is mixed in color, medium and lighter brown strands with some darker pieces thrown in. The cut is very long; most of the strands are 6" or more in length! This makes packing difficult, especially in a narrow pipe bowl (Roughly like stuffing spaghetti into a beer bottle.). My sample came fairly dry and took fire quickly, burning through a bowl with an average number of relights needed. In the first third of the bowl, the flavor is “average”, a nice, medium Virginia taste. There is a friendly, mild tobacco sweetness present, and a very faint, variable spice note. The overall effect is one of flavorful, high-quality Virginia tobacco, neither dark nor light, and with good complexity and richness. There is no real bite in this part, and the smoke is fairly cool and bone dry. In the second third, the flavor has moved a bit toward the dark side, and the complexity is still present. The sweetness is not as strong, but the spice note is still there, most noticeable when the smoke is exhaled through the nose. I wouldn't call this a dark smoke, but it is much darker than Brighton or Cardiff from Esoterica. It is very interesting, with many different flavors to enjoy on the palate; I'd call it a "brown" taste. There are no moisture problems at this point, and the smoke is still bite-free. In the last third of the bowl, the sweetness is getting stronger again, while the tobacco flavor remains mostly the same. It does continue to develop somewhat, especially in a narrow, deep bowl, and the complexity has increased. The bottom of the bowl is the best part: the flavor is excellent, and the lack of bite or moisture leaves noting to complain about. It smokes clean and dry right to the ashes, which I was sucking before I knew it. Overall, I enjoyed this tobacco very much. While not as dark and rich as the Virginia flakes I usually smoke, it was nevertheless an excellent, flavorful, complex blend with no bite or moisture problems. I plan to smoke more of this in the future, and have already ordered a tin. Virginia lovers should definitely try this one!

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30194)	2023-04-14		Mild	Extremely Mild	Mild	Pleasant to Tolerable

This was my first Virginia-only tobacco. Initially I didn't even realize it was an aromatic. Once I was aware of it I could taste the citrus very faintly. Full disclosure: when I was a kid I had a hay allergy so I dislike the smell of grass/hay. Due to this, straight Virginia is not my favorite, although this tobacco is probably a very good one by comparison. I did however finish the tin by smoking one bowl a day in the morning until it was gone. A second bowl was not favorable to me. While doing so I did appreciate what Grousemoor had to offer, a light citrus flavor with a little natural sweetness. If I was out of tobacco I would surely bum a bowl of this, but I likely won't purchase it again. YMPWV (Your mileage probably will vary)

Pipe Used: briars and cobs

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	The Printer Piper (18)	2023-03-29		Medium	Medium to Strong	Medium	Pleasant

This ribbon cut Virginia tobacco from the Lakeland district is steamed, which seems to lighten the Nic-hit and then infused with a citrus flavor and light floral essence. It is a nice light refreshing smoke with a tangy, slightly lemony taste that leaves your mouth refreshed. Perfect for a hot summer day with a bottle of cold water. The floral essence is there, but not overly done. It burns nicely with minimal re-lights and perfect moisture from the tin. Try this one, its a great summer smoke.

Pipe Used: Savineli 2019 Christmas 408

Age When Smoked: 2022

Purchased From: Local B&M

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Anthony Caridi (30)	2023-03-03		Mild to Medium	Strong	Full	Pleasant

Definitely underated! However you must love heavy floral blends. Sour lemon and blood orange with some bitters and a twist of cayenne. Grassy yet very flowery. Definitely reminiscent of summertime. In a class all it's own. We pipe smokers are living in a golden age of tobacco blending!

Pipe Used: Hanseatic billiard

Age When Smoked: Fresh

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	claudiobande (31)	2023-01-02		Mild	Medium	Medium	Tolerable

The most horrible tobacco I ever smoked. I had to give it away. The lakeland flower essence it carries is totally disgusting. I'm sure I'm going to die without having smoked it again

Pipe Used: Savinelli

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Bubbamorris (16)	2022-12-14		Mild to Medium	Strong	Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

Hmm, I never understood what people meant by “grandma’s perfume” in a Lakeland until now!

Opening the tin, I get a smell similar to other Lakeland toppings, with some tart, grassy, and slightly metallic Virginia in the background. I’m not put off by the topping, because I do love Ennerdale Flake, and this smells quite similar.

Lighting up… oh boy. The first taste I get is a floral, rosy, old lady Avon perfume taste. This wasn’t what I was expecting based on the tin smell. This isn’t the Ennerdale tonka, almond, and citrus topping, or even just the 1792 Flake tonka. Despite what people say, Ennerdale is not perfumey or floral. This blend, however, is what people mean when they say Lakelands taste like a funeral home! A bit put off, but still intrigued, I decided to go further. About a quarter down the bowl now, the flavors have varied just a bit. Along with the old lady perfume notes, there is a bit of an incense-y type taste. Not a Latakia frankincense type taste, but more of a lavender type incense, or like when you burn lavender essential oil. Every once in awhile, I do get a fruity topping, and some of the tonka in the background. The Virginias in this are tart, fruity, and grassy, but they really only show up on the finish, as the initial flavor in every puff is the topping. Closer to the bottom of the bowl the topping diminishes a bit, or I just got used to it. It takes a little while to get lit, but once it is lit it’ll burn pretty well. Nicotine is on the mild to medium side.

Overall, I think I actually do like this blend. Not enough to buy one of the 250g boxes, but probably enough to have a couple ounces on hand. Maybe a bowl every month or two. I could see myself probably further acquiring a taste for this. It’s definitely not for everyone, and I could easily understand why somebody wouldn’t like this. I also definitely prefer Ennerdale Flake among Lakelands. But being somebody who enjoys odd experiences, this isn’t bad. It’s also a taste of a historical aromatic tradition. For that I’ll rate it 3 stars.

Age When Smoked: 1.5 years

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	JaWiBr (565)	2022-10-28		Medium	Medium	Medium to Full	Pleasant

Tin note reminded me of canned fruit in syrup, like canned peaches or fruit cocktail... smells sweet. The tobacco looks like orange-brown ribbon cut needing no preparation and no drying. It took a few lights to get it started and burned slow and fairly consistent. The strength is med, nic is mild. Flavor is med and a bit complex. The taste is a grassy, orange, mildly sweet with mild Lakeland. Room note is pleasant and pleasant aftertaste.

Pipe Used: 2015 XXX Ashton Brindle Author

Age When Smoked: 5 years

Purchased From: smokingpipes.com

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	DonSimon (4)	2022-07-12		Mild	Medium	Medium	Very Pleasant

I read all the good and bad reviews about this tobacco, I can appreciate both. But if you can accept this for what it is you will find it very pleasant. It has a beautiful room note that is like a fragrant garden. The Virginia in sweet and has enough flavor to satisfy though it may be on the milder side. I got no complaints from the significant other either. That’s a win in anyones books. I would definitely recommend you try at least one tin. The flavor is weird at first but like other reviews it quickly grows on you.

Pipe Used: MM Rory

Purchased From: Tobaccoblends.com.au

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Vuki (5)	2022-05-21		Mild	Strong	Medium	Very Pleasant

Got this by an accident. From the tin I smell citrus alnd floral essence, very pleasant aroma. When it comes to taste, this tobacco isn't consistent, once it's sweet, citrussy, little bit of lavender and bergamot, once it's bitter, with grapefruit zest, geranium and some flowers. Overall nice tobacco

Pipe Used: stanwell royal prince

Age When Smoked: 1 year

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	krog (22)	2021-10-02		Mild to Medium	Medium	Mild	Pleasant

As soon as I opened a tin of Grouseemor, a soapy smell attacked my nose. Tobacco just smells as If someone had spilled a soap. My friend told me that the smell is very floral and it reminds him some kind of tea. Definitely for me it just smells like soap.

Well, taste was not special, I definitely dont like such tobaccos. It tasted just like a soapy virginia. You have to try it yourself, some people perceive that tobby as their golden grail. But definitely not me

Pipe Used: MM corn cob

Age When Smoked: new

Purchased From: tobbaco shop

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	awt (20)	2021-07-25		Mild	Mild to Medium	Mild to Medium	Pleasant

A fantastic summertime smoke best enjoyed in larger pipes and after few days from opening the tin. Has at first an overwhelming citrus aroma (lemongrass?) which fades away with subsequent smokes. The bright Virginias are clearly behind. Not strong at all, no Nic hit at all. Excellent as a first pipe with a good coffee. Burns fantastically well perhaps slightly too fast. It possibly ghosts a pipe , smoke it in a large meerschaum ... it sings. Still I can't see it as the only tobacco to smoke. 4 stars are deserved in its category. Not for beginners IMHO.

