I live in the greater Sarasota area, sometimes referred to as the lesser Tampa area or Sorrysota, I don't agree with any of these assessments as Sarasota is like living in a vacation destination year round and I love it. I do sometimes go all "big city" and head into Tampa for certain business duties, and you can rest assured that I while I am in Tampa I always find my into a B&M somewhere to see what is hot cigarwise in the former cigar capital of North America. Recently I stopped into one of the off the beaten path B&M's that I like to wander into every so often, I was not disappointed by making this trip as this particular store quickly became a trove of things I can't usually find and stuff I had never heard of. This cigar fits into the never heard of it category.
It presents simply, with a straightforward red and black band with some other small adornments. Sometimes I like a simple visual presentation, but this shock red band causes a somewhat garish visual appearance that would usually be equated, in my mind, with a gas station cigar. The wrapper is somewhat dry to the touch, but I don't think that the cigar is dry as it is showing the correct spongy response from a light pinch. There are some prominent veins in the wrapper leaf and one is positively gigantic and I am wondering if it will make the burn wonky. The pre light draw shows some light wood and tart spice presentations. The pre light aroma has some notes of anise and a dusty undertone.
The cigar opens with a profile that shows little complexity or depth. The core flavors are of sharp cedar and there are tart spice notes here as well, I am struggling to define a slight sweetness in the tart spice presentation but I can't do it. The back of the palate is dry, but there are some light wood notes here. This profile could use miles and miles more depth and the flavors are not the most complementary in the world. The draw is very nice, I am encountering just the right amount of resistance here. The burn is a little off, but it is not something that causes me any concerns yet.
The first half of the cigar shows little development. The core profile continues to languish in the mundane arena as flavors of cedar and spice continue with an odd sweetness that now reminds me of Grandma's Rhubarb pie, this is not necessarily a good thing as I always despised Rhubarb pie. This sweet and tart combination is just not very good when considering it inside a cigar smoking experience. The back of the palate is still dry to me, but there are still some hints of wood coming through, though there are some bitter flavors coming along now as well. The draw is still spot on. The burn is now moving along nicely.
The final half of the cigar shows some development, but it is really not enough for me. The core profile still shows some cedar notes and there are now some hints of creamy vanilla and lightly creamed coffee flavors coming on as well. These are welcome shifts, but they come on way too late in the experience to be of much help. The back of the palate continues to show dry wood flavors and there is nothing else to help this area in the profile. The draw stays exceptional through to the end, but the burn derails in the final third as the wrapper splits badly.
The finish was middling and showed cedar and sweet and tart spice notes
Appearance- 84 a sub par visual impression
Taste- 85 very average, there was nothing terrible yet there was nothing great
Construction- 88 draw was nice but the burn was off at the end
Strength- 85 a very average medium
Overall- 85.75 just not very good
Showing posts with label corona. Show all posts
Showing posts with label corona. Show all posts
Friday, September 14, 2012
Friday, September 16, 2011
San Cristobal Elegancia Corona (5.5x46)
In my crusade against gigantic cigars my juices really get flowing when I find new blends in sizes that are traditional and exciting to me. I have been hearing from many, many friends about this smoke and the reviews have been all good, so I was anticipating this. Now as part of that anticipation I did some analysis. Were my friends just telling me about this cigar because they know of my proclivities towards Don Pepin (he makes this cigar)? Or were they really just telling me because they thought it was great? I believe, looking back on the evidence, that it may have been a little bit of both. Knowing that I have a tendency towards hyperbole when I describe a Pepin experience I think I may have biased some friends judgements when they evaluate a cigar for me.
The cigar is a Pepin attempt at something mild, this is probably the first problem I have. Why make something out of your swim lane Master Pepin? You are known for robust and complex flavors and those usually don't go well with mild. The next problem I have is that the cigar has Connecticut wrapper, I am not often a fan of this type of cigar.
The cigar itself presents very well. The band work is interesting and stunning. The wrapper is smooth, with a dusty texture. There are some prominent veins, but I don't think they will be an issue. The construction appears to be excellent and I am not worried here as Pepin is the master at the traditional Cuban sizes, no one does it better. The pre light aroma is spicy with some cinnamon hints. The pre light draw is thin, but shows some nice light wood and spice complexion.
