Samuel Gawith – Squadron Leader Special Edition

Original Recipe with Perique (50 g Tin)

Squadron Leader Special Edition with Perique is a limited‑edition reinterpretation of one of Samuel Gawith’s most respected English pipe tobacco blends. This version faithfully revives the original pre‑WWII recipe dating back to 1925, which included Perique—an ingredient absent from the modern standard production of Squadron Leader. [smokingpipes.com], [Tobacco Ne...al Edition]

Background & History

The name Squadron Leader honors Royal Air Force pilots, particularly those flying in the early years of aerial combat. While today’s regular Squadron Leader is known as a gentle, balanced English mixture, this Special Edition returns to the blend’s roots, restoring Perique as it was used in the original formulation nearly a century ago. [smokingpipes.com]

This edition was released exclusively through Smokingpipes.com in multiple limited runs (2008, 2015, 2017, and 2019), with later releases restricted to approximately 4,500 tins worldwide. Production has since ceased, enhancing its collectability. [tobaccoreviews.com], [Tobacco Ne...al Edition]

Blend Composition

• Virginia – Forms a lightly sweet, grassy, and citrus‑tinged foundation
• Oriental/Turkish – Adds dry spice, herbal acidity, and subtle floral notes
• Latakia (Cyprian) – Provides smoky, woody, campfire depth without overpowering
• Perique – Introduces gentle pepper, dark fruit, and a slightly raisiny sweetness

Together, these tobaccos create a classic English mixture with more complexity and warmth than the modern standard Squadron Leader, thanks to the Perique’s contribution. [smokingpipes.com], [tobaccoreviews.com]

Cut & Presentation

• Cut: Ribbon (slightly broader than standard Squadron Leader)
• Tin Size: 50 grams
• Packaging: Traditional round tin
• Appearance: Varied ribbons of light brown, dark brown, and black leaf
• Moisture: Typically on the drier side, ready to smoke with minimal preparation

[smokingpipes.com]

Flavor & Smoking Characteristics

• Strength: Medium
• Flavor Intensity: Medium to full
• Room Note: Pleasant to tolerable for an English blend

Upon lighting, Latakia leads with a soft smokiness, followed by the fragrant dryness of Orientals. The Virginias provide body and balance, while the Perique reveals itself mid‑bowl with a subtle peppery kick and dark‑fruit sweetness. The result is a cool‑burning, well‑mannered smoke with a savory, lightly spicy finish and lingering aftertaste. [smokingpipes.com], [tobaccoreviews.com]

Many experienced smokers describe it as:

• Richer and more nuanced than standard Squadron Leader
• Balanced rather than Latakia‑heavy
• Suitable as an all‑day English for seasoned smokers

[smokingpipes.com]

Overall Impression

Samuel Gawith – Squadron Leader Special Edition (Original Recipe with Perique) is widely regarded as a benchmark English blend revival, prized for its historical authenticity and refined complexity. For collectors, fans of traditional English mixtures, or lovers of Perique‑accented blends, it represents one of the most respected limited releases in modern pipe tobacco history.