Tobaccos Dunhill - Aperitif

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	StevieB (2076)	2014-09-14		Medium	Extremely Mild	Medium	Pleasant

Dunhill - Aperitif.

The aroma from the blend immediately says "I contain Latakia"! The mixture includes a fair selection of different tobaccos, with a perfect content of moisture. The ribbons lean more towards the slender end of the scale, all very thin with a decent mixture of lengths. It's probably due to the delicate build that this gets lit very simply and once ignited it stays that way; even if you leave it for a little while un-attended it keeps burning.

Despite the aroma from the mix being heavier with Latakia, the flavour from the smoke is VERY even with the different constituents. It's a blend where you can easily pick each of them out without your palate being accosted by just one. Throughout the entire bowl I don't find tongue bite occurring, even if really strained. Aperitif also has a mild sweet addition to it, almost honey like.

Nicotine: medium. Room-note: quite pleasant.

As an aperitif before a hearty meal? Well yes, it would set you up for a feast but I really think instead of 'Aperitif' it could be re-named "Dunhill Any time"! A very steady blend, highly recommended:

Four stars.

Pipe Used: Peterson

Age When Smoked: New

Purchased From: Smoke King

45 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Eulenburg (193)	2004-05-09		Mild to Medium	None Detected	Medium	Pleasant

Like 965, and unlike DURBAR or NIGHTCAP, this has some Cavendish leaf in it.

English Cavendish is not like American Cavendish. American cavendish is made out of Burley, cased. English cavendish is made out of Virginia, pressed, steamed, uncased. It lends a mixture a buffering, velvety element which marries smoothly with the Orientals. Smootheness is of the essence.

965 being a "lotsa latakia" blend, I find the cavendish there a little diconcerting, like putting a bit of sugar into oolong tea. On the other hand, it certainly buffers the possible astringency of some Oriental leaf. This blend has considerably less latakia than 965, and so the cavendish is less surprising.

For me, smoothness is not of the essence. Since I love the natural astringency of NIGHTCAP and DURBAR, I have always tended to leave 965 and APERITIF alone. But they form a very significant flowerbed in the Dunhill garden, and people who like a cushiony, lush latakia~oriental experience will enjoy Apéritif.

43 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Demetri (113)	2015-02-24		Medium	None Detected	Medium to Full	Pleasant to Tolerable

This was my father's favorite blend. It's reintroduction was bitter-sweet for me as his last wishes included one last taste of his favorite tobacco - something he had not had for several years. I picked up a single tin of this the next year while on vacation and immediately upon my return home ordered multiple tins for my cellar. I was expecting to be as disappointed with Aperitif as I had been with the current MM965. I could not have been more mistaken.

At first light Aperitif brought to my mind the flavor profile of the 1960's Dunhills (way back when they were packed in 2 and 4 ounce tins, not 50 gram ones). The cavendish here was very similar to the Brown cavendish used back then and the Turkish redolent of the Dubeck (code named Macedonia Bright) which was the Oriental backbone of the original 965. The Latakia, smokey but not heavy handed here.

I was excited at this blend and angered as well. If the current blenders can do so well on this, why did they louse up MM965 so badly? And why so long to bring it back? No matter.

This is one of the finest blends I have ever smoked.

Pipe Used: Large briars

Age When Smoked: Current production

Purchased From: smokingpipes.com

Similar Blends: Lane Crown Achievement.

29 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Pipestud (1829)	2002-04-22		Medium	None Detected	Medium	Pleasant

A real bell ringer for this cowboy. I found this blend to be subdued with its Latakia presentation, and a generous amount of oriental leaf was combined with some mighty fine old Virginia. I found the combination to be nothing short of spectacular when I tried one of these old tins a few years back. If you are an oriental fan then buy up all this stuff you can get your hands on. Just unique and truly wonderful!

27 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Blackbeard (1)	2014-09-26		Medium	None Detected	Very Full	Tolerable to Strong

I visited my regular tobacconist - the only specialist tobacconist left in Bristol, the fine Birds of Baldwin Street - intent on buying a tin of Nightcap and a flake of some sort. I'm a bit of a latakia nutcase; it became a bit like a drug, were I was constantly seeking a stronger hit. It started with Dunhill London mixture, and discovering that it was the latakia layer that I especially loved, My Mixture 965 and Nightcap were suggested to me. 965 didn't do it for me; it had the latakia but it didn't have enough 'belly' to hold it up; the way I taste it is that the latakia is a top layer that needs a strong foundation. I had the same complaint with a recent recommendation, Rattray's Black Mallory. Some latakia in there, but the underbelly was thin. Once I'd discovered Nightcap I thought that was it; the quest was over. I like to smoke a good flake too so I soon found the strongest latakia flake available to me, Gawith's Balkan Flake. But due to sometimes having difficulty getting down to this only pipe tobacconist in town, I found myself having to settle for whatever the newsagent had; usually some aromatic such as Clan. But this was actually for the best; dull though it was it cleansed the palate, and made that first bowl of proper tobacco such a pleasure. Experimenting a little I often buy a tin of Gawith's Navy Flake, with its latakia-rum mixture. But now to the Aperitif. Reading the reviews below it seems like this has been around for a while. This is puzzling as I thought uBirds were introducing it as new from Dunhill. (Or perhaps that was the one next to it on the shelf - I may have made a mistake). Anyway, asking for a description, the gentleman opened his own stash to give me a whiff of it - boom. Sold. I hadn't smoked a decent tobacco in about a week (by which I mean an English blend, a Dunhill or Sam Gawith, instead tolerating newsagent fare such as Route 66 and lord forbid Condor, so once outside I was like a kid at Christmas. I'll cut to the chase now: this is even better than Nightcap. This is the finest English Blend I've ever smoked. Now, I need to do a 'pepsi challenge ' next to a Nightcap, but I sense that this has more latakia and a richer foundation on which to layer it. Golly it's a full flavour, and as a result i suffer no tongue bite from 'oversmoking' - (when I find myself charging at a lousy tobacco to try to get a flavour that isn't there, and burning it up in the process). Whether old, new, or re-introduced, what I'm experiencing right now is absolutely the finest, fullest latakia smoke I've come across. The only problem is how to hide the smell from my landlord... Ouch..

Pipe Used: Peterson Kilarney 150 Bulldog straight stem

Age When Smoked: New

Purchased From: Birds of Baldwin Street, Bristol, England

Similar Blends: Dunhill - Nightcap, Dunhill - My Mixture 965.

26 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	JimInks (3025)	2014-04-21		Medium	None Detected	Medium	Tolerable

This review is based on the Murray's version. It's not quite as well balanced as the description states, but there's a few things going for it. The Cyprian Latakia is smokey, earthy, musty and woodsy sweet, but at times is subdued by the spice, earth, herbalness, floralness, wood from the lightly sweet and rather sour Orientals. There's a natural citrus sweetness from the Virginias along with some grass and hay notes. The cavendish adds a little sweetness, too, but overall, this is not a sweet blend. There's some bitterness, but no harshness or bite. The strength, nic-hit and taste levels are medium. Burns cool and clean at a moderate pace with very consistent, mildly sweet and fairly sour campfire flavor that translates to the pleasantly lingering after taste. Requires few relights, and leaves little moisture in the bowl. Has a potent room note. A change from other English blends, and appealing to Oriental fans. How the new version that's to come will measure up is something I'm interested to learn.

-JimInks

22 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Cobman (15)	2014-12-10		Medium	None Detected	Medium to Full	Very Pleasant

Oh wow! Oh wow! Oh wow!. I can't hardly think of anything else to say about this blend. I am not a fan of Latakia, but this blend has just the slightest Latakia edge, that blends with the other flavors rather than taking center-stage. This was coupled with some Orientals, and Cavendish everywhere, wonderfully sweet, not fruity, and silky smooth right to the last puff. The room note was incredible...a little spice, a bit of smokiness, and dark cavendish, mostly. No problems with lighting or burning. It's not real strong, but enough to be very satisfying, certainly better than most aromatics, which to me, mostly feel like flavored air. Absolutely no bite, or any other issues, except that I can only smoke so much at a time. I think I am in love......

Pipe Used: Missouri Meerschaum Mark Twain Cob

Age When Smoked: new

Purchased From: Pipes and Cigars.com

Similar Blends: Nothing I've ever smoked before..

20 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Swiss-smoker (87)	2016-01-16		Strong	Mild	Medium	Tolerable to Strong

I particularly like the picture on the tin label. Open the tin and you find the most perfectly cut and presented tobacco; a feast for your eyes. Perfect moisture, too. All typical Dunhill.

A strong Scottish Mixture, that’s what I would call THE APÉRITIF. Excellent smoking conditions. No tongue-bites. The body of this blend is brown and bright Virginias, donating a few sparkles of grass and hay notes now and then. The amount of Oriental is highly over-pronounced for a Scottish Mixture. On the other hand, Latakia is under-represented. The description mentions “Cavendish”. Yes indeed, but it is English Cavendish (uncased steamed, pressed, dark flue cured Virginia), NOT American/Dutch/Danish Cavendish (sauced, flavoured, steamed, pressed Burley) as my American pipe friends may assume. English Cavendish is always pleasant to have; it rounds up the blend, adds a discreet layer of natural tobacco-sweetness and mellows the blend. Unfortunately, in THE APÉRITIF is some unnecessary, additional, artificial sweetness as a topping, which I am sensitive for and don’t’ like.

Over all I find it a rather heterogeneous mixture. All added tobaccos can easily be identified, but it lacks harmony. For my satisfaction I prefer blends with a more definite, distinct character, on either side. In my view THE APÉRITIF is neither fish nor fowl. If you like pronounced Oriental flavours in a (sweet) Scottish based mixture, then go for it. If you generally love Orientals, Dunhill DURBAR (balanced Orientals) or Dunhill LONDON MIXTURE (spicier Orientals) would be a better choice. If you prefer more Latakia, less Oriental and similar sweetness, Dunhill MY MIXTURE 965 is your blend. You have the choice.

Age When Smoked: New, out of the tin.

Purchased From: Internet, www.smokingpipes.com, USA.

18 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Wilhelm Joharsányi (33)	2017-11-30		Mild to Medium	None Detected	Medium	Tolerable

“It probably isn’t that great, I just want to say I tried all the Dunhill’s” – Me

I can’t say a single bad thing about Aperitif. In fact, I can only say great things: Creamy Latakia taste, smoky campfire and leathery flavor, spicy and flavorful Oriental’s that stimulate your taste buds, quality Cavendish to balance it all out, and a taste that never gets boring from start to finish. Aperitif goes great before or after a meal, during morning coffee, or having a beer or whisky towards the evening (one in the morning is fine as well, hell I won’t judge).

But see, that’s the point I am trying to make: As the title ‘Aperitif’ suggests, this tobacco is best paired alongside a meal or drink; it really does stimulate the appetite, at least for me anyways. Either that or I am a complete dope to autosuggestion from the name of the tin.

It is a shame Aperitif gets overlooked by other Dunhill blends, since it is definitely better than ‘Good Morning Pipe’ and right on par with My Mixture 965. Sometimes the most favorited and highest rated aren't always the winners cough Hillary cough; and it takes a 'high-energy' underdog like Aperitif to take center stage and make Dunhill great again.

Similar Blends: Dunhill-My Mixture 965.

15 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Thorre (27)	2009-08-22		Medium to Strong	Very Mild	Medium to Full	Pleasant to Tolerable

When I first tried Aperitif, I was smoking 965 and Nightcap almost exclusively. This blend blew me away. It seemed to be a sweeter version of 965. That sounds very simplistic, and I am sure there was more going on than that, but I was a new smoker. I have smoked some Balkans that have a similar taste. It was as close to dessert blend as I enjoyed then. Toward the bottom of the bowl it almost had a very mild maple flavor. It was delicious. I hope to smoke it again one day. It made a great rotation blend. Of course the quality of the weed, was something Dunhill was famous for.

15 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30125)	2015-07-06		Medium	None Detected	Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

Based on the new Orlik version. This looks a lot like Durbar in the tin but the aroma isn't the same musty, juicy oriental-forward mouth-watering affair. Here the latakia is more to the forefront in the tin note but doesn't completely devour the orientals.

Balance is the keyword for this blend. For some reason, I like to dump latakia blends into English, Scottish or Balkan, but this one is so well balanced that it doesn't really fit into any of them. It may be called a Scottish because it contains Cavendish, but the latakia content is too high in my opinion. I think of this as more of an English, although the latakia content is too low for that, again in my opinion. Hence the problems with pigeonholing. At any rate, in the smoke, no one component ever rose up above the others. It was almost as if it was a single tobacco strain rather than a blend. I wouldn't call this a sweet tasting tobacco, even with the inclusion of Cavendish, nor a smooth tobacco. It had a nice "bite" to it (not tongue bite - more of a flavor explosion with guts) and even its bitterness worked to its advantage. I find this to be one of the better Dunhill blends but it still lacks something... and I wish I could figure out what. Perhaps a sweeter mix of Virginia? Hard to say. It wasn't a creamy smoke like 965, nor did it have that blend's robustness and character. I may have to experiment with this one some more. I liked it and am glad I tried it, but once the tin was empty I didn't have the desire to restock. If you want to complete the Dunhill ensemble of "time of day" oriental blends, this should fit in nicely somewhere between EMP and Durbar.

11 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Bigdadz (39)	2014-09-30		Medium	None Detected	Full	Tolerable

This blend blew me away. It reminded me of the murray's 965 which I throughly enjoyed. It has the distinctive dunhill signature, leathery, spicy and buttery thanks to the english canvendish. Easy to keep lit and full of flavour.

Similar Blends: Murray's 965.

10 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Tantric (321)	2015-06-21		Medium to Strong	None Detected	Medium	Strong

I regret I didn’t try the old version of Apertif. Never saw a tin back in the late 80’s and early 90’s. I recently ordered a couple of tins from Tabaqueria Xian (a heroic enterprise in a country where pipe smoking is rare and good pipe tobaccos are difficult to come by).

Apertif belongs to a range of three tobaccos originally designed by Dunhill in the mid 50’s to form a day long rotation, starting with Early Morning Pipe and finishing with Nightcap. Theoretically Apertif would be a pre-dinner smoke. It is medium to full but not as strong as to render the palate innocuous to the dining flavours to come.

It is a mixture similar to 965 but, in my opinion, not as strong. It seems that the English style Cavendish is more prominent here than in 965, whereas the Latakia has receded to a bare minimum. Yet there’s enough of it to make it clear this is an English/Oriental.

This is a very smooth and luxurious smoke. Easy to load, it lights up rather easily and it stays lit throughout the duration of the bowl. It seems to be a bit moist in the tin, but in my experience that does not affect the combustion rate. A very good tobacco that should be enjoyable to all English/Oriental blend lovers.

Pipe Used: Peterson's De Luxe

Age When Smoked: Fresh

Purchased From: Tabaqueria Xian

Similar Blends: My Mixture 965, Old Dublin.

9 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Virginia lover (218)	2014-09-17		Medium	None Detected	Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

New Orlik version and I never had the opportunity to smoke Murray's. The smell from the tin says 965 with Latakia quite present. The fine ribbon cut tobacco is moist but could be smoked right away. It lights easily and burns quite fast especially for fast puffers. The Cavendish is the dominating flavor, a slightly sweet and mellow taste with some tangy Virginia and spicy accents from the Oriental and Latakia. The description is spot on for a smoke before your last meal of the day. It's even good as a last smoke if one doesn't want something too strong but with a good amount of flavor. This mixture benefits more from sipping than fast puffing, the flavors tend to be replaced by a sharp tangy taste if you rush your smoking session.

Virginia lover

9 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	ynrozturk (62)	2018-06-30		Medium	None Detected	Medium to Full	Pleasant to Tolerable

It's good to come back to a Dunhill blend. I've been smoking Samuel Gawith blends for the past two months or so and I can honestly say that I have missed Dunhill - especially their famous ribbon cut (still the best) and ease of smoking. You open the tin and it's ready to go - no need for drying out, no need for prep work, just fill your pipe and enjoy bliss.

