I can't believe that is has been ten years since Tatuaje first hit the scene. My how far we have come in the boutique revolution since those early days when not a single smoker knew what a boutique was. For crap's sake, boutiques didn't even know they were boutiques back then. They were just small batch cigars that were hoping to catch on somewhere, anywhere they could find someone to give them a shot. I remember sitting in shops back then, with plenty of Altadis, General and thank God Fuente and Padron to choose from. Ohhh sure there were some other yawn worthy, and puke worthy, remnants of the boom still slopping around. I mean who could forget Don Rafael and Barlovento right? Anyone? Anyone? Bueller...Bueller...Bueller... Anyway the list of those thankfully forgotten chicken bones could go on for days and days. Luckily Pepin and Pete Johnson came along and set the stage for the boutique explosion, hell I was so desperate for new smokes at the time I actually bought a couple of boxes of Barlovento. My day of grace came when I found Tatuaje Browns in an Ybor shop and the rest, as they say, is history...succulent smoky history. My affair with Pete's brands has been hot and cold, but there are still many days you can find me with an old Tat Brown or Tat Red hanging from my lips, they are still just that good.
This cigar had a ton of buzz at IPCPR, almost as much as Camacho's new branding (you can put lipstick on a pig, but it's still a pig by the way) or Pepin's 10th Anniversary cigar (box coming for me, don't ask for any), so much buzz that getting hold of one was exceedingly difficult. I even had to call in some chits, and I like my chits! One of my contacts finally got one and I secreted it away and waited until a rare smoke Friday (follow these on my twitter page @srqcigarczar #raresmokefriday) to smoke it. Well that Friday finally arrived and I was ripe with excitement.
The cigar presents well with some very simple band work, in sticking with the Tatuaje tradition, and a pigtail cap and unfinished foot. It is rustic looking in that the wrapper has a ruddy appearance to it, but the application of the wrapper is excellent and I can't find any issues in the bunch or roll. The pre light aroma smacks of pepper and heavy spice. The pre light draw also shows heavy pepper notes. I am settling in for a real powerful bomb of a smoke here.
The cigar opens with a completely unexpected profile. The core notes are all roasted nuts, clove like spice and a very interesting sweetness that has some coffee flavor but is more like hazelnut. This palate diversity does not necessarily work harmoniously because it so busy and scuttled, but there are some hints of greatness here. The back of the palate and through the nose show a very woody base that has large quantities of dry balsa and some hints of sweet earth. This is not a profile that I am used to from Pete's products and the change is hard to grasp. The draw is very nice, all though it is a touch loose for me. The burn was wonky at first, I assign this to the unfinished foot, but it evens out quickly.
The first half of the cigar continues to struggle to find a personality. I was ready for a spicy bomb in the pre light sequence, but it is not what I am getting at all. The core profile is still profoundly nutty and still heavily hazelnutesque, however there are moments of genius when some coffee flavors play wonderfully with these core notes. There is still some spice here, transitioning into a more cinnamon and anise presentation, but these flavors are fleeting at best. The back of the palate has transitioned into a more robust medium flavored wood presentation and there are still some nice hints of sweet earth coming in here as well. The draw remains a touch too loose for me, but it is not causing any issues. The burn is performing well.
The final half of this cigar really sets my world on fire. The core profile becomes a delightful array of hazelnut, cinnamon and maple flavors that smack of a french toast finish. I know what you're thinking, French Toast? This guy has lost it! All I can say is smoke it and see, maybe you'll find the same thing. I hope you do, because it is finds like these in individual cigars that make the pursuit all worth it. At the back of the palate there is a peppery note that gives the cigar some kick right when you need it most, this is coupled with some robust earthy tones that round out the experience in a very nice way. The draw stays the same throughout and the burn performs admirably right to the end.
The finish smacked of maple flavors and light pepper long after the smoke and wistful thoughts about the origins of the boutique phenomenon dissipate.
All in all this smoke was not what I expected at all, and in the first half was at time disappointing. However, it finished strong and I will smoke it again.
Appearance- 92 simple and rustic
Taste- 90 I am going to just eek this into the 90's because of the last half
Construction- 89 some loose draw and early burn issues hurt the score
Strength- 88 medium early, more robust late
Overall- 89.75 a very nice smoke
Sunday, August 11, 2013
Monday, August 5, 2013
Davidoff Nicaragua Toro (5.5x54)
One of the cigars that made a big splash at IPCPR was this new release from Davidoff. The name Davidoff does nothing for me at all, I usually think boring and mild blends with a ridiculously high price tag that screams look at me I like no flavor and I am a douchebag! I kid of course, you know I am an advocate of smoking whatever you want to smoke (unless it is crack, or meth or dope of any kind because then you really are a douchebag), but the Davidoff name has become synonymous with mild profiles and high price tags. I can't recall the last time I went out of my to smoke a Davidoff and usually will only smoke one if it is offered to me by someone else. It just really isn't my thing.
