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
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
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
Monday, June 24, 2013
The Widow's Son
I very seldom smoke and review anything that is given to me by anyone remotely associated with a manufacturer and my reasons for that are not limited. It begins with the fact that I view my blog as the Consumer Reports of the cigar world, I pull no punches and say what I think about a cigar based on my own experience as a consumer in the world of cigars. I don't apologize for my candid reviews of each and every cigar, even though I have been asked to apologize or even retract reviews. It is with this always in mind that I generally refuse to review cigars from manufacturers, even if they are friends of mine, because if I hate it and say so or vice versa, I don't want to lose friends or be accused of being biased.
This cigar came to my attention when I was contacted by a man associated in their manufacture, I didn't ask in what way, not did I research it. We began a dialog about how he could get his cigar to infiltrate the market in a more robust way, after some back and forth he asked me if I would smoke and review some of them. I was hesitant, but I got the distinct impression that he was looking for a good, solid, unbiased opinion of the cigar and that he would not take umbrage if I had to bag the cigar upon inspection and consumption. Finally, I like boutique blends and their story and this cigar was a boutique and had a great story (I will link the website later in this review so you can read the story), so I told him I was in. He didn't disappoint, I got a sampler of the cigars and I set about smoking them over the last month. Instead of reviewing each one individually I will review them as a whole as each size contained the same flavor structure (though in differing ratios) and performance consistency.
The cigars are all beautifully constructed. The fine craftsmanship is obvious as the wrapper is applied well and the bunch is perfect, there is nary an issue when inspecting these cigars and that speaks to a quality boutique experience. The wrapper has a wonderful reddish brown hue and reminds me of some Colorado presentations I have seen before, just a fabulous look for a cigar, it feels so rich and sumptuous when the wrapper is oily and red tinged. The band work is a fine piece of art and I have no complaints about the presentation of the cigar at all. The pre light aroma is spicy melange of clove and cinnamon. The pre light draw shows the slightest hint of raisins and dark fruit.
The cigar opens with a core profile that is so subtly done yet so complex that I am stunned in the early moments. The core profile is showing a wonderful array of slight orange zest, raisin and cinnamon flavors that are mixing together in a way that I had not considered or thought of in a blend before. My only complaint here is that there is a dark and smoky wood note that threatens to overwhelm the delicate flavors above, and at times does come on too strong to keep the deliciously subtle flavors at the forefront. At the back of the palate and through the nose there is a sweet earth flavor that combines with a black cherry or raspberry note that is exceptional. The draw is a little bit too tight in some of the sizes for me, but overall it performs well in all of the smokes I sampled. The burn is sharp and slow on all of the cigars and performed in excellent fashion.
The first half of each cigar develops well. The core profile fades into a more straight presentation of raisin and dark wood, but the flavor is robust and full while not being as complex as earlier. The back of the palate continues to show some nice earth flavors, but they become slightly loamy as the cigar moves on and lose sweetness. The dark fruit flavor from earlier has transitioned into a more spice oriented experience and I would call it almost herbal. The draw and burn continue to perform well at this point in every cigar.
The final half of the cigars continue to impress me. The core profile moves into a more complex array of pepper, cinnamon and raisin flavors that I find interesting right to the very end of each smoke. The back of the palate and the retro hale continue to show earthy notes, but there are some impressions of molasses and sweet grass here as well. This cigar really is a taste experience, one needs to be fully in tune with the palate when smoking these cigars. The draw and burn perform well all the way through in each smoke.
The finish was long and smooth (with the exception of the corona which has tannins and became hot) showing nice flavors of raisin and earth.
