G.L. Pease Cairo is one of the “Original Mixtures” from G.L. Pease. This ribbon-cut blend features Red, Orange, and Bright Virginia tobaccos, Oriental, and a touch of Perique. The official description claims that

[t]he flavor is naturally sweet, slightly nutty, delicately spicy, and rich. Subtle citrus-like notes harmoniously support the more robust flavors of the darker Virginias. Cairo is a medium-bodied but very satisfying tobacco with a delicate aroma that will be enjoyed by Virginia lovers and connoisseurs of oriental mixtures alike.

Having recently rekindled my enjoyment of Virginia/Oriental blends, I decided to revisit Cairo after nearly two decades. I was curious to see if I had been missing out on anything.

Upon lighting, the initial flavors are fig, hay, spice, stone fruit, and rye bread. The retrohale reveals woody, figgy spice, and pepper, with a hint of lemon zest. The finish is light, creamy, citrusy, and woody, with a subtle citrusy spicy zip.

As the bowl progresses, the profile becomes bolder, deeper, and sweeter. The flavors of stone fruit and fig intensify, accompanied by sweet hay, lemon zest, and cream on the finish. The retrohale introduces a light lemon pepper spice.

In the latter half, the blend transitions to more stewed fruit, raisin, and date notes. The retrohale becomes more woody and peppery, while the finish darkens with hints of wood, plum, black pepper, and deep raisin sweetness.

Overall, Cairo delivers as a medium-bodied Virginia/Oriental blend with plenty of complexity. It has depth while remaining bright. This blend is one I feel I have overlooked in the G.L. Pease catalog, and I aim to correct that. Enjoyable, engaging, and ebullient, Cairo is not just blowing smoke and is highly recommended, especially for Virginia and Oriental lovers.