What caught my attention about this cigar was the word Nicaragua. The implication of a quality cigar manufacturer like Davidoff expanding their boundaries into Nicaraguan tobacco was just too huge to ignore. Here is what you should know. Davidoff has big bucks, they pay attention to making high quality cigars (they have to at super premium prices you only get super premium smokers that are picky) and they only grow and buy the best tobaccos in the world to wear their name. This is a combination that makes for a very interesting proposition, a Nicaraguan version of the timeless and revered Davidoff brand. They now had my interest!
The cigar itself is impeccable looking. They have given the band work and cigar a more full bodied look. Darker wrapper, darker band work and all the visuals add up to this not being the typical rich man's Davidoff in the white, with all the white, surrounded by white. The wrapper is beautiful and has very few veins and a silky appearance that looks like lightly creamed coffee. The bunch and roll look very nice, as I expected, Kelner and his boys have an eye for quality and I can't find an issue. The pre light draw smacks of earth and pepper. The pre light aroma has dark wood and lighter spice notes that linger slightly.
The cigar opens with a profile that is everything I would expect from a Davidoff product, even the Nicaraguan tobacco can't change what they do. The core profile is mild/medium, but it does have some very nice flavors. There are hints of earth and pepper, but most of the core at this point is a warm and light wood note that does not offer much depth or complexity. Through the nose and at the back of the palate there are some worthy ideas of spice and pepper, but they are too muted at this point to be anything beyond barely noticeable. The draw is a real dream to this point, performing perfectly. The burn is ok, but the wrapper loses some cohesion early on and I have to take some off as it unspools. Upon removal of the unruly piece of wrapper the cigar evens back out fairly quickly.
The first half of the cigar actually picks up some steam. The core profile takes on a decidedly robust wood flavor and has some interesting anise and spice flavors that lend some sweetness to off set the smoky wood portion. While not particularly complex or deep, these flavors are nice and play favorably with one another. The back of the palate begins to show some earthy tones, but I am looking for something more here as it is fairly mundane. The draw is still spot on. The burn is a little sloppy in some spots, but it is working itself out.
The final half of the cigar becomes truly Nicaraguan. The core profile becomes a solid array of pepper and wood, with some notes of spice. There is depth here and the profile becomes more complex. The back of the palate and the nose show some fantastic earth flavors and there is some nice spice here as well. All in all this is rounding into quite something in the last third of the smoke. The draw stays solid all the way through the smoke. The burn evened out nicely in the last half.
The finish was a touch short, but had some earth and spice notes that were satisfying.
This is by far the best Davidoff I have smoked.
Appearance- 93 a very nice looking smoke
Taste- 89 very strong in the last third, but the first half left something to be desired
Construction- 88 nice draw throughout, but the burn was wonky in the front half
Strength- 89 a nice mild early and a nice medium late, for Davidoff devotees this would be full
Overall- 89.25 a very nice score, for a good smoke
Saturday, August 3, 2013
Arturo Fuente Don Carlos Edicion de Aniversario 2007 (6.25x48)
Every once in awhile I stand in front of my humidor, much like a woman in front of a closet claiming nothing to wear, saying aloud that I have nothing to smoke. After some derisive snorts from the wife and the accompanying rolling of the eyes I usually decide that it might be time to plumb the depths of the the monster humidor and find out what is lurking in the dark corners. Recently I came across this artifact from cigar days long past. I am not even sure when I got it, or how long it was hiding waiting for it's name to be called, but there it was like the ever ready soldier waiting for it's call to glory.
To say that I was excited would be an understatement, how often do you get to smoke something like this? The only thing sapping my enthusiasm was the hefty price tag that was still on it, north of $25 bones. Cigars of this price often scare me because I so seldom smoke one that I think is worth the price. As I remove the fittingly yellowed cello I take in the smoke. It is breathtaking. This is the highest form of Fuente craftsmanship, beautiful wrapper, perfect bunch, perfect cap and elegant band work that implies this is really something special. The pre light aroma is full of luxurious cedar essence and has some wonderful spice notes as well. The pre light draw shows some wonderful spice notes, cinnamon mostly, and has a very nice cedar flavor as well.
The cigar opens with a profile that has depth and complexity running wild. The core profile shows wonderful cedar notes that have a sharpness to them that is incredible. Additionally, there is a crisp tobacco note here that is so clean and tasty that I can't recall ever having an experience like this before. Through the nose there is an excellent note of cinnamon that rounds out the front of the experience very nicely. At the back of the palate there are excellent tones of wood and spice that only add to the depth of the experience. The draw is dead solid perfect, if I could design my ideal draw this would be it. The burn is also stellar, nary an issue and razor sharp.
The first half of the cigar continues to please. The core profile morphs from a show of cedar to a more muted presentation of cinnamon and light wood, there is also a light creamy note in this portion of the cigar that adds some depth and nuance to the overall presentation. The back of the palate shows some nice spice and there is a light pepper note coming in here as well. The draw stays perfect to this point. The burn continues to be excellent as well.
The final half of the cigar is where the money is. The core profile takes on a more sweet flavor that has some floral essence, there is also a creamed coffee note here that adds to the overall experience nicely. The back of the palate delivers wonderful pepper notes that ratchet up the strength quotient a few notches, there are also some more fully developed wood notes here. The draw and burn are spot on right to the end.
The finish was an absolute dream, showing lingering notes of cedar, coffee and wood.
