Peterson Old Dublin

Not a stand-out blend for me. A decent straight English but nothing exceptional IMO.

Once again, I am no fan of Latakia. However, this is one truly exceptional smoke! The Cavendish and Virginias take definite backseat to the woodsy, peaty flavor and aroma of the Latakia. A big aromatic and Cavendish fan, this could almost turn me into a convert.

This tastes like, well, tobacco. Moreover, it tastes like what tobacco should taste like. It burns clean, tastes terrific, does not bite and smells "yummy" (wife rating) in the room. There is no real downside to Old Dublin. An all-around winner!

For someone who keeps Mac Baren Vanilla Cream on hand as a favorite, I highly recommend this blend, and that's saying alot.

Upon opening the tin, I was greeted by the aroma of latakia with the oriental and basma adding a bit of spice that I couldn?t wait to try!

On first light, I met a strong taste with all the components of the blend boldly announcing their presence. At first, I didn?t like it, but after a couple of bowls, I decided to give it a more serious try. By taking it easy with long, slow puffs, I was rewarded for the effort by finding a tobacco I enjoy. There are nuances to this tobacco that, for me, required a nice, quiet place outdoors in which to contemplate the interplay of this blend. There is a point, somewhere during the middle of the bowl, where Heaven meets Earth for just two puffs.

Later in the bowl, this blend seems to mellow with the latakia smoothing and rounding the flavor. The finish leaves my mouth feeling sort of ?relaxed? in a way that is hard to describe. I always end up wanting more the next day.

As the tin ages, OD seems to become smoother, loosing that blast I noticed with the first several bowls. Although, the great contrasts found in a fresh tin diminish, I still enjoy it. I plan on using a sealed jar on my next tin to preserve the freshness as long as possible.

Wife Rating: No complaints.

The mechanics are perfect. All of the components are easily understood. No one overpowering the other - I think its use of Basma leaf sets it apart from most english blends. Basma is more muted, earthy, aromatic, and incense-like, though it can get bitter if pushed - It ramps up a touch in strength around the two-thirds mark and loses its original profile. That's usually where I call it quits, but you can easily finish it to a white ash with no issues - I don't think this blend gets enough recognition.

Peterson’s seems to have a knack for English blends and this is one of the better examples that seems to have it all. Rich flavor from the Latakia and Orientals with well rounded Virginia and Cavendish base with no domination by any. This is a well balanced tobacco with no gimmicks. There’s plenty of nicotine and pure tobacco flavor so if you’re looking for a sweet aromatic with more flavoring than tobacco, pass this one by. Smokes cool and clean with no biting and little moisture ,so if you like English blends with a lot of character give this one a try. This is an underrated blend.

The flavor, I stayed for the flavor. The best way I can define this blend is with a night out drinking beer. Instead of drinking a high ABV beer for a quick buzz, sometimes an ice cold lower ABV provides a flavor that is to die for. There are times I like a lat-bomb or a straight Virginia and sometimes, I would like latakia as a flavor behind others. Old Dublin does that for me. The Virginia's are the main component with some sweetness. While the flavor profile of floral and spice follow right behind from the Basma Orientals. The latakia as a team player, then makes an appearance and the cavendish brings up the rear silently. The Nicotine hit is mild and the blend works well as an all day smoke. Lights easily, smokes cool and burns to ash.

Tin note of smoky, sour and mild fruit. Tobacco is a ribbon cut of brown, black and dark brown. Moisture content is great. few pipe smokers will want to dry this. Burns moderate with few relights. The strength is medium and nic is mild. No flavoring detected. Taste is medium and mostly consistent, with notes of smoky, floral, orange peel/bitters, wood, spices, musty dry vegetation, zesty, sour, tart and tangy citrus, sweet bread, herbal incense, sugar, spicy, earthy, mildly acidic, a lemon grassy background note, and a peppery retro. Latakia is leading with Virginia, Oriental/Turkish and Cavendish supporting. Room note is tolerable, and aftertaste is great.

It has good quality and smokes well, but it was not attractive to me. It burns well but has no special taste. I often get confused as to what I am smoking. It doesn't bite at all, even if you want it to. 😉

Quickly becoming one of my favorite blends.

Tin Note: Can't Wait - Get's me excited to pack a bowl and light up

Pack/Light: Ideal - Packs easy enough and lights like it should.

Taste: Dang! That's Good! - There's plenty going on in the flavor profile to keep it interesting and I really like the blend.

Mouth Feel: Almost Chewable - The smoke is creamy and delightful. No bite and super smooth.

Room Note: Bask in the Glory - If you like the smell of a good English blend, this is very nice. Personally, I really enjoy it.

Overall: Great! One of my favorite blends so far. I thoroughly enjoy it every time and I'm always looking forward to the next smoke. I highly recommend picking this one up.