Peterson Elizabethan Mixture
(3.04)
Notes: Elizabethan Mixture was launched by Dunhill and made in London until production was transferred to sister company Murray and Sons in 1981. It was made in Belfast until new owners BAT closed the Murray factory in 2005.
Dunhill's Elizabethan combines pressed, darkened Virginias with a dose of perique (all ribbon-cut) to create an easy-to-enjoy blend with a tangy character and a bit of pepper spice.
Elizabethan has been made since its 2013 reintroduction by STG after being unavailable since 2005, firstly under the Dunhill brand and now as a Peterson product after Dunhill withdrew their brand from the pipe tobacco market.
Details
| Brand | Peterson |
| Blended By | Dunhill |
| Manufactured By | Scandinavian Tobacco Group |
| Blend Type | Virginia/Perique |
| Contents | Perique, Virginia |
| Flavoring | |
| Cut | Ribbon |
| Packaging | 50 grams tin |
| Country | Denmark |
| Production | Currently available |
Profile
Strength
Medium
Extremely Mild -> Overwhelming
Flavoring
None Detected
None Detected -> Extra Strong
Room Note
Pleasant to Tolerable
Unnoticeable -> Overwhelming
Taste
Medium
Extremely Mild (Flat) -> Overwhelming
Average Rating
|
3.04 / 4
|
Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 92 Reviews
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 03, 2012 | Medium | Extremely Mild | Medium | Tolerable |
I used to smoke this back in the Murray days. M'lady doesn't like it because she couldn't stand the smell of this one. Maybe she put a hit on this blend? The earthy, woody perique was peppery with some plum, figs and raisins as a supporting player. The Virginias were brown Va. and specs of lemon Va. flakes, and a little stoved Va. They gave you a fair amount of tangy dark fruit, fermented stewed dark fruit, wood, bread, earth, some tart and tangy citrus, grass, vegetation, sugar, floralness, mild sour lemon, and light spice from the lemon Va. The strength and taste levels were medium. The nic-hit was a couple of steps past the center of mild to medium. Had a cool, clean consistent mildly sweet and spicy, floral, deeply rich taste that stayed with you from start to finish. It always burned at a moderate pace, and required an average number of relights. Left just a tad bit of dampness in the bowl. No chance of bite or harshness, though there were a few rough edges. Had a pleasant, lightly lingering after taste. Was not quite an all day smoke. Four stars for this version.
Btw, the Sutliff Match is kind of close, except it has less lemon Virginia than the original. I know it's a close match because it not only tasted much like I remembered, but the second m'lady smelled it, she complained it was strong. Five minutes after I started smoking it, she came back to the studio and said, "Are you smoking that crap again? I thought they quit making it." Memories...
8-14-2013 Update: I just tried the new version. I find it a bit different than the Murray's version. Less bright Virginia, less perique, and the cut is not ribbon, but shag, so it burns faster. It tastes sort-of similar to the old version, but lighter, less spicer, much grassier, and not as deep in flavor. I also suspect the tobaccos are young and needs aging. The strength and taste levels are a couple of steps past the center of mild to medium. The nic-hit is a slot less potent. Won't bite. Burns cool and clean at a moderate pace with a very consistent flavor that translates the lightly lingering, grassy after taste. Leaves little dampness in the bowl, and requires only a few relights. An all day smoke. Four stars for old version, two for the new version. I'm rating it at two stars since the old is dead and gone, and I believe my rating should reflect the current version, which has become a okay starter blend for VaPer newbies.
1-6-21 Update. Apparently there has been a change in the formula from the 2013 re-release. While the Virginia is the same, it has a little more depth, and a little less grassiness, indicating it's aged longer. The amount of the spicy, plumy, raisiny, earthy, wood perique has been increased a notch or two as well. These differences create a deeper, heftier, very consistent flavor. The strength, nic-hit, and taste levels are now medium. The other aspects are mostly the same. Because of this, I upgrade the current version from two stars to three and a half.
-JimInks
Btw, the Sutliff Match is kind of close, except it has less lemon Virginia than the original. I know it's a close match because it not only tasted much like I remembered, but the second m'lady smelled it, she complained it was strong. Five minutes after I started smoking it, she came back to the studio and said, "Are you smoking that crap again? I thought they quit making it." Memories...
