Every once in awhile I get a friend that wonders why I don't smoke what they smoke. I usually try to gracefully demure by saying something non-committal and finding my way into less controversial subjects like politics or religion. You see, I don't like smoking and reviewing things that I know my friends love. There are several reasons for this.
1.) I am a self professed cigar snob and I can be a real d-bag when I want to be, I don't mind offending strangers with my acute, and often times razor like reviews, but I have to draw the line at my friends smokes. I want them to enjoy their cigars without the spectre of my opinion hanging over it.
2.) There is pressure in smoking something you know your friends like. I feel the pressure of the friendship pushing me inexorably down as I question their taste, cigar acumen and sometimes why the f they are my friends. I kid, of course, but you get the idea I think. Telling a friend, that in my opinion, his cigar of choice blows goats is a tough thing to do. I'd much rather he, or she, just go on smoking them in blissful ignorance.....errr happiness.
3.) Most cigars suck, and I am likely going to have to say so. I smoke so many cigars that I have come to realize that most of them aren't worth much in my book. OK, so I exaggerate a bit, there are many good smokes out there. However, the bundles you got for nineteen bucks from the Cigar Crap Monthly are not vintage anything, except for a vintage rip off and it makes me believe that my friend might be a vintage stooge. Again, I kid!
The cigar here is one of the cigars that I have described above. I have a friend that loves these, in fact he loves many cigars that I don't. I had told him time and time again that I did not want to smoke and review this, but he is my great friend so I broke down and agreed to smoke and review it. I have smoked these before and I was never a fan, but I am always willing to try. The cigar presents with a mid brown wrapper that is nicely applied to this torpedo vitola. There are few veins, and the color and texture make for a rich looking experience. I detect several soft and firm spots alternating in the body of the bunch and I am worried about performance from the flag drop. The pre light aroma is all tobacco and some light wood. The pre light draw is slightly of pepper, but there are some thin earthy flavors here as well.
The cigar opens with a profile that is one dimensional and mundane. The main flavor is a straight presentation of light tobacco flavors and there is nothing complementary going on here at all. The back of the palate has some weak earthy intonations but, here too, the one dimensional presentation is lackluster at best. The draw is nice, but I can feel a real lack of resistance and I worry about performance later in the smoke. The burn is wonky and will most likely need touching up early on.
The first half of the cigar warms up a bit, but that is much like saying forty degrees is warmer than 30 degrees, it is still damn cold. The core profile has some nice tobacco flavor, but it is still too thin to be a major factor. Some light pepper and wood flavors start to show through here as well, but they are not anything to start a world tour over. The back of the palate shows some earthiness, but there is a tart cedar element here as well and I feel as though it dries the palate. The draw is reflecting the bunch, which is no surprise, when soft the draw is loose and when firm the draw is tight. This is very poorly constructed and I am upset with the performance from the get go. The burn is still off and I begin touching up accordingly.
The final half of the cigar is amongst the most poorly constructed I have ever smoked. The issues in the bunch are cause way too many problems to make this worth much. Constant burn problems are really irritating in the final third and the smoke becomes to scorched to do much of anything with. The profile was still not very subtle or complex and showing one or two lacking flavors does not a winning cigar make.
The finish was acrid and foul.
I love the cigar brother that gave this to me, and I am thrilled he enjoys it, but it really was not for me.
Appearance- 88 this is first, and last, good impression
Taste- 82 some flavor, but no complexity, depth or balance hurt the score
Construction- 73 2/3's of the cigar was smokeable, the rest was a horrific experience
Strength- 83 they are going for full, but I'm not sure they got there
Overall- 79.25 I won't do this again
Showing posts with label Don Lino. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Don Lino. Show all posts
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Don Lino 1989 Maduro Churchill
This is a cigar that I sometimes smoke in the robusto size, but I was given this one at a recent event with some friends so I decided to smoke the larger size. The cigar presents with a dark brown wrapper that has plenty of tooth, but has a very ruddy exterior appearance. The cigar feels under packed and it lacks the heft of a usual Churchill sized smoke. The pre light aroma has notes of cocoa and light coffee. The pre light draw shows some thin cocoa notes and some nice tobacco and earth flavors.
The cigar opens with a profile that is distinctly earthy with hints of coffee in the mix. At the back of the palate there are some thin notes of cocoa, but there are some heavy notes of earth here as well. The draw is extremely loose and I am worried about heat in the main body of the cigar as it develops further. The burn is slightly wonky, but is not causing me any concern. (In the interest of full disclosure I am already predisposed to the thought that this burn will go south as I have smoked over a box of this cigar in different sizes and every last one has burned horribly)
The first third of the cigar shows little development. The core profile is still heavily earthy, but shows some hints of pepper and coffee that are fleeting at best. At the back of the palate the dense earth tones continue and I am reaching out for more, but not finding it in this cigar. The draw is still loose and some heat is creeping in already, I am forced to slow it down to not char the experience. The burn is still off, but not as badly as some that I have smoked in the past.
