Esoterica Tobacciana Dorchester
(3.27)
A special formulation of six light Virginias plus golden and dark Virginias with air-cured leaf and a pinch of Louisiana perique. Easy burning is ensured by the carefully selected cut. The perique balances the Virginias; for the discerning palate.
Details
| Brand | Esoterica Tobacciana |
| Blended By | J.F. Germain & Son |
| Manufactured By | J.F. Germain & Son |
| Blend Type | Virginia/Perique |
| Contents | Perique, Virginia |
| Flavoring | Apricot |
| Cut | Ready Rubbed |
| Packaging | 2 ounce tin, 8 ounce bag |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Production | Currently available |
Profile
Strength
Medium
Extremely Mild -> Overwhelming
Flavoring
None Detected
None Detected -> Extra Strong
Room Note
Pleasant to Tolerable
Unnoticeable -> Overwhelming
Taste
Medium
Extremely Mild (Flat) -> Overwhelming
Average Rating
|
3.27 / 4
|
Reviews
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Displaying 21 - 30 of 41 Reviews
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Jan 03, 2003 | Medium to Strong | None Detected | Medium | Tolerable |
(From a blind taste test).
This took a bit of time to develop. At first light, I experienced a touch of tongue-sting and harshness. No Latakia, but I am sensing a decent matured Virginia component. I suspect that the slight sting is bright, or more likely, red Virginia-based. The somewhat dry sample does not initially display any truly distinctive manufacturer-flavors, so McClelland, MacBarens, Lake District mfrs and GL Pease don't seem likely. I don't believe I have ever tried this tobak.
Five minutes into the smoke, any suggestion of harshness is gone as the bowl settled into a slow smoulder. The flavors are unifying nicely, while a subtle sweetness appears. I'm not picking up any true top range, despite the receding sting. What little there is seems to be more of an extension of a mid-range creaminess (condensed milk-type), slight mushroom mustiness (which I attribute to matured VA), semi-sweet chocolate and a ginger beer tingliness that slightly bites the nose, in a pleasant way. The combined effect is quite nice, especially with the steadily-developing sweetness. I' m not suggesting that this is topped or sweetened in any way.
Mid-bowl: I notice a bit of nico-buzz when I get up to let the dog in. While I haven't been truly bitten, my Michelob Amber demonstrates that my too-often flapping tasting organ has not escaped unscathed. I am undaunted, though, because I am enjoying this. My initial impression is that this is primarily a matured and red VA blend, perhaps with a touch of non-Latakia oriental or burley (which I still have a hard time describing). I'm not tasting Perique.
A 10-minute DGT creates no ashiness, though a welcome green tea-like bitterness says "hello." The smoke is thick and the side-stream continues to bite my nose more noticeably than any blend I can recall. A VERY slight, pleasant, flower-blossom nuance has appeared, while the semi-sweet chocolate/cocoa element has become constant (delightful). The bass range isn't too deep, with a brown sugar/light-fireplace character. The mid-range has picked up a hint of walnut, while the natural sweetness has increased in the manner of a good, classic American-grown Virginia.
Suprisingly, several re-lights are necessary as the bowl nears the end. The tongue-sting potential remains. A certain "heartiness" pops up, and the cocoa tone has become so evident that if this had been the beginning of the bowl, I might have suspected the masterful application of a subtle and delicious top.
Second Smoke: I eagerly return to Sample "C" a week after the first smoke, this time with a Savinelli Punto Oro Dublin. I pick up some stoved flavors I missed on the first go-round. The mid-range creaminess develops a caramel-like tone in addition to the condensed-milk element noted in the first bowl. I also taste a yeasty-hot-italian-bread flavor that I'm surprised I missed before. I guess it just proves that you don't know a tobacco until you have tried it a few times in different pipes. The flavors are fairly consistent, but there are many and they are all delicious.
