I am a recently lost disciple of Pete Johnson. I used to go out of my way to get my hands on his smokes. I would search high and low, no price was too high, I just couldn't get enough of them. I still can't get enough of the Tat Reds and Browns, and I also love Cabaiguan, Triunfador and La Riqueza. Recent releases just haven't been very good though, and I find that disturbing, so I have left the Pete Johnson fold, at least in terms of new releases.
This is not a new release, but it is a cigar that I had not smoked or reviewed before so it is new to me. It presents well, the wrapper is silky and shows little veining. The bandwork and overall presentation is sophisticated, but understated and classy. The cigar appears to be constructed well, I can't find any issues when I inspect it. The pre light draw is full of wheat, bread and cedar. The pre light aroma is also wheaty and full of cedar notes.
The cigar opens with a splendid array of flavor that is both complex and deep. There are some nice flavors here; bread, wheat, cedar, spice and citrus. The interplay between all of these flavors is excellent early on and this cigar is really ramping up my expectations at this point. I am being transferred back to the halcyon days of early Pete offerings, when every cigar was nearly a masterpiece. At the back of the palate the smoke is heavy and lingers sweetly on the palate with a brush of vanilla flavors that has some white pepper kick to it. The draw is a bit tight here, but I am thinking it will open up as the smoke progresses. The burn is rock solid, nary a run or issue.
The first half of the cigar is excellent, though some of the early promise is gone. The profile settles into a more simple array of wheat and cedar, but the depth is still nice. At the back of the palate the vanilla flavor becomes muted and the pepper notes really take over to provide a kick to a profile that really needs it in the opening half. This is a very pleasant experience up to this point, and I am thinking I may need to get some more of these. The draw opens slightly, but it is still not where I want it to be. The burn stays solid to this point.
The final half of this smoke really brings it home. The profile morphs into a dizzying array of flavor and complexity that is seldom experienced in a cigar. The core profile shows notes of vanilla, cedar and pepper. This mixes together in levels of complexity that are mind blowing. At the back of the palate there are some very fine notes of wheat and some light caramel flavor comes through here as well. This combination of flavor is unique and, in my opinion, fantastic. The draw opens even further and in the final third is exactly where I want it. The burn stays solid throughout.
The finish luxuriates the palate with vanilla and cedar flavors well into the night.
Appearance- 91 elegant
Taste- 92 a very nice palate that lost some zip in the first half
Construction- 90 some early tightness in the draw hurts the score
Strength- 93 a very nice medium
Overall- 91.25 a very nice smoking experience
Friday, October 28, 2011
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Casa Miranda Robusto (5x50)
I have been eyeing these for awhile, not in a I have to have you way, but in a wary what are you doing in my neighborhood way. This cigar appeared in the new release section of my local B&M some time ago and I have been working my towards it, slowly, with reticence. You see, this is a cigar that I place in my ultra premium category of $10+ per smoke. All of you that frequently read my daily musings know that I place a high expectation quotient on cigars of this nature, as is rightfully so in my view. If a manufacturer want me, or anyone for that matter, to part with a ten spot or more then it better be worthy. If it is not worthy I am likely to be even harder on the smoke.
This cigar presents in a pedestrian fashion with a wrapper that seems a bit wan to me. Upon inspection the wrapper seems a bit too dry, and there are some prominent veins. The bandwork is intricate, but not particularly eye catching. I can't seem to find any issues with the construction visually or with tactile investigation. The pre light aroma is decidedly floral with some odd spice notes. The pre light draw is subdued, but has some flavors of light wood.
The cigar opens with a profile that does not justify any price tag. There are bitter and sour notes everywhere in the opening moments and I am considering the chuck-a-roo at this point, but then I remember I am smoking a $10 bill, so I decide to give it just due. At the back of the palate there is nothing particularly noteworthy either. There are some flavors of light wood, but a sour vegetal note is taking away from the experience here. The draw is too tight for my liking, but I am not going to worry about it because at this point I am not sure the cigar will make it. The burn is passable, but a small runner looks like it's warming up for a marathon.
The first half of the smoke improves, it had nowhere to go but up. The profile transitions into some middling flavors of cinnamon, mint and wood. The profile is shallow and not well defined, and I find myself wanting some more depth and a further examination of the flavors. At the back of the palate there are some more impressions of wood and the vegetal notes have dispersed and a light hay or grass flavor has come into the picture. The draw is still too tight, and there is some heat coming up the bunch that has me worried. The burn has evened out, sort of, there is no canoe but the small runner has continued to hold on.
The final half of the cigar fails to garner any redemptive words from me. The profile continues to be middling with mint and wood flavors predominating, but some bitterness is creeping back in at this point. At the back of the palate there are still some grassy flavors, but there is not much else going on here. The draw stays tight throughout, but I manage to keep the heat from doing any damage. The burn levels off by the end providing for an acceptable combustion performance overall.
The finish is bitter, but there are some hints of wood and grass.
At $10+ I expect way more than mediocre, and this cigar was barely that.
