Tobaccos Peterson - Nightcap

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30171)	2006-06-24		Very Strong	Strong	Very Full	Very Strong

Okay, okay. Yes, this isn't the same animal from 30 years ago. We get that much.

And yes, some of you had the same experience I have had: You opened up a tin of the new creature, found a lot of bright Virginias, some sassy periques and some rather vinegary-tasting latakias. Some of you even tossed it out as being too brash, too tart, not the knockout article you'd been led to expect.

Shame on you.

This is one fine blend. It just needs to settle in. Here's what you do.

Get yourself a big Bell mason jar, one of the quart-sized ones. Make sure it's a screw-top lid-seal jar just like granny made pickles and preserves in. Don't settle for fancy lever-seals or ceramic jars, they will disappoint you.

Open up your tin of Nightcap. Empty contents into mason jar. Screw on the lid for a tight seal. Shake well, to loosen up all the players.

Now stick that jar in the bottom of your closet and forget it exists.

Come back 2 weeks later, shake it up again, and put it back.

Come back in another 2 weeks and give it a good shake. Now open the jar.

THIS is the aroma you were seeking. Go ahead, fire it up and see why everyone else loves this blend so much.

Is it the Nightcap from 1975? No. But you know what? Who cares? It's a fine blend in it own right, given the proper time and space to get itself together. So fire up your magic Basement / Closet / Cupboard and stick s few jars of Nightcap in there. You won't regret it.

181 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	JimInks (3047)	2012-10-03		Medium to Strong	None Detected	Medium to Full	Tolerable to Strong

The very deeply rich, smokey, woody sweet and mildly musty Cyprian Latakia is the star component. The grassy, lightly tart and tangy citrus sweet Virginias form the base of the blend, and mostly plays a small role. The spicy, raisiny, plumy perique underlines the experience. The Oriental/Turkish adds some smoke, wood, earth, floralness, and dryness along with a pinch of salt and pepper in support of the very consistent flavor. The nic-hit is medium. The strength and taste levels are close to the strong and full thresholds respectively. Has no dull or weak spots, but does have some rough edges. Won’t bite, but you may possibly observe an extremely light harsh note if you puff like a freight train, so I recommend a reasonable cadence. Has some complexity, and burns at a moderate pace, clean and mostly cool. Requires few relights, and leaves just a little dampness in the bowl. Easily burns to ash. The after taste and pungent room note do linger. Not an all day smoke, but it’s certainly repeatable, unless your better half hits you in the head with a rolling pin for smelling up the house.

Is it different than the Murray's blend? It seems about the same to me, though I thought the Murray’s version had a little more depth by a hair.

-JimInks

122 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	phillllllllllllllll (1)	2014-06-20		Very Strong	Strong	Full	Tolerable

This is as quintessentially english as you can get. To really understand that you need to be in england on a summer's evening where you can walk out into your garden and smell the bonfires wafting over from your neighbours. England is obsessed by tidy gardens and burning unruly weeds. You need to understand why people in england created such a complex taste - it's to remind us of those few warm days a year that linger and one yearns for. You need to know what it's like sitting in a 300 year old cottage in the countryside; to smell and sense the lush damp green around you warmed by the sun, autumn musk and the cold of winter falling when you yearn for summer again. This is the comfort that is Nightcap. A musky, smoky, soothing oak of calming tobacco that gets you through the dark and rain when you long for a summer camp and bonfire. Nicotine induced hibernating rest unto summer. When you get that rare sunny haze you can smoke a pipe of this inside, go outside and smell it for real - even in winter on Bonfire Night. This is what I have come to understand about Dunhill tobaccos - wether it be the oriental english breakfast tea taste of Early Morning Pipe or the rush of plummy english christmas pudding mixed with connotations of navel travel of yesteryear in Royal Yacht, it's quintessential englishness that only someone in england could concoct.

Pipe Used: K & P , Jolly Roger

Age When Smoked: 36

82 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Steerpike (156)	2004-08-24		Very Strong	None Detected	Very Full	Very Strong

As a Latakia fiend, I think this must surely be the most magnificent Latakia blend I have tried.

When I first opened a tin of this, and took a huge sniff at the midnight-dark contents, my head reeled, and I experienced something approaching fear! The huge Latakia smokiness was there, richer than I had ever smelt it before, but stronger than this was a mysterious fermented, almost yeast-like smell. I can only compare it to smelling one of those powerful cheeses that one can find in Brno, in the Czech republic. A very savoury scent, stong and intimidating. I like these cheeses though, and was only put off for a moment. The dominance of this smell faded within a few hours of the tin being open, and became detectable as something in the background of the aroma.

Lighting is easy, provided that you let the tobacco air overnight, as it is excesively moist in the tin. The first time I smoked this, I thought I had died and gone to pipesmokers heaven. Nothing compares to the huge richness of this blend, and its unpredictably developing flavour, incredibly complex. In a Virginia-Perique blend, the perique builds through the bowl, and only really announces itself in the peppery finale. This blend displays this tendency, except that at odd moments throughout the bowl, the perique may leap out for a few extra-spicy puffs, before fading again to the spicy background flavour it usually supplies. The smoke is full, puff hard and you will blow smoke rings that last like no other, they seem almost ready to sail out of the window and wander off on an adventure of their own! When you puff more rapidly on it, the Latakia will dominate all other tastes, a flavour almost like very well cooked toast may develop. I like my toast black about the edges, so this is enjoyable enough to me. Puff more gently, and the Latakia will calm down, and other flavours have room to move, the tangy spice of the Perique, and the very subtle hint of sweetness from the Virginia will peek out through the smoke. Nutty flavours, woody flavours, earthy flavours, they are all here alongside the rich smokiness.

While very smooth, and totally without bite, the Perique gives a hint of sharpness, a zest that completes and complements the flavours. I am moved almost to poetry by it, better not smoke too much, or I might write something resembling Kubla Khan! It is strong, noticably stronger than St Bruno, so use a small pipe, and go easy until you get used to it. The room note is powerful, so don't smoke this in the same room as the canary! Smoke this last thing in the day, or you won't taste anything else that you eat or smoke.

If you want a drink to accompany it, choose something bold, such a a really strong coffee, continental dark roast does the trick. If its whiskey, go for an Islay malt, Laphroig works. If you like beer, get out the richest Imperial Russian Stout you can lay your hands on, the Durham brewery's "Temptation" (10% abv) does the trick. The only wine that could work with this would be Port.

Sit back, light up, and enjoy, relaxation is about to be re-defined!

62 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30171)	2008-03-13		Strong	Strong	Very Full	Very Pleasant

In my native country of Pakistan, it seemed like nearly all the pipe tobaccos sold were English blends. This was unfortunate because I enjoy the more aromatic American blends, which were hard to find. As a new pipe smoker (at the time), I tried several English blends but found them a bit too harsh and smoky tasting. A friend then recommended Dunhill's Nightcap. I had seen it in the tins in the stores but never knew anything about it and supposed it was smokey/woodsy-tasting like most of the other English blends. Not so. I fell in love with it immediately and continue to smoke today, some 20 years later. The perique and burleys help to balance out the harsher, more smokey latakia, making for a pleasant smoke. The only downside to this tobacco I found is the aftertaste it leaves in the mouth. My wife and family love the room note of this tobacco. (They hated the other English blends I used to smoke!) Some folks do not like this tobacco, but I think many of them do not know how to smoke it properly- it has to be smoked slowly, in order to burn cool, and in a pipe that is suitable. Some pipes burn to fast and too dry. This has to be smoked in a pipe that retains some moisture. If smoked too fast/hot, it will leave a bite, along with a wretched odor. If smoked slow/cool, it will leave a very pleasant, soothing aroma that is pleasing to everyone around you, and make a nice evening smoke THIS TOBACCO IS NOT MEANT TO BE INHALED!!! Now that I'm in the States, I usually buy this tobacco in bulk at the local tobacconist shop, and keep it in a humidified jar on my pipe stand. A word- let the tobacco age/weather a bit before smoking it. This will help to cut down a bit on the strength of it and will reduce the bite/aftertaste it leaves. I don't recommend this as an everyday smoke, but a good Friday/Saturday evening or special occasion smoke. For everyday smokes, I recommend an aromatic American blend.

58 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Gentleman Zombie (729)	2013-10-17		Strong	Extremely Mild	Full	Tolerable to Strong

Strong Latakia flavor with the Turkish close behind. Can dimly discern the Perique and Virginias in the background. By the end of the bowl they have seamlessly blended into one delicious flavor. It took me almost a full tin to fully appreciate this blend and I have come to love it. Highly recommended. Don't give up on it too early. It'll grow on you.

56 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Pipestud (1829)	2007-12-16		Very Strong	None Detected	Extra Full	Strong

This blend is touted as one of Dunhill's strongest. Dunhill doesn't lie. It is a powerful concoction and wickedly so. I can easily review this blend for those of you who have smoked 965. Just turn up the flavor 7 notches and throw in a bit of perique, and you have instant Nightcap!

The older, Royal Warrant with tails tins are highly sought after for good reason, the years of aging has smoothed the elements to the point where each puff is a heavenly experience. Strength, flavor and thick, creamy smoke will take you to Heaven's door!

The 1995-through-2005 Murray's version is quite tasty, too. Just not as forgiving on the palate.

54 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Malus Rex (9)	2013-09-23		Medium to Strong	None Detected	Full	Tolerable to Strong

If you're a member of this site, let's just agree to something now:

Once you log in, this site will hold your wife & dog hostage until you've written a review praising Nightcap. Personally, I'm okay with that arrangement.

This was my first proper English mixture. I found a tin that was old & dust covered on a back shelf at my tobacconist' shop. Sadly, I burned my way through the ambrosia within a matter of days. My normal cadence is to only allow myself 2 open tins at any given time, alternating pipes & tins before opening & trying other blends. However, Nightcap didn't join the rotation it BECAME the rotation for as long as those blessed 50g lasted.

With it's smoky, creamy, & full flavor it is every bit as satisfying as Dunhill claims. Now, every time I place an order for tobacco at smokingpipes.com, I order something new to try, an old favorite, and a tin of this.

There's my review of Nightcap!

Can I have the dog back now?

38 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Eulenburg (193)	2001-10-11		Strong	None Detected	Full	Strong

For twenty years, I smoked Escudo or Three Nuns before 6:00 p.m., Nightcap or Rattray's Red Rapparee after 6:00 p.m. Call me a Classicist, call me boring.

Then in 1990 I moved to Paris, where I couldn't readily find any of my favourites! I was forced to experiment. I will not horrify your child-like impressionability with all the indescribable crap that I tried. Suffice it to say that, when I despairingly decided to order some Nightcap direct from London, it tasted like balm-of-Heaven to the sores of a desert leper.

Nightcap is one great tobacco.

50% Latakia, it is forbiddingly deep and flinty, with a black velvet cushioning of Orientals, and a Virginia roundness that is truly grandiose. It takes a while to get going?there is always some bitterness at the beginning?but when the overpowering Latakia catches on, there is nothing like the oceanic depth of this blend. And, just when you are about to feel that it is perhaps a little bloated, Périque raises its impudent head like a ray of light in the night, giving the whole composition liveliness and finesse. Then a sec Virginia Oriental nuttiness will glimmer in the latakia gloom, as supple as diamonds at the bottom of a cave.

This is the most contemplative blend I know, with the perfect æsthetic clarity of Gregorian chant. Indispensable to the survival of human civilization.

25 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	quantumboy (130)	2009-05-09		Medium to Strong	Mild	Very Full	Pleasant

UPDATE: I've been dipping into this same tin (now in a jar) for a while now and the spices from the Orientals and the Perique are certainly more noticeable. Drier, it burns much more evenly and predictably. Flavors are more discernible and it's still an excellent tobacco.

ORIGINAL: This is based on a brand new Orlik tin that I just received from Germany.

In the tin, the sweet Virgina aroma predominates, with a very present but subdued Latakia smokiness. The weed is lighter than I expected, a nice mix of golden colors with the darker Latakia. Moisture was close to just right. Next time I may dry it for a little while before striking the match.

Upon lighting, it was less sweet than expected. It never really develops as much Virgina sweetness as some English blends, but the balance is impeccable. I can't perceive the Perique at all. The smokiness is the main player but the flavors blend so effortlessly that you can't help but just sink into a contemplative mood and smoke away the afternoon. I would characterize this tobacco as smooth, smooth, smooth.

I was surprised to find the room note toasty and pleasant, unlike most heavy Lat mixtures. The flavors intensified during the last third-bowl. I re-lit a couple times near the end to take advantage of the dregs, then allowed the final dottle to just burn out. A nice smoky aftertaste reminds you for a while of the pleasure you just experienced and makes you anticipate the next time you open the tin.

24 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	twaksak (54)	2014-06-28		Medium to Strong	None Detected	Medium to Full	Pleasant

I had the early morning blend earlier (in the morning) and now tried the nightcap sample. What can I add to all the great reviews here..... another favourite of mine due to my love for Latakia & Orientals. The Perique is the only difference I could pick-up between the EMP and this Nightcap - and in a way complimentary special! Nothing overpowering, nothing too much - just the right balance.

Another one of my regulars

Pipe Used: Meerschaum

21 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30171)	2007-02-02		Very Strong	None Detected	Extra Full	Tolerable

The Nightcap was one of the first truly English blends I smoked back in my neophyte piping days. Since that was about 30 years ago, and I can barely remember what I ate for breakfast this morning, let alone what a tobacco blend tasted like so long ago, I really have no basis of comparison. Anyway, as a college student hooked on heavily cased aromatics, I was probably too young to have appreciated it. Based on the stunning reviews I?ve read here, some of them dithyrambic, and given the fact that I am a fan of Dunhill, I?m sad to say that I?m a bit disappointed with what is supposed to be their pinnacle offering. I?m also not convinced that this is a bedtime smoke, as the nicotine can render you hyper. It is more suited as an after dinner pipe, especially after a broiled steak. Thumbs up for the tin art, though.

To be sure, Nightcap is a rich and immense tobacco. It?s a deep, dark full Latakia mixture that perks up the nose and awakens the palate. It smells nice in the tin, though I prefer Aperitif?s tin nose. After my long pipe smoking hiatus, I started out with a few other Dunhills to prepare my taste buds for this main course, enjoying 965, Durbar, Aperitif and Light Flake along the way. I just purchased a tin of London Mixture I?m eager to open, and based on those reviews, I?m looking forward to a fuller experience than Nightcap.

Not that this stuff is bad, it?s just not all that it?s cracked up to be. Coupled with the fact that there is so much good product out there, Nightcap leaves me rather disappointed. Since I love latakia and orientals, this one is rather flat. It gets better after the tin has dried out for a few days, but it is still on the monochromatic side. It?s also extremely tar heavy. It works best in a small meerschaum but never seems to take off in any of my briars, including my Dunhill. Perhaps like cigars, wines and other treats, the recipe has changed, or there might be variances from batch to batch. I may try it again, but for complexity and overall character, Durbar is by far the better blend. Frog Morton on the Town also leaves Nightcap in the dust.

Alas, I don?t find Nightcap very contemplative, nor do I hear the otherworldly sounds of Gregorian chant. However, like plainchant, it is most definitely monophonic.

Two and half of five stars ---------------------------- 2007 Update ---------------------------- A friend found a tin from England before production was shipped over to the EU. Again, not bad, but nothing to write home about. A very overrated blend, that distinguishedgentleman notes, was probably great a half century ago when Prince Albert, Half and Half and Tinder Box aromatics were your only tobacco choices. Do yourself a favor and get the excellent C & D Yale Mixture for a more adequate representation of a near perfect English. Also, stay away from this if you're averse to high nicotine contents. 'Bracer' might be more apropos than 'Nightcap'. Not a bedtime mixture. Again, not impressed, and believe that most of the glowing reviews posted here represent herd mentality thinking.

Two of five stars

20 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30171)	2009-08-04		Very Strong	None Detected	Full	Strong

This is a very strong blend for me. I rather choose Dunhill's other offerings, especially the 965. But can't stop myself buying this blend! When I really need a nightcap the Nightcap is a perfect choice. A long lasting and creamy smoke, very nicely associated with my favorite spirits as well.

19 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	LondonCalling (13)	2014-03-04		Strong	None Detected	Medium to Full	Tolerable to Strong

This is a blend which can cut through the cares of the day like a knife through butter: after a bowl of Nightcap nothing much matters any more; it takes pipesmoking to a whole different dimension; there's something shamanistic about the experience. I came to this blend too early, back in my 20s, when I had too little appreciation and too little tolerance of the powerful punch it packs, and didn't revisit it for the best part of 25 years. It's incredibly complex; not so much a tobacco in three dimensions as four. From the first draw I can tell there's something special here: rich, creamy smoke; peppery; a sourness. It develops oh so slowly: leathery; a hint of pine resin; then a dark meatiness. Towards the bottom of the bowl I've given up trying to classify the flavours as they come so densely. This is clearly a blend for lovers of Latakia, but it's so much more. The perique is evident, as are orientals I think. And for once the experience lives up to the blurb on the tin: it's certainly an evening smoke, unless you have nothing too pressing to do for the next hour or two.

Pipe Used: Peterson Rocky bulldog

Age When Smoked: Smoked from date of purchase

Purchased From: SmokeKing

18 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Greekpipesmoker (201)	2017-04-04		Medium	None Detected	Medium	Tolerable to Strong

Probably the most viewed blend in here...that's tempting to anyone to try out this star..so i did.the tin description is clear.it is a blend for leisure time and relaxation. I agree.when you open the tin you instantly understand tha latakia and orientals are the main players.woods,leather,coal,spices and some notes of dark fruits from the virginias.the moisture level is just perfect,the packing is easy and the lighting is also easy.might need some relights.while smoking you understand the complexity of this blend.latakia is the main player offering woods,leather.coals and some sweet notes.orientals come second giving mostly some spicyness,pepper.the virginias are really in the backround offering some dark fruits.as for the perique i had some notes but really rare.burns cool without chance of biting as long as you go normal.the nicotine level is medium.i disagree that it is a very strong blend.i found it very pleasing as long as you follow the tin description!abviously not an all day smoke.my advice is to pack it in a churchwarden pipe as the pic on the tin.you will love it trust me!

Age When Smoked: Straight from the tin

15 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Rufus T. Firefly (24)	2019-09-24		Medium	None Detected	Medium to Full	Pleasant to Tolerable

I can't believe I never rated my favourite tobacco of all time. Since it's now been discontinued and I had none cellared, I thought I'd never have the pleasure of smoking it again. Then by a twist of fate, I found myself in a small mom and pop tobacco store. Filled with mostly cheap cigars and cigarettes. I saw something strange three large jars marked 965, Early Morning, and Nightcap. After a discussion with the owner, I found out they were the real thing not so called match tobaccos. I immediately bought his entire stock. I have my favourite tobacco for years to come! That being said, I'm writing this review as I puff away on this perfect blend. You can taste and smell the Latakia and the perique gives it just the right amount zing. It smokes cool and never bites. It has a great nicotine hit without being overwhelming. The room note is awesome, no complaints from my wife! It smokes down to ash and the flavor remains the same throughout. If you can find it, buy it you won't be disappointed.

Pipe Used: Numerous Dunhill and Ser Jacopo pipes

Age When Smoked: New to one week

Purchased From: Various suppliers

Similar Blends: They're are many similar tobaccos to nightcap but I've never found it's equal..

14 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	HabaneroHardy (403)	2016-12-30		Medium	None Detected	Very Full	Unnoticeable

My New Year resolution is not to buy any pipe tobacco for the next 6 months, so I bought HH Bold Kentucky, 965, Night Cap, and Early Morning Pipe for my Christmas present. I have accumulated pipe tobacco since 1998 and will probably die before I go through it all. So I am trying to narrow down my blends with quality vs quantity, therefore I fired up Night Cap last night and had forgotten how wonderful it smelled and how nice and spicy it tasted. I will not go into trying to describe it like it is some sort of wine, i.e., figs, peat, etc. All I taste is a spiciness that I know I like but cannot describe except to say if I were a cat this would be my catnip. It is a pleasant blend to smoke in the evening with my cup of coffee.

Pipe Used: TC FULLER 2009 #3 POKER

Age When Smoked: New Bulk Purchase

Purchased From: pipesandcigars.com

14 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	SmokeDawg (82)	2014-01-24		Medium to Strong	None Detected	Medium to Full	Strong

After going through my armload of newly purchased tins of hit and miss, I finally hit one flavor that is EXACTLY what I was looking for in my steady rotation. Nightcap is the full bodied English blend taste I've been craving and searching for. However, in my excitement of rapid draws for more of that tasty treat the nicotine promptly settled over me and sang me a lullaby. Thirty minutes later I found my self hugging my pillow for a well to do nap. I don't care who made this blend before and who makes it now. Grandma could be cranking this out like meth in the basement… just keep it coming. (I've now taken to calling it "NightCrack"). It's great and a reminder of good ole fashioned pipe smoking pleasure good anytime of the day.

Addition: 7/24/14 After reviewing my past notes I see I only gave it 3 stars. WTH? This is easliy 4 stars... I just added the last star.

Pipe Used: Cob. Savinelli Churchwarden

Purchased From: JR Cigars

14 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Deckard Cain (39)	2018-01-09		Medium to Strong	None Detected	Full	Tolerable to Strong

This tobacco is not overrated. It is every bit as good as everyone says, and even more. But I do find many reviews to be a little outlandish regarding its strenth. I do appreciate it. IV smoked it for years, and have plenty cellared. But its reputation is ridiculous, and nothing to be feared. It is smooth and pleasant. It is rich and heady. It is a little smoky. But for all the promises of nic it makes, it falls a little short. Its is not overly strong. It is not a heavy hitter. The nic hit is noticable. Those who advise smoking this after a meal, for fear of a dizzy nicotine stupor are just plain silly. That is called sensationalism. Those are the people that act totally drunk after one drink at a party. As far as strength of taste and boldness, Nightcap does not approach the majority of GL Pleases blends. Nightcap has loads of Latakia, but I don't really consider it to be a Latakia centered blend. Latakia has flavors far beyond the campfire essence so often talked about. Nightcap is supposed to be a naughty pleasure, an over the top exercise in sinful excess. It is not. Its just a pleasure. Those who call it "the velvet hammer" should run in fear of Sextant or Gaslight. And 1792 flake would surly do them in.

Update 9-2022

I still think Nightcap is a little misunderstood by most of the reviewers. And I still maintain that it is not an overly potent smoke. But it's only fair for me to confess a deep and secret love for this blend. Nightcap is a Big smoke. To the English smoker, nightcap is a unique smoking experience. It's easy enough to identify its elements, but at times they all seem to merge into a single mystifying abyss. I guess I'm trying to say that this blend has a personality. Not complex, but absolutely much greater than the sum of its parts. For me nightcap is an experience I can only describe as magical. One small puff, and I feel as though I am in the presence of an old dear friend, that I hold in the highest regard. I have no interest in smoking this blend during conversation or any other activity. For me, smoking it is a solitary thing, as close to a religious experience as any tobacco could ever get. Sometimes I simply get lost in it, like staring at an ancient wool rug whose pattern becomes more elaborate with every passing second, branching out into Infinity like some cosmic display of fractional math that is beyond man's understanding. I do not know what makes Nightcap so good. All I can say is that this blend is a testament to the very best things about mankind. Yes, I love this blend.

Pipe Used: Cobs, petersons

Age When Smoked: New and 3 year aged.

Purchased From: Pipes and cigars

Similar Blends: Probably what gandalf smoked.

13 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	PanamaJack (2)	2014-05-06		Strong	None Detected	Medium to Full	Pleasant to Tolerable

I can't finish a day without a bowl of Nightcap. I don't know if it's strenght or the amount or nicotine, but it relaxes me beyond other Latakia mixture. This is a strong latakia mixture, not to be toyed with. After a good dinner or meal its recommended. Don't try this on empty stomach. It burns slow and produce a good volume of smoke, you'll end up smelling latakia until you wash and change your clothes if smoked in a closed space. The oriental note is strong enough to produce a sweet taste to it. And the perique is there, but rarely felt. This is one of those blends I can't run off.. I should always have a tin somewhere.

Pipe Used: Churchwarden 14"

Age When Smoked: unknown

Purchased From: Pipes & Cigars

13 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	crackonosh (8)	2013-11-27		Strong	None Detected	Very Full	Strong

Definitely one of my all time favourites. Very full, rich smoke with a lot of flavour. Strong tin aroma, huge portion of latakia, some sweet virginias and orientals detected as well. This is great tobacco for aging—I have opened one 11 years old tin (made in UK) recently and it was an excellent smoke. More earthy, darker in color and slightly refined in taste. Outstanding mixture, everyday pleasure.

Age When Smoked: 1 year, 11 years

Similar Blends: Ashton Artisan’s Blend.

13 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Tantric (321)	2005-11-08		Strong	None Detected	Full	Very Strong

The first time I tried Nightcap I was still very much in love with My Mixture 965, London Mixture and Balkan Sobranie. I enjoyed it, but perhaps my palate was so underdeveloped that I did not find any particular trait that made Nightcap any different from my other ?English's?, except, perhaps, that it was a tad stronger. I have recently had the opportunity of smoking it again. Though I still feel it is very similar to other English-Balkan type of blends (Royal Tudor and Durbar come to mind), it does have a variety of subtle undertones and a flavor range that make it a very peculiar blend.

Being a strong tobacco, care should be taken not to smoke it greedily or otherwise you'll go to bed feeling rather giddy. It burns slowly and it should be enjoyed so. After the initial blast of Latakia subsides, very incisive by the way, you start tasting the subtle sweetness of the Virginias, complemented by the peppery spiciness of the Perique. I don't know if the combination of these three ingredients shy out the presence of the Orientals, but it is always difficult for me to pick them up in this blend.

The point is that Nightcap really forces you to pay attention to what you are smoking; it is a tobacco that engages the smoker in a way only few others can (Black Mallory perhaps, and the original Balkan Sobranie, have had a similar effect on yours truly).

Its dream-like qualities do have the virtue of transporting you to that superior realm of ?somkinghood? where everything else ceases to matter: it is only you, your pipe, and the perfect depth of the incense-smokiness of Nightcap. Eulenburg has perhaps best expressed, in truly poetic terms, the potency emanating from this blend. I have yet to experience it in that almost opiate dimension!

Update: Been smoking Nightcap quite a bit the last few months. I'm getting to undertand the Perique in this blend a lot better. Truly an almost religious experience. It's incense and incandescence, silent and deep, a Vedic chant: mantra.

13 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	FilipPruncu (89)	2019-08-31		Medium	None Detected	Medium to Full	Tolerable to Strong

I know this is a long review. But, for such an important blend, it has to be. It has to be complete, it has to be precise, it has to be carefully wrote. I’ve smoked enough tins of Nightcap in order to write this full review, and below you will read about the Dunhill Nightcap that I smoked back when it was available, the Dunhill from Europe versus the Dunhill from the US, but also a comparison between Dunhill Nightcap and Peterson Nightcap. I hope this will be useful and you’ll enjoy.

-------------------

Original review:

I wrote and rewrote this review at least 5 times. It’s the most complex and difficult tobacco review I’ve done so far (that’s why it’s so long). I chose to do this review late, after I smoked enough tins of Nightcap and after I’ve compared them, after I tested in different pipes, etc.

Not only that it’s my all time favorite tobacco, but it’s also one of the most famous and appreciated tobaccos, so I tried not to be too subjective, I tried to test it carefully, not to rush things, not to let myself influenced by what others say about it and not to make a conclusion after few bowls. I considered that this blend deserves a complex review, and that’s what I’ve tried to do here, and whoever has the interest and patience to read it will learn about the differences and the complexity of this blend.

Practically, this review is based on two tins of European Nightcap that I’ve smoked "fresh" (not aged) in the past, on 7 bowls of European Nightcap from a 2 year old tin and over 8 bowls of American Nightcap from a 2 year old tin.

So, we already have some differences, first of all because of the age of the tobacco when it was smoked and second of all because of the country of origin where it was bought from. Many people say there is no difference between the tobaccos in America and those from Europe, but I don’t think they ever smoked the same blend from America and from Europe. Yes, there is a difference. There is also a difference when tobaccos are aged or fresh. And I will try to describe them in this review. So, lets start!

THE FIRST TINS I’VE SMOKED (FRESH EUROPEAN TINS)

I want to start talking a bit about the fresh tins that I’ve smoked in 2017 and 2018, from what I remember about them, because there are differences (more or less) between “fresh” and “aged” tobaccos.