The slight nicotine buzz again appears at ½ bowl, but it is of the gentle, happy variety. While the signature tin aroma is absent, this is smoking closest to McClelland #24 or a Butera Virginia. On re-light, an oolong-tea/IPA bitterness coats my tongue. Not unpleasant, but it somewhat masks the VA sweetness. But the sweetness returns steadily, along with the strength. Additional matured Virginia flavors begin to perk around the peripheries. Nose tickling could be Perique? I just can't tell.
I recommend this tobacco to anyone who likes Virginias. Keep it low and slow to maximize the experience and avoid the heartbreak of TB. Yummy stuff, I'll probably buy several tins.
This took a bit of time to develop. At first light, I experienced a touch of tongue-sting and harshness. No Latakia, but I am sensing a decent matured Virginia component. I suspect that the slight sting is bright, or more likely, red Virginia-based. The somewhat dry sample does not initially display any truly distinctive manufacturer-flavors, so McClelland, MacBarens, Lake District mfrs and GL Pease don't seem likely. I don't believe I have ever tried this tobak.
Five minutes into the smoke, any suggestion of harshness is gone as the bowl settled into a slow smoulder. The flavors are unifying nicely, while a subtle sweetness appears. I'm not picking up any true top range, despite the receding sting. What little there is seems to be more of an extension of a mid-range creaminess (condensed milk-type), slight mushroom mustiness (which I attribute to matured VA), semi-sweet chocolate and a ginger beer tingliness that slightly bites the nose, in a pleasant way. The combined effect is quite nice, especially with the steadily-developing sweetness. I' m not suggesting that this is topped or sweetened in any way.
Mid-bowl: I notice a bit of nico-buzz when I get up to let the dog in. While I haven't been truly bitten, my Michelob Amber demonstrates that my too-often flapping tasting organ has not escaped unscathed. I am undaunted, though, because I am enjoying this. My initial impression is that this is primarily a matured and red VA blend, perhaps with a touch of non-Latakia oriental or burley (which I still have a hard time describing). I'm not tasting Perique.
A 10-minute DGT creates no ashiness, though a welcome green tea-like bitterness says "hello." The smoke is thick and the side-stream continues to bite my nose more noticeably than any blend I can recall. A VERY slight, pleasant, flower-blossom nuance has appeared, while the semi-sweet chocolate/cocoa element has become constant (delightful). The bass range isn't too deep, with a brown sugar/light-fireplace character. The mid-range has picked up a hint of walnut, while the natural sweetness has increased in the manner of a good, classic American-grown Virginia.
Suprisingly, several re-lights are necessary as the bowl nears the end. The tongue-sting potential remains. A certain "heartiness" pops up, and the cocoa tone has become so evident that if this had been the beginning of the bowl, I might have suspected the masterful application of a subtle and delicious top.
Second Smoke: I eagerly return to Sample "C" a week after the first smoke, this time with a Savinelli Punto Oro Dublin. I pick up some stoved flavors I missed on the first go-round. The mid-range creaminess develops a caramel-like tone in addition to the condensed-milk element noted in the first bowl. I also taste a yeasty-hot-italian-bread flavor that I'm surprised I missed before. I guess it just proves that you don't know a tobacco until you have tried it a few times in different pipes. The flavors are fairly consistent, but there are many and they are all delicious.
The slight nicotine buzz again appears at ½ bowl, but it is of the gentle, happy variety. While the signature tin aroma is absent, this is smoking closest to McClelland #24 or a Butera Virginia. On re-light, an oolong-tea/IPA bitterness coats my tongue. Not unpleasant, but it somewhat masks the VA sweetness. But the sweetness returns steadily, along with the strength. Additional matured Virginia flavors begin to perk around the peripheries. Nose tickling could be Perique? I just can't tell.