Appearance- 86 an OK looking smoke
Taste- 82 it just never developed and the opening minutes were putrid
Construction-- 80 the draw was too tight and the burn was wonky for two thirds of the effort
Strength- 85 a medium offering that did not complement the profile well
Overall- 82.5 well below average
This cigar presents in a pedestrian fashion with a wrapper that seems a bit wan to me. Upon inspection the wrapper seems a bit too dry, and there are some prominent veins. The bandwork is intricate, but not particularly eye catching. I can't seem to find any issues with the construction visually or with tactile investigation. The pre light aroma is decidedly floral with some odd spice notes. The pre light draw is subdued, but has some flavors of light wood.
The cigar opens with a profile that does not justify any price tag. There are bitter and sour notes everywhere in the opening moments and I am considering the chuck-a-roo at this point, but then I remember I am smoking a $10 bill, so I decide to give it just due. At the back of the palate there is nothing particularly noteworthy either. There are some flavors of light wood, but a sour vegetal note is taking away from the experience here. The draw is too tight for my liking, but I am not going to worry about it because at this point I am not sure the cigar will make it. The burn is passable, but a small runner looks like it's warming up for a marathon.
The first half of the smoke improves, it had nowhere to go but up. The profile transitions into some middling flavors of cinnamon, mint and wood. The profile is shallow and not well defined, and I find myself wanting some more depth and a further examination of the flavors. At the back of the palate there are some more impressions of wood and the vegetal notes have dispersed and a light hay or grass flavor has come into the picture. The draw is still too tight, and there is some heat coming up the bunch that has me worried. The burn has evened out, sort of, there is no canoe but the small runner has continued to hold on.
The final half of the cigar fails to garner any redemptive words from me. The profile continues to be middling with mint and wood flavors predominating, but some bitterness is creeping back in at this point. At the back of the palate there are still some grassy flavors, but there is not much else going on here. The draw stays tight throughout, but I manage to keep the heat from doing any damage. The burn levels off by the end providing for an acceptable combustion performance overall.
The finish is bitter, but there are some hints of wood and grass.
At $10+ I expect way more than mediocre, and this cigar was barely that.
Appearance- 86 an OK looking smoke
Taste- 82 it just never developed and the opening minutes were putrid
Construction-- 80 the draw was too tight and the burn was wonky for two thirds of the effort
Strength- 85 a medium offering that did not complement the profile well
Overall- 82.5 well below average
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Drew Estate Undercrown Gran Toro (6x52)
Every once in awhile a cigar comes along that transcends what you know about cigars. It becomes legendary amongst the Brethren of the Leaf, seemingly overnight, as cigar cognoscenti scramble to find all they can before they run out. It becomes the topic of every conversation in every corner of places where cigars are enjoyed as people whisper quietly while producing a four finger travel case asking all their friends if they have seen these before, there is a collective gasp from those assembled as the rare jewel is shown. If you are one of the lucky friends of said whisperer you may be offered one, you tremble as you accept this fine gift and can hardly stand the anticipation before you light. Ahhh sweet forbidden smoke, I may never get another chance to smoke something like this, you may think to yourself. You all know this feeling I assume?
Well this is not that cigar. Not even close. However, if you have been listening to these conversations in corners, as I have, you would think this cigar is the second coming of attainable cigar nirvana. I have rarely heard so much hype over one cigar (I credit the marketing genius of Johnathan Drew and Steve Saka), leading me to believe that this cigar must really be something special, maybe even classic or legendary. I waited until they arrived at the local B&M and I selected one. Funny, no one came running over to me to watch my glorious selection. Likewise, no one whispered to me when I went back to my smoking corner with it. No one looked on with rapt anticipation as I cut and light it. I was sure that with all the hoopla about this cigar I would hear a chorus of angels at some point....crickets....
The cigar itself presents in a middling fashion. The wrapper is dark, nearly black, tobacco does not look like this so I know it has been treated somehow. There are some prominent veins along the way, but I don't think they will cause any issues. An examination leads me to believe that the smoke is well made, I can't detect any areas of concern. The pre light aroma is exactly what I expect, very similar to Liga Privada, with strong tobacco notes and some spice. The pre light draw is actually non-descript, but there are some light tar like notes that are sour.
I steal some quick glances, still no one paying any attention, I thought I would have to dodge reporters from Cigar Press in order to smoke this. The profile is nothing to talk about. The flavors are middling and not particularly complex. The core shows some nice tobacco flavor, but it is not very refined or deep. There are some brushes of spice here as well, but they never meld well into the main body of tobacco flavor. At the back of the palate there are still some niggling tar flavors that have a back drop of bitter wood. The draw is fine at this point, and I am giving some high marks for performance to this point. The burn is also sharp and a crisp white ash forms.
A friend sits down and asks what I am smoking, when I tell him, he exclaims that he hated it. I look around for surreptitious listeners, I don't want to be associated with a cigar blasphemer, but no one seems to have heard his sacrilege. The cigar has progressed, in that it is now nearing the midway point. The profile continues to show nothing but tobacco flavor, there is no complexity or depth here at all, I am surprised that the buzz was so loud about a cigar this mundane. At the back of the palate there are still some tar like qualities, but they are beginning to blessedly fade, there is a slight pepper note creeping in here, and it may redeem the experience somewhat if it intensifies accordingly.