I do not hesitate to rank this in the top 25 cigars that I have ever smoked.
Appearance- 95 an absolute beauty
Taste- 93 excellent, not quite classic
Construction- 100 the finest example of cigar craftsmanship
Strength- 97 a wonderful array of mild, medium and late trending medium/full experiences
Overall- 96.25 and an instant classic in my world
To say that I was excited would be an understatement, how often do you get to smoke something like this? The only thing sapping my enthusiasm was the hefty price tag that was still on it, north of $25 bones. Cigars of this price often scare me because I so seldom smoke one that I think is worth the price. As I remove the fittingly yellowed cello I take in the smoke. It is breathtaking. This is the highest form of Fuente craftsmanship, beautiful wrapper, perfect bunch, perfect cap and elegant band work that implies this is really something special. The pre light aroma is full of luxurious cedar essence and has some wonderful spice notes as well. The pre light draw shows some wonderful spice notes, cinnamon mostly, and has a very nice cedar flavor as well.
The cigar opens with a profile that has depth and complexity running wild. The core profile shows wonderful cedar notes that have a sharpness to them that is incredible. Additionally, there is a crisp tobacco note here that is so clean and tasty that I can't recall ever having an experience like this before. Through the nose there is an excellent note of cinnamon that rounds out the front of the experience very nicely. At the back of the palate there are excellent tones of wood and spice that only add to the depth of the experience. The draw is dead solid perfect, if I could design my ideal draw this would be it. The burn is also stellar, nary an issue and razor sharp.
The first half of the cigar continues to please. The core profile morphs from a show of cedar to a more muted presentation of cinnamon and light wood, there is also a light creamy note in this portion of the cigar that adds some depth and nuance to the overall presentation. The back of the palate shows some nice spice and there is a light pepper note coming in here as well. The draw stays perfect to this point. The burn continues to be excellent as well.
The final half of the cigar is where the money is. The core profile takes on a more sweet flavor that has some floral essence, there is also a creamed coffee note here that adds to the overall experience nicely. The back of the palate delivers wonderful pepper notes that ratchet up the strength quotient a few notches, there are also some more fully developed wood notes here. The draw and burn are spot on right to the end.
The finish was an absolute dream, showing lingering notes of cedar, coffee and wood.
I do not hesitate to rank this in the top 25 cigars that I have ever smoked.
Appearance- 95 an absolute beauty
Taste- 93 excellent, not quite classic
Construction- 100 the finest example of cigar craftsmanship
Strength- 97 a wonderful array of mild, medium and late trending medium/full experiences
Overall- 96.25 and an instant classic in my world
Thursday, August 1, 2013
Padilla Connecticut Churchill (7x50)
If you had asked most people six years ago who the one person they would most like to be in the cigar industry you probably would have gotten several answers, but one of the names that would have come up most often would have been Ernesto Padilla.
Padilla was the it brand in the boutque world back then with classics like the 8&11 and the Signature 32 (Of which I still have boxes hoarded in my humidor, and no I won't tell you where I live), it of course helped that his smokes were being made by one of the other guys whose name would have been on the list mentioned above, Jose Pepin Garcia. Something happened on the way to the fair though and Padilla fell off the map. Pepin stopped making cigars for Padilla (I will let you research why on your own), Padilla started to farm out production to companies with inferior tobacco, rolling and quality and the lilly stopped blooming. Then the day of horror for all boutique enthusiasts arrived, Padilla Cigars started appearing in CI, this is the death knell for cigar makers in my world because it means you have become another bulk brand that people buy on the cheap because they are made on the cheap. I was depressed and Padilla continued to slop around the industry looking for a home like a stray dog.
I heard awhile back that he hitched his wagon to Oliva, this caught my attention because they are reputable company with a long history of making quality smokes. I then kind of forgot about it because I am so involved in finding and smoking boutique offerings. Fast forward to IPCPR and I find an old friend of mine that used to work for General repping in the Oliva booth, he and I caught up for a bit and he slapped this bad boy on me. Now in full disclosure, this guy knows how I write reviews and I have killed some of his cigars before so when he gives me a cigar he already knows that I might write it's obituary and he is ok with that.
I waited awhile to smoke this because, well, it is a Connecticut and despite being told that it had some power and wouldn't be what I expected I had to find the right time to give it a whirl. The cigar is beautiful to look at. The wrapper is a wonderful blond/brown and smacks of everything that anyone should love about Connecticut wrapper. Few veins, silky smoothness and that wondeful dusty wood and light spice smell that is the epitome of the Connecticut wrapper in my mind. The cigar is very well constructed and I can't find a single issue in it at all. The pre light draw is smooth and fluid and shows some nice cinnamon tones. The pre light aroma smacks of dusty earth and wood and has some spice notes as well.
The cigar opens with a profile that is wonderfully complex. The core flavors have light wood and cinnamon notes, but there is a molasses sweetness coming in here that complements the main flavors wonderfully. I am being transported to my family cabin in the Upper Peninsula in Michigan where kitchen always smells of wood and molasses, I love cigars that take me on nostalig trips through my younger days. At the back of the palate and through the nose there are some very nice light earth tones and a light brush of white pepper that tickle the palate subtly. The draw is nearly perfect, maybe just a little too loose for me. The burn is solid and a nice, crisp ash is forming.