I recommend this tobacco to anyone who likes Virginias. Keep it low and slow to maximize the experience and avoid the heartbreak of TB. Yummy stuff, I'll probably buy several tins.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 11, 2002 | Medium to Strong | None Detected | Full | Pleasant |
Once again the weather is changing, here in the east, so it's time to try some new Va/Perique blends. First up; Dorchester. Opening of the tin presented me with that elusive fragrant of Perique, how spicy to senses. Tobacco comes moist, so some air will help. Packing the bowl with this robbon cut can be tricky, so do be careful. Charring light emits the earthy blend of expertly blended Va's, with some Perique. Tamping, and then the second match. Now the tobacco start's to come to life, and great match, providing a fair amount of smoke. This tobacco, like all Va.'s, will bite if your not careful, so smoke slow , and enjoy. Towards the the bottom, it can get a little strong, but should be expected. Tobacco burns to a light grey ash, and all the way to the bottom, with no dottle. A great blend. Now on to Dunbar.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Mar 02, 2002 | Medium | None Detected | Full | Pleasant to Tolerable |
This review has been written as a portion of a three part review of Elizabethan Mixture, Haddo?s Delight, and Dorchester. For the best understanding of my thoughts on this, read all three together. I have recently completed tins of all three, with comparison in mind. 2/2002.
My tin of Dorchester was opened upon purchase, but had been on the shelves for at least six months, so had some opportunity to age a bit in addition to tin preparation. This is a very nice blend of Virginias with a nice helping of Perique. The cut is a shag cut ribbon (1-1.5mm) that burns very nicely. It is not uncommon to remain lit for 40-60 minutes and does not pack down too densely in the bottom of the bowl, which I had been concerned about at first.
The tin aroma is a very appetizing experience, with fruity tones. The appearance of the ?baccy itself is a nice mixture, largely of medium color leaves, but with a variation of tones, perhaps reflecting the six different VAs that are listed on the tin description. A number of partially rubbed flakes were found in the mix, with crystals, which was a surprise based upon the youth of the tin. Humidity is good for smoking immediately, but I have gotten into the habit of leaving new tins open for a week prior to smoking to allow them to adjust to a more oxygenated environment.
This starts off flavorful from the first smoke and picks up a richness and depth as it is smoked, getting spicier as it goes. The bottom of the bowl can be fairly strong in flavor and a bit tarry to the taste, but I have not experienced the ashy tastes that I have seen in the others.
I have picked up a couple of 5 year old tins that I am looking forward to trying, and plan on making this a regular in my rotation. Four Stars.
My tin of Dorchester was opened upon purchase, but had been on the shelves for at least six months, so had some opportunity to age a bit in addition to tin preparation. This is a very nice blend of Virginias with a nice helping of Perique. The cut is a shag cut ribbon (1-1.5mm) that burns very nicely. It is not uncommon to remain lit for 40-60 minutes and does not pack down too densely in the bottom of the bowl, which I had been concerned about at first.
The tin aroma is a very appetizing experience, with fruity tones. The appearance of the ?baccy itself is a nice mixture, largely of medium color leaves, but with a variation of tones, perhaps reflecting the six different VAs that are listed on the tin description. A number of partially rubbed flakes were found in the mix, with crystals, which was a surprise based upon the youth of the tin. Humidity is good for smoking immediately, but I have gotten into the habit of leaving new tins open for a week prior to smoking to allow them to adjust to a more oxygenated environment.
This starts off flavorful from the first smoke and picks up a richness and depth as it is smoked, getting spicier as it goes. The bottom of the bowl can be fairly strong in flavor and a bit tarry to the taste, but I have not experienced the ashy tastes that I have seen in the others.
I have picked up a couple of 5 year old tins that I am looking forward to trying, and plan on making this a regular in my rotation. Four Stars.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Oct 30, 2001 | Medium | None Detected | Medium | Unnoticeable |
Since any taste review is so subjective let me start this by saying that I consider myself a Virginia smoker first and foremost. I like perique blends, latakia is something that I can generally tolerate only in moderation. My basic everyday smoke is aged 5100 and I've got several tins of Escudo in reserve as well as a jar or two of 2015 sitting around aging at any given time.
