Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Long Time, No Posts
Haven't posted in a while, I forgot my password and got a little busy with school and work, but I am gonna try to get back into the swing of things. I will be reviewing as much new stuff as I see. Now that I work at a cigar shop i get an opportunity to sample a lot of stuff straight from reps and I get first crack at a lot of new stuff as well.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
First Impressions: Gran Habano 3 Siglos Robusto
This brand seemed to burst on the scene when the gran corona made it into the Top 25 Cigars by Cigar Aficionado in 2007. The cigar has a Nicaraguan shade-grown corojo, with Nicaraguan Habano binder, and Nicaraguan, Colombian, and Costa Rican Filler. The corojo wrapper on this recent 5 pack is a lot darker then the previous ones I have smoked and the flavor profile was slightly different then I remember them to be, but it was still a pleasant cigar. The robusto is 5''x52 ring and had a slightly uneven burn and an effortless draw. The stick started with a blast of spice, but quickly mellowed into a woody flavor with cinnamon and spice undertones. Towards the end of the cigar, it developed a meaty flavor with a hint of coffee. Overall a very enjoyable cigar.
Final Verdict-Hit
Final Verdict-Hit
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Review: Oliva Connecticut Reserve Lonsdale
The Oliva Connecticut Reserve is the latest cigar from Oliva (although I haven't checked the IPCPR updates so that may have changed) and it had been one I have grown to enjoy recently with my foray into some of the milder offerings in the cigar world. Like all Olivas, this 6.5''x44 lonsdale has a Nicaraguan binder and filler, but the wrapper is Ecuadorian Connecticut shade. This is their first attempt to make a mild bodied cigar and this is a very high quality one for under 4 bucks a stick. The construction is a little lumpy, but the draw is smooth with hints of sweet cream and cedar on the pre-light draw.
First 1/3-Initially, the cedary and creamy profile was very apparent, like in the pre-light draw. About half an inch in, there was some subtle spicy/peppery notes that tingled the back of the palate, but not enough that I would call the cigar harsh. The body rested right in the mild/medium range.
Second 1/3-There were periods in the second third where the cigar became more creamy or more cedary, but there was never really a "change" in the flavor profile.
Final 1/3-Really, much like the previous third, pretty consistent flavor.
Overall-As far as mild offering go, I really like this one. The burn and draw were spot on, I just wish the ash was a bit stronger, it barely got to an inch long before dropping. While this cigar is no where near as complex as say, the Oliva Serie V, it is more complex then the Serie G. The flavor profile compares favorably to a lot of other Connecticut cigars, but the Nicaraguan tobacco gives it a different tang as opposed to the Honduran and Dominican competitors on the market. I'd give this cigar a solid 87 and at about $3.50 online and under $5 for a single here locally in MD, I would highly recommend this as a mild change-of-pace or morning smoke to guys that enjoy a cigar with their coffee. This would almost certainly be my first recommendation to a guy that enjoys mild smokes in that price range as well. As far as the other sizes go, I haven't tried them, but if anyone wants to post any differences they have experienced in the comments, I'd love to hear it.
(Couldn't get any pictures of the progression due to the lack of a digital camera, so until I get one, I'll just post stock photos)
First 1/3-Initially, the cedary and creamy profile was very apparent, like in the pre-light draw. About half an inch in, there was some subtle spicy/peppery notes that tingled the back of the palate, but not enough that I would call the cigar harsh. The body rested right in the mild/medium range.
Second 1/3-There were periods in the second third where the cigar became more creamy or more cedary, but there was never really a "change" in the flavor profile.
Final 1/3-Really, much like the previous third, pretty consistent flavor.
Overall-As far as mild offering go, I really like this one. The burn and draw were spot on, I just wish the ash was a bit stronger, it barely got to an inch long before dropping. While this cigar is no where near as complex as say, the Oliva Serie V, it is more complex then the Serie G. The flavor profile compares favorably to a lot of other Connecticut cigars, but the Nicaraguan tobacco gives it a different tang as opposed to the Honduran and Dominican competitors on the market. I'd give this cigar a solid 87 and at about $3.50 online and under $5 for a single here locally in MD, I would highly recommend this as a mild change-of-pace or morning smoke to guys that enjoy a cigar with their coffee. This would almost certainly be my first recommendation to a guy that enjoys mild smokes in that price range as well. As far as the other sizes go, I haven't tried them, but if anyone wants to post any differences they have experienced in the comments, I'd love to hear it.
(Couldn't get any pictures of the progression due to the lack of a digital camera, so until I get one, I'll just post stock photos)
Monday, August 10, 2009
First Impressions: Rocky Patel MJK Toro
This 6x52 toro size cigar is made as an exclusive through only one shop retailer out in Iowa. You can't get it anywhere else, but I was lucky to get one from a guy on the CA forums who frequents the shop. The cigar looked great with small veins and a maduro wrapper that smelled of sweet wood and hay. The flavor was that sweet wood and slight coffee taste for the first third and a strong vegetal flavor that developed from the second third to the end of the cigar. The ash was speckled gray and very lose, twice dropping at under 1-1/2 inches onto my lap. The flavors of the cigar were good, but it was not at all complex. At $8 by the box and with the limited availability, being one dimensional really prices it out of something I would look for again. So because of that I recommend that you pass on this.
