tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31245497053740991042024-02-08T12:41:57.787-08:00Smoke Into OblivionBurtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13892695776822953033noreply@blogger.comBlogger65125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3124549705374099104.post-34998024658896015462012-01-12T18:17:00.001-08:002012-01-12T18:17:36.935-08:00Fuente Fuente Forbidden X Heart of the Bull 1957<div align="center"><b>FUENTE FUENTE FORBIDDEN X HEART OF THE BULL 1957</b><br />5 1/4 x50<br /><br /><br /><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/heartbull1.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></div><br /><br /><br />2012 marks a big year for the Arturo Fuente cigar making family. They have been in business for 100 years now, and certainly few can make that claim, even fewer are more worthy of 100 years of success than the Fuentes. In their hundred years they have suffered as much great tragedy as they have enjoyed great success, from hurricanes to large scale fires, and humble beginnings to top rated blends. In addition to their success as a business, and a cigar maker, the Fuentes play a key role (ie. half partners) in the Cigar Family Charitable Foundation, a joint effort with the J.C. Newman family brand, that has done wonders in Fuente's base country of the Dominican Republic to help children in need, from schooling, to clothing and feeding them. A few weeks ago, word starting appearing around the web of 13 count boxes of Forbidden X cigars in new sizes, with names worthy of chapters from the Egyptian Book of the Dead (ie. LONG) showing up at some of the top Fuente accounts. The cigars are packed in large, varnished boxes, and in addition to the standard Forbidden X band, they have a second, smaller band depicting the same clock shown on the Don Arturo bands (Roman numerals around the edges, arabic numeral 1 and 3 as the "hands" of the clock).<br /><br />The Heart of the Bull 1957 is a roughly Robusto sized cigar, with a slight box press to it, and a dark, chocolate brown wrapper (not a maduro presumably, but easily categorized as Colorado Maduro or darker). The construction is flawless, showing tight seams, and a clean looking triple cap. The foot bares a couple of fat looking veins, but none that look as though they may be problems. The cold aroma is very pungent, offering a well defined raisin and cinnamon combination, with a little bit of fresh baked, yeasty bread, and, to a lesser extent, some leather. The cold draw shows just a touch of resistance, and tastes of the same pungent cinnamon and raisin, as well as a surprising blast of spicy pepper.<br /><br />Lit at 4:30pm.<br /><div align="center"><br /><br /><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/heartbull2.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></div><br /><br />Right away, the flavor profile is surprising, combining a dusty cocoa powder, oily leather, and an interesting raisin note, the spice I expected is not really prominent at this point, and the body isn't quite as big as I figured it would be either. There also isn't any sweetness really at all. It is a very dry profile in that regard. These may well still be a touch wet, as lighting took a little more effort than cigars stored in my preferred humidor conditions take. Smoke production is awesome, putting off billowing clouds of white smoke. The flavor profile rounds out a bit after about 1/4 inch, with things getting heavier and oilier on the palate. The burn line is a little funky too, but again, these may well be a bit wet still. Additionally, by about a half inch in, the expected spiciness has arrived in spades. Not overwhelming, but leaves a pleasant heat lingering in the rear on each draw, that works wonders to balance out the other nuances present. One thing that is really impressive is how slowly the Heart of the Bull is burning. At 30 minutes, I have probably only burned 3/4 of an inch, almost an inch at most.<br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/heartbull3.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></div><br /><br /><br />The ash holds through the entire first third, and actually almost to the smaller secondary band before falling, which is impressive. Getting into the second third, the flavor profile has taken on a bit of bitterness as an undertone, which again points to wetness to me. Hopefully this will either go full on as a coffee flavor with some down time, or fade out. Regardless, as it stands, the flavors continue to be combination a baker's cocoa, leather, raisins, and even a dark wood, like oak, now. The burn line that was off initially has sorted itself out well, and now is perfect.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/heartbull4.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></div><br /><br /><br />Throughout the final third not much changes. The cinnamon that was so powerful in the cold draw and aroma builds to play a significant role in the finish, and the wet bitterness becomes more noticeable, but otherwise, things stay pretty much the same as the second third. Ended at 6:25, with about an inch left. This was a very enjoyable stick, with a fair amount of complexity, that I think will only improve as rough edges are ironed out over time, and flavors that are muddled a bit now become more defined with time. I think it is safe to say that the 2012 Forbidden X cigars will be sought after for a good while to come, and that if they are all smoking this well right now, they will be classics some day...Burtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13892695776822953033noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3124549705374099104.post-32717326822646397042011-12-18T20:14:00.000-08:002011-12-18T20:28:13.369-08:00Rafael Gonzalez Corona ExtraRAFAEL GONZALEZ CORONA EXTRA<br />5 5/8 x 46<br />JUN 08<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor: -moz-zoom-out" alt="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/rgce1.jpg?t=1324268527" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/rgce1.jpg?t=1324268527" /><br /></div><br /><br /> Rafael Gonzalez is a marca I literally have NO experience with. I know very little about the brand, and before receiving this particular stick as a gift recently, I had never even seen in real life. That, for me, is enough to have sparked interest and excitement, but more than that, Rafael Gonzalez is an old brand, and sadly is one that has gotten no love of late from Habanos (the Corona Extra was actually cancelled in 2010, leaving only a handful of sizes remaining in the line, much like other classic brands that are categorized as "Local Brands" in the Habanos portfolio). The Corona Extra is a classic corona gorda in size, and was first introduced before the Revolution. The marca itself has been around since the late 1920's, though according to Trevor's "Cuban Cigar Website" (http://www.cubancigarwebsite.com) production actually stopped on the RG brand from the early 60's until 1965 when it was reinstated. I hate to turn these opening paragraphs into rants as often as I do, but Habanos treating classic brands, that have a century, or more in some cases, of history the way they do, cutting sizes, whittling brands down to nothing, is just shameful. The Cuban cigar industry is one of phenomenal HISTORY, though it seems lately, all Habanos S.A. cares to do it hop trends, slashing classic lines to bits in order to add a hot new 3x60 piece of maduro trash to one of the major share brands (read: Cohiba or Montecristo), that may appeal to the casual smoker, or the uninitiated, but is downright offensive to those who have a vested interest in "old school" "old world" classic Cuban cigars, which certainly does not have room for the junk trends that the American market is eating up right now.<br /><br /> Anyway, the Rafael Gonzalez Corona Extra I have here in my hand features a very reddish brown, almost clay colored wrapper, well oiled, with only very fine veins visible. The stick has taken on a slight box press from its presentation and packing in the unique looking Rafael Gonzalez dress box. The band is one of my favorites, a simple light brown strip with no decoration, only straight forward white text that tells everything you need to know... the name of the marca "MARQUEZ FLOR DE RAFAEL GONZALEZ" and the origin "HABANA". These simple brown bands (with similar designs found on several other classic cigar brands) have long been favorites of mine, in their understated simplicity, and rustic old world design. This cigar to me is about the tobacco, not the fancy-pants frills and dressings. The seams are tight, and the triple cap is flawless in its application. The bunching feels even and just slightly firm, though the cigar itself does not feel particularly heavy in the hand. The cold aroma from the foot is a toasted bread, slightly sweet, and a very subtle herbal note. The cold draw is a touch tight, but offers a very sweet vegetal tobacco note. The sweetness is like molasses. Hopefully the draw will open up a bit once lit.