For the Escudo smokers

Arno's blog is always interesting and generally reliable, though this one, not so much. That analysis of Escudo against Dunhill concluded that they were different blends. They have different flavor profiles, with the Dunhill being a bit sweeter. But it's probably close enough that the average smoker doesn't notice the difference.

Escudo is great fresh, with a nice bit of black pepper from the Perique. With age, at least with the earlier A&C Petersen version, and the earlier Orlik/STG production, the Perique settles down, delivering a wonderful fruitiness to the blend. The later STG tins that I've smoked are not quite up to par, and didn't really develop much with cellaring. The tobaccos now used are not what was once used, as it's now made from Stokkebye tobaccos, so there's no reason to expect the blend to be what it once was. Despite not being as well made a blend as it once was, I still enjoy smoking it fresh. But I'm holding onto my old A&C Petersen tins and rationing them as I will not see their like again.

Thanks for the post Michael, and the response Jesse!

Arno has really done yeoman's work in the pipe community, it would be great to meet him someday....I love Escudo in it's current recipe/ form...this is one of them situations where I am glad that I have never tried the older versions...that might ruin me on Escudo.

I do like it aged though, it does seem to get much better to me...but tastes are subjective.