The cigar opens with bitter slaps of spice that toss the palate around. This is not a mild start, hell this isn't even medium in the first half inch. This is hold on to your seats bold in the opening moments and my senses are confused from this kind of power from the get go with a Connecticut wrapper. At the back of the palate there is a dry, woody tone that is not necessarily pleasing and adds to the bitter flavors from earlier in the profile. The burn is exceptional and the draw is superior sending out booming clouds of smoke.
The first half of the cigar blessedly slows itself down. The bitter flavors have been muted in favor of a more straightforward spice presentation. It is hard to put my finger on what is going on here, but I will go with nutmeg and clove. The depth and complexity are not what I would expect from a Pepin blend. At the back of the palate wood flavors abound, mostly balsa but some light hickory here as well. The draw and burn stay exceptional to this point.
The final half of the cigar continues to wallow a bit for me. The profile morphs into a strange floral note coupled with some odd tobacco flavors laced with spice. At the back of the palate there are some grassy tones jousting with the wood flavors and the cigar nearly derails here. The burn and draw remain strong.
The finish was a touch bitter and showed some light wood flavors. This was all in all pretty disappointing in all areas except draw and burn and I will not hesitate to say my least favorite Pepin in years.
Appearance- 92 very nice looking cigar
Taste- 82 below average and lacking depth and complexity that I expect from the master
Construction- 94 no one makes classic vitolas like Pepin
Strength- 81 supposed to be a mild to medium, but more medium to full and the strength does not help the profile
Overall- 87.5 above average due to constructed attributes, below average when considering blend
The cigar is a Pepin attempt at something mild, this is probably the first problem I have. Why make something out of your swim lane Master Pepin? You are known for robust and complex flavors and those usually don't go well with mild. The next problem I have is that the cigar has Connecticut wrapper, I am not often a fan of this type of cigar.
The cigar itself presents very well. The band work is interesting and stunning. The wrapper is smooth, with a dusty texture. There are some prominent veins, but I don't think they will be an issue. The construction appears to be excellent and I am not worried here as Pepin is the master at the traditional Cuban sizes, no one does it better. The pre light aroma is spicy with some cinnamon hints. The pre light draw is thin, but shows some nice light wood and spice complexion.
The cigar opens with bitter slaps of spice that toss the palate around. This is not a mild start, hell this isn't even medium in the first half inch. This is hold on to your seats bold in the opening moments and my senses are confused from this kind of power from the get go with a Connecticut wrapper. At the back of the palate there is a dry, woody tone that is not necessarily pleasing and adds to the bitter flavors from earlier in the profile. The burn is exceptional and the draw is superior sending out booming clouds of smoke.
The first half of the cigar blessedly slows itself down. The bitter flavors have been muted in favor of a more straightforward spice presentation. It is hard to put my finger on what is going on here, but I will go with nutmeg and clove. The depth and complexity are not what I would expect from a Pepin blend. At the back of the palate wood flavors abound, mostly balsa but some light hickory here as well. The draw and burn stay exceptional to this point.
The final half of the cigar continues to wallow a bit for me. The profile morphs into a strange floral note coupled with some odd tobacco flavors laced with spice. At the back of the palate there are some grassy tones jousting with the wood flavors and the cigar nearly derails here. The burn and draw remain strong.
The finish was a touch bitter and showed some light wood flavors. This was all in all pretty disappointing in all areas except draw and burn and I will not hesitate to say my least favorite Pepin in years.
Appearance- 92 very nice looking cigar
Taste- 82 below average and lacking depth and complexity that I expect from the master
Construction- 94 no one makes classic vitolas like Pepin
Strength- 81 supposed to be a mild to medium, but more medium to full and the strength does not help the profile
Overall- 87.5 above average due to constructed attributes, below average when considering blend
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
J Fuego Delirium Corona (5.5x46)
This is an interesting cigar from J Fuego that I have smoked before, but never subjected to the hairy eyeball of the blog. I love the size of this offering and I have long been partial to the corona as one of the finest vitolas on the market. This particular cigar is a bit long and a bit fat for corona, but it is still of acceptable size. The cigar presents with a very toothy wrapper that has some dryness to it, but no flaws and few veins. There are no indications that there are any construction issues, and I proceed to the good parts. The pre light aroma is enticing while showing notes of chocolate and light spice. The pre light draw shows some solid tones of nice tobacco and some sweet earthy flavors.