<br /><br /> Lit at 2:30pm<br /><br /> Right out of the gate, the Rafael Gonzalez offers a bit of burnt toast, black coffee, and sweet cream. There is no spice whatsoever, and the body is a delicate mild to low medium. Smoke production is awesome, and the draw, despite feeling a bit snug, is actually plenty productive, and works out fine. Maybe 3/4 of an inch in, a little tang (that Cuban "twang" I guess) works its way into the mix which balances the sweetness already present. The burn line isn't perfect, but it actually is performing better, from a technical standpoint, than the Behike I smoked a few days ago.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor: -moz-zoom-in" alt="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/rgce2.jpg?t=1324268543" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/rgce2.jpg?t=1324268543" height="633" width="378" /><br /></div><br /><br /> Over the course of about the last half inch, a milk chocolate sweetness (not bitter sweet, but milky sweet) has arrived, and now plays a major role alongside creamed coffee, burnt toast, and a slight herbal flavor. I'm not sure if this flavor combination is my favorite necessarily, but it has been nothing short of very interesting so far. Performance through to at least the halfway mark remains great, not a razor sharp burn, but good enough. The smoke production, and draw is now pretty much flawless, despite having been a bit tight at the start.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor: -moz-zoom-in" alt="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/rgce3.jpg?t=1324268548" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/rgce3.jpg?t=1324268548" height="633" width="378" /><br /></div><br /><br /> Getting into the final third, unfortunately there isn't much to say that hasn't already been said. Nothing has really changed after the addition of the milk chocolate flavor early in the second third. The herbal quality as well as the 'Cuban twang' have both intensified a bit, and the sweetness of the chocolate and cream have fallen off. The toasted bread flavor has pretty much remained consistent the entire way through. This may not have been the most complex, or in your face cigar in the HSA portfolio, but what it lacks there, it more than makes up for in interesting, unique character, and old school, rustic charm. This is a cigar that I would love to have in my regular rotation to mix it up from time to time, and I would love to see how it pairs with a few different spirits (especially heavily peated Islay Whisky, or a very floral Irish whiskey).<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor: -moz-zoom-out" alt="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/rgce4.jpg?t=1324268604" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/rgce4.jpg?t=1324268604" /><br /></div><br /><br /> Let this one go out at 3:55pm, so it lasted for an hour and a half, which is about what I expect from a Corona Gorda that burns at the right pace. I really found this enjoyable. Thanks for readin'.Burtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13892695776822953033noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3124549705374099104.post-19597597279087892242011-12-03T22:04:00.000-08:002011-12-03T22:11:51.387-08:00Cohiba Behike BHK52COHIBA BEHIKE BHK 52<br />4.7 x 52<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor: -moz-zoom-in" alt="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/bhk521.jpg?t=1322978931" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/bhk521.jpg?t=1322978931" height="633" width="378" /><br /></div><br /><br /> The Cohiba Behike... Ahh... the name rings true with prestige, scarcity, quality. Originally the Behike name was used for the Cohiba 40th anniversary cigar, a 7.6x52 mammoth, rolled entirely by one roller, packaged in gorgeous custom humidors of 40 cigars, with only 100 humidors total being made. These cigars fetch well over $1,000 US EACH today. Starting in 2010 however, Habanos released an entirely new line of regular (albeit annually limited) production cigars under the Cohiba marca, the Behike BHK series. Available in three sizes, the BHK line makes use of the Medio Tiempo leaf, a small pair of leaves that sometimes (and not always) appear at the very top of a tobacco plant, apparently imbuing the BHK with a unique flavor element. The Medio Tiempo is a component that had fallen out of use in Cuban cigar production, often sorted in with the rest of the ligero, or discarded entirely, because it is small, and only occasionally appears on a plant. The folks responsible for the BHK came upon the medio tiempo in old blend books, and decided to reinstate it, and thus the Behike BHK was born. The BHK 52, the smallest size, was named Cigar Aficionado's cigar of the year for 2010, and has received great praise (or hype?) since coming to market in early 2010. Having just celebrated a birthday, I figured it was as good an excuse as any to light one, and give it a really close, in depth look.<br /><br /> This particular example of the BHK 52 features a caramel brown wrapper, with a dusting of tooth, and almost no visible veins. The flag tailed cap is beautifully, evenly applied, and the general construction, as Cohiba should be, is pretty much flawless to look at. In the hand it is fully packed, but light, firm to squeeze, but not hard. The aroma from the foot is a gentle toasty tobacco, with just a slight hay and dirt to it. The draw offers just a slight snug resistance, and tastes of hay, cream, almonds, and a very slight honey. A quick bit about the band, which is absolutely gorgeous, in its intense contrasting black and white, with beautiful gold accents and lettering, as well as the holograms which not only serve as aesthetic embellishment, but also as a counterfeiting deterrent.<br /><br /> Lit at 2:40pm<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor: -moz-zoom-in" alt="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/bhk522.jpg?t=1322978935" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/bhk522.jpg?t=1322978935" height="633" width="378" /><br /></div><br /><br /> Right away the flavors explode on the palate, though it is not an overly strong cigar, or full in body, the tastebuds are greeted with a dark caramel and sweet hay, followed by leather, and finally a little cinnamon spice, that lingers through a long, cedar and almond finish. This particular stick may be just a TOUCH under humidified, as the wrapper seems a little delicate. The burn ran a touch for the first few draws but within about 10 minutes everything has sorted itself out to an even line. The draw is great, and smoke production is... voluminous. The finish seems to have actually gotten spicier, more heat involved, just over the course of the first third. The ash is dark, mostly black, and dense. It has held already for over an inch, and not yet fallen.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor: -moz-zoom-in" alt="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/bhk523.jpg?t=1322978940" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/bhk523.jpg?t=1322978940" height="633" width="378" /><br /></div><br /><br /> Getting near the halfway mark the mouthfeel has gotten thicker, like a fresh, whipped cream. The flavor profile has also taken on a woodier, nuttier character than was present at the beginning. There is still a sweet cream and honey on the draw, but they quickly move into a slightly tangy cedar, and roasted almond, with a cinnamon and pepper on the finish that is maybe just a little rougher around the edges than I expected. That said, these are still not very old cigars (September 2010), and Cohiba as a rule seems to benefit from at least two or three years, so I would say this is actually performing wonderfully.