That being said I have to say that Dorchester is one of the nicest experiences I've had in a long time. I recently got a couple tins of this stuff from tobaccodirect and for some reason actually cracked one very soon after its arrival (I generally tend to buy stuff and let it age for a while before getting around to trying it). When I smoked my initial bowl I violated one of my principle rules for taste testing tobaccos. I had just gotten a nearly unsmoked Capitello rusticated dublin that I wanted to try something special in so I used it to try the Dorchester. Usually I don't like trying a new blend and a new pipe together as it can get hard to tell which I'm really enjoying. This time the synergy was nearly perfect. I had "one of those smokes" where everything was perfect.
Throughout the bowl the perique was very pronounced, stronger than Escudo but not quite so overpowering as 2015. It was just short of becoming too much. A perfect example of edge play. The Virginias complemented the perique beautifully and there was none of the muddiness I find in Va/perique blends that also contain cavendishes such as Haddo's or Elizabethan Mixture. The taste experience was a great ride from initial light up on through mid bowl and into the final third of the smoke. All in all it was a smoke that had it all. I've since tried this blend in another pipe or two as well as the Capitello and, while not having another of those once in a blue moon smokes, results have been consistantly excellent.
This is a tobacco I'd list as a must have for any Va/perique fan. While perhaps a little heavy on the perique for a regular English smoker I'd say it should be tried just to see how much perique a blend can have and still retain the subtleties of a Virgina blend. My personal rating for this one would have to be 9+ out of 10.
That being said I have to say that Dorchester is one of the nicest experiences I've had in a long time. I recently got a couple tins of this stuff from tobaccodirect and for some reason actually cracked one very soon after its arrival (I generally tend to buy stuff and let it age for a while before getting around to trying it). When I smoked my initial bowl I violated one of my principle rules for taste testing tobaccos. I had just gotten a nearly unsmoked Capitello rusticated dublin that I wanted to try something special in so I used it to try the Dorchester. Usually I don't like trying a new blend and a new pipe together as it can get hard to tell which I'm really enjoying. This time the synergy was nearly perfect. I had "one of those smokes" where everything was perfect.
Throughout the bowl the perique was very pronounced, stronger than Escudo but not quite so overpowering as 2015. It was just short of becoming too much. A perfect example of edge play. The Virginias complemented the perique beautifully and there was none of the muddiness I find in Va/perique blends that also contain cavendishes such as Haddo's or Elizabethan Mixture. The taste experience was a great ride from initial light up on through mid bowl and into the final third of the smoke. All in all it was a smoke that had it all. I've since tried this blend in another pipe or two as well as the Capitello and, while not having another of those once in a blue moon smokes, results have been consistantly excellent.
This is a tobacco I'd list as a must have for any Va/perique fan. While perhaps a little heavy on the perique for a regular English smoker I'd say it should be tried just to see how much perique a blend can have and still retain the subtleties of a Virgina blend. My personal rating for this one would have to be 9+ out of 10.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 20, 2023 | Medium | None Detected | Medium | Pleasant to Tolerable |
Tin note of sugared raisins, salty and mild musty vegetation. Tobacco is a ready rub of brown, tan and dark brown. Moisture content is great. Burns moderately with few relights. The strength is medium and nic is mild to medium. No flavoring detected, though one is listed. Taste is medium and mostly consistent, with notes of sour plums, bread, splices, floral, wood, raisin, lemon grassy, herbal hay, earthy, bitter orange peel, zesty tangy citrus, mildly peaty vegetation, mildly spicy, savory, a tart dark fruit background note, and a very peppery retro. Virginia is leading with Perique supporting. Room note is pleasant to tolerable, and aftertaste is great.
Pipe Used:
2016 Northern Briars Regal Rox Cut #4 Pot
Age When Smoked:
6 years
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 07, 2022 | Medium | None Detected | Medium | Pleasant |
Esoterica- Dorchester.
