Tobaccos James Fox - Dorisco Mixture

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30125)	2007-03-29		Mild	Extremely Mild	Full	Pleasant to Tolerable

This is the best tobacco I have had so far. It is spicy and tastes simply delicious. I found that my first batch, bought loose in a shop, was too dry burned the roof of my mouth. I then bought a 50g tin and hey presto it was perfect, still full of flavour and did not burn my mouth or even my tongue, despite greedy puffing. If you like spicy foods this is perfect. There is no nicotine rush from this tobacco which makes me suspect it is very low on nicotine. The longer I smoke this the more I like it. I presently have two pipes, one a Peterson system pipe with quite a large bowl and another cheap Peterson with a medium bowl. For some reason it smokes better in the smaller bowl.

Update - this is still the best tobacco I have ever had. Simply delicious and smokes well in all of my pipes (now up to 6). I am tempted to buy a pipe with a really large bowl to see how the flavours fare. As long as this stuff is made I will buy it. Superb.

Update - I have now bought a pipe with a large bowl -the Petersons 140 Anniversary pipe - the large bowl really brings out the flavour and allows a nice long mellow smoke - heaven. I have to admit for reasons for marital harmony I mix this tobacco with a mild arromatic, also from Fox's called Celtic, which does not detract much from this wonderful tobacco - indeed the odd bit of vanilla creeping through is most pleasant.

update - after not smoking this for a while I have come back to it and it tastes better than ever - have decided it is best in its pure form

Update -06/10 Dorisco was unavailable for over a year. Now a new batch has been made. From having smoked one and half tins of it it appears to be a tad milder than the Dorisco I remember and has less perique in it, in any case it is not as spicy as it was. That said it still is a very pleasant smoke and is still my favourite. I suspect that it needs aging, as the previous Dorisco I bought was well aged in the tin.

I can settle one ongoing discussion about Dorisco Mixture. It does indeed have a small amount of Latakia in it. It also has several different varieties of Virginian tobacco in in as well as Perique.I have this from one of the former blenders for Fox tobacco in Dublin. He spent years blending the stuff so knows what goes into it.

13 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	LondonCalling (13)	2014-03-03		Medium	Extremely Mild	Medium	Tolerable to Strong

An odd fish, this one. I really wanted to give it a higher rating, as I suspect there's some excellent quality tobacco in here, and it has the feel of a serious blend. I came close to giving three stars - but not close enough. The problem for me is that Dorisco has an identity crisis. As other reviewers have noted, there's definitely some latakia in here, which I find particularly evident in the tin note. But there's probably not enough to call it an English blend, and certainly not enough to satisfy lovers of the dark leaf. I detect what I suspect is a pretty decent VaPer too. But it's overlaid by the latakia, so can't really be appreciated. As a result, this blend doesn't really know what it is. Is it an English mixture? Not really. Is it a VaPer? Well no, not really. It's got the makings of both, but ends up being neither. I also find it has a surprising tongue bite, even if taken really very slowly; and I say this as a seasoned smoker of straight virginia flakes, so know all about bite. On the plus side, it takes a light readily, and burns very well indeed. In all it's an intriguing blend, but also frustrating in the way it promises so much but eventually fails to deliver in any recognisable way. I'd say it's worth a try for novelty value, but it's not a blend I'd particularly go back to.

Pipe Used: Peterson straight billiard

Age When Smoked: Smoked from date of purchase

Purchased From: Fox, St James Street, London

11 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Jacinto Cupboard (209)	2014-06-19		Medium	None Detected	Medium	Tolerable

I cannot tell F&T's Wingate and Fox's Dorisco apart by smell, appearance or taste, so I am giving them the same review. This is not to say they are the same tobacco because this might just reflect the limitations of my abilities. What differences, if any, there are between these tobaccos, apart from price (Wingate is about 20% less expensive at time of writing), I will leave to better noses.

Both Wingate and Dorisco seem to be variations on Presbyterian. That is they are a light English mixture of Orientals, Latakia leaf tip and fine Viriginias, to which has been added a generous hit of Perique.

Visually, the tobacco is a short ribbon cut of many colours, from grey green to black. The tin note is predominantly pine needles and a gentle caramel with some spiciness.

This tobacco packs and burns easily. Altho the presence of Perique here has the effect of amplifying everything else in the blend, it is still a well behaved, moderate tobacco.

Latakia predominates from the first light, but unlike Presbyterian, shares the show with the peppery Perique. As the bowl progresses the Perique overtakes the Latakia. Between them some lovely Virginias add sweetness and Orientals add lightness and aroma.

This tobacco won't be for everyone but is a first rate blend in my opinion.

10 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Eulenburg (193)	2002-11-03		Mild	None Detected	Medium to Full	Pleasant

This natural, Virginia-with-Périque English mixture is one of the glorious old classics from James Fox of Dublin. Not in the least sugary, DORISCO has a stoic simplicity that is at the very opposite of the condimental promiscuity favoured by some of today's sub-tropical blenders.

The Périque is very discreetly ladled in: the memorable element is the scrumptious mélange of bright red and mahoganny Virginias, as mellow and pithy a combination as any I know. It is not unlike Peterson's Sherlock Holmes, but with more body and character, and an ineffable aroma, both in the tin and going up in smoke.