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor: -moz-zoom-in" alt="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/bhk524.jpg?t=1322978946" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/bhk524.jpg?t=1322978946" height="633" width="378" /><br /></div><br /> Moving to the final third, things sort of ramp up a bit. The flavor profile gets darker, with caramel getting a touch burnt, the cream and honey fading, a bit of leather becoming more apparent, and the almonds getting roasted a little darker. A little dark chocolate also joins the mix for good measure seemingly, which is a nice addition, and adds some certain complexity to things. The draw remains open but firm, and smoke production continues to be outstanding. The burn line throughout the cigar has wavered at times, getting crazy for a few draws before eventually evening back out. The ash continues to hold for pretty much an entire third of the cigar at a time. The finish has gotten significantly spicier, a little bit of hot pepper, balanced by cinnamon and/or nutmeg at times, really bringing everything together.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor: -moz-zoom-in" alt="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/bhk525.jpg?t=1322978953" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/bhk525.jpg?t=1322978953" height="633" width="378" /><br /></div><br /><br /> In the end the only thing I can think is that I wish I had more of these on hand, to really be able to see where they go in a year, or three, or five. The BHK 52 is smoking beautifully right now, with a touch of youth popping up here and there, but ultimately, it already has achieved a phenomenal balance of flavor, body, and feel, and in my opinion has the potential to only get better from here. I only pray that they continue to maintain this level of quality in the future. Ended at 4pm on the dot, for a total smoke time of one hour twenty minutes. I wish that maybe it had burned slower, but it is also a little cold out today, so my finger tips are glad it is a shorter vitola.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor: -moz-zoom-in" alt="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/bhk526.jpg?t=1322978973" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/bhk526.jpg?t=1322978973" height="633" width="378" /><br /></div>Burtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13892695776822953033noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3124549705374099104.post-88892563469702940702011-11-15T07:29:00.000-08:002011-11-15T07:34:37.691-08:00A. Fuente Don Carlos LanceroA. Fuente Don Carlos Lancero<br />7 1/2x41 "Phantom"<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor: -moz-zoom-in" alt="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/dclance1.jpg?t=1321371197" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/dclance1.jpg?t=1321371197" height="633" width="378" /><br /></div><br /><br /> There isn't a whole lot of information out there about the Don Carlos Lancero (or "Phantom" as the Fuentes call their lanceros). The fact of the matter is, the Don Carlos Lance is one of those cigars that the Fuentes seem to produce intermittently, to hand out at events, as part of special humidor releases, and occasionally to sell at Casa Fuente in Las Vegas. Regardless, the consensus seems to be that these are just the regular Don Carlos blend, adapted to the lancero vitola. Carlito has said that the lancero is the "best cigar [he] makes", meaning the vitola in general across the several lines it is available in. As for the blend, again not a whole lot of information, other than Dominican tobacco, with a Cameroon wrapper. Cameroon tends to be a kind of ugly wrapper, but the Don Carlos line seems to get some of the better Cameroon the Fuentes source, so that probably won't be an issue here. Other than that, they tend to be secretive about actual blend information.<br /><br /> The Don Carlos Lancero comes wrapped in a cedar sleeve with a black band on the foot, a combination usually denoting a sungrown wrapper, which is not the case here. Removing the cedar sleeve reveals a really consistently colored, milk chocolate brown wrapper, with tight seams, and very small veins. The head features a flag tailed triple cap, which does not appear to have any of the excess glue that sometimes comes with Fuente cigars. The band is the new black bottomed design, used on current production Hemingways, Don Carlos, and Sungrown cigars. The cigar is fairly firm to the touch, pretty tightly packed. The aroma off the body of the cigar is a really distinct nutmeg and sweet cedar (cedar from the piece of wood it was wrapped in, no doubt). The foot offers a creamy coffee and nutmeg combination. Clipping the cap opens a snug draw that offers sweet cinnamon and raisin flavors, along with a little milky coffee.<br /><br /> Lit at 4:21pm<br /><br /> Right away the DC Lancero bombards the palate with a combination of toasted almonds and dessert spices (cinnamon and nutmeg especially, specifically). The draw that felt firm is indeed firm, but is producing massive amounts of smoke. The small ring gauge only takes a brief second to toast up evenly, and that prevents any scorching from taking place, leaving the flavor at the start untainted. The finish brings a tangy, sour cedar, but no heat. The ash holds firm for over an inch, a miracle at 40 ring gauge, and is tight, flakeless.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor: -moz-zoom-in" alt="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/dclance2.jpg?t=1321371201" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/dclance2.jpg?t=1321371201" height="633" width="378" /><br /></div><br /><br /> As the DC Lancero burns down further, the draw opens up a bit, and the flavors get a little darker with a dark coffee joining the roasted nuts and spices. The technical performance here is outstanding. Between the length which the ash hold firm, the razor sharp burn line, and the amount of smoke being produced... just flawless. The complex combination of flavors helps too... The ash holds for well over an inch the second time it falls as well. It is a shame these are hard to find, and pricey when you do.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor: -moz-zoom-in" alt="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/dclance3.jpg?t=1321371206" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/dclance3.jpg?t=1321371206" height="633" width="378" /><br /></div><br /><br /> Anyone who knows me knows I am a lover of Arturo Fuente cigars, and one thing they do well is use Cameroon wrappers. Well, in the lancero vitola, the Don Carlos blend, which uses the Cameroon wrapper famously well, really shines, and I think that the ratio of filler and binder being so large to the filler is what causes this. The flavors present are nothing unusual for Fuente cigars, but in this size they are really concentrated, and powerful. Anyone who says they cannot pick out specific flavors, I challenge you to (well first find one and then) smoke one of these, and tell me you don't taste, specifically, cinnamon, and nutmeg, and roasted nuts here. I tend to speak highly of balance in cigars, and this too is an exemplary example of that very trait. No one flavor of characteristic is overwhelming here. Nothing is subtle about it, that is for sure (except maybe the strength, which is nearly non-existent, body is medium at most, and there is no nicotine present), but all of the bold, complex flavors here work in harmony with one another.<br /><br /> Getting close to the final third a little heat becomes apparent through the nose, and an oily leather joins the array of flavors on the draw. The coffee flavor that developed during the second third becomes more predominant, and the sweet spices and cedar fall off a bit. The roasted nut flavor continues to play a major role though, something that I attribute to that gorgeous Cameroon wrapper.