All in all this cigar is a must try for any boutique enthusiast, there is not a single reason not to smoke it, unless of course you are some sort of Dan Brown following conspiracy theorist, in which case I would recommend the tin foil smoking jacket... Website for the smoke is here http://www.thewidowssoncigar.com/
Appearance- 93 a fine looking smoke in all areas
Taste- 91 a very fine experience that could do with some refinement in some areas
Construction- 92 very well made
Strength- 91 a very nice medium/full smoke
Overall- 91.75 which puts it very high on my list of smokes for this year
This cigar came to my attention when I was contacted by a man associated in their manufacture, I didn't ask in what way, not did I research it. We began a dialog about how he could get his cigar to infiltrate the market in a more robust way, after some back and forth he asked me if I would smoke and review some of them. I was hesitant, but I got the distinct impression that he was looking for a good, solid, unbiased opinion of the cigar and that he would not take umbrage if I had to bag the cigar upon inspection and consumption. Finally, I like boutique blends and their story and this cigar was a boutique and had a great story (I will link the website later in this review so you can read the story), so I told him I was in. He didn't disappoint, I got a sampler of the cigars and I set about smoking them over the last month. Instead of reviewing each one individually I will review them as a whole as each size contained the same flavor structure (though in differing ratios) and performance consistency.
The cigars are all beautifully constructed. The fine craftsmanship is obvious as the wrapper is applied well and the bunch is perfect, there is nary an issue when inspecting these cigars and that speaks to a quality boutique experience. The wrapper has a wonderful reddish brown hue and reminds me of some Colorado presentations I have seen before, just a fabulous look for a cigar, it feels so rich and sumptuous when the wrapper is oily and red tinged. The band work is a fine piece of art and I have no complaints about the presentation of the cigar at all. The pre light aroma is spicy melange of clove and cinnamon. The pre light draw shows the slightest hint of raisins and dark fruit.
The cigar opens with a core profile that is so subtly done yet so complex that I am stunned in the early moments. The core profile is showing a wonderful array of slight orange zest, raisin and cinnamon flavors that are mixing together in a way that I had not considered or thought of in a blend before. My only complaint here is that there is a dark and smoky wood note that threatens to overwhelm the delicate flavors above, and at times does come on too strong to keep the deliciously subtle flavors at the forefront. At the back of the palate and through the nose there is a sweet earth flavor that combines with a black cherry or raspberry note that is exceptional. The draw is a little bit too tight in some of the sizes for me, but overall it performs well in all of the smokes I sampled. The burn is sharp and slow on all of the cigars and performed in excellent fashion.
The first half of each cigar develops well. The core profile fades into a more straight presentation of raisin and dark wood, but the flavor is robust and full while not being as complex as earlier. The back of the palate continues to show some nice earth flavors, but they become slightly loamy as the cigar moves on and lose sweetness. The dark fruit flavor from earlier has transitioned into a more spice oriented experience and I would call it almost herbal. The draw and burn continue to perform well at this point in every cigar.
The final half of the cigars continue to impress me. The core profile moves into a more complex array of pepper, cinnamon and raisin flavors that I find interesting right to the very end of each smoke. The back of the palate and the retro hale continue to show earthy notes, but there are some impressions of molasses and sweet grass here as well. This cigar really is a taste experience, one needs to be fully in tune with the palate when smoking these cigars. The draw and burn perform well all the way through in each smoke.
The finish was long and smooth (with the exception of the corona which has tannins and became hot) showing nice flavors of raisin and earth.
All in all this cigar is a must try for any boutique enthusiast, there is not a single reason not to smoke it, unless of course you are some sort of Dan Brown following conspiracy theorist, in which case I would recommend the tin foil smoking jacket... Website for the smoke is here http://www.thewidowssoncigar.com/
Appearance- 93 a fine looking smoke in all areas
Taste- 91 a very fine experience that could do with some refinement in some areas
Construction- 92 very well made
Strength- 91 a very nice medium/full smoke
Overall- 91.75 which puts it very high on my list of smokes for this year
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Camacho Mike Ditka Throwback Toro
When you think of Da Bears you naturally think of Da Coach. I have been a lifelong Bears fan and I cut my football teeth watching Ditka led Bears teams smack people in the mouth, as he used to say so often. I've met Da Coach many times and he is a gracious man so I can think of no person more deserving of a cigar tribute than he is. The man is a football legend. Game changing Tight End, helping make the position more vertical instead of just another Fullback split wide. Game changing coach, making defense the centerpiece of so many winning teams. The phrase defense wins championships was probably around before he was, but he really made it a reality when Da Bears won the Super Bowl in 86. He was almost a game changing politician as well, he was tapped to run for US Senate in 04 and he declined even though polls showed him winning in a landslide against his opponent. How is that game changing you might ask? His opponent would have been Barack Obama. I can say it would have been a much different world if that certain race had gone to Ditka... All of this is to say I was excited to smoke a cigar made in tribute to someone I grew up watching, love him or hate him he is a legend.