Tin note is that of Orientals (being Turkish, I get the Turkish tobaccos in here very, very easily), Latakia, leather, some sweetness, some spice. It smells delicious.

And that's exactly what this blend offers, smoking bliss. The tin aroma gives off a nice whiff of Orientals, along with the Latakia. It's just a match made in heaven, and it's very hard to go wrong with a blend such as this. But this being Dunhill, it's been blended to perfection.

The smoke is sweet, silky smooth and just full of flavor. I prefer this to 965, which is also a great tobacco. But this is just sweeter, more mellow somehow, not as harsh. It's so easy to smoke that I barely even noticed that I was smoking it for nearly an hour. Also incredibly easy to light and maintain, no big surprise there. I'm sure I could have smoked down to the end of the bowl with just the initial light, but of course I tamped to have a more even burn. The ashes are quite fluffy and soft. The smoke itself produces thick clouds of white, soft smoke.

Really, this is an excellent, excellent blend. The nicotine level is quite normal for me so I could very easily smoke this all day. Goes great with strong black tea. Very impressed.

Pipe Used: Various

Age When Smoked: New

Purchased From: Local tobacconist

8 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Hans Frost (1)	2016-11-07		Mild to Medium	Medium	Medium to Full	Pleasant

I really do not smoke much. In fact just during my vacations in Greece, where I'm always looking for the Greek cigarette "Papastratos" later named "ASOS" and I always smoke these oval cigarettes without filter. By accident, I jumped into a very nice tobacco shop in Copenhagen telling about my Greek habit. Then I was introduced to the Dunhill Aperitif. One pibe a day while walking my hunting dog has now become a daily pleasure and I always get the same lovely feeling from an excellent blend of tobacco with this touch of Turkish intensity. I love it.

Pipe Used: Stanwell 2003 Silver edition

Age When Smoked: 65

Purchased From: The Danish Pibe Shop

8 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	the_german (309)	2015-03-01		Medium	None Detected	Medium to Full	Pleasant to Tolerable

First off, I never had the "old" version of this blend, so no rose-tinted nostalgia flashback for me; I judge this blend as it is being offered today.

First thing I noticed is that the tin's label and description in this forum, obviously from an earlier version of the blend, have this blend as a before-dinner smoke; the name makes sense for that. The current text on the label indicates an after-dinner blend instead. Opening the tin, the aroma is very nicely, solid English with some depth to it.

The leaf is Dunhill's typical ribbon cut, the colours range from bright yellow through various browns to shiny black Latakia. The back label of the tin as imported to Germany notes Black Cavendish being in there; however, there is none--the importer seems to be confusing Cavendish and Black Cavendish there. The Cavendish which actually is in there seems to be the same found in Dunhill 965, and I find it to be delicious.

It's a Dunhill, so stuffing and lighting is easy, as is maintenance during the smoke. The room note is quite acceptable; this is a bit of an English/Scottish crossover. The flavour, however, is on another level entirely: deep, complex, sweet, nutty, only a little sour-ish at times, smoky, malty... this blend is going to replace 965 in my rotation.

I like this stuff, so the Full Four from me. I tend to associate Aperitif with an aged rum or a Calvados, depending on mood. Or a really good coffee. Versatile, isn't it :P

Pipe Used: VAUEN Classic Oom Paul

Age When Smoked: Fresh from new tin

Purchased From: DanPipe

Similar Blends: Samuel Gawith - Squadron Leader, Dunhill - My Mixture 965.

8 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	SteelCowboy (685)	2011-09-05		Medium	Extremely Mild	Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

Aperitif is another one of the Dunhill blends that Orlik has chosen to leave as a memory with their return to the American market. I am not sure if it was due to lack of demand or lack of available leaf. Either way, like most Dunhill blends Aperitif is made of quality leaf and is somewhat complex for a blend touted as...well, an aperitif. Like most Dunhill blends, Aperitif will offer a good dose of Lady N if smoked quickly. This medium English offers an underlying sweetness to complement its smokey quality. It could easily be an all day smoke. However, I would agree with Claudius below in that its not distinctive, at least not enough to pay big bucks for when my small small stash is exhausted. I would recommend it for lovers of Dunhill blends that haven't had the chance to try it.

8 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Greekpipesmoker (201)	2017-01-20		Strong	None Detected	Medium	Tolerable

Typical latakia aroma when you open it!it comes at the right moisture though it might need a few re lights!nice cut easy to pack burns quite good.if you go easy some sweetness and citrus taste is there but latakia leads the taste.also it has all the quality standards of dunhill blends.after a good dinner it helps you relax more!i recommend it!

Age When Smoked: When opened!

Similar Blends: My mixture 965.

7 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Mr. Big (321)	2014-10-04		Mild to Medium	None Detected	Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

I Like this new release, period ! To me, Dunhill, has a strange marketing ploy, naming their blends for different times of the day, Early Morning Pipe, Nightcap, Aperitif. I actually like smoking their different blends, whenever, and this is no exception.

I find their "ribbon" cuts very easy to work with . Easy to pack, light, stay lit and no problems with embers falling all over.

This particular blend is smooth and I would compare it to a mild MM 965. I have never been a big fan of MM965 because I personally find it on the harsh side. This might not have the same bold flavor as MM965, but I do find it to be an all day smoke, while still being a flavorful, smooth, " Scottish" blend with plenty of smoky latakia.

I agree with reviewer ,"Eulenburg 2004-05-09" even with the new release.

Pipe Used: cob

Age When Smoked: new

Similar Blends: My Mixture 965.

7 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	orka (66)	2017-11-29		Mild to Medium	Extremely Mild	Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

Surprisingly dry in the tin, even for a Dunhill, which usually aren't too moist to begin with. Good to go from the moment I first opened the tin (but do keep in mind that a week or so of "decanting" opens it up further). Short and thin ribbons in a melange of bright, brown, olive tinted orientals and a little thicker black latakia ensures packing the pipe is the least of your problems. The tin aroma is pleasantly delightful and dominated by sweet fermented fruit and earthy notes. There may be a topping of some sort present, but my nose may be deceiving me, or it's ever so lightly applied.

In the pipe it is equally delightful. Mild, and smooth with a lot of flavour. The main player to my palate is smoky and faintly leathery latakia on a herbal bed of turkish. The cavendish and virginia are noticeably present as well, but of the two the cavendish comes through the most clearly (tastes identical to the one used in 965). The virginia shows itself mainly in the side stream, but unfortunately remains largely anonymous for the most part, or perhaps I should say it melds well with the larger composition and doesn't come through fully until the final third of the bowl. I suppose I wouldn't have minded a little sweeter edge to it either on the whole, but on the other hand, the VA "nip" is nowhere to be found here, something I'm sure will appeal to a lot of smokers prone to bite.

True, it is an obvious variation on the 965 theme, but with enough differences in balance to set it apart. I guess it ultimately comes down to personal preference. As for me, I reach more often for 965 than I do for Aperitif, but it's entirely possible that's because 965 happened to become a staple in my rotation long before Aperitif found its way into my pipes many years later.

Both blends scratch much of the same itch for me, but 965 has the edge when it comes to overall satisfaction after a smoke. As far as recommendations go, I would say try them both and see which one you like the best, or, if you liked a lot of what 965 has to offer, but not everything, you may find what you were looking for in Aperitif, which to me is a little more mellow and perhaps a bit more subdued in contrast to the former. Oh, and the room note is definitely more agreeable as well. Not at all obtrusive or overstaying its welcome. Compared to many english-type blends it's downright pleasant. Overall I give this a solid recommendation.

Pipe Used: Davidoff 109, Parker Super Bruyere

Age When Smoked: > 3 years

Similar Blends: Dunhill - My Mixture 965.

6 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	buroak (16)	2017-02-28		Mild	None Detected	Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

This is one of my favorite Scottish Blends, though I must admit there are few blends I consider to fit the definition. Also, some might not consider the Oriental leaf in this blend to be sufficiently prominent to justify this blend's labeling as Scottish. Issues of definition aside, this is a very enjoyable smoke.

The Orientals and Cyprian Latakia take the lead from charring light to last sip. The Orientals consistently provide spice, woodiness, and some very mild (and welcome) sourness. The Cyprian Latakia is, of course, smoky and meshes well with the inherent sweetness of the unflavored Cavendish. The Cavendish not only sweetens the blend a bit, but also contributes a creamy smoothness that is always present in the smoke. I do not really detect the Virginia leaf, but I get the sense they are doing their job in the base of the blend.

The strength of the blend is medium for taste and mild for nicotine content. Few relights are required and the blend leaves a dry bowl. Considering the Latakia and Oriental content, the room note should be relatively inoffensive to bystanders.

I highly recommend The Aperitif. Where some other Latakia/Oriental-forward blends are smooth in a way that leaves me underwhelmed, the Aperitif is interesting in its complexity and Oriental spiciness/sourness but smooth because of the Cavendish. I hope that makes sense to the reader. I have liked this blend from the start, but figuring out what set it apart took quite a bit of smoking.

6 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Gentleman Zombie (729)	2015-07-23		Medium	None Detected	Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

I had this pegged at three stars the first couple of times I smoked it. It has grown on me and now I find myself reaching for it regularly. It hasn't become a favorite, but it might eventually. The Latakia is somewhat light, but always discernible. The Orientals are of the woody variety and compliment the Latakia very well. The Virginias and the Cavendish provide a wonderful smooth sweetness with just a hint of fruit. This really has great flavors. Not overly complex, but complex enough to keep my interest. Like all Dunhill ribbons it burns perfectly. Medium in body and flavor.

Pipe Used: MM Country Gentleman, Diplomat Apple, Mark Twain

Age When Smoked: fresh

Purchased From: smokingpipes.com

6 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	tleek (51)	2017-11-06		Mild to Medium	None Detected	Medium	Tolerable to Strong

This is like an adventurous youth who has matured in middle age. It has the characteristics of a full English blend, woodsy smoke and honey sweetness upfront. However everything is softened and refined by the cavendish. It has no rough edges, meaning no components overpower the others. The blend is not intense but it is delicious and full flavored. I sometimes find myself missing the strong herbal and spicy oriental notes one finds in Dunhill’s other English blends, but this is not that kind of tobacco. Those have been done and this softness is unique in a blend so full flavored. That’s not to say the blend lacks complexity. Oriental is in there, just without the punch. Another reviewer used the word “velvety”, and that is spot on. Aperitif does bitter a bit halfway through the bowl but never becomes unpleasant. It burns clean and consistently. If it sounds like something that appeals to you it is definitely worth checking out. I really enjoy it.

5 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	marcelo (3)	2015-05-07		Medium	None Detected	Medium to Full	Pleasant

no! no! no! I can not remain silent before a tobacco like that!

         if the tone of an English mixture is latakia, forget it because this is not the case! here he is just one of the stars of this exelente mix! and you have to share the stage with other celebrities!

         The aroma cold this more bittersweet, although the initial impact is the latakia. cut into thin ribbon makes it burn well! two rekindled a lot; no, there is no bite, and a rich, creamy smoke.

         the flavor is sophisticated (I suspect that Eastern has something to do with it), it has a slight sweetness that goes throughout the smoked (certainly pruduzida by this English cavendish) this sweetness that acts as a base, as the stage where the other stars shine in a very well orchestrated relay.

        It is not a nicotine pump as nigthcap has just the right amount to make us happy and waiting for the next smoked.

         in short, it is a great tobacco!.........

5 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30125)	2014-08-19		Mild to Medium	None Detected	Mild to Medium	Pleasant

My tins have been bought from a fellow member on pipesmagazine.com and are dated 2007; they are thus an Orlik production. Considering The Apéritif have not been produced since, probably, early to mid 2005, it's probably 9 rather than 7 years old. The thing that stroke me the most when I opened the tin was how much the tobacco stinked. Very smoky, almost too much; and almost sickening. But that quickly vanished. The Apéritif stands apart from the other offerings from Dunhill as it's a Scottish blend. I like to think of it as in between EMP and 965 when it comes to nicotine input; creamier and less sweet than EMP despite the Cavendish; and less spicy than 965. There seems to be more Cavendish than Latakia in The Apéritif and that's ok, as it's a Scottish blend. My educated guess for the Latakia is Syrian as the tin note was not characteristic of the Cyprien. Definitively not a Latakia dominant tobacco, it stands out with its own merits. The cavendish is definitively unsweetened and brings that creamy foundation that characterizes The Apéritif. Then the Turkish unveils slightly spicy notes and the virginia, some sweetness. The latakia will manifest itself occasionnally by adding some smokiness. A very good blend, that is not high in nicotine but remains tasteful and rich from beginning to end. I would certainly recommend it for anyone seeking an introduction to Latakia blends or for anyone seeking a mild Scottish blend. I wonder if STG have Syrian Latakia in reserve if Apéritif contains it; if not, I certainly wonder how it will do with Cyprian instead? I will rebuy when it's available in the USA, as it's been released in the UK a few months ago. To summarize, The Apéritif is a Scottish Blend like none other. Highly recommended. I am very happy to see that Orlik resurrected this one as well as Durbar!

Pipe Used: Stanwell; Rattray; Dunhill

Age When Smoked: Between 7 and 9 years

Purchased From: Private sale

5 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	RCUSElder (244)	2005-09-16		Medium	None Detected	Medium	Tolerable

My 200th Review!!!!

Appearance and Tin Aroma: a good mixture of dark, mahogany, brown, and ocassional light leaf. Smells deliciously pungent. Almost a sweet and sour aroma. Makes my mouth water...

Packing and Lighting: I usually leave the tin open in a nice dark place for about 2 hours upon initial opening of the tin. The medium ribbon cut packs fairly easily. 2-3 Lights max.

Initial Flavor: Mana! This is a delicious Scottish/English/Oriental Mixture.

Mid-Bowl: Delicious round flavor, gets into the zone easily. Does not need much puffing to get flavor. I love the room note.

Bottom of the Bowl: Ends too quickly! Leaves a fine, dry grey ash when done. Does not build too much strength or a nicotine blast.

Overall: This is by far my favorite blend from the Dunhill line. Not as rich as LM, not bloated and cloying like 965, no blast like Nightcap. IMO this is one of the best all-day blends you can get. Not as soft as Exotique by Smokers Haven, not as rough as Red Raparee. I can smoke bowls of this back to back with nary a tongue-bite or nicotine headaches like some blends can give. Since this will not be blended in the U.K. anymore, I have since stashed a lot of this blend. No telling what the Orlick version will be like. Go and get some now! A truly refined blend worthy of the staunchest Calvinist! Enjoy...

5 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	HabaneroHardy (396)	2020-08-01		Mild to Medium	None Detected	Medium	Unnoticeable

About two years ago, I stocked up on Dunhill’s big three, EMP, 965, and Nightcap as they were closing production once again. I also ordered one tin of this. In hindsight I wish I had ordered more as I cannot find this one carried under the Peterson banner. The tin note on this one is sweet, slightly sour-ish and densely packed like most Dunhill blends seem to be. This is a Scottish blend as it has Cavendish. The ribbons are fairly moist but with my expertise lights up like a champ. I have been smoking this on and off most of the past week, first in my 1947 Dunhill, and later in my 4 dot Sasieni Kensington Dublin, (1949-1979) which makes this pipe at least 41 years old. Wow, two real antiques, just like the smoker. This is an excellent light medium smoke and is very well blended and produces a nice thick white cloud of smoke. As a stickler this is named “The Aperitif” not Aperitif. As if it matters. :) I had to look up the definition of Aperitif and is as follows: an alcoholic drink taken before a meal to stimulate the appetite. Well this smokes great anytime, especially with my drink of choice, coffee. If you find some, buy it.