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor: -moz-zoom-in" alt="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/dclance4.jpg?t=1321371210" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/dclance4.jpg?t=1321371210" height="633" width="378" /><br /></div><br /><br /> With about 3/4 of an inch left, it is time to let this one go out, though I regret doing so. The Don Carlos lancero really shines. One of those cigars where everything comes together to turn a melody into a symphony of flavor and just downright pleasant smoking. Ended at 6:18pm, so almost two hours. If you find yourself in Las Vegas at Casa Fuente, or at one of the few big events the Fuentes host every year, and these are present, do yourself a big favor and get one, or a few, or if you can swing a box (which seem to be boxes of 37, a strange number), don't hesitate. Just make sure that when you light one, you have time, and the right setting, to really enjoy it, and pay attention to all of the little nuances and treasures it has to offer.Burtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13892695776822953033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3124549705374099104.post-44237754065036792542011-11-14T12:18:00.000-08:002011-11-14T12:27:00.937-08:00Padron 45th NaturalPADRON FAMILY RESERVE 45 YEARS NATURAL<br />6x52<br />"The Little Hammer"<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor: -moz-zoom-out" alt="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/padron451.jpg?t=1321301944" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/padron451.jpg?t=1321301944" /><br /></div><br /><br /> The Padron Family Reserve series was originally conceived of and produced as a cigar to be smoked at Padron hosted dinners, and special events that members of the Padron family attended. This is actually how the Padron Family Reserve 44th came to be, and was originally distributed. Eventually, I think the family realized how special the cigar was that they had created, and decided that they had to share it with the public, so the 44th was born, and sold in Humidors containing the cigar, and eventually also in boxes. Annually since then, the Padrons have released another size in this line commemorating another year in the industry. These cigars have gotten some serious praise, being named in the Top 5 cigars of the year by the Lifestyle magazine, and being among the top cigars of the year on a lot of the big blogs. Today we are looking at the 45th, released in late 2009, in a box pressed (as all Padron cigars are) toro, in two different wrappers (again as the Padrons do), a Natural and a Maduro. The tobaccos used in this Nicaraguan puro are said to have been aged 10 years before being rolled, which is a pretty impressive length of time.<br /><br />The 45th Natural features a caramel brown colored wrapper, with a very small, fine vein structure, and a few wrinkles here and there (as is typical of the Padron box press for whatever reason). The seams are tight, nearly invisible, and the pack is dense and firm. Frankly the only complaint I have about the appearance or construction of this cigar is the same complaint I have about all Padrons... the single cap. Why on earth they would make such a flawless looking (and expensive cigar) without giving it at least a double cap (though I would prefer even more, a triple cap please), is beyond me. But they do it that way, and it works I guess. The aroma from the body of the cigar is a tangy cedar and earthiness, while the foot offers the addition of a sweet creamy coffee with that tangy cedar. The cold draw offers a concentrated blast of Nicaraguan tobacco... dark, bitter coffee and cocoa, and dirty earthiness, and on top of that a musty, musky, old leather (that truly aged tobacco flavor). The draw is not as free as many Padrons, but this thing is jam packed with tobacco... and it isn't problematically tight at all. As expected the cutting of the cap was precarious, given its singularity, but the resulting mess should hold.<br /><br />Lit at 1:22pm.<br /><br />The cigar opens with a big blast of pepper heat across the tongue, accompanying a core of chewy, oily leather, and a touch of cedar. I mean a serious layer of spiciness. It just coats the tongue, and lays there. After about 1/4 inch this heat dials back a few notches, and becomes a long, low finish. I can't help but make note of the fact that the ambient smoke in the air smells strongly of raisins. I know that sounds like BS, but I assure it is not. The flavor profile at this point, now that it has calmed down from the light, consists of a stiff black coffee, that mingles in and out with some bitter dark chocolate, followed by a really oily, musty leather, and finally a finish that combines that low and slow pepper heat, with a sweet wooden (cedar I think) note. Really great complexity, and definition of flavor.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor: -moz-zoom-out" alt="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/padron452.jpg?t=1321301956" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/padron452.jpg?t=1321301956" /><br /></div><br />The burn line, as is my luck with box pressed cigars, is a little uneven, favoring one side more than the other. A quick touch up fixes this, but also causes the ash to fall for the first time (no problem, held solid for over an inch). Getting a little further in, into the second third, the retrohale takes on a sweet, milk chocolate aroma/flavor, and the flavors across the palate become noticeably sweeter. At a recent seminar I attended that included tasting this cigar, the speaker noted that he felt the natural wrapped version was actually sweeter than the maduro. I'm not sure I agree with this, but there is definitely more sweetness than I expected from a version of this cigar that lacks the natural sugar the maduro process produces.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor: -moz-zoom-out" alt="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/padron453.jpg?t=1321301964" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/padron453.jpg?t=1321301964" /><br /></div><br /><br />By the halfway mark, the burn line is completely sorted out, razor sharp. The ash holds solid for a little over an inch at a time. The flavor continues to just be a really well defined series of bold coffee, chocolate, and pepper/wood finish. To mix things up, right around the time it burned to the first band, I poured a small dram of Highland Park 12 year old Scotch, to see how the two work together, and was pleasantly surprised. Well, not surprised so much, as I had a sneaking suspicion the two would be great together, but pleased for sure. The Scotch has a bit more body than many Highlanders, and certainly more than the Speysiders I drink so much of, with a bit more peat and smoke, and earthy character to it, that really hold up well to, and compliments the earthy character in the Padron. Unfortunately there seems to be a bit much glue applied to this smaller, first band, and removing it takes a little wrapper with it. I am kind of surprised how thin the wrapper seems to be, something I hadn't noticed until now, almost like Shade grown tobacco, rather than the hearty sungrown stuff it seemed to be. Not a problem though, and no smoke is leaking or anything as a result of the small tear.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor: -moz-zoom-out" alt="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/padron454.jpg?t=1321301968" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/padron454.jpg?t=1321301968" /><br /></div><br /><br />Getting down towards the nub, the strength and body starts to kick up, and I am starting to feel it in my gut, despite having eaten a decent lunch before lighting up. There are no two ways about it, this ten year old tobacco still has balls, or rather has me by the balls. The flavor has started to fall off a little bit with about an inch and a half left, turning towards a sort of muted leather, and not much else. Symptoms of it being time to let this one go gracefully in the ashtray. Ended at 3:18pm, so just shy of two hours of smoking enjoyment from this one. I think balance is the key here. There weren't a ton of different flavors present, but the handful that were presented themselves in such a way that they were bold, defined, and balanced. They played together well, and in the end made this a fantastic cigar.Burtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13892695776822953033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3124549705374099104.post-5872157079070288322011-11-12T19:54:00.000-08:002011-11-12T19:59:23.140-08:00Rocky Patel FiftyROCKY PATEL FIFTY<br />6 1/2 x 52 Toro<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor: -moz-zoom-in" alt="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/rp501.jpg?t=1321156233" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/rp501.jpg?t=1321156233" height="633" width="378" /><br /></div><br /><br /> Anyone who knows me knows that I talk a lot of trash. I probably also talk a lot of trash about Rocky Patel. What I cannot, no matter what, deny is his success. The guy is a beast in the industry. He makes a million cigars, sells a million cigars, and makes millions in revenue. No matter what I think or say, people dig Rocky Patel. I recently had the pleasure of attending the CA Big Smoke in Las Vegas, and a lunch hosted by Rocky Patel and family was a part of that trip. As a part of that lunch, we were given a gorgeous box containing four cigars from the Rocky Patel co. world, including this newest cigar, the FIFTY, which is being produced to commemorate Mr. Patel's fiftieth birthday (where the 15th and Decade were made to commemorate years in the industry... no, Rocky has not been in the cigar biz since he was a neonate). According to the info received there, the cigar is made up of Nicaraguan filler, Nicaraguan binder, contained within an Ecuador Habano Oscuro wrapper, all made at Rocky's newest facility, in Nicaragua.