Peterson Standard Mixture

Harsher version of EMP... Room note: Canned divorce

Butz-Choquin Canadian

The tin I bought at a local smoke shop was so old, the clerk refused to sell it to me. And after a little coersion, I got the expected line "You can't return this! We are not liable!"

That's okay, I reassured him, and walked out of the store with a Murray's version pushing five years, by my estimate.

And on to the tobacco...

I have yet to be disappointed with a Dunhill blend, even those originating from the Orlik people. This is exactly what it claims to be, a medium English. Lots of taste, but a tad light in the strength department, for my preference.

With all the talk here of Orlik deep sixing some classic Dunhill blends, I'd act fast. Stock up! Those Danes have some nerve.

Three of Four.

Update 4/5/06: Now that I have smoked more blends, I find that this is not that memorable. Downgrade to 2 stars.

My first impression of this blend was that it was rather undistinguished. I have since smoked several bowls in everything from a GBD Sir Jeffrey to a Dunhill Tanshell and I now think that I rather like this blend.

It is not an in your face powerhouse and it is not really unique in taste. It is solid, however with a nice base of latakia and some sweetness from the virginias and orientals.

I like to smoke it while walking in the park or reading or doing something that does not allow me to concentrate completely on the pipe. It is pleasant and lets me know that it is there, but is not too strong or overbearing.

I seems to be kind of hard to keep lit sometimes. I have not dried it out all that much yet, however, so that may be the problem.

This must be one of those templates against which other blends are measured. Some golden ratio of components has been reached here. More English than English if that's possible, like sitting on the steps of the British Museum on a June day. Quite decent and tasty stuff.

Probably the best commercial Dunhill nowadays with Durbar and EMP; it has worsened too, but it's still the touchstone to judge the english mixtures. Notably sweeter than the other Dunhill blends, due to the higher percentage of the Virginias, it's still highly balanced and all-day smokable. Like the other robaccos from the brand, it's something you might want to have always at home, because you know you can rely on that.

Because I smoke so many different tobaccos, I could only say that I smoke this tobacco on occasion. But if I had to narrow my latakia English/Balkan blends down to a few, this would be one of them. For me the great attribute of this blend is how well the toasty Virginias play a role in the taste. The orientals complement the flavor while the latakia adds the perfect degree of smokiness. Not much more to be said. A beautiful smoke for the Balkan blend lover who is partial to Virginias and wants that toasty flavor. Most highly recommended. Paddy.

Standard Mixture Medium has been my most-smoked "regular" for ages. For at least 5 years I didn't smoke anything else unless I was accidentally away from my supply - and that wasn't allowed to happen many times. It tastes great, behaves well, doesn't knock over too many bystanders, is of good quality and smoothness, and is simply a delicious, reliable smoke. Of late, it has been replaced as my Numero Uno Favorite by Bufflehead's "Pintail" which, to me, tastes and behaves much better, is of equal or better quality, and is substantially less expensive. But SMM still has its' Well-Deserved place on my shelf, and likely always will - so three gladly awarded stars for SMM from Der Tigre.

Tiger

Another truth in advertising coup for Duhill! This is a text book English blend. It is well balanced and satisfying, without being overwhelming. If you are not a fan of Latakia, it won't be your cup of tea. If you are a fan, this is a solid blend.

I like it very much, typical tobacco with Latakia.