Pipe Used: Dunhill meerschaum

Age When Smoked: fresh

Similar Blends: Kendalls.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Juan Martin Borrione Lumpp (2)	2021-04-21		Mild	Mild	Mild	Very Pleasant

Yo soy de los habanos, y de tabaco de pipa he fumado varias latas y me gusta disfrutarlas en invierno, andaba buscando algo parecido al habano pense o al cigarrillo comun, no algo que te deje la habitacion con un perfume axfisciante, asi que me acerque a mi tabaqueria de confiaza y eche un vistazo a las latas de Gawith que nunca probé, habia un tal Grousemoor con un arte de tapa que te dan ganas de comprarlo...pero seguia con esa duda de no clavarme con una lata de algo que no buscaba especificamente...asi que me vine a leer unas reviews y vi mayormente el comentario de que el Grousemoor era algo raro?¿ lo cual me hizo dudar más, pero tambien que es un tabaco hecho a la antigua, para fumarselo en el campo me imaginaba...y que tenia gusto a limon? Algo no me convencia del todo, pero me quede con que es de "antaño" porque justamente es algo que tal vez estaba buscando y que me fascina por el hecho de la tradicion y todo eso. Asi que me anime y me lleve esa lata solitaria con bastante orgullo en la inversion monetaria, ni bien llegue lo abri solo para olerlo, y la verdad es que me tranquilizó el aroma suave aunque floreal, lo deje guardado hasta la noche y me lleve una gran satisfacción al fumarlo...porque di justo en lo que buscaba...estaba un poco humedo y costo sacarle unas bocanadas asi que despues saque un poco y lo deje al aire libre para las proximas fumadas...la verdad es que encontre un tabaco excepcional porque tiene gusto a tabaco despues de tantos que hablan de su olor y sabor aromatico...es decir, yo lo veo como el Irish Oak de Peterson que también es infravalorado pero me ha dado grandes dias... porque tanto el Grousemoor como el Irish Oak son tabacos que los abris y encontras con olores amables y suaves, tal vez parecen saborizados al olfato pero al fumarlos esa nota desaparece bastante y te quedas con el tabaco neutro de un cigarrillo armado aunque con personalidad, la habitacion adquiere ese olor a cigarrillo de caja, pero aca el Grousemoor es distinto en cuanto a la fumada del Irish Oak, este Grousemoor es como flores secas, parece un cereal de avena que se quema o maiz frito...algo con reminiscencias de un campo con flores silvestres...si tenes un campo o estas de paso en uno, guardalo para fumar alli !!!

Pipe Used: Regular pipe

Similar Blends: Irish Oak de Peterson.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Fusty the pipe (33)	2020-10-25		Mild	Strong	Full	Pleasant

I bought a tin on a whim, after reading the reviews below.

“Oh, that sounds interesting.” I remarked to myself, “I could do with a different aromatic to add to the rotation: not vanilla or chocolate or cherry. I’ll try this one.”

It’s a very light tobacco in colour, Belgian blonde beer, blonde and fragrant like...well, not like anything else really.

It has a very lemony, limey, lemongrass flower smell, which, almost perfectly match’s the colour of the tobacco. Very light, very spring like.

I can’t attest to whether it smells like an actual Grouse moor or not; I should say that calling this blend “Citrus Spring”, or something like that, would be more appropriate. Maybe you’re supposed to smoke it while you’re using artillery on birds with limited flight capabilities, before moving on to something else when you’re back at the lodge, in front of a roaring fire? I don’t know.

It burns nicely. It comes moist in the tin, like SG’s do. Not an all day smoke but lovely to add to the rotation to mix it up.

It will ghost a pipe but the ghosting is subtle and not all that bad.

On the whole, worth a punt - buy half an ounce first, if you’re not convinced.

Happy pipes.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Sangagor (80)	2020-05-16		Mild	Medium	Mild	Unnoticeable

Oh yes. Difficult decision. After first bowl I have decide this will be a disappointment of the year. Only mild flavor from fresh tobacco and smoke almost without the taste. But guys! This is VA. When I smoke last bowl from my 10g sample, I sit alone in the garden. I was trying to obtain rhythm, calm down and be as slow-seeping as it get. Then it came. Sweet earthy Virginia with floral casing with little bit fruitiness. Honestly, very strange blend, maybe I was expecting miracle, but someone could love it.

Pipe Used: Stanislaw, cob

Age When Smoked: new

Purchased From: etrafika.cz

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	DenizBeck (323)	2017-11-07		Mild	Strong	Medium	Pleasant

I got to try a bowl of this. It wasn't for me really, but I thought I share some thoughts anyways. This is a full-grown aromatic! Almost no tobacco to be found in here. The added flavoring isn't per se "Lemongrass-ish", but has some Lemon and Citrus to it, as well as some perfumy, slightly soapy aroma. The tin note is intriguing, but in the pipe I didn't like this too much.

Half a bowl was enough for me, but I can see that this may appeal to Aromatic and Lakeland lovers! It's not a bad tobacco, but just not my style of pipe tobacco blends. The flavouring is what I perceive most, very rarely I got some bready, little spicy Virginia aroma. It's not obtrusive, but very special in its flavour and flavouring. Definetly worth trying for those, who like a strongly aromatized tobacco!

Only 2-stars, "somewhat recommended", because this is really something special, that I think will appeal to not too many pipe smokers.

Pipe Used: Clay Pipe

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Griswold (21)	2017-07-29		Mild to Medium	Medium	Mild to Medium	Pleasant

An absolutely unique flavour combined to a top-notch mellow Virginia base. The only drawback is the moisture level, which is on the high side fresh from the tin. Nevertheless, a must-try for anyone interested in traditional English tobaccos.

Similar Blends: n/a.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Olgun Cengiz (4)	2017-03-28		Strong	Very Mild	Medium to Full	Tolerable to Strong

As soon as you open the tin, you can get the lemon grass smell from it. It is easily packed to the bowl and easily lit.

I smoked it in summer time in the garden. It was quite fun. I didn't get much of tongue biting, but as I smoked through half of the bowl, the nicotine hit me and I felt a little bit dizzy. But the taste was good.

Pipe Used: Briar, Billiard Shaped

Age When Smoked: 3-6 months

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	PhilFrank (1)	2016-02-04		Mild to Medium	Medium to Strong	Mild to Medium	Pleasant

My wife likes the smell. I like the Virginia tobacco and the flavor is nice, different. My wife says she smells vanilla, I get a hint occasionally, the main thing is that it is a good tobacco and is not offensive to my wife.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	aksamolsa (20)	2016-02-02		Medium	Medium	Medium	Pleasant

I mostly rely on Samuel Gawith name, as they have too little disappointments on tobacco for me. This is a fine Samuel Gawith aromatic blend. I am not that into aromatics but I smoke what is available on the shelf, and Grousemoor is just fine.

It is not harsh on the nose, has a lovely color, air definitely improves quality after the tin is opened and makes it more suitable to my taste. For me it is enjoyable and smokable again.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Cumarinophil (108)	2015-04-14		Medium	Very Strong	Medium to Full	Pleasant

Grousemoor. You can barely finish your morning hygiene without feeling the urge to nibble your wife’s hand cream? I’m not judging, but then this blend is for you.

Underneath the intense floral-soapy flavoring, there is actually a really good basis of extraordinary bright Virginias. Medium to full taste at medium strength. Every time I pop the tin I’m not sure anymore if I want to smoke it, but once I’ve made it past the first couple of draws it’s actually not so bad and this blend might even grow on you. Past half the bowl the tobaccos come through nicely making Grousemoor quite enjoyable. I’m told the room note smells like fruit tea.

Not at all my type of casing, but I give it credit for high quality. What’s here is executed really well.

Similar Blends: HU Tobacco Sissinghurst.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Mike10 (17)	2014-12-23		Mild to Medium	Medium	Mild to Medium	Very Pleasant

I always find Grousemoor a pleasant smoke. It is literally the first aromatic I ever smoked, and while I was hesitant to try it, I was pleased upon doing so.

I, and those around me, find the room note very pleasant. Being aromatic, it can bite at the sinuses if not smoked at a proper pace, but never has a harsh mouth-feel or taste. The tin aroma is among my favorites. I would not use Grousemoor in making any of my own blends, but it is a pleasing and reliable out-of-the-tin smoke.

Pipe Used: Comoy's, Stanwell, Yves St.Claude, meerschaum

Age When Smoked: unkown

Purchased From: online

Similar Blends: Peretti Orginal.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	newmystic (4)	2014-08-18		Mild	Mild	Mild	Pleasant

Over the years as I would shop online for a new pipe tobacco, I would always hesitate when I saw the artwork on the Grousemoor. I was always intrigued by the description but then after I read the reviews here I would decide against trying it. I finally took the plunge a month ago. I figured it is an old blend so I should at least try it. When the tin arrived I fell in love with the artwork when finally seeing it up close. I was excited when I opened it up for the first time and took a whiff...mmm wow, what is that scent..sort of like lemon cream? Then I packed a bowl. wow, now I understand the tin art. I'm going to buy a couple more tins. Good stuff. I'm glad I ignored the reviews and tried it myself. If any of you still have your tins send em to me.

Pipe Used: Barling

Age When Smoked: new

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	gam86 (49)	2014-07-19		Mild to Medium	Medium	Mild to Medium	Pleasant

It's a good tobacco but still don't meet my flavor standard. Still worth a try if you like the soapy flavor. As for every Samuel you should open the tin and wait a day before smoke it

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	JoPo (7)	2014-01-07		Medium	Medium	Very Mild	Very Pleasant

I love the aroma of this blend both in the tin and in the smoke. Unfortunately it does not carry over into the flavor category. The taste of this blend is very mild, nearly unnoticeable. This tobacco smokes a bit on the hot side and leaves the tongue feeling a bit leathery. Still unlike most aromatics it smokes dry and I appreciate that. Grousemoor is a decent blend and a good choice if you want a light smoke and good comments on the side-stream from those around you.