The final half of the cigar is smoked without interruptions from curious onlookers, because there aren't any. The profile remains staid and uninteresting. The tobacco flavor, while solid, is not complex or deep, plus there are no complementary flavors to bind the experience together. At the back of the palate there are some definitive peppery developments, but they come on too late to do much for the smoke. The draw stays solid throughout the smoke, and the burn performs well all the way through.
The finish is actually sharp and contains hints of pepper and tar in the aftermath.
So much hype, so little delivery. Good thing I learned long ago to never listen to cigar hype.
Appearance- 86 a slightly above average visual presentation
Taste- 83 slightly below average with no depth, complexity or flavor change
Construction- 90 performed very well in this area
Strength- 85 I think they went for full and missed, this is medium at best
Overall- 86.25 slightly above average, construction helped
Well this is not that cigar. Not even close. However, if you have been listening to these conversations in corners, as I have, you would think this cigar is the second coming of attainable cigar nirvana. I have rarely heard so much hype over one cigar (I credit the marketing genius of Johnathan Drew and Steve Saka), leading me to believe that this cigar must really be something special, maybe even classic or legendary. I waited until they arrived at the local B&M and I selected one. Funny, no one came running over to me to watch my glorious selection. Likewise, no one whispered to me when I went back to my smoking corner with it. No one looked on with rapt anticipation as I cut and light it. I was sure that with all the hoopla about this cigar I would hear a chorus of angels at some point....crickets....
The cigar itself presents in a middling fashion. The wrapper is dark, nearly black, tobacco does not look like this so I know it has been treated somehow. There are some prominent veins along the way, but I don't think they will cause any issues. An examination leads me to believe that the smoke is well made, I can't detect any areas of concern. The pre light aroma is exactly what I expect, very similar to Liga Privada, with strong tobacco notes and some spice. The pre light draw is actually non-descript, but there are some light tar like notes that are sour.
I steal some quick glances, still no one paying any attention, I thought I would have to dodge reporters from Cigar Press in order to smoke this. The profile is nothing to talk about. The flavors are middling and not particularly complex. The core shows some nice tobacco flavor, but it is not very refined or deep. There are some brushes of spice here as well, but they never meld well into the main body of tobacco flavor. At the back of the palate there are still some niggling tar flavors that have a back drop of bitter wood. The draw is fine at this point, and I am giving some high marks for performance to this point. The burn is also sharp and a crisp white ash forms.
A friend sits down and asks what I am smoking, when I tell him, he exclaims that he hated it. I look around for surreptitious listeners, I don't want to be associated with a cigar blasphemer, but no one seems to have heard his sacrilege. The cigar has progressed, in that it is now nearing the midway point. The profile continues to show nothing but tobacco flavor, there is no complexity or depth here at all, I am surprised that the buzz was so loud about a cigar this mundane. At the back of the palate there are still some tar like qualities, but they are beginning to blessedly fade, there is a slight pepper note creeping in here, and it may redeem the experience somewhat if it intensifies accordingly.
The final half of the cigar is smoked without interruptions from curious onlookers, because there aren't any. The profile remains staid and uninteresting. The tobacco flavor, while solid, is not complex or deep, plus there are no complementary flavors to bind the experience together. At the back of the palate there are some definitive peppery developments, but they come on too late to do much for the smoke. The draw stays solid throughout the smoke, and the burn performs well all the way through.
The finish is actually sharp and contains hints of pepper and tar in the aftermath.
So much hype, so little delivery. Good thing I learned long ago to never listen to cigar hype.
Appearance- 86 a slightly above average visual presentation
Taste- 83 slightly below average with no depth, complexity or flavor change
Construction- 90 performed very well in this area
Strength- 85 I think they went for full and missed, this is medium at best
Overall- 86.25 slightly above average, construction helped
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Quesada Oktoberfest Bavarian (5.5x52)
So it is that time of year, the gimmicky cigars seemingly crawl from the woodwork as if from some creep show. Pete Johnson will have one soon, his famous Halloween blend. It seems only natural that some other makers follow suit with seasonally gimmicky silliness. Oktoberfest is not usually a time of year that I would equate with cigars. Bratwurst and beer sure, but cigars? No. Alas, Quesada saw the opening, and apparently thought it was a wide opening at that (one of the vitolas is a 65 ring gauge).
The cigar I chose was the smaller of the two available at my local B&M, my reticence, nay, hatred for big ring cigars being what it is I thought I would avoid the 65 ring Donkey phallus and settle for something a little less lip stretching. Even the cigar that I have chosen seems larger than the 52 it claims to be and a quick measurement has it slightly above that. This cigar is a dark log, the wrapper is full of prominent veins and has a streaky brown coloration that is not necessarily appealing, like a woman with too much eye makeup that is hysterical over the breakup with her boyfriend. The cigar is heavy and seems too tight when rolled betwixt the fingers. The pre light aroma is thin and not very inspiring, but has some hints of strong tobacco. The pre light draw is likewise thin, but there are some fleeting notes of coffee.
The cigar opens with a profile that is not very balanced and very one dimensional. The core smacks of minerals and has a texture that I would classify as grainy. There is no complexity here and there are no fulfilling dimensions to the profile. At the back of the palate there are more heavy mineral presentations and some light touches of coffee, but they are not helping the overall performance. The draw is too tight and I can sense there might be some struggle with this cigar as it progresses. The burn is off too, not in presentation, it burns sharply, but in combustion. The burn almost has a wet feel to it, and the shoulder is nearly curling in on itself and is looking prune like around the edges of the burn.
