Peretti Dundee

Dundee presents as a nice long ribbon of mid-range browns interspersed with cigar leaf. As with all Peretti products, Dundee arrives at optimal moisture level and is ready to smoke immediately. The charring light brings a dash of bitter and salt from the cigar leaf, and the true light adds a subtle note of sweet from the Virginia, which is soon overwhelmed by the more forceful Central American leaf. I can’t discern any Perique at all over the cigar flavor profile, but if anything the Perique is manifesting as subtle pepper rather than the sweeter, plummier side of Perique mentioned in the blender’s description. It weaves seamlessly into the spiciness of the cigar leaf though Perique’s unique flavors become somewhat lost, or rather overwhelmed in this blend. While the Virginias sort of hold it all together, cigar leaf is clearly the dominant flavor. And you know what? It’s pretty damn good.

Dundee, like most Peretti blends, smokes very dry and requires minimal re-lights. And like most Peretti offerings, it’s easy to smoke this one too fast given the moisture level leaning towards the dry side. But a mindful cadence will deliver a cool, clean smoke. The flavors are consistent from start to finish, though the Virginia leaf will raise its hand periodically and randomly throughout the bowl as a function of packing and how much Central American wound up where. Those who do not regularly smoke cigars, but are familiar with and appreciate the smoking characteristics, mouth-feel, and aftertaste will appreciate this blend. Heavy cigar smokers may not be as impressed.

This is my first experience with cigar leaf in a pipe blend and I’m happy I approached it with an open mind. This is a great change-of-pace blend for those who like deep, rich tobacco flavor. And while I moved away from cigars many years ago, only smoking one or two per year at this point, I really enjoyed the experience and can see myself smoking this blend from time to time well into the future. This might just be my new favorite “occasional” blend.

I’m going to go with four stars as a unique and flavorful blend worth trying, with the caveat that those who don’t like cigar leaf, or generally prefer a milder and/or sweeter blend, may find it too robust and forceful. As for the room note, non-smokers who enjoy the aroma of strong, unadulterated tobacco (and they are definitely out there) will like this. Those who don’t (probably the majority, sadly) will find it anywhere from off-putting to abhorrent. As a final note, the vitamin is strong in this one, noticeable even to this heavy smoker. Like a cigar, it will coat your mouth and tongue. Pipe smokers who are sensitive to nicotine beware.