Pipe Used: Stanwell Colonial 56

Age When Smoked: new

Purchased From: smokingpipes.com

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	CTS (138)	2014-01-04		Medium	Medium to Strong	Medium to Full	Pleasant to Tolerable

The tin aroma does not deliver the level of lemon grass that you get in the smoke. The lemon grass has a medicinal quality to it (perhaps oil essence base) that adds an interesting twist to the very good base tobacco. Definitely a pleasant switch-up. Through the bowl the flavor has anise and tea notes to it, which, overall, transcends the base tobacco. Lit well, smoked clean. 3+ stars.

Pipe Used: Italian Basket 35+ years old, MM

Age When Smoked: undated; bought 2 months ago

Purchased From: The Briary, Homewood, AL

Similar Blends: In a class by itself.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Pipe Beard (8)	2013-12-17		Mild	Medium	Medium to Full	Pleasant

I have certain pipe smoking friends whom I would highly recommend this blend. I love it, but realize that it is far too out there for some. It is a nice ribbon cut VA with some crazy floral lemongrass and ginger casing in addition to soapy lakeland goodness. If that is your think, this blend will not disappoint. It's weird, but sometimes I like to embrace the weird. I'm already through a few tins of it.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30194)	2013-10-02		Mild	Mild to Medium	Mild to Medium	Pleasant

Can aroma is pure delight - soft lemon piquancy, musty, leafy, smoky nuttiness and light Demerara. Comes fairly compressed in the can so you need to rub it out to a looser consistency. Seems a bit damp right from the can but rubbed out and packed right it stays lit quite well. Wonderful lemony-citrus base to the taste, some cocoa and light naturally sweet herbal tones - a great smoke that NEVER bites and is mild enough for a few consecutive bowls. Room scent is pleasant enough but has a distinct sweet Virginia aroma. One of my go - to smokes.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	DrT999 (318)	2013-04-17		Medium	Medium	Mild to Medium	Tolerable

I must say, even for a lover of light to medium strength Lakelands, this is . . . different. Rather like smoking a Luden's honey-lemon cough drop. If that sounds appealing, give this a try! Since I know there are many tobaccos out there I would rate a 4, the question arises would I rebuy this particular tobacco, assuming my tastes don't change much more. In this case, the answer is no.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	denholrl (22)	2013-03-23		Mild to Medium	Medium	Medium	Very Pleasant

I've tried the bulk Grousemoor and the tinned version and found them to be different. The bulk contained very broad pieces of leaf ... some an inch or more across. This version smoked best after having been coarsely minced with my chef's knife. The smoke was cool and even. The flavor popped with grassy freshness which I think was deer's tongue, a wild-growing non-tobacco condiment leaf; delicious. When the bulk was no longer available to my tobacconist, I tried the tinned blend and thought it was flat. I tried only that one tin.

Three stars for the bulk . . . 1 for the tin.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Steerpike (156)	2012-06-23		Very Mild	Medium	Mild	Pleasant

The lightest Lakeland tobacco. This sits at the other end of the spectrum from Condor. As such one might recommend it as an introduction to British "scented" tobaccos, but I wouldn't. To light, too easy to get it burning hot, not enough taste to keep you interested. Try something a bit richer like St Bruno first of all. It's not really my cup of tea, I prefer my virginias pressed and cooked into flake. Perhaps I'll try the Grousemoor Plug next time.

Appearance - bright virginia shag, medium cut, pale yellow to amber

Aroma in the tin - delicious - sweet, apricots, honey, liquer. Promising.

The smoke - lights easily, but the taste while lighting isn't so nice, quite ashy and thin. Once it gets going it's alright, a very mild flavour with a slightly soapy taste coming through, doesn't bite although it probably could if tempted. Smoke it gently so it doesn't become too hot. The flavour doesn't really develop, indeed it doesn't have much flavour to speak of. It's just there in the background. People enjoy the aroma - it's not vanilla or fruit like a Dutch aromatic, it smells like tobacco but sweeter and more pleasant to non smokers.

Aftertaste - soapy, slightly ashy.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++Edit+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

It's perhaps worth mentioning that this tobacco is not unlike the Erinmore mixture. A bright Virginia ribbon with a generous ammount of a sweet scent applied. Those who enjoy the Erinmore mixture will no doubt enjoy this, and vice versa, however if you find the scents overwhelming when applied to very mild ribbon cut tobaccos, perhaps best give this one a miss.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Beer (345)	2012-01-14		Medium	Mild to Medium	Mild to Medium	Pleasant

What a strange tobacco! While not as strongly flavored as some might lead you to think, and certainly not in a disgusting/intrusive way like some other classic Lakeland/English Virginia blends, it sure is quizzical!

It's a mixture of fine golden Virginias (rather moist in the tin), flavored with a blend of aromas which escape definition. It's NOT soapy, not exactly flowery, but rather sweet/citrusy. Lemon, bergamot (Earl Grey tea!), pineapple, a hint of roses, honey, licorice... and more. Hey, even a slight hint of what reminds me of fresh perspiration from the skin of a lovely scented beautiful girl! The flavoring, in the tin, is not subtle but neither it is overwhelming: it's very appealing, and beautifully integrated with the natural smell of Virginia. Certainly not as strongly flavored as Erinmore, St Bruno or some weird soapy/talcum flavored stuff I've had in the past from Gawith & Hoggarth and which luckily I have almost forgotten.

Does this translate to the smoking experience? Actually not very much. There IS a hint of freshness and of the same aroma, but rather in a subtle way. The smoke is not the sweetest or fruitiest I have ever had from a Virginia, actually it tastes rather dry and neautral. A bit bland, too. This blandness can lead you to overpuffing, making it even blander and less sweet, and making it seem stronger nicotine-wise than it actually is. Be careful, because the high moisture and stringy ribbon cut can lead to packing the bowl a bit too tight resulting in a bad draw.

This scenario does actually change a bit after a couple of weeks from opening the tin. While it doesn't get dry too easily, some airing removes part of the flavoring, and a buttery sweetness like brioches/croissants comes out both in the unlit tobacco aroma and in the smoking experience.

Do I like it? Well, there's nothing to really be excited about. It's not spectacular, it doesn't give me the deep satisfaction of (to stay in the same brand) Best Brown Flake, but it's not offensive. In spite of the flavoring, almost no bothersome ghosts left in the pipe and certainly no "yuck" reaction. A honest smoke, subtle and elegant, quite different from anything else. While not particularly fond of this style, I can see myself having a bowl of it once in a while just for a change of pace.

Give it a try... even just for curiosity. You may fall in love with it: I didn't, it's a bit bland in taste for me (especially from a fresh tin), but I understand where its peculiar charm may lie and will probably revisit it once in a while.

2021 Update: Yes, I still like to smoke it once in a while. Over the years, I have come to appreciate the subtleties of this blend much more. It's actually very delicate, refined, summery. And after smoking Ennerdale, you can feel that this is someway related in terms of flavoring... although of course this is MUCH less intense. Ennerdale is breezy, and this refinement is at the same time its major quality (fragrant, delicate, with a sweet but fresh bright Virginia base)... and its major fault (it lacks quite a bit of oomph and body). And I still think that the very stringy fine cut of this blend is a curse: a bit too wet (as it always comes out of the tin) and it clogs the pipe, a bit too dry, and it burns too fast and loses its delicate hayish/flowery aroma. So it's really difficult to find the "right middle". I would have preferred a thicker cut, or a flake like Ennerdale. Anyway, for me this is very close to three stars after getting used to it. It's just a couple of quibbles that make me stick to the lower score.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Withnail (16)	2011-11-04		Mild	Mild to Medium	Medium	Pleasant

This is one of the first blends I have bought as a result of comments left on this site - along with knowing which types of tobacco I prefer.

I can see this is a tobacco will divide opinion with some loving, some hating and very few neutral opinions. When I first opened the tin I was disappointed by the aroma. It really does smell strongly of Lemon Grass and I thought I may have made an error buying a tin rather than a smaller sample size.

However, once in the pipe and lit, I was really surprised by how different it tasted. Proof again that the smell from the tin isn't always a good guide to smoking taste. The blend has a soft and smooth taste with not too much nicotine. Some have described this blend as "soapy" or "oily" and I can see why they would use those words. I would prefer to call it "creamy" or "velvet" as I enjoy the sensation.

It is not easy to describe the flavour as you smoke. Sort of, Lemon Tea, but not quite. Maybe an English style sponge cake with a delicate flavour. This is certainly more subtle than many of the aromatics I smoke with the casing adding a little back note rather than being to the forefront of the taste. It certainly seems to contain good quality Virginia tobacco that has a modest extra flavour added.

If the thought of "soapy" smoke turns you off then avoid this blend. But if you like the idea of a rich and creamy taste, then I would suggest you try a couple of bowls of Grousemoore.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Capt (339)	2011-08-01		Mild to Medium	Medium to Strong	Medium	Tolerable

This is a blend that is almost impossible to describe. The tin aroma is like no other, almost has that Lars Teten infused oil cigar smell.

