McClelland P.M. Pipe

To me, a Nightcap is that final push over the edge, the last shot from a good night of drinking, it's one more cup of coffee, or that extra helping at dinner you should have probably avoided--it's crossing that line of moderation, just enough to know for certain that you're done.

So, in my opinion, if you plan to pay Nightcap tribute, you need to make your blend strong. I'm talking about nicotine, not fullness...there's a huge difference. Sure, there's more to Nightcap than the strength, but there are hundreds of English blends out there...and this factor seems to be an enduring quality often remarked of the original Dunhill. It's a defining characteristic that I miss often--a hard hitting English, preferably with a bit of Perique. I read through so many blend details and sample what seems like endless variations, yet always turn up underwhelmed. I mourn Nightcap, and didn't appreciate it much when I had the opportunity. I say that knowing some other classic blend will cease production in the near future and the sentimentality may then invoke the same emotion...such is the nature of our little sport.

PM Pipe tastes decent; there's nothing fundamentally wrong here. I'm not certain I can detect the Perique, if there is any, but it's all just very average. I expected more from McClelland, honestly. They are an excellent blending house, and I think they essentially just threw this out there to appease all the people bitching about the demise of stateside Dunhill blends.

It's difficult to make a strong English, and I say that because Latakia (the Cyprian sort) itself, while full, is not particularly heavy in nicotine--so you need to get the strength from a heavy Virginia, or some added Perique. Too much Perique, however, and you lose that English profile. I'm no blending expert, but all of this seems obvious--and if I'm wrong, please let me know. Anyhow, the strongest McClelland I've tried is 2015, which does have a noticeable Perique component, unlike PM Pipe. I suppose my point is that McClelland isn't the sort of company to make powerhouse blends, and PM Pipe is a reflection of that.

Having complained quite a bit, I admit that the one ounce sample I purchased is nearly gone...in about a week. That's relatively brisk for my pacing. I'm the type of guy that will bitch and moan about your cooking, then then go ahead and eat the whole damned platter, so yeah, understand that you may feel differently.

I hear Mr. Pease just released his own little tribute to Nightcap. For the love of God, please let it wreck my senses.