One of GL Pease’s Original Mixtures, Barbary Coast is a blend of cube-cut Burley, Red Virginia, and Perique with a “kiss” of brandy. It is one of the few blends from GL Pease that you may want to give a few minutes of drying time before smoking. I find that it works best in a lightly packed bowl of medium size or smaller.

The blend offers notes of chocolate, blueberry-like sweetness, and nuts. There is some plum and pepper spice in the retrohale. The finish is rich and creamy with lingering flavors of chocolate, raisin, hints of earth, and that quintessential Perique spice. As the bowl progresses, the Red Virginias ramp up, adding notes of stewed fruits. Barbary Coast is full-bodied and quite strong, delivering high amounts of “vitamin N.” I find it smokes best when your smoking cadence is a gentle sip rather than strong pulls.

Since its inception in 2001, Barbary Coast has proven to be more than just blowing smoke and has been a constant in my rotation. If you enjoy Burley-based blends, this is one you need to try. Just be aware of its strength. Highly recommended.