All blond, ribbon cut, high quality tobacco is designated to this blend. Lighting can be a bit difficult, it is a bit moist in the tin. I have a tin opened since 2005, and it is smoking great now.

Good blend for the springtime, while outdoors.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30194)	2011-02-19		Mild	Extremely Mild	Very Mild	Tolerable

Un gran bel profumo all'apertura della scatola e null'altro.A mio avviso insipido con leggero sentore di limone e erba probabilmente aromatizzato con additivi chimici. Non raccomandato

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30194)	2010-10-19		Medium	Mild to Medium	Medium	Very Pleasant

I also love this blend. A sweet all blond lemon virginia with some tang to it. Pefect cut and a scent that is unique in all of tobaccodom. Like all Gawith blends, top quality and no excuses.

As one of our esteemed professors has said repeatedly, "enjoyment for the experienced discriminating serious piper".

Read A. Morley Jaques or Sinister Topiary for a long version of this review.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	krg1000 (183)	2010-08-04		Medium	Medium	Medium	Pleasant

This is my second SG blend, after Squadron Leader, and I find it to be one of the best blends that I have smoked thus far. Upon opening the tin and taking a whiff of this, the aroma was great. It was something that said to me that it would be well worth the $8 plus investment. And indeed it was. The presentation was on par with such a tobacco company as SG. It did seem a bit moist when I opened the tin, but it did not deter from the smoking qualities in any way. It does seem to be a slow burning mixture. The taste and nicotine content were in the upper level to me. The first bowl did make my head spin a bit, but I am getting used to the Vitamin N level in this blend. The amount of smoke produced was very good. The room note I would place as pleasant. I find that at the end of the bowl, it leaves a nice ash at the bottom. I can see why this has been around for some 200 years. I would recommend this to anyone wanting to taste what an aromatic is supposed to smoke and taste like.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Tom Bombadill (121)	2010-06-23		Mild to Medium	Medium	Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

Ah, I am smoking my last bowl of Grousemoor and now's the time for a review of this mysterious blend. I've been smoking pipes for several years now so I am definitely not an authority on the history of blends. However, what field research I've done leads me to believe this is a classic old-time aromatic. I've read reviews and descriptions of other old school aros and the reviews included references to the soapy and floral aromas of these blends.

Grousemoor definitely has a slight soapy and perfumy smell to it. It's very strange at first. I'm used to english blends which smell like varouos tobaccos, obviously, or aromatics that smell like vanilla, cherry etc... But apparently, back in the day, the old smokers didn't want a "candy" like flavoring. So they got this kind of strange flavoring.

I reminded myself the taste of scotch was at first strange too but I got over that. And I got over the strange taste of Grousemoor to the point I really enjoy it. I willl be comparing it soon to Peretti's "No name" which has a similar soapy etc.. description. Grousemoor a very nice change of pace.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30194)	2010-01-14		Mild to Medium	Medium	Medium	Very Pleasant

This is very unique tobacco here. Soapy, floral, perfumy- however you prefer to describe it... I LIKE IT! Hard to describe this stuff, you just have to smoke it and see for yourself. Everyone in the US is sold out currently, but if/when it comes back I suggest you get some. If you're a dirty hippie at heart and appreciate a touch of "Spring" in your pipe, you'll love it. It's certainly not for everyone though. I'm trying to track down some of the plug version which is supposedly much more heavily perfumed/scented. Not an everyday smoke for me, but a tasty treat when I do reach for it. Leaves my house smelling great. The first couple sips are heaven!

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30194)	2009-12-19		Very Mild	Very Mild	Very Mild	Pleasant

This was my first try of an SG brand. The tin I purchased seemed to be old as it had rust around the edges of the tin (From Black Cat Cigar in Philly). The tin is very attractive and appears very “old school”. Nice sweet, light aroma upon opening. Pinched easily from the cake and loaded nicely into my Savinelli Bing's Favorite. Easy to light and burned smoothly to a fine white ash. Packed lightly it was smooth and mild from the start. It did get a little stronger (but still pleasantly mild) about ¾'s of the way through the bowl. The room note was very light and pleasant. The sweetness of the smoke was not overpowering so that you can still enjoy the tobacco taste. I experienced no bite with this tobacco and was ready for another bowl almost immediately. Tobacco smoked smoothly with no moisture buildup all the way to the bottom of the bowl. This tobacco is mild enough to smoke all day and strongly recommended new pipe smokers. I found this an enjoyable light smoke great for the first bowl of the day for all pipe smokers. I plan to keep some of this tobacco in my normal rotation.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30194)	2009-09-22		Mild	Mild	Mild	Unnoticeable

The open tin presents lt brown and golden ribbon cut tobacco.The moisture content is about right.The aroma is slightly floral with a rasin, dried plum background.At first light a VA sweetness with a berry taste in the background. Smoking in a Peterson Meer system pipe gave a cool dry biteless smoke.The tobacco took to the flame easily and required infrequent relights.the flavor was consistant through the bowl. The tobacco smoked down to a fine white ash and left a dry pipe.

Overall impression- Grousemoor is a mild smoke with a predominate sweet tobacco flavor with light berry overtones from start to finish.Light to nonexistant room note with enough flavor to be an all day smoke.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Xeneize (275)	2009-06-26		Mild	Mild	Mild to Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

Grousemoor falls into the "mild aromatics", or more properly, "mildly aromatized flue and/or air cured tobaccos", along with Amphora Full Aroma, Sail Green, Sail Natural, PS Natural, and many others.

This blend comes quite most both in bulk and tinned versions. The cut is not one of my favorites, but packing is not a problem once you air it out for a while.

The flavoring is rather unique and hard to define. I'd say it's refreshing, lacking a more specific definition. Tongue bite is not an issue, as long as you don't overpuff (which I usually do due to its mildness).

The only drawback is the price, considering that this type of tobaccos are usually in the lower end of the price range, but it's good and recommendable.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	eamonclever (48)	2009-05-12		Medium	Mild to Medium	Medium to Full	Pleasant to Tolerable

this is not perfume and neither soap - this is freshness.What do you take p & s for? I like this one, especially outdoors. The ribbon cut is okay for me, although it comes a bit too wet out of the tin. Load the pipe and give it a 30 minutes rest. Once lit it burns cool and perfectly mild, if you treat it gentle. You might get a little burn on your tongue, but this just your own fault. I like this lakeland flavour as you can see in my reviews. I think that this is a marvelous tobacco quality combined with an extravagant flavouring made out of flowers and some fragrancies I don´t even want to know. The room note was never in question when I passed the tin over to the gruntlers. Outdoors no one realy cares about you, because most of the people like pipesmokers because they are so different. My recommendation goes out to experienced smokers who like good quality tobaccos at first. If they don´t care what others say and don´t like aromatics. Then you will certainly like Grousemoore. Otherwise don´t even try it.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30194)	2009-05-08		Mild	Mild to Medium	Medium	Tolerable

This is a very well manned tobacco with a pleasant aroma which works well as an all day smoke. It is not, as I have read, for limp wristed esoterics, but most agreeable and will suit anyone who has tried Gold Block. I have actually mixed Grousemoor and Gold Block together as the latter is my regular choice, and they complement each other, supporting each other and not taking anything away from the other. Either straight or mixed Grousemoor is well worth trying. Mixture don't stay around for 200 years if they are no good

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	kg0mz (54)	2009-02-28		Mild to Medium	Medium	Medium	Pleasant

I can dig it, so to speak. It burns cool and clean, and no overheating like with the tropical fishes. Who said that? No bite. No coating on the palate. If you like Lakeland tobaccos you will probably like this. I do.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	p4p4 (59)	2008-11-04		Medium	Medium	Medium to Full	Very Pleasant

This is not a tobacco for everyone. Romantic and full of charme. Highly highly higly reccomended.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Sylvian (28)	2008-07-28		Mild to Medium	Strong	Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

When you're out of tobacco, Grousemoor will do.

In fact, I think of it more as of some last year's swamp grass collected at a Lakeland moor in March. Naturally, it's best to smoke it in April when it's still fresh, so to speak. By May it might already be nauseating.

I must admit I smoked this weed exclusively for a week after opening the tin. Having finished the tin I bought another one to keep in stock, but I doubt I will be returning to Grousemoor earlier than March or April. I believe I should be out of tobacco by that time.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30194)	2007-12-18		Mild to Medium	Mild to Medium	Mild to Medium	Pleasant

As has been said it's unusual stuff. I picked this up upon reading reviews here just because it seemed so curiously different. I half expected to taste Chanel perfume or oil of Bergamot-flavored tobacco. Thankfully it tastes like neither of these, but is wonderfully flowery - almost like lavender or heather.

Despite being called an aromatic, this is NOT sweet tasting in the typical sense one might expect in this category of tobacco. Think of it as a lightly flavored Virginia blend. This stuff DOES taste like tobacco, and the casing is is just barely there in a way that reminds me of a MacBaren blend like Navy Flake rather than an in your face cloyingly sweet bulk brand. The closest analogy I can come up with is this: take Peterson's Irish Oak, remove the Perique and Cavendish and replace them with a light, flowery casing and you have Grousemoor. The tin smells of these two blends are oddly similar (perhaps due to the fact they both have African tobacco?).