Age When Smoked: 2 years

4 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	The Sunday Evening Pipe Smoker (54)	2017-01-02		Mild to Medium	None Detected	Mild to Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

Aperitif is to My Mixture 965 what Frog Morton original is to Frog Morton's Cellar.

Smokey with only a touch of sweetness. It's another of what I tend to call the "meat and potatoes" type of blends, though this one is better than most I put in that category.

I wouldn't say it is the kind of blend that is going to "wow" you, nor is it one that you're liable to sit and necessarily savour for its own sake (though I could imagine there could be circumstances where you might), but probably more the sort that you will sip away at while you work on something else or have your focus otherwise on other things.

It's not a bad little blend, though My Mixture 965 or Frog Morton's Cellar are far more interesting to me, probably because I like a bit more sweetness to sit alongside the smokey characteristics. This has sweetness, just not as much as I'd personally prefer, or which tends to capture my attention.

To be honest, the most alluring thing about this particular blend is the name and the tin art, but here again if I'm going to smoke a blend like this I'd prefer to just stick with Frog Morton's Cellar or My Mixture 965.

But if you find those two a bit sweeter than you'd like, this might be one for you.

UPDATE 07/2017:

I'm not sure if its the age of the tin or my age now, but this blend has completely changed for me, becoming far more interesting and with that interesting incense like quality to it.

It's become a favourite and I'm cellaring it up.

4 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Chris66 (11)	2016-02-16		Medium	Medium	Medium	Tolerable

Bought this because I enjoy Dunhill tobacco, N.Cap, R.Yacht, and other English blends especially Artisan's Blend, and I enjoy S.Leader from my Meerschaum. I have tried it in a few different pipes and the result is the same. It is a bit like an overly peppery version on S.Leader. I did not enjoy this at all, it burns well, and smells ok'ish but that's about it. Constant same flavour all the way through, like smoking the remains of an old ash tray.

Pipe Used: Savinelli, Clay, MM Corn Cob, Meerschaum

Age When Smoked: Fresh from tin.

Purchased From: Turmeaus Liverpool.

Similar Blends: Squadron Leader..

4 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	r (34)	2015-11-10		Medium to Strong	None Detected	Medium to Full	Strong

Apéritif presents a similar premise to its sibling My Mixture 965: a spicy sweet Scottish blend. It distinguishes itself by over-pronouncing the spice at the expense of the Latakia, which yields and conforms by simply reminding you it is there.

Well presented and easy to pack and smoke. True to its name, it left me hungry, albeit not for a second bowl - this blend gets close to overwhelming if one enjoys more than a group 3 bowl.

Similar Blends: Dunhill - My Mixture 965.

4 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Stan (178)	2014-11-04		Medium to Strong	Extremely Mild	Medium to Full	Pleasant to Tolerable

A full English Oriental. Smooth but heavy.

Nice ribbons, easy to load, quick burning for a large pipe. Not hot or bitey.

Heavier than Durbar in both Turkish and Latakia but by no means a Latakia bomb. Smoother to me than Crown Achievement. The Turkish dominates the first half of a bowl before the Latakia kicks in to add some spice. I like the dominion the Turkish has over the blend in a new tin. Seldom seen.

This seems to me more loyal to the old Murray formulation (it may have had more Latakia though) than some of the other Orlik products but most are still good to very good.

Very good indeed for an experienced English puffer.

Pipe Used: Ashton ('91)

Age When Smoked: new tin

Purchased From: smokingpipes.com

Similar Blends: D' 965, Land"' Crown Achievement.

4 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Torben (7)	2014-01-23		Mild to Medium	None Detected	Mild to Medium	Very Pleasant

I found this recipe on the web. My Own Blend recipe for Aperitif: 55% Latakia G019 20% Light virginia shortcut G003 10% Oriental G001 10% Black cavendish G010 5% Kentucky G028

The "G000" codes refer to the numbers MOB use for the different tobaccos

4 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30125)	2009-11-30		Mild to Medium	None Detected	Mild	Pleasant to Tolerable

Aperitif????? I could smoke this all day!!!!

This is very subtle and nice. An unmistakable Dunhill taste. I'm loving this blend more and more each day.

Got my favorite Winslow full bent out and sorry to cut this review short, but I'm going out for another bowl.......

4 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	FilipPruncu (85)	2020-12-24		Mild to Medium	None Detected	Medium to Full	Tolerable

Wow!! What-A-Blend!!!! This baby right here is one piece of paradise, especially for english/scottish lovers. And thus, goes on my favorites list.

Tin note: Smoky latakia, spicy and leathery orientals, wood and a bit of hay.

Presents itself with lots of black and brown leaves, completed with some dark yellow and only a few golden ribbons. The perfect “Dunhill cut” with short to medium ribbons. Perfect moisture.

The taste is sublime, delivering a creamy, velvety, buttery, smoky and sweet latakia, leathery and just a bit spicy orientals of the best quality. It’s like a soft cloud on your tongue. Latakia is in the front, followed by the orientals.

Amazing smoke, complex, full of taste, a dance of flavors. Reminds me of Margate and Baby’s Bottom, and the orientals are similar to those in HU Tobacco’s Soraya with complex notes. Top quality leafs.

Burns absolutely excellent, you can light a single match and smoke the whole bowl without going out. It doesn’t get hot, it doesn’t burn/bite, it always delivers a cold smoke, doesn’t go off, no matter how hard you puff. The only problem would be that it burns a little too fast.

Delivers a very cool, cold, smooth, thick smoke, like a cloud.

The room note is full of latakia, so I don’t think a non smoker would appreciate it, but for me, this smells like Heaven.

Age When Smoked: 3 years

3 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Bearded Piper 09 (5)	2017-12-02		Medium to Strong	None Detected	Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

Similar to MM965 lights and packs well. Stays lit. Slightly spicy but mellow in now is Smoky sweet with a nutty/molasses undertones. Taste is very Latakia heavy with a very blended creamy/ mildly sweet woodyness. Wonderful blend. Definitely gets better with age. No bite and medium to strong on the “N”.

Pipe Used: AKB meerschaum

Age When Smoked: 3 years

Similar Blends: Dunhill - My Mixture 965.

3 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	DrT999 (317)	2017-10-21		Mild to Medium	None Detected	Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

This is a medium Latakia-forward blend, well-tempered by the Cavendish and mild Orientals. Like many of the current Dunhills, it's mostly thin ribbons which catch easily and burn a bit on the fast side. Those who want blends with a really strong Latakia presence would be a bit disappointed. Smokers who like the approach of most 'Scottish'-type blends would likely consider it a solid but not outstanding example.

Pipe Used: briars, cobs, and meers

Age When Smoked: opened 26 months after purchase

Purchased From: 4 noggins

3 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	ElMog (36)	2017-09-08		Medium	None Detected	Medium to Full	Tolerable

I cannot help but review Apéritif as compared to MM965. In the tin, Apéritif is rather messy for a Dunhill blend, the ribbons seem less even than usual, and overall a bit thinner. It takes a light quite well, and stays lit easily. It is less forgiving than some other Dunhill blends i've tried, even though it is a rather robust blend, i find that it is at its best when sipped slowly, while MM965 can be puffed quite vehemently. Apéritif can easily become harsh if pushed too hard, it will burn hotter and faster than other Dunhill offerings, on the other hand it seems to leave a bit less moisture in the bowl. On to the taste. On first light, there is an oriental bouquet which is delightful; savory, spicy. I like the opening better than MM965. It is overall dryer, sharper, i feel that the latakia is less present and the orientals more to the fore. It is more lively and edgy than MM965, has more high notes, but a thinner ''body''. The cavendish may be there, but i get no ''milky'' taste from it. As the bowl progresses, there is a yeasty / bready quality that develops, and by the end of the bowl though, the flavours are quite muted. I think MM965 is more consistent throughout, while Apéritif has moments where it really shines and others when it falls a bit short... I prefer Apéritif's flavour profile, but i feel that MM965 is better at what it is trying to do. Tied at 3 stars !

Pipe Used: Peterson Kinsale, Cobs

Purchased From: Tabagie Giguère

Similar Blends: MM965.

3 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	BriarWoody (33)	2017-01-21		Medium	None Detected	Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

This is a solid medium English, more savory than sweet, and somewhat similar to H&H's Black House, which is an homage to an aged tin of Balkan Sobranie 759. It delivers a good dose of nicotine, and like most Dunhills, the ribbons are cut beautifully and the moisture out of the tin is just right.

Aptly named, I think this is a solid early evening or afternoon smoke -- perhaps an all-day blend for English lovers. I am somewhat perplexed by the offering, given other choices in the Dunhill line, but I suppose Dunhill wanted to craft a blend for each day part.

Regardless, it's good, not great, and a bit redundant.

Pipe Used: Dunhill Group 3, Ashton XXX

Age When Smoked: Fresh Tin

3 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Robykeys82 (25)	2016-11-02		Medium	None Detected	Medium	Pleasant

Currently my favourite EM, together with Balkan Sasieni. I'm not a heavy smoker, so I tend to prefer tobaccos with a low amount of nicotine. This is probably the exception in my rotation. I love every aspect of it. The tin label, classy and reminiscent of an ancient time, the tin aroma, which says "Latakia!" from the first moment, the fact it's easy to pack and to keep lighted. I agree with the reviewer who said all the various tobaccos are recognisable during the smoke. Plus, it never bites your tongue. Highly recommended!

Pipe Used: Peterson Wicklow

Age When Smoked: Fresh Tin

Purchased From: Local Tobacconist, Italy

Similar Blends: Balkan Sasieni.

3 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Young Piper (304)	2016-09-14		Medium	None Detected	Medium to Full	Tolerable

Wow how did i miss this one? I was perusing my local B&M and noticed he had an unopened sleeve of Dunhill's Apertitif with its snazzy tin artwork. I imagine this is what first class was smoking in the Mauritania and Queen Mary, elegance at its finest! The contents are gorgeous, fallen leaf colors in a mix of browns, yellows and some darker black bits. The slight sweetness is what instantly made this my favorite Dunhill blend, smoky and rich with no bite even when pushed a little too hard. A lot like My Mixture 965 but a little milder and lighter and defiantly a tad sweeter. I can't see anyone smoking this blend and not enjoying it if they like a little European Cavendish added to their English blend. Oh and wow did i not mention that this is super smooth!!!!

3 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	JustinCarcerated (99)	2016-08-11		Mild to Medium	None Detected	Mild to Medium	Unnoticeable

This blend seems to fit nicely in between Early Morning Pipe and MM 965. As has been stated in reviews here below, I agree that it comes across as having that component / blend ratio that isn't quite there in 965 to set it apart from NightCap. This could be an anathema of sorts, as MM 965 is a Hall of Fame toby here. Aperitif does have a fantastic cut, very thinly cut ribbon that I find to lend itself to great burning characteristics. I have never seen a cut this thin but I now question why other blends of Dunhill don't follow this template. Dunhill can always be counted on for a great tin presentation. This blend is an improvement in my tastes to both EMP and MM 965, giving you more strength then the former, better flavor than the latter.

It kept my attention, and I would recommend it, good lat mixture but allows the Vas to shine nicely. I think the Cav is the key here.

Pipe Used: Meers and Briars

Age When Smoked: 18 months

Purchased From: Pipes and Cigars

Similar Blends: MM 965 > Aperitif > EMP..

3 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Old6String (27)	2016-05-15		Mild to Medium	Mild to Medium	Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

Upon first light I must say it did remind me of a lighter 965 but many puffs later it has taken on a distinction all its own. I don't get a spiceness at all. I get a wonderfully light Latakia and slight sweetness.

It's really a nice burning, non biting, well balanced blend in my opinion. I can see smoking it after a hard days work when night cap may be a bit much. It does have a slight woodsy-ness to it but imho it is not overbearing. I'm glad I tried it. I will restock to have in my cellar.

Pipe Used: Moonshine Pipe co. Deviled Egg

Age When Smoked: Fresh Tin

Purchased From: pipes and cigars. com

Similar Blends: 965 but slightly different..

3 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	crazy owl (74)	2016-04-21		Medium to Strong	Extremely Mild	Medium to Full	Tolerable

Outstanding Danehill stuff.I must dissent with other reviewers that see this like a softer version of 965.I feel it really different,deeper,more spicy,mayhaps bolder,not so balanced as 965.The Virginia basis is really excellent as in the other Danehills,bright but no biting at all.Latakia is,of course,but not intrusive.And finally the Cavendish,obvious but not overpowering.Perhaps there is a slight toping or may be the Cav,I really can´t be sure.Perfect cut and burning.I like it a lot but so I think that it isn´t a blend for everybody.If you enjoy 965 or Early Morning maybe you like this too,or maybe not.Sorry for to be so elusive but Aperitif is a quite uncommon blend.

Pipe Used: dunhill 4 size

Age When Smoked: current production

Purchased From: local tobacconist

Similar Blends: mayhaps other fine scottish blends.

3 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Ripp The Jacker (4)	2016-04-20		Medium	Mild to Medium	Medium to Full	Pleasant to Tolerable

Upon opening the tin I was greeted with the wonderful aromas of Latakia and Black Cavendish dominating the tobacco and also a sweet, Maple, perhaps even Treacle-like scent. The tin note conjured up images of bonfire night and dark ale, very autumnal indeed.

The tobacco in the tin was good to smoke from the get-go, it packs easily and lights easily, retaining the flame superbly. Quite a complex blend but not overly so; it doesn't confuse the mind or the senses. For me the Cavendish seemed to be the major player in this mixture with the Virginia being more of a supporting act and the Latakia jumping in here and there to announce it's presence and tease the senses.

From smoking it I can certainly appreciate that it's best enjoyed in the early evening, I'd even go as far as to say that it is best enjoyed on an Autumn evening.

Quite enjoyable, although not tremendously exciting. I found after about 30g of the tin I was getting a bit bored of it. I also found that it dries out quite quickly - and this in turn makes the mixture quite bitey - so I would suggest decanting the tobacco into a jar with a good seal after opening.

Pipe Used: Dunhill Shell Briar, Peterson System 312

Age When Smoked: Fresh

Purchased From: Dunhill Shop, London

Similar Blends: Dunhill - My Mixture 965.

3 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30125)	2007-02-14		Medium	Extremely Mild	Medium	Tolerable

I have never had the Murray's version but the current Orlik one is a real let down. If it were a loudspeaker it would be all mid-range - no treble or bass. Added to which it has a sickly sweetness that I find nauseous. I find that is a Danish tobacco character that I cannot stand; it's not a sharp sweetness like you have in a Virginia, which I quite like.

Luckily I rescued it by mixing it 50/50 with Nat Sherman's 536 where it serves to "fill in" the "mid-range hole" that 536 has. The excellent latakia in 536 tones the sweetness down a bit and makes a reasonable smoke in the end.

3 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	donk93953 (29)	2020-07-19		Medium	None Detected	Mild to Medium	Pleasant

Im a little late reviewing this...like ...well, a number of years. But this blend was one of my all time favorites. Smooth...even...nuanced....really everything I wanted in a Scottish Mixture ( of course, when I was smoking it, I though of it as English or a latakia blend)

I cant speak as to the new Peterson version, but Im going to go get it a spin. I'll let you know the verdict

Pipe Used: Dunhill

Age When Smoked: Fresh

Purchased From: Dunhill's

Similar Blends: Frog Morton, 965.

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Courtney Fish (33)	2020-01-24		Medium	None Detected	Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

If I were to design a blend, this could be it: The Dunhill signature perfect ribbon; Solid, rich, quality Virginias; A gentle, consistent Latakia throughout every bowl; Distinctive Orientals peaking occasionally to keep your interest.

This makes for an excellent, well balanced English blend (Scottish, if you prefer) in most pipes but in a smallish, narrow bowl (a Peterson for choice) The Aperitif expresses subtly enhanced Cavendish sweetness which is just barely perceptible in a larger bowl. This makes it distinct from and a class above most English/Scottish blends I have tried.

Add to that just the right Nicotine level and a great smoky, tobacco room-note. Just about perfect, and quite delicious.