For this review, I tried it in a variety of Irish and Dutch billiards, and it played cool, dry and true every time. Highest recommendation.

o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o

PS~11/'02:

I have been smoking this for several months, now, and it has become my favourite non-sweet, post-prandial choice. Both in-the-tin, and sidestream aromas are deelish, and as a medium-strength, "smokes itself" blend it just about beats it all. Try it!

10 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Albion1956 (42)	2012-03-31		Mild to Medium	Mild to Medium	Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

Perique, well it's in here but not overwhelming, just a condiment. This tobacco is well blended and my tasting is derived from a tin dated 2006. A good mixtue of Perique, Latakia, and Virginia's. After some air to dry, this tobacco loaded up easily and lit right up with one match. Burns well and does not bite. A medium Va/Lat/Per blend that I had forgotten about. You will not be dissapointed.

9 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	JimInks (3023)	2013-02-04		Mild to Medium	None Detected	Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

The perique is more pepper than plum as a support player, while the Cyprian Latakia is smokey, woody, and lightly dry, and is more obvious most of the time, though it is never forceful. The grassy, citrusy Virginia has a moderate presence with a tad less sweetness than usual, and it forms the base of the blend. The strength is in the center of mild to medium. The nic-hit is mild. Burns at a moderate pace, cool, clean and mostly smooth with a fairly consistent taste from start to finish. Has no harsh or dull spots, and won't bite. Needs very few relights, and leaves little dampness in the bowl. The after taste is pleasant. Not a complex blend, but it'll do nicely for an all day smoke.

-JimInks

8 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Beer (345)	2006-03-05		Medium	None Detected	Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

Tin aroma is very typical English, with deep latakia, sweet musty virginias and a little pinch of Perique fruitiness (but none of the sourness). Somewhat similar to some Esoterica or Dunhill blends.

After opening, the tobacco is a bit wet, so some airing might be due. Personally I think this tobacco smokes very regular in combustion and taste from the charring light to the bottom of the bowl: it's very smooth (no bite, no harshness), quite sweet and darkly rich. It's a bit uneventful, though: its regularity is an asset but it also implies a lack of distinction.

I did not expect so much Latakia in this blend: nothing in the description prepared me to it... Actually the description spoke of Perique, which on the contrary did not seem very evident in the taste.

Overall, a good tobacco but I'm often left with the desire for something more "exciting". If you like it traditional and smooth, give it a try anyway: you will certainly like it.

8 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Paddy (127)	2003-04-05		Medium	None Detected	Medium	Pleasant

The first thing you notice when opening the tin is the smell of latakia. This will surprise you because there is no mention of it in the tobacco description. It is a medium brown to black, short ribbon cut, not overly moist and in perfect condition for smoking. It packs and lights easily in a medium sized Peterson Sherlock Holmes Professor. My first taste sensation is of a mild latakia which almost immediately recedes into the background. Next a lightly sweetened Virginia moves to the foreground, takes a bow and makes way for the Perique. Almost immediately I am aware that this is quite possibly the best latakia, Virginia, Perique mixture I have ever smoked. The latakia stays in the background wrapping the entire smoking experience in a subtle, almost imperceptible smokiness. Half way down the bowl, the Perique asserts a modest dominance, riding on the lightly sweetened Virginia. A smooth, complex smoke. I am now conscious of the need to take this smoke in very slow sips in order to appreciate the subtle nuances of flavor playing about. There may be orientals here, but they wink in and out of the overall flavor like fireflies. All the elements are in perfect harmony. The Perique is prancing. The creator of this blend is a true genius. This is a unique tobacco, and by the end of the bowl I am certain that this is the best latakia, Virginia, Perique blend I have ever smoked. My usual smoke is Virginia flake and Va./Perique flakes. I am not a lover of heavy latakia blends, and so I find the restrained treatment of the latakia to be an artful touch. You owe it to yourself to try this one. It is destined to become as legendary over time as Three Nuns, Escudo, Balkan Sobranie, and 965. One of the great ones. Very highly recommended. Paddy.

6 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Tantric (321)	2002-11-21		Medium	None Detected	Medium	Tolerable

This is a wonderful tobacco, very well balanced, full of character and easy to smoke. Though the presence of Perique is strong enough to perk up the mixture by taking the Virginias to a different taste region, it is not at all overwhelming or offensive (all things considered, I believe there is more Perique in Solani's 633 than in Dorsico). Quite moist in the tin, the tobacco is ribbon cut and contrasting in appearance. I love the smell in the tin: elegant and refined; lively and inviting. Packing is very easy and it needs no relights once it gets going.

Unlike other Va/Perique mixtures, in which the latter remains hidden and suddenly takes over the whole blend, in Dorsico you get a perfect entente between the Virginias and the Perique from the very start. The flavour, with a slight toasted undertone, remains constant throughout the bowl. In this respect I find a certain similarity with Stokkebye's Navy Cut, but Dorsico is definitely stronger, with both the Perique and the Virginias being of a bolder nature. Strength wise, you could say it has some affinity with Dunhill's Elizabethan Mixture, but IMO EM is not as perky and lively.

I would not recommend this as a first tobacco to get acquainted with Perique or straight Virginias. It is more of an option for the established smoker. If you already enjoy medium strength natural tobaccos, Dorisco can easily become a favourite or at least a very exciting change of pace.

5 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	johnstaf (12)	2012-09-13		Medium to Strong	None Detected	Medium	Pleasant

This is described as a Va/per, but is no more so than say, Nightcap. It has quite a lot of perique, but is otherwise a rich balkan that reminds me very much of Tree Mixture. The first light is deep and rich, with the latakia sweetened by the orientals. As it progresses, the perique becomes more prominent and the smoke turns into a smooth rich spice.

