Peretti Blend 500
(3.81)
A real outdoor man's smoke with plenty of flavor and full strength. A unique blend of Virginia, Havana, and Oriental.
Details
| Brand | Peretti |
| Series | English Blends |
| Blended By | L.J. Peretti |
| Manufactured By | L.J. Peretti |
| Blend Type | English |
| Contents | Cigar Leaf, Oriental/Turkish, Virginia |
| Flavoring | |
| Cut | Ribbon |
| Packaging | Bulk |
| Country | United States |
| 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 to Full
Extremely Mild (Flat) -> Overwhelming
Average Rating
|
3.81 / 4
|
Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 13 Reviews
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 04, 2011 | Medium | None Detected | Medium to Full | Pleasant to Tolerable |
I am an aficionado of pipe tobacco mixtures with cigar leaf, and Peretti's Blend 500 is one of the best I've smoked.
No single component dominates the blend, but each asserts itself individually, while still contributing to the overall mixture. The "Havana" leaf adds a creamy and cedar note to the overall smoke, playing off of the tart mustiness of the matured Virginias and the smoky spice of the Latakia. In a video interview, Steve Willett (Peretti's current President) revealed that the cigar leaf is sourced from Arturo Fuente (with whom Peretti has had a long association), so it's top drawer.
While Latakia is not specifically referenced in the blend description, its presence in the mixture is obvious upon inspection, even if it is not listed in the blend description. It could be incorporated under the rubric "Oriental"--providing one allows a sufficient latitude to the use of the term since Latakia is technically (and geographically) an "Oriental" varietal. Nor do I think Blend 500 contains perique. A description on Peretti's Instagram page described it as being comprised of only "Virginia, Latakia, [and] cigar leaf." I was also told by Peretti that 500 doesn't contain any perique. The earlier descriptions I've seen in print catalogues and previous versions of the Peretti website mention perique. Later, it was removed from the website description, only to be reinstated after a brief hiatus. Peretti is notoriously secretive--and at times, intentionally misleading--about the exact components of their mixtures, so this might all be part of some definitional legerdemain. Finally (the most obvious reason), the black tobacco in Blend 500 doesn't look or smell anything like perique--ergo, no perique. Q.E.D.
No single component dominates the blend, but each asserts itself individually, while still contributing to the overall mixture. The "Havana" leaf adds a creamy and cedar note to the overall smoke, playing off of the tart mustiness of the matured Virginias and the smoky spice of the Latakia. In a video interview, Steve Willett (Peretti's current President) revealed that the cigar leaf is sourced from Arturo Fuente (with whom Peretti has had a long association), so it's top drawer.
While Latakia is not specifically referenced in the blend description, its presence in the mixture is obvious upon inspection, even if it is not listed in the blend description. It could be incorporated under the rubric "Oriental"--providing one allows a sufficient latitude to the use of the term since Latakia is technically (and geographically) an "Oriental" varietal. Nor do I think Blend 500 contains perique. A description on Peretti's Instagram page described it as being comprised of only "Virginia, Latakia, [and] cigar leaf." I was also told by Peretti that 500 doesn't contain any perique. The earlier descriptions I've seen in print catalogues and previous versions of the Peretti website mention perique. Later, it was removed from the website description, only to be reinstated after a brief hiatus. Peretti is notoriously secretive--and at times, intentionally misleading--about the exact components of their mixtures, so this might all be part of some definitional legerdemain. Finally (the most obvious reason), the black tobacco in Blend 500 doesn't look or smell anything like perique--ergo, no perique. Q.E.D.
PurchasedFrom:
L.J. Peretti
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 01, 2020 | Medium | None Detected | Full | Unnoticeable |
I had a fair amount of this over the past few days from a (paint can) tin dated 2009. The aroma of the tobacco has a rich full smell which I am guessing is from the cigar leaf and oriental/Turkish tobacco. The blend is dry and does tend to smoke pretty fast. This is a full tasting blend that even my jaded taste buds can appreciate. Had some with espresso this morning and was wide awake in no time. An English blend without Latakia, did not know that was possible but that is what the blend type says it is. Regardless, it is an exceptional smoke and I even called the company inquiring about buying some. I also liked the fact that the smoke was pretty consistent from top to bottom.
Pipe Used:
Briar Works Poker
Age When Smoked:
10 years
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 19, 2017 | Mild to Medium | None Detected | Full | Pleasant to Tolerable |
Peretti's - 500
This full flavored, full bodied beauty brings it. The virginia and orientals carry some mild, unobtrusive sweetness with some leather from the oriental (mostly smyrna I would say). The cigar leaf adds some earthy and cedar elements. This blend is just bold enough and not overwhelming on any level. It carries that good cigar essence I like by way of both a creamy and at times spicy mouthfeel. The nicotine hit to me at least is medium at best and the room note isn't as strong as you'd expect. As mentioned, no singular component seems to really take charge but if anything I'd say just slightly oriental forward, cigar leaf neck and neck.