The first half of this cigar has nary a positive development. The core profile stays full of mineral flavors and there is an almost metallic quality at certain points. At the back of the palate there are some sour tobacco flavors and not much else. My palate is screaming at me for more flavors, saying give me anything at this point I won't complain. The draw is still much too tight, and I am put off with the effort required to smoke this bad boy, emphasis on bad. The burn is a disaster as well, I have to relight at the near half way point because it just won't stay lit.
The final half of the cigar had only one quality to write and expound upon, it was the final half. The profile maintains a mineral like profile and it is wearing my palate out, it feels like I am sucking on a mouthful of nickels. The back of the palate continues to show sour tobacco notes and my cigar brain is shutting down at this point. The draw continues to be too tight. The burn is a mess and I have to relight twice more during the process. With about a fourth of the cigar remaining I lay it down in an ashy grave where it belongs.
The finish was full of minerals and metallic flavors.
Appearance- 85 veiny and huge
Taste- 73 very, very poor
Construction- 74 also very poor
Strength- 80 not sure what they were going for, but they missed the mark
Overall- 76.5 save the 8 dollars, hell light the eight dollars on fire and smoke it, flavors of burning paper and ink would be a welcome change
The cigar I chose was the smaller of the two available at my local B&M, my reticence, nay, hatred for big ring cigars being what it is I thought I would avoid the 65 ring Donkey phallus and settle for something a little less lip stretching. Even the cigar that I have chosen seems larger than the 52 it claims to be and a quick measurement has it slightly above that. This cigar is a dark log, the wrapper is full of prominent veins and has a streaky brown coloration that is not necessarily appealing, like a woman with too much eye makeup that is hysterical over the breakup with her boyfriend. The cigar is heavy and seems too tight when rolled betwixt the fingers. The pre light aroma is thin and not very inspiring, but has some hints of strong tobacco. The pre light draw is likewise thin, but there are some fleeting notes of coffee.
The cigar opens with a profile that is not very balanced and very one dimensional. The core smacks of minerals and has a texture that I would classify as grainy. There is no complexity here and there are no fulfilling dimensions to the profile. At the back of the palate there are more heavy mineral presentations and some light touches of coffee, but they are not helping the overall performance. The draw is too tight and I can sense there might be some struggle with this cigar as it progresses. The burn is off too, not in presentation, it burns sharply, but in combustion. The burn almost has a wet feel to it, and the shoulder is nearly curling in on itself and is looking prune like around the edges of the burn.
The first half of this cigar has nary a positive development. The core profile stays full of mineral flavors and there is an almost metallic quality at certain points. At the back of the palate there are some sour tobacco flavors and not much else. My palate is screaming at me for more flavors, saying give me anything at this point I won't complain. The draw is still much too tight, and I am put off with the effort required to smoke this bad boy, emphasis on bad. The burn is a disaster as well, I have to relight at the near half way point because it just won't stay lit.
The final half of the cigar had only one quality to write and expound upon, it was the final half. The profile maintains a mineral like profile and it is wearing my palate out, it feels like I am sucking on a mouthful of nickels. The back of the palate continues to show sour tobacco notes and my cigar brain is shutting down at this point. The draw continues to be too tight. The burn is a mess and I have to relight twice more during the process. With about a fourth of the cigar remaining I lay it down in an ashy grave where it belongs.
The finish was full of minerals and metallic flavors.
Appearance- 85 veiny and huge
Taste- 73 very, very poor
Construction- 74 also very poor
Strength- 80 not sure what they were going for, but they missed the mark
Overall- 76.5 save the 8 dollars, hell light the eight dollars on fire and smoke it, flavors of burning paper and ink would be a welcome change
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Curivari Gloria de Leon Prominente (6.75x54)
This is the third or fourth cigar that I have reviewed from this little Nicaraguan boutique and I have been mostly impressed with everything I have tried from them so far. I believe that the most fun one can have as a cigar enthusiast is in finding blends that no one has ever heard of and being the first to try them. That is the case here, and I have given some of these out to some selected friends to rave reviews as well, now we all just need these smokes to be available around here. Thus far I have only found them in New Orleans and there does not appear to be a way to get them from the website.
This cigar is huge, much bigger than I usually prefer, I am keeping an open mind though because I have enjoyed the other offerings from this maker. The cigar is ruddy in appearance and the band work is simple, if you buy based on looks you would pass this right over without a second thought. The construction seems to be a bit loose in some areas, but I am going to smoke this slowly while watching the beloved Bears anyway, so I am not worried. The pre light aroma is full of dark fruit notes, black cherry and raspberry come immediately to mind. The pre light draw shows some fine tobacco character and some light brushes of cocoa.
The cigar opens with a profile of such depth and complexity that I am transfixed by the presentation, which is a good thing because the Bears are neither complex or deep at this particular juncture, when is Lovie Smith going to realize that the Cover 2 is no longer a legitimate defense in this league? I digress, the core profile is showing excellent flavors of black cherry, light pepper and dark wood. There is an undertone of cocoa here that is tantalizing and leaves the palate yearning for more of the richness it is providing. At the back of the palate there are some serious presentations of rich tobacco and a hearty grain like flavor that I would equate to a seven grain bagel. There is just so much complexity here I am in a struggle to figure out what it all means at this point. The draw is too loose, again I am not worried because I have figured this cigar to go for more than two hours anyway. The burn is sharp and is producing a nice white ash.