First time I’ve tried Nightcap was at a pipers meeting, when a member of the group suggested I try this blend from his tin. It was love at first smoke! I simply fell in love with it and quickly bought myself the first tin of Nightcap, and then the second tin, and then.... Dunhill closed its doors and I couldn’t get my hands on it for some time until recently.

From what I remember, it had a strong tin note, a strong latakia smell but not only. Although I was still a fresh initiate in pipe smoking (I think I only had few months since I started pipe smoking) and I didn’t even have a fancy pipe back then (it was a cheap Angelo pipe, billiard shape, but which smoked and still smokes great after so many years and so many bowls) I never had a problem with this tobacco. I don’t recall ever having a tongue bite, I don’t remember having problems lighting it, I don’t remember having any issues with it, only pleasure. Everything was perfect!

I was smoking a lot at home, at any time of the day. I remember it had a very strong latakia taste but also a strong perique taste (although, not like in a VaPer), it was smoky and a bit spicy, but with a great taste which remained in my mouth for quite a while after I finished smoking. My girlfriend from back then and just about everybody who was around me when I smoked this blend said it smells bad, but I personally loved it. The tin note, the room note, the taste, the burn, everything was great. Now I really regret not buying more tins, because today I find myself in the situation of spending a lot of money for a tin, but also searching for one is a difficult task.

Now, with the help of a friend, I managed to get my hands on another tin and taste it again. He offered me his Nightcap in order to make this review, and he also gave me the Nightcap from Wellauer & Co to make a comparison, but I will write that in another review, of course. And, in the meantime, I also bought myself a tin from Pipestud (he’s been writing many reviews here and he’s a great tobacco dealer and great guy), which is of course an American tin from 2017.

EUROPEAN TIN FROM 2017

Now, lets talk a bit about the tobacco from my friend, the European tin from 2017 (2 years old).

The first bowl I smoked was weird. I haven’t tasted this blend in over a year and it seemed quite different from what I remembered about Nightcap. It seemed it didn’t have the same taste, that strong taste, and the perique was almost absent. It was still pleasant, but I felt like it wasn’t the same.

Then, after smoking the second bowl, and the third and so on, I realized that yes, this is the Nightcap I remember. I don’t know why the first bowl seemed different, but after the second bowl and the next it was exactly how I remembered it.

I can’t say much about the tin note because I didn’t receive it in the tin, I received it in a small hermetic jar, completely filled with the tobacco, and there was no space between the cap and the tobacco, so it was difficult to detect the smell. I tried to smell it from the jar but I couldn’t sense much. So, I’ve put it on the table to dry and tried to smell it. Only then it started to show its olfactory qualities. It has a latakia smell but milder than I remember it, it was more smell of oriental/turkish, with its leathery smell. Actually, the smell wasn’t so strong as I remember it.

It remained quite moist, so in order to smoke it I had to take out for a bowl and let it dry for about 8-10 minutes.

It’s a ribbon cut with short ribbons, a lot of black tobacco, even the virginia is darker, brownish, only a few bits are brighter.

Now lets get to the important stage: Lighting and smoking!

The taste can be felt from the first draws, it burns well but if you don’t pay attention to it it might go out and will need some relights, but if you smoke it carefully, it burns well.......

... after a few more smokes Oh God! YES!!!!! How much I missed this taste! Although milder in latakia than the older (fresh) tins I had in the past, it is very balanced. Of course, the first taste you will notice will be latakia, with its smoky, sweet and creamy taste. It’s also more smoky than in other blends, that’s for sure. The orientals can also be tasted easily, and the perique, unlike the previous (fresh) tins in which I really tasted it, here I barely detect it.

Weird, now my pipe got hot, and we’re not talking about a blend full of virginia. Maybe I missed it so much that I puffed too greedy and got it too hot. I apologize, it’s hard for me not to devour this. It’s too good! I’ll let the pipe rest for a bit...

...I’m back! I relight my pipe and now the perique started to get noticed too, which gives the blend an extra flavor, something extra. It’s not spicy as in a VaPer, it’s like a special ingredient, like you’d add pepper in a food to give an extra taste. At it goes great! The whole combination of tobaccos is perfect! And it is, indeed, FULL BODIED.

It also has a pleasant aftertaste, it stays with you for some time after you smoke it, unless you drink something too aromatic, or even a coffee. The smoky, woody, leathery taste lingers after you finish smoking your pipe.

The room note is quite the same, as I remember it, full of latakia which would hit any poor non-smoker or someone who is not used to this tobacco or latakia in general. But I personally love the smell! Actually, I fell in love with latakia because of Nightcap. The tin note, the taste, the room note... they are all great! And I admit, it’s a strong room note. I don’t have a girlfriend right now to bother her with questions about the smell, but my ex used to say it “stinks” a lot. It may be so, but I love the way it “stinks”!

AMERICAN TIN FROM 2017

Now I’ll try to describe the tin from our good friend Pipestud (remember, he posted many reviews here, and good reviews too. has a great knowledge of pipe and pipe tobacco. a lot to learn from this man)

Many times I’ve had the discussion about the differences between American tobacco and European tobacco. I’m Romanian, I’m from Europe, I’m used to the tobacco here, I’m very familiar with it, but I also smoked many tins from America. The people who insisted that there’s no difference were always Americans, and I believe that they never actually compared a blend from both ‘sides’. But I’ll tell you.... there’s a difference! My personal opinion is that the American version, even if it doesn’t have a casing or topping, it still has something added. I don’t have clear proof, but I have my personal experiences and the information I’ve gathered in time from many experienced pipe smokers. At the last meeting of Pipe & Cigar Club Romania that I went to there was an employer from SmokingPipes at our table and he confirmed that in American tobaccos there’s something extra added that is not in the European tins. Take that into consideration, please.

Ok, so... when I opened the tin I had many surprises. First of all, unlike the European tin that I got from my friend, this one had a brighter tobacco, the virginia was golden, unlike the virginia from the European tin, which was brownish. Then, there were two things that kinda scared me...

I found some white spots on the tobacco, and the tin smell was very odd, slightly sour, fermented. It was like a smell of vinegar and ketchup. I thought, maybe the sour smell comes from the perique, but I don’t think it can be so strong. In any case, very little latakia smell compared to the European tin.

There’s been almost two years since I last smoked Nightcap and I kinda forgot how the tin note was, but I’m very sure it had a strong latakia smell, which I can’t really detect in this tin, only on a subtle note. I took the tobacco from the European tin and the tobacco from the American tin and started comparing their smell, and it’s a little different, and the major difference is that this one has a sour, fermented smell and a bit of ketchup smell.

It’s odd, because this year I also smoked My Mixture 965, London Mixture and Early Morning pipe, and they were all 2 years old, they all had white spots but none of them smelled weird and they were great. These being the English/Oriental blends, because I also smoked Royal Yacht, also from 2017, which actually didn’t even have any spots on it.

When I opened the tin, there was that hiss, which theoretically means it was well sealed. But somehow I panicked, I thought it was fermented and decayed, so I took pictures of the white spots and sent them to many pipe smokers and explained to them the smell, asking them what they think, and I got different answers. I took a magnifying glass to look better at those spots and they looked more like sugar crystals instead of mold, but then I took a piece and rubbed it between my fingers and the white spots where gone... which is not good, because if it’s mold it goes away, but if it crystals it stays there.

I left the tin opened and scattered the tobacco a bit, then I closed the tin and reopened it 2 days later. The smell was changed. It was no longer as weird as in the beginning. I sensed a smell of leather, as from the oriental tobacco, with some sour notes. Unlike the European tobacco I got from my friend, this one had a vapid smell, milder and with sour notes. They both smell like leather, but the tobacco from the American tin wasn’t so smoky. And the biggest difference is that this tin from USA also has a fermented smell and a.... ketchup smell.

But anyway, lets move on!

The tobacco is partially moist, I think it can be smoked directly from the tin, but I prefer to take out enough for a bowl and let it dry for 4-5 minutes. The cut is like any Dunhill ribbon cut, meaning perfectly cut. Has a lot of black tobacco, some brown and some golden parts as well. It’s brighter than the European version.

Now lets fill the pipe and light it up! Curious, very curious...

The first smokes: A leathery taste with something spicy... very spicy. Perique, is that you? Could this be the reason why the tin smell was sour? It has more perique than the European version? I don’t know, lets smoke further....

It’s some smoky taste on the background, but shy. Instead, the perique taste continues, especially when I retrohale. And a very, very weird thing is that I sense a weird sweetness, as if it’s some ketchup taste, similar to the Frog Morton taste. The perique is still strong, it’s like having a mix of oriental and perique.

The taste at this Nightcap is strange, so I’ll make an experiment. I put some European Nightcap in a pipe and some American Nightcap in another pipe. Both pipes have the same shape, Prince Shape. I need to make a comparison, because what I’m smoking right now from this American Nightcap is very different from what I remember and know about the European Nightcap.

While the bowl with the American Nightcap stayed a bit to cool down, I light up my bowl with the European Nightcap. Then I light the other one. Well, now imagine how i’m smoking from two similar pipes at the same time.

Yeah, I really did this. And it was helpful. Yes, there is a difference. The European Nightcap is smokier, as I remember it, while the American Nightcap has a more leathery taste, a lot of perique taste and a weird taste of... ketchup (like I said, similar to Frog Morton on the log). Why this difference?

The old tins of Nightcap which I smoked (also European) had the same strong perique taste (well, maybe not this strong) but they were smokier and didn’t have this ketchup taste.

In any case, this one (the american) also has a strong taste, it is Full Bodied, and while it’s different from the European, it’s still very good. Why it’s different, I don’t know, I just say what I taste and detect.

Is it bad? Nope. I’d personally preferred if it was smokier and not having that weird ketchup taste. Only after half of the bowl the ketchup taste starts to go out and begins to get a bit smokier. The latakia taste starts to make its presence known, very nicely, with the smell of a smoked wood and something smooth, which is completed by the peppery taste of the perique and the leathery taste of the orientals. The virginia is hard to detect here, I think it was used only for burning purposes. Only if you pay attention and search for it, you will sense a subtle virginia taste. So, after you get to the half of the bowl it starts to get close to the Nightcap that I know and love.

While I was smoking, I put the pipe away for a few minutes and went to another room to do something. When I came back I was hit by a strong smoke, which i can’t really compare to anything. It has the smell of latakia, but it’s combined with something else which I can’t figure out what it is. Personally, I like the smell, I always liked the smell of latakia, but everyone who had the occasion of being around me when I smoked Nightcap said it smells bad. In other words, it’s not a tobacco you would go smoke with other non-smokers, not inside or outside at a terrace, because you will bother everyone. You will probably be the only one enjoying it, and that’s a bit selfish.

FINAL CONCLUSION:

It’s an amazing blend. It was and still is my favorite tobacco. For me, it is the perfect tobacco. At the question that goes around on the forums “what tobacco would you take with you on a deserted island” I would easily say Nightcap. If I were to smoke a single tobacco for all my life, it would be Nightcap. I don’t know if and when I will be able to find a better blend for me that would dethrone Nightcap, but you never know. But until then, this remains my favorite blend.

It’s rich in strong flavors, full bodied, where everything is balanced perfectly, offering a heavy, complex and delicious smoke. Latakia, oriental/turkish, perique, virginia... you can detect them all, but they are so well combined that the final result is just amazing.

Burns well, but it might need a few relights. The tin smell is weird (although I remember it very pleasant in the past). The taste is excellent. None of them is strong in vitamin N, I’d say the strength is medium. The room note for me is pleasant, but for others might not be so pleasant, especially non-smokers.

I personally prefer and recommend to everyone the European Nightcap, but in its absence the American Nightcap can also offer enough pleasure to fall in love with it. Finally, if you like full bodied blends with a lot of latakia and oriental, if you also like perique, then you will most probably love this blend. Pipes used: Savinelli Trevi 320 KS (Author shape), Savinelli Tevere 315 KS (Prince shape), Jean Claude unknown model (Prince shape), Peterson Aran B7 (quarter bent Rhodesian shape), Butz Choquin Castel 1009 (pot shape) Age When Smoked: fresh & 2 years

EDIT FEBRUARY & April 2022: COMPARING DUNHILL AND PETERSON

Dunhill Nightcap, December 27th, 2017 Aspect: The Dunhill cut, excellent ribbons. Darker in color than the Peterson, which is normal considering that this is 5 years old and the Virginia gets darker. Tin note: Smoky and leathery. Medium in intensity. Taste: Perfection! Smoky, leathery and a bit spicy. It’s dark and deep in taste, being a medium to full bodied smoke. The latakia is very present, even though it’s not as smoky as it was in the fresh Dunhill tins that I smoked back in the day. Also, the latakia dances beautifully with this excellent quality oriental and the perique is exactly like a pinch of salt that you put in a dish: only a pinch can give great taste, if you put too much it might unbalance everything. Not the case here, everything is perfectly balanced. Room note: Dark, smoky… very serious! This is a room note that will hit you. Good thing for me is that I love it. I simply love it! Others: Burns perfect! Every pipe I load with it needs only one match and it’s going, without needing any relight. Doesn’t get hot at all. Delivers a very thick smoke.

Peterson Nightcap, November 7th, 2019 Aspect: Has the same Dunhill cut, excellent ribbons. Lighter in color than the Dunhill, probably because it didn’t age too much and the Virginia is still young. Tin note: Vinegary, not as strong as the Dunhill. Also smoky and a bit leathery, but not as intense. Room note: Also very strong in smell, very serious, very smoky. Taste : Perfection! Smoky, leathery and a bit spicy. A bit different from the Dunhill tin, but it’s closer to what I remember Nightcap to taste. A very rich taste of smoked wood and leather, with some peppery notes. It’s medium to full.

CONCLUSION OF DUNHILL VS. PETERSON:

Initially, when I first popped open the tins and tried them side by side, both in price shaped pipes, this is what I declared in the following video review (see the video for full details) –

The Dunhill tin note was “definitely smoky, with some spice… like a campfire, but it’s not a lot of wood in it… like a raisin or something.. not very, very powerful, at least for me, because I’m used to it, but I remember the first time I smelled a tin of Dunhill and it was mindblowing.” The Dunhill taste was “not as full bodied as I remembered it. Tasted like smoked oak barrel, if that makes any sense. Smoky, definitely smoky. A bit of spice when you retrohale, but if I remember the first Nightcap, it had a decent amount of perique and I could definitely taste that one. This is even different from what I remember Nightcap to be. Not as full bodied as I remember it. Maybe because this tin is from 2017, we’re in 2022 now, so the smokiness of the latakia faded in time, so this could be a possible reason. It has some leathery notes which I remember detecting a lot in London Mixture, but also in Standard Mixture from Dunhill. It’s that leathery oriental very specific to the Dunhill blends, unlike other orientals which are more spicier or flowery. Getting back, it has a charred wood taste, and leather and a lot of smokiness and a bit of spice, just a bit. Medium to full in body. Now I remember why I love Nightcap so much. For me this is the Holy Grail of English blends. People talk about Penzance being the Holy Grail. No, for me, this is just on top [of everything]. Last thing to say, it has a very strong aftertaste.”

The Peterson tin note was “very similar, but more vinegary and stronger in smell [than the Dunhill tin, which is smokier]. Similar, but a bit different. Smoky, but not as smoky as the Dunhill tin.” The Peterson taste was “spicier [than in the Dunhill tin I had]. Is it different? It is. Is it very different? No. They are pretty much the same. Maybe this one [the Peterson] is not as smoky as the Dunhill, but it is definitely smoky. It is also medium to full bodied. They taste similar, but they are not identical. I know the story that they’re from the same producer, with the same leaves, the same recipe. Why is it not identical? I don’t know. Maybe it’s the age [difference]. Could be! We also seen the color of the tobacco. This one [the Peterson] doesn’t have much of that leathery taste that the Dunhill has. Is this the Nightcap that I know [and remember]? It’s very close but it’s not the same. There are differences that I’m trying to find. Like I said, it’s spicier than the Dunhill but it doesn’t have that leathery taste that Dunhill has, and it’s also not as smoky as the Dunhill. But it’s a difference. This is my conclusion. I know people say “oh, no, it’s the same”. For me it’s not. And I just compared both of them.”

The cut is identical, the colors differ most probably due to the difference of age. Moisture was perfect at both of them. Ignition and burning is perfect.

Now, what I wrote above was the first conclusion when I compared them side by side. After smoking both of them for a while, this is the FINAL conclusion about Dunhill vs. Peterson Nightcap:

The Dunhill is the same, but due to the age it has lost some of it’s original taste. The Peterson on the other hand, even though it first seemed a bit different, it’s actually closer to the Dunhill taste that I remember. So, that said, Peterson Nightcap IS the same Nightcap that we had from STG under the brand name of Dunhill. It’s full bodied, it’s smoky, it’s spicy, it’s leathery, it’s all you can expect from Nightcap. Amazing blend! Just amazing! Still my favorite after all these years!

Also a video of the final conclusion, smoking them both in author shaped pipes, this is what I declared in the following video review (see the video for full details) –

Thanks to STG and Peterson for not letting these blends go away. Treasures!

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So, I reviewed Nightcap from Europe and Nightcap from the US, I reviewed Nightcap from Dunhill and Nightcap from Peterson. I hope that one day I’ll be able to get my hands on a Murray tin and complete this review. But until then…. I’ll just keep puffin on the available Peterson Nightcap and enjoy it to the fullest!

Best blend for me, an absolute favorite.

Similar Blends: Wellauer & Co - Nightcap.

12 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	StevieB (2081)	2016-08-20		Medium to Strong	Mild	Medium to Full	Pleasant

Dunhill - Nightcap.

Perfect size ribbons: on the slimmer side, and even in proportions. Although it's called Nightcap it's a brilliant first smoke of the day too: It's a fuller tasting English rather than one of the over-smoky Latakia laden ones. I find the flavour profile's raised and enriched by the Perique, this gives a lovely dark fruit/plum quality to the smoke. Another thing to make it a good starting point to the day is the lack of bite; soft bite free smoke throughout! And the burn's perfect: clean, even, steady, and leaves no dottle.

The nicotine's medium to strong and the room-note's not too heavy.

Highly recommended.

Pipe Used: Mastro Geppetto

Age When Smoked: New

Purchased From: My Smoking Shop

12 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	moniker (220)	2015-05-24		Mild to Medium	Very Mild	Mild to Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

Spoiler alert: I’ve smoked enough Nightcap over the years to know I don’t like it, however – because it’s “Nightcap” , and because it keeps changing - I’ve re-confirmed my findings periodically, not to miss some sort of epiphany with the stuff, such as others have apparently had. This review is only for the current, STG version, which is far less strong and concentrated than previous iterations, but it is no more palitable to me for that. FWIW, I do like "English" blends, and Perique, but NC puts me off my feed, and less is not more here, IMO. Perhaps it is personal chemistry, but to me this STG NC is nothing special in any terms I can muster for its description, being fairly light and insipid in the tin and off the match, and going from there straight to harsh and dry - as ever - as it develops, down the bowl. Tin note is Latakia and semi-musty/dusty Orientals way over aged VAs, along with some peat. The lot reminds me of old, stale coffee grounds with dry lawn clippings. It handles, lights and burns well. Tastes today hew to a balance of plain-ish, mildly soapy Latakia and dusty Orientals well over mild, aged VAs, and not much else. The Perique is AWOL until NC is smoked, and then I think it is not a good example of Perique, being more harsh than spicy or fruity. Strength these days is mild to medium. Tastes these days are mild to medium. Room note now is altogether tolerable. Aftertaste is better than average for a mild-medium English.

I wrestled with my rating here, but the way I do this I can’t recommend what I don’t understand, so 1 star from me. I realize NC is a very popular blend, but I still don’t get the appeal vs. readily available options.

Pipe Used: various briars

Age When Smoked: fresh to 5 years +

Purchased From: Liberty Tobacco

12 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	sagepipe (13)	2014-10-28		Strong	None Detected	Full	Strong

Nightcap is one of the most reviewed tobaccos on this site. It is also a favorite of many and held in high esteem of most. It is easy to see why so many enjoy this dark delight. It is a full smoke with complex flavor and and deep rich notes. The strong aroma from the tin was intimidating at first but soon after lighting the first bowl it became apparent why Nightcap is enjoyed by so many. It is strong in many ways but somehow smooth and delightful to its finish.

12 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30171)	2009-07-26		Strong	Mild	Full	Tolerable to Strong

I think this will be review number 233 for Dunhill Nightcap, so it's hard to say anything that hasn't been said several times before.

This is my benchmark English blend. I love the rich velvety Latakia taste and, as I am a slow and gentle smoker, I've never been bothered by the high nicotine content of Nightcap. I'm down to the last quarter of my last Murray's tin (a gift from a fellow pipe smoking friend and savouring it because, sadly, there will be no more.

An all time classic.

12 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Calamiti (86)	2020-04-19		Medium to Strong	Mild	Full	Pleasant to Tolerable

Today I've finished my last tin of Nightcap. That was not just my last tin of NC, that was the very last Dunhill I had had in my cellar. I loved them all: Royal Yacht, Elizabethan Mixture, Durbar, Navy Rolls and, yeah, Nightcap. Oh that Nightcap... there was nothing like it (not even Peterson Balkan Delight although vaguely similar, stood close to it).

I'm still feeling the aftertaste. It's been the last Dunhill in my smoking career. Cause I won't spend ridiculous sums on vintage tins: I prefer my money to fund not greedy ebay resellers but the good guys who are still making real tobaccos, like the Gawithes.

Well, I know, Peterson now owns a blend under the same name and produces it after the same recipe. I know also about two clones by McConnell marketed as "Nightclub" and "Covent Garden". I have little doubt that the Peterson's version won't technically differ from the Dunhill's. Nevertheless, however successful the clones could be, they are just clones - and the real thing has gone forever. Because flavour and aroma, as much as they're important, still wasn't all on which the magic of Dunhill blends was built. A huge part of the appeal was the brand itself: Dunhill Pipe Tobacco belonged to the realm of luxury goods. May I ask how many luxury goods you can afford to use daily? For me, through years, it's been the one and only: Dunhill Tobaccos. From now on, when my last Dunhill is over, I use none. Peterson is a masterpiece in its own right, but it's never pretended to be a luxury brand.

Nightcap was dark, deep, velvety and spicy. Just like the black nightsky speckled with sharp-edged stars. Good night, old fellow.

11 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Bassel_L (7)	2020-04-04		Strong	Strong	Very Full	Strong

This Blend is definetly for English Lovers. Its concentration of Latakia and Perique are what makes this blend very distinctive between all other with similar content. Very strong taste, with strong to pleasant room note, it is better smoked outside, which is has double pleasure, first by getting to the nature and second to get away from your wife XD If you love relaxation and connection with mother nature, then this blend is for you!

Age When Smoked: New

Purchased From: Beirut Duty Free

11 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	bluebossa17 (2)	2014-05-13		Medium to Strong	None Detected	Medium to Full	Tolerable to Strong

This is my favorite tobacco. The smell is so complex and rich. Taste is even and perfect. Nice slow burn, and easy to keep lit.

11 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	boc777 (39)	2013-12-27		Strong	None Detected	Full	Tolerable to Strong

Its difficult to add to the body of reviews compiled on here for this outstanding tobacco. But, this one deserves another 4 star review. This has become far and away my favorite smoke. I was never a cig smoker, so I have an aversion to most tobaccos that "feel" and leave the room smelling like an ashtray. My wife would love it if I only smoked aromatics, (which I also enjoy) but there are times when I really want something with more flavor and a nice vitamin N hit. This always hits the spot. I love the spicy kick to it, but its not overpowering. I haven't been around long enough to have tried the original, but I really don't care. This is a masterpiece in my opinion. From the smell in the tin, to the room note to the coolest tin on the market. This is the one I think about all day and crave at night. Wish I could smoke it all day long at work! If you haven't tried this, you really need to. Its a gem and it will always be in my rotation. Have a few tins stashed away to cellar, but it may be hard not to get into them early. Cheers! 12-10-19 Update: A while back I discovered that one of the tins I was cellaring had somehow popped open. I was upset at first, as that's never happened to me before. So I transferred the very dry tobacco to a jar. No idea how long the tin had been open to atmosphere. Well, guess what? IT'S STILL AMAZING! You can't beat this blend. I have not tried every tobacco in the world, not by a longshot, but this one is still my all time favorite, nearly 25 years into this affliction.

Pipe Used: all

Age When Smoked: >1 year

11 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Rhapsody Baccy (16)	2015-10-19		Strong	None Detected	Full	Very Strong

Boys and girls... do not be put off by the Godzilla-like long-haired-Samson strength that so many whisper about; sipped properly, in a good broken in pipe, slow-to-medium cadence, this is one of the most ethereal, smooth, and delicious smokes out there...

I often mention the "Dunhill dosage" (see Champagne = dosage) and this certainly has some of that-- i.e. that delicious matured/cedar like musty-richness that is part of the Dunhill landmark. Quality, Quality, Quality...

I don't know Murray's Nightcap... nor any other iterations but the current (circa 2015) one... and you know what? So what?

I didn't hear Chopin actually play a piano-- but the version that the Cleveland Opera or Emannuel Ax play is still magic; and this is no different.

Dark and broody this tobacco, upon opening and sniffing, makes you want to say... "Oooooh..."

There is some creamy Latakia here, its smoky spiced-sweetness permeating the smoke, matured Virginian's provide a creamy underbrush that keeps the smoke heady but smooth, Gothic orientals give the cocoa-nib Imperial-stout heart of the mixture an exotic and 101-Arbian nights mystique.

Bottom-line it's delicious.

Now, I've one my proper progression to get to this Tobacco-- starting with the Aromatics, then soft Aromatic, the English, Periques, American blends and the Signature Dunhill line-up of London Mixture, Durbar, and Aperitif to name a few.

Been through my Peretti's (and their heady blends like Tashkent and Cambridge Flake...)

After a steak-and-sausage dinner with some southern France Grenache-- the human body is ready for a Tobacco with enough power, grace, intensity, and mystery that only Nightcap can deliver.

Is it for the faint hearted? No.

It's for the ready...

Pipe Used: Ropp Eco Billiard circa (vintage)

Age When Smoked: New

Purchased From: pipesandcigars.com

10 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Pipe Newb (49)	2014-04-13		Strong	None Detected	Medium	Tolerable to Strong

Disclaimer that this is my 2nd English-style pipe tobacco. I might compare it to Squadron Leader more than once.

Apparently, despite this not showing up on tobacco reviews as being available in bulk, Edwards carries bulk Nightcap. I'm glad because they were charging over a twenty for a tin of the stuff.

Baggie smells a lot like other English, woodsy, a little campfire, barn-y, a little sweetness of rum raisin... but not much.

I may be an odd duck, but the same thing came to mind on first light as what came with Squadron Leader. Bread. Although this time the bread was much more specific... rye with excessive caraway seeds. Really strong in the rye department. Room note, mostly tobacco with a sneaky bandit whiff of charred campfire marshmallows.

This blend is exceptionally balanced. Nothing stands out as a prime player... I get a mild spiciness, a bready/toasty burley that reminds me of warm rye bread, and a little pickled beet at the end from the Virginias. Everything plays exceptionally well with each other.

I smoked two huge bowls of this, and didn't notice the nicotine until halfway through the second bowl, but when it hit, it sunk my freaking battleship... it hit hard, and despite my choice of a particularly spicy bourbon to pair it with, left my head aswim with Vitamin N flush.

I am very surprised with this tobacco. The balance is incredible, nothing plays solo here, but everything works well together.

Due to the flavors, I strongly recommend a rye-heavy bourbon like Beam Devil Cut, Wild Turkey, Four Roses, etc.. with it... it's a perfect pairing.

I really like this English blend.

Pipe Used: Londonaire Bent Egg, Londonaire Bent Billiard

Age When Smoked: Unknown

Purchased From: Edward's Pipe and Tobacco, Tampa

Similar Blends: Squadron Leader.

10 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30171)	2009-02-06		Strong	None Detected	Very Full	Very Pleasant

This can only be described as a heavy latakia blend in the traditional English/Scottish sense. To use a football analogy, this is the Left Offensive Tackle of tobaccos... hefty, brutish and pummeling, without a whit of elegance or delicacy. It seems to say "Nobody comes in my house but through me!"

That alone does not make for a bad tobacco blend, and this one is not bad. But the point of it seems to be to take the strongest tobaccos, mix 'em up, and let 'em battle it out while treble-ing the headbanging explosion for the smoker. This is about as subtle and refined as a sledgehammer to the skull. I hasten to add that such a tobacco should and does have its followers. I just prefer a little more depth and a little less "over the top" flavor. Note that I smoked an aged tin from the Murray era (which perhaps means I shouldn't review it!) and I'm not at all inclined to try the Orlik version since the aged blend should by rights be smoother. Smooth? Yep, just like rollerskates on gravel!

