Here are my two reviews of Deerstalker- one from Pete, from the original release in 1982, and one from Wayne, circa mid-1980s:

Elephant & Castle Deerstalker (~1986)

Let me just start by saying “thanks” to Wayne for sending me this very generous sample. I was born in ’82, so this is close to my age and it was certainly a real treat to try it. :nod: I’m sitting on a fair amount of tobacco, and I have to say that if 1/10th of it ages like this, I’m giddy just thinking about the prospects for smoking in my retirement. The scent in the bag reminded me of spiced plum pudding, with strong notes of sweet hay. The stuff smelled heavenly! It had a gorgeous sheen comprised of glittery crystals on the flake. It was the perfect moisture consistency as soon as I dumped it out. This started with a nice honey sweetened grassiness that had slightly floral notes, like clover. At various points it became a little bolder with more of a molasses taste, and the faintest hint of white pepper. At no point was it ever sharp or “bitey”- a testament to well “matured” tobacco. The aftertaste reminded me of a fresh corn tortilla- slightly grain like and sweet like Silver Queen corn. The closest thing I can think of ever smoking to this is GH&C Dark Birdseye. Very tasty stuff! I have a couple bowls left and I’m sticking them in a jar for a special occasion.

Deerstalker circa 1982

Observations
This blend was a dark brown, thin sliced flake, with a spattering of unfinished maple colored notes. The flakes were caked together quite solidly (even though they weren’t vacuum packed), and they failed to remain intact when pulled apart. Under the light of my desk lamp I was able to see quite a bit of glittering sugar on the tobacco, sparkling against the espresso background. I thought it smelled like a mix of dry hay and leather- like the tack room in my aunt’s barn. It was very mellow with the slightest hint of something like sandalwood but what really stuck me was how “balanced” all the odors were; none really stood above, or under, the others.
I rubbed a chunk out to produce fine, dry, but not nimble ribbons. I packed using a three step gravity fill method.

It took me three lights to really get it underway, but then the tobacco burned steadily and stayed cool for the duration of the bowl.

The first impression I got was that of clover blossoms- light, with a faint floral sweetness. It had a dry grassiness that was similar to the experience of mowing over sun baked grass clippings. I found it to be medium strength, with qualities that reminded me of dark stoved Virginia. At the very end of the bowl I picked up a touch of citrusy “zing”.

Comments and conclusion
I thought this was a very enjoyable smoke and it reminded me of Butera Royal Vintage (though without much spice). I would prefer this later in the day, and believe it would pair particularly well with a cup of Constant Comment tea.