8-14-2013 Update: I just tried the new version. I find it a bit different than the Murray's version. Less bright Virginia, less perique, and the cut is not ribbon, but shag, so it burns faster. It tastes sort-of similar to the old version, but lighter, less spicer, much grassier, and not as deep in flavor. I also suspect the tobaccos are young and needs aging. The strength and taste levels are a couple of steps past the center of mild to medium. The nic-hit is a slot less potent. Won't bite. Burns cool and clean at a moderate pace with a very consistent flavor that translates the lightly lingering, grassy after taste. Leaves little dampness in the bowl, and requires only a few relights. An all day smoke. Four stars for old version, two for the new version. I'm rating it at two stars since the old is dead and gone, and I believe my rating should reflect the current version, which has become a okay starter blend for VaPer newbies.
1-6-21 Update. Apparently there has been a change in the formula from the 2013 re-release. While the Virginia is the same, it has a little more depth, and a little less grassiness, indicating it's aged longer. The amount of the spicy, plumy, raisiny, earthy, wood perique has been increased a notch or two as well. These differences create a deeper, heftier, very consistent flavor. The strength, nic-hit, and taste levels are now medium. The other aspects are mostly the same. Because of this, I upgrade the current version from two stars to three and a half.
-JimInks
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 09, 2017 | Medium | None Detected | Medium | Tolerable |
Dunhill's Elizabetan Mixture is a classic that has satisfied and set the standard for VaPer pipe smokers for decades. Again, Elizabethan is a benchmark VaPer, by which others are measured. I usually give all Dunhill blends 1-2 weeks rest after cracking the tin and transferring it to the mason jar, and suggest the same. As with all Dunhill blends, perfect ribbon cut, easy to pack. The flavor is light citrus, hay and grass from the Virginias with a bit of earth. The perique is slightly tangy, pepper with a hint of raisin. Medium bodied, medium nicotine, won't bite, and a pleasure to smoke at any time of day. For many this is a desert island blend, and I must concur that it would be very high on my list. THE classic VaPer. If you haven't smoked it, you absolutely must. And if you have smoked it, you absolutely must have many a tin stocked away for aging as I do. I dutifully put this review upon the pile. 3.4 stars.
Pipe Used:
MM Cob and briars
PurchasedFrom:
smokingpipes.com
Age When Smoked:
less than a year
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 28, 2014 | Mild to Medium | Very Mild | Mild to Medium | Tolerable |
I pity this blend. It get's such a bad reputation because diehard VaPer fans don't get enough from it. And rightfully so it's not an Escudo or Limerick level blend. But, this could be a great introductions to VaPers for a person looking to expand their palette.
The tin is a mixture of light, beige and brown leaves. Shag cut is easy to pack and it might be a good idea to pack it a little tighter so it doesn't burn as fast and heat up your pipe.
At the beginning of the bowl I got a light sweetness that probably comes from a casing of the Virginias. There are also some cedar notes earlier on. The Perique tends to come on later on in the blend and rounds off the flavor of baked honey breads and a slight flavor reminiscent of raisins.
I think the problems with this blend is that the VAs aren't anything to write home about and the Perique very toned down. So you're left with a VaPer that doesn't appeal to a VA fan nor a Perique one.
A friend of mine told me some advice and he was right. This blend really shines in a cob. I smoked the latter half of my tin in my MM Patriot and it felt like it got better with every bowl.
This blend is a perfect start for someone wanting to try VaPers, especially if they're weak when it comes to Vitamin N. Can't fully recommend this as you can get more complex and enjoyable VaPers for less money.
The tin is a mixture of light, beige and brown leaves. Shag cut is easy to pack and it might be a good idea to pack it a little tighter so it doesn't burn as fast and heat up your pipe.
At the beginning of the bowl I got a light sweetness that probably comes from a casing of the Virginias. There are also some cedar notes earlier on. The Perique tends to come on later on in the blend and rounds off the flavor of baked honey breads and a slight flavor reminiscent of raisins.