The cigar is very limited, only 5000 boxes of 10, or at least that is what the interwebs say. I am somewhat anxious about this because it is made by Camacho and I really dislike so many of their offerings, I assess and hope for the best. The cigar looks excellent, presented in it's own coffin and resplendent in a dark and chocolaty wrapper, while there are some prominent veins I don't find any other issues with the smoke as I give it the once over. The pre light aroma smacks of pepper and earth. The pre light draw has some signs of wood and spice, but there is a slight bitterness that is somewhat off putting.
The cigar opens with a profile that is all pepper, and pepper is the only dimension. This one dimensional approach immediately has me wary of what is to come. Cigars that show all strength up front seldom develop into anything other that what they show early and it leads to flat and mundane cigar experiences. The back of the palate is all pepper as well and I sigh and resign myself to what I feel will be a very pedestrian experience not befitting of Da Coach.and his many facets. The draw is fine, maybe a little tight for me, but I am not upset by it. The burn is also solid to this point.
The first half of the cigar retains its one dimensional aspect. The flavor is pepper and that is it, sadly there is some strange bitterness that comes in here and there as well, but I can't put my finger on what it might be. This one dimensional strength craze was supposed to be over, why do manufacturers keep doing this? It is beyond my comprehension. The back of the palate and through the nose is almost all pepper as well, there are some very subtle and fleeting hints of wood, but they are really nothing to mention. The draw is still a bit tight for me, but it is not causing any issues. The burn is still solid.
The final half of the cigar finally shows some development, but it is a regression and not a progression. The core profile is bitter and ranging into the foul spectrum. The main flavor is still pepper, but there are some sharp tobacco notes that show a bitter aftertaste. The back of the palate shows some earthy notes but they are more loamy than pleasant and I am almost completely turned off at this point. The draw and burn remain much the same throughout.
The finish was short and harsh with scorched wood and sharp pepper flavors that leave the palate tired and putrefied.
I am disappointed by this smoke and the fact that is has Da Coach's name attached to it. He deserves so much better...
Appearance- 92 really nice touch with the coffin and the cigar is wonderful to look at
Taste- 77 really very poor
Construction- 87 not bad, tight draw leads to some reduction
Strength- 82 all power and nothing else leads to one dimensional smokes
Overall- 83.75 very poor
The cigar is very limited, only 5000 boxes of 10, or at least that is what the interwebs say. I am somewhat anxious about this because it is made by Camacho and I really dislike so many of their offerings, I assess and hope for the best. The cigar looks excellent, presented in it's own coffin and resplendent in a dark and chocolaty wrapper, while there are some prominent veins I don't find any other issues with the smoke as I give it the once over. The pre light aroma smacks of pepper and earth. The pre light draw has some signs of wood and spice, but there is a slight bitterness that is somewhat off putting.
The cigar opens with a profile that is all pepper, and pepper is the only dimension. This one dimensional approach immediately has me wary of what is to come. Cigars that show all strength up front seldom develop into anything other that what they show early and it leads to flat and mundane cigar experiences. The back of the palate is all pepper as well and I sigh and resign myself to what I feel will be a very pedestrian experience not befitting of Da Coach.and his many facets. The draw is fine, maybe a little tight for me, but I am not upset by it. The burn is also solid to this point.
The first half of the cigar retains its one dimensional aspect. The flavor is pepper and that is it, sadly there is some strange bitterness that comes in here and there as well, but I can't put my finger on what it might be. This one dimensional strength craze was supposed to be over, why do manufacturers keep doing this? It is beyond my comprehension. The back of the palate and through the nose is almost all pepper as well, there are some very subtle and fleeting hints of wood, but they are really nothing to mention. The draw is still a bit tight for me, but it is not causing any issues. The burn is still solid.
