Peretti Blend D-9507

Peretti's describes D-9507 as "our most unusual English-type blend," which sums-up this tobacco precisely. It is English in the sense that there is nothing detectable in the smoke except tobacco.

If one is looking for a completely inoffensive smoke he or she could do no better than this. Room note is not discernable to others ten-feet away, as there is no Latakia, yet for the smoker the flavor of top quality tobacco is there in abundance.

Many blends have been touted as "cross-over" tobaccos for those wanting to move beyond candied aromatics to something more sophisticated. This one's claim is legitimate. The unflavored black Cavendish will be familiar to English and American aromatic smokers alike. But unlike the steamed and cased Burleys of American aromatics, the black tobaccos in D-9705 are the real deal, and are smoky and delicious. Even the most ardent Latakiaphile will find satisfaction here. The Dubek Oriental component adds a sweet nuttiness that will suffice for both Turkish and Burley lovers.

No matter how one packs this blend, no matter the smoking tempo, there is nary a bite or a gurgle in even the largest bowl.

Three out of four stars.

Sour, raisiny tin note. Dark and light brown ribbons. Nice presentation from Peretti. Very independent tobacco in the sense I cannot think of a thing to compare it to. C&D have some nice Oriental VA blends, but they are not like this one. Peretti is an Old World master in a new weird world. The flavor is dry, woody with some sour notes. Oriental is the predominant flavor but the VA, Perique and Cavendish do not go unnoticed. I am not sure if this is a Burley or VA Cavendish, I guess Burley since I do get a Burley character from this smoke. The Cavendish boosts the mouthfeel and the nutty character supports the Oriental/Turkish very well. The VA's provide a small, but essential, sweetness to the blend. I do not really sense Perique in this mixture, I am sure it melds with the other flavors and helps create this unique flavor profile, but I can't pick it out independently. If you like Oriental smokes, you should try this one. Great first smoke of the day.

Mostly black with traces of lemon, the cut of this one covers every sized ribbon known to the pipesmoking world. Plenty of narrow pieces along with some chunks of large ones. A kind of dry, dusty and heavy aroma that is hard to place. This came in an 8 oz "paintcan" and I transferred to glass. Also came drier than I expected. Review is based on about 3 oz.

Virginia and Dubec Turkish. At first I thought there might be some black Cavendish here but this blend lacked any sweetness I associate with that. In fact, it had very little sweetness at all. It was more of a sour and spicy bent, with a very dry finish. Not what I was hoping for, but still interesting. This one burned cool and never threatened to bite or get the least bit warm on the palate. The flavor was "dark", like the non-aro black Cavendish I've been experimenting with, but much less sweet. Zero complexity in this one - what I got from the match was what I got at the bottom of the bowl. This will make a good base for blending but it could definitely use some stoved Virginia or something to sweeten it up a bit. It was fine as a straight smoke but I think its possibilities for blending are much more exciting. I added some latakia to one bowl and it turned out ok, but haven't done much else yet. Looking forward to it!

Appearance: Coarse random cuts of mixed color, about 40% dark leaf.

Aroma: Definite smell of Black Cavendish, but hardly sweetened. Also spicy and stewed fruit aromas detected.

Packing: Packs easily into any pipe size. A slightly lighter touch is good.

Lighting: Lights easily, sometimes with just one match and a gentle tamp.

Initial flavor: First impression is Virginia, plus a sweet smokiness from the Cavendish. After a few puffs, I get the spicy nutty taste of an Oriental (might be Dubeck) and a hint of Perique.

Mid-bowl: First impressions are confirmed, this is an English/American hybrid. The components work well together, with some complexity and layering of flavors. A medium strength and mouth feel back up the nice flavors. Cool and dry through mid-bowl.

Finish: No surprises here, the Perique tang intensifies at the bottom of the bowl. Leaves me satisfied for a while.

Summary: A very nice blend, which can be enjoyed at any time of day or night. This is subtle enough for an eye opener, hearty enough to enjoy in the evening.

I have been smoking this blend on and off for close to 25 years now. Being a fancier of oriental blends, the Dubeck component in this one is very satisfying. It lends a smooth and rich steadying influence throughout the run of the bowl. The differing length cuts of the tobacco allow for an easy fill of the bowl. After a false-light and relight, one is off to some quality downtime. I notice an increase of the melding of the components as one smokes past the first quarter of the bowl and continues throughout the rest of the experience. The Virginia is the main taste with the Dubeck running through the middle. It burns a nice grey/white ash with little or no dottle. Very Nice

There's something to be said when a blend is just passable and nothing else the description from the manufacturer is very accurate Virginia, Turkish but I have a feeling there's also a bit of unflavored cavendish in the mix, is very pedestrian smoke nothing jumps out at me as a buy me again blend, is not the easiest to pack since the tobacco is cut in chunks more than ribbons is astringent as sweet and sour sauce can be at the same time when you just need a blend to puff I'm to pay attention of what's going this is great overall I might remember this blend down the line as being good but as of now I wish I could give it just 2.5 stars which by rounding up will make it a 3.

A curious English of the Oriental variety. I enjoyed it's rich Oriental taste but was kept from being satisfied because it kept teasing me that there should be latakia in the mix. And of course there is no latakia in the mix. Curious, and well worth a try.

Very good, mild blend. I would liken it to Rattray's Jock's Mixture, or certain mild crossovers. This has no real overt flavoring, but does have a sweetness that is just slightly more than the natural Virginia sweetness. Smokes well in any size pipe, and has never bitten. A well behaved gentleman. It could stand a more liberal hand in the oriental department. That would help round out the sweetness, and increase the flavor. Good all dayer.