I march on in my smoking journey and continue to sample the singles that have been accumulating over time. This particular cigar has been in the humi for some months now and I had been hearing good things from fellow BOTL's. It appears as something that is very mundane. The band work is plain and the cigar's visual impact is nothing to jump and down over. The wrapper is dry to the touch and somewhat veiny. The cap is a bit lopsided and there is a flaw in the wrapper near the head. The pre light draw is showing some light cedar flavors and some grassy character that has a bitter quality. The pre light aroma is light and floral.
The cigar opens with a profile that is bitter, but showing signs of cinnamon and light wood. The depth and complexity are just not enough for me at this point and I would like some more profound flavors in this smoke. At the back of the palate there are some fleeting glimpses of pleasing sweet floral notes, but the bitterness from the front of the profile is fouling the back. The draw is too tight, not even mildly so, it is just plain too tight. The burn is solid and sharp.
The first half of the cigar shows multiple personalities. There are notes of bitter grass for the most part, but there are some really nice portions of cinnamon and wood. This erratic presentation makes me more frustrated than anything else. At the back of the palate there are some hints of lightly creamed coffee, but again the bitterness permeates the profile. The draw is still tight, but the burn maintains a nice performance.
The final half of the cigar continues it's eclectic journey. The bitter grass notes give way to strange spice quality that leaves the palate puckered and dry. There are still some ideas of cinnamon and wood, but they are overwhelmed by the strange spice flavors. At the back of the palate there are some grassy notes that are coming in, but overall there is a very mild presentation of light wood. The draw stays too tight throughout, but it never causes and issues. The burn stayed solid all the way to the end.
The finish is short and bitter with some odd mint flavors. Overall this is another must miss experience.
Appearance- 83 not visually stimulating all
Taste- 80 too erratic and for the most part poor
Construction- 82 the draw was too tight, but the burn was nice
Strength- 85 a very average medium that was stretching for full
Overall- 82 a below average smoke
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Perdomo 2 Natural Churchill (6.875x50)
In continuing my run of smoking singles that have randomly accumulated in my humi, I arrive at this smoke. These we all the rage some years back and I used to smoke them fairly regularly This will be a bit of a walk down memory lane for in some respects, because this is a cigar I enjoyed when my palate and smoking dossier we not as complete as they are now. The cigar appears to be a bit mottled across the wrapper, and it seems a touch dry in some areas. The band work is simple, as it always has been, and lends little to the visual experience. There seems to be a void near the band and I am concerned that in the final moments of this smoke it could be an issue. The pre light aroma has some touches of roasted nuts and some hints of vegetation. The pre light draw shows some mulled spice notes, but lacks much else in this area.
The cigar opens with a profile that is profoundly full of notes of oatmeal, I have not ever experienced this particular profile in any cigar that I have smoked and I find it to be interesting and fulfilling. At the back of the palate there are some touches of light wood, but there is also some taste of wet vegetation in the offering as well. The draw is a touch tight for me, but I am not having any issues with it at this point. The burn is solid and produces a nice, heavy gray ash.
The first third of the smoke transitions from oatmeal flavors to something more earthy and wheaty. It is a transition that is not particularly welcome, but it is not the death knell either. At the back of the palate there are primarily tastes of wet vegetation at this point, and I am finding this particular attribute to be a severe detractor from the experience. The draw stays too tight for my liking to this point and I am sensing some heat here as well. The burn stays solid for this segment of the smoke.
The middle third of the smoke is really the beginning of the end for this experience. The core profile slides into a monstrous presentation of bitter wood with heavy and wet notes of grass and vegetation. At the back of the palate some spice is trying to get through, but it is overwhelmed by wet, vegetal notes. The draw has opened slightly and the heat detected earlier starts to dissipate. The burn continues to be solid up to this point.
The final third of the smoke is not anything to write home about either. There is some improvement in the profile, in that I don't feel like spewing anymore, but any betterment is minimal. The flavors are less bitter and grassy, but only nominally so. At the back of the palate there are still some fleeting hints of spice, but for the most part vegetal notes predominate. The draw is rally booming now, but I have also approached the void and that could explain the new ease with which the cigar draws. The burn is still solid and has been throughout.
