Peterson Standard Mixture

(3.20)
A balanced blend of Virginia, latakia and Turkish tobaccos, fine rich flavour.
Notes: Descriptions from old Dunhill store catalogs: A blend of the choicest matured Virginia and selected Turkish tobaccos, each specially imported by Alfred Dunhill, the Virginia gives a rich flavour and touch of natural sweetness while the presence of the Turkish leaf imparts a grand aroma, this mixture possess a soft mellow flavour difficult to define but recognized at once by every pipe smoker: probably best described as ‘nutty’. [Latakia and Oriental tobaccos blended with flue-cured grades from east Carolina and Georgia, lightly toasted in our drying drum-1985]. Formerly known as Dunhill Standard Mixture, STG has changed the brand name from "Dunhill" to "Peterson".

Details

Brand Peterson
Blended By Dunhill
Manufactured By Scandinavian Tobacco Group
Blend Type English
Contents Latakia, Oriental/Turkish, 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
Tolerable
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unnoticeable -> Overwhelming
Taste
Medium
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Extremely Mild (Flat) -> Overwhelming

Average Rating

3.20 / 4
92

77

34

8

Reviews

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Displaying 1 - 11 of 211 Reviews
Reviewed By Date Rating Strength Flavoring Taste Room Note
Dec 29, 2022 Medium to Strong None Detected Medium to Full Tolerable to Strong
Its kind of odd isn't it when you think about the tobacco world on a more deeper level isn't it? It is well known that there is a minority with a deeply held and also deeply unpleasant snobbery against aromatic blends while holding on a heavily gilted pedestal any blend with the words "English" "Balkan" and "latakia". Like aromatics, latakia mixtures are ten a penny and while yes they are a number of good latakia mixtures out there, they are deffinitely a good number out there that don't deserve the hype and cult status that they have built up for themselves either due to availability so scarce that it seems the planets have to align in certain astrological rarity for a drop to hit retailers or that some floppy haired hipster type with no real knowledge of tobacco has built up such a hype on an obscure YouTube channel because its a tobacco his grandfathers friends uncles sisters cousins best friends next door neighbour smoked so it must be the best thing since slice bread, so his equally sheepish friends have joined various forums talking up said blend and now because its always out of stock it must be good.

However they are some latakia blends that although they have hype and following are genuinely a pipemans oasis. Peterson (dunhill) standard mixture is one of them mixtures. When I first tried a dunhill blend, nightcap, I was inexperienced, and went at the pipe like a bellows and didn't enjoy it much and I was one thag thought the dunhill brand was just another over rated brand that was kept going by its greatness of yesteryear and wasn't at all sad when they dissapeared a short time later.

However.

Recently I have learned to enjoy latakia mixtures and now peterson has took over the marque it was only natural that standard mixture came onto my radar.

Opening the tin, you are greeted with the usual yellows, browns and almost black and the typical latakia mixture aroma. Sweet freshly mown grass from the Virginia's, a slight spice from the oriental and the typical dickensian squalor, tarry slightly salty campfire aroma, nothing at all different from the usual latakia mixtures, however when packed and added to flame this is where the magic happens.

The Virginia adds its taste and provides the building blocks for the oriente, which in turn do the same for the latakia. This is an utterly harmonious blend where everything works in perfect synchronisation, a whisper of sweetness weaves in and out which underscores and enhances the spicy Orientals which in turn does the same for the incense like, smokey latakia, it is a magical symphony which forces you to sit down and take notice and enjoy each and every aspect of this mixture, each time you smoke there is always a new little dimension to discover, toasted nuts, freshly baked bread and and a smoke ability almost unlike any other. A smoothness and coolness that you wouldn't believe would come from a mixture that isn't laced with Cavendish. A beautifully smooth experience that bares no rough spots nor harshness nor tongue bite. This truly is a fantastic blend and one that should be savoured propperly, in a comfortable chair with a beverage of choice and to truly savour every sip. Utterly sublime and one that makes smoking an absolute delight.

This is a mixture that doesn't need all the fancy advertising blurb of university masters graduate in bullshit. It takes latakia and uses it exactly as it should be a condiment to other fine leaf. To allow all the leaf to shine individually but allow them all to enhance each other.