The cigar opens with some nice tones of chocolate and light spice, but there is a flat nearly metallic flavor that is coming through as well and it threatens to derail the smoke from the start. At the back of the palate there are some interesting notes of tobacco and earth, but they are too thin to provide a complete impression at this point in the smoke. The draw is smooth and imparts plenty of smoke with each puff. The burn is a bit off, but it is not indicative of anything going poorly at this point.
The first half of the cigar is somewhat pedestrian. The core profile is showing some nice points of flavor with chocolate and spice impressions, but they lack complexity and depth. At the back of the palate there are some hints of tobacco and earth, but there is a metallic flatness that has permeated the experience. The draw is continuing to show well, and the burn has evened out nicely.
The final half of the cigar continues to be disappointing. The main body continues to show some thin notes of chocolate and spice, but there was never any development there. At the back of the palate the metallic notes continue to irritate the profile. The construction, draw and burn were first rate throughout, but that will save the smoke.
The finish was short and bitter with metallic undertones.
Appearance- 88 an above average looking smoke
Taste- 79 a sub par experience in the final two thirds
Construction- 90 the only saving grace
Strength- 85 an unremarkable medium/full
Overall- 85.25 slightly above average, saved by construction
The cigar opens with some nice tones of chocolate and light spice, but there is a flat nearly metallic flavor that is coming through as well and it threatens to derail the smoke from the start. At the back of the palate there are some interesting notes of tobacco and earth, but they are too thin to provide a complete impression at this point in the smoke. The draw is smooth and imparts plenty of smoke with each puff. The burn is a bit off, but it is not indicative of anything going poorly at this point.
The first half of the cigar is somewhat pedestrian. The core profile is showing some nice points of flavor with chocolate and spice impressions, but they lack complexity and depth. At the back of the palate there are some hints of tobacco and earth, but there is a metallic flatness that has permeated the experience. The draw is continuing to show well, and the burn has evened out nicely.
The final half of the cigar continues to be disappointing. The main body continues to show some thin notes of chocolate and spice, but there was never any development there. At the back of the palate the metallic notes continue to irritate the profile. The construction, draw and burn were first rate throughout, but that will save the smoke.
The finish was short and bitter with metallic undertones.
Appearance- 88 an above average looking smoke
Taste- 79 a sub par experience in the final two thirds
Construction- 90 the only saving grace
Strength- 85 an unremarkable medium/full
Overall- 85.25 slightly above average, saved by construction
Monday, January 4, 2010
Don Pepin Garcia Black Edition 1977 Corona
This is one of my favorite cigars from 2009. It presents in a very beautifully done traditional corona size that is finished with a whimsical pigtail cap. The wrapper is a beautiful medium brown that is applied expertly and shows little veining. The roll seems to be a little tight, but I have come to expect that attribute from small Pepin cigars. The pre light aroma is a fantastic mix of leather, tobacco and light spice. The pre light draw shows strong notes of leather and some mild peppery flavors.
The cigar opens with an in your face profile of strength, strength and more strength. The smoke shows notes of leather and pepper and the flavor is deep and meaningful. At the back of the palate there rich tobacco and wood flavors. The draw for this cigar is exceptional, I am stunned by the amount of smoke produced from a such a small vitola. The burn is even and the ash is a crisp white.
The first half of the cigar continues to be a strength extravaganza. The profile shows a strong core of leather and pepper. At the back of the palate there are notes of roasted wood and rich tobacco. This is one of the more complex cigars you can find on the market today. The draw and burn continue to be exceptional.
The final half of the cigar shows notes of leather, pepper and wood. At the back of the palate there are still notes of very rich tobacco. The burn is exceptional and continues to perform in an above average fashion. The draw tightens slightly, but does not cause heat or any reductions in the overall pleasure of the experience.
The finish is long and very strong. The core is of pepper and leather.