The first half of the cigar really ramps up. The core profile begins to show a more pronounced wood flavor, that is still light but more flavorful. There are some crisp cedar notes here off set by a more subdued balsa wood that provides a nice back drop for the main wood flavors. The cinnamon notes have really taken off here as well and the robust character of these flavors is something to note. My only complaint is that I have lost that molasses note that was so splendid early on. The back of the palate is still earthy but threatens to turn grassy, this makes me wary because I don't care for grassy, but I plow on searching for more meaning. The pepper notes are really kicking up as I approach the halfway point and I am anxious to see where this goes. The draw is still just a touch too loose, but I am not getting any heat so I am good with it. The burn is rock solid.
The final half of the cigar is unlike any Connecticut experience I have ever had. The core profile becomes all cedar with light brushes of something like caramel, but with a toasty quality. I have never experienced this in a cigar before and I want it again and again. The back of the palate becomes a fantastic show of pepper flavors that are so astounding in a Connecticut smoke that I can't put my head around it all right away. The draw stays acceptable to the end. The burn was a star throughout the smoke.
The finish was smooth and full of pepper and toasty caramel notes.
This is the cigar that could put Padilla back on the map, I was very impressed.
Appearance- 92 a wonderful cigar to look at, even the band was elegant
Taste- 94 there is just so much going on here, a wonderful smoke
Construction- 92 some reductions for the loose draw
Strength- 97 starts medium and ramps to just on the low side of full, all complementing each stage of the smoke beautifully
Overall- 93.5 an absolute must smoke in my mind...
Padilla was the it brand in the boutque world back then with classics like the 8&11 and the Signature 32 (Of which I still have boxes hoarded in my humidor, and no I won't tell you where I live), it of course helped that his smokes were being made by one of the other guys whose name would have been on the list mentioned above, Jose Pepin Garcia. Something happened on the way to the fair though and Padilla fell off the map. Pepin stopped making cigars for Padilla (I will let you research why on your own), Padilla started to farm out production to companies with inferior tobacco, rolling and quality and the lilly stopped blooming. Then the day of horror for all boutique enthusiasts arrived, Padilla Cigars started appearing in CI, this is the death knell for cigar makers in my world because it means you have become another bulk brand that people buy on the cheap because they are made on the cheap. I was depressed and Padilla continued to slop around the industry looking for a home like a stray dog.
I heard awhile back that he hitched his wagon to Oliva, this caught my attention because they are reputable company with a long history of making quality smokes. I then kind of forgot about it because I am so involved in finding and smoking boutique offerings. Fast forward to IPCPR and I find an old friend of mine that used to work for General repping in the Oliva booth, he and I caught up for a bit and he slapped this bad boy on me. Now in full disclosure, this guy knows how I write reviews and I have killed some of his cigars before so when he gives me a cigar he already knows that I might write it's obituary and he is ok with that.
I waited awhile to smoke this because, well, it is a Connecticut and despite being told that it had some power and wouldn't be what I expected I had to find the right time to give it a whirl. The cigar is beautiful to look at. The wrapper is a wonderful blond/brown and smacks of everything that anyone should love about Connecticut wrapper. Few veins, silky smoothness and that wondeful dusty wood and light spice smell that is the epitome of the Connecticut wrapper in my mind. The cigar is very well constructed and I can't find a single issue in it at all. The pre light draw is smooth and fluid and shows some nice cinnamon tones. The pre light aroma smacks of dusty earth and wood and has some spice notes as well.
The cigar opens with a profile that is wonderfully complex. The core flavors have light wood and cinnamon notes, but there is a molasses sweetness coming in here that complements the main flavors wonderfully. I am being transported to my family cabin in the Upper Peninsula in Michigan where kitchen always smells of wood and molasses, I love cigars that take me on nostalig trips through my younger days. At the back of the palate and through the nose there are some very nice light earth tones and a light brush of white pepper that tickle the palate subtly. The draw is nearly perfect, maybe just a little too loose for me. The burn is solid and a nice, crisp ash is forming.
The first half of the cigar really ramps up. The core profile begins to show a more pronounced wood flavor, that is still light but more flavorful. There are some crisp cedar notes here off set by a more subdued balsa wood that provides a nice back drop for the main wood flavors. The cinnamon notes have really taken off here as well and the robust character of these flavors is something to note. My only complaint is that I have lost that molasses note that was so splendid early on. The back of the palate is still earthy but threatens to turn grassy, this makes me wary because I don't care for grassy, but I plow on searching for more meaning. The pepper notes are really kicking up as I approach the halfway point and I am anxious to see where this goes. The draw is still just a touch too loose, but I am not getting any heat so I am good with it. The burn is rock solid.
The final half of the cigar is unlike any Connecticut experience I have ever had. The core profile becomes all cedar with light brushes of something like caramel, but with a toasty quality. I have never experienced this in a cigar before and I want it again and again. The back of the palate becomes a fantastic show of pepper flavors that are so astounding in a Connecticut smoke that I can't put my head around it all right away. The draw stays acceptable to the end. The burn was a star throughout the smoke.