The final half of the cigar finally shows some development, but it is a regression and not a progression. The core profile is bitter and ranging into the foul spectrum. The main flavor is still pepper, but there are some sharp tobacco notes that show a bitter aftertaste. The back of the palate shows some earthy notes but they are more loamy than pleasant and I am almost completely turned off at this point. The draw and burn remain much the same throughout.
The finish was short and harsh with scorched wood and sharp pepper flavors that leave the palate tired and putrefied.
I am disappointed by this smoke and the fact that is has Da Coach's name attached to it. He deserves so much better...
Appearance- 92 really nice touch with the coffin and the cigar is wonderful to look at
Taste- 77 really very poor
Construction- 87 not bad, tight draw leads to some reduction
Strength- 82 all power and nothing else leads to one dimensional smokes
Overall- 83.75 very poor
Friday, May 24, 2013
Viaje Zombie 2013 Edition
I once was searching the Internet for something and found a link to a PHD dissertation about what to do in the event of a Zombie Apocalypse. It was at that very moment that I realized I had probably reached the end of the Internet, I didn't read the thing when I had the chance and now I regret it. The Zombie Apocalypse is now upon us and I don't know what to do about it. There are legions of slow walking, bug eyed and drooling fools descending upon the four stores in the country that have these cigars. Indeed, I saw some of them in my favorite B and M in New Orleans, it was a scary sight to behold and forced me to ask the question, what is it about this release every year that turns people into mindless drones? I decided I would have to smoke one for myself and find out. Hopefully I won't end up wandering aimlessly through dark corners of the city looking for human flesh to feed on, or whatever Zombies do.
The cigar itself has a somewhat rough appearance, much as I think an actual Zombie would, the wrapper is dark and mottled and the cigar itself has some lumps and bumps. A quick inspection of the cigar leads me to believe that it is well made and I can't find any issues in the bunch. The pre light aroma has a very earthy tone to it. The pre light draw smacks of dark wood and earth.
The cigar opens with a profile that is a touch thin for me, but still shows some nice flavors. The core profile shows some hints of earth and wood, but it is not fully developing in a way that shows any real depth to the flavor. At the back of the palate there are some developing hints of pepper and some slight raisin notes, but again they are not developed enough to provide any depth. The draw is very fluid and delivers plenty of smoke with every puff, this is exactly how I like a cigar to perform. The burn is a touch off from the start, but I don't think I need to do any touch ups as it looks like these issues will even out on their own.
The first half of the cigar is really not much to write home about. The core profile continues to be too thin. The main flavors are earth and dark wood, but they carry no depth and my palate struggles to find depth or nuance in the profile. The back of the palate and through the nose show some development as pepper, raisin and anise mingle to provide something that is at least close to a flavor experience. I am disappointed at this point in the cigar, and I am starting wonder what all the hype is. The burn has evened out nicely and the draw is still performing very well.
The final half of the cigar really does nothing for me either, this experience is mundane at best. The core profile continues to wallow in mediocrity as thin flavors of earth and wood continue to plod along in a uninteresting Zombie shuffle like you would see in a movie. The back of the palate is still pleasing, but it is not enough to carry the cigar at this point. The profile here continues to show nice pepper and anise flavors, but they just don't elevate the experience enough. The burn continues to be solid after some early issues and the draw stays excellent throughout.
The finish was short and had some ashy qualities that were not pleasant.
As with many Viaje's I have smoked I just don't see what all the hype is about. The name though is appropriate as they seem to turn otherwise intelligent people into brainless dolts with a genius marketing campaign.
Appearance- 88 a very plain looking smoke
Taste- 86 too thin in too many places
Construction- 90 early burn issues complicate the smoke, but the draw was a dream
Strength- 87 a reedy and thin full
Overall- 87.75 an average cigar at best
The cigar itself has a somewhat rough appearance, much as I think an actual Zombie would, the wrapper is dark and mottled and the cigar itself has some lumps and bumps. A quick inspection of the cigar leads me to believe that it is well made and I can't find any issues in the bunch. The pre light aroma has a very earthy tone to it. The pre light draw smacks of dark wood and earth.