<br /><br /> It really is a great looking cigar. The wrapper has a great oil sheen, a dark reddish chocolate brown color, and almost no visible veins. The cigar has a fairly extreme box press to it ("Nimish sat on the mold"). The bands are complex pieces of orange, gold, and silver artwork. It is a fairly firm cigar when squeezed, with no soft spots whatsoever, though just a tiny bit of give to it here and there. The cold aroma from the body of the cigar is just a touch of coffee and wood, while to foot has a touch of burned cedar (that specifically pungent tang), along with some black coffee. The cold draw... WOW. I would almost swear this cigar was in some way infused. It has such a strong milk chocolate flavor to it. It might have just a touch of ammonia to it as well unfortunately. There is something chemical underneath. Hopefully that is just a hint that will fade once lit. The draw itself is a touch firmer than I usually think of Rocky Patel cigars as being. He claims that literally every single cigar they make is draw tested, where most factories only draw test cigars randomly... Who knows, but if true, that is an impressive claim.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor: -moz-zoom-in" alt="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/rp502.jpg?t=1321156240" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/rp502.jpg?t=1321156240" height="633" width="378" /><br /></div><br /> Lit at 4:28pm.<br /><br /> The Rocky Patel Fifty lights up easily, and produces a ton of smoke right off the bat, though the burn line almost instantly goes wonky on the underside of the cigar. I kind of attribute this to the box press, which in my experience tends to cause funny burn lines more often than not. Nothing that has any negative effect on smoking experience though. The flavor profile is right away a medium to full bodied, rich, and dark animal. There is a milk chocolate sweetness with a mildly floral perfume to it that dominates, with some wet burnt wood not far behind, and a pretty heavily peppered finish that lingers for a few minutes across the palate.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor: -moz-zoom-in" alt="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/rp503.jpg?t=1321156246" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/rp503.jpg?t=1321156246" height="633" width="378" /><br /></div><br /><br /> Interestingly, by about the one inch mark, all of the spice has faded away, and what is left is a sort of syrupy thick, bittersweet, wet, dark wood flavor. The burn line moves very slowly though, which is a plus for anyone who pays MSRP for these cigars ($21.00 for the Toro...). I'm kind of disappointed that things fell off so quickly from a start that was so intense and bold. Hopefully it comes back.<br /><br /> The ash is a little flakey, and falls for the first time at around an inch and a bit. The flavor profile by the two inch range has turned to what I associate with cigars that are just downright too wet from rolling. It is a bitterness that I associate with my job (in a pharmaceutical compounding lab, where I often get tiny particles of substances like quinine in my mouth, which for those who are unaware, is palate-ruiningly bitter) actually. It is not that great bitterness you get from coffee, it is not a coffee flavor... it is a wet, green flavor, and it has taken over this cigar that started with such great promise. It is a damned shame, but for science, I smoke on!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor: -moz-zoom-in" alt="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/rp504.jpg?t=1321156254" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/rp504.jpg?t=1321156254" height="633" width="378" /><br /></div><br /><br /> I am happy to report that the intensity of the bitterness fades past the halfway mark, and things take a turn towards dark coffee and that same old burnt, wet wood. So the transitional complexity comes just from the arrival and departure of a horrible bitterness, but at least it includes a departure. At this point, flavors are just what I think of a solid, core Nicaraguan tobacco flavors. Earthy, dirty, and dark. The hot finish has made a return of sorts... in a slow, mellow heat that lingers after each draw.<br /><br /> And things really don't change again, at all, through the end. This cigar was a bit of a roller coaster, and unfortunately, I can't report that it was one of the great thrill rides of my cigar smoking experience... it was more like jumping off the top of the highest point of a roller coaster with no bungee cord or anything to pull you back up. It started wonderfully, big, strong, concentrated, bold flavors, complexity and exciting... and then it quickly turned into a soft, bitter, muddy mess, and stayed that way for an hour and a half.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor: -moz-zoom-in" alt="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/rp505.jpg?t=1321156259" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/rp505.jpg?t=1321156259" height="633" width="378" /><br /></div><br /><br /> Ended at 6:10pm, and honestly, for $21.00 I will be passing on these in the future. I still have another single in the humidor that will smoke at some time in the future, just to make sure this wasn't some fluke. I feel like I gave this cigar a fair shot, especially since I will admit that I am no Rocky Patel fan... It just did not deliver what it promises. In the future when I want to spend more than twenty dollars on a box pressed Nicaraguan toro, there is a cigar with a hammer on the band that will be getting my hard earned dollars.Burtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13892695776822953033noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3124549705374099104.post-36842389154575130982011-10-17T20:18:00.000-07:002011-10-17T20:29:30.821-07:00Tatuaje WolfmanTATUAJE THE WOLFMAN<br />7 1/2x52 Box Pressed Torpedo<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> <img style="cursor: -moz-zoom-in" alt="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/wolf1.jpg?t=1318908195" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/wolf1.jpg?t=1318908195" height="633" width="378" /><br /></div><br /> Alright! That time of year is here again. No, not Halloween... Tatuaje Monster series time! The time of year when everyone gets their panties in a twist for a few weeks, worrying about scoring a box or three, and then in the end everyone chills the F out, and realizes there are plenty of sticks to go around... after all of the name calling and trash talking are said and done. This year the cigar is an ode to possibly my favorite of classic movie monsters, The Wolfman. The cigar is a rustic box pressed torpedo with a sort of ugly Sumatra wrapper, and a blend based on the Cojonu series, with an uncut foot (about a half inch of filler and binder protrude beyond the wrapper). It's a good looking stick, and as with previous years, it does a good job representing the monster it pays tribute to, with its shaggy hairy foot, and pointy fang head. While doing this review, I'm putting on the classic 1941 Universal pictures version of the tale, starring Lon Chaney, jr. and Claude Rains.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor: -moz-zoom-in" alt="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/wolf2.jpg?t=1318908199" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/wolf2.jpg?t=1318908199" height="633" width="378" /><br /></div><br /><br /> This particular stick is packaged in cellophane, and came from a 10 count boite-nature. It has a great looking brown and red band that suits the theme well. The pack feels a touch soft, at least in a few spots. The filler seems to be beautifully bunched, with the different tobaccos being clearly visible in the foot. The seams and cap are flawlessly applied, tightly, and evenly. The foot gives off a slightly spicy aroma of peanut, wood, and cinnamon, a combination that I have come to associate very closely with several cigars Pepin has made in the past. Took a decent but off the head with my scissors, and have a nice, free draw, offering similarly nutty dry flavors, with a bit of black pepper across the tongue. Very pleased with the draw, as box pressed torpedos tend to give me hell, but this is nice and open. Not getting much sweetness, which I was kind of looking for from the wrapper. It is nice and spicy on the lips however, which is pleasant.<br /><br /> Lit at 7:55pm.