The finish was smooth and full of pepper and toasty caramel notes.
This is the cigar that could put Padilla back on the map, I was very impressed.
Appearance- 92 a wonderful cigar to look at, even the band was elegant
Taste- 94 there is just so much going on here, a wonderful smoke
Construction- 92 some reductions for the loose draw
Strength- 97 starts medium and ramps to just on the low side of full, all complementing each stage of the smoke beautifully
Overall- 93.5 an absolute must smoke in my mind...
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
Bloodline O.P.A.
At IPCPR this year I had the unique chance to experience the show from the perspective of a blogger, and being that I have many friends in the industry (I am as shocked as you all are, I actually do have people that say they are my friends...to my face anyway) I scored some interesting cigars that have very little, if any market insertion. This is the point of IPCPR really, to provide a chance for new and interesting products to be put on the market. In any case, this cigar is now under the Esteban Carreras umbrella, and my good friend and old co-host is now their National Sales Manager so I had a little bit of an in to try this new smoke. When he laid this on me there was no preamble or explanation, just a give it a try and tell me what you think. He is so trusting, it makes me wonder if he has ever actually read my blog. One interesting tidbit on this cigar, the process for rendering the leaves is one that has been used in a process to create a tobacco based perfume. I will leave the research of this up to you...
Usually when doing a review I give a vitola name and some indication of size. In this case I can provide neither because I don't have either one of them. I am guesstimating that this is something close to a corona, maybe 5.5x46 give or take a bit. There is a slight box press to this cigar, something about this bothers me, especially since the process for rendering the leaves is called the soft crush. It is almost like the soft box press is the mimic to the soft crush, it all seems to soft to me. Speaking of soft, the bunch seems very loose to me near the head of the cigar, and I immediately begin to worry about heat as the cigar moves along. The band work is kind of cheap looking to me, but we don't smoke bands (all though I have had some friends deep into their cups that have smoked the band, a different story for a different time). The pre light draw is intensely floral, strange for a Connecticut. The pre light aroma is also very heavily floral.
The cigar opens with a profile that is very floral and, for lack of a better term, perfume like. I know what you are all thinking, it is the power of suggestion, the process was used in making perfume so that is what you taste. My answer to this is two fold. One, I don't ever listen to other people's ideas about how something tastes, not do I lend any weight to what the manufacturer says about the cigar. I always make my own judgement. Two, I did the research after the smoke was done because I thought it was weird how floral it was. The core profile is so full of floral notes that I can't find anything else to comment on in the initial moments. The back of the palate and the retrohale show some very odd spice flavors and some very light wood notes. Sadly, this just doesn't all work for me in any way at all to this point. The draw is way too loose at this point and it does not bode well for the smoke as it progresses as I am sure there will be heat issues to contend with. The burn is solid to this point.
The first half of the cigar really becomes like smoking a hookah of pot pourri, it is not pleasant at all. The core profile is all floral and weird jasmine like spice with some hints of ginger. It is just not a good combination at all. The back of the palate loses some wood flavors and adds some very misplaced white pepper that just can't mix well with the overall presentation. It is all very weird at this point. The draw continues to be way too loose and the heat is coming in already, I am forced to slow it down and savor the odd flavors even more (not a great development). The burn is ok, but due to the loose draw the combustion rate is just too fast.
The final half of the cigar becomes even more floral, if that is possible, almost like a sickly sweet floral that becomes cloying and sticks to the palate like a glue. The soft crush process should probably be left to perfume production in my opinion. The back of the palate is still showing some white pepper notes that have no connection to the main profile at all. The draw does finally impart way too much heat into the process and all the purging in the world won't alleviate it. The burn was relatively solid, but way too fast throughout.
The finish was sweet and floral lingering longer than I would have liked.
Not what I like in a cigar at all, just a failed attempt at something different in my book.
Appearance- 87 a nice looking smoke
Taste- 72 just really not good at all
Construction- 73 very poor here as well
Strength- 85 a mild/medium that really went nowhere
Overall- 77 I just can't recommend it, but you should try it and see for yourself
Usually when doing a review I give a vitola name and some indication of size. In this case I can provide neither because I don't have either one of them. I am guesstimating that this is something close to a corona, maybe 5.5x46 give or take a bit. There is a slight box press to this cigar, something about this bothers me, especially since the process for rendering the leaves is called the soft crush. It is almost like the soft box press is the mimic to the soft crush, it all seems to soft to me. Speaking of soft, the bunch seems very loose to me near the head of the cigar, and I immediately begin to worry about heat as the cigar moves along. The band work is kind of cheap looking to me, but we don't smoke bands (all though I have had some friends deep into their cups that have smoked the band, a different story for a different time). The pre light draw is intensely floral, strange for a Connecticut. The pre light aroma is also very heavily floral.