The middle third shows some interesting shifts. The main body of the profile picks up decidedly peppery notes that mingle with a weakening coffee essence. The back of the palate moves into a nice presentation of rich tobacco as the earthy density falls away. The draw is still loose, but I am managing the issue without ruining the smoke, however I will deduct because of relights that had to take place as I slowed down to manage the heat. The burn is even, but I lend that more to my relights than the cigar itself.
The final third shows no real development of anything resembling depth or complexity. The core profile shows notes of pepper, coffee and some wood. At the back of the palate there are still some tobacco notes, but there is a strange sweetness that has crept into the presentation. The draw was loose throughout, but the burn was at least average this time around.
The finish was smooth, but short, with notes of pepper and earth
Appearance- 82 the ruddy looks kill the visual experience
Taste- 85 I would rate this as very average
Construction- 80 the draw was a real issue for me, I like to enjoy a cigar at my pace not have my pace dictated by the cigar's construction
Strength- 85 a very average medium that could use more pop
Overall- 82.75 a very poor showing, construction issues and a weak profile doom this cigar
The cigar opens with a profile that is distinctly earthy with hints of coffee in the mix. At the back of the palate there are some thin notes of cocoa, but there are some heavy notes of earth here as well. The draw is extremely loose and I am worried about heat in the main body of the cigar as it develops further. The burn is slightly wonky, but is not causing me any concern. (In the interest of full disclosure I am already predisposed to the thought that this burn will go south as I have smoked over a box of this cigar in different sizes and every last one has burned horribly)
The first third of the cigar shows little development. The core profile is still heavily earthy, but shows some hints of pepper and coffee that are fleeting at best. At the back of the palate the dense earth tones continue and I am reaching out for more, but not finding it in this cigar. The draw is still loose and some heat is creeping in already, I am forced to slow it down to not char the experience. The burn is still off, but not as badly as some that I have smoked in the past.
The middle third shows some interesting shifts. The main body of the profile picks up decidedly peppery notes that mingle with a weakening coffee essence. The back of the palate moves into a nice presentation of rich tobacco as the earthy density falls away. The draw is still loose, but I am managing the issue without ruining the smoke, however I will deduct because of relights that had to take place as I slowed down to manage the heat. The burn is even, but I lend that more to my relights than the cigar itself.
The final third shows no real development of anything resembling depth or complexity. The core profile shows notes of pepper, coffee and some wood. At the back of the palate there are still some tobacco notes, but there is a strange sweetness that has crept into the presentation. The draw was loose throughout, but the burn was at least average this time around.
The finish was smooth, but short, with notes of pepper and earth
Appearance- 82 the ruddy looks kill the visual experience
Taste- 85 I would rate this as very average
Construction- 80 the draw was a real issue for me, I like to enjoy a cigar at my pace not have my pace dictated by the cigar's construction
Strength- 85 a very average medium that could use more pop
Overall- 82.75 a very poor showing, construction issues and a weak profile doom this cigar
Monday, January 4, 2010
Don Lino 1989 Maduro Robusto
This is a small cigar for a robusto in terms of ring gauge, but it presents very well. It is wrapped in a rich, nearly black capa that is shiny with oils. There are some veins, but they not significantly detract from the overall impression. A roll through the fingers reveals a firm cigar and I am concerned about the possibility of a tight draw. The pre light aroma is of rich, dark coffee and cocoa. The pre light draw shows extensive earthy tones and some light coffee and cocoa notes.
The cigar begins with a nice profile of cocoa and rich earthy tones. I am struck by the heft of the smoke, it covers the palate with each draw, and leaves a dusty feeling in the mouth. At the back of the palate there are notes of coffee and more cocoa flavors that show a nice depth. The draw is tight, but not substandard at this point. The burn is lopsided, but is not causing me any issues.
The first half of the cigar continues to show flavors of cocoa and earth. The smoke continues to be very heavy in the mouth, and I have not decided if that attribute adds or subtracts from the overall impression. At the back of the palate there are some notes of pepper and deeper notes of earth than in the front of the profile. The draw opens up slightly and provides for a more full flavor experience. The burn has begun a runner and I am hoping it will not require a touch up.
The second half of the smoke continues to show a nice profile. There are notes of coffee, cocoa and earth that bathe the palate with heavy smoke. At the back of the palate the pepper shows some development that adds to the depth. The draw is acceptable at this point, but the burn has run for nearly an inch and a half. I reluctantly touch it up and get some charred notes for a half inch or so. I have said before and I say again, a touch up is the worst possible turn of events when I am smoking a cigar.
The finish is nice with notes of coffee and earth, but the run returns near the end detracting from the closing stanza.