I think the problems with this blend is that the VAs aren't anything to write home about and the Perique very toned down. So you're left with a VaPer that doesn't appeal to a VA fan nor a Perique one.
A friend of mine told me some advice and he was right. This blend really shines in a cob. I smoked the latter half of my tin in my MM Patriot and it felt like it got better with every bowl.
This blend is a perfect start for someone wanting to try VaPers, especially if they're weak when it comes to Vitamin N. Can't fully recommend this as you can get more complex and enjoyable VaPers for less money.
Pipe Used:
Cobs are the best
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 29, 2013 | Medium | Very Mild | Medium | Pleasant to Tolerable |
After smoking the heck out of Early Morning Pipe, having Nightcap as a regular go-to smoke and falling head over heals for 965, I thought I'd give this one a try. Still scratching my head on this one; 965 is one of my most regular smokes and I get more each time I make an order.
However, I'm thinking that this is my new Number Juan. The perique really stands out and I think that's why. I love the right amount of perique. Flavour in every drag.
Burns very cool. Packs well and lights easy and requires little attention. (I've just received a Stanwell which will be this VaPer's only partner). As the tin ages, it just keeps getting better. And when I pack it and leave it for a while, it is a fantastic pipe tobacco experience, especially when paired with a strong, dark roast coffee.
Amazing!
However, I'm thinking that this is my new Number Juan. The perique really stands out and I think that's why. I love the right amount of perique. Flavour in every drag.
Burns very cool. Packs well and lights easy and requires little attention. (I've just received a Stanwell which will be this VaPer's only partner). As the tin ages, it just keeps getting better. And when I pack it and leave it for a while, it is a fantastic pipe tobacco experience, especially when paired with a strong, dark roast coffee.
Amazing!
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 15, 2018 | Mild to Medium | None Detected | Medium | Tolerable |
Solid VaPer blend. Tin note for some reason reminds me of Benson and Hedge's cigarettes my dad used to smoke. The pack smell of those cigarettes comes to mind as soon as I put my nose to the tin. Grassy Virginia's slight, very slight notes of fig/prune from the perique. The flavor is that of a medium strength VA/Per: Bready Virginia's with toasty notes. The VA's are grassy and citrus and the perique is mildly applied which works well with this blend of VA's. There is some fig/prune like flavors that blend well with the sweetness from the Virginia's and a nice peppery note. The perique in this blend seems to let itself be known more in the peppery sense than in the stewed fig sense. Nice all day tobacco, it knows who it is and it has a great flavor, as with any VA it can bite if pushed and to me is best in a meershaum but closely seconded in the cob.
Pipe Used:
meerschuam, cob and briar
PurchasedFrom:
pipe's and Cigars
Age When Smoked:
1 year
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 22, 2018 | Mild to Medium | None Detected | Mild to Medium | Pleasant to Tolerable |
Well this is certainly one to produce wildly differing reviews! Mine is a new tin of current production, and even though I was hesitant about it because of the Perique (which can taste like a mixture of dung and pepper at times) this one was quite a treat. The Perique is either of a superior quality, or it is so skilfully blended so as not to ruin everything else. I found this to be mild and with a prefect balance of flavours; the Perique adding excitement to the VA, but not ever even suggesting that it was going to blow your head off. Very clever balance, IMO.
Pipe Used:
oil-cured briars
PurchasedFrom:
Smokingpipes USA
Age When Smoked:
New
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Feb 14, 2018 | Medium to Strong | None Detected | Medium | Tolerable |
I used to love this stuff back in the late '90's and early 2000's. Opening a sealed Murray's production tin from 2004, I find it to be rather monochromatic. It is said that we may lose some sense of smell/taste with age, and I also suspect that aging may have mellowed this. Perhaps it has passed its peak?Additionally, a lot of different tobaccos have been tried since that time, including many vapers from GLP. The perique comes on in the second half, it has good strength, and is still pretty heavy in nicotine, but no longer infatuates me as it once did. Not bland but not as interesting to me anymore compared to other vapers from multiple blenders. I really feel that its more the fault of my tastes changing or becoming degraded rather than any knock on the tobacco itself, but I can only go with 3 stars.