The finish is a touch short and showed some notes of bitter wood. This cigar has left me wanting, and I wonder if they used to be better, or if my palate has just become more finicky.
Appearance- 85 a very average appearance
Taste- 82 some early excellence was let down by the rest of the smoke
Construction- 83 points off for the void and draw issues
Strength- 85 a very lackluster medium
Overall- 83.25 below average
The cigar opens with a profile that is profoundly full of notes of oatmeal, I have not ever experienced this particular profile in any cigar that I have smoked and I find it to be interesting and fulfilling. At the back of the palate there are some touches of light wood, but there is also some taste of wet vegetation in the offering as well. The draw is a touch tight for me, but I am not having any issues with it at this point. The burn is solid and produces a nice, heavy gray ash.
The first third of the smoke transitions from oatmeal flavors to something more earthy and wheaty. It is a transition that is not particularly welcome, but it is not the death knell either. At the back of the palate there are primarily tastes of wet vegetation at this point, and I am finding this particular attribute to be a severe detractor from the experience. The draw stays too tight for my liking to this point and I am sensing some heat here as well. The burn stays solid for this segment of the smoke.
The middle third of the smoke is really the beginning of the end for this experience. The core profile slides into a monstrous presentation of bitter wood with heavy and wet notes of grass and vegetation. At the back of the palate some spice is trying to get through, but it is overwhelmed by wet, vegetal notes. The draw has opened slightly and the heat detected earlier starts to dissipate. The burn continues to be solid up to this point.
The final third of the smoke is not anything to write home about either. There is some improvement in the profile, in that I don't feel like spewing anymore, but any betterment is minimal. The flavors are less bitter and grassy, but only nominally so. At the back of the palate there are still some fleeting hints of spice, but for the most part vegetal notes predominate. The draw is rally booming now, but I have also approached the void and that could explain the new ease with which the cigar draws. The burn is still solid and has been throughout.
The finish is a touch short and showed some notes of bitter wood. This cigar has left me wanting, and I wonder if they used to be better, or if my palate has just become more finicky.
Appearance- 85 a very average appearance
Taste- 82 some early excellence was let down by the rest of the smoke
Construction- 83 points off for the void and draw issues
Strength- 85 a very lackluster medium
Overall- 83.25 below average
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Tatuaje Black Robusto (5.5x50)
This cigar came from a three pack that was a give away at an event if a person purchased a box of Tatuaje cigars. I have long heard about this blend and it has been somewhat of a cigar Pegasus, as it is not available for sale anywhere. The legend behind the blend is that it is made specifically for Pete Johnson and that he, and only he smokes, it regularly. I can't verify any of this, but I do know they are hard to find and when I had the chance to purchase a box and get some I jumped at it.
The cigar itself is nice looking and has a dark wrapper that has few veins. The band is a typical Tatuaje presentation, only it is black in color, instead of the usual red or brown. The cigar seems to be well made and I can't detect a single area of concern. The pre light draw is fluid and presents strong flavors of cinnamon. The pre light aroma is powerful and contains notes of dark wood and spice.
The cigar opens with an intense array of cinnamon, spice and licorice that blasts the palate from the first draws. I am somewhat taken aback by the early power of this smoke and put off by the lack of nuance in the presentation. This is a wet hand across the face and it stings the palate in a similar manner. At the back of the palate there are some hints of dark wood and some light earth, but the front presentations are cloaking any refinement that might be present here. The draw is above average, but a bit on the tight side for me. The burn is even and a dirty gray ash is forming.
The first half of the smoke quickly transitions into a presentation of charred coffee and wood. I find this development wholly unappealing. At the back of the palate there remains a thin core of dark wood, but the charred notes from the front are threatening to derail the entire experience. The draw continues to be acceptable, but the tightness I noted is still present. The burn is excellent to this point.
The final half of the cigar shows no development. The profile maintains a charred and almost bitter presentation of coffee like notes, but there are some charred wood presentations here as well. At the back of the palate there are bitter flavors of burning foliage and the throat becomes dry. The draw maintains an average performance throughout and the burn is excellent for the duration of the smoke.
