G.L. Pease Penny Farthing is a very fine cut shag blend of Bright and Red Virginia, Perique, and Dark Fired Kentucky. The tin note offers aromas of figs, along with the notes and sweetness of stone fruit.

Upon lighting, I pick up flavors of fig, cocoa, sweet hay, and lightly smoked nuts. The blend is smooth and rich, with a dark, sweet finish. The retrohale is spicy with hints of raisins. Be mindful that it can burn quickly, so it’s best to “sip” it slowly.

As the bowl progresses, notes of wood and chocolate take center stage over the hay and fig, with nut flavors deepening and undertones of earth, stone fruit, and cream emerging. Further down, I encounter notes of earth, mocha, smoked nuts, and bread, along with a boozy kind of note.

Penny Farthing is a rich and satisfying medium-bodied and medium-plus strength Virginia/Perique blend. It is pleasantly complex and nuanced, and is not just blowing smoke. Highly recommended.