I had a tempestuous relationship with the Dunhill version of Nightcap, as detailed in my 2005 review of it as posted on Tobaccoreviews.com:
Dunhill's venerable Nightcap blend was a favorite of the late sporting author Gene Hill, and fueled countless bowls in his beloved Charatans.
I initially tried it based upon his personal recommendation, and to this day I maintain a love/hate relationship with it. Specifically, I love its aroma, both in the tin and aflame in my pipe, but I hate the way it can make me feel.
My first tryst with this blend occurred in a large, bent, pot-bowled Savinelli. My mouth literally watered as I inhaled the enticing aromas of Latakia and Perique while packing my pipe. The flavor was great at the charring light, and only got better after the second.
I tend to puff hard, especially with blends that I like, and I LIKED this one. Accordingly, my puffing took on the aspect of a coal-fired locomotive pulling a 100-car-consist up a steep grade. As I rolled the smoke in my mouth it was full and satisfying--to paraphrase Richard Carleton Hacker, like smoking a huge filet mignon.
About 20 minutes into this ecstatic experience I suddenly began to perspire profusely. Next, the room began to spin and my pulse to race. I had to put down my pipe, have a cold shower, and retire to bed early in order to fight off the effects of what I later learned was a classic case of nicotine poisoning. I should add, however, that this was brought on by a classic case of greed and gluttony on my part. I simply could not get enough of this marvelous mixture fast enough.
The lesson I've learned with this blend is to savor it SLOWLY, lest the Nightcap become a nightstick!