The cigar opens with a profile that is very floral and, for lack of a better term, perfume like. I know what you are all thinking, it is the power of suggestion, the process was used in making perfume so that is what you taste. My answer to this is two fold. One, I don't ever listen to other people's ideas about how something tastes, not do I lend any weight to what the manufacturer says about the cigar. I always make my own judgement. Two, I did the research after the smoke was done because I thought it was weird how floral it was. The core profile is so full of floral notes that I can't find anything else to comment on in the initial moments. The back of the palate and the retrohale show some very odd spice flavors and some very light wood notes. Sadly, this just doesn't all work for me in any way at all to this point. The draw is way too loose at this point and it does not bode well for the smoke as it progresses as I am sure there will be heat issues to contend with. The burn is solid to this point.
The first half of the cigar really becomes like smoking a hookah of pot pourri, it is not pleasant at all. The core profile is all floral and weird jasmine like spice with some hints of ginger. It is just not a good combination at all. The back of the palate loses some wood flavors and adds some very misplaced white pepper that just can't mix well with the overall presentation. It is all very weird at this point. The draw continues to be way too loose and the heat is coming in already, I am forced to slow it down and savor the odd flavors even more (not a great development). The burn is ok, but due to the loose draw the combustion rate is just too fast.
The final half of the cigar becomes even more floral, if that is possible, almost like a sickly sweet floral that becomes cloying and sticks to the palate like a glue. The soft crush process should probably be left to perfume production in my opinion. The back of the palate is still showing some white pepper notes that have no connection to the main profile at all. The draw does finally impart way too much heat into the process and all the purging in the world won't alleviate it. The burn was relatively solid, but way too fast throughout.
The finish was sweet and floral lingering longer than I would have liked.
Not what I like in a cigar at all, just a failed attempt at something different in my book.
Appearance- 87 a nice looking smoke
Taste- 72 just really not good at all
Construction- 73 very poor here as well
Strength- 85 a mild/medium that really went nowhere
Overall- 77 I just can't recommend it, but you should try it and see for yourself
Monday, July 22, 2013
Blue Mountain Cigars El Threesome (6x60)
My hate filled rants for all things gimmicky are well known, so I must ask the question, why do people keep making gimmicky cigars? I just can't fathom why anyone would want to subject a cigar to my brand of loquacious malevolence, but it keeps happening (not that anyone reads or pays attention to this anyway).
This cigar is a trifecta of gimmicks, which is appropriate given the name El Threesome. First, it is a cigar that has three wrappers. Why do makers do this? Isn't it hard enough to get it right with one wrapper? This constant quest to do something interesting is so tiresome. Want to do something interesting? Make a good cigar for crying out loud!! Second, it is a sixty ring gauge. When will this donkey wang trend ever end? Just because something sells doesn't mean it should be made. It's time for this silly business of making cigars thicker and thicker to end. I have begun to wonder if the manufacturers and consumers are covering for some other short comings with these things... Third, it has a tongue in cheek name. El Threesome? Is this supposed to be sexual? Or is it just a sad and sleepy marketing reference to the three wrappers? I lean towards the latter, but who knows these days?
Now I have to smoke this log. I must admit, aside from all the gimmicky crap I listed above, the cigar appears to be well made. The wrappers are all applied well. The bunch seems to have the appropriate feel and I don't detect any plugs or voids. My only issue is the band work, it is clumsy and could use some refinement. The pre light aroma smacks of grass and dusty hay, almost like walking into a barn in the middle of summer. The pre light draw shows some bitter wood notes, but there is a little bit of cinnamon coming out here as well.
The cigar opens with a profile that is dry and dusty, but there are some nice notes of drying balsa wood and light spice that overcome some of the dryness that threatens to scorch the throat. The back of the palate and through the nose have some sweet grass presentations, but they are not particularly complex and border on being bitter. The draw is acceptable at this point, though it a little too loose for my tastes. The burn is a little wonky, but this often happens in cigars that have multiple wrappers, so I was expecting it. I think it will even out on it's own without my help.
The first half of the cigar is mostly Connecticut wrapper, I typically don't care for this, and this is no exception. The flavors are bitter and full of dry notes that derail the experience for me. Near the end of the first half there is a transition into a Habano wrapper, the cigar gets interesting here because I can immediately taste a blend change. This shocks me a little and adds a fourth gimmick to the mix. A cigar with more than one blend? Now this becomes more interesting, a gimmick I can almost get behind. The flavor here becomes a far more robust blend of coffee, spice and dark wood flavors. The back of the palate shows some brushes of chocolate and earth and really rounds out this portion of the smoke. The draw is still too loose for me and the cigar is becoming more and more airy, this usually indicates a pending expansion and explosion of ACME proportions. The burn is ok, but transitions from blend to blend cause some combustion issues.
The final half of the cigar concludes the Habano portion of the cigar and transitions into a third blend with a maduro wrapper. This portion of the cigar really goes off the rails. The profile is bitter and distorted, I can't even pick out any real flavors here. This is a real shame, the Habano portion was so good. The draw stays too loose to the end, and the expansion happens in the last two inches and I lose patience with it very quickly. The burn goes slides away here as well and it becomes very difficult to keep it lit.
I give this company an "A" for trying something innovative, and maybe with the right blender and roller this could work. However, this was a failed attempt and came off as gimmicky without the payoff.