Appearance- 95 an extremely well presented smoke
Taste- 96 a fantastic taste experience with rich, complex flavors
Construction- 92 some draw tightening at the end hurts the score slightly
Strength- 88 a bit too strong in such a small cigar, very full bodied
Overall- 93.25 an excellent experience
The cigar opens with an in your face profile of strength, strength and more strength. The smoke shows notes of leather and pepper and the flavor is deep and meaningful. At the back of the palate there rich tobacco and wood flavors. The draw for this cigar is exceptional, I am stunned by the amount of smoke produced from a such a small vitola. The burn is even and the ash is a crisp white.
The first half of the cigar continues to be a strength extravaganza. The profile shows a strong core of leather and pepper. At the back of the palate there are notes of roasted wood and rich tobacco. This is one of the more complex cigars you can find on the market today. The draw and burn continue to be exceptional.
The final half of the cigar shows notes of leather, pepper and wood. At the back of the palate there are still notes of very rich tobacco. The burn is exceptional and continues to perform in an above average fashion. The draw tightens slightly, but does not cause heat or any reductions in the overall pleasure of the experience.
The finish is long and very strong. The core is of pepper and leather.
Appearance- 95 an extremely well presented smoke
Taste- 96 a fantastic taste experience with rich, complex flavors
Construction- 92 some draw tightening at the end hurts the score slightly
Strength- 88 a bit too strong in such a small cigar, very full bodied
Overall- 93.25 an excellent experience
Monday, December 14, 2009
Casa Magna Corona
This is the much ballyhooed cigar of the year, from last year, according to the "pros" at Cigar Aficionado. They rated a different size, but the point is that a major publication believed that this was the cigar of the year. It presents well with a beautiful dark brown wrapper that is exceptionally oily and shimmering with the beginnings of plume crystals. There are few veins and the construction feels firm, but not unduly so. The pre light aroma is of rich cedar and there is light coffee notes with some floral hints. The pre light draw shows some light spice, cedar and floral notes, I note that the draw is a bit firm.
The cigar begins with a core profile of cedar and a sweet earthy spice. There are some notes at the back of the palate that are bit sour and thus cloying some of the essence of the core profile. The draw is tight, but not horribly so, just a bit too firm for my liking. The burn is sharp and a bright white ash is forming.
The first half of the cigar is awash with solid cedar and earthy spice essence. The sourness at the back of the palate is still present, particularly through the nose. The draw has loosened slightly and is becoming more acceptable as I progress. The burn is remarkable and the ash is firm, white and solid.
The final half of the cigar shows more notes of cedar and sweet earthy spice, there are some notes of coffee and a nice tobacco flavor at the back of the palate. However, the sour notes have not fully retreated from the experience and I have to consider them against the rest of the experience. The draw is now acceptable and the burn has stayed consistent.
The finish is not unpleasant, but leaves me wanting something more complex and bold. There are notes of coffee and earth, but there is not enough depth to fully contemplate giving a great score to the smoke.
Appearance- 94 a very good looking cigar
Taste- 82 the sour notes really detract from this experience
Construction- 86 tight draws for the first half hurt this score, otherwise excellent
Strength- 85 an unremarkable medium smoke
Overall- 86.75 saved by appearance, no cigar of the year honors from me!
The cigar begins with a core profile of cedar and a sweet earthy spice. There are some notes at the back of the palate that are bit sour and thus cloying some of the essence of the core profile. The draw is tight, but not horribly so, just a bit too firm for my liking. The burn is sharp and a bright white ash is forming.
The first half of the cigar is awash with solid cedar and earthy spice essence. The sourness at the back of the palate is still present, particularly through the nose. The draw has loosened slightly and is becoming more acceptable as I progress. The burn is remarkable and the ash is firm, white and solid.
The final half of the cigar shows more notes of cedar and sweet earthy spice, there are some notes of coffee and a nice tobacco flavor at the back of the palate. However, the sour notes have not fully retreated from the experience and I have to consider them against the rest of the experience. The draw is now acceptable and the burn has stayed consistent.
The finish is not unpleasant, but leaves me wanting something more complex and bold. There are notes of coffee and earth, but there is not enough depth to fully contemplate giving a great score to the smoke.
Appearance- 94 a very good looking cigar
Taste- 82 the sour notes really detract from this experience
Construction- 86 tight draws for the first half hurt this score, otherwise excellent
Strength- 85 an unremarkable medium smoke
Overall- 86.75 saved by appearance, no cigar of the year honors from me!