<br /><br /> The first two or so draws offer an interesting experience, burning only the binder and filler, something I always find interesting, since it gives you the chance to taste the addition of the wrapper. Without the wrapper, I certainly taste dry cedar, and some peanut, and pepper. Once the wrapper ignites though, there is a great oaky sweetness that brings a balance to things. Along with this is a little bit of milky chocolate, and a hint of bitterness. All of the flavors I have come to expect at various times from either a Cojonu or a Sumatra wrapped Brown Label... pretty impressive start here, and the transition from wrapperless to wrappered make for a cool touch of complexity in flavor right there at the beginning.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor: -moz-zoom-in" alt="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/wolf3.jpg?t=1318908205" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/wolf3.jpg?t=1318908205" height="633" width="378" /><br /></div><br /><br /> The ash holds for the first segment for a little past an inch, taking its place all over my shirt while drawing... Great. It was a good, banded light and dark gray in color, and somewhat flakey in texture (though no flakes fell off prematurely). Smoke production is ideal from this cigar, tons of thick, dense smoke on the draw, and almost none while idling in the ash tray between draws. The burn line is not particularly sharp, but these cigars only arrived today, and while they were packed with a Boveda, who knows what their trip was like(?), so the burn may be attributed to that. Hasn't needed a touch up or anything though, so not problematic, just a little erratic. Complexity continues to develop on the palate here, with the flavors remaining largely a dry cedar on the draw that moves into a sweet oak and smoked nut core, followed by a bit of bitterness, and a slow, smouldering heat on the finish. Digging it so far. I will say that even at this point, I am sort of surprised by how quickly it seems to be burning. Time wise, it is actually about right, but just watching the burn line as I draw, it seems to jump fairly quickly.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor: -moz-zoom-in" alt="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/wolf4.jpg?t=1318908211" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/wolf4.jpg?t=1318908211" height="633" width="378" /><br /></div><br /><br /> I think the strongest point that the Wolfman has going for it right now flavor wise is the sweet, earthy, oak, or maybe even maple that comes in after the draw. It really coats the palate, and makes for a wonderful balance between the dry woody character and the slight bitterness that follows. I'm only at the halfway mark right now, but I think it is fair to say that the Wolfman offers the most balance and complexity so early in its life (ie. just released) of the Monsters I have had the pleasure to smoke young. It also has enough body (albeit, only medium full at most) to suggest that it has the potential to really blossom with some down time, like... maybe by next Halloween it may evolve into a true gem, loved and praised (and sought after) like the Frank or Boris.<br /><br /> As the stick has progressed, it has only gotten sweeter. Not cloying, or artificial in its sweetness, but rather a thick, maple syrup, and earthiness that really coats the mouth, and contrasts beautifully as the peppery finish starts to burn its way down the back of the throat. The peppery finish is not a powerful, overwhelming one, but a smooth mellow spice that just simmers, with a fair amount of longevity after the draw. Really nice. Another cool element of the peppery finish is that it comes and goes. Not every draw is concluded with heat, just every once in a while.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor: -moz-zoom-in" alt="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/wolf5.jpg?t=1318908216" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/wolf5.jpg?t=1318908216" height="633" width="378" /><br /></div><br /><br /> Alright. I knew it was too good to be true. With about 2 and a half inches left, I just took a nice big draw... and BAM. What is that AWFUL taste? Yes ladies and gents, Tar. I got tar balled. A nice, brown, gooey, BP oil spill to the tongue. Now, I have found that wet cigars, with maybe too shallow a cut, and an already tapered head (torpedo) are more prone to this, so Hopefully it is just a symptom of my not cutting enough, and not letting these sticks rest adequately before lighting one. A small snip from the head (1/8 of an inch or so more) clears this up totally though, so it was fortunately a one time problem. It happens, let us move on. One good thing as a result of the extra cut... the draw has opened up even more. I hadn't really noticed, but it had tightened up as it had burned, but now it is wide open.<br /><br /> Through the last third things are starting to get a little less sweet, less syrupy, and more of a dark earth takes over. The bitterness also becomes more prominent, in a burnt coffee bean kind of way. Finally became too hot and soft at 9:54pm, so pretty much 2 hours exactly... Despite seeming to burn quickly, this isn't the case at all and it burns for a good long time. Really impressed with this cigar, especially right out of the box like this. I can only imagine how well these will progress with time and proper storage. This is going to be a hit, so get them while they are out there, and get them quickly! The shaggy foot also makes for a great little transition (or more appropriately... transformation!) right at the start. The flavors are bold, and there are lots of them, while the body, despite being based on the Cojonu blend, remains medium full even at the end. I know there is a lot of "hype" built up around these cigars, but they really do deliver.<br /><br /> "The way you walked was thorny, through no fault of your own, but as the rain enters the soil, the river enters the sea, so tears run to a predestined end. Your suffering is over, My son. Now you will find peace."<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/wolf6.jpg?t=1318908235" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/wolf6.jpg?t=1318908235" /><br /></div>Burtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13892695776822953033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3124549705374099104.post-26544037675582414552011-10-09T19:47:00.000-07:002011-10-09T19:58:00.113-07:00Fuente Fuente OpusX The Lost CityFUENTE FUENTE OPUS X THE LOST CITY<br />6.75x48 "Toro"<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor: -moz-zoom-in" alt="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/lostcity2.jpg?t=1318215228" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/lostcity2.jpg?t=1318215228" width="378" height="633" /><br /></div><br /><br /> During the production of Andy Garcia's 2005 film, The Lost City, about life in Havana before and around the time of the Revolution, there came a request to the Fuentes to allow the shooting of scenes to be set in a tobacco field on their vast farm, Chateau de la Fuente, home of the world famous Opus X wrapper leaf... Problem was, at the time shooting was to occur, the crop would have already been harvested, and there would be no plants to shoot among, thus destroying the beautiful mise-en-scĆØne on which the entire sequence rests... Lucky for Mr. Garcia, he has been a friend of the Fuente family for a while, so they planted a special off season crop such that the plants would be the perfect size for the shooting date... Lucky for us, they harvested this crop, and aged it, and found it was pretty darn good, so they decided to roll some special Opus X cigars using this tobacco, and called it The Lost City line to commemorate this special off season growing and filming. As with all Fuente products the blend is pretty secretive, but it is obviously similar to the regular Opus X blend, but uses the off season crop grown for the film. Beyond that, I can find no details regarding the difference in blend. Due to the finite amount of tobacco harvested in that given year, this is obviously a limited production cigar, having now been released in the early winter of both 2009 and 2010 in quantities of several thousand boxes spread over seven vitolas. There seems to be disagreement regarding whether or not certain vitolas actually use the Lost City crop, or are simply double banded Opus X cigars in irregular vitolas (given that the Lancero and Love Affair are the sizes in question, and neither is a regular, large release Opus X vitola... The debate remains, though plenty of discussion and argument can be found on the subject on various Cigar forums).