Dunhill Durbar

A blustery night it was, and the storm seemed to wage war on the high coast line. The waves crashing into the rocky shore. That is where this tobacco belongs, with a good book on a long stormy night. It be not for the faint of heart. Sad indeed that we'll never see the sails of this great ship again.

This is a pretty plain, no-bullshit, in your face, earthy, one dimensional smoke. Puff too hard and you won't be able to stand up. There's a slight harshness to it and leaves my throat a bit on a dry side. Smokes beautifully, I wish other blends smoked as easy and smooth as this one, almost no relights are necessary and it burns evenly all the way down leaving nice powdery gray ash. Beware that after smoking a few bowls, your wife may file for divorce.

Probably not an all day smoke, recommended as a change of pace, if you want a simple, strong, good tobacco with a kick.

FYI, this review is based on a tin labeled "Made in the UK with association with Dunhill" -- whether it's Murray's or Orlik's I don't really care.

UPDATE: after smoking it in a few different pipes, I now find it more appealing and interesting. To the point that I'm looking forward to the next bowl! There's a certain earthy, musky sweetness that comes to life by mid bowl that I can't quite explain but enjoy it very much. Upgraded to 3 starts.

I have been conserving my stocks of Durbar. I have not tasted all the Dunhill blends listed, but of the ones that I have tasted, Nightcap and Durbar are absolutely the best, in their different traditions.

Davidoff`s Royalty and Red Rapparee are two other favourite oriental blends. Royalty and Durbar have similarities, but RR is totally distinct. What a pity that Durbar will no longer be available: a great loss to lovers of oriental blends.

As favourite blends continue to disappear more and more requiems will need to be composed.

Durbar is quite brilliant! Here is the lead: It was a rainy night in New York. The cold dripping water begged for a rich mixture to take some chill out of the air (and the bones). England may have rain, but never the bitter cold that is a New York winter--it makes icicles wish for warm Scottish wool mufflers. It was time to try Dunhill?s Durbar indeed. It took a moment to open the tin (struggling first to open then frantically looking for a screwdriver to pry the top off). After opening, my hands were almost too numb to pack my pipe after the struggle with the impregnable metal casing, but I managed (with a now slight carpal tunnel feeling). Perhaps I should have found a coin instead. My straight Stanwell was easily filled and lit with this pleasant ribbon tobacco (dark with spots of tan--lovely). And the flavour was splendid. And curiously sweet. Although, it was preceded with a piece of dark chocolate that certainly enhanced the nuances of this prime tobacco. This is the kind of mixture that makes you feel good to be alive. In fact, it makes you want to live longer and begs that one quits smoking to lengthen life for the very reason of adding a few more years to enjoy more of this weed. Catch 22 there if there ever was one. Like another reviewer, the only problem that I found was that Durbar caused harshness in my throat and that will prevent it from becoming as regular as I would like. The tobacco burned extremely well and warmed the pipe's bowl to the perfect temperature. It did pack a nicotine punch that reminded me of the days of smoking great Dominican cigars too quickly. I will keep this on hand for special occasions. It was followed with scotch and water (a sherry matured version of The Glendronach). I recommend this with the reservation that is be saved for special occasions due to that harsh side affect that prevents it from becoming an all-day regular. More to come.

Essentially this is 965 without the brown cavendish.It's the dictionary definition of what an English tobacco is.Rich and full with a nutty undertone.It's never left a bad taste in my mouth as was suggested above.latakia fans rejoice and enjoy this classic blend.***Highly Recomended*** prep

You know, I thought I was crazy until I read the description of this blend. I kept smoking it and all I could taste, well the most significant thing I could tast was orientals. I kept looking in my jar and seeing what I thought was bunches of dark latakia.

Whew! I was really beginning to question whether I had any business posting here.

Well I'm about half-way through my tin, and think its about time I chimed in. Very yummy stuff. The orientals really jump out at you. Occasionally I get a nice taste of Virgina or a bit of latakia.

Smokes well all the way down the bowl. I puff fast, and have never had even a hint of bite.

Good stuff.

Durbar has been reviewed to death here, so I will just make a few comments.

Durbar is one of the best-behaved blends I smoke with frequency. It burns well to the bottom of the bowl, with little relighting (unless I get distracted). It is similar to 695 but more flavorful due, I think, to the greater Virginia content.

Durbar is a little light on the latakia, IMHO, which is why I do not smoke it more. The Orientals shine well in this blend, but give a little bitterness near the end. Truly worthy of of the Dunhill name.

I never met a Dunhill I didn't like, so with that said, I profess with stern conviction that Durbar is the undeniable king of the heap.

I recall opening my first tin of this stuff some time back and was absolutely mesmerized with the tin aroma. One pipeful later, and I was hooked for life.

Listen up folks....Turkish blends just don't get any better than this. There's a whole lotta flavor packed in every tin of this stuff. It totally amazes me that Dunhill took this off the market for a period of time. What the heck were they thinking ???

A medium fine ribbon cut blend that has a fair amount of nicotine. Definitely not and all day smoke...but one that can be savored at least once or twice a day. Like a fine expensive wine, this is a classic smoke that deserves only our highest praise and recognition.

I really enjoy this blend. It is robust in taste and packs a good kick, but not harsh. It smokes evenly and has a pleasant, lingering taste.

This is always my second choice in regards to Dunhill blends.