In the first half of the smoke I reach heights that are seldom experienced in a cigar smoker's journey. The profile morphs into a robust concoction of strength and flavor that is rarely achieved. The core shows flavors of black cherry, chocolate, raspberry, dark wood and light dustings of sugar. At the back of the palate there are still some presentations of dark wood, but an excellent spray on cinnamon has shown up here and it is welcome. I don't know if I have ever experienced a cigar that has this much recognizable flavor laced through it. Too bad the Bears are not keeping up with the cigar, they are wavering horribly in the 3rd quarter and I am sure their goose is cooked, I don't even really care because this smoke is so good. The draw is still too loose for me, but it is not causing me any issues. The burn is still solid.
The final half of this cigar propels it into legendary status for me. The profile shows a wonderful transition into a presentation of dark wood, pepper, black cherry and sugar that intensifies so rapidly it takes me by surprise. At the back of the palate cinnamon notes are still showing through and there is a fabulous overtone of rich tobacco flavor that is binding the experience together with incredible subtlety. The Bears suck it on this evening, but this cigar is taking the sting out of the loss. The draw stays too loose for me throughout and that is the only negative about this cigar. The burn is superior right down to the nubbed end.
The finish was long and satisfying with lingering sugar and pepper notes that tease the palate well after last pull. I seldom smoke the same cigar right after finishing, but this is one I would have smoked right away, if only I had more.
Appearance- 86 not going to win any contests, but slightly above average
Taste- 98 a classic profile that just wowed me at every turn
Construction- 89 the loose draw was a factor for me, the cigar performed well in spite of it
Strength- 94 a wonderful medium/full presentation that complemented the profile superbly
Overall- 92.25 some issues with the draw and lackluster appearance hurt the score, but still an excellent smoke
This cigar is huge, much bigger than I usually prefer, I am keeping an open mind though because I have enjoyed the other offerings from this maker. The cigar is ruddy in appearance and the band work is simple, if you buy based on looks you would pass this right over without a second thought. The construction seems to be a bit loose in some areas, but I am going to smoke this slowly while watching the beloved Bears anyway, so I am not worried. The pre light aroma is full of dark fruit notes, black cherry and raspberry come immediately to mind. The pre light draw shows some fine tobacco character and some light brushes of cocoa.
The cigar opens with a profile of such depth and complexity that I am transfixed by the presentation, which is a good thing because the Bears are neither complex or deep at this particular juncture, when is Lovie Smith going to realize that the Cover 2 is no longer a legitimate defense in this league? I digress, the core profile is showing excellent flavors of black cherry, light pepper and dark wood. There is an undertone of cocoa here that is tantalizing and leaves the palate yearning for more of the richness it is providing. At the back of the palate there are some serious presentations of rich tobacco and a hearty grain like flavor that I would equate to a seven grain bagel. There is just so much complexity here I am in a struggle to figure out what it all means at this point. The draw is too loose, again I am not worried because I have figured this cigar to go for more than two hours anyway. The burn is sharp and is producing a nice white ash.
In the first half of the smoke I reach heights that are seldom experienced in a cigar smoker's journey. The profile morphs into a robust concoction of strength and flavor that is rarely achieved. The core shows flavors of black cherry, chocolate, raspberry, dark wood and light dustings of sugar. At the back of the palate there are still some presentations of dark wood, but an excellent spray on cinnamon has shown up here and it is welcome. I don't know if I have ever experienced a cigar that has this much recognizable flavor laced through it. Too bad the Bears are not keeping up with the cigar, they are wavering horribly in the 3rd quarter and I am sure their goose is cooked, I don't even really care because this smoke is so good. The draw is still too loose for me, but it is not causing me any issues. The burn is still solid.
The final half of this cigar propels it into legendary status for me. The profile shows a wonderful transition into a presentation of dark wood, pepper, black cherry and sugar that intensifies so rapidly it takes me by surprise. At the back of the palate cinnamon notes are still showing through and there is a fabulous overtone of rich tobacco flavor that is binding the experience together with incredible subtlety. The Bears suck it on this evening, but this cigar is taking the sting out of the loss. The draw stays too loose for me throughout and that is the only negative about this cigar. The burn is superior right down to the nubbed end.
The finish was long and satisfying with lingering sugar and pepper notes that tease the palate well after last pull. I seldom smoke the same cigar right after finishing, but this is one I would have smoked right away, if only I had more.