Appearance- 90 a nice looking cigar
Taste- 93 an excellent profile showing character, complexity and depth
Construction- 80 the major runner severely hurt the score
Strength- 88 a nice medium smoke
Overall- 87.25 a nicely presented smoke, but flaws hurt the overall impression
The cigar begins with a nice profile of cocoa and rich earthy tones. I am struck by the heft of the smoke, it covers the palate with each draw, and leaves a dusty feeling in the mouth. At the back of the palate there are notes of coffee and more cocoa flavors that show a nice depth. The draw is tight, but not substandard at this point. The burn is lopsided, but is not causing me any issues.
The first half of the cigar continues to show flavors of cocoa and earth. The smoke continues to be very heavy in the mouth, and I have not decided if that attribute adds or subtracts from the overall impression. At the back of the palate there are some notes of pepper and deeper notes of earth than in the front of the profile. The draw opens up slightly and provides for a more full flavor experience. The burn has begun a runner and I am hoping it will not require a touch up.
The second half of the smoke continues to show a nice profile. There are notes of coffee, cocoa and earth that bathe the palate with heavy smoke. At the back of the palate the pepper shows some development that adds to the depth. The draw is acceptable at this point, but the burn has run for nearly an inch and a half. I reluctantly touch it up and get some charred notes for a half inch or so. I have said before and I say again, a touch up is the worst possible turn of events when I am smoking a cigar.
The finish is nice with notes of coffee and earth, but the run returns near the end detracting from the closing stanza.
Appearance- 90 a nice looking cigar
Taste- 93 an excellent profile showing character, complexity and depth
Construction- 80 the major runner severely hurt the score
Strength- 88 a nice medium smoke
Overall- 87.25 a nicely presented smoke, but flaws hurt the overall impression
Friday, August 14, 2009
Don Lino 1989 Maduro Robusto
This cigar is an appealing sight with a dark chocolate hued wrapper that is glistening with oils. The wrapper has few veins and feels thick and hearty, there are no apparent flaws. A quick examination reveals a firm, seemingly well constructed smoke. The pre light aroma has a chocolatey presence and notes of light earth. The pre light draw is sweet and has a mild spice undertone.
The cigar begins with a strong chocolate character and a light undertone of earth and tobacco. A moderate shoulder is evident and I detect the presence of oil around the area of the burn. The smoke is sweet and full and is developing nicely.
At the one third point of the cigar the profile has not developed any further, but maintains chocolatey notes with hints of earth and light spice. I encounter the beginnings of a burn flaw but attempt to smoke through it, to no avail. The cigar canoes for nearly an inch and a half and I am forced to retouch with a lighter, a process that I have always believed reduces the character of the flavor profile and frequently introduces charred notes. This is no exception, and I experience charry notes for the next half inch.
At the half way point the charred notes have diminished and the cigar returns to a profile of chocolate and earth. The burn has still not recovered and another canoe begins to develop as I approach the final third of the cigar.
I am loathe to retouch this cigar again and I make the decision to evaluate the final third while fighting the burn issue. The profile is still of chocolate and earth with a light nicotine tingle at the back of the palate.
The finish is pleasant and is also of chocolate and earth. The burn issue never corrected itself and I finish the cigar with a canoe that is the size of one third of the cigar.
Appearance- 91 a very attractive cigar
Taste- 88 this cigar had nice flavor, but lacked complexity
Construction- 73 very poor as evidenced by two severe burn issues
Strength- 86 a medium smoke without any real strength characteristics
Overall- 84.5 obviously hurt by the construction
The cigar begins with a strong chocolate character and a light undertone of earth and tobacco. A moderate shoulder is evident and I detect the presence of oil around the area of the burn. The smoke is sweet and full and is developing nicely.
At the one third point of the cigar the profile has not developed any further, but maintains chocolatey notes with hints of earth and light spice. I encounter the beginnings of a burn flaw but attempt to smoke through it, to no avail. The cigar canoes for nearly an inch and a half and I am forced to retouch with a lighter, a process that I have always believed reduces the character of the flavor profile and frequently introduces charred notes. This is no exception, and I experience charry notes for the next half inch.
At the half way point the charred notes have diminished and the cigar returns to a profile of chocolate and earth. The burn has still not recovered and another canoe begins to develop as I approach the final third of the cigar.
I am loathe to retouch this cigar again and I make the decision to evaluate the final third while fighting the burn issue. The profile is still of chocolate and earth with a light nicotine tingle at the back of the palate.
The finish is pleasant and is also of chocolate and earth. The burn issue never corrected itself and I finish the cigar with a canoe that is the size of one third of the cigar.
Appearance- 91 a very attractive cigar
Taste- 88 this cigar had nice flavor, but lacked complexity
Construction- 73 very poor as evidenced by two severe burn issues
Strength- 86 a medium smoke without any real strength characteristics
Overall- 84.5 obviously hurt by the construction
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