It burns well straight out if the tin. Perhaps because of the high Virginia content, it get bite a little if pushed, so take your time and enjoy it slowly.

ALSO: The room note will likely get you compliments from those who tolerate aromatics. Since it isn't really a "sweet" aromatic it might be a good one for those who want to satisfy others around you but do not want the taste of vanilla, fruits, liquorice or other confections in your tobacco.

Not surprisingly his stuff pairs GREAT with herbal tea, like chamomile or "bed-time" tea. I recommended giving it a try if you like Virginias and feel adventurous.

I couldn't have this all the time, but it worth the price if only for its uniqueness and plus, it's fun to think that some guy wearing a powdered wig 200 years ago may have smoked this same blend - it's like smoking history.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	flaminbill' (57)	2007-11-29		Mild	Medium to Strong	Mild to Medium	Tolerable

This is not really a terrible tobacco. I just can't recommend it to anyone. It is something that is so unusual that I only prefer to smoke it now and then. And if you only smoke it now and then, the contents of the tin turns into sawdust In the future, if I need a burst of the scented Lakeland tobacco, I will stick to Kendall Cream Flake.

If you do smoke this weed, I would suggest confining it to one pipe.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30194)	2007-08-01		Mild to Medium	Medium	Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

If you have already tried this tobacco, you don?t need to read my review. You have already made up your mind about it. If you have never smoked it, buy a can and see for yourself. No words can really describe the experience. I can only offer some general impressions. There is no other tobacco with which I can accurately compare Grousemoor. The closest I can come is to make a tea analogy. As other reviewers have noted, this is the Earl Grey of pipe tobacco.

Grousemoor has the most distinctive tin aroma I have experienced. Intensely floral, almost like perfume. This stuff is clearly from a long gone era. Because of this dainty smell, don?t open the tin for the first time when surrounded by your hunting buddies (even though the label shows a hunting scene) unless your hunting buddies are members of the British House of Lords and are wearing powdered wigs whilst carrying their ?fowling? guns. Instead, take your tin home and sneak away to a private place, pop it open, and give it a good sniff. If your immediate reaction is ?awful?, toss the stuff or give it to a needy pipe man. It doesn?t really get any better. If, however, the aroma intrigues you, you are in good company. Pipe smokers have been enjoying Grousemoor for 200 years. A mildly eccentric friend of mine likes to walk around with an unlit pipe of this stuff just to inhale the aroma. If you find the aroma is charming, but too darn strong, put the tin away and let this tobacco rest for a few weeks and most of the tin aroma will dissipate. This tobacco dramatically mellows with age. In fact, like all Gawith flakes, it smokes better if opened and left to dry for a few days.

I smoke this on occasion. Like Earl Grey tea, this is not for everyday. Rather it is best for special occasions. When I am feeling particularly contemplative, I fill a big bent bulldog with this tobacco that has been enjoyed since Britain's glorious 19th century and slowly puff while imagining myself serving in Nelson?s navy, or running a tobacco farm in Rhodesia, or conducting a business meeting around a teak table in a Hong Kong tea house, or keeping the grounds at Lady Chattersly?s estate. As I approach the end of the bowl, I imagine receiving a knighthood from Queen Victoria for dedicated service to the Empire, then puffing on my pipe while enjoying High Tea at Buckingham Palace. Then, usually, as the pipe smoulders out, I am awakened from my revery when my wife calls to me to take out the garbage.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30194)	2007-07-12		Mild to Medium	Mild to Medium	Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

As some reviewers have noted this is a delicate tobacco that tastes as it smells. light heather tones,moss and fragrant tea aromas. Mmm yes this is to be savoured slowly, packed lightly and puffed deliberately. Enjoy it like a fine wine, let it linger in the mouth for it sometimes surprises with unexpected and fleeting taste sensations. Can seem moist out of the new tin and benefits from a couple of 'open top' days. Pack lightly in the three or four layers and don,t smoke it too quickly and you,ll be rewarded with a wonderfull experience. Ignore and it,s tongue biting time and lighting up problems aplenty. Give it a try, it,s not everyones 'cup of tea',but it could just be a pleasant surprise.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Moe (46)	2007-05-06		Extremely Mild	Mild to Medium	Mild to Medium	Pleasant

This is one of the few aromatics that I can enjoy.It reminds me of Earl Grey tea. I smoke this only occasionally. Its an ok change of pace tobacco. Hit it too hard and it will bite. Sip it, and it will cure your sweet tooth, and its very light in the nicotine department. Give it a try.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30194)	2007-04-20		Mild	Medium	Mild	Very Pleasant

04.20.2007. update and upgrade: this tobacco is growing on me. it may be the same phenomenon that i saw with 1792, which profited greatly by drying out for a couple of weeks. now, grousemoor smokes very pleasantly, with a lot less perfumy taste - and besides, it's got a very positive wife-factor.

i've noticed with these gawith tobaccos that they burn remarkably slow compared to the german made english brands. it's certainly one great difference between, say, hal o'the wynd and astley 33 of 20 years ago and their present day incarnations. i wonder why.

03.09.2007. i don't get this tobacco. i mean, what's the idea in taking perfectly decent, if mild, virginias and adding a quite powerfull flavour? of course, it may even out the sharp edges of the virginias, but in this case samuel gawith has ended up with something utterly boring.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	tacoeatingzebra (37)	2007-04-05		Very Mild	Mild to Medium	Mild to Medium	Pleasant

Not a big fan of aromatics, I must confess, but decided to try this one out and I'm glad that I did. Perhaps I've gotten mildly cased tins or perhaps all that Cyprus Latakia & Louisiana Perique has paralyzed some of my taste buds, but I don't taste the casing as strongly as some describe. I taste high quality tobacco with a moderate floral note. My wife thinks the tobacco smells quaint, and so I let her get a whiff of the tin and she claims to smell licorice. perhaps that's why I love this blend so much...

I won't include this in my regular rotation, but I'm quite certain that my tobacco voyages will bring me back to this stuff eventually.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30194)	2007-04-04		Mild to Medium	Mild	Mild to Medium	Pleasant

A very grassy tobacco. If you like tea and herbs this is probably a wonderful choice for you. I drink black coffee. It has a wonderful aroma and a very unique taste. Similar to No 7 by Germain but better.This is definitely for the curious types. I'm not that curious anymore. 2.5 of 4 stars for surviving 2 centuries and not tasting like ERINMORE.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30194)	2007-03-30		Medium	Medium to Strong	Medium to Full	Very Pleasant

UPDATE:3/30/07 After smoking Grousemoor for several months, I am going to take a star off. I still like the flavor and the tobacco, but it has started to give me some bite. I think after smoking sevral SG flakes, this tobacco seems much harsher. Still a great tobacco.

This is my first experience smoking an Lakeland tobacco, and I must admit, this is a real smoking experience. This is a real sophisticated smoke, with subtle flora notes and a slight sweetness. Yes, I would consider this blend an aromatic, but it tastes and smokes completely different than most aromatics, cool and no bite. The flavor sits quitely in the background, while the true tobacco taste come through.

I guess there is a reason a 200 year old blend is still around today. This is smoking history, and an experience in old world tobacco. A must try for all pipe somokers.

Highly Recommended

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30194)	2007-01-14		Medium	Medium	Mild to Medium	Tolerable

I'm know this blend has fans, but I am not one of them. I just couldn't get over the smell. Too much like room freshener to me. And anything but small bowls made it burn hot for me.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Backwoods Piper (70)	2006-12-10		Mild to Medium	Mild to Medium	Medium	Pleasant

This is my first experience with SG. What a pleasant experience it was indeed. This offering at first caught my eye due to the label on the tin. The fact that this tobacco has been in manufacture for 200 years is also appealing.

Upon opening the tin the aroma of the casing was fresh and spicy but not overpowering the light and dark Virginia flue cured tobacco aroma still shines through. As most ribbon cut tobacco I found it difficult to pack and some tearing was in order. Once my bowl was packed I could hardly contain my excitement to char the top layer of this tasty smoke. After my second match strike and three to four gentle draws on the old Ben my senses were aroused to the gentle room note GM had to offer. Be careful though as with most tobacco of this category easy does it, smoke slow!

This is definitely what I consider a sunrise rocking chair blend. The quality of tobaccos used by this blender is definitely a strong note, a little pricey but well worth it. GM finished as well as it started with a white to smokey grey ash and a satisfying aftertaste. This tobacco is a definite winner in my book and will become an honored addition to my cellar.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	dualkarnain (75)	2006-12-04		Mild	Mild to Medium	Mild to Medium	Very Pleasant

What a surprise! I can't remember what made me originally order a tin of this blend but it is an anomaly amongst aromatics (as are many of the Gawith weeds)

I taste orange, lemon, begonias and pepper in this stuff. The flavoring compliments the tobacco - it doesn't detract at all.