Although most of it's a mid-size ribbon cut, there's one or two coarser pieces in it; longer ribbons and even a few tiny pieces of broken flake. The smell's one of a fruity VaPer, nothing too unorthodox. This tin has good moisture, not wet but nicely hydrated.
Just the first puff attests what all the fuss for Esoterica is about. Loads of refined, fruity-sweet, not too sharp Virginias, and very rich Perique. The Perique gives a wallop of ''tang'', quite sour, but it's not too astringent; I wouldn't imply it's a spice-bomb, instead it has an almost ''BBQ'' vibrancy from the Perique!! The different Virginias form the prominent flavour, with the citrus notes at the bottom of the pack and the succulent, ripe flavours on top. It burns perfectly, giving cool, bite-free smoke.
Nicotine: medium. Room-note: quite nice.
Dorchester? A cracking smoke. Four stars:
Highly recommended.
Although most of it's a mid-size ribbon cut, there's one or two coarser pieces in it; longer ribbons and even a few tiny pieces of broken flake. The smell's one of a fruity VaPer, nothing too unorthodox. This tin has good moisture, not wet but nicely hydrated.
Just the first puff attests what all the fuss for Esoterica is about. Loads of refined, fruity-sweet, not too sharp Virginias, and very rich Perique. The Perique gives a wallop of ''tang'', quite sour, but it's not too astringent; I wouldn't imply it's a spice-bomb, instead it has an almost ''BBQ'' vibrancy from the Perique!! The different Virginias form the prominent flavour, with the citrus notes at the bottom of the pack and the succulent, ripe flavours on top. It burns perfectly, giving cool, bite-free smoke.
Nicotine: medium. Room-note: quite nice.
Dorchester? A cracking smoke. Four stars:
Highly recommended.
Pipe Used:
Various, brand new Altinok whilst posting
PurchasedFrom:
4noggins
Age When Smoked:
3 months
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Feb 01, 2020 | Medium to Strong | None Detected | Full | Very Pleasant |
First impressions, cracked the tin and was greeted with an overwhelming hit of strawberry jam. An actual jar of jam wouldn't be this strong. Highly suspected of added topping, but I can get past that. The presentation and cut is great as always with Esoterica. Mostly coarse ribbon with some chunks of unbroken flake. Moisture is very good, very smokeable, at least my tin was.
I let it air out a bit to let the ghosts of strawberry jam escape.
Very nice flavor. Tangy Virginias, some spice from the perique. Tad bitey which leads me to believe I actually do need to dry this longer. Or at least slow down a bit.
Pairing it with some nice cognac.
Coming off a couple weeks with Dunbar, and restocking my Elizabethan and getting used to that all over again, this is a very nice change.
I'm feeling some nicotine which seems rare with pipe tobacco. I like it.
The Va;s remind of Gawith Va's. Tangier and more flavorful than STG type. But require more care and preparation. I get an old world tobacco vibe with this.
I'm not getting any artificial flavor in the smoke, only in the tin note. I will say none detected, since it's the taste that counts. But that tin smell.. Tastes like a VaPer. Va's way up front. A lot of sweetness and some mild spice.
Finding these Esotericas is a huge pain in the butt but it isn't impossible to get them. You might find yourself obsessing for a month to actually find a few tins though, and it's usually Margate & Pembroke.
I wish they would step up their production game. These tins sell out literally in a couple minutes of going up online, making it only a dream of some smokers to every try these.. And what about Germain's standard tins? I have yet to see even one in the wild.
Nearing the bottom 1/3rd of the bowl, very hot , I gotta slow down.
Very enjoyable smoke, right to the end. Plenty of nicotine.
I'll air dry the next bowl for 20-30mins even if it feels dry in the tin.
After a month with this tin:
The strawberry jam smell has morphed into peanut butter & jelly. its rather off putting.
I still like the tobacco. Nice treat after a few bowls of Elizabethan.