The finish is charred and bitter. I am very disappointed with this smoke, I do have more so perhaps they will improve with some age. One can only hope...
Appearance- 88 a somewhat plain presentation, but still appealing
Taste- 82 some early moments of acceptability save this score, otherwise it was an abomination
Construction- 87 some draw issues, but overall slightly above average
Strength- 85 Medium to full, but not helping or hurting the score
Overall- 85.25
The cigar itself is nice looking and has a dark wrapper that has few veins. The band is a typical Tatuaje presentation, only it is black in color, instead of the usual red or brown. The cigar seems to be well made and I can't detect a single area of concern. The pre light draw is fluid and presents strong flavors of cinnamon. The pre light aroma is powerful and contains notes of dark wood and spice.
The cigar opens with an intense array of cinnamon, spice and licorice that blasts the palate from the first draws. I am somewhat taken aback by the early power of this smoke and put off by the lack of nuance in the presentation. This is a wet hand across the face and it stings the palate in a similar manner. At the back of the palate there are some hints of dark wood and some light earth, but the front presentations are cloaking any refinement that might be present here. The draw is above average, but a bit on the tight side for me. The burn is even and a dirty gray ash is forming.
The first half of the smoke quickly transitions into a presentation of charred coffee and wood. I find this development wholly unappealing. At the back of the palate there remains a thin core of dark wood, but the charred notes from the front are threatening to derail the entire experience. The draw continues to be acceptable, but the tightness I noted is still present. The burn is excellent to this point.
The final half of the cigar shows no development. The profile maintains a charred and almost bitter presentation of coffee like notes, but there are some charred wood presentations here as well. At the back of the palate there are bitter flavors of burning foliage and the throat becomes dry. The draw maintains an average performance throughout and the burn is excellent for the duration of the smoke.
The finish is charred and bitter. I am very disappointed with this smoke, I do have more so perhaps they will improve with some age. One can only hope...
Appearance- 88 a somewhat plain presentation, but still appealing
Taste- 82 some early moments of acceptability save this score, otherwise it was an abomination
Construction- 87 some draw issues, but overall slightly above average
Strength- 85 Medium to full, but not helping or hurting the score
Overall- 85.25
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Gran Habano Gran Reserva Gran Robusto (6x54)
Another smoke from the oft overlooked singles trays in my humidor. This cigar has been banging around for a month or two and I am pretty sure it was one of the offerings from The Great Smoke in West Palm about six weeks ago. I have not smoked much that was obtained from that event, and I am hoping that they have settled in nicely after much transportation six weeks ago.
The cigar appears to be shorter than six inches and when I measure it I find that it is a least an 1/8th of an inch short, no biggie but I am a stickler. The ring gauge also appears to be larger than 54 and I measure it and find to be between 54 and 56, so I will call it a 55. The wrapper is dry looking but it is leathery and supple when rolled through the fingers. There are some very prominent veins and the band work is very plain and not very interesting. The cigar appears to be loosely constructed and I am concerned about smoking performance. The pre light aroma is of cinnamon and light coffee. The pre light draw is floral and has some loamy, forest floor qualities.
The cigar opens with a profile that is neither complex or deep, but it does show some satisfying flavors around the edges. There are some notes of coffee and light earth, but there are some bitter ideas here as well and they detract from the overall experience early. At the back of the palate there are some wood notes trying to come out, but there are some sour notes in the presentation that hinders their arrival. The draw is loose, but not too loose at this point, and I decided I will monitor this closely. The burn is off slightly, but I don't have any urge to touch up yet.
The first third of the cigar remains fairly pedestrian. The flavors continue to be of coffee and earth, but there are some grassy concepts presenting themselves as well. At the back of the palate the sour notes have given way to some tannins, but there are still some nice presentations of cedar here. The draw conitnues to be too loose for me at this point, but I am pushing onward while pacing myself, so as not to cause heat. The burn has evened somewhat, but is still slightly akimbo.