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Montecristo White Corona
This is another mild smoke that I have enjoyed for years. The cigar presents with a beautiful wrapper in a blond shade that is the color of light sand. There is some veining that takes away from the appeal of the wrapper. The cigar feels silky and seems like it is tightly packed, but not too firm. The pre light aroma is of bread and graham cracker. The pre light draw has notes of cinnamon and light spice.
The cigar begins well, with a nice profile of cinnamon and some light pepper. At the back of the palate there is a floral sweetness that is a nice compliment. The draw is a touch on the tight side in the early stages. The burn is excellent and is producing a medium gray ash that is very crisp.
At the inch and a half mark the cigar takes on a smoother character. There are notes of ginger and light spice. At the back of the palate I detect some cinnamon flavors that are light and fleeting. The draw has opened up at this point and it allows for a more complete smoking experience. The burn is still sharp and the ash is firm.
At the halfway mark the cigar is still performing well. The core of the profile is of cinnamon with hints of ginger and spice. At the back of the palate a nice earthy sweetness has developed. The draw and burn continue to perform well at this point.
The final half of the cigar continues to show depth and complexity. The profile has notes of cinnamon, ginger, spice and light pepper. At the back of the palate there is a hint of sour note that detracts from the overall experience. The burn and draw have stayed nearly perfect in the back half of the cigar.
The finish is too short for me, but shows notes of cinnamon and spice. The sour note is still present and will hurt the score.
Appearance- 90 and excellent looking smoke
Taste- 88 the sour notes hurt this score, but the profile is otherwise excellent
Construction- 89 aside from the early tightness in the draw this was well above average
Strength- 93 an excellent mild that compliments the profile beautifully
Overall- 90 an excellent smoke that could have been better without the sour notes in the last half
The cigar begins well, with a nice profile of cinnamon and some light pepper. At the back of the palate there is a floral sweetness that is a nice compliment. The draw is a touch on the tight side in the early stages. The burn is excellent and is producing a medium gray ash that is very crisp.
At the inch and a half mark the cigar takes on a smoother character. There are notes of ginger and light spice. At the back of the palate I detect some cinnamon flavors that are light and fleeting. The draw has opened up at this point and it allows for a more complete smoking experience. The burn is still sharp and the ash is firm.
At the halfway mark the cigar is still performing well. The core of the profile is of cinnamon with hints of ginger and spice. At the back of the palate a nice earthy sweetness has developed. The draw and burn continue to perform well at this point.
The final half of the cigar continues to show depth and complexity. The profile has notes of cinnamon, ginger, spice and light pepper. At the back of the palate there is a hint of sour note that detracts from the overall experience. The burn and draw have stayed nearly perfect in the back half of the cigar.
The finish is too short for me, but shows notes of cinnamon and spice. The sour note is still present and will hurt the score.
Appearance- 90 and excellent looking smoke
Taste- 88 the sour notes hurt this score, but the profile is otherwise excellent
Construction- 89 aside from the early tightness in the draw this was well above average
Strength- 93 an excellent mild that compliments the profile beautifully
Overall- 90 an excellent smoke that could have been better without the sour notes in the last half
Friday, November 13, 2009
Ashton Classic Corona
This is, as the name implies, a classic cigar. I have smoked these for years and always found them to be smooth, mild and enjoyable. The cigar presents well with a near blond wrapper that is smooth with a dusty texture. There is a minor flaw that detracts from the overall presentation, but the cigar appears to be well made. An inspection reveals some firm spots and I have some concern about what that will do to the draw. The pre light aroma is full of cedary notes with a hint of cinnamon. The pre light draw is tight, but it shows sweet floral notes.
The cigar opens smoothly with a profile of cedar, cream and sweet floral notes. The draw is a tight, but I am not laboring to produce appropriate amounts of smoke. The burn is strong and the ash is a solid gray.
At the one inch point the profile smooths out even more, taking on a core profile of cedar with some floral essence. There are some nutmeg and cinnamon notes through the nose. The draw is loosening up some and the smoke is heavy and satisfactory. The burn is still very sharp and the ash remains solid.
At the halfway point the cigar continues with a profile of cedar with some floral undertones. At the back of the palate there are some bready notes and still some hints of cinnamon. The draw is still tight, but continues to open up as the smoke progresses.