The James Fox blends are of exceptional quality, and this luxurious tobacco would be a great way to turn any day into a special occasion.

3 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30125)	2011-07-14		Mild to Medium	None Detected	Mild to Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

This tobacco is lush, plush and I can't get enough! I now retire from my short lived poety career. So balanced, so right. The Perique with it's stewed fruitiness and the Mild and pleasant Virginias sing as one in Harmony with the Latakia. The first time I tried this was one of those stormy nights,flashes of lightning and howling wind. It was wonderful, I thought I could hear the waves crashing in on the cliffs below as I gently puffed this wonderful mixture. Alas! Maybe this is the one I've searched for all this time!

3 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	OSR (78)	2003-11-10		Medium	None Detected	Medium to Full	Pleasant

As a rule, I don't review tobaccos that are "ok". I'll either review the ones that "WOW" me or the ones that I think are horrid... an "ok" doesn't deserve my time.

Normally when I receive tins of tobacco in the mail I'll code them with marker on the bottom of the tin so that I'll know how old they are. On this tin of Dorisco (or rather, this batch) I did not mark the tin. So let me say that I ordered 10 tins as soon as Dorisco became available on the US market, I believe it was 2 to 3 years ago (2000).

I'd wanted to open a tin of this since receiving it but didn't. Today is a special occasion so I pulled a very trusty KKK sized Castello Sea Rock bent bulldog out and decided to celebrate with Dorisco.

Upon opening the tin I found that the waxed paper was just beginning to brown. The tobacco itself was a bit moist with about 40% of the blend being black leaves and the rest a brown/golden brown. The aroma of the tin made me want to eat it - there is no mention of latakia anywhere on the label or description of the blend but there is a waft of latakia here. The Perique I could not smell but my nose doesn't work as well as most folks.

I spread a good bowlfull out on a plate and let it sit for about a half hour. The Castello pipe I chose is one of my favorites - being one of those magic pipes that never smokes wet and always leaves me trying to light the dottle at the bottom of the bowl, only to realise that all of the tobacco, every strand, is burnt. Yes, a favorite.

This tobacco is easy to fill and easy to light. I noticed at once that the Virginia here had that well cured, "leathery" taste..and that the Perique outweighed the latakia. Never harsh, the virginia stayed up front with the perique playing in the background and the latakia adding a bit of roundness into the mix without ever jumping out to say HELLO - I AM LATAKIA.

The ash was a fine, fine grey and the flavor never really changed much down the bowl. The tobacco smoke did get a bit stronger but never strong, this is a full blend.

All I can say is that this is a MASTERFUL blend, subtle and fine in a way that most blends today aren't. Greg Pease's SAMARRA blend is this way but not many others that I've smoked.

Highly recommended, please order a few tins of this and put it up for a couple of years. I'm ordering more - this is a classic!

3 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Antonius Blok (190)	2020-12-26		Mild	None Detected	Medium	Tolerable

I have read somewhere that this tobacco is one of the biggest practical jokes in the pipe tobacco world, due to its description of the old tin depicting it as a Virginia / Perique blend without mentioning the Cypriot Latakia it contains. The new tin, with a more sober and classic design, does not describe the ingredients that make up this mixture, but on tobacco sales pages and in this same, it is presented as a Virginia / Perique / Latakia mixture. However, as some user here has mentioned, I would say that it also has some oriental flakes that are visually appreciated with their classic greenish yellow color, and also seem to be subtly appreciated during the smoke.

Beyond labels and the actual composition of its ingredients, it is a fine and elegant tobacco, well balanced in the combination of its ingredients, which makes it smoke with pleasure, and so smooth that it can be smoked at any time of the day and even repeat.

When I first started smoking a pipe, not long ago, I liked blends with plenty of latakia. Now I appreciate the seasoning with other ingredients and I prefer that the latakia does not overshadow the other components of the mixture. Dorisco is undoubtedly within this description. I smoke it every day with great pleasure, and have already provided myself with some spare tin.

Age When Smoked: Young

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Pipestud (1829)	2003-06-25		Mild to Medium	Mild	Mild to Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

Simply smashing stuff with Perique that is readily identifiable as it supports the Latakia and Virginia. Lots of smoke comes out of the pipe when this one is burned, and the ripe and sweet Virginia interplay with the Latakia and Perique is what mesmerizes me most when I smoke this classic.

2 people found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	StevieB (2076)	2018-03-23		Medium	None Detected	Medium to Full	Pleasant

James Fox - Dorisco Mixture.

My tin contains an equal measure of black, light brown, dark brown, pieces. Mine had a perfect amount of moisture to enable quickly lighting it up.

To me it tastes a little different to what I'd expect from something labelled English. It isn't only a smoky taste, there's more depth. The Perique's answerable for this: sharpness, spiciness, and it gives my tongue a cold sensation, becoming spicier as the bowl burns. Rather than just smoke, the flavour from the Latakia, although it does have a slight smokiness, is buttery, woody, and savoury, as well. The Virginia gives a hay like taste for the initial quarter but gets masked by the other two as the bowl burns down. I notice no added flavourings, it seems natural. It burns brilliantly.

Nicotine: medium. Room-note: pleasant.

Dorisco Mixture? An easy for stars:

Highly recommended.