But mercy sakes, does this stuff smell like heaven, both in the tin and in the room! I'm going to give it to a friend with the promise that he smoke it in my presence. As long as he doesn't insist I partake in it with him.

10 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Leonidas (6)	2018-04-28		Strong	None Detected	Very Full	Tolerable to Strong

Tin smells strong of high quality Latakia. My grandfathers leather boots, my Anatomy notes, my office chair and my leather covered desk. Orientals are seriously subdued, in the tin that is.

It burns cool, dry and full of taste. First hit is filled with the black leaf. It reminds me of these rainy nights i used to study dentistry. It was my third year, last exam was periodontology. It tasted then and tastes today of soil after its been wet. Of wood in the forest, after the rainfall gave life to it. Of burned leaves out in the field, right after the rain from the grey clouds put the fire out. Then the orientals kick in, bringing back to my memory all those ''spicy'' moments i lived as a student in the university. The butteriness of the orientals gives the satisfying taste resembling happiness and nostalgia. Yes, this is a nostalgic blend.

First half of the bowl is full of leathery, buttery and tasty flavor. Like the Goldberg variations of J.S.Bach, its a Major harmony to your tongue, your nose and your brain. Second half it gets darker, more serious and kind of bitter. There is still much taste, only this time it takes your hand and sinks you deep into your thoughts. Orientals turn spicy and the Latakia becomes stronger and smoky. It seems that the Perique rises to the stage as well. Now the melody turns to Bachs' Prelude in C minor. I am alone in my office, drawing the lobes of the brain, trying to understand the nature of reality. Its still raining outside. I wish it never stops.

Room note is strong of Latakia. You now the drill. Either you love it or hate it.

It leaves little to no moisture in the bowl. After taste is strong and kind of harsh. I personally enjoy this.

It is falsly consider to be an only before the nightsleep smoke. It is a heavy , and extremely full bodied blend, the name implies it, but it can be enjoyed all day long if you are nicotine tolerant. I use to smoke 2 packs of cigarettes a day. So now i smoke nightcap from day to night, all day. It is officially my favourite blend. Maybe im not objective and its only the nostalgia i associate it with. It is what it is. A heavy full bodied english blend, full of quality.

Pipe Used: Savinelli

Age When Smoked: aged for : 2 weeks

Purchased From: The Cygar Shop,Cyprus

9 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	ynrozturk (62)	2018-02-21		Medium to Strong	None Detected	Full	Pleasant to Tolerable

Kind of hard to believe that I have been writing reviews on this site for eight years now and have never reviewed this blend. Truthfully, I've had a tin of Nightcap, but the Murray version, which I found years and years ago at an antique store, of all places. And I could never bring myself to crack it open. And I still haven't.

A few weeks ago while visiting my tobacconist, I saw that he had managed to bring in several tins of Nightcap.

I bought them all.

Right, tin note. Earthy, woody, leathery. There is a hint of sourness almost as well, which must be from the Perique. I can pick up the Orientals quite easily well because, I'm Turkish. I've known that smell since I was just a little boy, when tobacco was smoked around me. The Virginia's you can also smell, and of course the star of the show - the Latakia's.

Again, not sure how they do it so consistently, but the moisture content is absolutely perfect. You also get that famous Dunhill ribbon cut, which is my favorite cut of all pipe tobaccos.

Packing is easy as can be. I still use the three pinch method which has always worked well for me. Char, tamp, light, and before you know it, you're all the way at the bottom of the bowl with just a few tamps in between.

The flavor is the really astonishing part, however. I don't think there's ever been a tobacco with four very different types of leaf where you can both smell and taste them all individually. It's not a Latakia bomb. It's not a Virginia, Perique or Oriental bomb, either. It's just a wonderful combination of all those tobaccos, where you can taste each individual component.

The nicotine was also not a problem for me. I don't think it's too heavy handed with the nicotine, but then again, I have been smoking a lot of Bracken Flake and Royal Yacht lately so maybe I've just built up a tolerance to it.

Sadly I cannot compare it to older Nightcap variations like so many other reviewers on here have done so, so I just have to take it for what it is - and that is an extremely high quality, delicious blend of pipe tobacco. I can see why people go crazy for this. It's exceptional.

Pipe Used: Various

Age When Smoked: New

Purchased From: Local tobacconist

9 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Dr.James (39)	2017-11-13		Medium	None Detected	Full	Tolerable

Peterson Nightcap begins it's nocturnal symphony with rich earthy redolence and smokey flavors of Cyprian Latakia on bass. Orientals chime in on strings with cedar and dry spice while sweet Virginias add a bit of hay and citrus. Perique sings baritone with lots of dark fruit and some pepper notes. Burns smooth and cool. Strength of the blend is a solid medium, But is very full in body. Needs above average relights when sipped slowly as it should be, very satisfying finish and benefits from jar time.

Age When Smoked: Various

Similar Blends: Seattle Pipe Club's Plum Pudding.

9 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	BriarWoody (33)	2017-01-02		Strong	None Detected	Full	Pleasant to Tolerable

Nightcap is the king of full English blends. Unlike others that contain ponderous proportions of Latakia in an effort to impart "fullness," Nightcap delivers a melange of flavors in a full bodied, strong smoke that is never bitter or overwrought. In fact, this could be an all-day smoke if you can tolerate the nicotine.

For me, it is a perfect after-dinner smoke that pairs beautifully with an Islay single malt.

Pipe Used: Dunhills, Ashtons, Don Carlos bent billiard

Age When Smoked: Fresh and Aged Tins

9 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	TXBulldog (74)	2014-10-17		Strong	None Detected	Medium to Full	Pleasant to Tolerable

This is a tobacco with great balance. It is smooth, rich, and is magic on the palate. Enough complexity that it hooks you from beginning to end. A tobacco to be truly enjoyed by any smoker - unless you have an absolute disdain for latakia. I see why everyone gives kudos to this one. It's truly deserving. If you haven't given this one a try, you really need to give it a shot. It is bound to please with the various nuances it offers. An outstanding smoke.

Pipe Used: La Strada Bulldog, red point - austrian

Age When Smoked: less than 6 mos.

Purchased From: P&C

9 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Noorrmm (192)	2002-01-29		Strong	None Detected	Very Full	Strong

Appearance: A slighly broad ribbon cut, mostly dark colors. Ribbons are quite uniform, typical Dunhill attention to detail

Aroma: Lots of Latakia, not much else to my nose.

Packing: Packs easily in most pipes, group 3 and up.

Lighting: Typical lighting procedure, not too quick or too slow.

Initial flavor: Just like it smells, lots of smokey Latakia, with some slightly sweet Va flavor.

Mid-bowl: Not very complex, just the two flavors changing intensity slightly as they interact. Dry and cool, and not too sensitive to puffing rate. There is some nicotine strength here, so it?s best in the evening.

Finish: Nice, clean finish. No tendency to get harsher at the end, and no wet dottle.

Summary: An excellent blend, if you?re a Latakia junkie. If you need more latakia than this, try either Penzance or an IV drip.

9 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Karam (59)	2020-12-29		Medium	None Detected	Full	Strong

I need to write a glowing review of this blend now that I've come back to it after a 3 year hiatus and finished a couple of tins - in fact I am having my last bowlful as I am writing this.

First, some history about our relationship. I started pipe smoking with a cherry aromatic which burned my tongue without giving me any sort of flavour, I soldiered on with it until a friend told me his dad used to smoke Dunhill blends. I read a bit, not knowing anything about anything about pipe smoking and ended up getting a tin of Nightcap (that was around 2013 or so). Opening that first tin gave me goosebumps, I vividly recall thinking "THAT'S WHAT IT'S ALL ABOUT!". I smoked just Nightcap until production was stopped after which I felt destitute, nothing would hit the spot. I smoked Greek company Wolfway's excellent Pyramid blend (reviewed here) which scratched the itch some, then branched out to VaPers, burleys, Virginias, GOOD aromatics, Gawith ropes, HU, Dan Tobacco, some Cornell and Diehl, got to ordering from several countries until the day and the announcement came that Peterson would revive some of the Dunhill favourites. Of course I had to have Nightcap again so I did, now for the review.

Visually it is not at all as dark as other Latakia blends I had these past couple of years. It is a good mix of black, brown, and bright ribbons, at perfect moisture to light up immediately after opening the tin (though I will come back to that). The smell is Latakia of course, but smoother than other English blends.

The moment for first light was highly anticipated, I was eager to see what it will be like after I'd broadened my palate these couple of years of trying other blend types. Lighting up gave me the goosebumps again, I knew the taste instantly. Three words came to mind again and again: smooth, complex, refined. This tobacco really is perfection for my taste.

It is smooth, no roughness, no discordant notes. It burns cool, relatively fast due to being ribbon, as well as being a tad on the dry side (I opened the tin, shook everything out in a jar and let it air for a couple of hours before sealing it again for a few days before my first smoke). It burns down to the proverbial fine grey ash with very few relights needed, and no moisture.

It is complex, Latakia is the main player, but it does not dominate. There's spice from the Perique and Oriental as well as some incense, and noticeable sweetness from the Virginia. There's also a lot of body and substance but the taste is not too full, as other blends can be. The Latakia is smoky, leathery but does not have the occasional hot tar notes I get from other blends. The exhale brings sweetness, occasional grass, supported by spice, and an unmistakable taste and body I haven't had elsewhere.

Maybe I am boring, and maybe it is cliche, but it doesn't matter to me. It oozes quality, it tastes amazing, it is refined, has impeccable smoking properties, it introduced me to smoking proper pipe tobaccos. I am not saying I could go back to smoking just Nightcap but it takes the last spot of my top 5 tobaccos.

8 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	PipeDave (12)	2020-07-30		Strong	Medium	Full	Pleasant to Tolerable

Fantastic. Like all the Dunhill Peterson’s, preparation is required before smoking.

Pop the lid and put in a glass jar. Leave the lid off for a couple hours. Then leave the jar closed up for two weeks before smoking. Some say a month is required before smoking. It’s brilliant after 4 months in the jar!

Get a good pipe such as a Savinelli with a 6mm balsa filter. A low quality pipe isn’t worth it - a waste of money as they are rarely much good to smoke.

Then you have a recipe for a new favourite tobacco. Of the Dunhill Peterson tobaccos, these are my favourites:

Standard Mixture, Royal Yacht, MM 965; Nightcap.

It does not taste like a cigar, but the smoke has a similar creamy leathery density of a mild cuban. But not the taste of course.

The taste is indeed incredible, all the way down the bowl it remains the same. None of the constituent tobaccos dominates. They all blend to come together perfectly to something incredible. Not a tobacco only for the evening. This is for whenever you want a smooth creamy good well balanced flavour.

A cigar smoker trying to find a pipe tobacco with enough power and density with Nightcap. Just like a cigarette smoker will find their answer in Elizabethan or Royal Yacht. Standard Mixture provides an equally good smoke to Nightcap, but it’s lighter for earlier in the day.

Flavouring added - 0/4 (none)

Cut - ribbon, may take two relights

Strength - 3.5/4

Creaminess and smoke density - 4/4

Taste - 4/4

Nicotine - 3/4

Mouth burn/ tongue bite - 1/4 none if jarred for a month prior to smoking

Recommend trying - 4/4

Overall experience - 4/4

Weeks to jar before smoking - Minimum 2 weeks jarring required. Best after 2 months.

Pipe Used: Savinelli 626 Tortuga + 6mm filter

Age When Smoked: 2 hours drying, 2 months jar

8 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Indianapolis (49)	2020-02-14		Medium to Strong	None Detected	Medium to Full	Tolerable

(See update below for upgrade to 4 stars.....)

Ok, for the record, this is a very fine mixture. I'm sure for many many people it's a 4 star smoke, as evidenced by the reviews. But for me, I'm going three stars. Let me explain why...

It's a medium-to-full english with a hearty dose of perique. Ok, that's great in theory. Nice natural sweetness from the Virginia's and orientals, balanced latakia. I can clearly taste the herbal creaminess of the orientals, a well as the plummy spice of the perique. Really, it's a masterclass in balancing all the different flavors (after a month in a jar -- I find the perique a little too far forward when its fresh, but that's a minor minor issue).

But oddly that's exactly why I give it three stars. It's sort of the "kitchen sink" of non aromatics. Some puffs I feel like I'm smoking a va-per, and other puffs a balkan, and other puffs a lat mix. With the perique as forward as it is, I feel like the balance I'm seeking in an english gets lost and it's just an "everything at once" experience. I'm just surprised they didnt find some way to balance a bitter nutty burley and a meaty old Kentucky in there too.

And I know that sounds harsh, because it really is amazing they got this blend to work in these percentages. And I respect that all of these are traditional english components, and appreciate that everything does come through.

But it just feels like one note too many forward to my palate -- it feels confusing, frankly, by mid to late bowl. So its four stars for technical execution (bravo!) but just three for this particular smoker. YMMV.

** update!

I got my hands on some 5 year old tins. The sweetness came up considerably, the latakia and perique balanced, and I've never had a better full english, ever. I apologize if I denigrated this tobacco in any way, I happily upgrade my review to 4 stars, and I'm now loading in a ton of this stuff to cellar for a half decade. Because.. wow.

Age When Smoked: Fresh - 5 years

8 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	cam91 (23)	2019-11-15		Medium	None Detected	Medium	Tolerable

I'm going to tip this sacred cow. I did not try Nightcap until it was re-released under the Peterson brand. Since I have switched from cigarettes and chew to pipes I have fallen in love with English blends. I really enjoy the GL Pease offerings. I always hear every English blend compared to Nightcap. And I listened to everyone mourn the loss of Nightcap over the past year. Needless to say I was very excited to try it. And it isn't a bad smoke. But definitely not as complex or interesting as, say, Quiet Nights or Gaslight, or even Artisan's Blend. I find the taste of this to be strong but muddled. A mish mash of dark, chocolatey flavor. Musty. Coffee-like. Not the incense and smoked pork I get from the other blends I mentioned. Overall I am not impressed, regardless of my high expectations. Give me Pirate Kake any day.

[Edit] After a break from English blends and some time in the jar I have grown to like this. It is nice and savory. A little more magical incense flavor than I noticed before. Yes I do like this. Not quite as good as Quiet Nights, but good. This is a little more bassy and less sweet than quiet nights, yet still vaguely similar. I'll go as far as to highly recommend this.

8 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	mariusK (33)	2019-06-17		Medium to Strong	None Detected	Full	Strong

This is a complex, strong and very very English blend. The taste is superb, strong but balanced, with all components behaving like a perfectly aligned team. A must for all friends of English blends, Nightcap is what you want on a dark autumn evening. Having said that, I enjoyed it in the summer, although I would refrain from smoking it on a very hot day. Excellent tobacco, which is my absolute favourite.

Update: I just tried Nightcap which comes under the Peterson brand. And it is as good as it was before, equal to Dunhill’s original, which I have had the opportunity to try, courtesy of a friend who had shared a sample. And that is really good news!

Pipe Used: Ser Jacopo, Barling, Falcon, Parker, Comoy's

8 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	DenizBeck (323)	2017-12-27		Medium	None Detected	Full	Tolerable to Strong

Truly a big brother to Early Morning Pipe. Whilst EMP is rather simple and mellow Nightcap comes along with much more strenght and some more depth.

The tin-note is somewhat bewitching! I get a roasted, spicy, smoky aroma, which reminds me of roasted nuts. The tin-art is just as classy as the EMP one.

Healthy dose of Latakia, but not an obtrusive Latakia-Bomb. Smoky and woodsy. The Perique as a condiment adding depth and enhancing the spice. Oriental-Leaf adding a dry, nutty &earthy aroma, as well as giving few sour-notes to harmonize with the Periques fruity qualities. The Oriental is what makes this blend for me. It's rather in the back, but it's rounding off all the edges, making this blend interesting.

Typically for Dunhill a well conditioned ribbon-cut, that is smokeable right away, though I like some 10-15mins of drying out a fresh tin. Healthy dose of Nicotine but definetly not as strong as its reputation claims. Goes well with a drink.

Update I also have a 100g tin of the 80's Murray's incarnation Murray's version has a lot more Latakia to the taste, and a tad less incense-ish aroma. Yet the two incarnations share lots of similarities in the taste, only smaller changes compared to the current Orlik Nightcap. The Murray's version is divine though, much more boldness and strenght to it, if Orliks Nightcap is 4/4-stars, Murray's is 5/4-stars! ;-)

8 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Napping Puppy (25)	2017-05-28		Strong	Medium to Strong	Medium to Full	Strong

Let me put it this way: If I have to choose between an expensive alcohol drink, a concert, or even a five star three-course dinner, or a Nightcap bowl, I would definitely choose the latter. Yes, it is that good, and definitely ranks among the top English blends ever produced. Moreover, Nightcap is quite an excellent way to overcome any sort of stress or sleeplessness, a title truly deserved.

8 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	PhantomWolf (41)	2017-04-13		Strong	None Detected	Full	Tolerable to Strong

This blend was my introduction to English blends. Made and instant fan out of me. This tobacco will always be on my shelf and I will recommend it as a must buy blend to any friends who may start smoking pipe. There is a sour vinegar smell in a fresh tin, which I see some comparing to ketchup, but once a tin is opened, it gets better and better. Eventually the blend will mellow and homogenize to a rich, solid, leather smell. This tobacco burns smooth for me. Little re-lighting. The smoke is full, rich, deep, and mouth-watering. Every puff is like chewing on a perfect steak. This really is one of the few blends I smoke that leave me silent and lost in the experience of my pipe. Reviewing this blend is pointless. haha Buy it and smoke it!

Pipe Used: Bjarne Viking Skagen, Virgin Acorn-Bent

Age When Smoked: Fresh, air-dried for 20 mins prior to packing.

Purchased From: Allegheny Smokeworks Pittsburgh, PA

8 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Canicus (9)	2013-10-15		Mild to Medium	Mild	Mild	Pleasant to Tolerable

My first 'taste' of a Dunhill blend - quality from tin aroma to final puff. I like English and Balkan blends - and Latakia too - and this blend would be on the 'mild side' in terms of latakia for my taste - however, it has exquisite balance, the taste of the Virginias, Perique, and Turkish is nicely balanced by the latakia. It's a relaxing smoke with smooth taste and consistency throughout. If it has potential to bite, I didn't notice, and I truly enjoyed this. Will be a regular part of my rotation and will have me trying additional Dunhill blends that I read so much about on these boards.This is an excellent intro to English blends, and a satisfying smoke to those already 'anglicized'. Everyone should give this a try - quality for the price and a blend I'll often smoke. Very Highly Recommended!

8 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30171)	2013-10-14		Strong	Medium to Strong	Full	Tolerable to Strong

This was the first non aromatic tobacco I purchased. When I first opened the tin I was taken aback by the strong campfire smell which I now know is the latakia. After a couple bowls I began to really enjoy the taste of this stuff. I really enjoy the punch of nicotine that accompanies as well. A stiff drink or strong craft brew and a bowl of Nightcap and I'm about as relaxed as can be. Not something I'd smoke everyday but I'll certainly make sure to always have a tin in my cellar.

8 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30171)	2009-08-08		Medium to Strong	None Detected	Full	Tolerable

This is what I call a "full bodied English blend"! Probably the best of all the good English blends available. Much has been written about this blend, and there is not much I can add. The mouth feel I get is very similar to dark chocolate, I just love it!

8 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30171)	2001-03-27		Medium to Strong	None Detected	Full	Tolerable to Strong

mmm, nightcap. This (and frog Morton) were my two staple tobacs a few years ago. I couldn't get enough. Nightcap is the apex of the Dunhill English line (EMP, 965 etc) as far as I am concerned the others are just practice sessions preparing the smoker for this treasure.

The tobacco mixes luxurious black and brown shades with a touch of lighter tobaccos. It has a very rich tin aroma, due in part to the added perique no doubt. Everything about this tobacco screams "Smoke Me Baby!"

The latakia really stands out upon first light (there is definitely a healthy portion of it in Nightcap) yet is quickly complimented by the VA & orientals. As the bowl progresses, prepare for an enjoyable smoking experience as the various components meld together and play off each other. The spiciness builds towards the end as the perique which seems to take a back seat for much of the ride, makes it's presence known. Night cap burns very evenly and provides a very cool, satisfying smoke. Definitely a winner.

8 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	cm1648 (108)	2020-08-10		Medium to Strong	None Detected	Full	Tolerable to Strong

A deep, flavorful, heavy Latakia blend with a "nic" kick.

Though a strong English blend, Nightcap brings quite a wonderful array of notes. Of course the Cyprian is the main player but the Oriental appears with its spicy (not Perique spicy) and woody notes while the Virginas are noticeable in the dark fruity sweetness that is constant. The Perique enters in with its pepperiness and acts like salt on meat; bringing our the flavors of the other leaves.

I'll stop there on description. It has loads of views. It's known and loved. Great as a literal nightcap or the second half of the day during the fall/winter seasons. 8/10

7 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Michael D (34)	2020-07-01		Medium	None Detected	Medium to Full	Strong

Add another person who shouts.. Thank Goodness Peterson took up for Dunhill! I find their Latakia blends to be fantastic. Nightcap leading the way through the darkness. Although many find the aroma unpleasant, as do I indoors. it lingers way to long. But bloody hell.. You cannot deny the flavorful taste of this Latakia blend. Mind you, it may be overwhelming for some and a possible dizziness to others. Those that like Latakia, will find this a dessert to the taste buds. I do suggest a pipe or two set aside for Latakia. This will always be around for that nightcap... it truly does melt away the problems of the day left behind.. I enjoy a 20-30 minute pipe out in the fresh air when the sun goes down.

Pipe Used: Savinelli Canadian

Age When Smoked: NEW

Purchased From: P&C

7 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Keith in NB Canada (4)	2019-11-26		Strong	None Detected	Full	Unnoticeable

Got some of the new Peterson Dunhills to try them ( NIghtcap, Elizabethan, Yacht, Early morning) and I am pleased with all but the Royal Yacht. Nightcap stands out as my favorite. Best English Ive had yet and will keep this on hand for as long as I smoke a pipe. Perfect cut, right out of the tin it's perfectly smokeable. Perfect moisture/dryness. It's bold yet smooth if that makes any sense. Nothing overpowering in it. Very well blended. Burns very well and cool for about 2/3 of the bowl. last 1/3 its a bit hot and need to take a breather before finishing. Very satisfied on every level with this. went to nightcap coming off plum pudding special reserve (garbage in my opinion - see 1star review). What a relief, Nightcap is perfect. Thank you Peterson for re-releasing these.

Pipe Used: Brigham

Age When Smoked: New or less than a year old.

Purchased From: Smokingpipes.com

7 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Pipe Wizard (18)	2019-02-21		Strong	None Detected	Full	Tolerable to Strong

Full strength, full flavoured English blend. A rich, complex and satisfying smoke, ideal to relax with on a winter's evening. Latakia is right at the forefront imparting a deep smoky creaminess. A mild peppery spice from the Perique is present throughout the smoke with pops of flavour from the orientals. The Virginias are in the background balancing everything out. Not the strongest tobacco I've smoked but it does pack a punch so best not to smoke it on an empty stomach. If you're a fan of Latakia, I highly recommend giving Dunhill Nightcap a try!

7 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	nkulk8r (90)	2019-01-01		Medium to Strong	None Detected	Medium to Full	Tolerable

This, another four-star homage for another exceptional blend that left us in 2018

It is not really possible to add anything above and beyond what has already been written here about Dunhill's Nightcap (in the highest rated reviews at least) without duplicating (or plagiarizing) what others have already articulated, so I will simply tender this tribute to an English blend that was appreciated so much, and loved so well, by so many.

It was somewhat fitting that Nightcap would be my last bowl of 2018. Nightcap’s savory, smokey-sweet and forever familiar flavors left me waxing nostalgic while alone with my thoughts on the front porch, in the waning hours of the year, a few hours just before midnight. Bidding farewell to both McClelland AND Dunhill in a single year is not like simply losing a single blend (like a Balkan Sobranie, for instance). It’s more akin to a mass casualty event, where a number of close acquaintances are suddenly lost, all in one fell swoop. It is strange that the loss of something so seemingly small and inconsequential as a few dozen blends of tobacco could be grounds for the very real and palpable sense of loss that only those of us who readily recognized and really knew those tobaccos collectively share. Let’s face it: those blends were our friends. Like a black Lab or a Golden retriever, they were our steadfast, non-human companions, as continually faithful to us as we were devoted to them. How many countless hours did we spend with those blends, sharing our seasons, our holidays – our high points and our low points – along with our most intimate contemplations; contemplations made all the more reflective, meditative and meaningful because of their presence in our daily lives. There is no avoiding it: we are saddened and diminished by their passing.

As a Baby Boomer, I did not discover the finer, off-the-grid charms, recondite rituals and artisanal pleasures of pipes and pipe tobacco until I was in my early 50’s. It is mind-boggling to me -- given the sheer amount of seemingly innumerable illicit substances I was smoking and consuming in the 1970s and 1980s -- that I so could have been indulging myself with the long-lost, original blends of such mythical repute as Balkan Sobranie, Dunhill, McConnell, Rattray or Sullivan Powell (the way Greg Pease did as a Cal undergrad, whilst attending the House of Drucquer & Sons in Berkeley).

As I begin the voyage into 2019, I must keep philosophical and optimistic about the future.

Dunhill Nightcap is not so much gone as it is now venerated. Nightcap has now joined the pantheon of other great tobaccos (no longer in production) that have turned my rather meager and unremarkable cellar collection into something of an art exhibit, virtually overnight, featuring blends which will one day be as highly regarded and legendary to generations of pipe enthusiasts hence as those long-gone tobacco legends of yore are to me now.

Perhaps the most poignant (certainly the silliest) thought regarding Dunhill’s Nightcap, is the fact that I don’t have a single empty tin of it lying around as a keepsake (having thrown away dozens and dozens of them in the past, never thinking for an instant that those beautifully illustrated, blue, white and yellow tins would one day have significant sentimental value to me).

In closing, I must again quote Greg Pease (as I have in a previous review for a similarly defunct blend), only because the passage is so fitting for the occasion:

"It’s challenging to leave behind the gray and gloomy landscape of things long since vanished, to give up our mourning over the passing of what we once enjoyed, but if we do, maybe we can instead bask in the sunshine of what we have, informed by those memories, those legends, rather than being imprisoned by them. There are so many wonderful blends available today, just as there have always been . . . Grasping for the experiences of the past often yields only disappointment; embracing what we have in the present can be the start of a brilliant journey. In some ways, maybe the newcomer to the pipe is more fortunate than we old guys are, since they have fewer lost loves to shackle them."

Amen.

Good night, sweet Nightcap, we enjoyed thee well.

Age When Smoked: 6 years (2012)

7 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Pryhosm (248)	2018-07-27		Medium to Strong	None Detected	Full	Strong

This is a pretty well reviewed blend and I cannot compare to other Dunhill ownership or previous versions ( never understood how comparing old to new was relevant, old is gone) but this is a very nice blend in its own right. This is a strong Latakia blend but has some complexity and is not unidimensional. There are way bigger lat bombs out these days so I think some of the hype of the blend is old news.

Dunhill blends have some of the best looking ribbons and the dark ribbons mixed with the lighter browns set the stage for a top shelf smoke. It also makes packing and burning qualities just about perfect.

I also have not experienced the nicotine rush that has become lengendary, but I don’t inhale or puff to fast so that may be a factor with me. Everyone should have a tin but I will say that this genre is in a packed category and they are all good, so it is not irreplaceable

7 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Picoc57 (1)	2018-07-06		Strong	Extremely Mild	Medium	Pleasant

I started smoking a pipe 25 years ago, had absolutely no idea what I was doing, picked tobacco by the smell of it. Borkum Riff Black being my favorite. I gave up smoking my pipe because I started doing triathlons. Rediscover my pipe and tobacco jar during a move. The tobacco was seemingly still fresh, or at least moist, because of a small humidication unit that in the jar. A good friend recommended Nightcap, the tin note was overwhelming, I thought “oh no I just wasted $12” But after letting a pinch, enough to fill a bowl, I lit it up, the wife liked the room note, I was pleasantly surprised of the taste, it did have a bit, but that was tolerable. Dunhill will discontinue according to pipe and cigars their pipe tobaccos so I purchased 8 ounces.