The final half of the cigar continues to show a deep core of cedar notes, there are still hints of cinnamon and bread at the back of the palate. The cigar lacks some complexity, but has plenty of depth and rich flavor. The draw and burn have maintained the same characteristics throughout the smoke.
The finish is smooth and shows notes of cedar, bread and a little bit of white pepper.
Appearance- 87 an excellent looking cigar, a blemish hurt the score
Taste- 90 an excellent profile with deep flavor, I would like more complexity
Construction- 86 the tightness in the draw hurts the score
Strength- 93 a fabulous mild that compliments the profile expertly
Overall- 89 an excellent smoke
The cigar opens smoothly with a profile of cedar, cream and sweet floral notes. The draw is a tight, but I am not laboring to produce appropriate amounts of smoke. The burn is strong and the ash is a solid gray.
At the one inch point the profile smooths out even more, taking on a core profile of cedar with some floral essence. There are some nutmeg and cinnamon notes through the nose. The draw is loosening up some and the smoke is heavy and satisfactory. The burn is still very sharp and the ash remains solid.
At the halfway point the cigar continues with a profile of cedar with some floral undertones. At the back of the palate there are some bready notes and still some hints of cinnamon. The draw is still tight, but continues to open up as the smoke progresses.
The final half of the cigar continues to show a deep core of cedar notes, there are still hints of cinnamon and bread at the back of the palate. The cigar lacks some complexity, but has plenty of depth and rich flavor. The draw and burn have maintained the same characteristics throughout the smoke.
The finish is smooth and shows notes of cedar, bread and a little bit of white pepper.
Appearance- 87 an excellent looking cigar, a blemish hurt the score
Taste- 90 an excellent profile with deep flavor, I would like more complexity
Construction- 86 the tightness in the draw hurts the score
Strength- 93 a fabulous mild that compliments the profile expertly
Overall- 89 an excellent smoke
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Mi Dominicana by Jose Seijas Corona
This cigar presents with a pale beige wrapper that is almost yellowish in color. There are some prominent veins, but an inspection of the cigar indicates that construction should not be an issue. The pre light aroma shows some floral notes with hints of nuts and spice. The pre light draw shows light pepper and some grassy notes.
The cigar begins with some nice spice and some peppery notes at the back of the palate, the flavors are not deep or complex. The burn is strong, but the draw is tighter than I usually care for, there is a little labor involved to produce smoke.
Two inches into the cigar the core has transitioned into pepper with hints of grass, again the depth, complexity and balance seem off to me. The burn is straight, but the draw has not opened up at all and is causing some heat along the body of the cigar.
At the halfway point the profile shows noted of spice, pepper and grass. An unfortunate metallic note has also surfaced at the back of the palate. The burn is still acceptable and I have slowed down to diminish the heat which is producing less smoke.
The final half of the cigar shows notes of pepper and roasted nuts, but the metallic flavors are hurting the profile. The burn has stayed sharp and the draw opens slightly in the final half.
The finish is acceptable, with notes of pepper and spice. There is still a metallic undertone, but it has diminished.
Appearance- 84 veining and color hurt the score
Taste- 79 grass and metallic notes hurt the score
Construction- 77 draw problems limit the score
Strength- 80 an unremarkable medium/full
Overall- 80 below average smoke
The cigar begins with some nice spice and some peppery notes at the back of the palate, the flavors are not deep or complex. The burn is strong, but the draw is tighter than I usually care for, there is a little labor involved to produce smoke.
Two inches into the cigar the core has transitioned into pepper with hints of grass, again the depth, complexity and balance seem off to me. The burn is straight, but the draw has not opened up at all and is causing some heat along the body of the cigar.
At the halfway point the profile shows noted of spice, pepper and grass. An unfortunate metallic note has also surfaced at the back of the palate. The burn is still acceptable and I have slowed down to diminish the heat which is producing less smoke.
The final half of the cigar shows notes of pepper and roasted nuts, but the metallic flavors are hurting the profile. The burn has stayed sharp and the draw opens slightly in the final half.
The finish is acceptable, with notes of pepper and spice. There is still a metallic undertone, but it has diminished.