Images evoked: a flower-smattered funeral where everyone drinks so much that, by the end of the night, they're elated that the deceased is dead by merit of the party.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30194)	2006-11-14		Mild	Mild	Mild to Medium	Pleasant

I've read alot about this particular blend and was anxious to try it. After having visited a few of the online pipe smoker's bulletin boards, I was of the opinion this was a love it or hate it tobacco. I'm afraid I fall into the middle. I can take it or leave it. I detect a slightly floral type note and it's a nice pleasant smoke, but for me, nothing to write home about (except online). I don't think I will be buying it again. Just doesn't quite do it for me.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30194)	2006-09-26		Mild to Medium	Mild to Medium	Mild to Medium	Pleasant

Wow! Where do I begin with this tobacco? I've never smoked anything like it. Very floral, it is definately designed to smell like a meadow in the spring. A sophisticated smoke to say the least, there's really not much I can add here. I would recommend this to anyone who thinks they might like it, or who may just be curious. I haven't made up my mind yet about whether this will become a regular for me, but, if nothing else, this tobacco has given me an entirely new experience in flavour and aroma. And that's a good thing indeed.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	caddad (53)	2006-03-26		Medium to Strong	Medium	Full	Pleasant

I ordered this because I love to smoke history , and after reading about it this blend seemed to have a lot of history. I am one of those people who started smoking heavy aromatics and then years later was introduced to English blends and I have a wide range of likes in pipe tobacco. This blend was very enjoyable to me. The texture of the tobacco was unique and the flavor is hard to describe but very good. I think it could be harsh if smoked to quickly however I really don?t recall a problem with it. I would certainly smoke it again, and would recommend it to someone who likes high quality aromatics .

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30194)	2005-09-06		Mild to Medium	Medium to Strong	Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

Had one to only go by the tin description, you might get the idea that this is an "outdoorsy" tobacco. One for men walking the moors, guns in hand, dogs afield, hunting for grouse. Sadly, that picturesque image is not to be found here.

Think rather of your kindly old Auntie, dressed to go to the Ladies Temperence meeting in the church hall. Floral print dress, sensible shoes, prim hat and gloves, and over-perfumed. Coming to kiss the top of your forehead before she leaves, your eyes nearly water from the cheap toilet water she has bathed herself with.

Thinking there must be some virtue others had missed in this venerable 200 year old blend, I bought a tin. Opening it upon its arrival, I nearly gagged. I was initially unable to smoke it from the overpowering perfuming.

After a few weeks of sitting, I reopened the tin, managed to pack a bowl, and took it outside to smoke. It lit easily, and the perfume subsided after a few puffs. Subsided mind you, not dissapeared. The first half of the bowl was OK at best.

However, something dramatic seems to happen with the second half of the bowl. The perfuming does now seem to disappear, and I am provided with a very fine VA smoke. Very fine indeed, except that my tongue has now been coated with the perfume glop, and I cannot fully appreciate the fine VA for what I can tell it is.

In conclusion, I could not, with good conscience, recommend this to another pipesmoker. How it has earned its venerable history is beyond me.

EDIT 9/6/05: I've tried Grousemoor a few more times since this review, most recently as 3 days ago. I find absolutely no redeeming value in this tobacco, and have downgraded my initial 2 stars to 1. I genuinely cannot figure out how this tobacco has survived for 200 years.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30194)	2004-11-29		Mild to Medium	Medium to Strong	Medium	Tolerable

Marketing your product correctly will ensure the success of the brand... The label on the tin and product discription are nothing less than outstanding. However somone may have spilled some cheap French perfume in the blending room. Once in a while I will fill one of my knockaround pipes with this foul weed in hopes that my opinion will change. It hasn't. This is foul weed indeed.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30194)	2004-11-29		Mild to Medium	Medium to Strong	Medium to Full	Strong

Despite reading the negative reviews I just had to try this.

I cringed opening the tin, waiting for the clouds of noxious vapors to escape, but to my great surprise, it actually smelled nice! A bizarre scent to be sure, but slightly spicy and pleasant.

I agonized over which pipe would be the guinea pig (victim) for the test, then packed up and lit.

Delicious! An exotic spice layered over quality leaf that is soothing and mild. It burns well and cool with little tending. The only negative, (some would call this a positive), is the exotic topping burns off about halfway through the bowl and all that's left is a very mild tobacco taste.

It's too exotic to be a regular smoke for me, but it's great for an occasional treat.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30194)	2004-11-22		Extremely Mild	Very Mild	Mild to Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

I was introduced to this tobacco by asking about trying Erinmoore Flake. Whereby I was asked if I liked pineapple juice in my tobacco and if I valued my pipes. I was then told to try first out Grousemoor and to stop hangin' around old men.

Upon opening the tin, one is hit with a classic potpourri smell followed by some peaches and/or pear overtones. Might be at home in the bathroom. The overall smell is not overwhelming, but it is there. I found that airing out the tin alleviated this as well as dried the tabac out a bit. The ribbons are a lovely golden brown and a bit long and shaggy once freed from the pressing, but give no difficulty to packing.

It lit quickly enough and was easy to keep it going without overheating. There was no bite, but towards the end of the bowl the flavor started to intensify. I found this blend rather mild and low on the nicotine. Generally uneventfull and dull.

From what I?m able to discern, the room note is not too unpleasant ? nobody ran away from me.

I prefer and am used to the smoky English blends hence my rather lackluster review. This blend might be good for first timers. You won?t be mistaken for a baker smoking this, but then again burning potpourri in your pipe might be your thing?

I found Grousemoore not an unpleasant deviation to what I usually smoke and I might actually finish this tin.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30194)	2004-08-08		Mild to Medium	Strong	Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

This falls into the category of "another soapy lakeland smoke." If you don't like aromatics, you won't like this one.

I for one, appreciate very much the old-world style of this tobacco, and love how the casing tastes. I think the tobacco they use is also quite good, and I can tell right away that it's NOT cheap, no-good tobacco! It's actually very nice!

It was a little difficult to get lit at first, but after the initial char, she lit just fine. Midway through the bowl, I had to pace myself just a little, because it was getting a little hot. Towards the end, the very end, it got a little harsh, as many pipe tobaccos do, but it smoked all the way to a nice ash.

If you know how to smoke a pipe, and you like aromatics, I think there is room in your cellar for this blend. I was a little worried when I opened the tin, because the aroma was VERY similar to Erinmore Flake, whose tobacco I cannot stand. If you DO smoke all of the bowl, you'll want to take a little care, it does get a little harsh, and the room note deteriorates appreciably. This is not a tobacco that you want to smoke quickly.

A fine tobacco, and I will have more in my cellar.

On a score of 1-100, factoring all qualities possible, I'd give it a 79.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30194)	2002-12-15		Mild	Mild	Extremely Mild (Flat)	Tolerable

I admit to being nervous before opening my tin of Grouse-Moor. Some of the posts had me fearing the worst. As not to be-foul one of my favorite pipes, I took an old corn cob out of the pipe box in my closet for this one. I opened the tin and it didn't smell bad. Granted, there was no Virginia or latakia to seduce me. There were no orientals here. The leaf was a bright colored ribbon cut. The smell was clean. I read that the leaf in this blend is Zimbabwe, a leaf with which I'm not familiar. Based on the aroma, the closest comparison I could manage would be a cavendish based Danish aromatic, a type of blend I haven't sampled for nearly a decade.

As I packed the cob, I noticed the tobacco was fairly moist. I rolled the leaves in my fingers to break them apart. Even still, I packed this pipe a little too tight, affecting the draw. There was not a lot of flavor as I smoked this bowl down. There were little hints of it here and there. My one complaint of this smoke was the tight draw, which forced me to puff a little harder and smoke a little too hot.

For my next bowlful I chose a double walled porcelain pipe. I was more careful in packing this pipe and the draw was smoother. The Grouse-Moor smoked cool in this pipe and was a little more flavorful than the smoke from the cob. All in all, this tobacco was well suited to this pipe, which is perhaps why the Danish tobacco firms used to sell these pipes with their logos on them.

I was now ready to try this blend in a briar. I chose one of my fathers old pipes since he was a cavendish smoker. I have a number of his pipes that I haven't re-seasoned with my English and Oriental blends. I picked out an unmarked little straight-grain that could best be described as a prince raised by a pack of Dublins. If I didn't originally buy my father this pipe, I at least picked it out for him. This pipe, like the cob, smoked a little hot despite an easy draw. The flavor was neutral. It also smoked very moist.

To be fair, I won't call this a bad tobacco. It just doesn't suit my taste. If you like Danish style aromatics I would recommend trying Grouse-Moor.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	MarkTheLad (46)	2020-10-19		Mild	Medium to Strong	Medium	Tolerable

This seems to be a fairly polarizing tobacco, most people love it or hate it! Personally, I like it! It does have quite a bit of the Lakeland essence that it is so renowned with British blends, but its not overly done and doesn't mask that natural tobacco flavor. This is actually a pretty good blend if given a chance, and one can get past the floral essence. It is described as having a lemongrass flavor to it and I do taste some citrus, not sure if it actually translates to lemon though. It seems to be made with quality leaf, easy to keep lit and smokes fairly cool. I enjoy it and will probably keep a few tins on hand.