Pipe Used: Variety

Age When Smoked: Just opened

Purchased From: Pipes and cigars website

7 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Christoph (2)	2018-02-07		Strong	None Detected	Full	Strong

One of my favorits, strong, tasty, lots of latakia, great blend. Let me share a kind of "insider tip" with you, if you like this one and you are once in Switzerland, please go to one of the most famous pipe tabaco shops, even known internationally, in Lausanne, called Besson, and try theyr own house blend called "Bonnet de Nuit". Let me call the story about it: Some years ago Nightcap was not aviable in Switzerland. This specialized shop made their own blend, quiet similar but in my opinion even better, more subtile, more equilibred, a little bit less strong but much more interesting in taste. It is packed in 50g bags, even cheaper than the original and the humidity is perfect and it is well worth to try it. I have no idea if they ship it. I love both, Dunhill Nightcap and Besson's "Bonnet de Nuit", but cincerly I prefer clearly Besson's "Bonnet de Nuit". Build your own opinion... and don't miss the rating, thanx.

PS: They also have a great choice of cigars and don't miss to ask them to have a look at theyr great choice of international Whiskeys downstairs, I bet they will find something you like.

Pipe Used: Meerschaum and Bruyere

Age When Smoked: as buyed

Purchased From: Switzerland

Similar Blends: Besson at Lausanne Switzerland, "Bonnet de Nuit", Insider tip, you will see!.

7 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Tom Bombadill (121)	2018-01-04		Very Strong	None Detected	Very Full	Very Pleasant

This is my 100th review and I wanted to mark the occasion with a classic legendary blend. Nightcap fits the bill! English/latakia blends are my favorite and it's amazing, to me, I smoked so many before tying Nightcap. This is a very rich tasting blend with a smooth base of Orientals and the very prominent latakia flavor throughout. And, the wonderful spice of Perique to make it close to perfect. Other reviewers do a better job of parsing out all the tobaccos but I will add the obvious this is a great blend. Unlike other similar blends I'd say it has a decent nicotine kick also. Like all the classic blends from the famous houses there's a reason it's legendary. As for the name, my tastes prefer English/latakia/etc... blends in the morning with my coffee. Definitely richer and stronger than EMP or My 365 which I also really like. First class! Bought 09/2013, Opened 06/21/16, Finished 01/04/18. ( I certainly don't smoke as frequently as I used to!)

Pipe Used: Peterson, Kaywoodie, Grabow

Age When Smoked: 2 years

Purchased From: Icannanotremember

Similar Blends: All the great english/latakia/orientals!.

7 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	gahdzila (61)	2017-03-20		Medium to Strong	None Detected	Full	Very Strong

It is a ribbon cut, good moisture level, about equal portions of black and very dark brown with a few light brown pieces mixed in. It is well behaved in the pipe, requiring an average number of relights.

Someone else here wrote that, for him, latakia seems to create "a flavor wall so that nothing else gets through" and that seems pretty accurate for me as well. And that's what I get with Nightcap. LATAKIA!!!!! It's not very sweet (though I occasionally pick up a slightly sweetish note), but definitely not astringent. Just smoky-earthy-latakia. Latakia haters need not apply. There's a bit of perique, just enough to make things interesting. I wouldn't mind recommending this even to someone who thought he didn't care for perique.

I tried a bowl right out of the tin, and found it good...put it in a jar and came back to it a week later and found it to taste even better. I don't know why some blends do that...they just do, and Nightcap is one of them.

Recommended.

7 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	ACGetup (1)	2017-02-24		Strong	Strong	Very Full	Very Strong

Well, hey. First review on here.

As a beginner to pipe tobacco, Nightcap was one of those blends that was talked about with both reverence and fear. Nearly every smoker I talked to at first counted this as one of their all-time favourites, while also saying that anyone who "wasn't ready" would meet a fate similar to the bad guys in Raiders of the Lost Ark. Lots of screaming and face-melting due to the intense tobacco hit and overwhelming Latakia presence. By all accounts it seemed regarded to be something of a beast.

So naturally, despite being a beginner, I wasn't able to fight the desire to pick up a tin and try it. It was the second blend I ever purchased. And you know what? I stand by my decision.

Instead of the lumbering behemoth that was proceeded with caution, I found Nightcap to be a wonderful, deep, full tobacco that complements such situations as after a humongous meal or while on a late night stroll very well. The aroma is reminiscent of a slowly burning campfire, which makes its way into the taste, along with a soothing touch of spice to keep things interesting. The only warning I'd attach to it is that after what feels like a short amount of time you'll be rather surprised to find that the bowl has run out and you've actually spent the last half hour/forty minutes happily puffing away.

I followed the advice of folks on here and highly suggest moving this to a mason jar, giving it a good shake, and leaving it be for a couple of weeks. Right out of the tin mine was quite moist, sticky, and strong. Four months on, the texture has improved and it seems to have mellowed out to a comfortable level, with a consistency that rarely requires relighting. Also speaking as a beginner, Nightcap has proved to be an excellent lesson in why you should jar your tobacco, as the change is dramatic.

For those new to tobacco who are looking for something deep, don't be afraid of Nightcap. It's not a large beast that will do you damage, but more of the 6"8 hearty woodsman tending a campfire deep into the night.

Purchased From: Red Smoke, Toronto, Canada

7 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	papapauly (24)	2017-01-06		Medium	None Detected	Medium to Full	Tolerable

This was a "legend" blend that I had heard and read about for years before I finally decided to give it a try a while back. I regret not trying this sooner, what a great blend this is! It is suited for evening and later night smoking in my opinion, I don't think I would enjoy this during the day as it is heavy smoke and has a nice nicotine hit (though the statements of dizziness and naeseua seem over the top, I don't think the hit is any heavier than a cigarette) the Latakia is pleasant, not too potent and about the perfect ratio for my palate. I don't have a problem with tongue bite regardless of what type of pipe I use. I highly recommend nightcap, this is one amazing pipe tobacco

Pipe Used: Missouri meerschaum, Mr. brog, various briars

Age When Smoked: new from tin

Purchased From: pipes and cigars

Similar Blends: Unsure what to compare this to, it is unique.

7 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	ASmithee (20)	2015-11-05		Medium to Strong	None Detected	Very Full	Tolerable to Strong

Now I know what all the fuss is about! This is a top quality tobacco no other way to put it. It is bold and in your face but also, from the first puff, a delicious smoke. The first puff I took, I could tell right away that this was a great tobacco. Maybe I'm being a bit over dramatic but just try this blend and add it to your rotation.

Pipe Used: Peterson Celtic

Age When Smoked: Fresh

Purchased From: Barclays Rex

7 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	TallPuffO'Burley (633)	2015-10-06		Medium to Strong	None Detected	Medium	Tolerable

It took me a while to finally get around to trying this classic and it did not disappoint. I had already knew to expect a stronger smoke and this is pretty much always to be expected from Dunhill in my experience, but it is amplified with Nightcap as it is known as one of Dunhill's bigger nic hitters.

Part of the reason it took me so long to try is that I bought a bag of bulk nightcap from a shop called Jovan's in Cleveland and it turns out it was not Dunhill Nightcap. I needed to compare it to the real deal, so my buddy invited me over as he had some new and old (murray) NC to compare this bulk offering to. It turned out I was hosed. Shame on this shop who's owner assured me it was Dunhill. The experience of that coupled with wanting to finish off the impostor nightcap kept putting it off for me. I did smoke a bowl of each the old and new at my buddy's, but having smoked other tobaccos there and drank several beers would not have made for a very good review.

On to the actual Nightcap. The blend is pretty unique in tastes due to the addition of a goodly amount of Perique that both bolsters the strength and gives it a nice spicy punch as well. Otherwise this is a medium to full lat blend with that one major twist. I don't think I would put this in my top tobaccos, but I did enjoy it. Just not as much as many others do. This doesn't really surprise me too much as I have yet to be really taken with a blend that contains both Lat and Perique.

Maybe it is something about the way those two flavors combine that, I do enjoy, yet never feel the compulsion to buy more. That is what Nightcap was to me. Something that is good, but I just probably won't buy more. Of course, I say that until the next time Dunhill tins go on sale and I just end up buying more anyway.

7 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Jorge Soler (203)	2014-11-29		Very Strong	None Detected	Full	Strong

I am the only person that I know who can smoke this tobacco in the morning on a semi-empty stomach-that is, after a cup of tea and a few biscuits. Some 20 years ago, when I first tried this blend I thought "why call it Night Cap? Why not the Devil's Leaf? Or, perhaps, the Sailor's Cut?" Yes, I thought it was all that strong and overpowering. Back in those days I was a regular with The Balkan Sobranie, so I thought I'd give it go. Not only I did not succeed in enjoying it, but that it made me sick too. How dreadful is that?

This tobacco does not bite at all, but I'd not call it "an easy smoke." This is, perhaps, my favourite Dunhill's in this range (Latakia based blends and mixtures), but the strong nicotine kick might put many off. It is even stronger than Royal Yacht, which is one of my staples and a mixture that I gladly enjoy in the morning as well. In my personal opinion, this tobacco smokes best outdoors in a rainy day as you stroll down the road. Just go down your favourite pond and feed the ducks on a full charge of it, and you'll know what I am talking about. Its earthy and nutty flavours will mix with that of the fallen leaves and compost to create an atmosphere you'll never forget. This tobacco builds up in strength as you go past every quarter of the bowl, going from medium to strong. Something I quite like about it is the fact I can smell it when I'm smoking, which is something you don't usually achieve with other blends and mixtures. In terms of its taste, the words that come up to your mind are "earthy, nutty, smoked, leathery, etc." It has a fair combination of black and gold leaf, but this is perhaps one of Dunhill's with more Latakia content.

If you are a Latakia lover, this tobacco will probably tick all the boxes for you. Common sense will tell you to start the day with Dunhill's Standard Mixture, then move on to Durbar and, finally, end the day with this when you are ready for your sleep. No, really, just take it with you into the woods and get a fire going before you go to sleep in your tent. Its high nicotine content will put you into this sleepiness and drowsy state that very few blends will achieve. The only problem I find with this rule is that I usually rotate my staples depending on how I feel, or what activity I am planning on doing, and not what time of the day it is. Just try it any time and see how you get on with it.

Pipe Used: Stanwell PS Collection 185

Age When Smoked: 1 year, perhaps

Purchased From: John Howlingsworth

Similar Blends: Standard Mixture, Durbar, Early Morning Pipe, London Mixture and Royal Yacht because of its high nicotine content..

7 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Knightsmoker (218)	2014-08-05		Medium to Strong	None Detected	Full	Pleasant to Tolerable

I have to say I have never had the pleasure of trying the old Murray version of this and I do wish I could. That said, this is my new benchmark for lat/per blends. Absolutely wonderful. At the match I get lat. Smokey, earthy, a little leather. Depending on the pipe at some point the orientals take over a little. I really like it in a group 3 Dublin I have that has a very wide chamber despite its size. The orientals really sing after the first 1/3 of the bowl. They are musty, flowery and a little sweet. The VA adds depth and a little more sweetness. Most blends like this I find myself saying this is a very good blend but I wish I was just a little sweeter. Not so here! Perfect for me. The perique adds a little raisin and dried fruit note that is always trailing the lat and orientals but I can pick it out. Often perique is used to tame a big lat blend and it is more felt than tasted but here I can really pick it out on the retro-hale. I wish I had not waited so long to open this tin. I will be ordering lbs. in bulk for long term storage.

Age When Smoked: 2 yrs 8 mo

7 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	natibo (169)	2014-07-30		Very Strong	None Detected	Very Full	Tolerable to Strong

This is almost the perfect tobacco. Usually when a blend had latakia, virginia and perique there is too much going on and the blender can't pull it off. Well it works here. The flavors play against each other like a symphony of smoke. Possibly my favorite of all time.

7 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Kerpap (14)	2014-05-07		Strong	None Detected	Full	Tolerable

So to be completely honest, I was afraid to try this. I had a bad experience with royal yacht and hearing the nic hit was equal to it I was pretty reluctant for a long time but finally decided to take the plunge. I had a big dinner and settled into my lazy boy and lit up. I smoked a modest bowl in my Peterson System 303 puffing softly and slowly. the flavor was amazing. the smoke was absolutely perfect! it was nothing short of sublime. the nic hit was there but it was not room spinning it was very nice! it made me feel sleepy and cozy. this is definitely a rich full English and has rightfully earned a place in my rotation. I am hooked! if you are a fan of English blends this is an absolute MUST!

Try it but do be careful. puff it gently and you will be rewarded greatly!

Pipe Used: Peterson system standard 303

Age When Smoked: fresh bulk

Purchased From: Smokingpipes.com

Similar Blends: plum pudding (Seattle pipe club) - strength and taste, Berkshire (Sutliff) - taste, Early Morning Pipe, My mix 965.

7 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	BigNick (59)	2013-10-24		Medium to Strong	None Detected	Medium to Full	Strong

Very first Latakia blend! It seems that many of my "firsts" in regards to tobacco are Dunhill blends. I've wanted to try it for a while now, so I ordered it and I have to say, I wish I started out with a Latakia blend. I really love strong and sweet Virginias found in Early Morning Pipe, but Latakia has a completely different texture and this blend really opened my eyes. The tin...is so cool, it just fucking is. The smell in the tin is hardy and kinda bitter, like really dark chocolate. I have created a routine while smoking this blend. Since I received it I only smoke it in my Falcon straight stem, at night, after school as it gets cold outside. Maybe it's the name, or the tin, I don't know but that's my ritual. When smoking, I notice the smokey flavor right away. It's not entirely overpowering, but it seems to be the dominate flavor initially. Then it mellows and gets somewhat mild and smoother mid-bowl. Towards the end it is consistently intricate. The "spicy" comes into play with the smokey flavor, and a touch of tangy completes it. I was expecting a little more vitamin N. I really found this blend to be quite smooth. When I started pipe smoking I kept looking and looking for that "something stronger" and I had found it in Dunhill's EMP, but only temporarily. I think Latakia is that something stronger and Nightcap really just expands on flavor. Very happy, highly recommend!!!!

Pipe Used: CPF Calabash, Falcon straight stem

Age When Smoked: 3 days

Purchased From: Smokingpipes.com

7 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	John Frum (19)	2013-10-11		Medium to Strong	Very Mild	Full	Tolerable to Strong

Well into my first tin of this, and I can see what the shouting is about. No smoke without fire, so to speak. I thought MM965 was good, but this, for me, is even better. Strong, too, and this is how I like it. I've found quite a few English blends fail to satisfy in the nic department, such as Squadron Leader, which is otherwise fine. Nightcap needs a bit of drying to be at it's best, I think, & it's nice to smoke in the late evening, so as far as I'm concerned it does exactly what it says on the tin. Four stars.

7 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30171)	2013-09-09		Medium to Strong	None Detected	Full	Pleasant to Tolerable

So far I've smoked a few Latakia-based blends and most have been quite one-dimensional to my taste. Frogmorton is of course deliberately one-dimensional and a gift for the home blender, but offerings such as 965 have quickly tired my palate. The addition of Turkish tobacco comes at a big risk- London Mixture is a classic case-in-point; thin, sharp and unpleasant, this Turkish-heavy blend gets right into my sinuses like a lemon-drop steeped in cider vinegar. Nightcap, however, seems to get the balance right. The proportions of the differing tobaccos are very well considered, resulting in a piquant yet full-bodied smoke which rewards hard puffing with unctious billows of full-flavoured smoke, yet is tasty enough to sip when engaged in something else. It is satisfying in the nicotine dept without resorting to baking off everything good about a natural product, with no discernible topping and a general feeling of completeness and harmony which many blenders would be advised to take note of. It is a bit to handle the first few bowls, but after a while one gets used to the assertiveness and starts to look forward to settling in with a bowl of Nightcap and a good book/movie.

7 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30171)	2009-08-02		Medium to Strong	Very Mild	Full	Very Pleasant

I have to say, I expected based on the reviews for there to me more latakia in this blend. That being said, I like this tobacco. The smoke tastes very good, and it has just the right amount of some sweetness to it. I would have liked a little mor latakia in it myself for an english, but I have to say not a bad smoke at all. It makes a very good nightcap, as the name suggests. I get a lot of good comments on it as well.

7 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30171)	2007-06-04		Medium to Strong	None Detected	Full	Tolerable

Update years later: Another Dunhill blend that has lost nearly all its charm for me. As it was, it was delightful. The quality left the house the last year or two. I will hold my aging tins from years past dearly. I do not expect I'll try the Dane-hill version, either.

Original review:

Sans Eulenburg's comment about Nightcap being the most contemplative blend, I agree with his review.

I will add that long-aging does not do much in the way of improving Nightcap, and it possibly diminishes distinctions in flavors among components. That said, I keep several tins in the cellar, because a year or so on the tin is beneficial to soften rough edges a bit.

Nightcap is my cannon to measure heavy, full, English mixtures. This is much deeper than 965 and more complex than, say, the lovely Penzance.

Nightcap is another blend that needs to be learned before one can be considered pipe-tobacco "edumacated."

7 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30171)	2004-01-25		Extremely Strong	Extremely Mild	Full	Pleasant

Zowie... I consider myself an experienced smoker. Then, I opened a tin of this English blend for the first time and loaded up a smallish briar. The immediate aroma from the tin was spicy and woody. My wife thought it had aromatic tree bark in it! After lighting up, she remarked how nice the room smelled. This is not the usual response I get when smoking an English blend. Now, I had read the previous reviews, so I was planning on being slow and careful with this tobacco and also kinda expecting tongue-bite galore. Well, happily no tongue bite, but I think I smoked too fast and too long, a bad habit of mine...I'm gonna change. So, after 30 minutes or so the nicotine rush and nausea started and lasted for about an hour or more. Ruined a new episode of "Monk" for me. I'm gonna have to follow my smoking plan a little closer from now on with this tobacco. I want no more of the "velvet hammer". This, of course, is not to say it wasn't a good smoke. It certainly was. But I couldn't think about it while I had my head over the toilet. Needless to say I will be more careful of this powerful English blend in the future. Tread carefully.

7 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30171)	2001-10-03		Strong	None Detected	Full	Strong

As the weather here has been a touch cooler here over the last few days - I thought something with a bit of weight might be nice and rummaging through the tobacco cupboard I came across a tin of Nightcap which has probably been maturing here for a year or two. I haven't smoked this blend in some time, but after smoking a bowl or two I wonder - why did I leave it so long, for this is a very fine tobacco indeed. When I smoke Latakia blends the one that I always use as the yardstick is My Mixture 965, because this for me is the definitive English blend. I have to say that Nightcap comes very close. It does not have quite the superb balance of 965, or it's softness or super tin aroma, but it is a very satisfying smoke, a touch fuller than 965 and with a little more harshness in the bottom third of the pipe, perhaps due to the Perique. The Perique never dominates however and it is perhaps this ingredient that gives the extra fullness and weight to the blend. The thing that always strikes me about these Dunhill blends is simply the high quality of the leaf used - especially the Latakia and in this respect Nightcap is no exception, the tobaccos here are straight out of the top drawer. As usual my wife hates the room note when I smoke Latakia and after her fussing around with plug-in air fresheners for a bit, I moved onto the back porch and have just spent the most relaxing and satisfying hour that I have experienced all week. Thanks Dunhill, thanks Nightcap. If you like "English" you'll love this one.

7 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	aadelma (67)	2001-04-12		Extremely Strong	None Detected	Extra Full	Extra Strong

Whenever somebody wants to try a strong tobacco, I recommend this. I recently gave some Nightcap to a friend of mine who enjoys smoking tobacco in all it's forms. He really enjoys a nicotine rush and even inhales when he smokes pipes. I spoke to him a few days later and he informed me that shortly after starting the bowl, he broke out in a cold sweat and had to lay down both his pipe and himself. Treated with respect, however, Nightcap is fabulously rich, smooth, and thoroughly English. This is a mostly black blend with lots of Latakia and Perique. The cut is fine, so it packs and burns well. The flavor starts out strong and builds from there, but I never find it harsh, only smooth, kind of like a velvet hammer. While I love the aroma, it once had the waitress in a restaurant thinking there was an electrical fire. I have a very small billiard which I reserve exclusively for smoking Nightcap since it leaves a very strong flavor in whatever pipe it is smoked in. This is the first English blend I ever tried and I always come back to it when I want a bold, smooth, in-your-face tobacco experience. Available from JR Tobacco.

7 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	North State (72)	2020-08-14		Medium to Strong	None Detected	Very Full	Pleasant to Tolerable

Inspired by my latest stash from The Danish Pipe shop, I decided to smoke Early Morning Pipe and Nightcap for a couple of weeks as the first and last bowl of the day, respectively.

The tin note of Nightcap promises worlds. It's about the darkest and richest tobacco flavour I've ever smelled, with more than a bit of sweeteness in it. The smoke delivers on this promise wonderfully too; dark, rich, thick smoke with a sweet, almost marzipan-like undertone; I think it's the perique at play here. It's exquisite.

"Tasty and flavourful" describes this tobacco blend in a nutshell. Instant favorite and will surely be buying again.

Pipe Used: Gasparini, Chacom, corn cob

Age When Smoked: Fresh from tin

Purchased From: The Danish Pipe Shop

6 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Smoking_Strider (21)	2020-06-08		Medium	None Detected	Medium to Full	Pleasant to Tolerable

Awww nightcap, a blend that has in a way, set the bar for a lot of people. An easily enjoyed, full bodied English. I've got a few tins of this aging, and I can't wait to try this when it hits the 10 and 20 year mark. This was one of the first blends I tried when I first picked up a pipe and started moving on from dreadful aromatics. It is a wonderful experience, tastes great and is easy to pack and enjoy right out of the tin. This one seems to come and go a lot so pick it up if you get the chance.

6 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Amaral (1)	2020-05-01		Medium	None Detected	Medium	Tolerable to Strong

Re-released under the new brand Peterson, it was a real surprise that it got much closer to the Murray's Dunhill tins than the latter produced before. A well composed aroma and taste, sweet and earthy at the same time, with a very good latakia (given that we don't have the Syrian any more), quality clear brownish and dark virginias and a well measured correct perique. It really seemed to me we now have Nightcap back (I did not try the Dunhill original factory's). I highly recommend it!

Pipe Used: Pipa Groci, Brebbia Barrel

Age When Smoked: New

6 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Aurorasofautumn (38)	2020-04-25		Medium to Strong	None Detected	Very Full	Strong

Update 10/2020: I am not sure whether I should blame the blender or my taste buds. But despite this being a former favorite of mine, I find it downright unsmokable these days. And by unsmokable I mean completely out of balance, uninspired and incredibly boring. This assessment holds for both the new Peterson Nightcap as well the remaining tins that still carry the Dunhill name.

Original review: Does it live up to the previous incarnations - I don't know. Does it live up to the (perceived) hype -not really. But hell - it is still just a hell of a good tobacco, which I enjoy regularly. And guess what, if I don't approach it with the attitude that it is one of the top 5 most legendary English blends ever, I don't even have to think whether I can give this 4 out of 4 stars.

The smoke is creamy and dense. The sweetness from the VA is very restrained. The Latakia is the main player here, nicely supported by the Oriental tobacco. The Perique fills out the edges I guess and is only slightly perceivable. Granted - you have to choose the right pipe. And granted - the first few puffs are all but overwhelming. But then Nightcap sneaks on you and becomes ever and ever more complex. It's just great after a meal in the evening, to be enjoyed as marketed in this "period of relaxation and leisure". That's were it really shines. Until today I have not found a suitable replacement that could even nearly approaches NC's flavor profile, which makes it all the more dear to me. Plus the tin art is great. And then there is also the nostalgia factor, because along with Skiff Mixture by Samuel Gawith and Early Morning Pipe this was actually part of my first purchase of pipe tobacco back in the day.

4 out of 4 stars

6 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	HeavyTrees (70)	2019-10-01		Medium	None Detected	Very Full	Tolerable

One of my all time favourites, finally back on the market.

Not much to add with 500+ reviews on this but maybe one thing. Nightcap has much more sweet plummy tastes when smoked without a filter.

Pipe Used: Almost every pipe I own

Age When Smoked: Dried 3-4 hours

Purchased From: Local shop

Similar Blends: Copied by many.

6 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	JohnH (24)	2018-04-24		Medium	None Detected	Medium	Pleasant

The Dunhill Tripple

I have the day fairly free (a rare occurrence), so I decide to smoke Dunhill EMP, 965 and nightcap to see how they compare. This will be the inaugural smoke of all of the blends for me, and they are all bulk from Pipes and cigars.

Again with the Nightcap as with the EMP and 965, the aroma and look of these tobacco's (at least in bulk from smoking pipes) is remarkably similar, I certainly couldn't tell you which was which from aroma alone in a blind test. The nightcap is perhaps darkest of all, but they all look very similar.

The Nightcap packs well, I have found all three blends to be of a good moisture content straight out of the bulk bags.

Before I go on I should say that I am smoking the nightcap in one of my favorite pipes. It's only a cheap Briar, but it's well broken in and has been predominately used for English blends.

It lights well as do all three of the smokes today, but the Nightcap starts smoking just that little better (perhaps the pipe). It perhaps reminds me more of the 965 than the EMP, but is certainly different again. I don't get the Perique as much as I imagined, but it is there hiding, waiting to be coaxed out helping balance the blend.

Overall these three English blends are far more similar than I imagined. Each is certainly it's own, but surprising similar never the less. If I had to pick just one it would be the Nightcap hands down. I enjoyed them all, but the nightcap just seems to have the best of the other two and deliver it in a superior manner. It's a very easy smoke, even more so than the others, but that doesn't detract from it. It just seems very comfortable with itself, and some of that nonchalance rubs off on me as I smoke it. Perhaps because it's the end of the day, perhaps I've fallen for the name, but regardless I find it a very relaxing smoke. Not the best English and I doubt it could ever be my favourite, but because of this it's very relaxing. I don't have to think about it but I can if I want, it's not too strong, not too weak, it isn't difficult, but it does reward with an exceptional understated smoke.

Out of the three I'm really struggling not to give it 4 stars. I pondered on all three, as all are very good indeed, but the nightcap shines. For now though I have to go with three as I prefer other blends. I'll revisit in the near future and if it continues to perform as it has with this smoke it'll get a very solid four.

Pipe Used: Cheap non branded briar

Age When Smoked: Fresh

Purchased From: Smoking pipes

6 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Fletch (11)	2018-03-01		Medium to Strong	Medium	Medium	Pleasant

Note: This is my first review. I thought I would start with a popular blend and one that I felt was easy to review. This is a great tobacco from char light to the bottom of the bowl.

Upon recommendation from my local tobacconist, I chose to jar this in a mason jar and expose to air and let rest for a month.

Out of the tin, I picked up notes of leather and gentle smokey aroma, but not overwhelming. This is not the strongest english I have tried, but one of my favorites. If I'm looking for a real bomb, I lean toward Maltese Falcon or Kasimir.

Room note has a gentle smokey aroma. Not overwhelming, but not a "wife tobacco" in my rotation.

I've read about the nic hit on this one, but I just didn't feel overwhelmed, but probably because I've enjoyed his younger brother: Dunhill's Royal Yacht

This is a pleasant smoke. I appreciate the delicious smokey flavor from the Latakia gently balanced with Virginia and a very small amount of spice from the Perique. This is a great after dinner smoke (but I'm affected by the name). I would probably call this an outside smoke in my rotation and my wife doesn't appreciate the lingering aroma on my beard/clothes.

Slow hour long smoke right to the bottom of the bowl with a gentle ash. If savored, I did not get a bite or the mouth/tongue coat that others have reviewed.

Like EMP and Apertif, it's definitely part of my rotation.

Pipe Used: K&P Peterson

Age When Smoked: Mason jar for 1 month prior to smoking

Purchased From: Local Tobacconist

Similar Blends: EMP, London Mixture.

6 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	J.R. Patton (106)	2017-12-06		Strong	None Detected	Full	Very Strong

Well, I somehow neglected reviewing one of my staple blends...and with well over 500 reviews i need not spend much time. This stuff was an instant top ten for me about a decade ago, and has been ever since. I love perique combined with latakia. And that combo is nowhere as exceptionally done as in NC. The latakia gives that spicy perique some woody, smoky body. The perique lends some sweetness, tanginess and spice that really knocks the rough spots off such a strong latakia presence. That teamwork makes for one of the smoothest full-powered English blends I've had in my short 20 years of smoking. Never had the older version. But in it's current incarnation it's pretty phenomenal and I highly recommend every serious pipe smoker should try in their lifelong endeavors. Brilliant!

Pipe Used: MM Great Dane

Purchased From: pipesandcigars.com

6 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	BunsOfAluminum (4)	2017-11-06		Strong	None Detected	Full	Tolerable

I'm not an expert in tobaccos. I can't tell you (yet) whether something contains latakias or periques or virginias. What I can tell you is whether something is good to me and what it smells/tastes/feels like.