<br /><br /> The appearance of this cigar is nothing less than stunning. It features a variation on the infamous Forbidden band, black and coppery gold in color, with splashed red accents here and there, as well as a second band bearing the Lost City icon, as well as the line "Directed by Andy Garcia at Chateau do le Fuente, July 2004". The wrapper leaf itself is a dark, chocolate brown color, with less red than the normal Opus X Rosado wrapper. It also has a less sun-grown appearance, a slightly smoother texture than the regular Opus wrapper leaf. The pack seems great, with no soft spots, and a generally firm feel. It has only a few noticeable veins. The seams are tight and clean, and the triple cap is flawlessly applied. The body of the cigar has a powdery chocolate aroma to it, which reminds me very much of (yes, you can laugh) Cocoa Puffs cereal. The foot of the cigar gives a sweet woody character, with a touch of that same cocoa powder, and an overripe almost spoiled fruit aroma that I commonly find in good Dominican tobacco. The cap cuts very easily to reveal a lightly snug draw, and flavors of dry cedar, powdery cocoa, and leather, all very dry on the palate. There is also just a hint of spicy pepper on the tongue.<br /><br /> Lit at 2:40pm<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/lostcity1.jpg?t=1318215234" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/lostcity1.jpg?t=1318215234" /><br /></div><br /><br /> Right away, after toasting and lighting, the flavor profile consists of a thick, oak wood flavor, that moves into some oily leather, and finishes with a long, slow, medium pepper that just gently smoulders at the back of the palate. The draw is a little tight, but not problematically so at this point. The burn looks good too, so far. Smoke production isn't anything to write home about, but it also isn't a problem or anything. The one thing I think every time I smoke one of these is how it feels like half the blend is regular Opus X, and the other half is a blend that delivers just a really thick, syrupy, dark, sweet oak wood flavor, which dominates. So far, that is holding true for this example. The ash through the first third is a brilliant, bright white color, almost completely solid, no breaks. It hold for well over an inch before falling as well.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor: -moz-zoom-in" alt="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/lostcity3.jpg?t=1318215238" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/lostcity3.jpg?t=1318215238" width="378" height="633" /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /> Heading into the second third, the flavor profile has sort of thickened. The spicy pepper continues to make up the long, lingering finish, and the draw brings first a slightly tangy, bittersweet charred oak flavor. This is a departure from the "typical" Opus X profile, in that it has none of the cinnamon and fruit that I associate with the regular like. Instead this is a darker, both more bitter and sweeter cigar. The burn on this stick is perfect, almost razo sharp, and the ash is firm, again, holding over an inch at least each time it falls. The body and strength on this cigar are lighter than the regular Opus X. That isn't to say this is a mild cigar, it is full of flavor, and does have some strength to it, but it falls more in the medium-full area rather than the full on balls to the wall range you might expect. A bit over the halfway mark the draw suddenly opens up, and I am getting great mouthfuls of billowing, white smoke.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor: -moz-zoom-in" alt="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/lostcity4.jpg?t=1318215252" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/lostcity4.jpg?t=1318215252" width="378" height="633" /><br /></div><br /><br /> I think the strongest aspect of this cigar is the balance and way the sweetness plays off the bitterness, one after the other. The flavor profile is not overly complex, or subtle, but what it lacks on that front it makes up for in bold, defined character. A little past the band point some cinnamon joins the sweet oak flavor on the draw, which makes for a nice change to a profile that has otherwise been pretty much consistent.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor: -moz-zoom-in" alt="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/lostcity5.jpg?t=1318215257" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/lostcity5.jpg?t=1318215257" width="378" height="633" /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /> Ended at 4:20pm for a total smoke time of an hour and 40 minutes, which for a toro is great, but I maybe was hoping for a longer burn given the price point on these cigars (actually, honestly, even if it burned for 24 hours straight and came with a bottle of Dom Perignon, it still might be a bit pricey). That might be a bit harsh actually, as the Lost City offers big flavors, in a well balanced package that definitely feels and tastes special, even if the blend isn't as complex or powerful as its regular production counterpart. For me these represent an interesting experiment in agriculture, and it is a success. For those looking for the high octane nicotine and spice punch combo of the Opus X, look elsewhere, Lost City is not for you. Lost City offers a smoother, darker, sweeter aspect of Chateau de la Fuente. What will really be interesting is to see how this particular vintage of tobacco ages over the next decade... Only time will tell.Burtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13892695776822953033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3124549705374099104.post-75505495114167830892011-09-11T20:31:00.000-07:002011-09-13T17:11:30.783-07:00La Gloria Cubana Medaille D'or No. 1La Gloria Cubana Medaille D'or No. 1<br />7.3x36 Delicados Extra<br />Code: OSU JUL 02<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor: -moz-zoom-out" alt="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/mdo11.jpg?t=1315798250" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/mdo11.jpg?t=1315798250" /><br /></div><br /><br /> Alright, I'll be the first to admit that any cigar with this kind of age on it is a treat, regardless of origin, blend, brand, etc. For a cigar to survive, properly stored, and cared for, without being smoked, for almost a decade is awesome. When that cigar is one of my favorite sizes (or close to it at least), from one of my favorite Marcas, it becomes something exciting every time I light one. This cigar is one of those cigars. La Gloria Cubana is a brand established in Cuba in the 1880's, and sadly, is one of the many smaller Marcas in the Habanos S.A. portfolio which seems to be suffering more and more cuts every year. In fact, La Gloria Cubana consists of only two cigars as of 2011, The M.D.O. no. 2 and the M.D.O. no. 4. (The churchill sized Tainos was recently announced as a deletion for this year, tragically, and the other Medaille D'or sizes were cut in 2010). To me, the removal of these cigars represents two negative trends in Habanos marketing strategy... the cutting of classic sizes from classic marcas, and the cutting of long or thin cigars from any marca, in favor of a move towards the Americanized, short and fat is better, who cares if you can taste the wrapper, and who cares if it burns well, as long as it is an 85 ring gauge behemoth attitude.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor: -moz-zoom-out" alt="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/mdo12.jpg?t=1315798256" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/mdo12.jpg?t=1315798256" /><br /></div><br /><br />Anyway, enough about the politics of cigars, and on to this excellent example of an aged Cuban long and skinny... The first thing I notice is obviously the size. At 7.3 by 36 ring, this is a little shorter, and a little thinner than a classic lancero, a size that has fortunately gotten a fair amount of attention among connoisseurs lately. It features a lightly toothed, butterscotch colored wrapper, with no large veins, but what I would consider a fairly visible vein structure. The construction is great, though when squeezed, it is a touch spongy (a common occurrence among cigars of this size). The seams are tight, the wrapper does not appear to have been stretched at all, and the triple cap is well applied. The aroma from the body of the cigar is just a mild earthy note, while the foot gives a strong nutty character, with a touch of a floral scent, like rose blossoms. The cold draw reveals just a slight resistance, which is a relief, since this cigar was rolled coming right beyond the time period when Cuban cigars were notoriously poorly constructed, with some smokers anecdotally referring to boxes in which half of the cigars contained within would be plugged too tight to draw from at all. The flavors present on the cold draw are more robust than I would have first expected, given the mild reputation that the LGC marca has, presenting a combination of citrus peel, cedar, wet earth, roasted almonds, and again that rose blossom/wet garden note.