I see there's been some debate as to the components. Peretti's site, where I bought this, lists virginia, "havana", oriental and perique. Based on the jar note and taste, there could be a *very* small portion of latakia, but I could just as well be getting this sense from the oriental component. The tingle of the mouthfeel suggests perique, which is a listed ingredient, but could also be coming from something in the orientals or even the virginia. I believe in the description from Peretti's site as being accurate, but your guess is as good as mine.
At any rate this is the best cigar leaf blend I've tried to this point and I can see it easily becoming a staple this winter. Another bell ringer from Peretti's.
This full flavored, full bodied beauty brings it. The virginia and orientals carry some mild, unobtrusive sweetness with some leather from the oriental (mostly smyrna I would say). The cigar leaf adds some earthy and cedar elements. This blend is just bold enough and not overwhelming on any level. It carries that good cigar essence I like by way of both a creamy and at times spicy mouthfeel. The nicotine hit to me at least is medium at best and the room note isn't as strong as you'd expect. As mentioned, no singular component seems to really take charge but if anything I'd say just slightly oriental forward, cigar leaf neck and neck.
I see there's been some debate as to the components. Peretti's site, where I bought this, lists virginia, "havana", oriental and perique. Based on the jar note and taste, there could be a *very* small portion of latakia, but I could just as well be getting this sense from the oriental component. The tingle of the mouthfeel suggests perique, which is a listed ingredient, but could also be coming from something in the orientals or even the virginia. I believe in the description from Peretti's site as being accurate, but your guess is as good as mine.
At any rate this is the best cigar leaf blend I've tried to this point and I can see it easily becoming a staple this winter. Another bell ringer from Peretti's.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 04, 2006 | Strong | None Detected | Very Full | Tolerable |
The only CURRENTLY-available blend similar to this is Cornell & Diehl's "Oriental Silk" and its only TRUE progenitors are Blakan Sobranie's Virginia # 10 or Smokers' Haven's "Extra-Rich."
This, like playing center-field, is not for the faint-of-heart. This is an amazing blend for the experienced "au-naturale" pipe smoker. This is the real stuff, un-buffered and unadorned. Though there is no Latakia in Peretti's 500, even the most ardent Balkan smokers will be satisfied with its rich fullness.
Surprisingly, despite its aforementioned fullness, there is nothing here that will bite the novice, particularly those switching from the few unfiltered, REAL cigarettes left in the USA. This can be smoothly inhaled, if one is sitting or is used to smoking Luckies or compost heaps.
Excellent as it is; wonderful to use as a base or a bolster for other blends. A marvelous adventure for the pro.
Four out of four stars.
This, like playing center-field, is not for the faint-of-heart. This is an amazing blend for the experienced "au-naturale" pipe smoker. This is the real stuff, un-buffered and unadorned. Though there is no Latakia in Peretti's 500, even the most ardent Balkan smokers will be satisfied with its rich fullness.
Surprisingly, despite its aforementioned fullness, there is nothing here that will bite the novice, particularly those switching from the few unfiltered, REAL cigarettes left in the USA. This can be smoothly inhaled, if one is sitting or is used to smoking Luckies or compost heaps.
Excellent as it is; wonderful to use as a base or a bolster for other blends. A marvelous adventure for the pro.
Four out of four stars.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 19, 2021 | Medium | None Detected | Medium | Pleasant to Tolerable |
Peretti, is the new Dunhill as far as I am concerned. They are a tobacconist with a storefront that blends their own blends and has a history of custom blending and fortunately for us, they are still proud to be in the tobacco business. I love everything about L.J. Peretti!
This is one outstanding blend. I had smoked a bowl of Yuletide earlier in the day and popped a paint can of 500 that followed a 2 oz trial. Coming off of a sweet tobacco I really was able to sense all of the nuance in this blend. It is nutty, woody, buttery and slightly earthy. I am not a fan of cigar blends and had never read a review or even a description of this blend, I just went to the English section on the website and purchased some. I cannot detect the cigar leaf in this per se, but man whatever it does to the blend it if fantastic. It is creamy without being sweet, and although you can see the Latakia you can't really taste or smell that campfire "telltale". Absolutely great blend for those that love tobacco, but if you are a fan of sweet, this may not be for you.
This is one outstanding blend. I had smoked a bowl of Yuletide earlier in the day and popped a paint can of 500 that followed a 2 oz trial. Coming off of a sweet tobacco I really was able to sense all of the nuance in this blend. It is nutty, woody, buttery and slightly earthy. I am not a fan of cigar blends and had never read a review or even a description of this blend, I just went to the English section on the website and purchased some. I cannot detect the cigar leaf in this per se, but man whatever it does to the blend it if fantastic. It is creamy without being sweet, and although you can see the Latakia you can't really taste or smell that campfire "telltale". Absolutely great blend for those that love tobacco, but if you are a fan of sweet, this may not be for you.
Pipe Used:
Briar's, meerschaum, clay's and cob's
PurchasedFrom:
L.J. Peretti
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 27, 2007 | Strong | None Detected | Full | Tolerable |
**Update** I recently began this blend in my rotation again. Just pure, unadulterated, strong, delicious tobacco. Smooth all the way to the end. 3/27/07
While this blend touts itself as an outdoor blend, I was pleasantly surprised by my wife's reaction. She felt it was much more tolerable than my other English Blends.