Pipe Used: Altinok Lee Van Cleef: Friday Pipe

Age When Smoked: New

Purchased From: 4noggins

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30125)	2017-09-27		Mild	None Detected	Mild to Medium	Pleasant

Looks similar to a lot of "English" mixes with latakia - mostly brown ribbons with a small amount of black thrown in. I smelled latakia first and foremost in the tin aroma, but I have a very high sensitivity to its aroma and taste. It wasn't too strong. In fact the blend smelled good but like it was missing something (the pungent sour and delicious aroma of orientals, perhaps).

Once again, this tobacco shows that reviews based on one or two bowls are usually worthless. This one changed a lot from bowl to bowl, and after an entire tin, I still don't feel like I have a handle on it. The latakia started off the show each time but each bowl seemed to showcase a different strain of tobacco. Sometimes this was a typical English blend with perique in place of orientals, sometimes it was chewy Virginia (yes... chewy! thick tasting), and sometimes it was a VaPer with the emphasis on Per. In this sense, it was an interesting blend because I never knew what was coming next. I loved the Virginias used here. As I mentioned, they were juicy and thick tasting but not heavy. Reminded me of what's in EMP. They did not cross over into typical adjective territory, and the best descriptor I can find is "chewy". The latakia was light but always present, sometimes running the show and sometimes just adding a light spice. The perique was not heavy on the pepper but leaned in that direction. I think the omission of orientals was what kept this one from 4 stars. Really good blend but not a rotation maker. Even so, a tin of this left me with more questions than answers and I believe I'll pick up a few more tins to see if I can better figure it out.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Greekpipesmoker (201)	2017-05-24		Medium	None Detected	Mild to Medium	Extra Strong

A friend insisted that i should try this blend.when i read reviews about this blend i couldn't wait!once you crack the tin a tense smell comes out.coals ,fire ,dark fruits and pepper notes.the tin moisture is ok,packs ok and lights easy.a few relights needed though.while burning the flavours are strong combining dark fruits a few citruses,coals and a muddy flavour that was very tense.the peppery notes where in the backround with some sourness.burns slow and medium hot.the nicotine level is medium.leaves a bit moisture at the end of the bowl.no tongue bite for me.the room note is unbearable.it was the first time my wife complained about a pipe tobacco room note..definitelly not an all day smoke.this muddy flavour ruined everything,i believe the flavours do not combine well each other .

Age When Smoked: When opened

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Gentleman Zombie (729)	2017-02-16		Mild to Medium	Extremely Mild	Medium	Pleasant

This Latakia has been only lightly smoked allowing for some of the finer nuances of it's Oriental origins to come through, specifically a nice note of sour butter as well as the usual notes of woody smoke and a touch of salt. A very tasty Lat. The Virginias give sweet hay and the Perique more spice than fruit. Overall a pleasant and delicious English. If you love English blends you can't go wrong with this one. It's a very smooth smoke as well.

Mild to medium in body. Medium in taste. There is an extremely mild, almost undetectable flavoring that I think is vanilla. Burns very well.

Pipe Used: MM Little Devil Cutty, Little Devil Acorn, Marcus

Age When Smoked: fresh

Purchased From: smokingpipes.com

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	TorontoSmoker (19)	2015-03-29		Medium	Extremely Mild	Medium	Tolerable to Strong

This is a decent English blend. The Latakia in it is mild, and the Perique adds an interesting spiciness. Personally I find the combination of the two is a little odd, but still interesting and enjoyable.

A word of caution, I find it can be rather bitey at times, especially if you don't let it dry a bit first, or if you puff with too much enthusiasm. I suspect this blend would do well with some age.

Not one of my favourite English blends, but definitely a decent blend worth trying. Maybe I'll update my review after I've let it age a couple of years

Age When Smoked: new to 6 months

Purchased From: smoking pipes

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	SteelCowboy (685)	2014-12-19		Medium	Extremely Mild	Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

For me, Dorisco is one of those blends that wasn’t on my radar screen, but it shouldn’t have been. Dorisco is a really well blended English with the pepper side of perique, but not too peppery. The Latakia is and Virginias balance each other nicely with the Virginias offering a small amount of sweetness. My tin is four years old, so the Virginias may not be as sweet in a fresh tin. I believe that there is an extremely light topping on this blend because there is a unique flavor it that I can’t put my finger on. As each bowl progressed, I found the perique to play a more dominate role. I agree with Jiminks that there is a “dryness” to the Latakia. I never had the chance to smoke the original, so I have nothing to compare it to. The only thing that keeps this from being a four star blend for me is the last third of the bowl, which isn’t bad, but loses some of its luster for me. Overall, IMHO, Dorisco is an English blend that lovers of EU style English blends should definitely have a spot for in their cellar.

Age When Smoked: 4 years

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	PeterD (91)	2012-04-08		Mild to Medium	Very Mild	Medium	Pleasant

I don't want to get "wordy" on this mixture...this is a very good tobacco...taste, room note, flavor, strength, all are in good harmony with each other and provide a pleasureable smoke!

If only it were in plug form...or available in bulk...

None-the-less, it has become one of my favorites! Very much worth a try.

....a pipe is to be savored....

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30125)	2012-03-11		Medium	None Detected	Medium to Full	Tolerable

Here I join the throngs of Dorisco admirers. Delicious, balanced blend of Virginia, Latakia and Perique - I notice the Latakia more than the Perique, but the balance of the blend is excellent. Good ribbons, lights and smokes well to the bottom, and a rich, satisfying flavor as a change of pace from Va/Vapers on the one hand and traditional Latakia blends on the other. Highly recommended.