Appearance- 86 slightly above average
Taste- 74 unfortunately the Connecticut and maduro portions were just too poor. I would smoke a cigar with just the Habano though
Construction- 77 draw issues and burn problems late make this very poor
Strength- 84 a nice medium in spots, but overall not great
Overall- 78.75 very sub par in my opinion
This cigar is a trifecta of gimmicks, which is appropriate given the name El Threesome. First, it is a cigar that has three wrappers. Why do makers do this? Isn't it hard enough to get it right with one wrapper? This constant quest to do something interesting is so tiresome. Want to do something interesting? Make a good cigar for crying out loud!! Second, it is a sixty ring gauge. When will this donkey wang trend ever end? Just because something sells doesn't mean it should be made. It's time for this silly business of making cigars thicker and thicker to end. I have begun to wonder if the manufacturers and consumers are covering for some other short comings with these things... Third, it has a tongue in cheek name. El Threesome? Is this supposed to be sexual? Or is it just a sad and sleepy marketing reference to the three wrappers? I lean towards the latter, but who knows these days?
Now I have to smoke this log. I must admit, aside from all the gimmicky crap I listed above, the cigar appears to be well made. The wrappers are all applied well. The bunch seems to have the appropriate feel and I don't detect any plugs or voids. My only issue is the band work, it is clumsy and could use some refinement. The pre light aroma smacks of grass and dusty hay, almost like walking into a barn in the middle of summer. The pre light draw shows some bitter wood notes, but there is a little bit of cinnamon coming out here as well.
The cigar opens with a profile that is dry and dusty, but there are some nice notes of drying balsa wood and light spice that overcome some of the dryness that threatens to scorch the throat. The back of the palate and through the nose have some sweet grass presentations, but they are not particularly complex and border on being bitter. The draw is acceptable at this point, though it a little too loose for my tastes. The burn is a little wonky, but this often happens in cigars that have multiple wrappers, so I was expecting it. I think it will even out on it's own without my help.
The first half of the cigar is mostly Connecticut wrapper, I typically don't care for this, and this is no exception. The flavors are bitter and full of dry notes that derail the experience for me. Near the end of the first half there is a transition into a Habano wrapper, the cigar gets interesting here because I can immediately taste a blend change. This shocks me a little and adds a fourth gimmick to the mix. A cigar with more than one blend? Now this becomes more interesting, a gimmick I can almost get behind. The flavor here becomes a far more robust blend of coffee, spice and dark wood flavors. The back of the palate shows some brushes of chocolate and earth and really rounds out this portion of the smoke. The draw is still too loose for me and the cigar is becoming more and more airy, this usually indicates a pending expansion and explosion of ACME proportions. The burn is ok, but transitions from blend to blend cause some combustion issues.
The final half of the cigar concludes the Habano portion of the cigar and transitions into a third blend with a maduro wrapper. This portion of the cigar really goes off the rails. The profile is bitter and distorted, I can't even pick out any real flavors here. This is a real shame, the Habano portion was so good. The draw stays too loose to the end, and the expansion happens in the last two inches and I lose patience with it very quickly. The burn goes slides away here as well and it becomes very difficult to keep it lit.
I give this company an "A" for trying something innovative, and maybe with the right blender and roller this could work. However, this was a failed attempt and came off as gimmicky without the payoff.
Appearance- 86 slightly above average
Taste- 74 unfortunately the Connecticut and maduro portions were just too poor. I would smoke a cigar with just the Habano though
Construction- 77 draw issues and burn problems late make this very poor
Strength- 84 a nice medium in spots, but overall not great
Overall- 78.75 very sub par in my opinion
Monday, July 8, 2013
Cusano Killer Cameroon Diadamis (7x48)
My feelings about Cusano cigars are well known amongst the group that I smoke with. In short, I have never thought much of their offerings, often thinking that if I wanted to smoke something that tasted like burning grass I would head out to my yard and roll up some lawn waste and puff away. Don't get me wrong, there is something to be said for a grassy profile. Cuban Cohibas are world famous and they taste much the same to me, I just don't care for it.
This particular cigar (by the way I am aware that it is Diadema, however on the coffin this cigar came in the spelling is as above) came to me from a great friend that has always sung the praises of the Killer Cameroon cigars. Sadly, for him, the line is long defunct and finding any at all is a rare treat for him. On his birthday a couple of years ago he was gifted several by some friends of ours and ever the generous brother of the leaf he shared the bounty. I didn't get around to smoking it until now, several years later, and I can only hope it lives up to the hype.
There is something very interesting about cigars packed in coffins, they just seem to be of a finer quality than others and it is like opening a little gift given to you by yourself. The cigar itself is very nice looking, none the worse for wear after all these years it just lays there waiting to be explored (aww crap now it sounds like I am writing a cheesy love novel, you know like the ones with the bare chested pirate holding the wench?). The band work is clumsy and odd looking, making the cigar look cheap, causing a weird juxtaposition between the high end coffin and cheap band. The wrapper is everything you would expect from a Cameroon presentation. Medium brown? Yep. Few veins? Yep. Nice and oily? Yep. The pre light aroma is full of roasted nut notes and has some cinnamon spice to it as well. The pre light draw is showing some dry vegetation and wood flavors. A quick inspection tells me the cigar is well made and will not be an issue.