Upon opening, I was greeted by a dark, what appears to be a "chopped" blend. There are various cuts: coarse, stringy, and what seems to be little strips of cigar tobacco.
I packed a large bowl and was off. After a false-light and a tamp, I settled back to enjoy. The first quarter of the bowl was a smooth, full taste with the Virginia taking the lead.
Towards the half-way point, the orientals came into play in a supporting role, with the cigar-leaf dancing in and out of the taste experience.
It was not until the last half of the bowl that I began to detect the perique. Sort of the way that one might subtly detect a dash of fresh ground pepper on a fine steak.
Overall, a smooth, rich, enticing blend. Another winner from the House Of L.J. Peretti.
While this blend touts itself as an outdoor blend, I was pleasantly surprised by my wife's reaction. She felt it was much more tolerable than my other English Blends.
Upon opening, I was greeted by a dark, what appears to be a "chopped" blend. There are various cuts: coarse, stringy, and what seems to be little strips of cigar tobacco.
I packed a large bowl and was off. After a false-light and a tamp, I settled back to enjoy. The first quarter of the bowl was a smooth, full taste with the Virginia taking the lead.
Towards the half-way point, the orientals came into play in a supporting role, with the cigar-leaf dancing in and out of the taste experience.
It was not until the last half of the bowl that I began to detect the perique. Sort of the way that one might subtly detect a dash of fresh ground pepper on a fine steak.
Overall, a smooth, rich, enticing blend. Another winner from the House Of L.J. Peretti.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 18, 2019 | Medium | None Detected | Medium to Full | Pleasant |
This is a wonderful BLEND, and I say blend because there isn't one component of the tobacco that stands out more than the other. You can taste every component and they blend together beautifully. This is an English blend san the latakia. I love latakia but don't miss it here. The spicy Orientals in Peretti's 500 Blend transport you to a Moroccan bazaar on a carpet of creamy full smoke of the cigar leaf enhanced by the sweetness of the Virginia leaf and topped off by some fruitiness of dates and figs from the perique.
Needs no drying time. No moistness left behind in the bowl and burns to a light grey ash with no dottle.
Needs no drying time. No moistness left behind in the bowl and burns to a light grey ash with no dottle.
Pipe Used:
Missouri Meerschaum, Savinelli
PurchasedFrom:
L.J. Peretti
Age When Smoked:
Fresh
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 20, 2018 | Medium | None Detected | Full | Unnoticeable |
Wow what a beautiful, full bodied, creamy smoke. No bite detected by me. Amazing when smoked at a slow pace This one immediately shot up to my top 5 list. Absolutely wonderful smoke.
Pipe Used:
DeJARNETT hand carved algerian briar
PurchasedFrom:
LJ Peretti Online Store
Age When Smoked:
Days/Weeks
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Nov 25, 2010 | Strong | None Detected | Very Full | Pleasant |
This is an outstanding mixture, a bit like G. L. Pease's Robusto, but slightly sweeter though equally natural. The cigar leaf in both mixtures is there in just the right proportion. Neither tobacco is as dense in flavor, or as rich, as I remember the great (or, rather, the greatest) Balkan Sobranie Viginia No.10 being. Blend No.500 seems to burn rather quickly for a mixture with a Virginia base, certainly more quickly than Robusto does. I'm a slow smoker, but I go through a pipful of Blend No.500 more quickly than I'm accustomed to. The batch I have may be a tad on the dry side, so I'll probably try moistening it a bit. This really is a no-nonsense blend, in the same way that Peretti's Cuban Mixture is: very authentic, natural tobacco taste. Since that probably doesn't communicate very much, I'll try again: what holds for Blend No.500 and Cuban Mixture--different from each other as are Burely and Virginia, in spite of the cigar leaf present in each--is that both are "warm and golden" (vs. Billy Budd, which I'd call "cold and dark"). The side stream aroma of Blend No.500 is about as appealing as that of any tobacco I've ever smoked, with a hint of something that reminds me of cloves. Highest rating--if only I could get it to burn more slowly.
| Reviewed By | Date | Rating | Strength | Flavoring | Taste | Room Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Oct 05, 2020 | Medium to Strong | None Detected | Full | Very Pleasant |
Purchased by me in June of 2020.My first time with 500.This batch has some Latakia in it,as I can smell and taste it.I can also detect some Turkish.Although my palet is kind of hammered, there may be a hint of cigar leaf tin there,too.In my humble opinion,500 is far better than Cornell and Diehl Havana Day dream.Maybe due to a smaller portion of cigar leaf?Actually,all the components come together pretty well, even the latakia. Some may disagree with me, but I call this a full mixture, and one of the best I've smoked.Remember,just my opinion, according to my own hammered olfactry senses
Pipe Used:
Rinaldo YYY Dublin sandblast
PurchasedFrom:
LJ Peretti of Boston
Age When Smoked:
June 2020
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