This too shall pass.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	fireball (36)	2011-07-15		Mild	Very Mild	Medium	Tolerable

Very similar in my mind to Royalty, it's a sweet, mild English with a hint of oriental leaf. I didn't get any perique in there but I'm no expert, it's certainly way more balkan than vaper.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Pipemanuk (76)	2009-12-08		Mild to Medium	Mild	Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

One of the wonders of pipe smoking is the discovery of a new combination of flavours and, for me, Dorisco is something special. Opening the tine one is greeted by a bright mix of coloured strands and a moderate scent of latakia...for some reason it reminded me a little of EMP :-) Lighting was easy as I left the tobacco in the pipe for a couple of hours.

The first sensation was a gentle smokiness which obviously came from the latakia....and that stayed throughout the experience, sometimes to the fore, sometimes fading a little to the background, and occasionally twisting into an oriental shade. It really is the most intriguing tobacco.

I almost felt the perique, but it more teased me than revealed itself....it's a tobacco to savour contemplatively otherwise you'll miss the complexity and complexity is what this blend is all about.

If you want a thought provoking, relaxing and interesting smoke I can wholeheartedly recommend you give Dorisco Mixture a try. It is a little bit unique!

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Dubinthedam (133)	2008-02-15		Medium to Strong	None Detected	Full	Tolerable to Strong

I bought a tin back in Dublin over a year ago, its still hasn't dried out! It's bitter, sour, tart and no matter what you mix it with it's still sour. I'm giving this one star just to warn others...don't believe what everybody says on TR.com. If you like Perique with a hint of latakia, and love chewing on limes while eating a cigar...you'll love this stuff!

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30125)	2007-12-24		Medium	None Detected	Medium to Full	Pleasant

To my taste this is a balanced blend of Perique and Virginias. The Perique is not as dominant as with Three Nuns my Perique/Virginia standard. The flavor is spicy with some sweetness, but smooth and never harsh. I could smoke this blend all day and considering the cost of Three Nuns which must be imported from Switzerland, Dorisco will be replacing Three Nuns in my celler once my tins of the Nuns are gone. If Nuns becomes easier to get and less expensive then I could enjoy both, but I don't expect this to happen. But without making comparisons Dorisco mixture is a fine blend. Dorisco can be alternated with a good English to find a very appealing tobacco groove. Putting it together with my favorite pipes is my idea of enjoyable smoking.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30125)	2007-01-21		Medium	None Detected	Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

Make no mistake, this is a high quality tobacco with a lot to offer.

I just don't find it all that special. Much more to my liking in this class of Vaper's is Luxury Bullseye Flake which to me, has far more character and flavor. And then there is Fillmore, which, in my opinion is in a class by itself.

If you've tried LBF and Fillmore and have not found your Grail, add a star or two to this revies.

Recommended with reservation.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30125)	2003-06-25		Mild	None Detected	Mild to Medium	Tolerable

This is a very fine introduction to mild English-style blends. Yes, it is English. There is noticeable latakia in the tin aroma and smoking.

Frankly, my mouth waters when I think of smoking this blend. Complex, no harhness and pleasant to the palate and nose.

It is not typically an after dinner smoke for me, unless the meal is of light flavors.

1 person found this review helpful.

	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Robykeys82 (25)	2016-08-21		Medium	None Detected	Full	Pleasant to Tolerable

I've been smoking pipe for almost one year and I've tried different blends in the different types. The Dorisco Mixture is one of my favourite mixtures, due to its spicy aroma which can be detected not only upon opening the tin, but also during the smoke. It doesn't bite too much, and it burns very well. Highly recommended!

Pipe Used: Peterson Wicklow 999

Age When Smoked: 0.5 Years

Purchased From: James Fox

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	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Mr. Big (321)	2014-03-31		Mild	None Detected	Mild to Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

This starts and stays sweet and to me is a more Virginia/Oriental forward blend even though this is classified as a VaPer ? I don't get the typical Perique hit and the Virginias are in need of some aging. It is mild, burns fast and hot from a cob, but better from a briar, is lacking in body and full flavor and reminds me of Lanes LEO, Tree Mixture or Royal Yacht. I won't buy this again because I have many blends I prefer, this just doesn't have many interesting moments.

I agree with everything said by reviewer " London Calling" except it didn't bite

Updated 4/25/14- I just retried this and I'm going to give it one more star, I'm detecting some sweetness, that I like and adds interest and yes London Calling is correct there is a small nip at the tongue. I find this closer to Davidoff's Royalty and Leo more so than the others blends I previously called out. Still don't find the Perique ? I also think this has benefited from some breathing time.

Pipe Used: Cob & Briar

Age When Smoked: 3 weeks

Similar Blends: Leo, Davidoff's Royalty....( still an identity crisis).

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	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	jakpiper (3)	2011-10-13		Medium	None Detected	Medium to Full	Tolerable

A really good natural blend. Lost or toasty, spicy goodness here. The spiciness can be a bit overwhelming, but that's ok with me on occasions. A bit like a well earned chilli sweat. I'm of the school who think there is a little latakia in this blend. It burns really well down to a fine white ash. Its not my favorite Perique blend but I like it from time to time.