The taste on this one is quite full, so maybe not one for the absolute novice, much like the room note this won't win you many friends, but a mixture this good is best enjoyed alone without distraction so it can be savoured propperly, after all they are plenty of mixtures out there you can smoke with friends that given any distraction won't ruin the experience.

Fantastic and one that will be staying in the rotation.
Pipe Used: Peterson rustic system 314
PurchasedFrom: The black Swan shoppe
Age When Smoked: New
3 people found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By Date Rating Strength Flavoring Taste Room Note
Oct 03, 2012 Mild to Medium None Detected Mild to Medium Tolerable
The Virginia is mild with a little tart and tangy citrus, light earth and wood with a fair amount of grass. It forms the base of the blend. The smoky, woody, earthy, mildly sweet Cyprian Latakia is a team player that takes a little of the lead rather than being a dominant force. The woody, dry, floral, herbal, earthy, slightly spicy Oriental/Turkish is ever present in the background. The strength and taste levels are almost medium. The nic-hit is just past the center of mild to medium. It won't bite, but you may experience a hint of harsh cigarette if you are a fast puffer, so I recommend a moderate puffing cadence. Has a few small rough edges. A well balanced blend that burns clean at a reasonable pace with a very consistent flavor from start to finish. Requires few relights, and leaves little moisture in the bowl. Has a short lived, pleasant after taste and stronger campfire room note. Can be an all day smoke.

Btw, the Sutiff match is fairly close and will do when this is unavailable or if you need to save some money.

-JimInks
50 people found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By Date Rating Strength Flavoring Taste Room Note
Feb 25, 2013 Medium to Strong Mild Full Pleasant to Tolerable
If you enjoy a full, balanced English, look no further. This is superb. The hint of Turkish rounds this off ever so pleasantly. Filtered or unfiltered you'll find that this hits the spot with a good nicotine kick (should you enhale). It is full on the pallet and delivers satisfaction and relaxation in it's beautiful aroma and wonderfull taste. It is not cloying or overpowering, but pure smoking pleasure and something you'd do well of keeping stock. It burns cleanly and easily although you my need to tamp every five minutes or so, which proves that it is clean, pure tobacco, masterfully blended and delivers on it's promise. If you enjoy Nightcap or Dunhill 965, be sure to try this. You won't be disappointed...
38 people found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By Date Rating Strength Flavoring Taste Room Note
Sep 11, 2012 Medium None Detected Medium to Full Pleasant
I often think there are two types of Dunhill aficionado -the Nightcap man, and the 965 man; and if the former gentleman delights in the oriental splendour of London Mixture, then Mr. 965 should also find much to appreciate in Standard Mixture.

Like 965, Standard Mixture has a dark and almost bitter nutty quality that lends the latakia a rich, woody depth. There is a hint of cigarettes, and a spiciness on the exhale that makes my nose react as though there were perique present -although I can imagine this becoming harsh in a large pipe.

I love every one of the current Dunhill blends, but when I first tried Standard Mixture I didn't think it would be a favourite -I am a Nightcap man 😉 However, the delicately flavoured spice has a balance that is everything I love about the Dunhill blends, and I can't help smoking it.

BTW I needed to rest this tobacco for a week or so after opening it, as smoking the fresh tobacco was like smoking a blowtorch.
27 people found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By Date Rating Strength Flavoring Taste Room Note
Nov 03, 2014 Mild Mild Mild Very Pleasant
This is more or less my everyday’s mixture. I call this "honest tobacco," for the smell does not deceive you in terms of what you can expect from it. In my personal opinion this tastes best in a meerschaum pipe, but you can truly enjoy it in any briar. The latakia bit in it is not overwhelmingly present as it is in other mixtures (think of Balkan Sobranie), but it is still in the background empowering your smoke at every puff. This is a tobacco you can smell as you smoke it, and this is one of its features I really appreciate. Some lady companions or wives might not like the smell of it in the house, but an experienced smoker will probably appreciate it. I personally like it best when 1/3 of the bowl is gone as its taste really cures in your pipe. This mixture has hints of some aromatic woods when you burn them in your fireplace, which is something that really adds up to your smoke. Easy to fill in your bowl, this mixture will burn more or less evenly if you pay attention to it. I give this tobacco a 10 out of 10 because of this features and its flavoursome rich taste.
Pipe Used: meerschaum
PurchasedFrom: John Hollingsworth's
Age When Smoked: Probably 1
19 people found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By Date Rating Strength Flavoring Taste Room Note
Apr 09, 2007 Medium None Detected Medium Pleasant to Tolerable
Very nice, well balanced Latakia blend of the highest quality. Smells musty and smokey in the tin, as Dunhill latakia tends to, not so rich as nightcap but that sort of smell. Its a medium fine ribbon cut, lots of dark leaf, it looks tasty! Packs easily, lights easily and burns steadily and completely.

