Samuel Gawith Westmorland Mixture

Finally opened the tin after 2 years. That mixture looks rather bright, while the aging gave the Virginias a pretty copper/orange shade. Samuel Gawith mixtures are often reported to be on the wet side, this one had just the right moisture fresh from the sealed tin. Only one match needed. Initial impression: Positively mild and quite sweet. There are some who believe the aroma is that of Grousemoor, but muted. To me it seemed more a sweet and round vanilla (vs the perfumed carrot cakenesss of aged Grousemoor). Perfect burn, steady and slow. Pleasant. Latakia is not dominant here, but supports the sweetness of the typical Gawith-Virginias with some darker notes. Very nice for wandering around in the garden. Not too strong from a big bowl. The after smell has a touch of lemon grass and lavender (reminiscent of Grousemoor here). Immediately jarred the content of the tin in order to keep the moisture at the current level.

 

Update: Since I wrote that, I had it for another year jarred in storage. I tried now two other large and spacious bowls, and it´s amazing how much further aging has improved it. It is mild, but very flavourful, the burn very slow and steady (like a flake), which makes it great outdoor stuff, not at all sensitive to windy weather. Little clouds are enough to get the full taste. My first association was “Ennerdale with Latakia”, it has great underlying sweetness countered by slight acidity and delicious Latakia notes, no bitterness. Very round. It leaves a light Lavender note.
An additional remark: I was told by the severest critics that “this smells good”, so if you are looking for a Latakia mixture with a pleasant room note, you may want to give it a try.