Pipe Used: Peterson 304

Age When Smoked: Fresh

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Steerpike (150)	2019-11-27		Medium	None Detected	Full	Pleasant to Tolerable

The Aperitif is a Dunhill tobacco that fits into their planned schedule for the serious mixture smoker. I think the idea was to start with EMP, smoke 965 or Standard Mixture through the day, Aperitif before dinner and the mighty Nightcap after. As such, Aperitif is on the richer side, but like 965 it's smoothed out with Cavendish.

The appearance in the tin is a mix of browns and blacks, in a ribbon cut that is slightly less even than the usual Dunhill pattern, tending to a little narrower. The tin note does not scream Latakia, although it's very much present, but gives a rich, brooding aroma that is more than the sum of its parts. Rich, sweet, with loam, leaf mould, the sweetness of fresh yeast, smoke, a hint of pine and spice.

It packs with ease, lights with a single match and may need one relight. The flavour is smooth with rounded sweetness, plenty of Oriental spice, and some latakia smoke. Initially the sweetness is prominent, giving a flavour like toasted, buttered malt loaf. As it progresses the sweetness diminishes and smokiness asserts itself, the flavour deepens and it ends on a drier, nutty and charcoal smoke taste: very nice indeed!

Comparison with 965 is obvious: both rest on a bed of rich, sweet, creamy Cavendish, but I think Aperitif has a tad less Latakia and a smidgen more Turkish. Having opened a tin of My Mixture 965, I'll say that the Aperitif has more of both Latakia and Orientals, and is overall a richer more complex and flavoursome blend: given the depth of flavour in 965 that should give you some appreciation for what the Aperitif is about!

In summary, a delicious rich English mixture with real depth of flavour and progression, the sort of thing that really captures my attention, while requiring very little input to smoke. Very relaxing. I've been enjoying it as an aperitif but find it's equally good as a digestif! I can fill a large pipe with this and settle down after dinner for a serious smoke. Highly recommended.

Pipe Used: Peterson bulldog, Nording freehand, Jambo meer

Age When Smoked: 2 years

Purchased From: Mysmokingshop

Similar Blends: 965.

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Briar Piper (89)	2018-11-22		Medium	None Detected	Full	Pleasant to Tolerable

Aperitif is another masterpiece from dunhill. Less latakia than 965, more cavendish, a tad more oriental. Has an almost aromatic quality (not sweet) of fermented fruit. The blend makes me wonder if they added cavendish to london blend to see what would happen, in an attempt to cross 965 with that venerable old blend. Well, it sure created a tasty smoke. I stockpiled a very large amount of it right before it was discontinued, and will enjoy every last pipeful.

A smoke for any time of the day, it is the only english blend with a balance of 25% (in taste) of each tobacco, latakia, virginia, oriental, cavendish, each weaving back and forth.

I will never understand why the best blends cease production over and over. It is maddening. Dunhill needs to sell or give the rights to these blends to a blender which will keep them alive and available.

Pipe Used: Petersons

Purchased From: smokingpipes and other vendors

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	DenizBeck (323)	2018-03-27		Mild to Medium	None Detected	Medium	Tolerable

The comparison to My Mixture 965 is very aptly done. It's a smoke in the same vein, with its own merits. Whilst 965 is very creamy, almost buttery to me, Aperitif is a tad more spicy, yet less intense in aroma.

Typical, perfect Dunhill Ribbon-Cut and the tin note is slightly creamy, decently smoky and a bit ethereal. Condition - as usual with Dunhill - is on spot and can be smoked right away.

In the pipe Aperitif comes along with a smooth, mild creaminess, decent, yet gentle smokiness, mild sweetness and a whiff of etherealness. It's rather mild in strenght and flavorwise on the medium side. By times I get hints of sweet and tart nuts, that harmonizes very well with the earthy, woodsy and smoky-sweet tenor of this blend.

Didn't overwhelm me, but a solid smoke. Yet I find 965 to be better, so this is 3-stars for me. Not outstandingly good imho, but a tasty blend, that can be enjoyed all-day.

Pipe Used: Clays, Cobs, Briars

Similar Blends: Dunhill - My Mixture 965.

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	oldrathbone (3)	2018-03-16		Mild to Medium	Mild to Medium	Mild to Medium	Pleasant

Very nice flavour. I'd recommend this one. Burns very nicely and packs super good in the bowl. Smokey undertones and a really relaxing experience. All around goodness.

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	fr_tom (393)	2018-02-03		Medium	Extremely Mild	Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

The tobacco came in a baggie from a friend labeled "2013?" It was a medium ribbon of mixed tan, brown and black. The hydration was slightly on the dry end of what I would term the good smoking range. I smoked it as delivered.

I have been smoking this mostly in pots. I find it to have a nice flavor. It has the smoky latakia and a little spice from the Orientals. There is perhaps some hay from the Virginia, but I don't get any citrus. The Virginia is not much of a note in the signature for me. There is a slight sweet that I claim is a mild topping of some sort. Maybe this is the cavendish or the Virginia.

The smoking experience is pleasant, and it is easily repeatable. It burned cool for me and it was easy to keep lit.

I have one more tin of this waiting for the fullness of time, but I am unlikely to keep this in inventory just as a rule. The price point per ounce for tinned tobacco is a little high, and while this is good, it is not THAT good for me.

This is a solid 3. The tin description is a good one. It is a well-balanced medium mixture. I can easily imagine this being a favorite of someone out there.

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	L'Italiano (231)	2017-09-03		Mild to Medium	None Detected	Medium	Tolerable to Strong

This is properly a Scottish mixture. Virginia, Latakia (not too much), Oriental and toasted unflavored Black Cavendish. As a Scottish this tobacco could be a four stars but in my opinion there are two little lacks. First I prefer a little more sweetness, that is more Virginia and less Latakia. Second in this blend there is not much strength (a mild to medium strength) which for some might be a merit, but for me it is not. For these reasons, in my personal rating system (from 1 to 10) my score is 7 and two and a half stars.

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	TallPuffO'Burley (632)	2017-07-07		Medium	None Detected	Medium	Tolerable

I bought this tin when they first rereleased it and the Durbar and just recently finished the tin. I did decide I liked it enough to add a few more tins to the cellar, which is more than I can say for the Durbar which was mostly given away.

This is a good Scottish type blend that has a nice smoky sweetness taste to accompany a nice creamy smooth feel. I really enjoyed it, but my enthusiasm did tend to wane as the tin stretched on. This will provide a nice contemplative smoke with shifting flavors, maybe moreso than any other Dunhill Latakia blend I have tried to date. I find with blends like this a lot depends on my mood at the time of smoking. Without distractions it is amazing, but introduce something that upsets my peace and quiet it is less enjoyable.

I am leaving this one at three stars because it is good and at times, It was definitely knocking on four stars.

Similar Blends: Rattray's Black Mallory is the first thing that comes to mind.

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Mhulsey (36)	2015-12-12		Medium	None Detected	Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

Reminds me of nightcap light without the Perique. The blend is good, it just wasn't what I was expecting with the addition of the Cavendish, and I tend to like more Latakia in my English blends. Overall quality of the tobacco was excellent, and the burn characteristics were perfect, leaving a fine white ash at the bottom of the pipe. I have to say that this is a quality smoke and should be enjoyed by any Dunhill fan that likes nightcap, but want to tone it down a bit.

After reading my review of Dunhill Aperitif, I decided that it was only fitting that I rewrite my original review, as it was not very descriptive, and therefore was not very helpful to those that have not tried this blend before. Let’s begin with the tin note of the tobacco. Upon opening the tin of Aperitif, one is greeted with several different aromas. There is a natural sweetness somewhat similar to that of honey that I get from the Virginias, there is a very delicate, slightly floral aroma that I detect that I believe to be the Orientals, and lastly there is the smoky, earthy scent of the rich Latakia. The Latakia in this blend is much milder than Dunhill’s Nightcap, but it is fuller in body or richer than that of Early Morning Pipe. As for the Cavendish, I am really unable to detect any aroma that I can or would associate as belonging to it. The quality of the tobacco is impressive, and one will not likely find any hard, twig like, or woody bits mixed in with the blend. As for cut, the tobacco is composed primarily of a thin, fine ribbon that makes for easy packing of the pipe, which takes and maintains a flame well. Moisture content of the tin that I am reviewing was spot on perfect when I received it, and thus, the tobacco required no drying time whatsoever before being smoked. After packing a bowl into one of my favorite Dunhill pipes, which was only fitting, I put flame to the tobacco. Again, due to the cut and moisture content of the tobacco, lighting took minimal effort. Once lit, the first flavor that I am able to detect comes from the smoky Latakia, however it is mild, smooth, and creamy. The Latakia is followed shortly by the slight sweetness of the Virginia, although I find it hard to describe or compare what this sweetness resembles in flavor. There is a slightly tangy or sour note that I am able to detect, although it does not remain in the flavor profile all of the time, and I suspect that this comes from the Oriental. Lastly, I am able to detect a slightly nutty flavor in the blend, although like the sour note, it is not always present in the flavor profile, and I can only assume that this may be coming from the unsweetened Cavendish which has been mixed in with the blend. As for the burn characteristics of the tobacco, I would have to say that this blend required little to no tending of the pipe, with only the need to tamp and relight somewhere around mid-bowl which may have been more my fault than the tobaccos. The tobacco burned down to a fine white ash that made for easy cleaning of the pipe, only requiring that I run a pipe cleaner through the stem to remove any moisture. I would have to describe the room note of the tobacco as pleasant to tolerable, as my wife made mention that the smoke was rather mild, but smelled like a hardwood fire in the fireplace. Overall, I was very satisfied with Aperitif, as it was a mild and creamy smoke, full of flavor, and very balanced. I would recommend this blend to any fan of English blends that enjoys a more mild mannered tobacco for the first pipe of the morning.

Pipe Used: Various Dunhills

Age When Smoked: New from tin

Purchased From: PipesandCigars.com

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Darth Vader (110)	2015-07-26		Medium	None Detected	Medium to Full	Pleasant to Tolerable

I was really blown away by Aperitif. It was pleasing to see more old Dunhill blends released and this is really great and perfect for its intended purpose. Kind of like 965 on steriods. Not that it stronger, rather its a flavour explosion. The tanginess and tart taste really stand out. Highly recommended and i'll buy more.

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	sjdugi (22)	2015-06-08		Medium	None Detected	Mild to Medium	Pleasant

Definitely one of my favorite blends! The tin note is great and the buttery taste I get in my mouth after each smoke keeps me coming back. I'm pretty new to pipe smoking and I would say that this is a great one to get started on.

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	NobbyR (79)	2015-03-13		Medium to Strong	None Detected	Medium	Tolerable

Being the third and final addition to Dunhill's Vintange Blends, the Apéritif is a Latakia based ribbon cut mixture of golden Virginias, floral Orientals and some Black Cavendish. Therefore the tin note is intensely spicy and peaty.

Even though the tobacco tends to be a little on the moist side, filling and lighting your pipe is easy.

Smoking Apéritif doesn't require much attention, exept tamping down the ashes frome time to time. It can be a perfect all day smoke, but it would be a shame not to fully appreciate it. While the Virginias and Orientals offer grassy and floral notes, there's always the spicy and smoky taste of the Latakia, topped off by the smooth and creamy sweet Cavendish. Nicotine content is quite high, so despite its name I wouldn't enjoy it on an empty stomach. It burns down coolly to some powdery, almost white ash.

The room note is also dominated by the Latakia and therefore spicy, but tolerable.

Pipe Used: Rattray's 110th Anniversary

Age When Smoked: Fresh

Purchased From: www.cigarworld.de

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	BigNick (59)	2015-03-10		Medium	None Detected	Medium	Tolerable

First off all, tin is epic. The leaf is mixed in colors. The tin note is Latakia dominant. I have placed this tabac as a bridge between MM965 and Nightcap or any other full bodied English in the Dunhill line. The smokiness of the Latakia is dominant feature of this blend. The Virginias take a backseat but the citrus and grassy notes pop in every once in a while. The sweetness of the cavendish only mellow this blend. The aroma is semi-sweet, woodsy and not completely offensive to others. This is a bold flavored characteristics make this a nice full English, but the mild and mellow features make this an all day blend. The name aptly applies, it works very well with a dry aperitif. All in all, this is a nice middle of the road tabac, I highly recommend.

Pipe Used: MM Legend, Unkown Pasha meer

Age When Smoked: 6 months

Purchased From: Smokingpipes.com

Similar Blends: Dunhill - Nightcap, Dunhill - My Mixture 965.

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Thbg (29)	2014-12-17		Mild to Medium	None Detected	Mild to Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

I really, really enjoy this blend. Smooth/creamy, spicy and sweet without being overbearing in strength. It is a perfect marriage of flavors…The sweetness is always subtle, but lasts the entirety of the pipe, almost as a base, with the other flavors playing on top. It is mellow enough to be smoked all day. The cut is perfect for packing and lighting and keeping lit. I am happy that Dunhill brought this blend back out and while I guess they call this a "Scottish" blend, I find I am favoring it more than the other English type blends that I smoke.

Pipe Used: Boswell freehands, Peterson donegal

Age When Smoked: new

Purchased From: pipes and cigars dot com

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	krg1000 (183)	2014-10-15		Medium	None Detected	Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

I have heard of previous incarnations of this and other blends throughout the years. I cannot attest to the differences between this and any other previous blenders. I can only go with what is available now. I find this blend to be a very high quality blend with good quality tobaccos used. It lights up with no problems right out of the tin and stays lit with little effort. For me there was no need to dry before putting flame to it. YMMV. The tin note and room note are both amazing to me. It produces a nice amount of smokiness and has a decent amount of nicotine in it, but nowhere near overpowering in any way. This can easily become a favorite in my rotation. Highly recommended.

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	cgar (37)	2012-01-28		Medium	Extremely Mild	Medium	Tolerable

If only this could be put back on the market! Truely one of the finest blends that Dunhill had going. Aperitif is so well balanced that it could be an all day smoke, but its uniqueness makes it a bit more sophisticated which makes it a nice end of the day smoke. The smokey hickory, bbq flavor is just a perfect touch for the outdoors on a quiet night. Orlik if possible please please attempt to give this another go!!!

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Beer (345)	2004-08-31		Medium	None Detected	Medium to Full	Tolerable to Strong

This Dunhill blend is not available in Italy, and it's a shame. It's a lighter cousin to My Mixture 965 and London Mixture, but sufficiently different to justify its existance. It also bears some similarities to Durbar (the oriental tones are rather pronounced), but I find it much more pleasant, as Durbar can be exceedingly spicy and with a cigar-like tone that I don't like very much. Aperitif has a delicious bitterness/spicyness/sweetness that is a bit dominant over the Latakia, but not too much: it is a very dry (and with dry I mean like in wine) tasting smoke, rather tickling to the tongue, with an almost metallic note. The Virginias sweetness is more subdued than in other Dunhill english mixtures, and the result is a smoke that is perfect before dinner (as the name suggests), but also after. I still prefer London Mixture, which is fuller, rounder and more complex, but I love this one too enormously, particularly when smoked in the right pipe (in my case, a large bent group 6 shell Dunhill). I'd almost say that this mixture has some Balkan overtones, which is great. A different english mixture than, let's say, GLPease offerings: less subdued, thicker, more in-your-face (not overwhelming, mind) and very satisfying. Packing and burning qualities are similar to Dunhill's other EMs: great. Only shame of this tobacco is that I finished my first tin in a matter of days! It is also one of the Dunhill blends that has suffered very little from their recent decline!

2014 Update: Alas, in the most recent incarnation, it HAS suffered. The new version is boring. Smokable, yes, but with the same undistinguished cardboardiness and dirty taste of all the other "2014 version" Dunhill latakia blends. Nothing of the pronounced Latakia and chewy but not heavy mouthfeel of the original, nothing of the same crisp taste. This new version could almost be completely interchangeable with London Mixture or Standard Mixture.