The cigar opens with a profile that is profoundly Cameroon in orientation. The core flavors is all nuts and spice and that is exactly what I was expecting right off the bat. These flavors are not particularly deep or complex, but they are a nice presentation of what I think a Cameroon should be. The back of the palate and the retrohale show some dry and dusty notes of wood, but they are not bitter so it is not offensive at this point. The draw is a little tight in the early going, but I expect this from a diadema shape as the tapering causes some tightness as a general rule. The burn is slow and plodding, but there is no heat so I am not really worried about this either.
The first half of the smoke does not develop much at all, I find this to be disappointing. The core profile maintains a stance that is more nutty than spicy and I would really like to see some complexity or depth here, but there just isn't any. The back of the palate continues to be dry and the wood flavors are becoming slightly grassy, color me shocked! Can I get a Cusano that does not have a grassy element? Sheesh! The draw has opened up nicely at this point and is really becoming the star of the show. The burn stays solid to this point as well.
The final half of the cigar shows some signs of improvement. Like a terminal patient at death's door there is the last moment of lucidity before the death knell sounds, this cigar starts to make me believe that it might recover nicely right before it crashes into a horrific death. The core profile shows some nice roasted nut and cinnamon flavors that have an undertone of citrus that is very unexpected and pleasant. The back of the palate is still showing dry wood notes that are still pleasant and without bitterness.
It is with about one third of the cigar left that the wheels fall off. The core profile becomes a bitter mass of dry grass notes that can't be smoked around or through. It is so foul that I consider laying it down, but my eternally optimistic side encourages me to hang on and seek redeeming value. I should never listen to the optimist! Unfortunately, the draw and burn are top notch to the end.
The finish was bitter and grassy.
Overall, pretty good, right until the end.
Appearance- 88 some points lost for clumsy band work
Taste- 82 can't be any higher because of the awful finish
Construction- 92 a very well constructed cigar
Strength- 85 a middling medium
Overall- 86.75 saved by construction
This particular cigar (by the way I am aware that it is Diadema, however on the coffin this cigar came in the spelling is as above) came to me from a great friend that has always sung the praises of the Killer Cameroon cigars. Sadly, for him, the line is long defunct and finding any at all is a rare treat for him. On his birthday a couple of years ago he was gifted several by some friends of ours and ever the generous brother of the leaf he shared the bounty. I didn't get around to smoking it until now, several years later, and I can only hope it lives up to the hype.
There is something very interesting about cigars packed in coffins, they just seem to be of a finer quality than others and it is like opening a little gift given to you by yourself. The cigar itself is very nice looking, none the worse for wear after all these years it just lays there waiting to be explored (aww crap now it sounds like I am writing a cheesy love novel, you know like the ones with the bare chested pirate holding the wench?). The band work is clumsy and odd looking, making the cigar look cheap, causing a weird juxtaposition between the high end coffin and cheap band. The wrapper is everything you would expect from a Cameroon presentation. Medium brown? Yep. Few veins? Yep. Nice and oily? Yep. The pre light aroma is full of roasted nut notes and has some cinnamon spice to it as well. The pre light draw is showing some dry vegetation and wood flavors. A quick inspection tells me the cigar is well made and will not be an issue.
The cigar opens with a profile that is profoundly Cameroon in orientation. The core flavors is all nuts and spice and that is exactly what I was expecting right off the bat. These flavors are not particularly deep or complex, but they are a nice presentation of what I think a Cameroon should be. The back of the palate and the retrohale show some dry and dusty notes of wood, but they are not bitter so it is not offensive at this point. The draw is a little tight in the early going, but I expect this from a diadema shape as the tapering causes some tightness as a general rule. The burn is slow and plodding, but there is no heat so I am not really worried about this either.
The first half of the smoke does not develop much at all, I find this to be disappointing. The core profile maintains a stance that is more nutty than spicy and I would really like to see some complexity or depth here, but there just isn't any. The back of the palate continues to be dry and the wood flavors are becoming slightly grassy, color me shocked! Can I get a Cusano that does not have a grassy element? Sheesh! The draw has opened up nicely at this point and is really becoming the star of the show. The burn stays solid to this point as well.
The final half of the cigar shows some signs of improvement. Like a terminal patient at death's door there is the last moment of lucidity before the death knell sounds, this cigar starts to make me believe that it might recover nicely right before it crashes into a horrific death. The core profile shows some nice roasted nut and cinnamon flavors that have an undertone of citrus that is very unexpected and pleasant. The back of the palate is still showing dry wood notes that are still pleasant and without bitterness.
It is with about one third of the cigar left that the wheels fall off. The core profile becomes a bitter mass of dry grass notes that can't be smoked around or through. It is so foul that I consider laying it down, but my eternally optimistic side encourages me to hang on and seek redeeming value. I should never listen to the optimist! Unfortunately, the draw and burn are top notch to the end.
The finish was bitter and grassy.
Overall, pretty good, right until the end.
Appearance- 88 some points lost for clumsy band work
Taste- 82 can't be any higher because of the awful finish
Construction- 92 a very well constructed cigar
Strength- 85 a middling medium
Overall- 86.75 saved by construction
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