Pipe Used:
Various
Age When Smoked:
13 years
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 06, 2018 | Medium | None Detected | Mild to Medium | Tolerable |
Earthy bread-like red Virginia’s are the first thing I smell when opening my jar. The second sniff reminds me of compost and black tea, with a little stone fruit in the background.
Dunhill’s ribbon cut is the best in the business. This blend packs well, lights easily, and smokes to the bottom with few re-lights.
The smoke is simple, but good. A flavorful Virginia taste, with a little Perique spice in the back of my throat. The only drawback is it can burn a little hot, and taste a little cigarette-like, if puffed too fast.
Dunhill’s ribbon cut is the best in the business. This blend packs well, lights easily, and smokes to the bottom with few re-lights.
The smoke is simple, but good. A flavorful Virginia taste, with a little Perique spice in the back of my throat. The only drawback is it can burn a little hot, and taste a little cigarette-like, if puffed too fast.
Pipe Used:
Various
PurchasedFrom:
Smokingpipes.com
Age When Smoked:
1 year
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 01, 2017 | Mild to Medium | None Detected | Mild to Medium | Tolerable |
I'd purchased EM based upon the enthusiastic reviews I'd seen here and on YT. I'm a long time Escudo fan and I'd gotten used to (spoiled by?) that familiar figgy raisin smell from my VaPers. EM's tin note has none of that to my nose, instead you are treated to a wonderful yeasty, bready aroma - a clue to the quality Virginias in this mixture. This is also indicative of how this blend smokes. The cut is that marvelous Dunhill ribbon. Packs, lights and burns like a dream. Very few relights, mostly due to my inattention. That said, the first few bowls left me disappointed. My experience was that EM burned hot, could bite and was very cigarette-like in the smoke and in the room note. Perhaps you've guessed the problem - yes, I was smoking too fast, rushing into what I was sure was going to be a new VaPer favorite. Shame on me. This is not a tobacco that suffers fools gladly. If you hurry it along, you will lose the subtleties of the blend. The Virginias are excellent, and the touch of Perique adds a slight peppery spice to the experience. Notice I said, 'touch' of Perique, for that is at most all that is present here. Those looking for a Perique-forward mixture along the lines of Beacon Extra, DH Navy Rolls or Escudo will not find it here. Rather, Elizabethan Mixture is a refined Virginia smoke, with excellent aroma and taste and a little something extra from St James. Take it slow and you'll bring out the best in it. Note that EM is a moderate to higher nicotine blend. Those with less tolerance should probably partake only after a nice meal. FPh
Pipe Used:
Meerschaum, PG Billiard
PurchasedFrom:
Smoking pipes.com
Age When Smoked:
Fresh tin
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Aug 18, 2015 | Medium to Strong | None Detected | Mild to Medium | Pleasant to Tolerable |
I have come to love the Va/Pers as I age. I tend to like Escudo and St James, this is a little different. The sweetness is much more forward than the spice, though there is spice. I have gotten used to blends with the perique more prominent, but I read the reviews and was braced for it, and I think I like it.
It's a great companion to a book. I'm researching how to write grant applications and it's not the most exciting reading; Elizabeth was good company. The sweetness was there, the heat wasn't too much and every now and again Perique would surface and call for some attention. One light was fine. Didn't tamp after the char, and didn't really notice how much I enjoyed it, though I clearly was.
The nicotine is pretty aggressive, I am a wanderer unless it's late at night and my pipes go out a lot while I do things. I should have taken that tack with this. Instead I sat on the porch and did some reading until I found I had to let it go out and take a break while my heart slowed down.
It's a great companion to a book. I'm researching how to write grant applications and it's not the most exciting reading; Elizabeth was good company. The sweetness was there, the heat wasn't too much and every now and again Perique would surface and call for some attention. One light was fine. Didn't tamp after the char, and didn't really notice how much I enjoyed it, though I clearly was.
The nicotine is pretty aggressive, I am a wanderer unless it's late at night and my pipes go out a lot while I do things. I should have taken that tack with this. Instead I sat on the porch and did some reading until I found I had to let it go out and take a break while my heart slowed down.
Pipe Used:
Straight, med bowl
PurchasedFrom:
Some smoke shop in a little town.
Age When Smoked:
4 or more
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