The middle third of this cigar is where the rubber should meet the road, unfortunately the rubber is burning. The profile is nearly vomitous at this point, showing some very bitter aspirin notes while cranking up the loamy presentations that were picked up early in the smoke. At the back of the palate the pleasing wood qualities have given way to harsh and acrid presentations of char and ash. The draw is booming out huge qualities of putrid smoke at this point and I am worried that I may have to let this go soon.
The final third of the smoke is one of the most surprising thing I have ever experienced as a cigar smoker. The profile blossoms into an array of depth and complexity that one could only dream of. There are notes of vanilla, coffee and light cream over a backdrop of cinnamon that makes for a breathtaking display of flavor and complexity. At the back of the palate there are robust cedar notes taking center stage and serving as an excellent complement for the rest of the smoke. I can only sit and wish the entire cigar was like this. The draw stays loose throughout and the burn never causes any real issues.
The finish was a dream showing cinnamon and vanilla notes for several minutes after completion.
Appearance- 85 a very average looking smoke
Taste- 85 difficult to score so I go with just average. First third 85, Second third 70, Third third, 90
Construction- 87 the draw was very loose, but overall was acceptable
Strength- 86 a very middling medium
Overall- 85.75 slightly above average, but it could have been so much more
The cigar appears to be shorter than six inches and when I measure it I find that it is a least an 1/8th of an inch short, no biggie but I am a stickler. The ring gauge also appears to be larger than 54 and I measure it and find to be between 54 and 56, so I will call it a 55. The wrapper is dry looking but it is leathery and supple when rolled through the fingers. There are some very prominent veins and the band work is very plain and not very interesting. The cigar appears to be loosely constructed and I am concerned about smoking performance. The pre light aroma is of cinnamon and light coffee. The pre light draw is floral and has some loamy, forest floor qualities.
The cigar opens with a profile that is neither complex or deep, but it does show some satisfying flavors around the edges. There are some notes of coffee and light earth, but there are some bitter ideas here as well and they detract from the overall experience early. At the back of the palate there are some wood notes trying to come out, but there are some sour notes in the presentation that hinders their arrival. The draw is loose, but not too loose at this point, and I decided I will monitor this closely. The burn is off slightly, but I don't have any urge to touch up yet.
The first third of the cigar remains fairly pedestrian. The flavors continue to be of coffee and earth, but there are some grassy concepts presenting themselves as well. At the back of the palate the sour notes have given way to some tannins, but there are still some nice presentations of cedar here. The draw conitnues to be too loose for me at this point, but I am pushing onward while pacing myself, so as not to cause heat. The burn has evened somewhat, but is still slightly akimbo.
The middle third of this cigar is where the rubber should meet the road, unfortunately the rubber is burning. The profile is nearly vomitous at this point, showing some very bitter aspirin notes while cranking up the loamy presentations that were picked up early in the smoke. At the back of the palate the pleasing wood qualities have given way to harsh and acrid presentations of char and ash. The draw is booming out huge qualities of putrid smoke at this point and I am worried that I may have to let this go soon.
The final third of the smoke is one of the most surprising thing I have ever experienced as a cigar smoker. The profile blossoms into an array of depth and complexity that one could only dream of. There are notes of vanilla, coffee and light cream over a backdrop of cinnamon that makes for a breathtaking display of flavor and complexity. At the back of the palate there are robust cedar notes taking center stage and serving as an excellent complement for the rest of the smoke. I can only sit and wish the entire cigar was like this. The draw stays loose throughout and the burn never causes any real issues.
The finish was a dream showing cinnamon and vanilla notes for several minutes after completion.
Appearance- 85 a very average looking smoke
Taste- 85 difficult to score so I go with just average. First third 85, Second third 70, Third third, 90
Construction- 87 the draw was very loose, but overall was acceptable
Strength- 86 a very middling medium
Overall- 85.75 slightly above average, but it could have been so much more
Sunday, March 13, 2011
H. Upmann Sungrown Short Chuchill (4.5x54)
This cigar begins a tour of random singles that I have had banging around my humidor for some time. All of them, including this one, are cigars that I have not written reviews for before.
