JR Ultimate Cabinet No.10

I have been a fan of this bargain offering from JR for years. The No.10 is an excellent size with the ring gauge of a lonsdale, but with the length of a toro. The cigar always has a rugged look to it, a bit lopsided and not the prettiest girl at the party, yet somehow still charming. The wrapper is a rich, chocolate brown that shows some tooth. The construction is solid, I only detect one soft spot that has me a bit concerned. The pre light aroma is of heavy cedar and light coffee and earth notes. The pre light draw has a hint of pepper and nice notes of dark wood and sweet earthy essence.

The cigar opens with a straightforward profile of cedar, tobacco and light earth. The complexity and depth are not there for me, but then this cigar has never exhibited either of those traits. At the back of the palate there are some sweet earth notes that offset the core flavor profile in an interesting way. The draw is excellent, and this cigar almost always draws well. The burn is a bit lopsided, but it is not really an issue.

The middle portion of the cigar continues to show notes of cedar and tobacco, it is a nice simple profile and has all the hallmarks of a great starter cigar for someone with an experienced palate as it would be too strong for a novice smoker. At the back of the palate there is a hint of dark wood and light earth that continues to lend sweetness to the smoke. The draw is still well above average and the burn evens out nicely.

The final third of the cigar continues to show the same core profile. There are some notes of cedar and tobacco at the front. At the back of the palate there continue to be notes of wood and light earth. The overall lack of depth and complexity prevent this from being any more that a good cigar, but it is still a good cigar and that is more than you can ask for sometimes. There is something to be said about a value cigar that is always good.

The finish is medium and shows notes of tobacco and cedar.

Appearance- 85 a very average looking cigar
Taste- 87 a nice medium profile that performs well
Construction- 92 an excellent example, some small burn flaws lead to subtractions
Strength- 90 a nice medium
Overall- 88.75 a great everyday choice that will not break the bank

JR Ultimate Cabinet No.10

This is a bargain priced cigar that I have smoked for years. A cabinet of 25 usually retails for around $80. The cigar presents with a dark brown wrapper that is visually appealing, there are few veins, but the smoke has a rough looking construction. The pre light aroma is of cedar and light coffee. The pre light draw is a little loose, but presents flavors of earth and wood.

The cigar begins with a prominent cedar core complimented by light earth and coffee. The burn develops a beautiful white ash that is razor sharp. The cigar develops well in the first third and the burn stays consistant.

At the half way point there is a profile shift and the cigar begins to develop a robust tobacco flavor. There is also a pleasant cedar note at the back of the palate. The burn has stayed sharp and the ash is well formed. As is typical of this cigar the remnant of the end cap is starting to come loose and will eventually fall off, this is how I know I am smoking a JR Ultimate Cab.

The final third of the cigar develops a light sweetness while maintaining a nice tobacco flavor. There is the development of a slightly bitter note on the back of the palate, it is fleeting and it does not hurt the overall experience.

The finish is of tobacco and light earth. It is a little short and some bitterness surfaces.

Appearance- 86 hurt by the rough construction
Taste- 88 a fine well developed flavor profile
Construction- 88 a well constructed cigar
Strength- 87 a nice medium presentation
Overall- 87.25