Appearance- 84 veining and color hurt the score
Taste- 79 grass and metallic notes hurt the score
Construction- 77 draw problems limit the score
Strength- 80 an unremarkable medium/full
Overall- 80 below average smoke
Monday, August 31, 2009
Pinar Del Rio Oscuro Corona
This cigar presents with a dark maduro wrapper that appears to be somewhat short of the oscuro appellation it is given. The wrapper is mottled and there are some flaws, the wrapper almost seems to be applied too loosely. The pre light aroma is acidic, but there are some notes of cinnamon. The pre light draw is sour.
The cigar begins with muddled earth notes and a sour bitterness on the palate. The burn is lopsided and the ash is a dirty gray. At the half inch point the wrapper is letting go down to the one third point of the cigar. There is no further profile development and the wrapper continues to unfurl.
The final half of the cigar is bitter and sour. There are no characteristics worthy of redemption for the rest of this smoke. It is acrid and foul. The burn is lopsided and the wrapper is not holding to the binder.
The finish is horrid, with sour flavors and bitter aftertaste.
Appearance - 72 nothing is appealing about this
Taste- 70
Construction- 70 one of the worst I have ever smoked
Strength- 70 there is nothing to report here as the profile was destroyed by the sour and bitter notes
Overall- 70.5 this is about as bad as it gets
The cigar begins with muddled earth notes and a sour bitterness on the palate. The burn is lopsided and the ash is a dirty gray. At the half inch point the wrapper is letting go down to the one third point of the cigar. There is no further profile development and the wrapper continues to unfurl.
The final half of the cigar is bitter and sour. There are no characteristics worthy of redemption for the rest of this smoke. It is acrid and foul. The burn is lopsided and the wrapper is not holding to the binder.
The finish is horrid, with sour flavors and bitter aftertaste.
Appearance - 72 nothing is appealing about this
Taste- 70
Construction- 70 one of the worst I have ever smoked
Strength- 70 there is nothing to report here as the profile was destroyed by the sour and bitter notes
Overall- 70.5 this is about as bad as it gets
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Pinar Del Rio Habano Sungrown Corona
Another new offering. This cigar presents with a chestnut hued wrapper that seems a bit light in color and dry in texture for a sungrown cigar. The wrapper is otherwise nice and has few veins. I appears to be well applied and the cigar is appropriately firm. The pre light aroma is of light honey. The pre light draw has hints of light tobacco and a grassy undertone.
The cigar begins with a very mild profile that is floral, there are some notes of dry grass at the back of the palate. The burn is a bit lopsided, but otherwise acceptable, producing a gray/black ash. The first inch of the cigar passes without and notable further development.
At just past the one third point the core of the profile is grassy with hints of other vegetation. It is not a pleasing development and there are astringent undertones coming forward. The burn has stayed consistent.
The final half of the cigar has shown no further development either. The core is still of grass and vegetation. The burn is still acceptable.
The finish is short and grassy. There is a notably bitter aftertaste. This is not like any other sungrown example that I have ever smoked. Not pleasing and not worth smoking.
Appearance- 81 and unremarkable dry and drab presentation
Taste- 73 grassy, vegetal notes accompanied by bitterness leads to a poor score
Construction- 87 the cigar was well made and burned and drew acceptably
Strength- 75 a strength that was mild, but not noteworthy when compared to the other inferior attributes of the cigar
Overall- 79 don't waste the time
The cigar begins with a very mild profile that is floral, there are some notes of dry grass at the back of the palate. The burn is a bit lopsided, but otherwise acceptable, producing a gray/black ash. The first inch of the cigar passes without and notable further development.
At just past the one third point the core of the profile is grassy with hints of other vegetation. It is not a pleasing development and there are astringent undertones coming forward. The burn has stayed consistent.
The final half of the cigar has shown no further development either. The core is still of grass and vegetation. The burn is still acceptable.
The finish is short and grassy. There is a notably bitter aftertaste. This is not like any other sungrown example that I have ever smoked. Not pleasing and not worth smoking.
Appearance- 81 and unremarkable dry and drab presentation
Taste- 73 grassy, vegetal notes accompanied by bitterness leads to a poor score
Construction- 87 the cigar was well made and burned and drew acceptably
Strength- 75 a strength that was mild, but not noteworthy when compared to the other inferior attributes of the cigar
Overall- 79 don't waste the time
Thursday, August 13, 2009
La Aurora Barrel Aged No. 4
This corona sized cigar presents with a dark, rich oscuro wrapper. The wrapper is flawless and has little veining. The pre light aroma has notes of cocoa and earth. The pre light draw is sweet and has notes of light tobacco. The construction appears to be excellent and the cigar is supple and appropriately firm.