This short, fat cigar is sort of ugly in appearance. The band is somewhat large for a cigar of this size and the artwork is busy. The wrapper is seemingly too light to be sungrown and it has prominent yellowing veins running the length of the vitola. The cigar seems to be too firm and I have some concerns about how it will draw. The pre light aroma has some interesting ideas of cinnamon and pepper. The pre light draw is somewhat lackluster showing only weak notes of sweet nuts.
The cigar opens with a profile that has all the hallmarks of a fine sungrown pedigree. There are some very solid notes of pepper, wood, sweet spice and rich tobacco. This particular blend could use some more depth and complexity, but overall the experience is pleasant in the opening moments. At the back of the palate there is a bit of an aftertaste that I would classify as salty and vegetal. The draw is a bit tight, but it is not causing any issues at this point in the smoke. The burn is slow and even and a nice white ash is forming.
The first half of the cigar continues to develop nicely. The main profile maintains a nice showing of pepper and sweet spice, still lacking in depth and complexity, but acceptable nonetheless. At the back of the palate there are still some salty flavors, but they are accompanied by a flavor that I would characterize as nutty. The draw continues to be too tight for my taste, but it still not creating any unfortunate labor. The burn is nearly even and the ash is a solid white mass.
The final half of the cigar is not as strong as the first half, in so much as you could classify the front half as strong, which it really was not. The profile starts to weaken and shows some pepper and spice, but there is a vegetal quality that is creeping in here. At the back of the palate and through the nose there are some heavy notes of cedar, but some strange flavors that strike me as being somewhat akin to what mildew smells like. The draw continues to be tight, but is still not terrible. The burn is lopsided, but again not causing any issues.
The finish is a touch bitter, but lingering and satisfactory pepper notes dominate. This is not the best sungrown offering I have ever smoked, I would be more inclined to smoke a Fuente Sungrown selection, but this was also not terrible.
Appearance- 83 not the most attractive smoke
Taste- 86 I will rate this slightly above average, but some more depth, complexity and consistency would make it better
Construction- 87 the tight draw throughout disallows further consideration for a higher mark
Strength- 87 a nice medium/full offering
Overall- 86 a solid slightly above average smoke
This short, fat cigar is sort of ugly in appearance. The band is somewhat large for a cigar of this size and the artwork is busy. The wrapper is seemingly too light to be sungrown and it has prominent yellowing veins running the length of the vitola. The cigar seems to be too firm and I have some concerns about how it will draw. The pre light aroma has some interesting ideas of cinnamon and pepper. The pre light draw is somewhat lackluster showing only weak notes of sweet nuts.
The cigar opens with a profile that has all the hallmarks of a fine sungrown pedigree. There are some very solid notes of pepper, wood, sweet spice and rich tobacco. This particular blend could use some more depth and complexity, but overall the experience is pleasant in the opening moments. At the back of the palate there is a bit of an aftertaste that I would classify as salty and vegetal. The draw is a bit tight, but it is not causing any issues at this point in the smoke. The burn is slow and even and a nice white ash is forming.
The first half of the cigar continues to develop nicely. The main profile maintains a nice showing of pepper and sweet spice, still lacking in depth and complexity, but acceptable nonetheless. At the back of the palate there are still some salty flavors, but they are accompanied by a flavor that I would characterize as nutty. The draw continues to be too tight for my taste, but it still not creating any unfortunate labor. The burn is nearly even and the ash is a solid white mass.
The final half of the cigar is not as strong as the first half, in so much as you could classify the front half as strong, which it really was not. The profile starts to weaken and shows some pepper and spice, but there is a vegetal quality that is creeping in here. At the back of the palate and through the nose there are some heavy notes of cedar, but some strange flavors that strike me as being somewhat akin to what mildew smells like. The draw continues to be tight, but is still not terrible. The burn is lopsided, but again not causing any issues.
The finish is a touch bitter, but lingering and satisfactory pepper notes dominate. This is not the best sungrown offering I have ever smoked, I would be more inclined to smoke a Fuente Sungrown selection, but this was also not terrible.