The rating is 3 stars because the original version was 4 stars and the new one 2 stars...

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	PennsylvaniaPiper (17)	2021-03-29		Medium	Very Mild	Mild to Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

I have been dipping into a tin from 2014 and "The Aperitif"only gets better with age.

Of all the Dunhill offerings this was always my favorite.

It smokes almost "cold" and the mouth feel is like silk. The black cavendish really makes this blend nice and creamy and completely balances out the turkish and latakia which play in the background beautifully as the smooth virginia sweetness delights the senses the entire time. There might be a slight flavoring added...maybe anise??

Most people try to compare it to Dunhill MM965 but that blend is a totally different animal. If you think of it in terms of brothers, MM965 would be the short-tempered, younger brother with "The Aperitif" being the even-keeled, older brother.

I always thought of "The Royal Yacht" and "The Aperitif" as the Dunhill freak blends...somewhere in between aromatic and english...but they kept Royal Yacht for some reason.

"The Aperitif" is one of those nonpareil smoking mixtures that makes pipe smoking a really special thing for me.

Please bring back "The Aperitif"!!!

Age When Smoked: 7 years

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	boc777 (39)	2019-12-10		Medium	None Detected	Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

After about 5 years of cellaring, I thought it was time to give this one a run. My first impression was wow. My second impression was, I wish I would have grabbed a half dozen more tins of this 5 years ago! If you read my reviews, you know that I am a die hard Nightcap fan (like many others lol) so that is the standard that I bounce most non-aromatic blends against. I do have a wide variety in my stash and am certainly not locked into strong English blends. While this lacks the punch, astringency and complexity of Nightcap, its a nice mellow compliment to it when you aren't looking for that really strong hit. Apertif checks my Latakia box, but no Perique, of which I am also a huge fan. But it can stand alone without it. It packs and lights perfectly in just about any pipe I try with it. My wife finds the room pleasant, and I love the taste. Its strong, but not overwhelming, I could go back to back bowls no problem with it. You usually can't go wrong with Dunhill products (pipes or tobacco) so if you haven't given this one a chance, I would recommend it. I can't compare this to older Dunhill products, as I started smoking in the late 90s and then I just bought the cheapest crap I could get my hands on usually. This is not my favorite tobacco, nor my favorite Dunhill, but I do like it. Not a 4 star tobacco, but a very solid one for me. Its not super complex, but it will go in any pipe, any time of day (not just before supper) and it certainly satisfies. I will definitely be ordering more soon.

Pipe Used: All

Age When Smoked: 5 years

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Madox07 (43)	2019-08-30		Medium	None Detected	Medium to Full	Tolerable to Strong

How do I start? I guess that the logical place to start is by comparing it with "My Mixture 965", and go figure, both are Scottish blends, both have the same composition i.e. Cavendish, Latakia, Oriental/Turkish, Virginia in this exact order, both are made by Dunhill so I guess they gotta be similar. Well, in a sense they are, with a few notable exceptions. First off - and I am starting here unlike other reviews I have written - with the taste, Aperitif has a very interesting sweet finish to it, unlike MM965 which is quite single leveled. To the naked eye - and here I am citing from memory, as I have no notes for MM (back then I didn't have a clear system in place), Aperitif seems to be a tad lighter in texture, possibly having more Virginia in it's composition, or possibly a different type of Virginia, which I suspect being the reason for the sweetness. The nose, well ... nothing out of the ordinary, a typical nose, somewhere in the neighborhood of your regular english/scottish - latakia making its presence known. Not sure what to say about that Cavendish, which I guess is dark masking the latakia on a visual examination, or it may be lighter and the dark ribbon in the blend is solely due to latakia. I might be tempted to say that although Cavendish may be the dominant tobacco - it is made out of a different type than in MM. I may need some technical help here - Cavendish is a way of making tobacco, and not a tobacco type in itself, so I guess you can make Cavendish from different leaf types. Smoking it .. yeah, we have the composition of your expected Scottish typology, but that subtle sweetness makes it quite a unique taste.

You haven't smoked MM965 yet? Well, than I will refrain to saying that you are in for a corpolent, but well balanced blend at the same time, with a mysterious sweetness that persists in your mouth once the first notes start toning down.

I would recommend this, and if I ever have a chance of running across this blend, I am seriously thinking about purchasing a few tins for long run storage. In my book, this is somewhat a King of Scottish blends, whereas MM is probably a jack or a 10.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30125)	2018-12-25		Medium	None Detected	Medium to Full	Pleasant to Tolerable

I haven't tried the Orlik or Mac Baren yet but this Murray's version was ten years old when purchased back in 2011. I'm not new to Tobacco Reviews... just rejoined a short while back and doing some catch-up work. Aroma was predominantly Oriental with Latakia in the background. At first light, I already knew how I was going to rate this blend. I prefer a lighter Latakia mix and this blend suited my preference. Yes...this one takes me back to the time when all Murray blends were fairly easy to come by! The travesty was/is that I only started piping on the tail end of the Alfred Dunhill tobacco decline. I'm regrettably saddened by this dilemma but such is life.

Aperitif is very comfortable on the palate & reminiscent of Balkan Sobranie in flavor & also reminded me of MM 965 as well but the Latakia content is applied more sparingly. The aftertaste is also quite enjoyable and adds to the pleasurable smoke. So far, this is my second favorite Latakia blend, next to The Balkan Sobranie OM due to the modest Latakia infusion. However, it's a close race between this & MM 965 & I thought MM 965 was more of a Balkan than an English anyway but the terminology is rather academic. If it were up to me, I'd just as soon refer to them as Latakia blends.

With a little more Latakia infusion, this could be a medium Balkan mixture & closer to the BSOM or MM 965 but that's just my personal taste test impression. It is heavy on the Orientals this one is, with a captivating, sweet, exotic tin aroma... ie., you know it's probably going to be really good. It burns well & smokes cool & mild with a sweetness that develops more as the bowl progresses. I don't notice the Latakia so much approaching mid bowl. The pleasant, sweet aftertaste on my palate was satisfying & the Vitamin N content is closer to the mild than medium in strength. I enjoy this prior to dinner and any other time of the day or night & it could readily be an all day smoke.

This is a great Scottish blend. It maintains good flavor throughout the entire smoke. Very soft, creamy, sweet smoke which requires no maintenance. This is another Dunhill crowning achievement which has satisfied many a smoker for decades & I'm one of many who loved this blend. Mix a little more Latakia, Red Ribbon or simply add some 965 to this blend and you'd have a striking resemblance to "The Balkan Sobranie OM"... at least you might be caught up in the smoke from the mixture. This blend should get you rocking back on the celestial plains of life & have you contemplating better times. I'll edit this review when/if I sample the Orlik or Mac Baren version.

Pipe Used: Peterson Deluxe 9S

Age When Smoked: 10 Years

Purchased From: eBay

Similar Blends: Rather unique but akin to a milder BSOM or MM 965, or milder Lat blends like Old Dublin & maybe a little like Tree Mixture...

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	canvas (337)	2017-04-18		Medium	None Detected	Medium	Tolerable

I did in fact wait to smoke Aperitif after an amazing meal with a few drinks, which may or may not influenced the review. Opening the tin I was met with a familiar English charcoal/fireplace aroma found in Dunhill's 965 or Nightcap, but it was not as pure having a little of that outdoor barn smell from the Virginia. This was the first time those two paths converged in a single blend for me. It was an intriguing proposal, would the Virginia soften it up?

Packed and sparked up like a champ. Gave off a fairly neutral taste with the two sides sort of canceling each other out, though the English was still the frontrunner. That first night (blame the drinks) it worked for me, repeat performances were just, fine. Landing this smoke 2 stars for me.

It never overpowered me, which made for a long lasting smoke, but it never hit any wow nerve either. It is a good smoke with smoke tang and I would be happy to buy a tin if it was the only choice available, but given all the choices out there I'd likely not rebuy it.

Purchased From: pipesandcigars.com

Similar Blends: Dunhill 965 married to Orlik Golden.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Yonatan (7)	2017-02-26		Medium to Strong	Medium to Strong	Medium to Full	Very Pleasant

I cannot put this blend down. Its addictively delicious.

Sweet, creamy and rich. A bit of spicyness. With pleasant and light sweet notes that randomly appear at later stages of the smoke. Sweet and creamy all the way to the bottom of the bowl. A work of art.

Pipe Used: Nills Thomsen bent apple

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Smokeandbehappy (4)	2017-01-25		Medium	None Detected	Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

A Nice mixture. If you smell the Tobacco straight out the tin you could think that the Latakia would be dominant in this tobacco, it's far from that when it's smoked. I find the balance of the various tobacco's in this mixture pretty awesome. I taste them all, not one overpowering the others. Sometimes I don't like too much Latakia and find this tobacco perfect for that, as an all day everyday Latakia blend. I enjoy this a lot and will definitely get more. A very pleasant smoking experience.

Pipe Used: Savinelli 202

Age When Smoked: Fresh out the tin

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	LannarkGent (145)	2016-07-24		Mild	Very Mild	Very Mild	Unnoticeable

While a good all around smoke, I found this to be not all that distinctive. It was indeed mild, but that in and of itself cannot be a recomendation. I have smoked my way through most of the Dunhill mixtures and many of the McClelland mild Virginia oriental mixtures such as Mixture number 6. Aperitif, while pleasant, is simply not distinctive enough to warrant a repurchase.

Pipe Used: Peterson Kinsale XL90 well cleaned

Age When Smoked: 3 years

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Ducksbreath (125)	2016-04-02		Medium	None Detected	Medium	Tolerable

This smoke is full of warm spice. The Cavendish and Orientals combine and jump to the fore to create a flavor which is very similar to cinnamon. And I'm not one of those people who pick out food flavors (hints of nutmeg, pear notes etc etc) out of wine, pipe tobacco, or at the worst, cigars (they nearly all taste like cigars to me). But I swear I taste cinnamon here, more at the beginning of the bowl.

There's not a lot of Latakia and it's not as full and round as my current favorite Dunhill English (Durbar). Nor is it like London blend as the VAs here are very much below the radar, plus the Cavendish skews the flavor in an entirely different direction, toward the creamy sweet direction.

I do agree, it is not quite harmonious, and there seems to be something lacking, but it does stimulate hunger.

I have to give it 4 stars nevertheless, for being unique, and of very high quality.

Smoked slowly, it is not at all "strong".

Pipe Used: Dunhill grp 4 1/8th bent pot

Age When Smoked: 1 year

Purchased From: local B&M

Similar Blends: Durbar,965,EMP etc..

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Jorge Soler (202)	2015-11-09		Mild	None Detected	Medium to Full	Very Pleasant

The moist content (and I found this to be true in most of the Dunhill's) is just about right to pack your pipe and light up. I am finding the tin note a little bit acrid, but not as much as in Squadron Leader. They call this blend "Scottish" because of the added cavendish, which sort of adds a sweet dimension to your smoke, but not as pronounced as in my Mixture 965. This might as well be the same tobacco as the aforementioned, but tweaked, with adjusted proportions, modified and changed in nature. In contrast with lighter mixtures, the latakia content is deep and rich with subtle silky/velvety undertones (this evokes a glass of wine). That is to say this is an after-tea latakia/orientals dominated mixture more suited for afternoon/evening sessions. Being robust and medium/full bodied at the same time, I find it quite moderate on the palate, I cannot detect any tongue bite and it is easy to smoke and keep lit for long periods of time. All and all, this tobacco is a bell ringer in so many fronts, but I'd not recommend it to all the latakia haters out there.

Pipe Used: Strambach

Similar Blends: Black Mallory, Red Rapparee, My Mixture 965.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30125)	2013-01-07		Medium	None Detected	Medium	Tolerable

I have a about 1/2 left of my stock of what was my favorite Dunhill blend. Long gone for U.S. residents, it is definitely our loss.

The latakia in this blend has always stayed in the background and was it's the buttery orientals that sing the loudest in this tobacco. The combination produces a very unique flavor not found in any other blend of it's kind.

I always loved this tobacco and would even smoke an Orlik version of it if it were available.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30125)	2011-01-06		Medium	None Detected	Medium to Full	Tolerable

Sampled from a 2001 vintage tin. Aroma was predominantly Oriental with Latakia in the background. At first light, I already knew how I was going to rate this blend. I prefer this light Latakia mix and these tobaccos develop a mild, sweet melange of flavors. Yes...this one takes me back!

Very confortable on the palate & reminiscent of Balkan Sobranie in flavor & also reminded me of MM 965 as well but the Latakia content is applied a little more sparingly. On the other end of the spectrum, it is similar to Sullivan & Powell's, Gentleman's Mixture Original. The aftertaste is also quite favorable and adds to the delight. Did Alfred Dunhill know how to blend tobacco? So far, this is my second favorite Latakia blend, next to The Balkan Sobranie OM.

With a little more Latakia infusion, this could be a medium Balkan mixture & closer to the BSOM but that's just my personal taste-test impression. It is heavy on the orientals this one is, with a captivating, sweet, exotic tin aroma...ie., you know it's probably going to be really good...and it is.

It burns well & smokes cool & mild with a sweetness that develops more as the bowl progresses. I don't notice the Latakia so much approaching mid bowl. The pleasant, sweet aftertaste on my palate was satisfying & the Vitamin N content is sufficient. I "enjoy this prior to dinner" and any other time of the day or night. Could readily be an all day smoke.

I suppose one could classify this as an a Light Balkan. It maintains good flavor throughout the entire smoke. Very soft, creamy, sweet smoke which requires no maintenance. This is another Dunhill crowning achievement which has satisfied many a smoker for decades & I'm e pluribus unum on this one.

Mix a little Latakia & Red Va, Nightcap, or MM 965 with this blend and you have a striking resemblance to the "The Balkan Sobranie OM"...at least, you'll be caught up in the smoke from the arrangement, unless you or your palate is dead. If this one doesn't get you rocking back on the celestial plains of life or entice you to contemplate ascending Mt. Everest before breakfast, nothing will! Therefore, IMHO, Aperitif merits four stars. Sampled in a size two Dunhill.

Pipe Used: Peter 11S

Age When Smoked: 10 years.

Purchased From: eBay

Similar Blends: I haven't tried enough English to say..

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	colt25314 (42)	2009-11-22		Medium to Strong	Extremely Mild	Medium to Full	Very Pleasant

Contact British American Tobaco (BAT) and demand that they either manufacyure all of Dunhill Pipe Tobaccos or sell the rights to someone who will. It is insanity to let this and other Dunhill pipe tobacco blends die out. Shame on BAT!!!!

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Skando (203)	2009-02-01		Medium	None Detected	Medium	Tolerable

EDIT REVIEW OCT06/2015:

the current edition by ST is something different, just like other Dunhill's.

Very nice burning qualities, no bite. It offers a smooth & refreshing medium smoke with a dry quality to it. All the components are very balanced, the Latakia contributes to the flavour in a very lesser measure one would expect from the tin aroma. I don't feel a great sweetness, but a buttery tone which I associate to the unflavoured Black Cavendish.

A nice medium EM in the Scottish style. Not going into the list of my preferences, in comparison to other EM's available in Italy (Sam Gawith's in the top list).

*

Alongwith opened tins to be cleared out from cellar, here is a case of something to be religiously kept well protected...

This tin is marked "dunhill" (not "Dunhill" in italic font, know what I mean ?) and shows the Mark "by appointment of Her Majesty... as purveyors..." upon it; the rim is also showing "Manufactured and blended in the United Kingdom" and "Alfred Dunhill Ltd. Duke Street St. James's London". I bought it in Munich (DE) circa 1990, I well remember how many good tobacconists with products we never had in Italy!

The tobacco was taken out from the tin time and time ago, well before it went ruined by the rust, and put on a glass vacuum jar. I'm still keeping the tin, just to remember the good times... and regarding the tobacco, I know where to go when I want celebrate the true english mixtures of old.