The cigar opens with a deep, rich tobacco character with hints of cocoa at the back of the palate. The cigar produces acceptable amounts of smoke and the burn is sharp and the ash is a bright white color.
At the halfway point the cigar develops an even richer tobacco character that cloys some of the other notes that are present. However, through the nose I still experience some fine characteristics of cocoa and earth. The burn has stayed consistant and the ash is firm.
In the last half of the cigar I note the maintenance of strong tobacco character, but there are undertones of earth and spice beginning to show on the palate as well. I encounter a minor burn flaw, but it is of no real issue. There is also an oaky flavor developing that adds to the complexity of this cigar.
The finish of this smoke is an intense array of strong tobacco and earth. There is a slightly acidic note that fouls some of the profile.
Appearance- 94 a beautiful cigar with a nearly flawless visual presentation
Taste- 87 this score is hurt by the muddled character in the middle of the cigar and the acidic note on the finish
Construction- 89 one minor burn flaw
Strength- 92 a fine example of a full bodied smoke when measured against the other characteristics creates a fine smoking experience
Overall- 90.5
The cigar opens with a deep, rich tobacco character with hints of cocoa at the back of the palate. The cigar produces acceptable amounts of smoke and the burn is sharp and the ash is a bright white color.
At the halfway point the cigar develops an even richer tobacco character that cloys some of the other notes that are present. However, through the nose I still experience some fine characteristics of cocoa and earth. The burn has stayed consistant and the ash is firm.
In the last half of the cigar I note the maintenance of strong tobacco character, but there are undertones of earth and spice beginning to show on the palate as well. I encounter a minor burn flaw, but it is of no real issue. There is also an oaky flavor developing that adds to the complexity of this cigar.
The finish of this smoke is an intense array of strong tobacco and earth. There is a slightly acidic note that fouls some of the profile.
Appearance- 94 a beautiful cigar with a nearly flawless visual presentation
Taste- 87 this score is hurt by the muddled character in the middle of the cigar and the acidic note on the finish
Construction- 89 one minor burn flaw
Strength- 92 a fine example of a full bodied smoke when measured against the other characteristics creates a fine smoking experience
Overall- 90.5
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Don Pepin Garcia Cuban Classic Corona
This is a beautiful cigar. In the true corona size of Cuban influence, this cigar has the added flourish of a pigtail cap that is visually stimulating. The pre light aroma has strong influences of leather and cedar. The pre light draw is excellent and reveals more leather and cedar flavors.
The first 2 inches of the cigar are more mellow than I recall from previous smokes of this same vintage. The leathery flavors are almost overwhelming and this cigar delivers plenty of smoke for such a small vitola.
At the half way point this smoke really picks up steam. The leathery core is still prominent, but notes of roasted nuts have joined in as well. The strength comes out in full force and this little cigar is turning into what I remember, a classic closing cigar for any day of smoking pleasure.
The burn stays even and true throughout and the construction is flawless. The finish is a blast of rich tobacco and nicotine and leaves my palate almost exhausted from the experience. This cigar is a true finisher and is not for the feint of heart. If you like a powerhouse small cigar, this is the smoke for you.
Appearance- 95
Taste- 92
Construction- 96
Strength- 92
Overall- 93.75
The first 2 inches of the cigar are more mellow than I recall from previous smokes of this same vintage. The leathery flavors are almost overwhelming and this cigar delivers plenty of smoke for such a small vitola.
At the half way point this smoke really picks up steam. The leathery core is still prominent, but notes of roasted nuts have joined in as well. The strength comes out in full force and this little cigar is turning into what I remember, a classic closing cigar for any day of smoking pleasure.
The burn stays even and true throughout and the construction is flawless. The finish is a blast of rich tobacco and nicotine and leaves my palate almost exhausted from the experience. This cigar is a true finisher and is not for the feint of heart. If you like a powerhouse small cigar, this is the smoke for you.
Appearance- 95
Taste- 92
Construction- 96
Strength- 92
Overall- 93.75
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