Dunhill Aperitif

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.

"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 🙂

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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....

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