The flavouris full, not so smooth as 965, but with a toasty taste from the virginia leaf. Some spiciness from the Turkish, and plenty of Latakia flavour, which I enjoy. The flavour is complex, but does not really change much through the bowl, maybe getting just a touch richer at the end. The aroma is full quite heavy, but definitely enjoyable. I enjoyed it a lot, as far as I can see the tobacco is of the highest quality, and I can reccomend it to all latakia lovers.


UPDATE


I've added a star as this blend is just so damned good. It really is what it says on the tin: the standard english mixture. One on which all others are just variations on a theme. I have a few old tins of this, whether the age improves them or not, I don't know, but the old Dunhill tobaccos are about the best English Mixtures out there. I could smoke this all day: plentifully rich, but not overpowering, never bites, burns cool, dry, all the way to the end. It doesn't change in character much through the bowl: the flavours are too well integrated for that. What a blend.


update 2018 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

I'm now smoking the Orlik blended Standard Mixture, thought it would be a good time to update my review. Its still excellent quality tobacco, although the quality of the packaging has taken a real plunge: all the Dunhill tobacco is in giant tins for no good reason, with labels applied unevenly, and the obligatory health warning scaremongery.

The tobacco is latakia prominent (but by no means overloaded) , on a rich bed of Virginias, with the Orientals in the background. It's a mix of browns and black on the tin, with toasty bready aromas and campfire smoke on opening the tin. The fermented odours of Orientals are very subtle. It lifts with a single match and burns evenly, the flavour is medium, the nicotine is medium, and it is delicious! Bready toasty, grassy notes are prominent, with latakia smoke. There's a hint of resin and evergreen sap in the smokey aroma, with some herbal notes. It smokes like food, if you get my meaning, and could be smoked all day. It is the standard, and it is medium.
Pipe Used: Briars and Meers dedicated to English Mixtures
Age When Smoked: New
17 people found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By Date Rating Strength Flavoring Taste Room Note
Jul 05, 2014 Medium None Detected Medium Tolerable
Dunhill Standard Mixture (labelled as Standard Mixture Medium before the Orlik production) is a medium strength Virginia, oriental, and latakia blend that has its own flavor profile.

The cut is a slightly broad short ribbon, and the color varies between dark and light, along with the black sprinkles of latakia. The aroma on opening the tin is alluring for those who enjoy oriental and latakia mixtures.

Standard Mixture lights easily and stays lit; it smokes cool; and it does not bite.

The room note is not as heavy as some oriental/latakia laden blends manifest. The nicotine level is medium, not overbearing, but a bit much for smokers who have trouble with strong nicotine.

The Virginia is apparent, but it is not as sweet as many Virginias. The oriental predominates, but the latakia is ever present. The significant note concerning the taste of Standard Mixture is that it has a bitter quality. Some will find this to their liking, but not all.

I don't know if other Dunhill blends have as much toasting as this (Early Morning, for example, is definitely toasted), but the toasty flavor of Standard Mixture is very evident.

I could rate Standard Mixture higher except for the fact that there are many, many medium strength English type blends out there, and I personally enjoy quite a few of them more than this. But I have no trouble myself in smoking Standard Mixture. The bitter note is OK with me, and the toasty flavor I find quite nice.

I have a 35 year old basket rusticated prince pipe (identified only as "Italian briar), that seems to dote on Standard Mixture.
16 people found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By Date Rating Strength Flavoring Taste Room Note
Jun 19, 2014 Medium None Detected Medium to Full Pleasant
Dunhill- Standard Mixture.

The blend itself is a lovely mix of different shades of brown, right from some very light (almost yellow) to some very dark. It is of an excellent moisture level and gives off a smoky, straw-like aroma.