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	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	PipeProfessor (15)	2009-05-21		Medium to Strong	None Detected	Full	Pleasant to Tolerable

This can be a temperamental mixture. High quality tobacco's. Not one to smoke while banging out emails or working around the house. If smoked slowly it has no match for the true Va/Per lover. Take it for what it is - a rich full mixture meant to be enjoyed slowly. I love this stuff in the morning or anytime I'm not rushed. Sweet and spicy, I like to smoke Dorisco in a medium bowl - Bjarne Viking 1/2 bent. 3 stars.

UPATE 6/26/09 Blend: 1/2 Dorisco, 1/4 Burley, and 1/4 Latakia = Outstanding Smoke!! Rich/Sweet/Campfire. You will love this!

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	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30125)	2009-05-06		Strong	None Detected	Medium to Full	Pleasant to Tolerable

I'm new to pipe smoking and my taste leans to Virginas and Va/Per, I love this tabacco. Upon opening I see a marriage of dark and light tabacco, this is visibility stunning. The smell is remarkably spicy, almost pepper tasting to my nose. I prefer flakes but this tobacco; I just notice the tin says 'mixture' not 'tobacco' is there a difference? I need to look in to that, is a ribbon cut and packed my pie nicely, it also took a lite like a dream. I ordered three tins of this mixture and smoke one and an half.

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	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Skando (203)	2009-01-17		Medium	None Detected	Medium	Tolerable to Strong

My review is based on about 8 grams of tobacco left sleeping on a tin I bought in 1998 at Fox's Shop in London. The tin shows "Manufactured withing the E.E.C." which may mean it was produced in Ireland, but even in Denmark or Germany, who knows ?

The tobacco has been patiently rehydrated to the minimum extent.

I don't know what happened from 2000 onward... I really cannot say since was unable to get for me further tins even from a friend went in Dublin. Sure at the time of mine, Dorisco was a VaPer, absolutely no Latakia inside.

Of course the seasoning has produced a darker and melted tin colour, while a clearly remember it was bright and medium with black flecks.

Eulenburg's main statements in 2002 are finding me with him, so I'm cutting my story short, and particularly I would quote his:

"DORISCO has a stoic simplicity"

"The Périque is very discreetly ladled in: the memorable element is the scrumptious mélange of bright red and mahoganny Virginias, as mellow and pithy a combination as any I know"

"Both in-the-tin, and sidestream aromas are deelish, and as a medium-strength, "smokes itself" blend"

I also have smoked this in mediums Billiard (a long tapered Parker Super Bruyere group 4, non filtered; and a Savinelli Professor, filtered with 6mm balsawood, Liverpool shape ... which is variation of Billiard, having longer stem and shorter bit) devoted to Va and VaPer tobaccos.

I have no doubts this would be my all-day smoke, if I just could get some (I don't know if this is going to be discontinued even in Europe, but it was not available in Dublin at one of the main tobacconists... this speaks itself).

I'm planning to revisit Broder Pedersen by Dan, which seems the only tobacco going to same direction, but it has some rhum casing...

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	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30125)	2008-11-24		Very Strong	Medium to Strong	Very Full	Very Strong

You want Perique? Here ya go. If there was ever any doubt that the devil needs a delicate touch this is all the confirmation you'll ever need. There is a fine line between gimme more (Dane's anyone?) and OMFG. This stuff dances over that line.

I'm glad I tried it... with scarcely a bowl to finish the tin, but never again.

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	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Xeneize (275)	2008-06-26		Medium to Strong	Extremely Mild	Mild to Medium	Tolerable

As others have noticed, there is a pinch of Latakia in this mixture, but it always stay in the background and it's low enough to put this baccy in the VaPers section rather than English.

As for a VaPer, this is top quality, although a little unbalanced (hence the three stars). This is a Perique bomb (Escudo is light on Perique compared to this), which is fine with me, but the natural bitterness of Perique isn't counteracted by dark Virginias, but mostly lemon/orange leaves. The result is rather on the tangy/bitter side. That doesn't prevent a great smoking experience, but I guess a bit of stoved leaf would have made Dorisco a heavenly smoke. I have tried adding 10% Blending Perique to Capstan Medium and the result is similar, although Dorisco is a bit more tasty.

In conclusion, a great VaPer to change pace from regular sweet Virginias.

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	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Felix (7)	2008-03-31		Medium	None Detected	Medium	Tolerable

My tastes in tobacco normally mirror Pipestud's pretty closely but he and Dubinthedam were well wide of the mark on this blend, IMO. This isn't a four-star Va/Per like Laurel Flake or even a 2015 but certainly is a solid "Recommended." I experienced none of detractors cited by those two gents.

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	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30125)	2006-10-29		Medium	None Detected	Medium to Full	Pleasant

I am unquestionably in the camp that this is one of the greats! ... and a classic that will be referred to in years to come. I will be sure to cellar plenty, as I would imagine aging it will only add to its magnificence.

Chocolate mousse in a world filled with Yodels and Ring Dings.

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	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30125)	2006-09-02		Medium to Strong	None Detected	Full	Tolerable

Each draw of the pipe presents a high quality VA flavor to the tongue, followed by the black pepper zing of the Perique. If this is what you're looking for in a smoke, you'll probably like this blend. I like this experience once in a while, but it's not really my cup of tea - this is the only reason I gave it a "somewhat" recommendation.

