Thoughts on the New Dunhill Releases?

[Deadman's Point]

I must admit, I am a bit of a Dunhill fanboy. I use their blends as my standards to what things should taste like. Full english? Nightcap. Scottish? 965. Navy rolls? Check. Virginia? Flake.

I nearly wet myself when I saw Durbar and Apertif (re) enter the marketplace. Three days later, I'm sitting with a bowlful of Durbar and wicked high expectations.

After a few bowls, I can say now that I don't get it. Oriental forward blends tickle my secret spot, but this isn't doing anything for me. I've never had pipe tobacco where I can't describe the flavor profile. This tastes almost like there's cigar leaf in there, and the upturned nose from my wife somewhat supports it. Now I'm a bit concerned about Apertif.

What say you, BOTL pipe crew? Has anyone had any experience so far with these? If so, what are your thoughts?

 

[JustTroItIn]

I'm also a Dunhill fan and have been waiting to hear some reviews of these releases. Your first impression of Durbar is not what I was hoping for. Looking forward to hearing others opinions.

 

[WaRevo]

I have only had it one time and that was from some really old stock from a man that had some Cellar Tobaccos with age some longer then I have been alive. I remember when he broke out a Tin of Durbar, had this look on his face like it was the holy grail of tobaccos. Then tells me we will leave this for next week. As he holds up some Aperitif and says we will start here. I watched as he loaded a pipe and wanted to do it just as he had. I didn't want to look like a smoker that had just packed his pipe anyway I wanted and smoked away with hope it would smoke right (them days). So I had the Tin one that looked rather old and thought there is no way this will smoke very good. Tobacco was very nice and rich in color, slight moist to the touch but not look, If you understand what I am trying to say. On the front of the tin I remember it said something about smoking this around meal times and keeping the Palette clean. Sorry don't remember but was some old tin of Tobacco. It was a very nice and pleasant smoke. The next week when I returned he again had the durbar. This Tin I thought when i first seen it that it was just a small Tin he put it in to store it. However as we sit down and loaded our pipes I could understand why we waited on this tobacco. The Tin was older then me. It was one the Tobacco was sold in. Smelling the tobacco I could tell that it was going to be a stronger smoke then the Aperitif. Putting a flame to this tobacco I almost felt like it was a SIN. With the first draw of smoke I could get a some flavors of strong aged tobacco. While we sat and talked he talked about the old days and the passion of smoking a pipe every evening with the guys. How he would return home and sit with his dog in the den listening to music and reading a good book while he would enjoy his pipe. Now days most of that passion past. Still enjoys a good pipe once or twice a week. He told me one day I would think back to when I started smoking 25 years ago and wonder what ever happened to the simple days.

Anyway sorry back to your Question, I haven't had any of the new release tobacco but it is in my sights. It is what I was going to get him for Christmas a couple of Tins each. Between the two tobaccos for me anyway the Durbar was stronger tasting even with the age being older the Ap. Will have to wait to get some, I just bought some Tobaccos from someone and spent more then I was going to, Now will have to wait until my order in Nov before I can try the new tobacco.

James

 

[thedismaltrade]

Havent cracked my tins of either yet but this was an excellent review from smokingpipes.com
http://www.smokingpipes.com/smokingpipesblog/single.cfm/post/durbar-and-aperitif-old-vs-new

 

[Deadman's Point]

I'm also a Dunhill fan and have been waiting to hear some reviews of these releases. Your first impression of Durbar is not what I was hoping for. Looking forward to hearing others opinions.

I find that most of the time I agree with the consensus whether its by the power of suggestion or just dumb luck. In general, the praise on this one is high. Don't let me spoil it for you.

 

[JustTroItIn]

I'm also a Dunhill fan and have been waiting to hear some reviews of these releases. Your first impression of Durbar is not what I was hoping for. Looking forward to hearing others opinions.

I find that most of the time I agree with the consensus whether its by the power of suggestion or just dumb luck. In general, the praise on this one is high. Don't let me spoil it for you.

No worries. I haven't ruled them out yet.