G.L. Pease’s Charing Cross, released in 2003, is a Balkan blend featuring Virginia, Latakia, and Orientals. This particular tin, dated April 2022, has been in my collection for a while.

The aroma from the tin is smoky, earthy, and musty, with hints of dark unsweetened chocolate.

Upon lighting, I get flavors of smoked mesquite, dark cocoa, mild citrus, pepper spice, leather, and some sweet and sour notes. The smoke is smooth, rich, and well-balanced, with pepper and cedar notes in the retrohale.

As the bowl progresses, the Virginias become more prominent, offering notes of stewed fruits that complement the smoky, woody notes of the Latakia. The finish becomes creamier, followed by a smoky lemon pepper spice.

Further in, the Orientals, with their floral, sweet and sour, and woody notes, move forward, while the Latakia and Virginias take on more supportive roles but remain noticeable. The retrohale becomes more earthy, with hints of dark chocolate and black pepper.

Charing Cross has aged well over nearly three years, maintaining its complexity, nuance, and flavor. It is medium-bodied and slightly stronger than mild in strength. Charing Cross is not just blowing smoke; it is a marvelous Balkan blend. Highly recommended.