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	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30125)	2006-08-21		Mild to Medium	None Detected	Medium	Pleasant

This is one fine Va/P that I find myself reaching for quite often during the warmer months. At takeoff, you receive a nice kick but, this baccy reaches cruise altitude swiftly, and settles in for a nice journey. Mr Perique visits the cockpit occasionally, but, would be welcomed more often! All in all a good tobacco that packs and burns well in any size pipe. Should be excellent for the cellar.

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	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30125)	2006-07-27		Medium	None Detected	Medium to Full	Pleasant

I bought some of this a couple of months ago and right out of the tin it smoked nicely but I didn't find it rated all the fours stars seen here and I put it on the shelf in my smoking room (shed!). Well, when I returned to it recently I was blown away - so THAT was what all the fuss was about - it just goes to show you have to live with a blend for a while to truly unravel it (and maybe a little drying out helped). It has been all said before, a very satisfying smoke with a wonderful shed note which is a little like the incense smell you get from Penzance (though not as heavy). For me it works better in a smaller bowl. I'm going to have to have another right now...

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	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Pipepundit (168)	2006-07-06		Medium	None Detected	Medium	Pleasant

The tin aroma, on opening, is grand and rich: to my nose the same as Davidoff`s Royalty. The taste is different, though. While the Virginias in Royalty are sweet, those in Dorisco taste savoury to me. (A loose balkan flake, also bought from the Fox shop in London, has the same savoury taste.) The strength is adequate, if masked by the smoothness: one only has to exhale through the nose to appreciate it. The mouth feel is gorgeous, not unlike that of a rich red wine. The perique is applied very subtly like garlic in a perfect dressing - one does not notice it, but would miss it if it was not there. Very satisfying.

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	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Cachimbero (2)	2006-06-03		Mild to Medium	None Detected	Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

It is a true pleasure to review this most wonderful blend. From the tin description it is a blend of Virginia tobaccos and Perique. Because of this, the first time I smoked it I was surprised to find Latakia in it. In reality it is a wonderful red Virginia with Latakia and Perique added, both in a restrained way and masterfully. They are condiments that enhance the wonderful Virginia base without hiding it. I can´t think of many similar blends although Torben Dansk nº 3 Red Virginia Superb and Dunhill standard mild seem to me to derive from the same concept (Latakia and Orientals as condiment of an ample Virginia base) although none of them has, to my knowledge or taste, Perique. But don´t let this fool you: the similarities end in the concept. Dorisco is really an stand alone blend that should be tried by any lover of English Mixtures or Virginia blends alike.

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	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Philo Beddoe (221)	2006-02-25		Mild to Medium	None Detected	Medium to Full	Pleasant

Spicy and fruity in the tin, the balance is perfect in the bowl. This is the best Va./ Perique blend I have tried thus far. I found the moisture content just right, and it has never caused me any tongue bite. I have tried Haddo's Delight, as I was told this was also a great Va./Perique but it did not work for me. Dorisco is smooth and easy to relax and enjoy but Haddo's seemed too busy and the taste was nowhere near as pleasant as Dorisco Mixture. If you are wanting to try a Va./Per. blend this would be the one to start with. Excellent tobacco.

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	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30125)	2006-01-18		Mild to Medium	None Detected	Medium	Very Pleasant

Whomever decided these leaves should be placed together, should be embraced and commended. This is IT. THE Tobacco. Period.

I have yet to find a tobacco that even slightly compares to this mixture. I have not found even one.

The components of this Mixture are perfectly blended, not cased or topped in any way, and are of the absolute highest quality.

This is a superior and masterful blend that instantly became my all day smoke and breakfast and Nightcap all in one.

It benefits from a little drying out, but not too much, works perfectly well in any size pipe I have tried it in (from big to small, from Clay to Briar to Cob) all perform their duties and convey the flavours.

The smoke is interesting througout, tasty and not harsh in the slightest. The perique taste is very evident, but this is a major bonus for me, I love it, I am starting to water at the mouth as I type.

Lovers of VA/Per mixtures should definately try this, I simply cannot recommend it highly enough.

==============================UPDATE JAN 2006=================================

After smoking this Daily for a year now, I have never, not once, had an unenjoyable bowl of this miraculous weed.

I have even tried rolling it into cigarettes for when I dont have enough time for a entire bowlful, and it behaves like a dream! No harshness, not a problem, everytime.

I absolutely ADORE this tobacco, It's still my absolute all-time favorite. One I never get sick of, I always crave, and never regret reaching for. Any size bowl, any time of day - this tobacco is perfect!

Thanks again James J. Fox and Robert Lewis! 100 out of 10!!!

======================update dec 2009 =======================

I had one of those moments today. I opened a tin, that i had cellared for a couple years or so, and i just drank in the smell... fruity, rich, smoky, sweet, just un-freaking-believable. i am literally astounded at how well this cellars... just insanely awesome. this is one masterful blend. so refined. just amazingly good... im elated. the pipe was (strangely enough) a stanwell lord churchwarden, with a shortened stem (loved the bowl, hated the churchwarden stem. the short stem transforms this pipe.). I have pipes worth more than 10 times what this (semi rare, 50 or so produced, but still certainly not a highgrade)is, but this pipe is truly an unbelievable smoker.

im in pipe heaven right now, in this moment... cant wait to open the tin ive had since 2005 - my new heeschen will do nicely when it arrives in a few weeks...

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	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Mr. Dottle (162)	2006-01-16		Mild to Medium	Mild	Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

I cannot add anything to the positives that have already been mentioned about this fine blend. You just have to try it for yourself to see what it's all about.

