The Virginians in both, were the same shade of orange-brown, with the same amount of black perique in the coins. Tin scent was completely identical. They come dry to prevent the souring of the virginias, and you may need an apple slice in your jar to rehydrate them a little.

I read that Dunhill uses a lighter virginia in their mix. That certainly is not the case in my tins. The coins are the exact same diameter, thickness, colour, and weight - I checked with calipers and a digital scale. The outermost "rind" leaf looks as though it was cut from the same roll. Even the rolling pattern was identical.

Smoking them, they have a wonderful fruity flavour, which is also peppery, sweet, and woodsy. Not even a hint of difference between DNR or Escudo in any way. Great, complex and flavourful.

So, I did some internet research and discovered that both blends are made in the same factory. In the same room. This not being enough to convince me that I was smoking the same blend, I threw a couple coins from each into a cup of water, which I let steep for a few hours. I then got out some PH blotting paper charts which can test very subtle changes in acidity or alkalinity. You guessed it, they were identical. Now, if you do this same test with another vaper, the results are dramatically different. Any variation in virginias would cause quite the colour change in the PH paper chart, as the brighter they are, the more alkaline.

So, there you have it. Escudo IS dunhill's navy rolls. Take your pick.

Everything that nees to be said has been said in previous reviews.

If you are thinking of trying it, stop thinking and order it. You will not be disappointed. And if you are, you can send the rest to me.

Despite those criticisms, this is still a good smoke and I enjoy it. I might give this new version a 2 and 3/4 rather than a full three stars only because the Peterson version gets a full 3 stars, and maybe even 3 and half from me. I suppose I'm being nitpicky, because this version is certainly worth the money spent on it, and I will buy more of it. So will you if you like VaPers.

I have heard Escudo ages well, which brings me to my second experience. I picked up two more tins of Escudo from a nice gentleman at Brothers of Briar, only this time they were aged six years. I noticed the label was slightly different. The font a bit faded....hmm, I thought, at least I wasn't ripped off. There is so much talk about aging perique that I was expecting a blessed experience. Well, yes and no. The tin popped and but there wasn't any bright light. The smell was great, though. Being so close to when I smoked the former tin of Escudo, the difference in the two was apparent. The notes were quieter in this tin, soften by time. I can't see bumping it up a star for that reason but I will say that if you can get your hands on some with years on it, I have a feeling you will like her a wee bit more.

I wonder what a tin with ten years tastes like?

Naturally, the entire world and its wife compare it to Dunhill Navy Rolls. The difference is that Escudo has more Perique and consists of dark-brown Virginia. On the contrary, Dunhill Rolls are light-brown VA with less Perique. So Escudo is less sweet but spicier then Dunhill Navy.

Both are fantastic in their own way, but Escudo is 30% cheaper.

Update 11/15/2012. Still, DDNR is 30% better. Downgrading to 3 stars.

Moving right along...I'd imagine if you tugged on this stuff, you'd fall flat on your face. But, when treated with the respect it deserves; sip it slowly as you would good Stout, the outcome will be equally enjoyable. Perhaps rapture would be the event. Perhaps loathing if you're not a fan of brisk Virginia. This is more for the old hats, I'd say. On the other-hand, I dislike Dunhill Royal Yacht, but loved this stuff from the start.

After getting past the first light of this stuff, it takes off nicely because it's good to go straight out of the tin. When you open the tin, the fragrance will blow you away. It is one of my favorite raw tobaccos. So good, it almost smells edible! It springs to life once it burns down a 1/4". It goes from being tobacco to what we all recognize as Perique. I've heard it described in many different ways, but to me it is just...Perique. A wonderfully spicy, lilting creature unto itself. I find the spiciness to be nice and subtle. Nearly the same experience I get from Dunhill's Black Cav., but with a nice nic punch.

I have a 4 year old tin containing about 8 more coins. When it's gone, I'll probably cry. Aging turns this stuff into gold. Yes, it's good no matter what, but buy a few cans extra and forget them. Good luck with that, but if I did it, so can you.

Something else to consider: I've folded and stuffed it. Hmmm, didn't like the outcome. Tried cube cutting...nope! For me the best treatment for this is a simple rubbing out; drop it in; light tamp, and slow smoke. It's super this way. It's fairly cool burning and full flavored smoking pleasure without EVER becoming overpowering, be it palate or nose.

Escudo isn't necessarily one of my favorites. My favorite blends are those that keep me coming back for more on a regular basis. But, like that wonderful frozen Guinness at Christmas time...it will always be a treat for me.

Three stars.

This was my first time smoking a "coin" style tobacco and one with perique (as far as I know). Had to experiment with the packing but found rubbing it out worked best.

Found it to be a bit strong and it burned well. Reminded me a bit like Dunhill's My Mixture but with a stronger edge. When I was done though I was lightheaded and a tad nauseous but that was more my fault than the tobacco's.

I am certainly going to finish the tin...and refine the review a bit later.

The tobacco is a very nice smoker. Try it if you like perique!

Simply amazing. In 10 years of pipe smoking this has got to be the best tobacco I have tried. I can see myself smoking this blend for the rest of my days.

My only negative comment is that I did not try it earlier.

Cheers.

We don't really need another review on what makes this what it is or how it tastes because most everyone knows already.

On the other hand, if you haven't tried this, you need to.