Pipe Used: Missouri Meerschaum cob

Age When Smoked: 1 year old

Purchased From: Smokingpipes.com

Similar Blends: Lakeland blends.

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	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Wally Frank Collector (46)	2020-07-15		Mild	Mild	Mild	Pleasant

TOBACCO REVIEW SAMUEL GAWITH Grousemoor- Love it or hate it? My experience

This was another tobacco that a friend gifted a sample of to me I thank CloudBear for this one. I have in discussions about this blend some love it , others hate it and there doesnt seem to be much in between. The description intrigued me although it didn't sound much like something that is in my range of smoking I am always thrilled to try a new blend and this one is no exception.

This is made of Virginia..... and a topping that is of Floral, Fruit and Citrus. Interesting... Opening the bag I beheld the aroma of pleasant grass with the background of light lemon, floral and herbs. It was light and pleasant perfect for the very warm day. I put this on a paper towel for 45 minutes to air out and dry a bit more. This is a very long ribbon cut and it isn't as convenient to loading a pipe in a very slight way. This took a couple of lights to get going but once it did it burned at a medium rate that was consistent. The flavors were very consistent from beginning till the end with one exception, this seemed to get a touch sweeter as it progressed. The smoke was thick and creamy and hung in the air and left a pleasant long lasting room note of light lemon, light grass and popcorn, yes you read that right, popcorn and I love popcorn. :) There was no moisture at the end in the bowl. THIS WILL GHOST A BRIAR. BE CAREFUL!!! If someone really, really likes this I would think it is a all day smoke, for the rest this would not be an all day smoke. This is one you want to sip for best flavor. If puffed it has some rough edges and may bite, although it didnt bite me. Burned to a dark ash. Did not need many re-lights.

Upon lighting a thick, creamy long lingering smoke appeared and for the first five sips not much of a taste. I was wondering what anyone liked or hated about this when the next sip it came all at once. The very nice flavor of a sweet flavored grass with a close background of light tangy lemon, pleasant earthiness, mild wood and bread. These all blended together for a pleasant flavor and it did not change with the one exception of the sweet getting a touch sweeter as the smoke progressed. I was both pleasantly surprised at the taste and the wonderful very nice long lasting aftertaste of light tangy lemon and sweet grass.

This was a pleasant summertime and I think would be a pleasant spring time smoke and I enjoyed every sip of it. This is a blend I would smoke again, but I am set on aromatics for now in my rotation so it would be a special occasion smoke during the spring and summer. Hats off to Samuel Gawith for this fine blend. I give it a 3.4 out 4 stars

Pipe Used: 70 year old MM Diamond shank bent cob

Age When Smoked: NEW

Purchased From: Gift from friend

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	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	ElMog (36)	2020-03-22		Mild to Medium	Strong	Full	Pleasant to Tolerable

Grousemoor. I rate it two stars, but I feel it is for different reasons than many fellow reviewers here. First off, to me the lemongrass topping is not as surprising / horrifying / mindblowing as some would make it. Opening the tin, that topping is obvious, but it seems mixed with floral essences too. The tobacco is a uniform, pale golden color I had never seen before. The Virginia's in this blend are naturally VERY sweet and have great body, but do not seem to burn incredibly hot and fast, thus making a great base for the added flavors. I feel like the interplay between those sweet Virginias and the lemongrass taste almost works, but just barely misses the mark. The problem with grousemoor is that it is impossible to keep lit without puffing heavily, which in turn seems to affect the lemongrass topping, turning it's already sour notes into an unpleasant metallic taste, and completely destroying the floral notes which to me seem to be the key to bridging the sweet and the citrusy aspects of the blend. I will try what one reviewer said, that is, take a portion off the jar and leave it to dry to frightening levels. I want to like Grousemoor so bad, but the way it behaves keeps me from scoring it higher.

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	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Sybariten (61)	2016-11-01		Mild	Strong	Full	Pleasant

Challenging, unique and with a rich history this is a blend that I recommend, not all but those who seek something one of a kind. Not a favorite of mine but something I think I will revisit in time.

Taste: My first bowl I dried and smoked right after opening the tin. Big mistake. The taste of perfume was so dominant that it made me feel nauseus. A strong taste of fern, lemon and soap made me wonder why anyone would smoke this. But I did not give up, and after letting it sit in a jar for about two months I returned to find the topping alot more muted and mild, the soap gone and a hint of wet moss added to the mix. And it is not bad, I understand it now. My advice is to give it time and keep an open mind, let it come to you and it will offer up something unique.

Mechanics: Pretty moist from tin, needs some drying but first and foremost time to air. Fine cut, no bite and mild in nicotine.

Pipe Used: Briar, cob and clay

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	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Calamiti (86)	2016-02-23		Mild	Strong	Medium	Pleasant

This blend is not just about love it or hate it. As I see from so many reviews it's often about first hate then love.

That's exactly my story too. From the first puff, I was quite confused by the strange and too intense flavouring and shoved the tin away from my sight. When I reopened the loosely-sealed tin again after several months I found the weed had become much drier and less pungent. It turned out to be a nice sweet smoke after that.

This tobacco needs drying out before smoking and the lemongrass essence needs some time to evaporate. The slowest sipping pace is recommended, otherwise the dogs from the tin art might viciously bite a careless smoker's ass if he's not careful enough. Grousemoor is a good tobacco, although needs some preparation.

Pipe Used: Pioneer Gourd Calabash, Hardcastle Bulldog

Similar Blends: Nothing similar. It's unique.

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	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Jason h. (51)	2015-05-12		Medium to Strong	Medium to Strong	Full	Strong

Naaaaaaasty! Smells like Grandma's perfume. Burns well, and the Lakeland smell is quite strange. I guess im just not used to this kind of tobacco, so I wont be buying any more of it.

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	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Geronimo Von Klaus (76)	2014-09-02		Strong	Very Strong	Very Full	Tolerable to Strong

This is an aro in my book, and a very very hard one to smoke.

I had huge hopes for this, such a great tin note of hay and grass and fruits of various kinds, but my doubts started by how sticky and wet the tobacco was. I got it dry enough to try some, and this did such strange things to my pallet that I could barely finish. Irish Oak did the same to me, I don't know if I have the problem or what, but this gave me horrifying dry-mouth and the aroma almost made my eyes water.

Its a sharp, sour and very tangy and strange aroma. People beside me in the lounge I was in said it smelled rancid almost, such an odd experience. I can't really explain it that well, but it smells like gone-off fruit mixed with cider or something. This was the greatest example I've ever had of the tin note betraying the actual flavor.

This ghosted my pipe so much that I almost needed to bring it somewhere for severe cleaning.

Get a cheap pipe and get a sample before you pay SG prices for a tin. Also, dry it out until its almost crackling, smoking this wet will remove your ability to taste for a day.

Pipe Used: Dunhill reject billiard

Age When Smoked: Unknown

Purchased From: Pipes and Cigars

Similar Blends: Irish Oak.

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	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Appalachian Scholar (34)	2014-08-24		Very Strong	Medium	Overwhelming	Strong

Yuck! It tasted like a Virginia flavored with soap, like a Lake District blend. I only smoked two bowls before this blend landed in the trash.

Pipe Used: Brewster Billiard

Age When Smoked: New

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	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	nekeke (19)	2014-04-19		Mild to Medium	Very Strong	Mild to Medium	Very Strong

If you are a slow smoker maybe this will work for you. But I usually take long puffs and for the way I smoke, it has a way too strong aroma. Tastes like, I just smoked a flower garden.

Pipe Used: Several Savinelli's

Age When Smoked: new

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	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	ROBERT (19)	2014-04-14		Mild	Medium to Strong	Overwhelming	Tolerable

it will ghost your pipe, leave a bad after taste, had three tins got rid of them don't waste your hard earn money. like I did

Pipe Used: corn cob

Age When Smoked: new

Similar Blends: if it is similar to any other blend the company would be out of business.

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	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	boc777 (39)	2013-12-27		Mild	Medium	Medium	Very Pleasant

Upon opening this tin, which was a gift from my wife, I was fully prepared to be disgusted. I always appreciate it when my wife supports my expensive hobby, so I had to oblige. The tin smells of sweet lemon grass, as advertised. To me, it does not smell anything like pipe tobacco. But then I lit it up. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. This is unlike any tobacco that I have in my collection. It is a very nice out of the ordinary smoke that I now use to shake things up from my usual routine. The room note is very pleasant, which makes the wife happy. I love the art on the tin, and as an avid bird hunter, that probably has some positive bias for me. I don't smoke this often, and I have to be in the right mood for it. Its something that I reserve for special occasions, and I would recommend it as a nice change of pace, but not an everyday lineup smoke.

Age When Smoked: <1 year

Purchased From: gift

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	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	22yrsonthepipe (22)	2013-07-22		Mild to Medium	Medium to Strong	Medium	Tolerable

The thought of a strongly cased lemon smoke made my ears prick up so I took the plunge. I cant believe none of you can taste the ginger in this. It is Ginger-Lemon-Honey in that order. It even has the piquancy of ginger in the mouth. Just thought I'd warn you. Contrary to what many have said, there are ZERO 'Lakeland' flavourings in this one. If I knew it tasted of ginger, I would not have bought it. Not my cup of tea at all but it's smokable i.e. not dump-the-bowl-immediately bad. I've only smoked one pipe of it so far so will update later when I've given it a fair go.

