Peretti Cuban Mixture

There are a lot of flavors here at first light, but it settles down. The nutty burley is the main attraction, but the the latakia and orientals are always present and add some complexity. There is not much of a Virginia note, and the cigar leaf adds a full earthy flavor. I am not detecting any topping. I know the description says "mint," but I am not tasting it.

My best description of this is probably Walnut's older brother who has been working out a little. The cigar leaf adds another layer. It is a similar taste to me with a little more fullness and the addition of the cigar leaf.

This is good and an especially satisfying smoke. For my money, I will buy Chestnut on sale and get most of the experience. This is easy to recommend and is something that is worth trying if you get a chance.

This is the Burley that keeps drawing me back. I love the cut, and while it may burn faster than a cube cut, it stays lit and doesn't clog the airway the way a cube sometimes can.

The cigar here is not intense, but merely adds a little backbone to the smoke. This is still first and foremost a Burley, despite all the other leaf present. It's sweet and nutty, but the other leaf also makes it meaty and substantial. Nictotine? Well, it's no Old Joe Krantz, but it does the job. Speaking of C&D, Billy Budd does not hold a candle to Cuban Mixture. Cold and dark versus warm and golden, as was so eloquently detailed by another reviewer. That comparison is right on the money.

This is my go-to Burley.

Updated 11/21/2011

I have to take a star away. I've spent a lot of time getting to know C&D's catalog of Burleys and American blends, and frankly the Peretti stuff just doesn't hold up in comparison. I can't get past the scenting either. Some times I'll get a great smoke out of one of these Peretti Burleys, but more often than not I am overwhelmed by the floral, soapy scenting they all have. I'll stick to the C&D Burleys.

LJ Peretti’s website lists no components for this blend except burley. Beyond that, who knows. Some reviewers here even say there is no cigar leaf. Ironic. The burley is definitely up front. I taste some cavendish too...I think. A hint of orientals...sorta kinda. Most definitely I taste some Latakia in there. I guess. Eleven herbs and spices? Yum! Anyway, Cuban Mixture is pretty good. Nothing jumps out at me. The light Peretti casing, which is mild and pleasant after you get used to it, brings all the tobacco flavors together quite masterfully. Who knows what’s in it, and who cares. As long as it’s enjoyable.

The burley is prominent, with nutty, molasses sweet notes. But there are many other dimensions here. Pine, vanilla, baking spices, fruity and grassy Virginia notes. It comes at smoking moisture and burns very well. A delightful smoke.

At first light it?s a full frontal attack, but if you?re patient and aren?t easily scared off, your senses will be amply rewarded. Make no mistake about it: this is not a blend for neophytes. It?s serious tobacco, and probably the finest cigar blend you can find since the demise of the late, great 123 Mixture. Peretti is one of America?s, if not the world?s best blenders, definitely worthy of each and every fastidious smoker?s attention. At first, CB is a dirty smoke, like a bunch of White Owls were placed in a jar and crushed with Virginias. Very soon, though, a multiplicity of flavors and subtly sweet aromas wax and wane with an impressionistic élan. Most unusual and a must try for all smokers seeking a full, unmistakably unabashed tobacco taste.

Three and a half of five stars

I always try to visit there shop when in BOSTON. I like this blend when I have to be around people who might not like the idea of a heavy latakia blend. It is very enjoyable and wont scare the Lady's away. recomended

This truly is one of the more unique cigar blends on the market. The thing that stands out most about this blend is that it is actually very good. A myriad of flavors come through the bowl all at once. The first being that famous Peretti cased burley followed by cigar. It however, does have that "DIRTY" taste initially as embee so eloquently described. Once you get past those 1st 30 seconds it becomes sheer pipe smoking bliss! A very solid 3 stars!