The cigar opens with a profile that is a touch thin for me, but still shows some nice flavors. The core profile shows some hints of earth and wood, but it is not fully developing in a way that shows any real depth to the flavor. At the back of the palate there are some developing hints of pepper and some slight raisin notes, but again they are not developed enough to provide any depth. The draw is very fluid and delivers plenty of smoke with every puff, this is exactly how I like a cigar to perform. The burn is a touch off from the start, but I don't think I need to do any touch ups as it looks like these issues will even out on their own.
The first half of the cigar is really not much to write home about. The core profile continues to be too thin. The main flavors are earth and dark wood, but they carry no depth and my palate struggles to find depth or nuance in the profile. The back of the palate and through the nose show some development as pepper, raisin and anise mingle to provide something that is at least close to a flavor experience. I am disappointed at this point in the cigar, and I am starting wonder what all the hype is. The burn has evened out nicely and the draw is still performing very well.
The final half of the cigar really does nothing for me either, this experience is mundane at best. The core profile continues to wallow in mediocrity as thin flavors of earth and wood continue to plod along in a uninteresting Zombie shuffle like you would see in a movie. The back of the palate is still pleasing, but it is not enough to carry the cigar at this point. The profile here continues to show nice pepper and anise flavors, but they just don't elevate the experience enough. The burn continues to be solid after some early issues and the draw stays excellent throughout.
The finish was short and had some ashy qualities that were not pleasant.
As with many Viaje's I have smoked I just don't see what all the hype is about. The name though is appropriate as they seem to turn otherwise intelligent people into brainless dolts with a genius marketing campaign.
Appearance- 88 a very plain looking smoke
Taste- 86 too thin in too many places
Construction- 90 early burn issues complicate the smoke, but the draw was a dream
Strength- 87 a reedy and thin full
Overall- 87.75 an average cigar at best
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Reinado Grand Empire Reserve Elegidos (5x55)
Sometimes cigars give me something to think about in addition to the relaxation already inherent in the process. This is one such smoke...
I have smoked this cigar several times now, something I don't usually do, and I am somewhat flummoxed by my findings. Usually I can make a determination within a cigar or two whether or not I hate something, or love it (anyone that reads this knows it is usually hate), but this cigar is a mystery wrapped in the shady cloak of enigma. I just can't figure the damn thing out! Finally I just had to sit down and put thoughts to blog and get it out there...
The cigar always presents well. The band has a regal design concept and appearance, there is something to be said about a band that is not cheap looking. The wrapper is luxurious in appearance, the hue of nice milk chocolate, the wrapper just seems to drape this cigar in a cloak of dark richness. I am somewhat off put by the box press, but hey that's just me, some people like it. I just have never been able to figure out what the point of it is. There are very few veins here and the construction in every one of the cigars seems to be right on, without any voids or plugs. The pre light aroma is earthy and has some tobacco richness to it. The pre light draw shows some slight pepper tones and some strange spice that borders on being sour.
Every cigar I have smoked opens with the same profile. The core profile has distinct pepper notes, but they are shallow and not very well formed at this point, there is also an odd spice here, similar to the pre light experience but with some sour notes and a metallic aftertaste that is not very pleasing at all. The back of the palate and through the nose shows a nice earthy tone that at least lends some depth to the experience in the early going. The draw on all of the cigars I smoked was acceptable, but not exceptional. It was actually a little bit too loose for on the first several so I adjusted my cut depth and it was still loose, perhaps a punch would be better in hindsight. The burn was also acceptable on all of the smokes to this point.
It is in the first half that I have some variance in the experiences. In two of the five cigars sampled, including the first which I avoided reviewing because I sensed some redeeming value in the smoke, this opening half was a good awful, bile churning festival of bad flavors. Bitter notes and musty flavors overtook these two cigars early on and ruined them throughout the experience. In the other three though something different emerged. The core profile was a much more delightful mix of dark fruit, chocolate and tobacco flavors. The back of the palate showed nice earth and dark wood flavors as well. In all experiences the draw was still too loose at this point for me, however the burn was still doing nicely.