It was supposed that the "appetizing" qualities of Apertif were due to some cigar leaf added, maybe there is a small quantity, I could't swear.

The smoking experience is heavenly. I would name dozens of nice conjugations to this superb mixture, whose colour the time has melted into a deep brown and black colours. The smoke is extremely balanced, spiced, biscuity, naturally sweet. No way to have the bowl hot, indeed!

Lucky I am that enough is remaining, I keep me enjoyed as one does with vintage liquors.

A heaven of stars to Aperitif.

Pipe Used: Castello & Dunhill

Age When Smoked: fresh from the tin

Purchased From: local tobacconist

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30125)	2008-09-14		Medium to Strong	Extremely Mild	Mild to Medium	Tolerable to Strong

Tin: Dull brown to black, 50:50, slight mold, no bright blonde at all, though still a familiar Dunhill complexion and aroma. This is a Murray tin, pre-2004, based on the shape of the bottom of the tin, being almost flat. Orlik uses a bubbled edge around the bottom perimeter, allowing the tins to be stacked more readily. Orlik took over production in 2004. Dunhill migrated completed out of tobacco merchanting a few years ago. The Dunhill exit started in 1995 when Murray became the licensed blender for the Dunhill name brand.

Lighting: Burns all the way to the bottom with one match.

Taste & Aroma: Smooth, cool, dry, biteless, not as flavorful as some corresponding GL Pease blends. Supposedly the purpose of the Cavendish is to buffer and smooth out any harshness or rough edges of the other components. It must, because the Latakia is the main, smoky element, though moderate in effect, or is it the Turkish; it's too bland to discern. Apertif is not sweet. I just finished a tin of McClelland's Christmas Cheer 2001. Now that's a sweet tobacco.

Nicotine: medium to moderately strong, and definite.

Room Note: moderate English, not long-lasting.

Overall: A standard moderate English, with Latakia, or is it Turkish, the feature? 3.5 stars for this Murray vintage.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Laudante (29)	2008-07-21		Medium	None Detected	Medium to Full	Tolerable to Strong

What a bloody elegant piece of junk!

Tin: Beautiful.

Marketing: Great.

Brand: Famous, classical, overrated nowadays.

Tin aroma: Fraudulent promise that this is good weed.

Real contents: Nasty ribbons from the vegetable kingdom.

Flavour: Harsh, boring, bitter, harsh, boring, bitter (at least it is consistent as you can see)

Note: this review applies only to the Orlik version. The Murray one must have been better, not to say the original Dunhill´s. What would have become of old Alfred´s liver nowadays?

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30125)	2007-11-08		Medium	Extremely Mild	Medium	Tolerable

THe mildest of the true English Dunhill tobaccos (EMP is in my mind not an English tobacco). This cool smoking tobacco has all the typical attributes of an Dunhill English with the added twist of Cavendish. This provides the unusually cool mild flavors that make this an alternative to most full bodied English tobaccos. The Cavendish does not water down the flavor but adds its own soft silky earthiness that balances an already well balanced tobacco. THe latakia is woody but not salty, and has the tin note of smoke. The orientals are very mild and slightly spicy but not as pronounced as I would like. Other mentionables are the exceptionally sweet VA's that could use a bit more aging to add consistently, and the room note which for the mildness of the tobacco seems to be a bit more forward than I expected. Very good tobacco I plan on buying more to add to my ever growing collection.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30125)	2007-08-25		Medium	None Detected	Medium to Full	Tolerable to Strong

The common medium English mixture, well blended, of superior quality.

The addition of cavendish gives it a different, subtle touch, however.

Never as too strong as 965, but with more hair on its chest than Early Morning Pipe or London Mixture.

Yup, a fine balance.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Philo Beddoe (221)	2007-02-18		Mild to Medium	Mild	Medium to Full	Tolerable

Odd, I was unsure of what to expect when I opened the tin, but not the sweet aroma Apertif produced. The Dunhill blends I have tried have usually been quite proper, as far as English tobaccos are concerned, this is a definate sweet change of pace.

Upon lighting, I tasted baking spices, perhaps allspice, cinnamon or clover. Such a strange taste, I was put off at once. I continued through half a bowl and that was all I could stand, so I put the tin away for several days, thinking that my taste buds were being affected by outside influences. When I tried another bowl the taste was the same, baking spices, I will not return to Apertif, but it was an interesting blend.

Not awful, but not what I would expect from Dunhill.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30125)	2006-08-22		Mild	None Detected	Mild to Medium	Tolerable

This is a fine, dry and cool smoke. The tin aroma is pungent, it smells of fermented fruit. This is a visually attractive mix of mostly dark, short cut leaf. Packing and lighting is a simple, one match affair in my IMP Meer bent pickaxe; puffing gently allows all the components to be savored individually. This starts out mild in flavor but builds nicely towards the middle of the bowl, neither sweet nor bitter; smooth is a good description of what I taste. Latakia, VAs (conditioned) and Orientals; I am happy to have this in my cellar for an occasional change of pace. 7 out of 10 stars.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30125)	2006-07-20		Medium	Extremely Mild	Medium	Tolerable

Forty-seven years ago, as a college freshman, I was introduced to Dunhill blends. I smoked them on those rare occassions when I could afford the dollar to buy a two ounce tin. I continued to smoke Aperitif and virtually every other Dunhill tobacco more and more as my budget would allow. Of all the blenders in those days, Dunhill was peerless. Whenever I was in New York City, I would make it a point to stop at the Dunhill store at Rockefeller Center and pick up a few tins of the exclusive tobaccos blended there. There wasn't one blend that I didn't like although I did have my favorites.

Well, those days are long gone. Even the store is long gone.

The quality of the Dunhill blends have deminished over the years. Just a few years ago, one could pick up a decent tin but now their (they're really not Dunhill's) tobaccos bear only the slightest resemblance to what once was. The resemblance is superficial at best. The current blend does not live up to the standards found in today's finer tobaccos.

Do yourself a favor and skip this one, unless of course, you can find and afford a vintage tin.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30125)	2006-05-27		Mild	Extremely Mild	Very Mild	Pleasant

strong, leathery. like almost every other dunhill.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30125)	2005-06-07		Medium to Strong	None Detected	Full	Tolerable

I've admitted elsewhere that I'm partial to the Dunhill mixtures in general. I recently tried The Aperitif for the first time, and it was pretty much "love at first pipe." Its tin aroma is the typically English full, smoky scent (which I like). The tobacco is of the customary Dunhill quality and not excessively moist. It burns smoothly and requires few relights, and the room aroma is not unpleasant. The Aperitif's flavor reminds me a bit of Early Morning Pipe, but it's stronger and the flavor is fuller and more complex, and a bit spicier too. The Aperitif has become a particular favorite, though contrarian that I am, I prefer it after dinner or for my last pipe of the day. I recently heard a rumor that The Aperitif won't be available in the U.S. much longer; I sincerely hope that's not true. If you enjoy a good complex English blend, this one's definitely worth a try. Laying in a supply of a few extra tins might not be a bad idea too.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30125)	2004-09-02		Medium	None Detected	Medium to Full	Tolerable

Aperitif is a nicely balanced blend, though is you are of a mind that Latakia and Cavendish should never meet, you won?t like it. In fact, I would say that if you don?t like 965, you aren?t going to like this one either.

As you would expect from Dunhill, the quality of the leaf is very good, and the cut and flavor is consistent throughout the tin. It can become harsh if you get a bit overanxious, especially at the ?tinned? moisture level. Some drying is a fine idea.

I could, and I have, smoked this throughout the day. I tend not to address nicotine content, as I rarely find anything that I actually consider strong in that way. It has a moderately full flavor, predominantly Turkish with Cavendish and Latakia undertones as a rule, though the Latakia does assert from time to time. It?s a dry smoke, in respect to both the pipe and the taste.

If you like your smoke a bit on the Oriental/Turkish side, this could be for you. If you?re looking for a Latakia powerhouse, such as GLP Raven?s Wing, you?ll find this one a bit too light.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30125)	2004-02-15		Medium	None Detected	Medium	Pleasant

The Turkish tobacco in this blend dominates, but not to the point of obscuring the other ingredients. If forward Turkish/Oriental tobacco floats your boat, then launch your pipe-craft into this sea.

Puffing slowly and tamping properly keeps this from getting too hot and brings out the cavendish and virginias. The cavendish reminds me of 965, sort of like burnt marshmallow.

The latakia plays a solid supporting role, but not center stage. Aperitif seems to have more latakia than Early Morning Pipe or Standard Mixture Mild.

This fills a niche between Dunhill's heavier English blends (London, 965, Nightcap) and the lighter blends noted above.

I prefer Dorisco, Squadron Leader, My Own Blend 7000, and Brebbia's Preludio in the medium body category. Though, one could do much worse than Aperitif and have difficulty doing much better.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30125)	2003-01-18		Medium to Strong	Extremely Mild	Medium to Full	Tolerable to Strong

This is good stuff. I love the Balkan Sobranie, and this had a hint of the Latakia in it that I love so much, but I did want a little bit more. I think I'm going to go for the durbar next. I was surprised to learn that this actually had some cavendish in it.

I probably packed it a bit too tight, as I had to relight the hell out of it, but it's satisfying, doesn't have quite the kick that most of the GL Peases have, but it has that nice, smoky, oriental and latakia taste that I've come to enjoy immensely.

I couldn't shut the tin once I opened it, so she's resting in a ziplock bag right now, but it's long lasting, perhaps a tiny bit wet, but a good, mild Latakia/english blend. For me, it left me wanting a bit more, and that's probably where Durbar will fit the bill. That will be my next purchase.

This was high-quality stuff, though. Smokey, a little sweet, full-bodied, and smooth all the way. I did have to re-light it quite a bit, and it smoked REALLY wet towards the end. An hour and a half in a small meerschaum should show that I demonstrated SOME patience with it.

Overall, a VERY good tobacco, and one that I will have again, to be sure.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30125)	2002-04-02		Medium to Strong	None Detected	Medium	Tolerable to Strong

Aperitif is a quality Dunhill smoke--well-cut, good-quality tobaccos that are well-blended and consistent. It packs, lights, and burns well. Like most Dunhill English blends, it smokes nice and cool even when you aren't paying any attention to your technique. It has a nutty, slightly sweet flavor. It produces a good volume of smoke, always a plus in my book, if not my wife's, and burns to a fine white ash. This is a fairly strong tobacco, and not one to smoke on an empty stomach. If you push it, it can turn bitter, and so for me is not quite the top-tier smoke that, say, Dunhill London Mixture is.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Albion1956 (42)	2002-01-21		Very Strong	None Detected	Medium to Full	Tolerable to Strong

THe before dinner smoke? Yes, I have tried it then, and before. This blend was recently released to the states with several others. My participation in the hobby doesn't go back far enough to remember the early blend, but this current production makes itself known. The Virginias, Cavendish, and Latakia ( Cyprian I think) are a well balanced attack to senses. Virginian's play a well defined support system, to the mixing's of the Latakia / Cavendish duo overpowering the senses when the first charring light is struck, with a predominant Turkish essence.It is the pair from the middle east who bring with them the spices from land afar. These smells permiate the air, along with their Virginian native friend to create a smell that is tolerable, but robust. No complaints from SWMBO, not even about the Turkish menance, who mixes well with the other parties, while contemplating the eventual dominance. Yes, Turkish is well pronounced but not terribly overpowering, and it keeps the lead over the Latakia. Dark tobacco, interwoven Virginia ribbon with strands of dark Latakia and the golden hue of Turkish, melded into the mix. The room is filled with a strange aroma, not bad, but undiscernable, a natural smell, would best descibe it. Second light and the tobacco burns slow and cool, just the periodic tamp, and away you go. Burns to a dark ash, with little or no dottle.This is a tobacco to start up the palate, or to keep the palate invigorated, your choice. A great blend!

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30125)	2002-01-17		Medium	Medium	Medium to Full	Pleasant

A tasty tobacco for sure . I've never had the "old" version of this , but I can say that I like the current version very much . It is a nice unique addition to my current latakia tobacco stock . It stands out as being a blend that satisfies my latakia urges while also offering something different .

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30125)	2001-03-07		Mild to Medium	None Detected	Medium	Tolerable

This is a nice English mixture that sits squarely between Early Morning Pipe and Nightcap in strength and 'flavor density'. It's a great introduction to English blends for someone who wants to learn what a good subtle Latakia blend can be like. It's cut finely enough to pack well but still burn cooly and is very well-behaved, not being too much or too little of anything - a perfect middle-of-the-road English. The Orientals show their stuff well, giving a great nutty-sweet overtone to balance the smokiness and light sweetness of the Latakias and Virginia base.

I often smoke this on my back porch while barbecueing dinner when weather permits, and I also prefer it to EMP when I want a Latakia hit in the morning as it's a little more interesting without being overwhelming.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Brunello (140)	2023-02-26		Mild to Medium	Extremely Mild	Mild to Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

When I started smoking a pipe in 1979 the first tins I ever purchased were a gift set of four small 50g tins of Dunhill, suggested by the shop owner to give me an overview of different types of tobacco. I wish I had kept those tins as they’d probably be considered a collectible item now on eBay. Royal Yacht was my favorite of the four and I never bought anymore Aperitif until the re-introduction in 2015, so I only have the vaguest memory of the original. My tin had two years on it when opened, and now another five years in jar as I’ve sampled it now and then.

This is not a wow blend but it was worth getting a tin. Among the re-release offerings I prefer the more distinctive flavor profile of Durbar, but this has its own unique flavor nuance derived from a subtle top note which to me tastes like a thin cream sauce flavored with allspice. The tobaccos themselves are mild and harmonious with one another. The Latakia, while dominant, is of the muted variety, that impression more evident because of the unflavored palate-broadening unflavored Cavendish. The sum of the parts favors the middle range, without much of either top or bottom notes.

Overall, I find Aperitif to be a middle-of-the-road, muted, and mildly manipulated blend, close enough to round up to three stars. But now I see why it was dropped: not much to get excited about.

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	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	JaWiBr (453)	2023-02-05		Medium	None Detected	Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

Tin note of smoky sweet and mild sour wine. Tobacco is dark brown, tan and black thin ribbon cut. Moisture content is great, no drying/prep needed. Burns moderate with few relights. The strength is medium and nic is mild. No flavoring detected. Taste is medium and mostly consistent, with notes of floral, smoky, incense, wood, musty dry herbs, stewed tangy fruit, leather, sugar, rich earth, fermented sour, zesty and tart citrus, mildly bitter, acidic, mildly spicy, toast, spices, a lemony background note, and a peppery retro. Latakia barely beats the Oriental/Turkish for the lead with Virginias supporting. Cavendish is providing minimal support. Room note is pleasant to tolerable, and aftertaste is great.

Pipe Used: James Upshall Smooth Acorn (4) (P) (FH)

Age When Smoked: 5 years

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	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Ocelot (33)	2022-09-03		Mild	None Detected	Very Mild	Tolerable to Strong

This blend was milder than I expected. Less Latakia than I expected. This was the first taste of Scottish blend of tobacco for me. I've just expected something more flavourful.

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	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Carolus (24)	2022-08-11		Mild to Medium	None Detected	Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

Consistent flavour and consistent burner. I do not yet know what exactly constitutes a scottish blend but I expected more virginias and less latakia. It is an accesible blend and had for some probably an all day smoke. I however would have liked either more spunk from latakia or orientals, or more sweetness from the virginias.

Age When Smoked: A couple of years

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	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	North State (72)	2021-07-25		Medium	None Detected	Medium	Tolerable to Strong

"Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue..." This is what springs to mind with this; it is a rather complex blend that comes beautifully together, in my opinion.

Opening the tin the wonderful fireplacey aroma of Latakia promises wonders, but there is more also, much more; sweet and light undertones. The mixture of light browns is pretty equal to the blacks and dark browns in the ribbons.