Nightcap is BOLD. Smoking it is like walking into a rich man's office and breathing in the smells of old leather and a crackling fireplace. It's a strong smell, to be sure, but such a good one. The nicotine hit makes the name seem odd to me, as I wouldn't want to feel jittery right before bed, but it works great as an after-dinner smoke.

6 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	st.Hellvis (5)	2017-06-17		Strong	None Detected	Very Full	Tolerable

First Latakia blend I liked! Perfect for a nice slow smoke in the Calabash pipe, sitting outside in the countryside one summer evening. Actually just like I do now!

Pipe Used: Calabash

6 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Don Nico (2)	2017-06-04		Strong	None Detected	Full	Tolerable

Aging in the Tin may or may not have been a positive - who the hell knows? But tumbling in a 1qt Mason jar once-a-day for a month caused it to darken noticeably...become milder...more complex...and burn near-perfect. For the patient experienced pipe smoker. Extraordinary.

Pipe Used: Dunhill Bruyere LBS F/T 4 A 1972

Age When Smoked: 5 years in Tin, 4 weeks in 1 Qt Mason Jar

Purchased From: The Briar Shop, Houston, TX, USA

Similar Blends: Try Bill Bailey's Balkan Blend if you can't find Dunhill Nightcap.

6 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	BHince (2)	2017-02-15		Strong	None Detected	Full	Tolerable

Certainly a tobacco to be counted among the favourites - and indeed, the classics.

A sturdy companion through the winter, and a beholden friend after a large meal. The nightcap will stand by your side and be there for you much like a bitter Italian coffee which, at the end of the day, takes all your endeavours up into its arms, and says, "Yes, you have done well".

I'd personally recommend small bowls, they're generally enough unless you really want that nicotine kick.

Pipe Used: Big Ben Albertson Select

6 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	PaulMcCoy (78)	2017-01-12		Medium to Strong	None Detected	Full	Strong

I’ve only had Dunhill’s version of this blend. Definitely one of my favorite tobaccos of all time. Love the presentation. The hype is real with this one.

Pipe Used: Stanwell Zebrano Bent Apple

Age When Smoked: New to 8+ years

Purchased From: Online and local B&M

6 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	drdave (17)	2016-11-23		Medium	None Detected	Medium to Full	Strong

This is the very finest Dunhill tobacco produced today. In the tin I get that unique, musty, deep and slightly sharp aroma typical of all the Dunhill latakia blends. While it is loaded with the exotic, smoky oriental latakia, it is not a bomb. The flavor is Smoky, Smoky, Smoky, Creamy, Nutty, Raisin Sweet, Cool and perfectly balanced all the way down the bowl to the fine gray ash. It does have a good nico kick. And I think the picture on the tin is the best there is. Addendum: If you find this weedage flat and lacking something, take a tip from "rocker311". He suggested decanting Nightcap, and he's right. I use an empty McClelland's 100 gram tin for the purpose. After breaking up any clumps, all you need to do is dump the contents into the 100 gram tin (and I include a little button humidifier sitting on a small piece of foil or plastic) put the lid on and forget about it for a few weeks. Letting it breathe this way for awhile does wonders for Nightcap.

Pipe Used: 1950 Dunhill Root Briar

Purchased From: Smokingpipes.com

6 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	AcworthAl (38)	2016-09-01		Medium to Strong	None Detected	Medium to Full	Tolerable

This is a marvelous tobacco. I am sorry it took me so long to try it. If I could only choose two tobaccos for my pipes it would be Nightcap and Early Morning Pipe. But once and a while I would need a hit of Seven Brothers! Nightcap is four stars.

Pipe Used: Several

Age When Smoked: New out of tin

Purchased From: SmokingPipes.com

6 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	gonzok (3)	2015-11-19		Strong	None Detected	Full	Pleasant to Tolerable

Wow. What can I say about this tobacco that hasn't been said already. By far the smoothest pipe tobacco I have ever tried. Easy to light up and stays lit. Fantastic taste throughout. Hints of spice and a beautiful taste which I can only describe as reminding me of the smell of freshly baked bread. As for the nic hit, well I got a dose of that the first time I tried it as my legs just collapsed from under me. Now that I am more used to it, it just has a calming effect on me, putting a little smile on my face as I unwind after a long day at the office. In fact, from the moment I wake up I am looking forward all day to when I get the chance to lighting up that bowl of pure happiness. If you haven't tried it then do so asap. You will not regret it.

Age When Smoked: New tin

6 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Ducksbreath (125)	2015-10-04		Medium	None Detected	Full	Tolerable to Strong

I thought I reviewed Nightcap about 10 years ago but can't find it in the pile o reviews for this, and neither can the computer, so I'll do it again.

I do remember the Murray's version of this quite clearly. The new version is lighter, both in taste and in strength, and this is not necessarily a bad thing at all.

I always found the Murray's Nightcap to be a little too much in the latakia department. I smoke a lot of high N blends so that isn't a problem. But this new Orlick version is a bit lighter in Lat. and I like it that way.

I do agree with the reviewer who mentions that the VAs in these new Orlick Dunhills may be a little raw, and this is a problem, but much less of a problem in Nightcap, since Nightcap is dominated by the Lat, the Oriental and the Perique.

What this is not is a set it and forget it smoke. Nightcap demands full attention to technique, packing and slow smoking. Heating up the bowl too much results in a crashing and burning of flavors, and a possible tongue lashing. While this is true of most blends, it is especially true of Nightcap.

Compared to my set it and forget it smokes of Bayou Night and OJK, Nightcap can be more rewarding and more complex, but demands attention. I might agree with the statement that everyone has to try it or they're not really a pipesmoker !

Just so there is no mistake that you know what Latakia tastes like, and what an English blend tastes like in general, this will make it patently obvious. Then you can go on to other variations with more balance or back to other types of blends.

The final verdict is it's still good and it's still a benchmark Full English.

6 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	DeathMetal.org (231)	2015-07-15		Medium to Strong	None Detected	Medium to Full	Tolerable

Summary: an English blend using the stronger Virginias and Perique mixture of "Elizabethan Blend" and "Royal Yacht."

Here the standard British blend of mixed flavors -- the acidic-sweet Virginias merging with spicy-herbal Latakia and sweet-sour Orientals -- melds with spicy Perique and what smells like a small inclusion of Cavendish. It has the right level of power and the Dunhill secret weapon of a thin ribbon cut at the perfect level of moisture, so this lights instantly and burns consistently to the bottom of the bowl. Unlike the gingerbread cookie flavor of "My Mixture 965," Nightcap aims for more of a smoky wine-like feel, perfect for the end of day if not the last bowl before bed, with a tolerable room note consisting of undertones of burnt vegetation and baked wet dog fur. If you can imagine the "Standard Mixture" turned up to eleven, this is it.

6 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	hedgehog (8)	2014-11-26		Medium to Strong	None Detected	Medium to Full	Tolerable to Strong

Short version: a strong personality, utterly reliable, utterly itself.

Presentation: a fine, almost shaggy cut, with long ribbons, ranging in color from tan to brown to black, with a bit of stem here and there.

Pack and light: packs easily and lights even more easily, especially after several months cooling its jets in a mason jar.

The smoke: Young and new, Nightcap can seem all elbows and knees, jabbing you at one moment with salty perique, at another with asphaltic latakia, at still another with tart Virginias. Given just a little time in the the tin, and then out of the tin, to settle down, the blend finds its stride and it's easy street thereon out.

The strength here is one of its great attributes. Probably best consumed after a large meal for those still getting acquainted with it, Nightcap is one of the few tobaccos where the strength of flavor harmonizes perfectly with the strength of nicotine. When I want a bracing, invigorating thump of Vitamin N, and when I want a solid, well-orchestrated no-nonsense absorbing smoke, I reach for Nightcap.

What this blend shares with EMP and 965 is its complete dependability. I'm not referring to consistency from tin to tin, or between tin and bulk offerings. (A lot of people would have to smoke a lot more than I have to get a reliable bead on that.) Instead, there is in Orlik's versions of the Dunhill Big Three something rock-ribbed and immoveable about the consistency of the smoking experience from charring light to bitter end. There are no doubt many tobaccos capable with the perfect combination of age, humidification, pipe shape, weather, and celestial alignment, of producing more sublime smokes, but "My mistress when she walks, treads on the ground." Whatever pipe I smoke these tobaccos in, whether the tobacco is slightly dry or slightly moist, whether my aura is tumid or shriveled, whether the S&P is outperforming the Hang Seng, the smoke is always straightforward, balanced, bracing, and satisfying.

Age When Smoked: 2 years

Purchased From: pipesandcigars.com

6 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Amsteracqua (24)	2014-09-05		Medium to Strong	None Detected	Medium to Full	Tolerable to Strong

For me this is a English Blend for excellence. I tasted another english blends, but any other was like this. In the first time i smoked this excellent blend, it knock-me with only 1/3 of the bowl (look this...), with the time and more tins I learned how to smoke this tobacco and it grew up... I always have at least 1 tin on my cellar. This was my first english blend.

6 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Jevverrett (106)	2014-07-21		Strong	Medium to Strong	Full	Tolerable to Strong

Fantastic smoke, very popular. It's all been said. Definitely worthy of the the title velvet hammer. Very full, round and delicious. Very smooth and voluminous smoke. Let it breath in a jar for best results. Not for beginners.

Pipe Used: Half bent chacom, rattrays butcher boy

Age When Smoked: New in tin, left in jar

Purchased From: Most tobacconists

6 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	inthewoodspiper (5)	2014-06-22		Strong	None Detected	Full	Tolerable to Strong

This is my favorite Dunhill offering and very pleasing as a late night send you off to dreamland treat. Highly recommended English blend that I plan to keep in the rotation.

6 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Stutter818 (51)	2014-05-31		Medium to Strong	None Detected	Medium to Full	Tolerable to Strong

Stronger latakia tin note, but mild in the smoke, and just a bit of zing from oriental and perique, toasty, tasted quite balanced and I found it slightly mild and slightly sweet. Excellent. I am a nicotine wimp so I put it in a small billiard and it was nice. Also dried it out and it stayed lit well! You will notice the extremely high quality ribbon cut in Dunhill's blends. So perfectly cut.

Update For latakia blends, I prefer Northwoods over this. Northwoods is much richer and smokier which is what I like.

Pipe Used: Dr grabow grand duke

Age When Smoked: Fresh

Purchased From: Pipes and cigars online

6 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Kentishman (7)	2014-05-24		Strong	None Detected	Full	Strong

I recently switched from cigarettes to pipe smoking for various reasons, not least of which was that for all the hounding a tobacco enjoyer now receives you may just as well hang for a better quality of experience than just vitamin N.

Having received a nice little starter pipe kit with a selection of half a dozen tobaccos I soon found that flavoured tobacco was not for me, aromatics pleased the family but were not for me, but I enjoyed a full, English blend. Perusing online soon pointed the way to this site as the widest and fullest guide for a novice, and being an Englishman was immediately inexorably drawn to the Dunhill reviews, albeit I already knew that the brand is no longer directly associated with the company.

Nightcap seemed to be the recommendation for someone who liked a meatier experience. I wasn't disappointed. As a newcomer the pipe was easy to fill, I found no need to dry the mix and it lit easily and smoked evenly from the first bowl from the tin. I appreciated the nicotine, feeling not even the slightest twitch to inhale as a recent cigarette smoker. If you are more adverse to a big nicotine punch be warned. It gave me a big Latakia lesson as a starter and I have to say it was so enjoyable I was left with a rather numb tongue the following day as I smoked 4 bowls after dinner over a couple of hours.

So, as much as a novice's opinion is worth, it was the 7th tobacco I had tried and not any of the first 6 came within a country mile of touching the quality. I can see why the blend is so named. Despite a switch from cigs recently, it's not a blend I would want during the day, much rather a post dinner luxury. I will enjoy working through as many other blends as the most excellent local tobacconist can provide and hopefully post some more enlightened reviews in the future. I do feel, however, this blend may be tough as a yard stick to beat.

Pipe Used: Briar

Age When Smoked: Newly purchased

6 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Xeneize (275)	2007-08-08		Very Strong	None Detected	Full	Tolerable to Strong

As you'd guess by the name, this is the most perfect smoke to close a day. The two main reasons: high nicotine content and the most sublime aftertaste in any tobacco. After a big bowl, I enjoy that after taste for hours, and I usually don't feel like smoking anymore (I smoke 3-5 bowls a day).

The Virginias on this baccy are topnotch. When I'm craving for latakia, I go for Odyssey; when I want a ride to paradise, I go for Nightcap or Penzance. They are nothing alike, but they hit the zone just as often.

If I'd smoke one bowl a day, half of the times it would be Nightcap.

6 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30171)	2007-02-18		Medium	None Detected	Medium	Pleasant

I had smoked this years and years ago when it was still made by Dunhill and it was one of the better pipe tobaccos available in America. Unfortunately the current rendition is slightly above adequate. However, for its price (it is not as expensive as Dorisco or any of the GLP blends), it is a decent smoke. The beginning of the bowl is quite full and actually quite tasty; for me it tastes slightly of sweet oatmeal with some other sweetened nut type flavors. As the bowl progresses, the sweetness disappears and it becomes a bit insipid, however, what resurrects this tobacco for me is the nicotine ramp-up. It also becomes a bit more creamy and full. By the last quarter of the bowl the nicotine is in high gear and the itty bit of perique is more noticiable. For me it is a relaxing blend and most definitely fills the bill as far as a nightcap, the last smoke of the day before turning in. I will continue to keep a tin or two of Nightcap in my drawer - I just won't keep several dozen.

6 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Beer (345)	2004-02-25		Strong	None Detected	Medium to Full	Strong

In a word: stunning.

The richness of its aroma is complex, rewarding and always different from the beginning to the end of the bowl. There's always something new to discover!

Some say it is TOO strong: well, it is (if smoked for the whole day you might feel a bit "nauseated" by its richness), but in a good way. It is not too aggressive and shocking to the palate, just very very rich tasting (albeit in a subtle way, not as evident and open-faced as London Mixture or My Mixture 965).

Perfect to be smoked slowly, enjoying every puff!

ANYWAY, it isn't a tobacco that I would smoke every day. Its spiciness and "incense" taste make it rather heavy if smoked too much. London Mixture and 965 are even tastier, but their taste is less prone to leave nauseated even on repeated smokings during the same day.

I personally tend to have always a tin of Nightcap at home, but I only smoke it a couple of times a week.

UPDATE February 2004: Like 965, I feel (and someone agrees with me) that also Nightcap is slowly becoming a pale shadow of its former self. Nowadays we have a very strong, nicotinic mixture heavy on the perique. It's stuff that can cause sweat and nausea (while I could smoke the old version without big problems), but the main problem is that not only the taste did not get stronger... actually it has become weaker! Every tin that I smoked in the last months was bland in taste: still heavy on the mouth and incense-like, but lacking depth and true notes of distinction. You can't even feel the Latakia and orientals distinctly: GLPease makes much better blends in this style!

Smoke it fast after opening the tin, because it becomes even worse after a few days.

I sincerely hope to find Nightcap at its former quality in the future... but I don't have much faith left...

UPDATE 2012 The new Orlik version seems less strong than the last years of Murray production, and can now be smoked (in small bowls) without too much fear of making the room spin around you. Taste has become slightly more pleasant, less dull and cardboardy, but still no match to the version of 15 years ago (or older). It has lost complexity, refinement, and that unique exotic spiciness and fullness. Decent, but I'm not eager to buy another tin... Still too heavy and unrefined, not as fragrant as a heavy latakia mixture should be, still unsubtle: the old late '90s versions were even heavier, but also much more elegant. Of the new Orlik versions of Dunhill latakia blends, I'll stick to London Mixture and, once in a while, Standard Mixture: both not as legendary as their older incarnations, but very decent on their own.

6 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	RCUSElder (244)	2003-09-12		Strong	None Detected	Full	Strong

Ahhhh, the venerable Nightcap. First let me state that I did approach this blend and review with much trepidation due to its reputation. Upon opening the tin you are greeted with ribbon-cut, dark leaf which has that strong, musty, peat-moss aroma that is a sign of good things to come. The raisin/fig like odor of the Perique was noticable too. I let it air out before packing because it seemed a little on the moist side. Packing is easy with just a few long strands giving a fuss. Lighting is about a three vesta affair which is to say normal. Flavor is rich with your senses given a strong symphony immediately. The richness continues down the bowl with the Perique making its prescence known towards the bottom of the bowl, but not in a bad way, more like a "tah-dum" at the end of a symphony. The flavor is dominated by the latakia but the other components reminding you they are there like a fugue. The Perique is there without blasting you like other blends of this ilk. While this blend does not giive tongue-bite, it is so rich that I can only handle a bowl a day, unless you do not want to taste anything else the rest of the day.The nicotine content is a little high, so make sure you eat before you smoke this. Why do the Dunhill blends seem so high in nicotine? I smell a conspiracy! (pun intended). Definitely a change of pace blend for me, but oh, what a change! Highly Recommended! A true TULIP blend 5 out of 5 points.

6 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Poodlejuice (51)	2022-02-21		Medium to Strong	None Detected	Full	Strong

Yes the legendary nightcap. It took me several years to finally buy a tin of this stuff. Something about the absurd popularity drove me away a bit I think. Anyways I figured when the snow started falling it was time to finally crack the tin. Been working on it for a few months now.

Deep rich wood smoke, bread, grass, fair amount of black pepper, plums and slightly tangy stewey fruits. Although there seems to be a sizeable dose of Latakia, the VA and perique seem to drive the blend. It's dark, spicy and rich, bready VaPer-type notes In the front with only a bit of smokey oriental/Turkish/Latakia floral-ish incense in the background. Full bodied and medium-full strength. Burns perfectly out of the tin, with little bite and relights a rarity.

Although nightcap has so much going for it, it just simply lacks the complexity and funk I often look for in a full bodied english. I can, however, see why it serves as the cornerstone of English blends. It is rich and full of body, effortless to smoke, and packs a nice punch. It worked very well as a winter companion, but after I finish these last few bowls, it will be time to move on.

Pipe Used: Savinelli 320 & 121 mostly

5 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30171)	2020-07-28		Medium to Strong	None Detected	Medium to Full	Tolerable to Strong

Nightcap has been a daily driver for me for years; perfect for the late afternoon or evening.

The tin note is fairly standard for an English mixture; a bit of sweet virginia dominated by smokey latakia, with a subtle hint of perique spice.

The smoke is a revolving door of flavors. Depending on what happens to burn at a particular moment, you might get a hit of perique, of creamy peaty smoke, or of sweet virginia. This tobacco always keeps me guessing while smoking it. Be cautious on the retrohale with this one as the perique (while mostly in the background in the blend) makes itself known.

Also should mention that the Nicotine is here and in full supply, so prepare yourself. After smoking this for years and trying many similar blends, I keep returning to it like an old friend when I've had a particularly tough or good day. I definitely recommend.

5 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	DakotaHale43 (47)	2020-07-26		Strong	None Detected	Mild to Medium	Tolerable to Strong

This is a very strong tobacco that will hit you about one third through the thing. The latakia and virginians are very tasty, and the perique helps to bring out some of the notes in it. This one had a few more relights than normal, though that was likely due to my poor packing technique. Overall pretty good blend if I say so myself.

5 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Len (12)	2019-11-15		Medium to Strong	Medium to Strong	Medium to Full	Pleasant

Just bought this smoked it twice, so far very enjoyable. One flavour stands out, reminds me of "black cherry exclusive G.H." but a bit more complicated. Ready to smoke from the tin I bought, not too moist. I would buy it again. Someone mentioned the word "musty" I agree but not in a negative way, it's like a blast from the past.

Pipe Used: Mr. Brog. Amigo

Age When Smoked: Recently bought

Purchased From: Smoke king

Similar Blends: G.H. Black cherry but more flavours..

5 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	simonburrows (2)	2019-11-08		Medium to Strong	Strong	Full	Pleasant to Tolerable

Mmmm well I’ve been smoking nightcap for a few years and at this point I must say something is different? I’m not sure what it is but I can detect a certain heavier flavour. Not the same subtle effect. I need to come back to this. Anyone tried it lately?

Age When Smoked: New

Purchased From: Gauntleys NOTTINGHAM

5 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	DrumsAndBeer (217)	2016-11-16		Strong	None Detected	Medium to Full	Tolerable

A solid and strong full English blend. The flavor is smoky and woodsy and there's a sliver of sweetness on the very tail end of the finish. From time to time, I get a subtle hint of roasted coffee beans, especially on retrohale. Nightcap has a good nicotine hit and I can definitely feel it nipping at my tongue.

Like other Dunhill English mixtures, the thin, even ribbon cut ensures an effortless burn and a well balanced flavor. The Latakia is front and center but it's not overwhelming. The Turkish and Virginias round out the taste and the perique adds a discernible punch. The finale is quite stout, earthy and somewhat bitter. Each puff is smooth and full bodied with a rich, dry peaty quality and a lingering but delicate spice.

Nightcap is certainly one of the more potent blends in the full English phylum and as the name suggests, this is good for an evening smoke, especially after a substantial meal.

5 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	incognitopoet (37)	2016-02-12		Medium	Extra Strong	Overwhelming	Overwhelming

As is the case with EMP and 965, this is simply Scandinavian trash soaked in chemicals. Loved it before, hate it now. It just makes me miss the real Dunhill even more bitterly.

Pipe Used: Peterson 302, 303, 307, 313, 314

5 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	tokay (1)	2015-12-02		Strong	None Detected	Very Full	Strong

I really don't like it, for me it taste like fresh cutting grass or something like herbal.

But i like the way this tobacco burning, not too hot and don't need to light the pipe again and again.

Pipe Used: Ewa superflamée

Purchased From: JPP cigares, la louvière, Belgium

5 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Sunnie1 (2)	2015-01-01		Overwhelming	Medium to Strong	Medium to Full	Tolerable

I have smoked pipes and cigars for 20-plus years, but this one was too strong for me--massive nicotine hit! If that's what you are looking for, this is your tobacco.

I guess I was also expecting a little more on the taste side. I love a good English blend, and was waiting for--well, anything! It just wasn't there for me. No spiciness on the tongue, no aromatic smokiness to enjoy.

I was honestly disappointed, based on all the reviews. But once I cleaned this out of my pipe--and my stomach settled--I fired up an old favorite ( 524 from Pipeworks and Wilke) to remind why I enjoy English blends.

Pipe Used: Savinelli Tevere dedicated to English blends

Age When Smoked: Jarred for one month

Purchased From: Iwan Ries

5 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Holy Smokes! (6)	2014-12-31		Mild to Medium	Medium	Medium	Very Strong

I tried this blend based off the high reviews. I did not enjoy it. The first bowl was ok, but it only seems to get worse from there. A fair amount of bite in it, which is not what I want right before bed, so I'm slightly confused by its name. Maybe I don't quite appreciate Acadian Perique fully, or maybe it's just not for me. Tin note was good, but that's best experience I gained from it.

Pipe Used: Baraccini Tulip

Age When Smoked: 1 month

Purchased From: pipesandcigars.com

5 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Mr Bob (1)	2014-07-20		Strong	None Detected	Very Full	Pleasant

sorry I have put my review in wrong place, (well am a Newbie) Hear we go again LOL My first Maiden Journey have so far blown anything away NightCap is fantastic when i compare to all the aromatics and Universty Flake whikey Flake Spitfire all the cherries sweet killarney connisours choice list is endless But Nightcap blows them all away thats the point, I think I was trying to please her indoors thus being only then able to enjoy a bowl of whatever, anyhow have decided I can not put nightcap down, have had a heart issue for past 3 years Ishmic heart deceas so have to listen my own body i WOULD LIKE some feed back if possible, I stopped the pipe for 4 years but found with the pain I also have its only eased without powerful opiods if i SMOKE THE PIPE no more than 2 or 3 bowls a day keep this one shorter than the original only to wish all well smoke in peace live in peace kind regards Mr Bob. ps/ " I understand the anti lobbist community's mentality" my reason I guess for making mention my health issues I consider myself a rational person and understand the medical views as being in part Valid, However the up side to the benifits of relaxing in total that only a pipe or two can give me personally are far greater in my opinion... ALL THINGS IN MODERATION i think is the key to spending one's life as happily as possible, or if one is fuiled by the fear's of what a society can inflict on you then one must be prepared to live in abject misrey untill shaking of that mortal coil so to speak after all we all must depart ONEDAY..untill then enjoy and live in peace with your pipe.

Pipe Used: Peterson's

Age When Smoked: prob about 1 year

Purchased From: Miss Morrows Belfast UK

Similar Blends: My very first maiden Journey however so far has blown away the dozens of mixtures aromatics spitfire black cherry sweet killarney connisours choice the list would go on..

5 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	JuanOrez (22)	2014-04-19		Strong	None Detected	Full	Pleasant to Tolerable

There isn't much to say after all these reviews. What I will say is that this is one of my "go to" English blends. It's full, strong and creamy. It truly is legendary and gets my vote for one of the best blends I've tried. Give it a shot, it's delicious.

------

I'm editing the above review. I just bought several tins of the new Peterson re-brand of Nightcap and wanted to comment on whether they are the same. I am happy to announce that I think this blend is 99% the same. However, I don't think Peterson let the blend 'rest' long enough before packing and shipping to retailers. The flavor is very slightly different and I think could be remedied by a month or two of aging. It just seems too fresh and not melded as well as the old Dunhill branded version. Just my 2 cents.

Pipe Used: Trever Talbert bulldog

Age When Smoked: Fresh

Purchased From: SmokingPipes.com

5 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	krg1000 (183)	2014-01-14		Strong	Medium	Medium	Tolerable

After much thought about this much reviewed blend, I decided to take the plunge and see if it was worth all the high praise. Indeed it is. This blend has a very nice kick of nicotine that comes at you after about a third of a bowl into it. Not quite as heavy a hitter as 1792 was for me, but not too far behind it either. The components come together to make a great blend. The room note will scare away most people, but that just gives me more to enjoy. It lights up easily enough and stays lit with no effort at all. It burns down nicely to an ash with no gurgle even hinted at by this great blend. The moisture level right out of the tin was spot on for me, which only adds points for me. This warrants another 4 star entry with a high recommendation for all to try.

5 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	WillBrown (137)	2013-12-05		Strong	Medium to Strong	Very Full	Tolerable

This used to be, long ago, one of my favorites. I'm not going to complain about it not being the smoke it used to be, as far as I'm concerned, since my return to the pipe, Nightcap tastes the same as it did—perhaps slightly sharper, but aging this stuff should take the edge off. Back in the old days I had a higher tolerance for nicotine, but no longer. That, then, is my chief complaint with this blend, today. Way too much nicotine. I love Nightcap's full flavor, but the whomp it gives me really turns me off. I cut my tin with some Early Morning Pipe, that seemed to dumb it down a bit, but, still, there's a nicotine kick that refuses to be tamed. In summation, a great taste, a classic taste, but too strong for me now.

Cheers!

Pipe Used: Jobey Stromboli

Age When Smoked: ?

Purchased From: Pipes & Cigars

5 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30171)	2013-07-20		Medium to Strong	Extremely Mild	Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

Murray did this much better. I think there is a Black cav. additive to this as well as the listed ingredients. It seemed less flavorful than I remember, less nutty, woody and the perique seemed to make this a bit harsh. All in all not a terrible experience, but I won't be purchasing again.

5 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	SteelCowboy (685)	2010-01-31		Strong	Extremely Mild	Full	Tolerable

What can be added to what has already been said? I am lucky enough to have about six ounces of this weed left and I still find it to be one of my favorite tin aroma's of all of the Dunhill blends. It smells smokey, sweet and inviting. As English blends go, it's a "hall of famer." If you have never tried it, and you are lucky enough to get your hands on some, its worth the expense! Let's hope that Nightcap and the other Dunhill blends are not gone forever. It would be shameful to let Nightcap become just a memory.

5 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	BRandom (7)	2022-03-15		Medium to Strong	None Detected	Medium to Full	Tolerable to Strong

Can’t say enough good things about this blend. It was my first English blend experience and it really set a high standard as far as flavor is concerned. With a good rhythm, you won’t be troubled by many (if any) relights. Just a great consistent smoking experience every time from start to finish. I highly recommend it!