Final Verdict=Bust
Final Verdict=Bust
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
First Impressions: Cuvee Blanc Robusto
Seeing as how I don't smoke enough to be doing full reviews on a real consistent basis, I've come up with this idea to give an opinion on stuff that's new on the market or just new to me. The cigar isnt going to be scored on a point scale but with Hit, Bust, or Push. Well, without further adieu, here's my First Impression of the Cuvee Blanc robusto by Cusano.
This 5x50 Connecticut shade wrapped robusto has a very smooth wrapper with small veins and a light oily sheen. The foot smells of cedar and sweet cream and after toasting lights up to a creamy and nutty charachter. The smell from the foot of the cigar before it was lit is almost identical to the flavor of the smoke; woody, nutty, and creamy. The burn light is sharp, but a little uneven and the ash is a very light gray, almost white. The draw was nice and smooth throughout producing ample amounts of heavy smoke. At an MSRP of only 8 bucks it's a very flavorful mild to medium cigar.
Final Verdict-Hit
This 5x50 Connecticut shade wrapped robusto has a very smooth wrapper with small veins and a light oily sheen. The foot smells of cedar and sweet cream and after toasting lights up to a creamy and nutty charachter. The smell from the foot of the cigar before it was lit is almost identical to the flavor of the smoke; woody, nutty, and creamy. The burn light is sharp, but a little uneven and the ash is a very light gray, almost white. The draw was nice and smooth throughout producing ample amounts of heavy smoke. At an MSRP of only 8 bucks it's a very flavorful mild to medium cigar.
Final Verdict-Hit
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Review: Casa Magna Colorado Robusto
The has been a lot of hype and controversy over this cigar since Cigar Aficionado named it their #1 cigar of 2008. Most people are up in arms over this being taken above the Padron 80th. Personally, I haven't really felt too inclined to spend $27 on a single cigar (although the P80 and the LFD Salamon have been tempting at times) so I cant really weigh in on that debate. I've smoked a few of these cigars before and to me they have been worth every penny of the ~$6 i payed for them. This 5-1/2'' by 52 ring Nicruaguan puro blended by Manuel Quesada has one of the best looking wrappers I've seen, with small veins, an oily sheen, and a fantastic reddish brown color. Really though, what kind of cigar review blog/website would be complete if they didn't dedicate at least one review to the Casa Magna. Pre light smell is a barnyard like smell with a little hint of mint/menthol and the pre light draw is nice and smooth with a hint of spice.
First 1/3-There's a peppery blast right of the bat, but after the first couple of puffs the harshness of the pepper starts to subside. The cigar sinks into a cedary flavor with a hint of the pepper now in the background. The burn line is a bit uneven and required a few touchups to get going which seems to be one of the drawbacks. This cigar definitly needs to be dry-boxed for a day before you smoke it. The body has settled firmly into the medium range. About 3/4'' in, the cedar picks up a slightly sweet note and the mint from the pre light smell sneaks in and out every couple of puffs. The draw is just as smooth as it was for the pre light, but I'm a little disappointed with the smoke volume. It seems like there is more smoke coming off the end of the cigar then there is going in my mouth.
Second 1/3-As i progress into the second third, the sweet wood charachter picks up a little more and becomes more pronounced. An earthy flavor start to move in in this part of the cigar and creates a very pleasant flavor as it melds with the woody notes from earlier.
Final 1/3-Moving into the final third, not a whole lot of changing going on, the cigar seemed to flatten out and go a bit 1 dimensional on me. As irony would have it, as soon as I type this, a nice nutty flavor starts to develop right before I put it down and its begging me to hold onto this cigar for a bit longer.
Overall-Burn problems aside (possible side effect of the rain we recieved today) this was a good ciger. Great?...maybe. #1 cigar?...I don't think so. It was however, a very rich, tasty cigar. The Casa Magna isn't overly complex, but it blends the flavors together nicely and changes just enough to keep me paying attention. While I wouldn't go out and buy 3 boxes, I will definitly keep a few in my humidor at all times (assuming I can still continue to find them). The last third was rather enjoyable and put a nice finish on the cigar, good enough for me to give it an 89 even with the burn problems. On a better night, I can see where CA got their 92 rating, but I still wouldnt go that high as the lack of smoke was a real turn off for this guy. I think a lot of people came in with great expectations for this cigar, thinking it would be be the best thing since sliced bread and that might have led to the large negative feedback. As always, go out and try one for yourself before rolling your eyes at the accolades becasue this is a very good cigar after you factor price in like the guys over at CA did.
First 1/3-There's a peppery blast right of the bat, but after the first couple of puffs the harshness of the pepper starts to subside. The cigar sinks into a cedary flavor with a hint of the pepper now in the background. The burn line is a bit uneven and required a few touchups to get going which seems to be one of the drawbacks. This cigar definitly needs to be dry-boxed for a day before you smoke it. The body has settled firmly into the medium range. About 3/4'' in, the cedar picks up a slightly sweet note and the mint from the pre light smell sneaks in and out every couple of puffs. The draw is just as smooth as it was for the pre light, but I'm a little disappointed with the smoke volume. It seems like there is more smoke coming off the end of the cigar then there is going in my mouth.