It's a surprisingly soft smoke, though, which like said comes beautifully together, no single aroma taking precedence but all complementing each other well.

Not quite up there with Nightcap, Old Dublin etc. but a very good, inoffensive English blend nevertheless, will buy a tin or two occasionally given the chance.

Not sure if I would use it for it's intended purpose as an aperitif though, more likely as a dessert, with some nice cognac maybe :)

Pipe Used: Falcon meerschaum, Chacom, corn cob

Age When Smoked: Fresh from tin

Purchased From: The Danish Pipe Shop

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	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Rustedrailsmokes (293)	2020-08-04		Mild to Medium	None Detected	Mild to Medium	Tolerable

I recently found my 2017 jar of Aperitif and decided to give it another try as I wasn't overly impressed by it back then as I was just getting back into pipe smoking.

The jar note is still English/Scottish with a nice smokiness. The ribbon cut makes for easy packing and lighting in my Radiator Pipe bowls which I love for English types. The burn to me is consistent if a little fast. I get a mild Nic hit from it but much less than Nightcap. The smokiness from the jar note carries over and I taste spiciness which compliments the smokiness through the smoke. I get very little in the way of sweet except in the backnote.

It always leaves a spicy aftertaste in my mouth, and I find that I enjoy smoking it after meals instead of before as the name might imply.

I have not tried the new Peterson version. I'll savor the jar I have but probably not be in a hurry to replace it for the cellar.

Pipe Used: Radiator Pipes

Age When Smoked: 3 years

Purchased From: Smokingpipes.com

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	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	mariusK (31)	2019-11-18		Mild to Medium	None Detected	Mild to Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

This review is based on Peterson's Aperitif. Well, this is one fine blend, although I don't know if it is as good as the original Dunhill. I presume it is, as far as blending according to a recipe can produce consistent results (probably not, just like in wine, where so many factors play a role).

Latakia in the background, orientals and Cavendish in the front. An exemplary Scottish in the best Dunhill tradition of producing balanced blends (this statement is based on some original old Dunhill blends I have smoked). Orientals provide peppery notes, Cavendish provides the body, Latakia rounds it up - a very well executed symphony of tastes. Delicious all-day smoke with a medium dose of Vitamin N.

Pipe Used: Parker Canadian

Age When Smoked: new

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	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30125)	2019-04-28		Medium	None Detected	Full	Pleasant to Tolerable

I haven't tried the Orlik or Mac Baren yet but this Murray's version was ten years old when purchased back in 2011. I'm not new to Tobacco Reviews... just rejoined a short while back and doing some catch-up work. The Aroma was predominantly Oriental with Latakia in the background. At first light, I already knew how I was going to rate this blend. I prefer a lighter Latakia mix and this blend suited my preference. This mixture takes me back to the time when all Murray blends were still relatively inexpensive & fairly easy to come by! The travesty was/is that I only started piping during the tail end of the Alfred Dunhill tobacco decline. I'm regrettably saddened by this dilemma but Ces't le vie.

Aperitif is very comfortable on the palate & reminiscent of finer blends of days gone by. The flavor reminded me a little of MM 965 as well but the Latakia content is applied more sparingly & all the varietals in the mix can be tasted. The aftertaste is also quite enjoyable and adds to the pleasurable smoke. So far, this is my second favorite Latakia blend, next to The Balkan Sobranie OM due to the modest Latakia infusion. However, it's a close race between this & MM 965 & I thought MM 965 was more of a Balkan than an English anyway but the terminology is rather academic. If it were up to me, I'd just as soon refer to them as Latakia blends.

With a little more Latakia infusion, this could be a medium Balkan mixture & closer to the BSOM or MM 965 but that's just my personal taste test impression. It is heavy on the Orientals this one is, with a captivating, sweet, exotic tin aroma... ie., you know it's probably going to be really good. It burns well & smokes cool & mild with a sweetness that develops more as the bowl progresses. I don't notice the Latakia as much approaching mid bowl. The pleasant, sweet aftertaste on my palate was satisfying & the Vitamin N content was close to medium. I enjoy this prior to dinner and any other time of the day or night & it could readily be an all day smoke.

This is a great Scottish blend. It maintains good flavor throughout the entire smoke. Very soft, creamy, sweet smoke which requires no maintenance. This is another Dunhill crowning achievement which has satisfied many a smoker for decades & I'm one of many who loved this blend. Mix a little more Latakia, Red Ribbon or simply add some 965 to this blend and you'd have a striking resemblance to "The Balkan Sobranie OM"... at least you might be caught up in the smoke from the alteration. This blend should get you rocking back on the celestial plains of life & have you contemplating better times. I have a few of the Mac Baren tins that are about five years old now & will edit this review when I sample them..

Pipe Used: Peterson Deluxe 9S

Age When Smoked: 10 years old in 2011

Purchased From: eBay

Similar Blends: Rather unique but akin to a milder BSOM or MM 965 & maybe Blairgowrie after aging for a while. Haven't tried many Scottish blends as yet...

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	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Dharma Bum (9)	2019-03-14		Medium	None Detected	Medium	Tolerable

The first time I smoked Dunhill Aperitif, I was not particularly impressed. I appreciated the good quality of the tobacco and the fact that it is really easy to smoke, like all the other Dunhill English blends. But the slightly sweet taste it has from the Cavendish was not my thing (it never was actually, in English blends at least).

Then I let the tobacco in a jar and waited for another year before I tried it again. And now that I went back to it, I find it very, very interesting. The word I have in mind is "smooth". It smokes smoothly from top to bottom and has that nutty taste we also find in My Mixture 965, but with a more medium body. I definitely would have liked to have another tin somewhere but sadly this is all I have left.

Age When Smoked: 4 years

Similar Blends: Dunhill - My Mixture 965.

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	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	pipeclubsi (17)	2018-11-03		Very Mild	None Detected	Full	Pleasant to Tolerable

Very smooth, mellow, full of natural tobacco taste. Burns cool, even, with a rich smoke. This is a realy good tobacco. I was not attracted to it at first, as it's a quite mild mixture, but with time I realised it has got all it needs to satisfy a serious smoker. I smoke it in afternoons, usually with a glass of Slovenian red wine.

Pipe Used: Big Ben bent classic 018

Similar Blends: Rattray - Black Mallory (British Collection).

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	Ian K (30)	2018-09-17		Medium	None Detected	Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

Aperitif for me is the perfect Latakia blend, I could go into great detail of flavour cut and lighting properties but I would just be reiterating the previous comments and that word perfect would be raised more than once. The Latakia is showcased wonderfully without being too overbearing and the retrohale is nothing short of intoxicating. If Latakia is your thing and you haven’t tried it yet my advice is buy a tin while you still can.

Pipe Used: Peterson full bent, savineli 1/4 bent

Age When Smoked: New tin, 3 years cellared

Purchased From: Edinburgh pipe shop

Similar Blends: Early morning pipe.

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	crrbassman (12)	2017-09-09		Medium	None Detected	Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

Smoked my first ever bowl of this tonight.

Background: got 3 tins of this and 3 tins of Durbar on a Dunhill special from SP - buy 4, get 2 free, about 2.5 years ago, thus this review is based on the Orlik blend. I left these in the cellar and forgot about them while trying other things out. Currently on a mission to try everything I have on hand, throw out what I don't like and continue on with the rest. I made it to these tins and decided to try a bowl or three while the missus is OOT and I have the opportunity to have some 'me time'.

Tin note: fruit, leather, smoke, perfume

Smoking notes: A very well-rounded, balanced smoke. Plenty of toast and biscuit notes, as well as a fruity, 'sweet around the edges' component. As others have noted, if you chug it your head will be swimming from Vitamin N, but sipping it will yield a very pleasant, enjoyable experience. Will definitely keep around and cellar for a periodic treat, though it isn't an ADS for me.

Recommended.

Pipe Used: Parker Pot

Age When Smoked: 2.5 years

Purchased From: smokingpipes.com

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	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Connoisseur (47)	2017-06-15		Medium	Mild	Mild to Medium	Tolerable

As a first time smoker of this blend, I was looking quite forward to it - bearing in mind it is a re-release from Orlik/STG. The usual Dunhill cut is flawless and mositure perfect. Tin note is typical of tobaccos of this genre. Initial taste was a pleasant oriental forward smoke of medium strength and no harshness. About mid-bowl however, the Cavendish was a little too pronounced for my liking, with a flat, cardboardy taste that luckily did not dominate the flavor. Otherwise, not a bad smoke, but not one I'll be craving too often.

Age When Smoked: As new

Purchased From: 4 Noggins

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	Napping Puppy (25)	2017-05-28		Medium	Mild to Medium	Medium to Full	Tolerable to Strong

I cannot say I like Cavendish, but the peppery influence of the orientals/Latakia makes the Cavendish melt in a pleasing way. This is not my favorite Dunhill blend, but certainly not the least in my Dunhill list of favorite blends. It is not a hit song, but without it the album would not sound complete. A capable appetizer. Three and a half stars.

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	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	natibo (169)	2017-04-05		Mild to Medium	None Detected	Mild to Medium	Tolerable

This was pretty goo. I thought the Latakia was light, but tasteful. No bite, did not burn hot. Nothing really makes it stand out, but it's not bad. I guess before dinner?

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	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30125)	2015-12-10		Medium	None Detected	Medium to Full	Tolerable

Top of the Dunhill line for me. I thought that I liked MM965 the best, but the fact that this one is lighter on the latakia and gives loads of natural sweetness and spiciness (cinnamon, nutmeg) made me switch.

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	point9 (114)	2015-06-11		Medium	Extremely Mild	Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

Some say this is milder version of MM965, but I would it's a better version. Orlik seems did a wonderful job on this one, while failed big time on MM965. Very often MM965 irritates my tongue, but this one doesn't.

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	SmokeyM (11)	2015-05-09		Medium to Strong	None Detected	Medium to Full	Tolerable

Smoked pipe on and off for the last years. Now restarted. Used to limit myself to aromatics, mainly vanilla. But now I wanted some more complex, pure tobacco.

Dunhill Aperitif is a very special tobacco. Easy to light, light to smoke, not a lit of relights. Not moist.

The start tastes like Oriental, light and fresh. Then the stronger Latakia/VA taste comes. If you puff slowly, the lighter Orientals will keep coming back now and then. Smoke two bowls in a row and you can get some nicotine kick.

Very nice blend, got me to investigate other english blends as well. In fact, unexpected, I do really like this Latakia blend, which smells ever so smoky in the tin.

Roomnote not so nice as Vanilla aromatics. Got some initial complaint, but it's still tolerable.

Great stuf, hesitated between 3 and 4 stars, will have to do an update later on

Pipe Used: Chacom match, Genot

Age When Smoked: Fresh

Purchased From: Brick and mortar local tobacconist

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	Kunsan (76)	2015-04-18		Strong	None Detected	Full	Strong

This is a strong, full flavor, hot spicey smoke. Too hot and spicey for my taste, although I can see why some other people might like it. It's the usual Dunhill high quality, packs and smokes very easily. But wow, it's a strong smoke this one. Certainly not for the faint hearted, and certainly not for beginners. I've smoked my way through a tin and a half and found the experience interesting but not enjoyable. Won't buy it again. Can be recommended for its high quality and to those who like their tobacco to be on the very strong and spicey side.

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	Cumarinophil (108)	2015-03-12		Mild to Medium	None Detected	Medium to Full	Tolerable to Strong

Dunhill Aperitif looks beautiful and feels fantastic presented in fine ribbon cut without any chunks of leafstalk, that I find so often in other blends.

To me it tastes like the mellower sibling of MM965. In some bowls it appeared a tad less nutty and therefore just a bit more tart, meaning almost sour and slightly bitter undertones, but not in a bad way. For the time being (and maybe just because it’s fairly “new”) it replaces that old standard for medium English/Scottish in my rotation.

Pipe Used: Various with and without filter

Age When Smoked: fresh

Purchased From: http://www.tecon-gmbh.de

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	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	From Etten (22)	2014-11-20		Strong	Medium	Medium	Pleasant

Thin ribbon cut, moist with no particular aroma out of the tin. Nice packing with immediate pleasant aroma with the char. Noted this is a new offering of Va, orientals, Latakia and black Cav. Smokingly pleasant as advertised a balanced blend. OK, Whoa! At the half bowl mild N began, but wait, this is a lovely smoke with a great bowl aroma. Finishing the bowl left me feeble for awhile - way to robust for me. 2 Star. I know I can mix this with my wonderful Crown Achievement and gain a four star smoke with less robust.

Pipe Used: Tsuge Briar

Age When Smoked: tin fresh

Purchased From: Pipes and Cigars

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	CPT/VSG (72)	2013-06-29		Mild to Medium	None Detected	Mild to Medium	Pleasant

The arc of my experience with The Aperitif ranged from dislike to pleasure. For some reason, the first half of the Murray's tin I smoked didn't agree with my chemistry and I was nearly prepared to abandon the project. But, after letting it sit for a while, I gave it a second shot and it was like smoking a different tobacco. The Aperitif is a mild English--as its name inplies, suitable as a palate awakener. I like such tobaccos and in that role, it performes admirably. Somewhat milder than EMP in my mind, it is a fine morning smoke or a prelude to sronger after dinner fare. Despite the description, I could not detect the cavendish. The tin art is classic. It is rumored that The Aperitif is going to return along with Elizabethan Mixture--I hope that proves true as it would be in my cellar upon reentry. Now if only Durbar would return....

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	Emeritus Account (30125)	2013-02-20		Medium	None Detected	Medium	Tolerable

As the name said, a very goof tobacco to have before a good dinner.

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	Emeritus Account (30125)	2013-01-06		Mild to Medium	Mild	Medium	Pleasant

Was gifted a tin of Murray's production last fall and have smoked most of it now. What a stellar blend and the aging process has further enhanced the Virginias and slightly toned down the Latakias. Really wish that Orlik would start production of this again!

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	Emeritus Account (30125)	2010-09-28		Medium	Mild	Medium	Tolerable to Strong

Tin of '05 production, which I believe would make it Murray's.

Although the tobacco was a ribbon cut (I think), the topping? casing? had caused it to become a single clump. My first few bowls worth I rubbed loose from the top, then I jarred the rest. Fortunately the tobacco was resting inside of a bit of ruffled paper that pulled right out, so I was able to gently break the cake into something that would crumble into a jar.

Tin note of strong barbecue sauce, slightly unpleasant.

Very smoky and herby, like throwing sage on smoldering hickory charcoal. It might actually be good to smoke around a barbecue, provided that you think it won't clash with the spices of what's on the grill.

Dries my mouth out, but a pickle fixes that right up. Nice aftertaste, which lingers for quite some time; the scent really clings to your clothes, as well.

Room note is nice at first, but a day or so later and it has more of a stale tobacco smoke smell; not as unpleasant as stale cigarette smoke, but still not ideal.

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	Emeritus Account (30125)	2010-07-26		Medium	None Detected	Medium	Tolerable

There was nothing special about it.

Very good mixture but nothing distinctive.

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	Emeritus Account (30125)	2010-03-02		Medium	None Detected	Mild to Medium	Pleasant

A very good friend gave me an unopened tin of this delicious weed recently and from the first bowl it was love at first light. As a newbie to the wonders of the English blends I wish that I had met this one much earlier in life so that my cellar could also be well stocked. You can still find some of this wonderful blend on-line but most likely it will cost you a King's ransom. I will continue to monitor the reviews of others with the hope that someone can suggest a currently available alternative that I should try.

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	Than (17)	2008-12-10		Medium	Very Mild	Medium to Full	Tolerable to Strong

This is the first time I've cracked a Dunhill tin and sampled the wares. This is nice stuff! A full blend that had all of its components working in complete accord, nothing was more overpowering than anything else. "Aperitif" is a term used for something that is a palatte cleanser/ appetizer. This blend did get my appetite up, for more Aperitif.