Pipe Used: Savinelli Oscar & Tortuga

Purchased From: Local tobacconist

4 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	KnowJah (1)	2021-04-20		Medium to Strong	None Detected	Full	Very Pleasant

I made an account just to review this tobacco.. I’m relatively new to pipe smoking but this has ruined my taste in previous favourites in all the best ways.. I didn’t like it my first try but this is easily my all time favourite tobacco

Pipe Used: hw

Age When Smoked: 23

Purchased From: Smokingpipes.com

Similar Blends: I’ve heard endlish blend from davidoff but I haven’t tried it yet.

4 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Catholic Hoosier (6)	2021-02-08		Medium to Strong	None Detected	Very Full	Very Strong

Well, where shall we begin?

The pipe smoking community has decidedly made this tobacco rather infamous, and to be honest, I am not really sure why that is. Nightcap has been touted as the most nicotine-rich, full-bodied pope tobacco out there on the market, and it is said that only the most experienced of pipe smokers ought to venture into this blend.

This couldn’t be farther from the truth.

For one, for those who are seasoned with pipe smoking or consuming any nicotine product in general, the “nicotine hit” from this blend is hardly noticeable. On the other hand, I will say that those who are not used to English blends may find this tobacco to be rather overwhelming in terms of its harshness and intensity. This is on account of its full-flavor/body, NOT its nicotine content. This is perhaps exacerbated by its Perique content, which makes it slightly more spicy than other Englishes.

In general, if one is not opposed to Latakia (the central put-off to many who dislike English blends), or better yet, if they enjoy Latakia, this is a great blend. Contrary to its name, I actually believe that this tobacco can be smoked any time of the day, but the smoker should understand that this blend ought to be “sipped” sparingly, otherwise one runs the risk of becoming fatigued by its intensity, and may no longer appreciate it.

4 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	AJS2323 (32)	2020-07-05		Medium to Strong	None Detected	Very Full	Tolerable

I have been smoking this for a couple of years but I have never left a review..... I thought it might be worth putting one on. This was one of the first English blends that I purchased. I was quite apprehensive given the hype about this tobacco and the "heavy" nature. However this was not the case. What you get is a very well blended and balanced tobacco, it is very complex in terms of flavour. You get the latakia first up and it is the main player, you get the smokiness and this is followed by a little spice, from the orientals and then sweetness from the Macedonia's. To finish you get the perique flavour come through.

This tobacco is also good for new pipe smokers as the flavour is bold enough to handle anything you do. If you smoke hot there is very little effect on the flavour and this tobacco does not bite at all. I have smoked this on a mountain side in 30 mph winds and there was a slight change in flavour, a little bit of a burnt taste due to the wind constantly blowing but again it did not effect the overall experience. I tend to smoke this blend in the winter, there is no real reason for this, personal choice I guess. It's a unique flavour that kind of goes with winter. That being said I do have it in the summer for a change of pace, I normally go fo twist and sweeter twists/ropes in the summer.

I have tried both the Dunhill and the Peterson and frankly I cannot tell the difference so in my opinion it is the same.

Pipe Used: Peterson System and Aran

Age When Smoked: New - 18 months

Purchased From: AE Lloyd and Son

4 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Gr8tefuldawg (87)	2019-08-16		Strong	None Detected	Full	Tolerable to Strong

Wow, this English really has a fantastic taste, it’s full bodied and while featured Latakia the entire mixture is well balanced! I love this and hope when it returns again the blend hopefully will remain unchanged

This review is for the Dunhill tin version, not the new Peterson version, whoever decided to not make a new page for the Peterson version is a nerd.

Pipe Used: Morgan bones stubby pot

Age When Smoked: 2 years

Purchased From: Local B&M

4 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Owl Mage (2)	2017-11-22		Very Strong	None Detected	Full	Pleasant to Tolerable

Dunhill's nightcap is the tobacco that appears in my mind when I think of English blends. And English blends, for me at least, are hard to pull off. Too much of one ingredient can throw off the entire balance of a blend and make the blend taste terrible. With that being said, Dunhhil has created an amazing, tasty English blend that will leave you wanting more and make you want to get a time machine and travel back to the Victorian Age because you feel like you'll fit in there.

Purchased From: pipesandcigars.com

4 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	taima (12)	2016-08-20		Overwhelming	Very Mild	Very Full	Very Strong

Well.. it's an interesting blend. Anything from Dunhill is going to be a quality tobacco, and Nightcap is certainly robust, with quality tobacco being used, but I found that the Latakia's smokiness overwhelmed the other flavors. Very very strong tobacco. Too strong for me, in fact: trying to smoke more than a quarter bowl of this makes me dizzy, more than a half makes me puke. I wouldn't call this an after-dinner blend. It's more likely to tranquilize you than stimulate you, which makes the name appropriate.

Not a blend I'll be revisiting anytime soon, due to its high strength.

Pipe Used: Good ol' briar

Age When Smoked: Fresh -- 1 month

Purchased From: Pipes and Cigars

4 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	wandyhee (16)	2015-10-09		Strong	None Detected	Medium	Tolerable to Strong

too strong for my taste. first bowl and thats it. keep inside drawer and lock it. will try it again when i'm out of favourite stock. For those who has strong taste, maybe..

keras sangat dalam tekak.. cuba satu dapur terus simpan dlam laci & kunci. biar dia duduk diam2 dalam laci, sampai aku ingat balik

Pipe Used: Golden Gate Bent Apple

4 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Eurocrat (2)	2014-11-11		Very Strong	None Detected	Very Full	Tolerable to Strong

The tobacco that has everything. An extremely generous dose of Latakia, and enough Perique to make its presence felt. However, it's just too strong for my taste, even though I generally prefer strong flavours. The nicotine content was just right for me while I was transitioning from cigarettes to pipes, but would probably be a bit too much for me now.

The one piece of advice I have to anyone who smokes this tobacco (which I heartily recommend to anyone who loves strong English mixtures) - the tin art is beautiful, but deceptive. It's called Nightcap, and has a picture of a starry sky, a candle and an actual nightcap on the label. So it must be good for before bed, right? Wrong! I once smoked a small bowl of this before going to bed, and I would honestly have slept better after a large pot of coffee.

Pipe Used: Peterson Churchwarden

Purchased From: Le Roi du Cigare, Brussels

4 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	cigarcohiba (36)	2014-04-09		Medium	Extremely Mild	Full	Pleasant

Extraordinary, rich taste. An english blend that gives off its oriental, latakia taste to its best. A very balanced tobacco giving a constant and steady taste.

4 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Bigdadz (39)	2014-03-31		Very Strong	None Detected	Extra Full	Strong

This is a review of the Murray's Nightcapt, which in my opinion is a Latakia Masterpiece. I would have to say that this is the fullest and richest of the dunhill blends I have tried. It is strong, leathery and the spiciness offered by the perique is delectable and can be felt tingling the nostrils.

A slow burning tobacco that is truly a luxury blend.

I do enjoy smoke it anytime of the day. But really, this is a blend to be savoured in tranquility, and I enjoy it best when the kids are asleep.

I have tried the Orlik variety, and although not bad, it just doesn't have that signature dunhill strength and intense flavour.

Age When Smoked: 15 years

4 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	DEN-C1956 (35)	2013-12-20		Medium	Medium	Medium	Pleasant

ok...this is my first 50g tin of 'nightcap' and i must say that its rather nice...easy to light and to keep alight..easy going and a nice aroma...im going to be getting more of this, but im going to try 'early moring pipe' as well. NC has lived up to what i was expecting and im not disapointed, very nice indeed.

4 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	albfneto (184)	2013-05-08		Strong	Medium to Strong	Full	Strong

NightCap is a Legend, is a classic between the Dunhill's Tobacco, but for me, is only an reazonable English Mixture.

Is also too Strong, veru large Nicotine ammount to be smoked in regular basis.

Cleary less good, when compared with other Dunhill's: Standard Medium Mixture, English Mixture, 965, EMP are all much, much better.

Also other not Dunhill's English and Balkan Mixtures are better: Presbyterian, Chipman Hill, Britt's Balkan, Penzance, Balkan Supreme, Balkan Sasieni, Three Blind Moose, Balded Headed Teacher, Squadron Leader, Davidoff English... All better.

Only 2 Stars and expensive as other Dunhill's. Save you money, purchase a better and less expensive tobacco...

4 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Mr. Big (321)	2012-06-24		Medium to Strong	None Detected	Medium to Full	Pleasant to Tolerable

A lot has already been said, but this is a great tobacco. Yes, it may have some additional strength , but not "punishing". The one outstanding feature that I like better than other Latakia blends is the cut, a ribbon, it just lights and stays lit so easy.

The thing that makes this blend so special, over other Latakia forward blends, is the fruity "blasts" that periodically jump into the smoke. These are not from some topping but rather the Orientals/Perique that hide behind the Latakia. Nothing bad to say , on my Favorites list.

Similar Blends: Closest to Astons's Artisan's Blend.

4 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Tripjoker (65)	2011-08-24		Medium to Strong	None Detected	Full	Tolerable

Anyone who has followed my reviews knows that I am a Dunhill fan. So a favorable review will not be a surprise to anyone. I like the house of Dunhill because they are so reliable and consistant, this tobacco being no exception to that rule.

I was never a big Night Cap fan before the switch in blenders, and probably will not be afterward, but the blend remains a solid heavy english that can relax and satisfy even the most jaded and nicotine resistant smoker. It isn't a nicotine powerhouse, but is more than enough for most people.

The blend itself smokes very well. The packing is easy because of the fine ribbon cut, and the lighting is easy as well because of a managed moisture level in the tin. Only a brief period of air is needed to open this blend up to smoking.

The flavors are dark and deep. Chocolate, coffee, aged cabernet, leather, smokey goodness. This blend contains perique, which I like to varying degrees depending on the blend it's added to. Here it works well. I taste it, but only barely. it adds to the complexity of Night Cap and seperates it from the Dunhill english crowd.

You can do alot worse if looking for a heavy english, believe me, I have done alot worse! LOL If you haven't given it a try, by all means do. It is well worth the effort for the dedicated english smoker. Cheers!

4 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Fly ticky (26)	2009-06-27		Extremely Strong	Very Mild	Very Full	Tolerable to Strong

Well its very well covered from all the reviews.If you can still get a tin give it shot.Its very potent,but pleasant also.

4 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	LorenG (4)	2009-05-09		Medium to Strong	None Detected	Full	Pleasant to Tolerable

For me, Nightcap is the quintessential English blend. I kept trying other blends, and found enjoyable ones, but this was my every day smoke for 2½ years. Should have had the foresight to stock up. My score for room note is a guess. I don't smoke indoors.

4 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	haredawg (47)	2007-01-06		Strong	None Detected	Full	Pleasant to Tolerable

I really love this website. More than taste tests, more than tin labels, this site helps me find a higher level of joy in the whole pipe smoking experience. I find most reviews, even ones I disagree with, to be more reliable than even my own palate. My palate is an emotional thing and the taste of the tobacco can be affected by surroundings or mood, it?s like the difference between drinking 18 y/o GlenMorangie from a cut crystal rock glass after a steak dinner with a beautiful woman and the city of roses lit below the picture frame window or drinking from the same bottle through a beer bong at a frat party.

That said my initial reaction to Nightcap was So What? I had brought along a Pete System pipe weaned on Dunhill 985 and Squadron Leader and tested Nightcap with it in the store. This place was mainly a head shop in the not too distant past and though they?ve expanded and beautified their humidor and now have a huge selection of pipe tobacco, and have a testing area with overstuffed leather chairs and coffee, the clientele is still pretty much head shop. So I self consciously tested night cap and kept feeling to make sure my wallet was still in my coat.

It?s hard to hurt yourself puffing on a Pete anxiously, but it does wreck havoc with taste and subtly of the experience to puff away, sort of like being offered a cork to sniff in a slaughter house. I bought a few ounces of night cap anyhow, because the aroma and the feel of it seemed like it should be good. I forgot about it for a week, then tried it this morning after a bracing walk with my two lovable albeit strong pit bulls.

Something about the warmth of a bracing walk, a rare non rainy day in January in Oregon and two satisfied lazing about dogs enhanced the hell out of the Nightcap experience. I?m not a huge Latakia fan but when I want it, I want it. Nightcap has a stronger clearer note of Latakia campfire than 965, almost perfect for the right mood or I?m content with how close to perfect.

As many wiser and seasoned reviewers have said before me, it?s not going to be to the tastes of a new initiate to the wonders of English blends, and if I had to advise such a beast I?d steer them gently elsewhere, perhaps Dunhill?s early morning or SG?s squadron leader .

4 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	tacoeatingzebra (37)	2006-10-27		Very Strong	None Detected	Very Full	Very Strong

Nightcap is one of my standards, but what I think would enhance is just a little more perique. Sometimes the latakia overpowers the perique a bit much and sometimes the flavors seem to bleed together quite nicely.

This blend goes beautifully with a nice, strong dark cup of coffee, especially a sumatra sourced coffee. It's also a great after dinner smoke. I would give it four stars had I not discovered Penzance.

Update: I've been smoking Nightcap on and off for about two years, but the latest batch of bulk that I got at my B&M has been absolutely magical. I've got a Nording freehand that has quite a substantial bowl and frequently load it up when taking our dogs for a longer than usual walk. My wife has even commented on the spicy aroma, as have a few innocent bystanders. Unusual for Nightcap, of course... there are notes of clove, cinnamon and cardamom that weave themselves through the rich, dense smokiness.

Second Update: I bumped this one up to four stars. Another couple of batches of bulk and the flavor is bursting from each one. The spices I mention above along with cedar and pine. I daydream about this stuff and when I grow out my beard, I must admit to enjoying the fact that the aroma clings to it.

4 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Philo Beddoe (221)	2006-03-06		Strong	Extremely Mild	Very Full	Tolerable

As others have said this is a full strength english blend, with lots of latakia and perique. The only way I can descibe the flavor is, rich! It has a fair share of nicotine, but is quite controllable if you puff slowly. I found it to have much less nicotine punch than Hal O' the Wynd, which gets my head spinning after a bowl. Nightcap is quite pleasant to sit back with and forget about the days events. Highly Recommended.

4 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30171)	2004-12-10		Strong	Extremely Mild	Full	Tolerable

Fortunately, I was exposed to both 965 and Nightcap in my first expiramentation in the worlsd of pipe smoking. I was 19 yrs old and staying in London for an extended period when my pipe smoking adventure first began. I was taken to the Dunhill shop in London by a gentlemen I met at the American University in London. His name was James Spivey, and I owe my love and dedication to robust blends to him alone. I'm so greatful that he let me on to the wonderful essence of Latakia because had I gone the aromatic route in the beginning, I probably wouldn't be a brother of the briar today. Now, six years later, this is still the masterpiece that I go back to time and time again. I smoke other full strength English blends only to compare the different textures to what I view as blending perfection. Many others are illustrious in their own respect but none hold a candle to Nightcap. All that I can think to say has already been said in the reviews above, so I will spare you the redundancy. This is the cream of the crop. Pure yourself a cup of Turkish coffee, light this one up, and be taken away to the heavens.

4 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30171)	2003-07-30		Very Strong	None Detected	Very Full	Strong

Yep, that's yer big boy. A latakia monster, if there ever was- huge, dark, and forboding.

For all the perceived air of suave sophistication that permeates the Dunhill line, I have always found many of their blends a tad on the harsh side. Nightcap is no exception, but its brutish overtones seem entirely appropriate, and are more than balanced by the subtantial flavors it delivers. Odyssey for tough guys, if you will.

For years, I didn't give this blend its due, but I must include it in the very upper echelon of the all time classics. A half hour smoke in a group 3 is about all I require to erase any unpleasantness of the day. Pedigree, lineage, breeding- whatever term you choose- Nightcap defines it.

In a world of boutique blends, Dunhill remains an original, and a bargain, to boot. A tin of Nightcap seems to last forever, and, coupled with its already low price, has to be one of the great values in the world of tobacco. Try to find a cigar of anywhere near this quality at double the price of a tin.

Now stare into my eyes. You are getting sleepy. Verrry sleeeepy.

4 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Brunello (166)	2023-03-13		Medium to Strong	None Detected	Very Full	Strong

Wow, 668 reviews for this blend! I wonder if anybody has read them all? Well, good news for you insomniacs out there: now you’ve got 669 for your reading pleasure. Yay!

Even though for me Nightcap only warrants three stars, I’d say it’s one of those classic blends that defines a genre – the fulsome after dinner/evening smoke - and must be tried by all. Among Lat-forward blends it is still one of the most harmonious and well-integrated creations around, even with all the newcomers to challenge the throne. I’ve known Nightcap since 1979, when it was still made by Dunhill, and it has remained fairly consistent over the decades, though the one thing I think has changed is the type or percentage of Perique used, which now seems to be more of the stale peppercorn profile than of the stewed fruit variety.

What holds it back for me is that while the Latakia and stoved Virginias form a harmonious symbiosis, they also make for a rather weighty and monolithic experience, while I prefer a little more evolution in the bowl as I ponder the end of the day. Specifically, I could do with a sprinkle of golden Virginia, or more savory Turkish varieties, to break up the monotony. But between this and a true Lat-bomb like Pirates Cake I’d go Nightcap. The takeaway is that the more monolithic and single-varietal dominant a blend is the less it appeals to me. Obviously there are others pipers who would emphatically disagree. That’s why it’s great to have the luxury of so many choices. Now that I’ve tried so many other blends in this genre, my choice end-of-day smoke is something like Wilke 400: full, complex, and satisfying in a way that Nightcap never was.

3 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Subzero (4)	2023-01-17		Medium to Strong	None Detected	Full	Tolerable to Strong

[English version below]

Tabaco maravilloso, fuerte pero no abrumante, lleno de sabor pero puedes sentir todo los tabacos de la mezcla, picante pero no demasiado, algo dulce, equilibrado, completo y muy relajante.

El tabaco viene casi listo para fumar, dejarlo unos minutos airear previamnte es reocomendable. La primera mitad de la cazoleta puedes definitivamente sentir la latakia, los orientales con ese recuerdo a incienso, cuero, ese sabor grasiento, un leve dulzor de los virginias de vez en cuando, fumado lento puedes notar incluso notas a ciruela. De mitad para abajo, sabores tostados, cueros, sigues podiendo apreciar cierto dulzor, sabores a incienso, la latakia con presencia, y aparece con más presecia el perique.

Si te gustan las mezclas inglesas, pruébalo, te encantará. Yo lo disfruto a cualquier hora del día. Por cierto, fumado en pipa de maiz, le noto más presencia de orientales, me da sensaciones diferentes. Combina genial con un café negro.

.......................................................................................

Wonderful tobacco, strong but not overpowering, full of flavor but you can feel all the tobaccos in the blend, spicy but not too much, somewhat sweet, balanced, full and very relaxing.

The tobacco comes almost ready to smoke, letting it air for a few minutes is recommended. The first half of the bowl you can definitely feel the latakia, the orientals with that memory of incense, leather, that greasy taste, a slight sweetness of virginias from time to time, slow smoking you can even notice notes of plum. From the middle down, toasted flavors, leather, you can still appreciate a certain sweetness, flavors of incense, the latakia with presence, and the perique appears more presciently.

If you like English mixes, give it a try, you'll love it. I enjoy it at any time of the day. By the way, smoked in a cob, I notice more presence of orientals, it gives me different sensations. It goes great with a black coffee.

Pipe Used: Savinelli 313, MM Diplomat

Age When Smoked: Fresh from tin

3 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	RudyH (13)	2022-10-28		Medium to Strong	None Detected	Full	Tolerable to Strong

A very well named blend because I do enjoy it most in the evening. Excellent. Not as strong with nicotine as I thought it might be, but does have noticeable nicotine. This is one of my favorite blends, though I was reluctant to try it because of its characterization as a strong nicotine blend.

Blends characterized as "mild" or "medium" strength for nicotine are typically what I smoke, and I do not wish to experience any dizziness or nausea as is described by those who have experienced very strong blends. This blend had no such effect on me.

Relaxing. Excellent flavor. Benefits from drying on a plate for an hour or two before packing the pipe.

Flavor is in the same family of blends as My Mixture 965 and Standard Mixture, but with it's own delicious character.

An interesting point is that I inadvertently allowed one bowl's worth of Nightcap to dry on a plate for so long that it became crisp and crunchy-- a couple of days. I could hear the flakes snap when I packed the bowl. I thought I had ruined that tobacco, but it was a pleasant smoke. I may try drying it again like that.

Pipe Used: Various high quality briar and meerschaum

Age When Smoked: New to three months

Purchased From: SmokingPipes

Similar Blends: My Mixture 965, Standard Mixture.

3 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Pipefitter (51)	2022-06-02		Medium to Strong	None Detected	Medium to Full	Pleasant

Most of the tobacco shops around me have basically turned into discount vape and cigarette shops but Smokers Discount Word in N. Windham Ct has a good humidor and a good stock of fairly high end pipe tobaccos. It’s always a good idea to get to know the owners and managers of these places to order the things that you want. So I’m a fan of flake tobacco with a lot of burley boldness and didn’t Think I would enjoy a blend without it, so when I bought Peterson’s Nightcap , I was pleasantly surprise and the Perique gives this blend the character that I thought I would miss. Nightcap is different from Peterson’s other English blends like Elizabethan or Royal Yacht as Latakia is the dominant character. This blend has plenty of strength so I would remind the new smoker of that to avoid dizziness. It’s a little pricey, but if you want a real deal English where you don’t have to search for the Latakia, try this one.

Pipe Used: Cobb

Age When Smoked: ?

Purchased From: Smokers Discount World in N. Windham Ct.

Similar Blends: Peterson’s My Mix 965.

3 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	The Old Man (19)	2022-04-11		Medium to Strong	None Detected	Medium	Strong

Considerably stronger than EMP, 965 and Standard Mixture but this current iteration of Nightcap is no Lat bomb.

The classic "Dunhill" easy-to-pack, thin ribbon cut features a colorful mix of black, brown, tan and yellow leaf. The Perique is easy to spot. My tin came slightly dry so it was in near perfect smoking condition directly from the tin.

In the smoke, the Latakia does prevail and there is a little "Dunhill" Virginia sweetness (like EMP) that squeaks through but it's minimal. The Perique in this blend is noticeable and it definitely packs a nicotine punch - well above most of my other favorite English blends.

This blend smokes a little dry in the mouth and that's probably due to the Orientals. The pipe is also dry and the ash is white - nice. The finish is mostly a Virginia-ish mouth finish with a little residual Latakia.

I just smoked some more from the same tin today after it had sat in a sealed Ball jar undisturbed for the past 7 months. Now, we have a fuller English and with the same noticeable nicotine hit. Interestingly, the Latakia is more intense now and the Perique is not spicy but it's full on. It's a much more interesting mixture after 7 months undisturbed and it seems more complex and deep.

But, for my tastes, McConnell's Covent Garden (although somewhat different overall), remains a more interesting blend as the Latakia is more pronounced, the Orientals more exotic and the Perique (and nicotine hit) more subtle.

3 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	lysergic69 (3)	2021-11-10		Medium	None Detected	Medium to Full	Tolerable

Hello all, time for my second review :) I hope this review proves useful for somebody. This blend is really not as strong as other reviews make it seem (at least to me), I have even given bowls of this to friends of mine who do not smoke but wished to enjoy a bowl with me and they handled it fine (also a testament to how easily this blend smokes. I do a charring light & a real light to get it going, then give the pipe to whichever old mate is keen and they seem to have no dramas keeping it lite). I usually smoke uni flake and find it to be stronger than nightcap (although weaker if I rub it out). Nightcap is a flavour powerhouse, not so much that it punches the tastebuds, but that it delivers great flavours as the bowl burns and is deeply contemplative. The complexity is amazing. Originally I smoked this in my cob pipe which usually only smokes uni flake, I found it boring. After buying another pipe to dedicate for this (I didn't buy that pipe specifically for nightcap, but I have ended up dedicating it to this blend. And I wish I bought another cob, I think cobs hold the flavour better. Also, I never rested that pipe for months. Smoked it every day! maybe I'm lucky that it didn't go sour?), I found the flavours really coming through (the burley heavy uni flake ghosts nightcap with nuttiness). Variously I taste campfire smoke, caramel, dark chocolaty malt, some random sweet grassy tones and the odd roasted nutty flavour. Really a great depth and complexity to this blend. I like to drink stout, but think that dark beer is too close to the palette of this blend and takes away from the experience. A nice whiskey like Nikka (THE Nikka, if you happen to have a money tree) or something of the sort would pair well with it. I like to smoke this blend after a late breakfast or early dinner with a pot of cheap matcha. This blend comes from the tin just nearly dry enough, I have been laying the tin out on a plate in a cupboard overnight to dry it to perfection. This blend is super easy to smoke, even without dry time I get bowls burnt to the bottom and just white ash. This blend is forgiving of packing, it can be packed looser or tighter and still seems to burn well. Room note is ok, but doesn't hang around to offend guests. Aftertaste is strong for a while but doesn't hold the palette all day like my other fav (uni flake) does. I can definitely see why this has been a best seller since before my grandad was blinking and I recommend highly. The smell from the tin gives a great delight which is totally carried by the smoke. This blend does not bite, I smoke like a freight train if I don't check myself (probably a hangover from stuffing flake) but have never been bitten. This blend is, in my opinion, best enjoyed while doing nothing but enjoying it. When I smoke it while distracted (minding a lathe or doing uni work) I seem to just steam through the bowl, absent mindedly smashing a bowl without appreciating it (also a testament to how easy it smokes). Next I want to try Sam Gowiths Irish X brown rope (I haven't really been sold on Gowith blends yet, but don't mind luxury flake, It's just a bit weak and takes a considerable amount of bowls to really build a flavour), as I am looking for something stronger to kick me in the third eye (yeah boi!). Pairs well with Early Morning Pipe, I'm certain these two legendary blends were made to complement each other! EMP is a mellow grassy sweet mindless puff and nightcap finishes the day off with some luxury. If only EMP (or all pipe tobaccos really) wasn't so damn expensive! If I could afford it, I'd burn EMP all day, then finish my arvo with a bowl of nightcap to sort out the evening. I would like to buy a few tins of this for ageing, I believe that this blend could be further improved with some time in a jar, but still smokes great right out of the tin. When I win lotto I'll invest in some aged nightcap. Shoutout to my low socio economic wage slaves!

TLDR; great blend, tasty, easy to smoke, highly recommended.

Peace to pipe smokers :)

Pipe Used: Meerschaum Hardwood

Age When Smoked: About a month from purchase

Purchased From: tobaccoblends.com.au

3 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Chris R (1)	2021-05-03		Medium to Strong	None Detected	Medium to Full	Pleasant to Tolerable

The tin note is smokey with latakia with some background notes of Turkish and virginia.

The moisture content is spot on, in my opinion, and it burns easily with satisfying plumes of smoke emanating from the bowl when using the breath method. It burns cool despite my clumsy cadence with no trace of bite - it is very forgiving.

The smokey latakia is the first taste I detect, but this is soon joined by the Turkish and the virginia to smooth the blend out with some sweet and sour flavours. On the retrohale, I found that perique joined the party by adding some spice. Towards the end of the bowl, I thought I detected hints of caramel as, perhaps, the burned sugars married with the perique.

Overall, I find this an extremely well balanced blend. It starts with latakia, ends with a touch of perique, but the virginia and the Turkish ensure that either of the first two do not start to dominate.

It is my favourite English blend that is readily available in the UK.

Pipe Used: Peterson Killarney 68 Red

Age When Smoked: 2 Months

Purchased From: Margerums of Canterbury

3 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	DrAcula (62)	2020-12-01		Strong	None Detected	Full	Tolerable to Strong

Presentation: Solid dark blue label with sharp yellow text. Art includes a candle, a long clay pipe, and fittingly a nightcap. The premise being this is a strong blend that will put you to sleep.

Cut: The perfect STG ribbon cut. Moisture is just right.

Tin note: A rich, smoky latakia smell.

Tasting notes: Full, deep, smoke. A bit woody and sweet. Sometimes a tinge grassy. A miniscule amount of spice but it's there.

Mechanics: This is an incredibly cool smoking blend. It burns well and slowly and you'll have no issues with bite or harshness unless you're smoking a chimney.

Extra Remarks: This is a strong, full flavor, lat bomb english blend. It is not very complex, but lat bombs basically never are. I first had this blend in 2018 under the Dunhill name shortly before they went off the market. It was my favorite blend at the time and if I was reviewing it then, I would have given it 4 stars. But I was rather new to pipe smoking and I have smoked so many blends since then. This still a very good blend however. 3 stars.

Age When Smoked: Fresh from tin to 10 months

Similar Blends: Cornell & Diehl - Mountain Camp, Hermit Tobacco Works Co. - Captain Earle's - Ten Russians.

