Dunhill London Mixture

When London Mixture was made by Murray it was one of my favorite blends. Now Orlik produces it and my feelings about London Mixture have changed. The blend is a shadow of it's former self and I say this most sadly. There isn't anything objectionable about this new old mixture, it just doesn't have anything special about it. It is very mild and can be smoked all day, but it is difficult to say that there is a memorable taste to it. The orientals are there, but they don't have the taste that I find in McConnell's Oriental or that found in Presbyterian Mixture. The Virginia used is complimentary to the over all effect, but again there isn't anything memorable. The cut and moisture level are fine and the tobacco is easy to fill. It burns without any problem all the way down to the bottom of the bowl. The blend probably does better in a medium to small pipe so that the flavor, what there is of it, won't get lost in too big of a pipe. I will not recommend this blend for aging as I think it will lose more of it's mild flavor. So if you want a serviceable blend that won't cause any objections, meaning it is a safe bet, give it a try. You may find more to like than I do. I will not buy it again for there are other Oriental blends that please much more.

(Orlick)

The tin aroma is enticing and it looks like beautiful tobacco.

The virginia has an herbal sweetness and the latakia and orientals have a "musky" smell and taste. Yes, it's different from the Murray's but I think the blend is still well worth smoking. The latakia is there but in the background, and so this is blend is very smooth and easy smoking for me. It has the same character as the Murray's version but has a lighter mouth feel. Those musky oriental tobaccos can be found in GLP Pease Westminster, a tobacco based on the original London. Although, I like this better than Westminster and the price is so low that I've stocked up on London Mixture. I'm happy this is still produced.

The classic blends have changed but some of them still offer a great smoking experience, and this is one them.

London Mixture is a misnomer. This is actually a perfect Scottish blend, consisting of medium strength Virginias played off against a generous dollop of Oriental, augmented by Latakia. It veers towards full English, with a Turkish edge. It must be dried out a bit before smoking, and tin-aging it for a while is a very good idea.

Once opened, the tin-aroma is definitely Turkish, with a solid Virginia undercurrent. But if you seldom smoke blends with much Latakia, that is probably one of the first things you will notice. It is a profoundly old-fashioned tobacco.

Less Virginia than Early Morning Pipe, more Oriental, and not at all as brash as 965. London Mixture is a rich and well-balanced blend, both elegant and full. A tobacco that lights easily and a satisfying all-day smoke, especially in cooler weather. The Latakia is not overpowering, and sometimes fades into the background. Burns clean and leaves a soft grey ash. A tweedy smoke. Both the steak and the caramel custard of English blends.

Sherry, oolong tea. Not brandy, not Assam.

This is in my regular rotation, along with Durbar, Westminster, and a few other fine wife-repellants.

First, let me point out that I am not a big fan of English blends: as a new smoker, I decided to go out and purchase one tin of this stuff, as well as another of GL Pease's Westminster, so I could see what all the fuss was about. Whilst the Pease blend was definitely a pleasant surprise, this London mix was severely disappointing. Firstly, the good notes: if comes in a very nice box, and the room note, for those who like strong tobacco, will probably be rather nice. It was relatively easy to pack, and burnt well. Taste wise however, this was plain pathetic. There just didn't seem to be any flavour at all: I sat there puffing and getting nothing bu t smoke with extremely slight nutty after tones.

Keep in mind I am a beginner smoker, so it is entirely possible others could enjoy this blend more than I did. Personally, I found it extremely disappointing.

Similar to many Dunhills. Quality, But I prefer Nightcap or Early Morning Pipe. If you like those , you will love this, or if you want something you can smoke more regularly than Nightcap.

Of the half dozen or so Dunhill English blends I have tried, this one is by far my favorite. Many people seem to use 965 as a benchmark for English blends, but London Mix strikes me as the most quintessentially English blend of the Dunhill lineup. Like all Dunhill blends, it is strong in the nicotine department. But it is a wonderfully-balanced English blend and highly enjoyable. Only the nicotine kick keeps it from being a regular in my rotation.

Very mild english blend. The tag above says that it has Latakia, but I don't taste any. Very mild, a little milder than EMP, burns cooler and complete. Good aftertaste.

It was not bad, but nothing very special about this blend.

It's burning very hot and bites. Flavor's nothing to write home about. A big disappointment since it smells great in the tin - From the scent I was expecting more Oriental overtones.

Hoping I develop at least enough of a taste for it to finish the tin, but I don't see another tin in my future. I think a slower smoker than I would find it less intractable.

Of all the current Dunhill blends this is the one I find most satisfying; just good tobacco flavor fresh out of the can. The VA and Orientals are in the forefront and the Latakia is somewhat subdued but still present. Good quality, I'll be keeping this on the shelf. 7 out of 10 stars.