Second 1/3-As i progress into the second third, the sweet wood charachter picks up a little more and becomes more pronounced. An earthy flavor start to move in in this part of the cigar and creates a very pleasant flavor as it melds with the woody notes from earlier.
Final 1/3-Moving into the final third, not a whole lot of changing going on, the cigar seemed to flatten out and go a bit 1 dimensional on me. As irony would have it, as soon as I type this, a nice nutty flavor starts to develop right before I put it down and its begging me to hold onto this cigar for a bit longer.
Overall-Burn problems aside (possible side effect of the rain we recieved today) this was a good ciger. Great?...maybe. #1 cigar?...I don't think so. It was however, a very rich, tasty cigar. The Casa Magna isn't overly complex, but it blends the flavors together nicely and changes just enough to keep me paying attention. While I wouldn't go out and buy 3 boxes, I will definitly keep a few in my humidor at all times (assuming I can still continue to find them). The last third was rather enjoyable and put a nice finish on the cigar, good enough for me to give it an 89 even with the burn problems. On a better night, I can see where CA got their 92 rating, but I still wouldnt go that high as the lack of smoke was a real turn off for this guy. I think a lot of people came in with great expectations for this cigar, thinking it would be be the best thing since sliced bread and that might have led to the large negative feedback. As always, go out and try one for yourself before rolling your eyes at the accolades becasue this is a very good cigar after you factor price in like the guys over at CA did.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Review: Cubao No. 1
Well, for my first review, I decided to pick one of my favorite cigars in recent memory, the Cubao No. 1. Its a 7-1/8'' cigar with a 49 ring gauge made by EO brands and blended by Don Pepin Garcia. The binder and filler is all Nicaraguan with an Ecuadorian Sumatra Oscuro Wrapper. This cigar is tightly packed with some small veins and the pre-light smell is raisiny with a little spice. The spice comes through on the pre-light draw and there is some resistance which is just to my liking.
First 1/3-Initial puffs are met with the usual blast of pepper that Pepin's cigars seem to have. This pepper is a little different, its not quite the black pepper. It reminds me a bit of a bannana pepper because there is a slight sweet hint on the finish. This cigar is on the full side right off the bat. There is a slightly earthy/vegetal flavor that I'm starting to pick up about a half inch in. The spice completely dropps off about an inch in a the vegetal taste starts to take over. There is an underlying bittersweet note that reminds me a bit of black coffee and the body is starting to settle back down into the medium range.
Second 1/3-The flavor carries over from the first third but the raisiny sweetness starts to show up a bit more. The spice that all but disappeared in the first third is starting to become more apparent about halfway through the stick.
Final 1/3-The spice faded again and was replaced by a woody flavor. The sweetness is picking up and making the last third very pleasant. The burn is being a little rough, a few touch ups were required to keep it lit, the only problem as far as burn goes.
Overall-Well i prefaced this as one of my favorite smokes, mostly because of the unique flavor profile and the complexity and development of the flavor. It is not your typical Pepin. The burn and construction was very good other then the little touchup at the end and that has been typical in the 5 or so i have smoked. I think Cigar Aficionado gave this cigar a 93. I'd go a bit lower and give it a 91 because it isn't the homerun like a 93 should be. On the plus, it is a flavorful and interesting smoke and very nubable. The smoke time was just under 2 and a half hours and i enjoyed every bit of it. It's the second NC churchill/Double corona I grab behind the Coronado by La Flor.
First 1/3-Initial puffs are met with the usual blast of pepper that Pepin's cigars seem to have. This pepper is a little different, its not quite the black pepper. It reminds me a bit of a bannana pepper because there is a slight sweet hint on the finish. This cigar is on the full side right off the bat. There is a slightly earthy/vegetal flavor that I'm starting to pick up about a half inch in. The spice completely dropps off about an inch in a the vegetal taste starts to take over. There is an underlying bittersweet note that reminds me a bit of black coffee and the body is starting to settle back down into the medium range.
Second 1/3-The flavor carries over from the first third but the raisiny sweetness starts to show up a bit more. The spice that all but disappeared in the first third is starting to become more apparent about halfway through the stick.
Final 1/3-The spice faded again and was replaced by a woody flavor. The sweetness is picking up and making the last third very pleasant. The burn is being a little rough, a few touch ups were required to keep it lit, the only problem as far as burn goes.
Overall-Well i prefaced this as one of my favorite smokes, mostly because of the unique flavor profile and the complexity and development of the flavor. It is not your typical Pepin. The burn and construction was very good other then the little touchup at the end and that has been typical in the 5 or so i have smoked. I think Cigar Aficionado gave this cigar a 93. I'd go a bit lower and give it a 91 because it isn't the homerun like a 93 should be. On the plus, it is a flavorful and interesting smoke and very nubable. The smoke time was just under 2 and a half hours and i enjoyed every bit of it. It's the second NC churchill/Double corona I grab behind the Coronado by La Flor.
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