3 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	YoungToby (4)	2020-11-11		Medium	Medium	Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

The first Peterson blend I ever smoked, and still my favorite. Smooth, sweet, deep in flavor, perfect for the evening. Latakia forward, but not overpowering in the slightest. It is the main player, but doesn't try to upstage its fellow tobaccos it shares the blend with. They work in symphony to create this lovely english blend. Truly a (Dunhill) Peterson staple!

Pipe Used: Rossi Vittoria Author, MM Legend cob

Age When Smoked: fresh out of the tin, to 2 months in jar

Purchased From: Pipes and Cigars

3 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	AtlanticPiper (13)	2020-10-23		Medium to Strong	None Detected	Medium to Full	Tolerable to Strong

The latakia enticed you into taking it off the shelf. The perique and virginia made you stay for the adventure. Smoky and robust, this is the English lover's dream. When I was young ( I'm talking under 10 years of age) my dad often took me down to the shop to pick up cigars and coffee. The tin note smells exactly like that shop. A joy to smoke and a walk down memory lane.

3 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	troyniss (38)	2020-10-19		Medium to Strong	Extremely Mild	Medium to Full	Tolerable

Presentation: Love the artwork on this tin especially the dark blue color, reminiscent of the deep and dark cool nights. Opening the tin, a lovely ruffled paper neatly aligned, followed by a cardstock with an image of a golden tobacco plant. Underneath is the real prize. Densely packed and a wonderful array of black, dark brown, light brown and a few strands of bright. Comes slightly moist but doesn't clump.

Palette: Rich latakia, earthy and tangy orientals, a plummy perique and a touch of sweetness. This smells like an English but it has something else going on with the tin note that I can't quite place my finger on. It's got a deep and umami'ish scent that I haven't found replicated in other English blends. Light up brings full on flavor right away but I find that as the bowl progressed it maintained this and got even richer. The Latakia is the predominant flavor here but in no way does it overpower the complexity of the other components. It's smokey, musty and unlike many other English blends I've tried, it retains the incense like quality from a good fire. The orientals provide a nice balance of tang and wood, dryness and herb like quality. The VA is barely noticeable but adds just a touch of sweetness to keep this from being a total latakia bomb. The perique is, in my opinion, where this blend shines and set's it apart from others. It adds a slight plum and dark fruit essence to the whole mixture and really takes a front seat on the retrohale with a nice wallop of black peppercorn flavor. It's not too strong but I can pick it out easily. Nicotine is there, but I find that it is not as strong as many have said. I can easily smoke two bowls in a row. Not an all day blend of course, and given the name, I smoke this solely at night time in the late hours. I wouldn't dare smoke this at any other time.

Performance: Burns very cool and even with a slightly moist tin, it tended to burn a little quick for me, but I am a fast smoker. Also, I was using a shallow bowl. However, the blend itself burns evenly and I don't ever really need a relight unless it's the dregs of the bowl. By that point I'm ready for another anyways. Leaves more than average moisture in the bowl for me.

Conclusion: What I've said has been said over and over in the plethora of reviews here, but I wanted to add my two cents for the future generations to comb through. I'm not a huge English fan, and only have two others that I smoke consistently which surprisingly contain perique (SPC Plum Pudding, C&D Sunset Harbor Flake). I have not tried the Dunhill version, but I have a tin that was purchased before Dunhill decided to call it quits for their tobacco business. I'll eventually get around to it, but for now I don't see a need to open it. It may hold some value in the future. I'll definitely being adding 10 tins of this to my cellar.

Pipe Used: Peterson Short 999 Rusticated

Age When Smoked: New

Purchased From: South Korea B&M

3 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Capt Morgan (8)	2020-10-13		Mild to Medium	Extremely Mild	Mild	Strong

Brand new tin delivered today 10/13/2020. All I can really say is "Where is the tobacco everyone keeps talking about. Because, this is not it. I am highly unimpressed. The flavor is unique, I will say that, but the leathery, woodsy noted over powered this mixture. All my room note elf could detect was "cigar smoke".

Pipe Used: Rossi Vitoria Billiard Bent

Age When Smoked: Fresh

Purchased From: P&C

3 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	doc pipes (110)	2020-08-23		Medium to Strong	None Detected	Full	Tolerable to Strong

My review is based on experience I gained 20 years ago while I was in college. It should be noted that I am basing this on the Murrays era production with the higher quality painted tins sealed with a paper stamp. No sticker art back then! At the time I was trying to broaden my horizons beyond run of the mill otcs and aromatics. This one allowed me to kill two varietal birds with one stone, Latakia and Perique. I remember mainly the Latakia as the lead player, though the peppery Perique did make itself known towArds the end of each bowl. I don’t remember thinking “I wish I had bought more” when this went out of production the first time. I cannot say how this stacks up to Orlik and later iterations (though I do have an Orlik tin dated 2011 in the cellar). A good stout late day English? Yes. A classic that is to be hoarded? Not per my taste.

3 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Zarathustra (11)	2020-08-15		Strong	None Detected	Full	Tolerable to Strong

Robust and strong. A classic English and easy to see why. Hard to detect the perique, wIll have to see what a little aging does for this thing.

3 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	ATW (110)	2020-06-24		Medium	None Detected	Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

This actually wasnt my first review of this blend. I have been a big consumer of Nightcap since 2012. I remember buying my first tin with a Eriksen pipe, the full briar ones not the ones they offer now. It was a great experience. That tin didn't last me but 4 or 5 days. It was very rich, rustic, slightly sweet, musty, smokey, earthy, with some spiciness. Sometimes it would have a tar like tone to it if you over puffed it but it just added to that rustic character. It instantly became one of my favorites and one of the best smokes I've ever had.

Unfortunately now I cant get that same quality that I use to anymore. Within the last few years the perique became more salty, the Virginia's have a very noticeable vinegar tone throughout the bowl, the Turkish and latakia are barely noticeable anymore. The flavors arent as heavy as they were, medium at the most.

Overall I've found I'm not very fond of Nightcap anymore as I once was. I've found that their are many other blends like cornell and diehl offerings have more going for them. Of the dunhill/peterson line, I find I enjoy 965 a lot more then Nightcap.

I may try a fresh tin to see if its different. My most recent tin was aged 3 years. I do find I prefer fresh english blends over aged. Maybe my tastes will change again. Who knows.

3 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	RedGopnik (16)	2019-11-30		Medium	Medium	Medium to Full	Strong

The Peterson's nightcap is the only nightcap I've smoked so I am not reviewing out of bias or nostalgia.

Fresh out of the tin- good nicotine hit. I have a very high tolerance and I had to rest after the bowl. A little too moist, left some sticky cake in the bowl, required a few relights.

Dried and jarred- burns well and fast, lots of ash. Delicious notes of chocolate, coffee and sweetness like plum or sweet cream. I caught myself smiling a couple times, good nicotine amount despite the strength level. Very properly named, it tastes like nighttime

This is going to be stocked up in my stash for sure.

Pipe Used: Briar, cob

Age When Smoked: Fresh to 2 weeks

Purchased From: Online

3 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Sosakan (33)	2019-08-17		Medium	None Detected	Medium to Full	Pleasant to Tolerable

Honestly, one of my favorites. I’ve never understood the mystique over the strength of this, it’s full, but not worthy of the hype. You should NOT need a full stomach, but you might want some time to really enjoy it.

Age When Smoked: Fresh, 2yrs

Similar Blends: Sutliff Tobacco Company - Old Professor #526 .

3 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Viscfab (36)	2019-06-05		Medium to Strong	None Detected	Full	Tolerable

Bold. Tasty. Lots of Campfire smell. Nightcap is a flagship English blend which all others are normally compared to. I usually see words describing it as - very strong, beware, etc... In my experience and being a 9mm carbon filter pipe smoker, it does not hit that mark. It is rather bold, but in a good way. Open the tin and you will be transported to a autumn night at a farm where some chaps are cooking meat or heating up their coffee over an open fire... Oh that delicious cool night's aroma is something I love. Latakia is the main actor here, and all other leaves coexist in perfect balance into this melting pot of pipe tobacco goodness. Sip it with a strong cup of coffee and be delighted. Perique here adds a great nose tingling experience, Virginias enhance the flavour depth. Room note is for pipe smokers not their wives though... No serious pipesmoker should leave this planet without being able to get a tin of this beloved blend. I hope Dunhill family will reissue licenses to STG or other company to continue producing this centenial recipe.

Pipe Used: Vauen, Stanwell, Savinelli, Brebbia

Age When Smoked: about 1-2 yrs aged

Purchased From: local tobacconist

Similar Blends: Hermit Tobacco Works Co. - Captain Earle's - Ten Russians.

3 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Artyom (12)	2019-05-03		Mild to Medium	None Detected	Full	Pleasant to Tolerable

Absolutely beautiful tobacco with cheese, woody, fruity notes. Since I'm smoking 5 y.o. aged tin, it's mild and doesn't bite. Very smoky. It's my first time of tasting this tobacco and I'm truely shocked and fascinated. Once again Dunhill amazed me.

Age When Smoked: 5

3 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Pi'd Piper (11)	2019-01-27		Medium to Strong	None Detected	Full	Tolerable

Full disclosure: I'm new to pipe smoking, and I feel a little sad that this won't be around long to console me for missing out on McClelland by mere weeks.

I found this blend to be outstanding. Mechanics are solid. Perfect moisture, perfect cut, stays lit, and no chance of tongue bite. That said, I don't go looking for tongue bite, and only experienced it twice.

Virginias provide a background grain sweetness, like a mild rye bread. Latakia is prominent, providing some hardwood smoke and earthiness. Orientals really come forward in the retrohale, providing a tangy complexity counterpoint to the Virginias. The perique is more sensed than tasted, particularly in the retrohale. Pleasant aftertaste is more orientals than latakia for me.

While I agree this is the strongest blend I've tried so far, I think the nic-hit is over-hyped. You notice it, but I wouldn't think to mention it. It probably shouldn't be a new smoker's first blend, but if you've tried a few English/Balkan blends (and enjoyed them), try this while you can.

Pipe Used: Falcon Int'l with briar Algiers bowl

Age When Smoked: 5 months

3 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Theocharis (38)	2019-01-03		Strong	None Detected	Full	Pleasant

I am going to be laconic...this is the best tobacco blend ever! Very nice tin note and presentation as with all dunhills, lights easily, perfect moisture. The taste is very earthy, it has the punch of a good cigar. Very satisfying rich smoke, full and strong. Heavenly! Burns slowly too.If you still can find it, you know what to do. You wont be dissapointed.

Pipe Used: Briar

Age When Smoked: 2 years old

3 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Pipers' Domain (16)	2018-09-21		Medium to Strong	None Detected	Full	Very Pleasant

Having read quite a few reviews for this blend, my personal thoughts won't differ much. Still I feel compelled to write one.

This was my first non aromatic blend I ever tried, and a first difficult step towards proper pipe smoking. First impression was close to curiosity, dizziness, bitterness and doubt. Which pretty much is equal to tasting any sweet exotic fruit, having first eaten a whole chocolate; you will definitely not feel the taste as it is, due to sugar craving. I am happy to have gradually moved on into non aro blends, and even happier for the stuff that is yet to come.

Actual review.

Creamy smoke, earthy and mushroomy notes that last to the final draw. Fine cyprian latakia and distinct turkish leaf are the most dominant parts. Of cousre tongue bite misses the train, picking more selective palate passengers. As for a huge variety of latakia blends, it is highly recommended after lunch or dinner. Not really strong in nicotine, despite it's surrounding fame. Leathery aftersmoke notes. Highly recommended.

Pipe Used: briar, corn cobs, churchwarden.

3 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30171)	2018-08-22		Medium to Strong	Extremely Mild	Mild to Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

Dunhill - I dunno. I've been going back over EMP, 965 and Nightcap. Night Cap is to my pallet the most flavourful of the three. This is the Orlik iteration though. I've never had the pleasure of smoking the classic versions of these legendary mixtures. I first smoked Dunhill cigarettes mind-you almost 30 years ago. They were always the most flavourful smokes available along with John Player's Special here in Canada. I don't smoke cigarettes anymore and haven't in a looooong time. But Dunhill, as a brand has this legendary status that makes it seem essential to at least try their famous pipe blends before they stop producing them.

But as a relatively new pipe smoker, and with so much great tobacco available these days, it's hard not to compare these mixtures to the likes of G.L. Pease and Russ Ouellette's offerings. And as far as taste is concerned, Dunhill's current products are second tier to be sure.

That being said, Nightcap is still an enjoyable smoke. It has strength and some complexity. I loooove the tin aroma of all the Dunhill blends that I've tried and that seems to carry over into the room note. But the flavour, to my pallet is a little watery. I've cellared a few of these tins, but I much prefer smoking Abingdon, Blackhouse, White Knight, Red Rapparee, Meridian, etc. etc. etc.

2019-05-22

I'm bumping this to 3 stars because it really is delicious, but only after ageing. That's what I'm finding with all the Orlik produced Dunhill blends I've bought. None of them wowed me at first but they all improved drastically with 6 months to a year in a jar. I can't give this 4 stars because I think it should have been this good right out of a fresh tin. I've had many blends from other producers that were excellent right off the bat, but not these. For me Nightcap, EMP, Royal Yacht, 965 et. al. were all a little flat at first. Jar ageing has completely changed them for the better. Good news I guess. Should have waited a year to smoke them in the first place.

3 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Tin Man Jay (7)	2018-06-26		Medium to Strong	None Detected	Medium to Full	Pleasant to Tolerable

Reminds me of Early Morning Pipe with more strength and Latakia taste. Burn is fantastic and I’m having to restrain myself from smoking too much on the first day I opened the tin. This will go into my regular rotation.

Pipe Used: Savenelli 320 Oceano

Age When Smoked: New tin

3 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Fferrari (1)	2018-06-01		Medium to Strong	None Detected	Very Full	Tolerable to Strong

As a new pipe smoker (smoking for about a year; this is my first tobacco review...) for too long I stayed away from this tobacco scared of its reputation. Too strong for a beginner, they say..... I wish I did not listen and bought it way before. Like everybody else, I started with mild aromatic tobaccos; got fed up pretty quickly...then tried other stuff including some English blends, but always avoided the Nightcap. Finally I decided to try it, and I can tell you it is now my favorite pipe tobacco and above anything else I smoked so far (I tried about 30 blends). This is NOT a strong tobacco! Yes is full in flavor, plenty of body, but that is why is so good! I just love the taste; I retrohale and munch the smoke and I get tons of flavor. Do not be scared, give it a go; you won't regret it.

Pipe Used: Savinelli 188 semi bent pot

Age When Smoked: 40

3 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	SmokingHawk (54)	2018-05-20		Medium to Strong	None Detected	Full	Pleasant to Tolerable

I pet myself at back for trying out this blend as a first English. I liked it so much that tend to reach out for it again and again but then I control myself and whisper to self Hey! there you will have so and so occasion save it that or you will go to your following friend you can smoke there... but then I say oh just one... and I smoke it and if crave for more I reach out to its younger bro EMP and smoke a bowl out of it. People keep it in your cellar and you will pet yourself for doing it!

Pipe Used: Good Briar pipe

Age When Smoked: 6 months

Purchased From: Germany

Similar Blends: Dan Tobacco - Bill Bailey's Balkan Blend.

3 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	ParamedicGentleman (4)	2018-04-17		Strong	None Detected	Very Full	Tolerable to Strong

As a new pipe user, I have to admit the immediate reaction to the aroma right out of the tin was intimidating. It was an overpowering Latakia smoky scent, that really made me question if I had made the right choice venturing into the world of English blends. After reading some reviews, I decided to let is sit in a Mason jar for a few days, shaking occasionally.

Whoever suggested this is a brilliant man. After 2 days, the beautiful notes of this blend were allowed to run wild. I could still smell that overwhelming smoky scent, but I could also smell the sweetness and full body that everyone had been raving about. My first bowl was a journey. I felt timid to say the least, but after a good char light, the full body flavor ran over me, and I remembered my grandfather smoking this very blend when I was younger.

Overall, amazing blend. It holds up to the hype. It can be intimidating at first, but if you let yourself take a risk, you will not be disappointed. If you are new to anything but aromatics, try this blend, and use Dunhill Nightcap as the measure to which all other English blends are measured.

Pipe Used: Peterson

Age When Smoked: Straight from tin

Purchased From: Terre Haute Cigar Shop

3 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Dode (14)	2018-02-09		Mild to Medium	Extremely Mild	Mild	Tolerable

Hi folks, just purchased this blend from The Pipe Shop in Edinburgh. I’ve been smoking a pipe on and off for around 20yrs now and I have to admit my baccy choice has usually been an aromatic blend of one sort or another. I’m getting a wee bit miffed at having to dry out my stash and a coping with hot pipe bowls and some of the other idiosyncrasies that comes with aromatics. So I’ve been trying to find a blend not to high in nicotine to slip in to my rotation. I liked the sound and reviews of Dunhill Nightcap so I bought a 50gm tin and gave it a shot. Disappointed, smells a bit like condor. Tastes of not very much. Smokes very easily to a white ash, a bowl taking best part of an hour. Unfortunately it left a coating on my tounge and a very dry mouth. It packs and lights very easily requiring only one or two lights per bowl. Smokes great fresh from the tin being just right in moisture. I won’t be buying it again though. What I am after is a dark heavy lingering smoke that satisfies without needing two or three bowls. I like black cavindish in my blends but I don’t have enough knowledge to mix one of my own. Does any of the community know of any such heady blends, I would be eternally greatfull. My experience with Nightcap is a personal one and I don’t wish to sway anyone’s opinion. Gonna stick my pipe in my gub now before I’m telt tae (hud ma wheesht) Old Scots for shut up!

Pipe Used: Cob, briar, pearwood

Age When Smoked: Fresh

Purchased From: The Pipe Shop, Leith, Edinburgh

Similar Blends: St Bruno?.

3 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Stinkypipe (155)	2017-01-13		Very Mild	None Detected	Medium to Full	Tolerable to Strong

Gosh I feel bad being negative for such a well thought of blend. I simply don't like it......Period! If they would have just left out a few things it may have been better. I did not find it relaxing at all. I tasted slight sweet straw but overwhelming taste of pepper. Not what I want at anytime particularly before bedtime. As the blend burned down the bowl I found only a strong taste of pepper and a bad bitter taste being left in my mouth. It amazes me that so many folks like this blend but "whatever floats your boat" I guess. Burns pretty cool and room note is not very pleasant. I wonder sometimes if the venerable name of Dunhill intimidated folks to rate there reviews higher than they normally would. Frankly there are tons of blends out there they claim to be "relaxing evening smokes" that are far better than this less than average blend. Open your horizons a bit and delve out from the herd. I guarantee you will be happy with your search. I will say the "old" blend actually made by Dunhill was far superior and much better than this blend.

Pipe Used: Poul Winslow

Age When Smoked: Six weeks

3 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Autumn joy (47)	2015-02-25		Mild to Medium	None Detected	Medium to Full	Pleasant to Tolerable

Dunhill nightcap was recommended to me and it was a fantastic English blend. Upon smoking this tobacco I was just blessed with a good lat and Virginia combo and really got the perique mid smoke. This blend was easy to keep lit and was just an enjoyable smoke. The flavor of this tobacco is medium to full. Overall everyone should have this blend available.

Pipe Used: Unmarked Italian made

Age When Smoked: Fresh

Purchased From: Pipes and cigars

3 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	balkan_boy (49)	2013-12-07		Strong	None Detected	Full	Tolerable

Now, Nightcap is huge.

That's the tobacco that you really enjoy. Strong, Full, well ok, not that strong as some of the previous fellow pipe smokers reviewed it, but still, it is the only Latakia tobacco that is not ruined by Perique. Perique plays nice in Va/pers, but poorly in Latakia mixtures. Not here however, in Nightcap it plays just nice. If you like old style English blends, stronger and kicking, you'll love Nightcap.
Most of today's blends are milder and rounded, but Nighcap is old school.
What else can be said about this astonishing blend. Personally, I like more 965, but that's because it's my everyday smoke. I enjoy Nightcap when I'm alone, in a comfortable atmosphere. It's full layered contemplative smoke.
There is a whole universe of flavors in it, it's mighty.
I personally am Balkan/Oriental lover, Nightcap isn't exactly Balkan, but it's awesome.
Only superlatives for Nightcap. I always have at least 2 tins around.

Pipe Used: briars, cobs, clay and meers

Age When Smoked: fresh

Purchased From: smokingpipes.com

3 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Kyohan (13)	2012-02-13		Medium to Strong	Extremely Mild	Full	Tolerable to Strong

When I first picked up a pipe it was after several years as a cigar smoker, and the thought of aromatic tobaccos was not appealing to me; therefore, my introduction to pipe smoking was with more natural tobacco blends. The tobacco shop that I frequented at that time had a few non-aromatic house blends, including three Dunhill blends: EMP, 965, and Nightcap. They also sold these in tins and after smelling each of these in the jar I decided to give Nightcap a try and picked up a tin.

I went home, grabbed my pipe, and opened the tin to be greeted by what to me was one of the most fantastic aromas I had ever experienced. I loaded my pipe and sat down to what has to this day been my Holy Grail of pipe smoking experiences; the tobacco was exactly what I had been looking for and it quickly became my favorite tobacco blend (yes, this was the first English tobacco I had ever smoked). Then it disappeared; I couldn't find it anywhere. It made a brief reappearance at my local smoke shop in bulk form at one point, but it was just not the same.

Fast forward to today. I learned that Orlik was blending Dunhill tobacco and that Nightcap was once again available. I went on line and ordered a tin keeping my fingers crossed that my beloved Nightcap was really back.

I received the tin and upon opening I was greeted by that same wonderful aroma that I had experienced those many years before, and I spent the next several minutes just smelling the tin. But now it was time for the real test, and I grabbed a pipe off the rack - a medium sized Dunhill shell (what else) - and filled the bowl. The tobacco was a little more wet than I would have liked, and would probably benefit from a few days drying time, but I couldn't wait. So I grabbed my favorite lighter and fired up, and I was immediately taken back to that very first bowl of Nightcap.

But it didn't last. I found myself getting bored with it about half way through the bowl. It's not that it was bad, I just lost interest. I think the problem is that I had just built this up so much that it couldn't live up to the hype in my own mind. You see, for 12+ years every English tobacco I smoked was compared to what I remembered this tobacco to be. I'm sure that my tastes have changed over the years, but everything was still being compared to that first bowl of Nightcap that I smoked as a novice so many years ago.

With all of that said, I still recommend this tobacco; I am going to let this tin dry out a bit and try it again (perhaps in a smaller pipe), and if anything changes I'll let you know.

3 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	JaWiBr (561)	2023-02-06		Medium to Strong	None Detected	Full	Tolerable

Dunhill Nightcap: Tin note of sharply sweet and smoky. Tobacco is dark brown, black and tan thin Ribbon cut. Moisture content is great. Burns moderate with few relights. The strength is medium to strong and nic is medium. No flavoring detected. Taste is full and consistent, with notes of smoky, woody, moderately acidic/spicy, spiced bread, leather, floral, hay, fermented sour, herbal dry vegetation, mild Rasin, rich earth, lemon grass, zesty orange peel, a mildly savory citrus background note, and a very peppery retro. Latakia is leading with Oriental/Turkish, Virginia and Perique supporting. Room note is tolerable, and aftertaste is great.

Pipe Used: 1991 Ashton Old Chruch XX Prince

Age When Smoked: 5 years

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Petitpipeurmalhonnete (11)	2022-12-09		Strong	None Detected	Full	Tolerable to Strong

Nice blend for the evening with a good oriental taste. Never gurggles or burns. Have smoked it in small to large (MM General) bowls and always a delight.

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	tobaksrøg (53)	2022-09-03		Medium	None Detected	Very Full	Strong

Thousands swear by this blend, but I'm not one of them. Maybe it's the orientals that throw me off but there's something that rubs me the wrong way. Won't be buying again :(

Stunning tin art though!

Age When Smoked: New

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Bubbamorris (16)	2022-09-02		Medium to Strong	None Detected	Full	Tolerable to Strong

The quintessential English blend for many, I find it to be a very good blend if you’re looking for some rich, dark, and deep flavors.

Upon opening the tin, I get a very deep campfire smell, More so than most other Englishes I’ve had. There are also hints of the perique every once in awhile, as well as a general leather note. I unfortunately don’t get the pungent “rot” aroma that so many people say they get, although I’m sure that was for the earlier iterations of this blend.

Upon lighting, the campfire aroma dominates the first ten or so puffs. I legitimately mean campfire, not just smoky like a lot of other Englishes. I smoked this blend while camping right next to a campfire, and the aromas were indistinguishable. After those first puffs though, it really starts to open up. The virginia flavor bursts through, adding a dark fruit sweetness to the campfire. Then after a few more puffs, the perique comes in with a peppery spice. Then, the incensey orientals come through strong on the finish. Every tobacco type in this blend shines, and this flavor profile continues through the whole smoke, with the exception of the campfire which tapers off a bit. I also get some charcoal notes every once in awhile. The finish on this is pure incense, and the finish is long lasting.

Overall, this is a very good and complex blend. I personally prefer my Englishes to be a bit lighter, woodier, and oriental forward. I would only smoke this occasionally. However, if you’re looking for a rich and deep English, I can see why this is the go-to for so many. I’ll give it 4 stars for the complexity alone.

Pipe Used: Savinelli 320

Age When Smoked: 6 months

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Doctor Watson (9)	2022-02-13		Strong	None Detected	Full	Strong

The deep, rich, smoky Latakia is the leader. The sweet Virginias are in support. The dark fruity perique compliments the synergy between the Latakia and Virginia while the Turkish Orientals add a buttery smooth floralness to tie together a very consistent overall full flavor profile. Has complexity. Burns slow and cool with no bite.

Pipe Used: Briar, Meer, Cob

Age When Smoked: Fresh

Purchased From: Smoking Pipes

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Pip'n'Piper (54)	2022-01-31		Strong	None Detected	Full	Tolerable to Strong

Love this blend. Tin note is powerful, smokey with hints of grass and blue cheese and a light whiff of vinegar. I've been told I'm crazy for smelling cheese, but I'm convinced there's a soft scent of a strong aged cheese. It's the same, albeit weaker, smell from Plum Pudding. Am I crazy? Anyways, once lit it burns cool velvety smoke. The latakia is predominant and the orientals and virginias subordinate. I get flavours of charred wood/campfire, ash, pepper, very slight hints of cream and chestnut. The perique is well balanced and the spice is perfectly peppery. The nicotine is quite strong and usually puts a stupid impish grin on my face. It's a consistent tasting smoke that burns well, but it can get a tad bitter on the back of the palate near the bottom and does require a couple re-lights. No bite, whatsoever. Room note is heavy so it may be best for smoking outdoors or when the in-laws are visiting. Seriously, this stuff is amazing. Highly recommend.

Pipe Used: Brigham

Age When Smoked: >2 years

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Manorhill (15)	2021-11-26		Medium to Strong	Mild	Full	Tolerable

A ribbon cut tobacco that has been crammed into that tin. It does need to be emptied out into a larger container and given a shake to let the contents expand.

This is for the Latakia lovers. The smoky, spicy flavour is there on lighting, but is not as forthright as Mac Baren H&H Latakia Flake, which to me is very generous with the Latakia. Though it's ribbon cut, it does not burn hot and fast, and it has a good dose of Vitamin N.

Pipe Used: Various

Age When Smoked: New

Purchased From: Smoke King

Similar Blends: Mac Baren H&H Latakia Flake.

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	krog (22)	2021-10-21		Medium to Strong	None Detected	Full	Strong

Thick smoke, slightly sweet in the first half of the bowl, its actually okay nevertheless its not extraordinary. I suppose English blends are not my cup of tea

Pipe Used: Missouri Meerschaum Corn Cob

Age When Smoked: new

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	LiterarySmoker (143)	2021-04-15		Medium to Strong	None Detected	Medium to Full	Tolerable

Let's face it, I should be smoking this before bed. To be honest though, it's just too good for that. I have heard people say that some blends taste better for them in the morning or in the evening and I am starting to understand that. This was formerly made by Dunhill through STG and after Dunhill stopped production it was sold to Peterson who have it made in the same factory as before. So I'm not too bothered about trying an original Dunhill version.

The art is alluring in a nice old fashioned kind of way, and I picked this up from my local B&M for that reason. When you open the tin you see a nice consistent ribbon cut with a few stems here and there. The smell is like a campfire. I smell smooth, smokey Latakia, tangy, sour orientals, sweet, grassy Virginias, and a tang which might be the Perique. It came at the perfect moisture level for stuffing and lighting. Needs an average number of relights, but burns well.