A cigarette is to be smoked. A cigar is to be enjoyed. A pipe is to be savored.

I rate this tobacco 9.9 out of 10.

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	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30125)	2006-01-11		Mild to Medium	None Detected	Medium	Pleasant to Tolerable

I purchased this tin out of a need to simply buy something at the local B&M. I try to support them as best I can. I had never heard of this blend nor had read any reviews, so I had no predispositions at all when first lighting this up.

I won't go into any detail since previous descriptions have covered it pretty well. I knew within the first few draws that I was onto to something special. Normally I will finish a tin before purchasing anymore in order to be sure that a blend will have some staying power. I tend to weary of certain blends that I got excited about upon first trying. I ordered four tins after smoking only 3 bowls. This is an extrodinary tobacco, without question. I only hope that blend will remain as it is and not follow the way of other legendary tobaccos that are sorely missed.

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	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30125)	2005-12-03		Mild to Medium	None Detected	Mild to Medium	Very Pleasant

This will be without question one of my regular English blends. It is perfectly balanced - smooth as can possibly be - no bite - full bodied but never harsh - enjoyable to the very bottom of the bowl. Burns very evenly (I'm using a Petersen dry system). Excellent on a bristling autumn evening or cold winter night - after lunch or after dinner - just about anytime. I cannot think of a single criticism. Superb!

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	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30125)	2005-10-07		Mild to Medium	None Detected	Medium	Very Pleasant

This is ... without question ... an extrodinary tobacco. Taste and aroma and very complex. While I don't normally favor tobaccos on the milder side of Medium, this one is so complex I find myself savoring the aroma with vigor. The nice story about Perique and Native Americans is nice but let me tell you ... I've smoked peace pipe and unless you're fond of cedar shavings mixed with your tobacco, calling this reminiscent of such is a grave misstatement.

All of the tobacco in this blend is exceptional and I confirm, it's quite moist although it didn't hinder the burning qualities at all. This, like SG Squadron Leader, is another tobacco that I like in the late afternoon or early evening before a meal. It leaves the palate clean and the taste buds piqued. Wonderful stuff - ranks very high in my rotation.

Cheers, VC

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	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30125)	2005-06-14		Medium to Strong	Very Mild	Medium to Full	Pleasant

I may have found the perfect tobacco. This may be the one I've been looking for. Haven't tried this tobacco yet? The tin just doesn't appeal to you? Beat a path down to your local tobacconist now! You have been missing out on one of the best pipe tobaccos on the market. This is a Virginia fine ribbon cut with long black leaves of Perique scattered around nicely. I also noticed a small amount of Latakia,that is silky and smokey along side the sweetness and colorfulness of the perique. DM packs well and lights first time and stays lit. The taste is like nothing I've ever tried as far as Perique blends go. The taste is rich and sweet and silky smokey. The perique plays like a pipe organ while the virginia is the piano. There is no harshness here that is associated with some Perique mixtures,but only enjoyment. I can't say enough good about this tobacco.

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	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30125)	2004-11-12		Medium	None Detected	Medium to Full	Very Pleasant

Dorisco Mixture is a blend that has caused some confusion amongst some pipe smokers. Does it contain Latakia? Well, I spoke to a gent at the Monjure International (a major distributor of Fox tobaccos) booth at the 2004 NASPC show in Columbus, OH, who assured me that it does. He also made it known that Dorisco is not topped, cased, or otherwise flavored or scented. This is pure stuff, and any fruity notes you may encounter upon cracking open a tin for the first time can be attributed to the quality of the Perique within.

There is an obvious Latakia nose to Dorisco Mixture. It's evident in the tin, and it's obvious during the charring light. However, Latakia does not truly dominate the top third of the bowl, as it might with a classic Latakia/VA English blend. I suspect that the Latakia is added with a light hand, perhaps in the very low double digits in terms of percentage of the mixture as a whole.

Dorisco is a fabulous smoke any time of day. There's a unique depth of flavor and, as Mr. Tatum noted, the leaf stays open for a majority of the bowl. Fantastic. The interplay is remarkable, and you really can taste everything. The cut is great, the burn is reliable, the smoke is cool and interesting to the heel, and the leaf is damn tasty. This is a keeper.

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	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	NEWMAN (305)	2002-12-11		Mild to Medium	None Detected	Medium	Pleasant

I normally don't smoke English blends or those heavy with Perique but found this an interesting change. The Perique content is > I enjoy for a regular or all day smoke but after dinner, this is a dream. Surprisingly, my wife is not bothered by the room aroma that is quite smokey but all natural. Although the tin aroma is almost overpowering, you get just good, uniform tobacco taste in varying bowl sizes. After opening the tin and smelling it, I was pleasantly surprised with the overall balance. However, if you don't enjoy or haven't tried Perique blends, don't start off with this one. You must love or @ least enjoy Perique to love this blend.

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	Reviewed By	Date	Rating	Strength	Flavoring	Taste	Room Note
	Emeritus Account (30125)	2002-01-15		Medium to Strong	None Detected	Medium to Full	Very Pleasant

A very nice perique blend that satisfies my urge in the same manner that 3 Nuns does . It smokes very hot for me n the first quarter of the bowl , but then mellows out for an enjoyable smoke , with a large "zone" that lasts nearly to the last puff . A few more tins of this and I may begin adding it to my cellar .

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