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	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30194)	2013-06-11		Mild to Medium	Medium	Very Mild	Tolerable

Oh my goodness, this is bad stuff. The casing is wretched, I can't fathom lemon being paired with tobacco. Smoking a coughdrop is pretty accurate and just, imho, disgusting.

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	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	cgar (37)	2013-03-11		Mild to Medium	Medium	Medium	Tolerable

This will be quick. This aint for me! The tin smell and the taste smacks of a lemon caugh drop gone bad.

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	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Pipe1000 (14)	2013-01-03		Mild to Medium	Mild to Medium	Mild to Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

Grousemoor didn't really impress. I think it's one of those tobacco's that has to be enjoyed in the right scenario, maybe a winter walk throughout the forest or on a shoot, but apart from that it's a very strange flavour that doesn't seem to "fit in" with daily rotation. Mine consists of a sweet aromatic in the morning, pure VA in the afternoon and full English after dinner. Smoke a few bowls with an open mind, happy piping!

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	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	FireintheBriar (9)	2012-12-13		Mild to Medium	Medium	Medium	Tolerable

This simply does not suit my taste in tobacco. The tim aroma, or bag in this case smells exactly like the inside of a walk in cigar humidor; not a bad smell. That was the pinnacle for me, as things went downhill fast from there. The taste of Grousemoor could not be more gross! If you have ever smelled the slightly sour fermentation process of corn silage, it is a dead ringer for the taste. I grew up on a dairy farm, and I don't find that specific smell offensive, its just not what I am looking for in pipe tobacco. I may have ruined a very nice vintage Custom Built pipe with this tobacco.

To those who love Grousemoor send me your address and I'd be happy to drop the better part of 2 ounces in the mail for you! I would like to verify that you are over 18 years old first.

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	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30194)	2012-06-21		Mild	Mild to Medium	Mild to Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

this was very disappointing . it smelt like cleaning fluid in the tin and burned wet when you could actually get it alight .ive tried several gawith tobaccos and i havent liked any of them but they have been around longer than i have so people obviously like their products- just not to my taste.

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	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30194)	2012-03-07		Mild	Mild to Medium	Mild to Medium	Pleasant

Indeed this is an odd blend. Not generally an aromatic smoker, I thought I would give this blend a try none-the-less. I was pleased that the casing wasn't heavy or syrupy, but it certainly was odd. A perfume/lemon sent with a taste that reminded me of an ill spent summer drinking Mike's Hard Lemonade. The tobacco burned well all the way to the bottom and overall it was a nice change of pace.

Though I probably won't buy this again for quite sometime, I am glad I had the chance to try this very different blend.

Soli Deo gloria!

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	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30194)	2012-03-06		Mild	Medium	Medium	Pleasant

Hello. I'm sorry but this tobaco is really not subtile. First the tobbaco itself is not so good and the aroma is just like chewing a bad gum with strange chimical aroma. I'm quite disapointed by SG more i taste the tobaco they do. One aromatic in the same kind that is really successfull is the Black and Gold from Robert mc connell, with a really good virginia and a nice and subtile aroma. Sorry for my english for the native english speakers. Un excellent vomitif matinal ce grousemoor. Beark!

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	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30194)	2012-01-11		Mild to Medium	Strong	Overwhelming	Unnoticeable

If you found yourself mooching around in a Maiden Aunt's drawers, erm, dresser, the scents of this baccy would not be unfamiliar: I found them to be a mix of a) patchouli oil, b) bath salts (and not expensive ones either), and c) palma violets (children's candy from way back when). This 'mix' of scents proved overwhelming for this palate, though that is a subjective viewpoint entirely my own.

It is a nice looking brightly coloured baccy of obvious quality. It packs and burns easily, if slightly hot in the bowl. There is an overwhelming note of intense lemon curd with an acrid chemical bite to it...but after a while, there is a peculiar sweetness that begins to emerge. I'm sure it will appeal to some more discerning palates, but not to mine.

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	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Kokinhenik (93)	2011-11-12		Mild to Medium	Medium	Mild to Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

Very interesting. The tin has a unique aroma, sweet tomato and zesty lemon,grass, faint fig and floral. It smelled like an English but after the Virginia passes, were the latakia back note would be, there is a subtle flowery/grassy note. My tin didn't have any moisture issues, the tobacco was ready to go. It has a wonderful flavor to the smoke, very smooth and creamy with a decidedly prominent lakeland floral finish. It's really tasty! Not a bad smoke…but it does leave a rather unwelcome taste in ones mouth. The after taste it left in my mouth was an experience all to its self. If you could take the tin smell, mix it with spit and old tobacco ash…that's the taste you would get. It has hints of chemical and lemon. That after taste was strange to experience, it was easily twice as strong as most blends. It's regrettabl, as the smoke is so enjoyable, but I have to give it two stars as there are other blends that are just as tasty but don't leave that nasty after taste.

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	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Relapse (18)	2011-03-25		Mild to Medium	Medium	Mild to Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

Some years ago I purchased half dozen 50g tins of this blend, fully expecting something else. I didn't like it straight out and ended giving away most of it, except a tin that I sealed in plastic wrap and set aside to age. A month ago I opened it, transferred it to a humidor flask and started smoking it. Although improved, I still find it truly deceptive and disapointing. The taste has a chemical tang to it; the flavor is -how to put it- rancid? The expected VA sweetness is just not there. Perhaps I'm too set on other types of blends, mainly English types and rich Virginias. This one is not for me. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Edit: On the plus side, it won't bite, smokes cool and the leaf quality is quite good. Moved it from 1 to 2 stars.

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	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Caripu (11)	2011-01-24		Mild	Strong	Mild to Medium	Tolerable

I love most stuff from SG. Skiff, Chocolate Flake and Navy Flake are three of my favourites tobaccos and right now I store about 45 tins of SG mixtures and flakes in my cellar. As other blens of this manufacturer the leaves in it are high quality. But I have only three words to describe this one: soapy, soapy and soapy. Try it if you like the Lakelands soapy and herbal flavors only.

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	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	DrDyson (148)	2010-10-24		Mild to Medium	Medium	Mild to Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

Grousemoor is a ribbon-cut tobacco that needs to be dried a little before trying to smoke it. It suffers from the besetting sin of SG tinned tobaccos: it comes a good deal too moist. Aromatic? – yes, but in a much more subtle sense than some aromatic abominations are. Lemon grass? – maybe; but there's a mixture of flavours and fragrances here that I can't put my finger on.

It's difficult to put my response to Grousemoor into words; but I find it too mild and the flavours too elusive: certainly not understated, but too ‘confused' to give me anything definite. Because of this, I puff too hard and it bites me. If I smoke at a sensible pace, I hardly get anything out of it at all: it's a bit like listening to good music but with the volume turned down just that little bit too low. I don't get on with very strong tobaccos, but I do like a tasty flake and (occasionally) a Latakia mixture, and Grousemoor is much too intelligent a tobacco for me.

It's a very old blend, they say: it's been popular for a long while, and I see that some reviewers here adore it. It's certainly a high-quality tobacco. Worth a try, then, if only to say that you have. Personally, I don't like it much - to my mind there's just not enough to it; but I can see its virtues, and I'm happy to recommend it to those whose palates are more civilised than mine. It's an acquired taste. I think that, with perseverance and an open mind, I might be able to acquire it. But, then again, there are too many tobaccos that I know and like to spend time and money on acquiring a taste for this one.

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	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30194)	2010-09-27		Mild to Medium	Mild to Medium	Mild to Medium	Tolerable

You've got to help me out here chaps! - I cannot stop buying this, but I have yet to finish a tin. It's said this has been around 200 years - it probably takes that long to grow on you! and yet, there is something that is so "Samuel Gawith" about this blend. Sadly, it doesn't smoke as good as it smells. Like all SG's it's very moist and needs drying. If the aroma is supposed to be reminiscent of the Lake District moors - it doesn't do it for me.

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	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	renwardhoop (177)	2010-02-08		Mild	None Detected	Very Mild	Tolerable

I'd been looking forward to cracking open a tin of his stuff. Especially after all the positive reviews.

I am very disappointed. It's like watching Tottenham on a Saturday afternoon at home : all the right moves, no goals scored.

In other words it's totally and utterly tasteless. Samual Gawith's equivalent to Petersons equally tasteless and insipid Sweet Kilarney.

Shame. Gawith's make some really great blends like Celtic Talisman and Firedance with taste and aroma to die for, but this is a total letdown. I just don't understand how people are getting all these flavours from.

I can't detect any room note (and no-one else in the house has either) and it has no particular attributes when burning.

A poor blend then, but one I am going to smoke to the bottom of the tin as I've convinced that I have missed something....somewhere.

Edit. A few days later after it had dried out a bit in the tin I filled a bowl and really quite enjoyed it. Never said it was bad, but then never said it was good either.

On reflection a tasteless, but oddly satisfying brew, though where on earth these folks are getting 'perfumey' from I really don't know.

Yeah there's something about this one, just can't put my finger on it.

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