A nice coarse cut, lots of Latakia.

I find the overall strenght of it prevented any real enjoyment.

I'm a big fan of cigars also, and it almost seems as if there is some cigar leaf stuffed in here.

Rich heavy flavors and a high nicotine level.

This ought to keep the motor running. Had it with some fine French wine and absolutely loved it. I had the murrays tin (obviously as this stuff is not made anymore) and still have a dunhill store tin left, this is said to be even more spicy.

I'm taking it easy as my supply of old Dunhill tins is shrinking every day, but how can one leave a blend like this alone.

I simply must smoke it again. and soon.....

1-1-10 update: Well, dragged this out after a year or so, and have decided to upgrade. I smoked a bowl in a Marxman Jumbo for all of 50 minutes, accompanied by a tot of dark rum (Cruzan Black Strap). Made it taste a bit like Gawith Navy Flake! Maybe I am starting to appreciate the Englishes more. I'm sure my tin is the Orlik version-maybe I'll get to try the Murray's some day...

This is a delicious, full-strength oriental blend, with occasional cigar overtones and an enveloping richness. At moments, it veers into harshness, given the strength of its oriental tobaccos and its fairly high nicotine level (for an oriental/English).

At 10 years old, this stuff doesn't show any signs of fading.

Highly recommended if you prefer stronger blends; for those who prefer something a bit less forceful, it is still recommended.

Very good Virginia base and quality Orientals. Latakia a bit light, but that's what the blend is aiming for, IMHO. Something to smoke in the tropical heat and humidity. I wonder if Kipling was smoking this when he wrote Gunga Din?

The Orientals do dry the palate somewhat, so care must be exercised during beverage selection, and time of day factored in as well. On a hot afternoon, something sweet and citrusy does it for me. On a sultry evening, something Speyside with a wee drop o' water to open up the pores so-to-speak.

For me a large, wide bowl works best, and at one sitting. DGT brought out some unpleasant sourness and an ashy, burnt toast bitterness that had to be smoked through to reach the pleasant Virginias underneath.

Dang glad I have 20 tins in the cellar.

Tin: smoky smell; brown, light brown and black rough ribbon cut, with some olive. In this dinted Murray tin, the tobacco is barely moist.

Not surprisingly, it stays lit with one match.

Aroma: This is like 965 without brown cavendish, or SM Medium without the VA signature. Durbar smokes like quality stuff, but bland, nothing standing out. It doesn't display much complexity, but again, a mellow, quality tobacco.

Another reviewer described Durbar as flat, insipid, not complex, merely hot and smoky. Again, I was smoking the version blended by Murray, but likewise did not notice any difference between tins of Orlik and Murray-blended Elizabethan that I recently came across.

Tin: smoky smell; brown, light brown and black rough ribbon cut, with some olive. In this dinted Murray tin, the tobacco is barely moist.

Not surprisingly, it stays lit with one match.

Aroma: This is like 965 without brown cavendish, or SM Medium without the VA signature. Durbar smokes like quality stuff, but bland, nothing standing out. It doesn't display much complexity, but again, a mellow, quality tobacco.

Another reviewer described Durbar as flat, insipid, not complex, merely hot and smoky. Again, I was smoking the version blended by Murray, but likewise did not notice any difference between tins of Orlik and Murray-blended Elizabethan that I recently came across.

Taste: Not sweet, but also not harsh, spicey, or tangy either. With absolutely no bite, it has hallmarks of a quality, very smooth smoke. Towards the end of the bowl, a vague hint of a oriental and nutty, woodsy aroma, with no taste.Having recently sampled Rattray's RR, RRR has much more taste and flavor. No latakia blast, less latakia than other Dunhills. Durbar is not full-flavored.

No gurgle, but a slight condensate was left in the stem of the almost dry tobacco from, as of April 2007, an at least 3-year-old tin. Subsequent bowls did produce more moisture.

Nicotine: The tobacconist warned about Durbar being strong stuff. After a bowl, I didn't find it stronger than any other Dunhill, less strong than Elizabethan or Rattray's RR.

Room Note: Light English that soon dissipates.

Overall: Durbar is a very smooth, with no bite, quality tobacco, tending towards bland, with little taste.

Probably not an all day smoke, recommended as a change of pace, if you want a simple, strong, good tobacco with a kick.

FYI, this review is based on a tin labeled "Made in the UK with association with Dunhill" -- whether it's Murray's or Orlik's I don't really care.

UPDATE: after smoking it in a few different pipes, I now find it more appealing and interesting. To the point that I'm looking forward to the next bowl! There's a certain earthy, musky sweetness that comes to life by mid bowl that I can't quite explain but enjoy it very much. Upgraded to 3 starts.

Tin notes are rich with orientals and supporting latakia. First 1/3 bowl is mostly medium-bodied virginia, with hints of the orientals and latakia. By mid-bowl the orientals and lat become much more prominent, but never drown the virginia. Bottom of the bowl is mildly sweet and smoky with a fine, powdery grey ash.

The orientals in these blends can be either herbal/woody in or cigar-like in character. Durbar takes the latter route.

The smoke is rich in body with well-integrated flavors and smooth, maybe too much so for my tastes. I like a little spice and texture. None of the varietals stand out in character. It is a good smoke and tasty, but not one which requires a lot of attention to nuances. It's like a meal at a fancy, but staid restaurant. the ingredients are top-notch,the food excellently prepared and tasty, but you can get others like it elsewhere.

I would consider including this in my rotation as a very competent alternative. Too bad it has gone the way of the dodo. I'll have to pick up a few more tins for later smoking or trade.

Smoked out of an Ardor Ninfea briar calabash and an Andreas Bauer gourd calabash.

Davidoff`s Royalty and Red Rapparee are two other favourite oriental blends. Royalty and Durbar have similarities, but RR is totally distinct. What a pity that Durbar will no longer be available: a great loss to lovers of oriental blends.

As favourite blends continue to disappear more and more requiems will need to be composed.

Dunhill is quality, not my favorite, with skill and/or imagination this can have a sweet side. I still prefer EMP.