Appearance- 86 not going to win any contests, but slightly above average
Taste- 98 a classic profile that just wowed me at every turn
Construction- 89 the loose draw was a factor for me, the cigar performed well in spite of it
Strength- 94 a wonderful medium/full presentation that complemented the profile superbly
Overall- 92.25 some issues with the draw and lackluster appearance hurt the score, but still an excellent smoke
Monday, October 10, 2011
Alec Bradley American Classic Robusto (5x50)
This is a price point entry in the cigar universe, retailing in the $4.50 range I would say this is a cigar that is aimed at value. I am often skeptical, if not fearful, of cigars that are entrants into this category because I have smoked so many bombs in this area over the years. There seems to be real push of late to appeal to the value oriented smoker, and I am little confused about where the market is heading in this area. In my experience the value smoker smokes bundle or machine made cigars that retail for under $2 apiece, asking them to take a leap into the $4 area seems a bit too much for me. Conversely, the ultra premium or premium smoker is used to paying $6 and up for smokes so coming down to $4 might be possible for an everyday smoke, but it has to be of very high quality to appeal to this type of smoker. I have smoked very few cigars at less than $6 that meet the very high quality standard that premium smokers would be looking for. My point is that there just seems to be some market schizophrenia right now in this area.
This cigar presents with some interesting band work, but nothing too flashy. The wrapper is a touch dry for me, but it looks nice. The cigar appears to be well made, I detect no areas of concern when rolling it through my fingers. There are some veins in the wrapper, but I don't believe they will cause any problems at all. The pre light aroma has a nice barnyard fragrance and some nice spice notes at the foot. The pre light draw is thin and shows some sour, fuel like character that has me concerned.
The cigar opens with a profile that is neither complex, deep or enjoyable. The core profile is sour and the fuel taste noted in the pre light draw is prominent. This taste could most accurately be described as kerosene at this point, with perhaps some essence of naphtha that almost burns the palate with a strange menthol like remnant. At the back of the palate some wood and tobacco notes are present, but the fuel like flavor has overwhelmed any redeeming efforts. The draw is excellent, I wish it weren't at this point. The burn is a touch off, but no touch ups are required to this point.
The first half of the cigar blessedly improves, though not much. The menthol flavors have given way to something that is slightly minty, but there is a very nice undertone of oatmeal sneaking in here as well and I am hoping it will become fully involved. The depth and complexity are still not here, but the departure from a fuel like taste is welcome. At the back of the palate a nice, light wood presentation has taken over and gives the cigar a measure of cohesion. The draw is still very nice, delivering plenty of smoke with minimal drawing effort. The burn has evened out and is not causing any problems.
The final half of the cigar is still showing some nice improvements, but the cigar never reaches any status that would be noteworthy. The profile continues to be minty with some shots of vanilla and oatmeal showing up here and there. The level of depth and complexity never really come home for me, this cigar is just too thin in the delivery of flavor categories. At the back of the palate there are still some nice wood presentations, but the fuel taste starts to creep back into the smoke in the final third. The draw stays nice throughout the smoke, and after initial issues the burn stays strong as well.
The finish was middling and left some lingering fuel like character.
In my mind there are two very worthy cigars priced under five dollars, the Padilla Terraza Maduro and the Don Tomas Sungrown, smoke either one of those if you are looking for premium quality at a bargain price.
Appearance- 87 a slightly above average visual appeal
Taste- 83 some redemption in the middle, but fuel tastes in the start, end and finish kill the score
Construction- 91 the only real value in this smoke
Strength- 85 mild to low medium
Overall- 86.75 based on solid construction
This cigar presents with some interesting band work, but nothing too flashy. The wrapper is a touch dry for me, but it looks nice. The cigar appears to be well made, I detect no areas of concern when rolling it through my fingers. There are some veins in the wrapper, but I don't believe they will cause any problems at all. The pre light aroma has a nice barnyard fragrance and some nice spice notes at the foot. The pre light draw is thin and shows some sour, fuel like character that has me concerned.
The cigar opens with a profile that is neither complex, deep or enjoyable. The core profile is sour and the fuel taste noted in the pre light draw is prominent. This taste could most accurately be described as kerosene at this point, with perhaps some essence of naphtha that almost burns the palate with a strange menthol like remnant. At the back of the palate some wood and tobacco notes are present, but the fuel like flavor has overwhelmed any redeeming efforts. The draw is excellent, I wish it weren't at this point. The burn is a touch off, but no touch ups are required to this point.
The first half of the cigar blessedly improves, though not much. The menthol flavors have given way to something that is slightly minty, but there is a very nice undertone of oatmeal sneaking in here as well and I am hoping it will become fully involved. The depth and complexity are still not here, but the departure from a fuel like taste is welcome. At the back of the palate a nice, light wood presentation has taken over and gives the cigar a measure of cohesion. The draw is still very nice, delivering plenty of smoke with minimal drawing effort. The burn has evened out and is not causing any problems.
The final half of the cigar is still showing some nice improvements, but the cigar never reaches any status that would be noteworthy. The profile continues to be minty with some shots of vanilla and oatmeal showing up here and there. The level of depth and complexity never really come home for me, this cigar is just too thin in the delivery of flavor categories. At the back of the palate there are still some nice wood presentations, but the fuel taste starts to creep back into the smoke in the final third. The draw stays nice throughout the smoke, and after initial issues the burn stays strong as well.
The finish was middling and left some lingering fuel like character.
In my mind there are two very worthy cigars priced under five dollars, the Padilla Terraza Maduro and the Don Tomas Sungrown, smoke either one of those if you are looking for premium quality at a bargain price.
