Dunhill Standard Mixture Mellow

Having assigned the likes of TBS and it's imposter B.Sasieni to the ash heap, and having found little to love about My Mix.' 965, Standard Mixture Mellow fits quite nicely into the middle of my day. I don't think that this Latakia light blend will ever replace London Mixture, but there are times when even my revered DLM can spoil things for my night of reverie with my beloved Nightcap. Good stuff not a world beater by any means, but good. Next order, I'll try what is now marketed as plain-old Standard Mixture which I'm told is really SM Medium. While we're at it Mr. editor; how about getting rid of the "Mild" assignation, the EU killed the use of that word long ago, it's Mellow!

I note that the tin description has changed to: "A Mellow Blend of Virginia and Turkish Tobaccos - Soft Delicate Flavor"

Not having smoked any Dunhill Standard Mixture before I can't say that this is the old "Mild" or another blend entirely. However, after my dismal experience with the current MM965, I held little hope for this when I cracked the tin (only a week ago); it looked too similar to that impostor. However, one whiff of the tobacco contained therein piqued my interest. This smelled like a Dunnie - and for more like the classic 965 than the new 965 does (even if it doesn't purport to be like it.)

Lighting up I noted the similar flavor to the current 965, but here rather than being overwhelming to the point of rudeness the experience was very pleasurable. If this had been in my 965 tin I might complain it had changed but I would still like it. The Latakia here, while still the same as in 965, is in greater quantity and that I do appreciate. This is tasty, almost addictive. The Orientals are noticeable to the eye and on the tongue.

I bought the only tin I could find and it is dwindling quickly.

I almost hesitated to give this four stars as I have yet to crack my tin of Standard Mixture, but it does deserve it. I will buy more, if any shows up.

UPDATE: 10/10/12 My second tin of this was disappointingly different and NOT in a good way. This one was horribly astringent and very bitey - something I rarely encounter. I would lower the rating to two stars but an average would really be three.

I guess this would be a good start for someone wanting to try an English mixture.

Definitively an excellent tobacco. But I prefer its brother the medium mixture which is tastier.

Alas, I found this perfect allday smoke when it is no longer available. Only Aperitif is nicer in my opinion. Anyone who has this in the cellar and does not like it, please sell it to me!

Tin Aroma: A quite distinct sweet, must odor. Also, this sweet must smell is later present in the dottle.

Tobacco: A very predominant bright, light sand hue, with small amounts of dark-brown and black; lighter in color than SM Medium. Unless my eyes deceived me, by the next day, the overall hue had aged to medium to dark tan. Just the right amount of moisture, being rather light.

Standard Dunhill long thin ribbon cut. One of the key signatures of quality, the ribbon strands are intricately interwoven, producing a thick mat.

Initial: Packed easily enough, after the strands are pulled apart. Took to the match instaneously.

Taste: Mildly sweet VA, not much Latakia, very toasty VA in taste and aroma. Seemed to have a mild nutty honey character mid-bowl. The bottom of the bowl can get hot. Mild tongue bite is a rarity. A nice honey oat quality.

Aroma: Like a drive in the countryside with clover fields in the distance; moderate toasty VA. No Latakia blast, not at all; just a nice, cool honey oat softness.

Nicotine: Very mild, being milder the SM Medium. Still, SM Mild does give a mild buzz.

Room Note: As with other English blends, not extremely fantastic, but natural, like SM Medium, but milder. About as mild a room note as you can get with a traditional English blend, having a moderate toasty VA character.

Overall: Contrary to many others, I like it for the very fact that it *is* so mild, so VA. This is one of the best smokes I've ever had.

I swear this and SM Med act different in the pipe, and taste and smell different, depending on how they are packed. One packing technique gives less taste and more moisture. It seems that half a bowl, well-packed, works best. In a large bowl, there is initially a lack of flavor, and light moisture. Mid-bowl, the flavors and aroma seem to come to fruition.

This could be your all-day smoke.

This might well become that one perfect standard I've always been seeking.

*Updated April 2, 2008* After letting the can sit a little while, I can smell some creosote in it. I guess I am an impatient person sometimes...

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There is latakia in this? I'm pretty sure I have the new stuff. Never tried the old. I bought a tin, cracked it open and decided I like it well enough not to bother with aging it too much. Nice and mellow, packs and burns nice. I could puff on this stuff all day. I won't commit to saying it's my favorite, though.

This tobacco is very very mild (it should not be a surprise it is what the tin says it is). The tobacco is a bit milder than I would usually smoke. The flavors are subtle, and nothing really stands out, but rather all are well blended and in good balance. I could tell you that I would prefer a bit more Latakia or stronger oriental, but that would make it the Standard Mixture medium. The tobacco packs with some effort, but burns effortlessly to the very last drop. The ash is as fine as sawdust, and white as snow. So for what it is a very balanced, mild tobacco, it gets a nod from me.

A slightly toned down version of Dunhill Standard Medium.

Another classic blend gone to pot.

Add four stars if you have the real thing.