When lit you taste the creamy Latakia first. It's smokey, woody, and smooth. Next the Orientals come in adding tang, incense, and herbal notes. They weave together in a really interesting harmony. The Virginias add a very pleasant background sweetness, with light grass notes. My favorite Louisiana spice is also in this blend, but it is very well blended because it doesn't hit me in its usual way. I do taste some Perique spice on the retrohale.

The taste is a medium-full. It is luxurious in the way it tends to coat your mouth. The strength is medium-strong. I haven't eaten anything yet today and I can feel it in my head a little but not enough to call it strong outright. This is the kind of flavor I cherish in an English blend. The complexity reminds me of Kramer's Father Dempsey. I give this four stars. It's well done and well beloved by many.

Pipe Used: Kaywoodie Birkshire Large Panel

Age When Smoked: New

Purchased From: B&M

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Lager (53)	2021-03-21		Strong	None Detected	Full	Tolerable to Strong

What more can be said about this wonderful and balanced blend. This is the epitome of all English blends. I will agree with a few reviewers that claim this should be sipped as the flavor will turn sour with fast puffing. This is a blend others try to be. I am working through a tin from 2018 and have had this years ago and find no real difference between the two. The new Peterson version (STG) will be next on the list.

Lager

Pipe Used: Savs, Petersons

Age When Smoked: 2 years

Purchased From: Smoking pipes

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Ocelot (33)	2020-11-04		Medium	Extremely Mild	Medium to Full	Tolerable to Strong

Great smoking pleasure. Premium english tobacco blend with cyprian latakia. Beautiful complex flavour.

Not so strong as stated. Wonderful full flavour. Must try blend for every pipe smoker!

Similar Blends: Mostex - Stanislaw London Mixture (Air Line Collection), Peterson - Standard Mixture.

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Adam B (4)	2020-10-28		Medium to Strong	Medium	Medium to Full	Pleasant

Great all around smoke. Love to smoke this outside on a cool Autumn day. It has that feeling of being at a relaxing camp fire on a evening night.

Enjoyable smoke that is not to overpowering, just take your time and don't rush it.

Pipe Used: Peterson

Age When Smoked: Fresh

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Antonius Blok (192)	2020-09-10		Medium to Strong	None Detected	Full	Tolerable to Strong

A classic that must be tried yes or yes. I guess it can't be compared to the Dunhill original because the age difference between one and the other still doesn't allow it. We will have to wait a few years to see how it evolves. In my case, also, I did not have the opportunity to try the old one. Here, in the case of the Scandinavian Tobacco Group mix, I find it a very tasty English mix that I personally enjoy, as its title dictates, with the nightcap before going to sleep. As for its reputation as a "latakia bomb" it does not seem so bad, nor in terms of its high nicotine content, where I cannot assess it because I fell into the pot when I was little, like any Obelix.

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Peaky Piper (1)	2020-02-29		Medium	Mild	Mild	Unnoticeable

This is going to be more of a note than a review. Over hyped, Not as full or strong as others suggest ( found it to be mild if you ask me ) Bland , couldn't detect any Perique at all . ( added room note as unnoticeable as I smoke outside ) I shall rest the blend in a mason jar and come back to this note . For now I'm not impressed

Pipe Used: Dr Plumb quintex deluxe

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	MAddMAnn (17)	2019-11-14		Mild to Medium	None Detected	Very Full	Pleasant to Tolerable

If you’re intimidated by the strength here but still interested, try it. This blend seems so crafted to actually be using the strength of the flavor to become more than the sum of its parts. I’ve had other full bodied tobaccos that felt like they were hitting me over the head with the same note every puff. This has so much subtlety i would highly recommend it.

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	BrokenRecord (124)	2019-08-09		Strong	None Detected	Full	Strong

Nightcap: A full force English that finds balance in intensity

The perfect full English. The red Virginias are tangy and sweet. The Orientals are strong, floral, adding a dry quality to the smoke. The perique offers a muscular spiciness and fermented earthiness. The Latakia adds a cedar-like smokiness. The smoke has a pleasant body and a noticeable amount of nicotine. Every element seems equally strong—finding equilibrium in potency.

The search for a replacement is futile.

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30171)	2019-04-21		Strong	None Detected	Full	Tolerable to Strong

This review is based on a ten year old tin purchased in 2011. I recently signed back up with Tobacco Reviews. I see that many reviewers rate this very highly. I'm not a big Latakia fan and liked this pretty good but thought the Latakia in this blend was just a tad over the top... just a tad but I'm not defaulting the blend. It was designed for a specific purpose & taste. I thought this was similar to Ashton's Artisan blend but stronger in Vitamin N content. After all the instruments came into play in perfect unison, the harmony wasn't totally mezmorising but it was fairly captivating & enticing. Obviously the Perique, probably St. James, facilitated the strength but was subdued somewhat by the quality Orientals & top shelf VA which made it less noticeable & ten years of aging probably helped tone down the rough edges as well.

Did Alfred Dunhill know how to blend tobacco? I should say so! Always burns good too. The tin I'm sampling is the Murray's Version. I'm actually more into a "lighter" Latakia blend but this is quite satisfying with plenty of Vitamin N & good for what it is. I liked Murray's MM 965 better but these are different animals. MM 965 was my favorite English & the BSOM my favorite Balkan but Nightcap turned out to be my favorite after supper or beddy-bye blend. Nightcap has a good burning rate and smokes mildly for such a strong tobacco.

The light sweetness fades into a bittersweet taste toward the finish but the quality of the blend prevailed to offset the minor drawbacks of a major infused Latakia bomb. I didn't think I was going to like this as much as I did but liked it well enough to rate it highly but it hasn't made my top ten. It was basically a trial run just to see what it was like & why so many pipers favor it so well. It's a great blend that I enjoyed while it lasted. This is the only tin I ever sampled. I opted out of the Orlik & Mac Baren blends when Dunhill closed their doors.

Pipe Used: Stanwell Size 2, Peterson Deluxe 11S

Age When Smoked: 10 Years Old When Purchased in 2011

Purchased From: eBay

Similar Blends: No Latakia blend emulates Nightcap. However, Ten Russians comes close in strength & became my new "Nightcap" blend...

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	J. Ward (71)	2018-12-30		Medium to Strong	None Detected	Full	Strong

What can one say about the most reviewed, and possibly also the most revered, English blend that hasn't already been said? Well, I can give you my thoughts and hope that that's enough. Nightcap is a rich, full and satisfying smoke. The smoky Cyprian Latakia leads, with fragrant Orientals playing second fiddle. The hay-like Virginias play a minor supporting role, creating balance, while the condimental perique adds a dark fruit note, a dash of plum and pepper. It matures wonderfully, becoming slightly smoother, richer, and a tad sweeter. Nightcap is not an entry level blend, and I'd strongly recommend it to experienced pipe smokers and those who enjoy full English blends. I personally find it to be a magnificent smoke, and wholly delicious, with a delightful complexity. The vitamin N is satisfying, and I'd place it at medium to strong. Nightcap is a blend that performs best in a wider bowl, and it is, IMHO, the best of the Dunhill line. 4 stars.

Pipe Used: cobs and briars

Age When Smoked: 6 years, and fresh

Purchased From: smokingpipes.com

Similar Blends: Ashton Artisan's Blend.

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	zcordle95 (4)	2018-12-13		Strong	None Detected	Full	Pleasant to Tolerable

I love love love Nightcap. At first, with its high nicotine content, I didn’t like smoking it, but it grew on me! Now I smoke it a lot! It tastes great and is an essential to have in your rotation!

Pipe Used: Savinelli

Purchased From: Herd House Cigars, Farmville, VA

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	1/2 (17)	2018-11-21		Medium to Strong	Very Mild	Medium to Full	Tolerable to Strong

This is the first Dunhill blend I try out. I must say that If this is the standard, they have done quite a bit right. When I opened the tin the aroma I have come to expect from an English blend filled the room. An aroma I personally enjoy, But my wife Does not.

I had to let it dry a little before filming my pipe, and lightning it. This gave me ample time to enjoy the aroma of the tobacco. Once lit my first thought was of the flavour and aroma. Really a Nice blend. This may end up in my favorites list quite quickly. The flavour remains the same for most of the bowl and Does not burn to hot. The room note is rather strong compared to most of the blends I have reviewed.

Pipe Used: Dagner Elegant Poker

Age When Smoked: New

Purchased From: M.Sørensen Tobakk, Bergen

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Briar Piper (89)	2018-11-15		Medium	None Detected	Extra Full	Strong

This was my least favorite blend from Dunhill, as it leaves a foul aftertaste of rotten wood in my mouth. I have tried it in multiple pipes, different tins, bulk etc. I much prefer london, 965 or aperitif over this blend. I believe it is the perique causing it, but have smoked many other English blends containing perique without this problem. I have a bit of this blend stockpiled but will likely never smoke it again. Has the same nicotine level as 965. Is not quite a latakia bomb more of sort of balkan with a really bad aftertaste.

Pipe Used: Various

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Jaylotw (16)	2018-11-08		Medium to Strong	None Detected	Full	Pleasant to Tolerable

In my mind, the perique component is what makes Nightcap a star for me.

I have trouble picking out the perique in many English blends, but in Nightcap it sticks out for me and makes it a distinct blend in my rotation.

The nic hit is a little stronger than most English blends, and being a fiend for the addictive stuff myself I find that to be a plus. Many English blends have flavor in spades but none of that fine nicotine glow that I crave. Having a blend that can deliver on both fronts is beautiful.

I have to say that without the perique, this would just be a pretty normal English for me—delicious, yes, but not very distinctive. There are lots of campfire, baseball glove leather and creasote Latakia notes, some sweetness and dry wood flavors from the oriental...and then the perique, in it’s subtle yet impossible to miss pepperiness steps in and flips everything into an alternate mode. I don’t get much VA-type sweetness, but again the perique fills that void for me and delivers a blend full of dark, spicey and mostly dry flavors that really scratch an itch—and doing it all in a way that isn’t overly complex or heavy handed.

Some reviewers say that they can’t detect the perique, and I suppose that there is enough going on between the lat and orientals that it could be missed, but it is what keeps me coming back to Nightcap. I guess I just keyed into it early on in my experience with the blend and is something I always look for when I light up.

This is a good English for smoking outdoors, for some reason it always brings to mind the fall steelhead run here in Ohio...in fact, it’s one I bring with me to keep my nic receptors buzzing as I’m chasing the silver bullets.

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Adam Z (18)	2018-08-07		Strong	None Detected	Full	Strong

Not my favorite English, but it's an enjoyable smoke on occasion.

As a new pipe smoker who was gobbling up all the info I could find about the hobby, this blend kept coming up in discussions on forums, blogs, YouTube, etc. People speak of Nightcap as if it is the holy grail of English blends. IT ISN'T... Well, it might be - but that's subjective. I DO enjoy English blends, and I do think Nightcap is a good blend, but it isn't the be-all, end-all of English style tobacco by any means. I've got a couple tins of it put away, but it isn't something that I want to smoke every day, nor is it something I feel compelled to stock up on. I've heard time and again how strong the nicotine hit is, and how it will make you nauseous if you don't smoke it on a full stomach - again, this is completely subjective. I've never felt a buzz off of this, nor has it made me nauseous. Different blends affect different people in different ways. YMMV.

I will give Dunhill credit though - this a truly a good BLEND. As much as we use the word "blend" for the tobacco that we smoke, not everything truly blends together in the literal sense of the word so well as Nightcap does. The various tobaccos used in Nightcap truly do create a cornucopia of flavors such that I am not noticing the flavors of the individual component tobaccos much at all. Everything melts together into this singular, yet complex flavor we simply call "Nightcap".

The second half of the bowl does get rather strong/pungent, so retrohaling is limited to the first half of the bowl for me. The room note is harsh as well, so this isn't likely to be pleasing to the wife - it's an outside-only blend for me.

I've tried this in briars large and small, and MM cobs large and small, and I notice that there are subtle flavor differences in each. My least favorite was smoking it in the smallish bowl of a Peterson 999 (bent Rhodesian). In briar, this seems to do well in a pipe with a larger chamber. Also, I find that I prefer the taste of Nightcap in a cob - but not just any cob. In a reversal of my briar findings, I think this actually tastes better in a well broken-in MM Legend or Diplomat than in the larger chamber of a Country Gentleman. I can't give scientific reasoning behind this - it's just my personal experience.

Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go find my MM Legend and fill it with some Nightcap.

Pipe Used: Bones author, Peterson 999, various MM cobs

Age When Smoked: unknown

Purchased From: The Pipe and Pint (Greensboro, NC)

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Simple Man Peterson Fan (4)	2018-07-01		Strong	Extremely Mild	Medium to Full	Tolerable to Strong

The tin note upon opening is strong yet pleasant. Earthy, woody tones greet my nose immediately and I am almost intimidated by the complexity. The moisture of the blend borders on the damp side but the ribbon cut is pleasing to the eye and packs well in the bowl. The blend lights easy despite the moisture and at the first draw the flavor is almost overwhelming with organic tones of grass, earth and pine. It is pleasing to the palate with a nutty flavor and just the slightest hint of a peppery spice is present at the end of the draw. Fifteen-minutes into the bowl the strength of the blend becomes evident. This is definitely not the mild aromatics I’m used to. The nic-hit is far stronger than most of the blends I’m accustomed to, but not so much as to be unpleasant. The room note sides to an earthy must, and while it isn’t altogether intolerable, my better half has left the room in favor of escaping the less than subtle aroma. The blend seems to burn moderately quick, and even though I have resigned myself to small sips the bowl has burned down to the dregs about thirty-five to forty minutes after the initial char light. Despite the moisture in the blend I have experienced no gurgle and little moisture is left in the bowl; always a pleasant find when cleaning the pipe after the smoke is finished. I find that the piney organic flavor, melded with a hint of peppery spice has made itself at home in my nose and on the back of my palate long after I have finished the smoke. For this reason I would have to say it is certainly an end of the day blend (hence the name) as it overpowers the flavor of almost anything you should eat or drink afterwards. This is not a blend for the beginner as the nic-hit is stout and the flavor robust; nor is it suited for an all day smoking blend. It is, however delightful nonetheless and I find myself excited at the prospect of enjoying it again very soon so long as my wife will allow it.

Pipe Used: Peterson XL90 Rock of Cashel

Age When Smoked: Fresh

Purchased From: Tobacco shop

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	ArkansasJack (5)	2018-06-15		Strong	Medium to Strong	Full	Tolerable

I've been "seriously" pipe smoking now for about 6 months, and this was one of my first purchases. I've tried many different types and blends at this point, but this is by far my favorite. Rich, woodsy, smoky, spicy. Perfect.

Pipe Used: Various Cobbs

Age When Smoked: Bulk new from

Purchased From: Pipes and Cigars

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	HeavyMetalPiper (64)	2018-05-31		Medium to Strong	None Detected	Full	Tolerable

This smells similar to My Mixture 965, only earthier, more smokey, more rich. The taste of this blend has the same relationship to MM 965 as the smell. It feels like smoking a campfire, in a good way. Really a 3.5/4.

You can view my video review of this blend here:

Pipe Used: Missouri Meerschaum Bent Diplomat Apple

Age When Smoked: 2 Months

Purchased From: The Tobacco Shop of Ridgewood

Similar Blends: Dunhill - My Mixture 965, Dunhill - Early Morning Pipe, G. L. Pease - Quiet Nights (Old London Series).

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	airparkpiper (7)	2018-01-09		Strong	None Detected	Full	Tolerable to Strong

I love nightcap. Being an aro smoker before this I ventured into english with Dunhill Early Morning Pipe. Wanted to find something similar that people liked and they led me to Nightcap. I LOVE IT! It's strong, and full, and gave me a good nic hit. I enjoy Nightcap after dinner, would not advise smoking on an empty stomach. Great full bodied blend.

Pipe Used: Briar and Cob

Age When Smoked: Freshly Opened

Purchased From: Smokingpipes.com

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Capt. Peng (2)	2017-12-31		Medium to Strong	None Detected	Full	Very Pleasant

-==From Dusk Till Dawn - or From Nightcap Till Early Morning Pipe==-

A short-story

Tired... opressed... so sluggish my body and soul craved for rest...the mind was longed to achieve knowledge of the truth. Yet all the hours I had spent inquisitively rummaging around in old dusty books, studying all kids of writings I could put my hands on and meditating on the being, which dictated the pace of my earthly days, weeks and years, couldn't achieve what I was longed for so badly. It was about time... about time to close my tired eyes for the day, to send a last prayer that would beg for insight in the nature of being towards who..... or whatever might be out there...or in me, whatever... it was about time! Tomorrow would be a better... or at least another day.

But before I'd let myself trustingly fall into Morpheus bossom my feeble eyes wandered over my desk. Underneath a pile of tattered notes smudged with ink and ash, beside the ashtray, that was crammed with dirty pipe cleaners and cold ash, the corner of golden gleaming tin attracted my attention. It was atypical for me to have a tin of tobacco on my desk... not because I was a tidy person.. far fom that, but the little room the old wooden desk offered would always be taken by writing materials, a self-made pipe holder the old rusty pipe tool, an ashtray and a cup of stale coffee.

Driven by curiousity I yanked out the tin from the mess that I'd call my workplace. My shrunken eyes were dazzled by the intense glowing of the tin's label that was told storys about better, easier days. A night cap, an evening primrose and a long, delicately swung clay pipe. Above them a bold font types »NIGHTCAP«... geez, yes! A nightcap was what I needed...! Curiousity pushed my fatigue aside and peppy I lifted up my sluggish flesh.

»SHHHHHHAPP« it hissed through the sparely furnished room in the attic of an old building I called my home, as I pushed my knife under the lid and gently pulled it towards my body and an enchanting scent filled my nose.

Abruptly I fell into a dream like state... a trance. A mystical scent of essential oils, exotic woods and an incense like smokiness.. a scent of captivating piquancy and of roasted, tart nuts was tauntingly dancing around my olfaction, which pushed all my other senses aside and caught all of my attention. A clashing sound pulled me out of my trace as i started to fall. Holding the tin of tobacco firmly in my sweaty palms I started to fall through the layers of reality, into a world of dreams and even further down into a sphere I couldn't dare to dream of a word to describe it. Surrounded by bright white glow I was still grabbing the tin as if my life depended on it...yet somehow it felt as if the tin grabbed me. For a moment I thought I was in the realm of the dead...was I dreaming? Where was I? What was happening?

The dark, finely cut tobacco which I rubbed betweend my fingers triggered a tickling sensation in my fingers that spread through my body and I felt driven to snatch a clay pipe that had suddenly apperead out of the blue and was circulating ellipsoidally around me. Wordless I crammed the herb into it. I must be dreaming I thought to myself... A second later a tinny "KLICK" occured and a foxy, orange-red and sea blue shimmering flame of a long match materialized, slowly moving towards me and the bowl of the clay pipe which I was holding in my shaky hands. »WHAT IS HAPPENING TO ME??« I wanted to yell, but my words remained silent and died away in the emptiness of the sphere I was in. »Just let it happen, you'll be waken, who wants to hear the truth singin' needs to go back to the beginnin'« a voice perkily whispered into my right ear. My heart started racing.....»Well, great... now you've totally lost your mind Captain..« I was thinking »...rhyming voices whispering in your ears, ellipsoidally circulating clay pipes materializing in a sphere of nothingness...yea....sure! You've lost it..« I was mumbling and began to doubt if this was even tobacco in the tin...

With shaky hands I moved the clay pipe to my brittle lips and waited for the flame to ignite this strange herb. It crackled, it sparkled as creamy white and gray wads of smoke arose, that stood out of the white nothingness surrounding me, forming most beautiful, mystical shapes that wet phut within seconds. I glanced at the foxy red ember, took a deep puff and I started to fall again, landing on what felt like a pile of feathers.

Warily I lifted my head and dared a to look what I had landed on.. wide-eyed I realized that I literally landed on a bed of clouds about the size of a small car. »Alright... you lost your mind, no doubts left.... or should this be the so called heaven? Am I dead?« I stuttered with a slightly hysteric intonation as I realized that the white nothingness had been overtaken by a deep, nightblue, almost black darkness. I didn't dare to move, fearing I'd fall through the clouds and cautiously look around.

A sea of deep blue endlessness, bedecked by golden-yellow sparkling stars was surrounding me. The cloud started moving through the sphere with insane speed. To calm down I took another puff from the clay pipe and an ethereal, exotic aroma of roasted nuts, tart, woodsy smokiness and a tickling spiciness filled my mouth and nostrils, occupying all of my attention for a moment. This heavenly aroma aroused comfort ad satisfaction and my anxiety was blown away by it. The cloud had stopped moving for a moment.

It was wonderful... it was a wonder... was this a true wonder? Before I had time to reflect about what I was experiencing in this moment the cloud started moving in a rapid pace again. We outdistanced thousands of miles, if not light years, traversed spheres of a sheer endless universe and I couldn't take my eyes, nor my thoughts from this beauty that. Thousands upon thousands brightly shining stars, that flashed and went phut into the deeps of the dark blue, circulating planets, forever bound to their suns and absurdly huge galaxies that were there for gazillions of infinities rolled past me, as I took another puff of the magic herb. Whether I was dead... or totally nuts! So I just enjoyed the the delicate weed in my pipe that was spoiling me with a heavenly aroma.. I couldn't perceive anything else but this divine flavors.

Suddenly the cloud stopped. An endless emptiness surrounded me an my thoughts, as I took a look around and was able to see the universe in its entirety. A feeling of oneness filled me out and I realized what I was staring at....

The circle in the being, the oneness of the many. The period in Pi!

»Though it seems that endlessly the digits queue behind its comma... no matter how far the rivers might flow, how endlessly the mountains are watching over the lands... or how high the trees might grow... no matter if monsters are strolling the surface of the earths... if the fires are seething... or the thunders are raging... Pi's value never exceeds 3,1 - inwardly endless, yet outwardly small...

three point one four one five nine two

six five three five eight nine seven nine three

two

three

eight four six two

six four

thirty-three

eight

three

two«

- the voice whispered again in a calming way, before the deep blue endlessness with its infinite amount of stars, planets and galaxies was again overtake by the white nothingsness, to steal my glance on this beautiful completeness.

»BANG!!!« it rang in my ears as I ungently was woken from my dream-like state of conciousness. Well... seems like I didn't die.. My mundance flesh was again (or still?) sat at my desk and the morning was dawning. Seems like I also didn't loose my mind... at least not more than I anyways already had! For a long moment I remained in silence and left my thoughts pass and do whatever they wanted to, letting them roll by like shooting stars. Satisfied and filled with bliss. I got granted the experience of a mystical night, a lunatic feverish dream... I got granted insight that couldn't be any more beautiful. »Thanks..« I said with a impish grin on my face »...to who... or whatever...« I quietly added and gazed into the distance of the dawning horizon outside of my open window.

It was about time... Morpheus had released me from his bossom and carefully layed me into Hemeras arms. Cheerfully I grabbed a tin from the back of the shelf above my desk where all my tins of tobaccos are and snatched a tin of Early Morning Pipe... I was read... a new day, better times would rise... it was about time to BE!

Pipe Used: A mysterious piece of clay

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Royalbullet81 (3)	2017-04-25		Very Strong	None Detected	Very Full	Tolerable

This is if you ask me absolutely one of the best tobacco blends ever. it got Latakia smokey, Virginia sweetness, and a lil perique spice. it is strong, it is full of flavor, and nicotine. For every 3-4 bowls I smoke, I smoke 1 of this. the taste is very complex, and a joy. all in all, of you like Latakia "smoky" taste whit sweetness and a lil spice in the back ground, then this is a most try blend for you. you won't regret.

Pipe Used: Stanwell Royal Danish

Age When Smoked: Fresh

Purchased From: The Danish Pipe Shop

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Cherry picker 1779 (52)	2017-01-18		Strong	None Detected	Full	Strong

Good stuff ! After you've become acquainted with this tobacco there won't be much around to fill its spot when your in the mood for hard hitting nicotine rich pipe tobacco, especially with its unique flavor. I Highly reccomend it.

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Cantrell (14)	2017-01-12		Very Strong	None Detected	Very Full	Tolerable to Strong

This is Bayou Night with the recipe backwards. Placing emphasis on the Latakia over the perique. Still not a bad smoke. Never did like Lat bombs, but this one is well done and was a joy to smoke.

Pipe Used: Savanelli Clarks Favorite

Age When Smoked: 1 year

Purchased From: Smoking pipes.com

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	LV9 (85)	2017-01-04		Strong	None Detected	Full	Strong

This blend has changed quite bit from 2004 when I first bought a tin it used to be a full Latakia bomb 2015 model not so much either the Latakia has changed, or the amount has diminished also the perique amount has been tempered either way it still British to the core and a must try for all pipe smokers is what I think about when a blend is described as a full English, easy to pack even easier to light and maintain it takes a lot of work to get it to bite and leaves a Latakia flavor in your mouth like a maduro cigar does. Is this was the only English blend I could buy I would not be sad, it does smoke better in group 3 bowls that it does in bigger bowls where the flavors become muddled.

Pipe Used: Sara eltang, Falcón, Kirsten

Age When Smoked: 2years

Purchased From: Edwards

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Ash K (12)	2016-11-04		Strong	None Detected	Full	Tolerable

The only other English blend I smoked before trying this was Old Dublin. When I read that it was a strong English blend, I only assumed it was a stronger version of Old Dublin. How wrong I was, this is a different beast altogether.

The flavors are definitely more complex than any English blend I've tried thus far. Very full, rich smoke with a lot of flavor with deep rich notes. Tin aroma is strong, which I found is a huge portion of latakia, some sweet virginias and orientals.

After my initial smoke, I found my head swimming, mainly because I finished a huge bowl of it in my Peterson 307. I've should've warmed up first in a smaller bowl.

A really fine English blend, which I would only enjoy on cool rainy nights after dinner, when I can just kick back and take it really slow.

Pipe Used: Peterson 307, Savinelli 310

Age When Smoked: 0-2 years

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Kamerling (28)	2016-09-04		Overwhelming	Very Strong	Extra Full	Overwhelming

Now, that's how latakia should taste! This is the best pipe-tobacco from Dunhill and they should name it "perfect one". The tin and it's leafs smells splendid like a bookbinder's workshop or an old library. Novice-smoker will not appreciate it's taste's range, so I would offer Nightcap rather for someone with some more experience. In the meantime of savoury I highly recommend to drink a glass of cold milk. Definitely try it on cold autumn evenings or freezy winter time. By the way: have you noticed this very unique taste of dactyl? I never tried latakia that would gived me such taste-experience.

Unfortunatelly the smoke is invasively suffocating, but somehow still with dignity. Remember to watchout for it's strength - it can treacherously smash your head.

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	canvas (337)	2016-04-04		Strong	Extremely Mild	Medium to Full	Tolerable

A bit muskier than the other Dunhill I've tried (MM 965), it had a dry 'charcoaly' smoke. Even as a fan of aromatics, I found it a good smoke. The leaves themselves are fairly dry right out of the tin, so it burns quite well without letting it dry out. Had a solid nicotine punch, but since it is in the heavier category, this was to be expected.

UPDATE [Awhile back I bought a tin of the newer Peterson version for comparison, and now having finally gotten to it, it is safe to say I forgot much of my original Dunhill experience. My tastes have since changed and my tongue grows weak, so English blends are no longer on the radar. It was still manageable, drier than I recalled, made me think of winter, and likely the same contents as the original.]

Probably a good place to start your adventure in classic English blends.

Purchased From: Iwan Reis

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Silent Soliloquy (17)	2016-04-01		Medium to Strong	None Detected	Very Full	Tolerable

Everyone has written a review on this one, it seems...

Perique forward mix. A pleasant relaxing smoke with gradual nicotine uptake. Works in the morning as well as in the evening actually. Cool burn, no tongue bite, but if you run through nose - you might get some due to perique. Latakia is there, but comes through past half the pipe as perique really dominates things. Probably not an all-day smoke due to nicotine.

Burns evenly to grey ash, and moisture lvl is just perfect out of the tin. Some recommend letting it sit for some time - I didn't find this to be an improvement as it damages the moisture level to dry below optimal, though tames perique somewhat.

Didn't find room note to be all that problematic.

A classic tasty smoke with levels that you definitely want to have in stock.

Pipe Used: neerup briar, sahin briar, meerschaum

Age When Smoked: new, 6 months

Purchased From: http://www.pipeshop.ru/

Similar Blends: Tsuge Premium Pipe Tobacco - Fujin - The Wind God (Gods), Black Angel Bosphorus.

2 people found this review helpful.