Appearance- 87 a slightly above average visual appeal
Taste- 83 some redemption in the middle, but fuel tastes in the start, end and finish kill the score
Construction- 91 the only real value in this smoke
Strength- 85 mild to low medium
Overall- 86.75 based on solid construction
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
La Gloria Cubana Artesanos Retro Especiale Habanero (6x52)
The name of this cigar is quite a mouthful! What the hell is going on with the cigar names lately anyway? My Uzi Weighs a Ton, Humo Jaguar, La Gloria Blah Blah Blah Blah Blah Blah Blah... Whatever happened to the simpler cigar times of Punch Punch, Cohiba Siglo, Montecristo No.2? Seems to me the longer the name the more you are trying to hide in the cigar itself, as if having to read some multi-syllabic mouthful of cigar jargon will lull you into some sense of cigar euphoria and make you believe you are embarking on an epic cigar journey. Whatever! The cigar needs to speak for itself Mr. Cigar Maker Man, so don't give me all this hoo hah in the name and just give me a damn fine smoke! Rant over for now.
This cigar is a continuation of the legendary brand put on the map by one of my cigar heroes, Ernesto Perez Carrillo. General Cigars now holds the rights and they have been doing some things with it, namely the Artesanos line and the Serie N, none of which have blown me away. You see the overall quality of General Cigars products just hasn't been up to snuff in the last couple of years and the cigars that have been produced much bile in my sensitive cigar stomach. Ernesto must be quietly cursing the name that he made so famous because he will always be attached to it.
This cigar presents with a dry and dusty looking wrapper that has prominent veins and some greenish coloration in spots. The construction appears to be acceptable and I can't detect any areas of concern. The pre light aroma is of heavy cedar. The pre light draw is bitter but shows some woody character. I will add some visual props for some nice band work.
The cigar opens with a profile that is dry and bitter, it is trying to show some cedary qualities but they are not showing through well. At the back of the palate there are some very dry floral notes and my palate is getting scorched out by these dry flavors. The draw is way too loose and I worry about heat showing later in the cigar. The burn is a touch off, but I am not touching up at this point.
The first half of the cigar shows no development. The core profile stays bitter and dry with some wisps of cedar. At the back of the palate there are some hints of wood and a floral sweetness, but they dryness is killing this whole experience, I feel like I need to hack up a furball. The draw continues to be way too loose for me. The burn has corrected itself without issue.
The final half of the smoke continues to be inferior and offensive. The overwhelming dry character of this cigar has ruined any possibility of it being remotely enjoyable. The core profile is still trying to show cedar notes, but they are bitter. At the back of the palate there are still some floral implications, but they are not really anything but passable at this point. The draw stays loose all the way to the end, but I manage to keep the heat out of the smoke without issue. The burn collapses in the final third and a canoe forms, unfortunately this canoe sinks the experience.
The finish is bitter and has some fleeting hints of cedar.
Appearance- 82 just not nice to look at
Taste- 73 a really poor showing
Construction- 77 some really bad things going on here
Strength- 85 medium I guess, but it did nothing for the smoke
Overall- 77.75 very, very poor
This cigar is a continuation of the legendary brand put on the map by one of my cigar heroes, Ernesto Perez Carrillo. General Cigars now holds the rights and they have been doing some things with it, namely the Artesanos line and the Serie N, none of which have blown me away. You see the overall quality of General Cigars products just hasn't been up to snuff in the last couple of years and the cigars that have been produced much bile in my sensitive cigar stomach. Ernesto must be quietly cursing the name that he made so famous because he will always be attached to it.
This cigar presents with a dry and dusty looking wrapper that has prominent veins and some greenish coloration in spots. The construction appears to be acceptable and I can't detect any areas of concern. The pre light aroma is of heavy cedar. The pre light draw is bitter but shows some woody character. I will add some visual props for some nice band work.
The cigar opens with a profile that is dry and bitter, it is trying to show some cedary qualities but they are not showing through well. At the back of the palate there are some very dry floral notes and my palate is getting scorched out by these dry flavors. The draw is way too loose and I worry about heat showing later in the cigar. The burn is a touch off, but I am not touching up at this point.
The first half of the cigar shows no development. The core profile stays bitter and dry with some wisps of cedar. At the back of the palate there are some hints of wood and a floral sweetness, but they dryness is killing this whole experience, I feel like I need to hack up a furball. The draw continues to be way too loose for me. The burn has corrected itself without issue.
The final half of the smoke continues to be inferior and offensive. The overwhelming dry character of this cigar has ruined any possibility of it being remotely enjoyable. The core profile is still trying to show cedar notes, but they are bitter. At the back of the palate there are still some floral implications, but they are not really anything but passable at this point. The draw stays loose all the way to the end, but I manage to keep the heat out of the smoke without issue. The burn collapses in the final third and a canoe forms, unfortunately this canoe sinks the experience.
The finish is bitter and has some fleeting hints of cedar.
Appearance- 82 just not nice to look at
Taste- 73 a really poor showing
Construction- 77 some really bad things going on here
Strength- 85 medium I guess, but it did nothing for the smoke
Overall- 77.75 very, very poor
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Humo Jaguar Robusto (5x52)
A couple of months ago I started hearing about a Humo Jaguar and I was baffled by this development. I was under the impression that the Humo Jaguar may have been some new species of cat discovered by the world renowned animal enthusiast Umberto Humo (of course no such person exists, but in my head he did for awhile). I also considered the possibility that maybe Jaguar motors had come up with some new and sexy looking sports car. Then I realized that I only move in cigar circles and that I don't really know any motor enthusiasts or people that go to exotic locales to see rare animals. After doing the math I realized that Humo Jaguar must be a cigar. After feeling silly for not realizing it in the first place, I began to realize that it was not my fault. Who names a cigar Humo Jaguar anyway? It is a ridonkulous name for a smoke.