I let it air out a bit to let the ghosts of strawberry jam escape.
Very nice flavor. Tangy Virginias, some spice from the perique. Tad bitey which leads me to believe I actually do need to dry this longer. Or at least slow down a bit.
Pairing it with some nice cognac.
Coming off a couple weeks with Dunbar, and restocking my Elizabethan and getting used to that all over again, this is a very nice change.
I'm feeling some nicotine which seems rare with pipe tobacco. I like it.
The Va;s remind of Gawith Va's. Tangier and more flavorful than STG type. But require more care and preparation. I get an old world tobacco vibe with this.
I'm not getting any artificial flavor in the smoke, only in the tin note. I will say none detected, since it's the taste that counts. But that tin smell.. Tastes like a VaPer. Va's way up front. A lot of sweetness and some mild spice.
Finding these Esotericas is a huge pain in the butt but it isn't impossible to get them. You might find yourself obsessing for a month to actually find a few tins though, and it's usually Margate & Pembroke.
I wish they would step up their production game. These tins sell out literally in a couple minutes of going up online, making it only a dream of some smokers to every try these.. And what about Germain's standard tins? I have yet to see even one in the wild.
Nearing the bottom 1/3rd of the bowl, very hot , I gotta slow down.
Very enjoyable smoke, right to the end. Plenty of nicotine.
I'll air dry the next bowl for 20-30mins even if it feels dry in the tin.
After a month with this tin:
The strawberry jam smell has morphed into peanut butter & jelly. its rather off putting.
I still like the tobacco. Nice treat after a few bowls of Elizabethan.
Pipe Used:
Savinelli New Art Billiard
PurchasedFrom:
Online
Age When Smoked:
New
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 26, 2018 | Medium to Strong | None Detected | Medium to Full | Tolerable |
This was my second Esoterica blend, after the legendary Penzance. I won't elaborate on all the subtle notes of this blend. I do not do this with wines (I am a big fan of claret) so for sure I won't do this with tobacco as it would simply be ridiculous (I am a newbie).
But I can say that this blend delivers. It is extremely well balanced and full-bodied. The taste is delicious, I felt like I could eat the smoke as if it were some gourmet food. The aftertaste is very pleasant and lingers on for some time. Dorchester is spicy but the spiciness is not overwhelming. It got me hooked on Perique (I am a Latakia fan). The Esoterica blenders must have been true artists.
But I can say that this blend delivers. It is extremely well balanced and full-bodied. The taste is delicious, I felt like I could eat the smoke as if it were some gourmet food. The aftertaste is very pleasant and lingers on for some time. Dorchester is spicy but the spiciness is not overwhelming. It got me hooked on Perique (I am a Latakia fan). The Esoterica blenders must have been true artists.
Pipe Used:
Barling
Age When Smoked:
5 years
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Aug 02, 2013 | Medium | None Detected | Medium to Full | Very Pleasant |
This is most probably my favorite tobacco. Opening the tin, the smell of this blend reminds me of fried okra, if that makes any sense. This would be hard to smoke right out of the tin, and takes for me an overnight drying-out to smoke properly. While I normally smoke stronger blends ( my all-day smoke is Cornell and Diehl's Old Joe Krantz), this one is plenty strong, and the flavor is the perfect balance of Virginia and Perique. This one will always find a place in my rotation!
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Aug 02, 2012 | Medium | None Detected | Medium | Pleasant to Tolerable |
I have been attempting to compare and contrast Dunbar and Dorchester for a few months now and they are very similar. They are both excellent quality with about the same amount perique that is contained in our benchmark Orlik Golden. Dunbar and Dorchester are natural and smoke wonderfully. These blends definitely provide a unique experience worth trying. the difference in taste between the two is small, but dorchester is lighter, sweeter, and fruitier while dunbar is spicier and has more of a rich plum taste. If you could only choose to try one, I would personally recommend Dorchester.
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