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	Emeritus Account (30125)	2008-09-10		Mild	None Detected	Mild to Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

This used to be a great mixture that lived up to its billing as a before dinner treat. This last version is more like before dinner peat...as in peat moss, and gives Turkish tobacco a bad name. Tin aroma over promises and under delivers what should, and used to be a nice light smoke for late afternoon.

Better as a memory.

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	Emeritus Account (30125)	2008-09-07		Medium	Mild	Mild	Pleasant

This is the only Dunhill blend that I really liked with the possible exception of Early Morning Pipe. Aperitif is the only Dunhill selection that I have purchased in quantity. This would be a nice choice for those who are moving from aromatics to english blends.

The strength is in the medium range, when if smoked too fast will give a bit of a nicotine kick. This is obviously a high quality leaf. The taste is wonderful, with hints of spices such as clove, cinnamon, and allspice. The room note is very pleasing, and has drawn positive comments from my wife. It lights easily, and burns relatively cool. The moisture from the tin is perfect, and requires no drying.

It is a shame that this blend has been discontinued shortly after I have discovered it. Probably because it is in between the aromatic and english spectrum that few of us enjoy. I have several tins that I bought to cellar for future enjoyment. This is not a blend that I smoke daily, but save for an occasional treat. Buy some if you can find it! You wont be dissapointed.

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	Emeritus Account (30125)	2008-07-23		Medium	Very Mild	Medium to Full	Tolerable

A tasty English blend. Reminds me somewhat of MM965, which I also like. Burns a bit hot if not smoked properly, but an all round good smoke.

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	Emeritus Account (30125)	2007-01-24		Mild to Medium	None Detected	Medium	Tolerable

Undoubtedly the best of the Dunhill line of tobaccos in my opinion. Mild enough for an all day smoke, yet full of smokey, delicious flavor that is so satisfying. I am referring to the version tinned by Murray's. The Orlik version may or may not differ in quality. Four stars for this magnificent smoking tobacco.

UPDATE

Dunhill has ceased production of this blend along with Elizabethan Mixture and Three Year Matured Virginia. I highly recommend stocking up on this blend as it will be sorely missed.

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	Emeritus Account (30125)	2007-01-16		Medium	None Detected	Full	Tolerable to Strong

I have three tins of the Murray's version and just finished the first one. I LOVE this tobacco. It's dark, smoky, a little sweet and burns very cool. It hasn't scorched my tongue like so many blend do, and it must be all the dark tobaccos which cool the smoke down.

I have not tried the Orlick version (but will open one soon) yet and I hope that it's not been ruined, because this is a great English/Balkan blend.

Update: 2007

Oh...I've tried the Orlick blend and it's lighter and sweeter. Good tobacco, very Danish. Not English, though. It's far away from the UK version, it looks different and smells different in the tin. Well. I'll never buy this one again. We have enough fake classic old English blends and I don't buy them any more.

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	Emeritus Account (30125)	2006-10-26		Mild to Medium	Very Mild	Mild	Pleasant

CITRUS,SOUR,SWEET

A mild English. Dry, cool- sweet and sour if you are attentive. Weak leathery/citrus..Dunhill is quality. Early Morning Pipe I suggest over this to the new to 'English' folk.

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	Mitland (7)	2006-09-21		Medium to Strong	Mild to Medium	Medium	Tolerable

This companion to Dunhill's EMP only deepens the flavors of what is a rather ordinary smoke. Darker colors, fuller flavors of burnt marshmello, campfire and now a fully cigarish overtone from top to bottom. No more or less heavy a nicotine hit than EMP. I find this bitter, acrid and filled with leather flavors. Not at all my cup o coffee.

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	Emeritus Account (30125)	2006-02-10		Mild to Medium	Mild	Mild to Medium	Pleasant

The aroma of this weed was pleasant, though not really notable among other english blends I have smoked. It lit easily, and required no relights. The first half of the bowl was rather sharp, but it toned down to a very nice mellow flavor in the end stretch. It burned cool throughout its entire duration, and gave no tongue bite. Overall I thought it was an enjoyable smoke, but nothing to write home about. For a smoke right before or after a good rich meal, I think Dunhill's Nightcap actually provides a more robust, and better suited flavor. Two stars.

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	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Spike (296)	2005-09-16		Medium	None Detected	Medium	Tolerable to Strong

More interesting than Durbar, tasty Latakia. Three and one-half stars.

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	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30125)	2004-12-09		Medium	None Detected	Medium to Full	Pleasant

like most dunhill blends, this is a well-crafted, dependable blend that should be in the collection of every british blend afficionado. though a bit strong, the latakia lover will find that this can be smoked throughout the day without suffering tongue bite or boredom. i love the spicy notes and the pretty blend of dark and yellow tobaccos in the tin. the room note is actually more pleasant than the tin note, which is not always the case with some blends. after smoking, the aroma dissipates quickly, leaving non-smokers unoffended. i even enjoy the art deco tin art, replete with suave lettering and ubiquitous waiter standing nearby with drinks in hand; a bit of haughty fun. aperitif has more kick than standard medium and royal yacht. this is probably my favorite daytime tobacco, and the happy medium between durbar and nightcap. i frequently mix this with a little elizabethan to give the virginias and perique of that blend more finish and spice. those who enjoy liz but find her a bit on the bland side might want to consider adding some aperitif to the mix. it's sort of like a splash of dry vermouth to gin. overall, this is a staple among tinned tobaccos that i hope will always be around for us smokers to enjoy.

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	Emeritus Account (30125)	2004-09-27		Medium to Strong	None Detected	Medium to Full	Tolerable

September 2004

I like really this blend, although anyone doing a blind taste test could tell you right out of the box that this is a Dunhill English mixture. It has a very pleasant pure tobacco sweetness, undetectable in Nightcap or Durbar, that works really well with the latakias and orientals. I couldn't quite identify the sweet flavor, and I knew that I couldn't detect any burley in the blend, so I assumed it wasn't from the cavendish. Then I read Eulenburg's review, and things became clear: this blend uses English Cavendish, which Eulenburg teaches is manufactured with Virginia leaf and not Burley (thank God, from my perspective).

This may be my favorite Dunhill English blend, at least on a par with 965 and Durbar. It get three stars from me, and not four, only because I prefer the more multi-dimensional Pease blends.

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	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30125)	2004-07-01		Medium	Extremely Mild	Mild to Medium	Tolerable to Strong

This is my third venture into Dunhill tobacco land. I must say, all I've tasted so far, this included strikes me with the same characteristics: refined leaves, subtle flavor, lightly sweet, latakia laden, and needs to be dried a bit before smoking. This is a "nice" blend. It won't bite, unless puffed to excess. I found that the flavor right out of the tin is a bit harsh and it does need a bit of drying time. The sweetness is at the lower levels, in that one can taste the Va/Oriental sweetness, but the smoky latakia is the dominant player. I have smoked this in several pipes, I will buy more to cellar, but I've really gotta be in the mood for something light and doing something that allows me to enjoy this slowly. If you want to read a book, sip some coffee (or strong tea) and sit on the porch relaxing in the morning, then this is for you. Else, you may go for something with a bit more flavor and/or a bit more strength.

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	Emeritus Account (30125)	2004-05-21		Mild to Medium	Mild to Medium	Mild to Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

I've found this to be one of Dunhill's more average blends, although mainly due to my preference for the stronger stuff. When smoked carefully (not to avoid bite, this stuff burns pretty well), it does have a character of it's own, a bit of spice does come out and one could envision it as a good prelude to a fine meal. Better yet, something that saves the experience of a mediocre meal perhaps. It has a different enough flavor, and a mild-medium character that will appeal to more than a few, and I could hardly say it would be a bad choice. Personally, Balkan Sobranie would have been my choice in this range, but you can't do too wrong here.

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	Emeritus Account (30125)	2004-04-15		Very Strong	Extra Strong	Extra Full	Extra Strong

If Durbar is an alternative to 965, this would be something the London Mix smoker might enjoy. It's very polite in its manner and very smooth, with hints of spicyness and character appearing here and there... kind of like the ideal waiter, really. This would make a good all-day smoke, and I'd also recommend it to anyone curious to try English blends, especially to a new pipe smoker.

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	Emeritus Account (30125)	2004-02-24		Medium to Strong	Medium	Full	Very Strong

Let me first say that I've smoked two tins of this in my ten years of pipe smoking.I'm 3/4 way through the second as I write this.That said It's quite hard to describe.The taste is mild while the room aroma is as pungent as you can imagine.I would hazard to say that smomeone wishing to change from aromatics to english's would appreciate this blend.I find that it's most enjoyed in the evening as is Nightcap and anything else with latakia.This is a nice blend to smoke when everything else starts to taste the same.And for that I recommend it to you.....prppypipe

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	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30125)	2003-11-14		Medium to Strong	Very Mild	Full	Tolerable

I would agree with above reviewers that this kind of sits between EMP and Nightcap, even though it has the cavendish in common with 695. However, to me it has more oriental influence than these other two. I broke out some Aperitif for the first time in a while last night, for consumption while clearing the snow off my deck.

The last time I had smoked Aperitif was about 6 months ago (also while clearing snow, for some weird reason) and I found the orientals to be overdone in this blend, to the point of being harsh and one-dimensional. I do not know whether it was the additional aging or what (12 months vs. 18 months), but this bowl seemed more "in tune". The orientals are still in first chair, but the blend as a whole smoked a lot sweeter, with a better flavor spectrum.

I the interests of objective science, I tried another bowl of Aperitif in a different pipe (a meerschaum) this morning when I could devote full attention to the blend. Still nice and sweet. (Is the the cavendish coming through? I missed it before...). Builds in strength to a nice latakia crescendo towards the end. Bummer, end of bowl.

This has moved up a notch or two in my Dunhill's ladder and I will visit the tin a bit more often. There are just so many good Balkan/Scottish blends out there though...

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	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	JohnnyFlake (17)	2003-10-17		Medium	Extremely Mild	Medium	Tolerable

(October, 2003) The aroma of this when first opening a tin is a real tease. I pick up a distinct semi-sweetness but there is also pungent, musty & smokey odors in the mix. This is a thin ribbon cut tobacco with equal amount of brown, tan and black in the mixture. Moisture content is near perfect but I still allow a fresh tin to air out and dry for a few hours before smoking. This tobaccy packs easily and fires up easily as well. Upon firing up this stuff, you are immediately rewarded with a burst of complexity. The flavor profile is that of Orientals, Latakia and Cavandish. I do not pick up on the Virginias but most certainly they are playing a supportive role. This is really hard to define and as a result, I find this blend very interesting! My thinking is that the Cavandish and Latakia tend to dominate the first 2/3 of the bowl, with the Turkish/Orientals and Virginias laying back. However, in the final third, the Turkish/Orientals come forward and take the leading role, with the Cavandish & Latakia second and the Virginas somewhere in the back. The flavor profile in the final third becomes very pungent, musty, spicy and semi-sweet, all at the same time, and there is a more than average amount of nicotine present as well. This is a delicious, complex tobacco and I really love it. In my opinon this blend needs to smoked at a slightly faster pace than normal to bring out it flavors. If smoked too slowly, the Cavandish seems to dominate. 5 out of 5 Flakes - Highly Recommended!!!

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	Gae (46)	2003-10-16		Medium	None Detected	Mild to Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

16th-Sep-2003. Aperitif,I can enjoy anytime of day.Not overpowering! To me,it's abit like Dunhill's 965-without the spice.All the flavour's come out to play,& is a an enjoyable smoke.I also love Dunhill's 965 & Night Cap.I'm not that keen,at all about Early Morning Pipe.I find Aperitif far more interesting.It smoke's nice & dry,& doesn't bite. I'll go along with all the positive's that have been said,before me.81/2 out of 10.

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	Emeritus Account (30125)	2003-08-22		Medium	None Detected	Medium to Full	Tolerable

Being a great fan of Early Morning Pipe and Nightcap my next foray into Dunhill English blends has been Aperitif. I find it a beautiful midway point between EMP and Nightcap. Medium in strength with a pleasing tin aroma and a gorgeously smooth mildy smoky taste. The Cavendish and Virginias add a pleasing sweetness that enhances the Latakia rather than getting in the way. Some people believe there's a flavoring apparently and perhaps there is from the Cavendish but it blends right in wonderfully. I get the impression more of sweet Virginias than of cased Cavendish. The smoke is very cool down to the bottom of the bowl. I love Frog Morton, but Aperitif is a whole different class. First class all around.

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	Emeritus Account (30125)	2003-07-23		Medium to Strong	None Detected	Full	Tolerable to Strong

As a beginning pipe smoker and college student, I purchased a tin of this on a whim as a break from my regular tobacconist-mixed blends, and I must say I was impressed. Opening the tin, a rich aroma emanated from the tobacco with hints of smoke, peat and a certain transient sweetnes. As somewhat of a novice to many kinds of tobacco, it seems more fit to compare this to Laphroaig scotch in heady strength.

This particular blend packs extremely well, burns surprisingly evenly, and leaves a marvellous white fluffy ash as if to say "job well done". The taste is full and rich with an uncommon smoothness very well complemented by the pipe's burning aroma making for a most pleasurable experience from start to finish.

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	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Danno (106)	2003-06-26		Medium to Strong	None Detected	Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

Aperitif is one of those tobaccos whose characteristics give rise to a strong and vocal divide amongst those who partake of it. I began smoking Aperitif when aromatics lost their lustre. Being that it was the first Dunhill product I'd ever smoked, I was struck by the richness of the tobacco, the pungency of the orientals when the tin was first opened. Having a bit more experience with piping now I find the blend to be decent, not stellar, but workable. The latakia is too muted, the orientals too bright and tongue bite lurks for the heavy puffer. And yet, the nicotine level runs high and when given some respect, Aperitif can satisfy. As well, I find the room note interesting.

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	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Pounder 5000 (178)	2003-02-20		Medium	Extremely Mild	Very Full	Strong

This is one tricky smoke! When I first opened up the tin I was greeted with a low key odor that was easily identifiable as latakia. More apparent as I continued to sniff, was the sweet smell of slightly cased cavendish. Very Interesting! Unlike other cavedish/latakia hybrids that I have sampled this one was definitely subtle and imbued with a wonderful complexity. Upon first lighting I was immediately aware of the sweetness of the cavendish. This is where it gets hard to describe. The first thing most people think of when they hear "the sweet smell of cavendish" is an overwhelming dose of casing. This is not the case at all(pun intended). This cavendish has a very natural sweetness to it not unlike the taste you get sometimes from a straight virginia, only magnified a bit. As the bowl progressed there were other surprises in store. Although the latakia was very subtle throughout- it remained a positive presence and made a very welcome contrast to the sweetness mentioned earlier. About 2/3rds of the bowl in, a taste emerged that sent this blend right into the amazing category- turkish tobacco! The addition of this has somehow turned this sweet, smoky experience into something truly unique and added the essence of a fine havanna to the mix! Again-keep in mind that none of these flavors were ever anything but subtle! Although this tobbaco provided a wonderful experience I would not want to smoke it everyday for fear of becoming to familiar with it. For the same reason I would not recommend it to a new smoker as the complexities will probably be lost on them. Truly a unique smoke- everyone should try this once! P.S.- I made no friends with the room aroma!

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	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30125)	2002-05-14		Very Strong	None Detected	Full	Strong

This was quite tasty when first opened, but that has not been the recent experience. The taste, while very full, lacks character and feels more like something to chew on than something to enjoy. The nicotine content is surprisingly high and is not pleasant.

Early flavor was fairly nutty, but this has been replaced by ash. I?m just not pleased with this right now. 4/02

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	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30125)	2002-04-01		Very Strong	Very Mild	Very Full	Tolerable

I really did not like this particular blend too much. I did not find it very appealing. It has a lot of kick, but comparably little taste. Compared to the other Dunhill blends, Aperitif strikes me as a "Mercury": a Ford that tries too hard to be a Lincoln. Buy Durbar instead.

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