Hyperbole and cigar nomenclature aside I decided I had to smoke of these bad boys because I had been hearing some raves. I chose the robusto, because....well because the other sizes are just too damn big. If I wanted to smoke a baseball bat I would travel to Louisville and get my fill. The cigar presents well with a nice toothy wrapper and some light veining. I have some concern about the cigar being too dry, but upon closer examination I can see all the appropriate hallmarks of proper care. The pre light aroma is full of floral barnyard notes. The pre light draw shows some hints of raisin, a characteristic I note in almost every Honduran cigar I smoke.
The cigar opens with a profile that is simply way too mild for me. There are some nice flavors of raisin and a light ginger like spice, but they just don't deliver with much impact and reveal a lack of depth at this point. At the back of the palate there are some very light tobacco notes and a light toasty character that is pleasant, but again not very deep. The draw is a touch on the tight side, but I can feel it loosening as the first quarter inch proceeds. The burn is solid and a nice, dirty, gray ash is the result.
The first half of the cigar remains mild, but it does show some nice profile development. The core profile continues to show some raising and ginger notes, but there is a light leather flavor that is creeping in here and adding some interesting complexity to the overall presentation. I would still like some more depth in the smoke and the flavors could definitely be more robust in areas. At the back of the palate a more straightforward set of flavors are showing through. There are some nice flavors of light wood and light tobacco here with a nice undertone of toasty, woody flavors. The draw has opened nicely and performs very well through the first half. The burn continues to be very solid.
The final half of the cigar is still mild and that will be my great complaint about this cigar, it just does not deliver enough for the experienced smoker and I would only be able to fit it in my rotation as the occasional morning smoke. The profile continues to show raisins and some other mulled fruit tones are here as well. There continues to be a nice shade of leather flavor here that provides some interesting interplay with the other flavors, but it never gains strength or congeals into a complex and deep presentation. At the back of the palate the light wood and light tobacco flavors continue. The draw is acceptable to the end and the burn continues to be strong throughout.
The finish was a touch thin, but showed some lingering spice and toasty wood and tobacco notes. This cigar would be far, far better with more strength and depth of flavor.
Appearance- 87 a touch too dry in appearance
Taste- 87 a nice presentation, but I would have liked much more punch
Construction- 89 some early tightness in the draw
Strength- 85 a very, very pedestrian mild.
Overall- 87.25 an above average smoke, but there are mild cigars with more depth and complexity that I would rather smoke
Hyperbole and cigar nomenclature aside I decided I had to smoke of these bad boys because I had been hearing some raves. I chose the robusto, because....well because the other sizes are just too damn big. If I wanted to smoke a baseball bat I would travel to Louisville and get my fill. The cigar presents well with a nice toothy wrapper and some light veining. I have some concern about the cigar being too dry, but upon closer examination I can see all the appropriate hallmarks of proper care. The pre light aroma is full of floral barnyard notes. The pre light draw shows some hints of raisin, a characteristic I note in almost every Honduran cigar I smoke.
The cigar opens with a profile that is simply way too mild for me. There are some nice flavors of raisin and a light ginger like spice, but they just don't deliver with much impact and reveal a lack of depth at this point. At the back of the palate there are some very light tobacco notes and a light toasty character that is pleasant, but again not very deep. The draw is a touch on the tight side, but I can feel it loosening as the first quarter inch proceeds. The burn is solid and a nice, dirty, gray ash is the result.
The first half of the cigar remains mild, but it does show some nice profile development. The core profile continues to show some raising and ginger notes, but there is a light leather flavor that is creeping in here and adding some interesting complexity to the overall presentation. I would still like some more depth in the smoke and the flavors could definitely be more robust in areas. At the back of the palate a more straightforward set of flavors are showing through. There are some nice flavors of light wood and light tobacco here with a nice undertone of toasty, woody flavors. The draw has opened nicely and performs very well through the first half. The burn continues to be very solid.
The final half of the cigar is still mild and that will be my great complaint about this cigar, it just does not deliver enough for the experienced smoker and I would only be able to fit it in my rotation as the occasional morning smoke. The profile continues to show raisins and some other mulled fruit tones are here as well. There continues to be a nice shade of leather flavor here that provides some interesting interplay with the other flavors, but it never gains strength or congeals into a complex and deep presentation. At the back of the palate the light wood and light tobacco flavors continue. The draw is acceptable to the end and the burn continues to be strong throughout.
The finish was a touch thin, but showed some lingering spice and toasty wood and tobacco notes. This cigar would be far, far better with more strength and depth of flavor.
Appearance- 87 a touch too dry in appearance
Taste- 87 a nice presentation, but I would have liked much more punch
Construction- 89 some early tightness in the draw
Strength- 85 a very, very pedestrian mild.
Overall- 87.25 an above average smoke, but there are mild cigars with more depth and complexity that I would rather smoke
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