Peterson Nightcap

I recently switched from cigarettes to pipe smoking for various reasons, not least of which was that for all the hounding a tobacco enjoyer now receives you may just as well hang for a better quality of experience than just vitamin N.

Having received a nice little starter pipe kit with a selection of half a dozen tobaccos I soon found that flavoured tobacco was not for me, aromatics pleased the family but were not for me, but I enjoyed a full, English blend. Perusing online soon pointed the way to this site as the widest and fullest guide for a novice, and being an Englishman was immediately inexorably drawn to the Dunhill reviews, albeit I already knew that the brand is no longer directly associated with the company.

Nightcap seemed to be the recommendation for someone who liked a meatier experience. I wasn't disappointed. As a newcomer the pipe was easy to fill, I found no need to dry the mix and it lit easily and smoked evenly from the first bowl from the tin. I appreciated the nicotine, feeling not even the slightest twitch to inhale as a recent cigarette smoker. If you are more adverse to a big nicotine punch be warned. It gave me a big Latakia lesson as a starter and I have to say it was so enjoyable I was left with a rather numb tongue the following day as I smoked 4 bowls after dinner over a couple of hours.

So, as much as a novice's opinion is worth, it was the 7th tobacco I had tried and not any of the first 6 came within a country mile of touching the quality. I can see why the blend is so named. Despite a switch from cigs recently, it's not a blend I would want during the day, much rather a post dinner luxury. I will enjoy working through as many other blends as the most excellent local tobacconist can provide and hopefully post some more enlightened reviews in the future. I do feel, however, this blend may be tough as a yard stick to beat.

Ahhhh, the venerable Nightcap. First let me state that I did approach this blend and review with much trepidation due to its reputation. Upon opening the tin you are greeted with ribbon-cut, dark leaf which has that strong, musty, peat-moss aroma that is a sign of good things to come. The raisin/fig like odor of the Perique was noticable too. I let it air out before packing because it seemed a little on the moist side. Packing is easy with just a few long strands giving a fuss. Lighting is about a three vesta affair which is to say normal. Flavor is rich with your senses given a strong symphony immediately. The richness continues down the bowl with the Perique making its prescence known towards the bottom of the bowl, but not in a bad way, more like a "tah-dum" at the end of a symphony. The flavor is dominated by the latakia but the other components reminding you they are there like a fugue. The Perique is there without blasting you like other blends of this ilk. While this blend does not giive tongue-bite, it is so rich that I can only handle a bowl a day, unless you do not want to taste anything else the rest of the day.The nicotine content is a little high, so make sure you eat before you smoke this. Why do the Dunhill blends seem so high in nicotine? I smell a conspiracy! (pun intended). Definitely a change of pace blend for me, but oh, what a change! Highly Recommended! A true TULIP blend 5 out of 5 points.

Yes the legendary nightcap. It took me several years to finally buy a tin of this stuff. Something about the absurd popularity drove me away a bit I think. Anyways I figured when the snow started falling it was time to finally crack the tin. Been working on it for a few months now.

Deep rich wood smoke, bread, grass, fair amount of black pepper, plums and slightly tangy stewey fruits. Although there seems to be a sizeable dose of Latakia, the VA and perique seem to drive the blend. It's dark, spicy and rich, bready VaPer-type notes In the front with only a bit of smokey oriental/Turkish/Latakia floral-ish incense in the background. Full bodied and medium-full strength. Burns perfectly out of the tin, with little bite and relights a rarity.

Although nightcap has so much going for it, it just simply lacks the complexity and funk I often look for in a full bodied english. I can, however, see why it serves as the cornerstone of English blends. It is rich and full of body, effortless to smoke, and packs a nice punch. It worked very well as a winter companion, but after I finish these last few bowls, it will be time to move on.

Nightcap has been a daily driver for me for years; perfect for the late afternoon or evening.

The tin note is fairly standard for an English mixture; a bit of sweet virginia dominated by smokey latakia, with a subtle hint of perique spice.

The smoke is a revolving door of flavors. Depending on what happens to burn at a particular moment, you might get a hit of perique, of creamy peaty smoke, or of sweet virginia. This tobacco always keeps me guessing while smoking it. Be cautious on the retrohale with this one as the perique (while mostly in the background in the blend) makes itself known.

Also should mention that the Nicotine is here and in full supply, so prepare yourself. After smoking this for years and trying many similar blends, I keep returning to it like an old friend when I've had a particularly tough or good day. I definitely recommend.

This is a very strong tobacco that will hit you about one third through the thing. The latakia and virginians are very tasty, and the perique helps to bring out some of the notes in it. This one had a few more relights than normal, though that was likely due to my poor packing technique. Overall pretty good blend if I say so myself.

A solid and strong full English blend. The flavor is smoky and woodsy and there's a sliver of sweetness on the very tail end of the finish. From time to time, I get a subtle hint of roasted coffee beans, especially on retrohale. Nightcap has a good nicotine hit and I can definitely feel it nipping at my tongue.

Like other Dunhill English mixtures, the thin, even ribbon cut ensures an effortless burn and a well balanced flavor. The Latakia is front and center but it's not overwhelming. The Turkish and Virginias round out the taste and the perique adds a discernible punch. The finale is quite stout, earthy and somewhat bitter. Each puff is smooth and full bodied with a rich, dry peaty quality and a lingering but delicate spice.

Nightcap is certainly one of the more potent blends in the full English phylum and as the name suggests, this is good for an evening smoke, especially after a substantial meal.

There isn't much to say after all these reviews. What I will say is that this is one of my "go to" English blends. It's full, strong and creamy. It truly is legendary and gets my vote for one of the best blends I've tried. Give it a shot, it's delicious.

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I'm editing the above review. I just bought several tins of the new Peterson re-brand of Nightcap and wanted to comment on whether they are the same. I am happy to announce that I think this blend is 99% the same. However, I don't think Peterson let the blend 'rest' long enough before packing and shipping to retailers. The flavor is very slightly different and I think could be remedied by a month or two of aging. It just seems too fresh and not melded as well as the old Dunhill branded version. Just my 2 cents.

This used to be, long ago, one of my favorites. I'm not going to complain about it not being the smoke it used to be, as far as I'm concerned, since my return to the pipe, Nightcap tastes the same as it did—perhaps slightly sharper, but aging this stuff should take the edge off. Back in the old days I had a higher tolerance for nicotine, but no longer. That, then, is my chief complaint with this blend, today. Way too much nicotine. I love Nightcap's full flavor, but the whomp it gives me really turns me off. I cut my tin with some Early Morning Pipe, that seemed to dumb it down a bit, but, still, there's a nicotine kick that refuses to be tamed. In summation, a great taste, a classic taste, but too strong for me now.

Cheers!

What can be added to what has already been said? I am lucky enough to have about six ounces of this weed left and I still find it to be one of my favorite tin aroma's of all of the Dunhill blends. It smells smokey, sweet and inviting. As English blends go, it's a "hall of famer." If you have never tried it, and you are lucky enough to get your hands on some, its worth the expense! Let's hope that Nightcap and the other Dunhill blends are not gone forever. It would be shameful to let Nightcap become just a memory.