The final half of the cigar in the two outliers is not worth talking about, it was all just so bad. However, in the three that I enjoyed the core profile became a more complex array of solid flavors as the cigar progressed. There were some wonderful chocolate flavors and very nice crisp tobacco, there was also some nice pepper flavor that came through as well. All in all the cigar became a complex and balanced presentation. The draw was still too loose on all of the cigars that I smoked. The burn was ok throughout.
The finish in the three that were enjoyable was long and had some hints of pepper and earth.
I don't usually give cigars second chances when I smoke a bad one right off the bat, particularly one that was as bad as this, but I sensed there might be something worthwhile and I was not disappointed.
Appearance- 92 a nice looking smoke
Taste- 87 for the ones I enjoyed, the other ones were 70
Construction- 86 the draw was too loose for me
Strength- 87 a nice medium to full smoke
Overall- 87.5 which is not bad considering I absolutely hated two of the five
I have smoked this cigar several times now, something I don't usually do, and I am somewhat flummoxed by my findings. Usually I can make a determination within a cigar or two whether or not I hate something, or love it (anyone that reads this knows it is usually hate), but this cigar is a mystery wrapped in the shady cloak of enigma. I just can't figure the damn thing out! Finally I just had to sit down and put thoughts to blog and get it out there...
The cigar always presents well. The band has a regal design concept and appearance, there is something to be said about a band that is not cheap looking. The wrapper is luxurious in appearance, the hue of nice milk chocolate, the wrapper just seems to drape this cigar in a cloak of dark richness. I am somewhat off put by the box press, but hey that's just me, some people like it. I just have never been able to figure out what the point of it is. There are very few veins here and the construction in every one of the cigars seems to be right on, without any voids or plugs. The pre light aroma is earthy and has some tobacco richness to it. The pre light draw shows some slight pepper tones and some strange spice that borders on being sour.
Every cigar I have smoked opens with the same profile. The core profile has distinct pepper notes, but they are shallow and not very well formed at this point, there is also an odd spice here, similar to the pre light experience but with some sour notes and a metallic aftertaste that is not very pleasing at all. The back of the palate and through the nose shows a nice earthy tone that at least lends some depth to the experience in the early going. The draw on all of the cigars I smoked was acceptable, but not exceptional. It was actually a little bit too loose for on the first several so I adjusted my cut depth and it was still loose, perhaps a punch would be better in hindsight. The burn was also acceptable on all of the smokes to this point.
It is in the first half that I have some variance in the experiences. In two of the five cigars sampled, including the first which I avoided reviewing because I sensed some redeeming value in the smoke, this opening half was a good awful, bile churning festival of bad flavors. Bitter notes and musty flavors overtook these two cigars early on and ruined them throughout the experience. In the other three though something different emerged. The core profile was a much more delightful mix of dark fruit, chocolate and tobacco flavors. The back of the palate showed nice earth and dark wood flavors as well. In all experiences the draw was still too loose at this point for me, however the burn was still doing nicely.
The final half of the cigar in the two outliers is not worth talking about, it was all just so bad. However, in the three that I enjoyed the core profile became a more complex array of solid flavors as the cigar progressed. There were some wonderful chocolate flavors and very nice crisp tobacco, there was also some nice pepper flavor that came through as well. All in all the cigar became a complex and balanced presentation. The draw was still too loose on all of the cigars that I smoked. The burn was ok throughout.
The finish in the three that were enjoyable was long and had some hints of pepper and earth.
I don't usually give cigars second chances when I smoke a bad one right off the bat, particularly one that was as bad as this, but I sensed there might be something worthwhile and I was not disappointed.
Appearance- 92 a nice looking smoke
Taste- 87 for the ones I enjoyed, the other ones were 70
Construction- 86 the draw was too loose for me
Strength- 87 a nice medium to full smoke
Overall- 87.5 which is not bad considering I absolutely hated two of the five
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