Peterson Early Morning Pipe

This was one of the first tinned tobbaccos I tried. I liked it, all those years ago. (not that many). I stashed a few tins in a drawer and forgot about them for a few years. I rediscoved them and poped one open. Medium, right down the line.....just medium in all aspects. Good for an all day Orielntal/ english. All in all I prefer Mclelland #6

As many others have a tendency to compare this tobacco to 965, I will not. This tobacco in no way resembles the complexity and depth of 965. EMP is however a marked blending achievement in its own respect. This blend is dominated by the presence of bright orientals, though dark leaf obviously contributes a high percentage of the composition. The oriental content overides the presence of VA. The mildness of the orientals is complemented by a slight sweetness lended by the natural sugar content of the VA. Finally, the latakia adds a smokey essence that does seem to be a bit more overbearing than other reviewers have noted. I believe that this is due largely impart to the mildness of the orientals matched to the latakia. Even though the latakia content is lighter than full-strength English blends, it holds more leverage against the lighter bodied tobaccos that comprise the rest of the contents. This blend is not what I consider to be a great smoke in the morning. I prefer Gawith and Hoggart's dark Kentucky with an addition of 10% perique per volume. I like a stronger nicotine punch to complement the dark aribica coffee that I drink in the morning. Although a popular blend with many, I prefer to save this blend for the occasional change of pace from the deeper, darker blends that my pallet prefers. Smoking a bowl of this tobacco leaves me appreciating the likes of Gawith's Commonwealth, 965, and Nightcap even more. Point blank, too much oriental leaves this tobacco flat and rather one dimensional for my taste.

Of late I have sought a variety of light latakia blends. Although I can enjoy full blends, I prefer to treat Latakia as a condiment, not the main course. Naturally I had to try this classic from Dunhill. I must say, the blend is well named. It packs, lights, and behaves so well, one could do it while almost asleep. The flavor is right there from the beginning. Dry, toasty Virginia, spicey,tangy orientals, and just enough Latakia to give a gentle smokey flavor. The turkish is present in the aroma, as well as a clean woodsy scent. I don't believe this is topped or cased, the description on the tin simply tells us this is a delicate blend. Other reviewers have stated they find this blend boring and bland. I see it as being solid and consistent. This is precisely what I want while reading the paper, or a good book. I want the smoke to be comfortable, and discreet, not demanding of my attention.

I can certainly see this being an excellent introduction to English style blends. I don't see this as a wake up for any Latakia lover, as it will leave them wanting. I will certainly buy more.

September 2004

This is not nearly so intense as Nightcap, but a pleasant smoke nonetheless. Unlike Nightcap, this wouldn't suffice in past years when I was looking for a suitable replacement/companion for cigars, but now I am able to discern the sweetness of the orientals. I don't smoke this regularly, but it is nice for a change of pace. One of many quality Dunhill English style offerings.

After getting a whif of a jar of this stuff at the tobacconist, I was interested. It was like an english, but not. It had a lot more of a virginia aroma, with a note of oriental.

The flavor changes between two main stages for me: REALLY TASTY, and 'sortof bland'. Unlike most reviewers, I actually get the best flavor out of my bowls from the first third, midway the flavor dies down, and then occasionally comes back at the bottom. 'Really Tasty' is awesome; it's a mix between spicy and nutty, with a hint of virginia sweetness added in. Some people have said there's Latakia present, but I'm not so sure. If there's latakia, it's in a negligible amount. I didn't detect it at all.

I could see, flavor wise, why people would want to smoke this in the morning. But I definetely wouldn't. I'm not a morning pipesmoker anyways, but my sample has nuclear tongue bite. It does smoke pretty hot too. All these wifes out there that hate pipesmoke will probably not appreciate the aroma, but I liked it, it's the first blend I've had that actually smelled like pipesmoke to me.

It's getting towards my perfect blend, but because of the bite, heat and often dissapearance of taste, I have to give it a 3. Maybe I should try some non-latakia oriental blends and see if I like that.

The illustration on the tin is a triumph of image over reality, although I say that in jest. It's intended to be a first smoke of the day, or smokes, and it gives off the aura of a mild smoke, which it isn't. It's a pleasant medium English blend which I smoked for years on and off, until I learned that the best early morning smoke is the one you are in the mood for, and not any particular strength. I have a lot of pleasant memories of peaceful mornings with this one, and recent smokes haven't changed that. It's one of the classic Dunhill mixtures and with good reason.

A nice one to keep on hand . It isn't overly memorable , but it is mild and easy going . I usually smoke this in the early morning , as in the *real early* morning , just before bed and after a hard day of smoking . It tends to be a little more easy on the mouth and nervous system .