James Fox Dorisco Mixture

The tin aroma, on opening, is grand and rich: to my nose the same as Davidoff`s Royalty. The taste is different, though. While the Virginias in Royalty are sweet, those in Dorisco taste savoury to me. (A loose balkan flake, also bought from the Fox shop in London, has the same savoury taste.) The strength is adequate, if masked by the smoothness: one only has to exhale through the nose to appreciate it. The mouth feel is gorgeous, not unlike that of a rich red wine. The perique is applied very subtly like garlic in a perfect dressing - one does not notice it, but would miss it if it was not there. Very satisfying.

It is a true pleasure to review this most wonderful blend. From the tin description it is a blend of Virginia tobaccos and Perique. Because of this, the first time I smoked it I was surprised to find Latakia in it. In reality it is a wonderful red Virginia with Latakia and Perique added, both in a restrained way and masterfully. They are condiments that enhance the wonderful Virginia base without hiding it. I can´t think of many similar blends although Torben Dansk nº 3 Red Virginia Superb and Dunhill standard mild seem to me to derive from the same concept (Latakia and Orientals as condiment of an ample Virginia base) although none of them has, to my knowledge or taste, Perique. But don´t let this fool you: the similarities end in the concept. Dorisco is really an stand alone blend that should be tried by any lover of English Mixtures or Virginia blends alike.

Spicy and fruity in the tin, the balance is perfect in the bowl. This is the best Va./ Perique blend I have tried thus far. I found the moisture content just right, and it has never caused me any tongue bite. I have tried Haddo's Delight, as I was told this was also a great Va./Perique but it did not work for me. Dorisco is smooth and easy to relax and enjoy but Haddo's seemed too busy and the taste was nowhere near as pleasant as Dorisco Mixture. If you are wanting to try a Va./Per. blend this would be the one to start with. Excellent tobacco.

Whomever decided these leaves should be placed together, should be embraced and commended. This is IT. THE Tobacco. Period.

I have yet to find a tobacco that even slightly compares to this mixture. I have not found even one.

The components of this Mixture are perfectly blended, not cased or topped in any way, and are of the absolute highest quality.

This is a superior and masterful blend that instantly became my all day smoke and breakfast and Nightcap all in one.

It benefits from a little drying out, but not too much, works perfectly well in any size pipe I have tried it in (from big to small, from Clay to Briar to Cob) all perform their duties and convey the flavours.

The smoke is interesting througout, tasty and not harsh in the slightest. The perique taste is very evident, but this is a major bonus for me, I love it, I am starting to water at the mouth as I type.

Lovers of VA/Per mixtures should definately try this, I simply cannot recommend it highly enough.

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UPDATE JAN 2006

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After smoking this Daily for a year now, I have never, not once, had an unenjoyable bowl of this miraculous weed.

I have even tried rolling it into cigarettes for when I dont have enough time for a entire bowlful, and it behaves like a dream! No harshness, not a problem, everytime.

I absolutely ADORE this tobacco, It's still my absolute all-time favorite. One I never get sick of, I always crave, and never regret reaching for. Any size bowl, any time of day - this tobacco is perfect!

Thanks again James J. Fox and Robert Lewis! 100 out of 10!!!

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update dec 2009

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I had one of those moments today. I opened a tin, that i had cellared for a couple years or so, and i just drank in the smell... fruity, rich, smoky, sweet, just un-freaking-believable. i am literally astounded at how well this cellars... just insanely awesome. this is one masterful blend. so refined. just amazingly good... im elated. the pipe was (strangely enough) a stanwell lord churchwarden, with a shortened stem (loved the bowl, hated the churchwarden stem. the short stem transforms this pipe.). I have pipes worth more than 10 times what this (semi rare, 50 or so produced, but still certainly not a highgrade)is, but this pipe is truly an unbelievable smoker.

im in pipe heaven right now, in this moment... cant wait to open the tin ive had since 2005 - my new heeschen will do nicely when it arrives in a few weeks...

I cannot add anything to the positives that have already been mentioned about this fine blend. You just have to try it for yourself to see what it's all about.

A cigarette is to be smoked. A cigar is to be enjoyed. A pipe is to be savored.

I rate this tobacco 9.9 out of 10.

I purchased this tin out of a need to simply buy something at the local B&M. I try to support them as best I can. I had never heard of this blend nor had read any reviews, so I had no predispositions at all when first lighting this up.

I won't go into any detail since previous descriptions have covered it pretty well. I knew within the first few draws that I was onto to something special. Normally I will finish a tin before purchasing anymore in order to be sure that a blend will have some staying power. I tend to weary of certain blends that I got excited about upon first trying. I ordered four tins after smoking only 3 bowls. This is an extrodinary tobacco, without question. I only hope that blend will remain as it is and not follow the way of other legendary tobaccos that are sorely missed.

This will be without question one of my regular English blends. It is perfectly balanced - smooth as can possibly be - no bite - full bodied but never harsh - enjoyable to the very bottom of the bowl. Burns very evenly (I'm using a Petersen dry system). Excellent on a bristling autumn evening or cold winter night - after lunch or after dinner - just about anytime. I cannot think of a single criticism. Superb!

This is ... without question ... an extrodinary tobacco. Taste and aroma and very complex. While I don't normally favor tobaccos on the milder side of Medium, this one is so complex I find myself savoring the aroma with vigor. The nice story about Perique and Native Americans is nice but let me tell you ... I've smoked peace pipe and unless you're fond of cedar shavings mixed with your tobacco, calling this reminiscent of such is a grave misstatement.

All of the tobacco in this blend is exceptional and I confirm, it's quite moist although it didn't hinder the burning qualities at all. This, like SG Squadron Leader, is another tobacco that I like in the late afternoon or early evening before a meal. It leaves the palate clean and the taste buds piqued. Wonderful stuff - ranks very high in my rotation.

Cheers, VC

I may have found the perfect tobacco. This may be the one I've been looking for. Haven't tried this tobacco yet? The tin just doesn't appeal to you? Beat a path down to your local tobacconist now! You have been missing out on one of the best pipe tobaccos on the market. This is a Virginia fine ribbon cut with long black leaves of Perique scattered around nicely. I also noticed a small amount of Latakia,that is silky and smokey along side the sweetness and colorfulness of the perique. DM packs well and lights first time and stays lit. The taste is like nothing I've ever tried as far as Perique blends go. The taste is rich and sweet and silky smokey. The perique plays like a pipe organ while the virginia is the piano. There is no harshness here that is associated with some Perique mixtures,but only enjoyment. I can't say enough good about this tobacco.