This mix takes to the flame superbly, getting lit on the first attempt and once lit the burn is brilliantly even giving off a lovely cool smoke. The flavour of the smoke is simply delightful, with a good nicotine amount. I get the Virginia acting like the backbone of the mix with its simple hay-like note, a smokiness coming from the Latakia and some Oriental pizzazz. If you inhale the smoke it goes down with ease and does not make your head spin from the nicotine amount. The burn is fairly cool and very steady, leaving a pure white ash at the end of the bowl.

Highly recommended.
Pipe Used: Rattrays
PurchasedFrom: Smoke King
Age When Smoked: New
15 people found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By Date Rating Strength Flavoring Taste Room Note
Apr 11, 2009 Medium to Strong None Detected Full Tolerable
I have been smoking Dunhill Standard Mixture Medium for near-on 30 years, at least 3 times daily, and I believe that it has no equal anywhere on earth. But it is gone now, and so I begin a quest for my Holy Grail: A substitute to replace the standard on which all English tobaccos are based. Having smoked in the neighborhood of 1400 tins of the stuff, I believe I might be able to provide some insight.

To this end I have ordered in 40+ different varieties of English / Balkan Types, including all of the usual suspects such as Squadron Leader, Penzance, Margate, et al, as well as contacting G.L. Pease & Cornell & Diehl and having them each send 5 blends that they deem the closest to my treasured SMM.

Over the next few months I'll be going through all of them and posting results under it's own blend page (click on Briarpatch under By Reviewer to see all reviews), but when I am finished I'll sumize the results here in the hope of benefiting someone else in similar straights. When SMM was discontinued I had no idea where to turn, and I eventually ended up here. Perhaps others will as well.

Update 7/09: The winner is Samuel Gawith! The short of it is, Samuel Gawith's Skiff Mixture is the closest. But what really comes close is mixing up about 60% Skiff and 40% Full Virginia Flake. Skiff lacks the richness of SMM, which FFV has in spades. Mixed together it makes for a very nice full & rich smoke. The down- side is all the mixing and the lugging of two tins around...

In the evening after dinner a mixture of Skiff and Brown Rope No.4 is extremely enjoyable!
15 people found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By Date Rating Strength Flavoring Taste Room Note
Jun 16, 2002 Mild to Medium None Detected Medium Pleasant
Very similar to the old Standard Mixture Mild in my opinion. Different from the original as there is a lot more Virginia and less Latakia, although that leaf is certainly noticeable. If you want a smokey flavor lingering in your mouth, grab a tin of this stuff. There will be a very refined and smooth smokey flavor that lingers delightfully.

From checking out all of the reviews of this blend, it is obviously one of those love it or hate it types. Further testament to how the real gentlemen in our hobby understand the vast taste differences we have!
14 people found this review helpful.
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Reviewed By Date Rating Strength Flavoring Taste Room Note
Jan 18, 2018 Medium None Detected Medium Tolerable
Standard Mixture is like your favorite rugged pair of boots: Sure you have better shoes to wear, from your fine leather Italian dress shoes to your French suedes, but nonetheless, your boots are what you turn to first and continually wear daily. When you get tired of wasting all your $$$ searching for the “ideal tobacco”; whether it is some hipster ‘artisanal blend’ made by the ancient monks of Bhutan or trying some ‘3 aged burleys from the sacred Malawi jungles picked by imported multicultural soccer ball kids of Brazil’: Standard Mixture will always be there, waiting for you inside your tobacco cabinet, waiting for you to open it with an “I told you so grin” on his face, as you go back to smoking this consistently good and reliable tobacco.

Is it better than London Mixture or Aperitif? No.

Is it a high quality, premium tobacco: Yes, absolutely.

Is it the most affordable Dunhill blend: Yes, the same price as London Mixture.

The steadfast, medium strength Latakia always does its duty, the Orientals spice up your mornings and nights, and together with the Virginia’s, this blend fulfills all your cravings and gives you exactly what you want, when you want.

Personally speaking, Standard Mixture is all you can ask for and expect in an English blend. It doesn’t get any better or more consistent than this. However, if “a good tobacco” involves Brazilian soccer ball kids being sent to the Malawi African jungles to pick your tobacco for the next contrived and overdone modern blend; Then don’t be surprised if you’re disappointed with it and the soccer ball kids run off with your wallet afterward (both literally and figuratively). Standard Mixture will never disappoint and would be my daily smoke for years to come if Dunhill wasn’t shutting down this year. I give it a 3.5, because you’ll be smoking a great English blend every time you light it up.
11 people found this review helpful.
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