Appearance- 83 not the most attractive smoke
Taste- 86 I will rate this slightly above average, but some more depth, complexity and consistency would make it better
Construction- 87 the tight draw throughout disallows further consideration for a higher mark
Strength- 87 a nice medium/full offering
Overall- 86 a solid slightly above average smoke
Monday, March 7, 2011
Jose Carlos Habano Toro (6x52)
This cigar both continues and ends my boutique cigar journey. Obviously it has been some time since I last wrote a review, that is because I enjoyed nearly a month of smoking all my favorites (all cigars that I have reviewed before). I am sad that my old home period has drawn to a close, but the need to review has overcome me.
This particular offering is about as appealing to look at as some of the people on the People of Wal-Mart website, but knowing that you can't judge a book by it's cover I will move on with this evaluation. The wrapper is dry feeling and mottled, almost camouflage in nature, and I recall that this cigar has several years of age on it which leads me into some thoughts about liver spots on old people wandering the aisles of the aforementioned Wal-Mart. The construction appears to be acceptable, but there are some loose spots that have me concerned about burn and heat. The pre light aroma is light and airy but has some nutty essence. The pre light draw is very loose, but shows some hints of earth and spice.
The cigar opens with a profile that is mundane. There are some notes of roasted nuts and pepper, but they are short and lacking in depth. At the back of the palate the flavor can only be characterized as dusty and dry. The draw is very loose and I can feel heat in the smoke already, I decide to slow it down to see if I can keep it cool. The burn is wonky, but I don't see any immediate need to touch it up.
The first half of the cigar begins the descent into cigar hell. The profile becomes bitter and foul. There are some hints of fetid vegetation and sour earth, this is a profile that is horrid at this point and I contemplate putting it down. At the back of the palate there is something that is threatening to trip my gag reflex that I can only equate to a flavor like bile. The draw is still too loose and the burn is lopsided.
The final half of the cigar is amongst the worst I have ever experienced and I discard it with a third left. The flavors were putrid and I will not waste time discussing them here. The draw was too loose throughout and created too much heat. The burn was subpar throughout.
I am happy that my tour of boutiques has come to an end.
Appearance- 75 not much visually
Taste- 70 the lowest possible score for one of the worst cigars I have ever smoked
Construction- 70 again the lowest possible
Strength- 75 nothing here either
Overall- 71.75 a real dog rocket
This particular offering is about as appealing to look at as some of the people on the People of Wal-Mart website, but knowing that you can't judge a book by it's cover I will move on with this evaluation. The wrapper is dry feeling and mottled, almost camouflage in nature, and I recall that this cigar has several years of age on it which leads me into some thoughts about liver spots on old people wandering the aisles of the aforementioned Wal-Mart. The construction appears to be acceptable, but there are some loose spots that have me concerned about burn and heat. The pre light aroma is light and airy but has some nutty essence. The pre light draw is very loose, but shows some hints of earth and spice.
The cigar opens with a profile that is mundane. There are some notes of roasted nuts and pepper, but they are short and lacking in depth. At the back of the palate the flavor can only be characterized as dusty and dry. The draw is very loose and I can feel heat in the smoke already, I decide to slow it down to see if I can keep it cool. The burn is wonky, but I don't see any immediate need to touch it up.
The first half of the cigar begins the descent into cigar hell. The profile becomes bitter and foul. There are some hints of fetid vegetation and sour earth, this is a profile that is horrid at this point and I contemplate putting it down. At the back of the palate there is something that is threatening to trip my gag reflex that I can only equate to a flavor like bile. The draw is still too loose and the burn is lopsided.
The final half of the cigar is amongst the worst I have ever experienced and I discard it with a third left. The flavors were putrid and I will not waste time discussing them here. The draw was too loose throughout and created too much heat. The burn was subpar throughout.
I am happy that my tour of boutiques has come to an end.
Appearance- 75 not much visually
Taste- 70 the lowest possible score for one of the worst cigars I have ever smoked
Construction- 70 again the lowest possible
Strength- 75 nothing here either
Overall- 71.75 a real dog rocket
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