<br /><br />Lit at 9:30pm.<br /><br />Right away the flavor profile is a smooth, heavily creamed coffee core, with roasted nuts and a tart citrus peel on the outside, and a sweet cedar that runs through the finish. I will admit that the burn is wild. It is wavy as can be. I'd say choppy waves even. That said, from draw to draw, each area that is behind catches up, so with each draw it kind of keeps pace with itself. The smoke production is great, not overwhelming, and between draws it doesn't continue like a chimney, which is a good thing (I hate nothing more than setting my cigar down, only to choke on an inadvertently inhaled gulp of smoke coming from a cigar sitting two feet away on the table!). There is a sweetness that sort of coats the mouth, and lingers. The ash holds on for about 3/4 of an inch, which is fine for so small a ring gauge, you just have to be attentive. With flavor like this though, it is hard NOT to pay attention.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor: -moz-zoom-out" alt="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/mdo13.jpg?t=1315798261" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/mdo13.jpg?t=1315798261" /><br /></div><br />Around the two inch mark, maybe a little past, the profile starts to transition, with the creamy coffee lessening, and a burnt wood taking over as the core flavor on the draw. Citrus, sweet cedar, and roasted nuts continue to make themselves known here and there, but they are notes on the edges. On the finish a long, syrupy caramel (and I mean the kind you get from actually burning raw sugar in a pan at home) lingers long after each draw. This is a solid, medium bodied smoke. No strength, but the robust flavors and heavy mouth feel serve to bolster it.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor: -moz-zoom-out" alt="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/mdo14.jpg?t=1315798266" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/mdo14.jpg?t=1315798266" /><br /></div><br /><br />Even at this point, maybe 3 inches in, I am impressed by the legs I think this cigar has left to age into. Often, by this point in the aging process, a cigar has gone beyond its peak, or is close to it, but frankly, for a brand generally billed as mild, this cigar still has years left in it before I think it will have really mellowed out beyond its prime, and I am not even half way through smoking it. The flavor profile continues much the same, burnt, wet, smokey wood on the draw, followed by a dazzling array of floral, citrus, and nutty notes, with a thick, caramel sweet finish, and maybe a touch of twang and spice in the back of the throat now. The wild burn line has also sorted itself out after an inch or two, now staying relatively even all the way around.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor: -moz-zoom-out" alt="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/mdo15.jpg?t=1315798273" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/mdo15.jpg?t=1315798273" /><br /></div><br /><br />On to about the band point nothing further changes, but the complex intermingling of various flavors just continues to keep this a very interesting smoke. I typically watch a film, or read a book while smoking, even when reviewing cigars like this, stopping now and then to take note of further developments, but in the hour and a half I have been smoking this cigar, I have only watched 37 minutes of the film I have on (Kurosawa's late masterpiece, KAGEMUSHA), which serves as a testament to how engaging this blend is. Perhaps the only downside is that when cigars of this size get hot, they do so quickly, and are hard to save. A short way past the band, it becomes hard to keep this one from getting hot, and alas, it is time to set her down and let her die with dignity.<br /><br /> One thing is for sure, this stick still has potential to age for years to come, and what I hope will happen is that the floral, nutty, and citrus type notes will continue to develop, while the dark burnt earth and wood mellows out, and the caramel syrup sweetness maybe becomes more delicate and refined, but sweeter. This is just what I hope, and I am glad I was fortunate enough to get a full box of these when I did, because I very much look forward to seeing where they are in another 3, 5, 9, or more years. Also, haters be damned, Rob Ayala is on to something when he says that cigars of this size just make him "feel smarter". Maybe he feels smarter for having learned just what phenomenal complexity and richness of flavor these tiny ring gauge cigars can offer! If you come across these, grab as many as you can, send me some, smoke a few for yourself, and lay the remainder down for a few more years. They are something special!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor: -moz-zoom-out" alt="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/mdo16.jpg?t=1315798280" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/mdo16.jpg?t=1315798280" /><br /></div>Burtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13892695776822953033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3124549705374099104.post-66555834997849643762011-09-05T19:48:00.000-07:002011-09-05T19:58:07.662-07:00Alec Bradley American Classic BlendALEC BRADLEY AMERICAN CLASSIC BLEND
<br />5x50 Robusto
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<br /> Not actually using any American grown tobacco, the American Classic Blend seems to be an attempt to create an old school, American "style" blend, in this case, probably considered as such due to the use of a Connecticut seed wrapper (albeit, a dark Connecticut, grown in Honduras), around Nicaraguan fillers from Esteli and Condega, and a Nicaraguan binder. Conceived also as a bit of a budget cigar, like many others in this price range, it is made at the Plascencia factory, in Esteli, where most of Alec Bradley's cigars are made at Raices Cubanas in Honduras. A complex, and interesting combination of tobaccos, hopefully it will deliver. The only thing that turns me off about this cigar is the band, and artwork in general. I am not generally a fan of overly stylized bands, and especially those with catch phrases on them... Anything more than the name of the cigar, the name of the brand, and maybe at most the name of the factory location... fine... but the American Classic blend has such tacky phrasing as: "LIBERTAS" "AEQUITAS" and "LIVE TRUE" emblazoned around it, along with an American pastoral scene, and a mountainous Southwestern image.
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<br /> The cigar itself is an attractive medium brown, with a smooth velvet feel, like lighter shade grown Connecticut, a moderate vein structure, and a good looking, even double cap. The packing of the foot looks alright, but the cut appears a little uneven. The smell from the foot is a simple wood character primarily, along with just the slightest nuttiness. The cold draw is just a touch firm, not tight, just a little snug, and offers a rustic, earthy core, with a peanut butter element that, actually, I associate with Honduran tobacco more than anything else. Underneath that, there is just a little bit of a sour funk, like rotten fruit. Hopefully that will not come through once lit.
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<br /> Lit at 8:57pm
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<br /> There is considerably less MMph! behind this blend than I expected, given the Nicaraguan guts, and Honduran wrapper, and heavy, earthy prelight flavors. In fact, once lit it goes straight into... mild. Core flavors are a delicate cedar, a toasty tobacco, and just the slightest black pepper through the finish. Mostly, a straight forward, medium, toasty tobacco dominates. There is a very little bit of earthy character, but nothing near what I expected. Burn, draw, and smoke production are all satisfactory here at the beginning, so to be honest... I have no complaints. Just straight forward as can be...
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<br /> Ash holds well, through most of the first third. The flavor profile remains much the same except that as the burn progresses, the peppery spice gradually builds a bit more, leaving some heat in the back of the throat through the finish, likely a symptom of the Nicaraguan fillers in this blend. The mouthfeel is a touch oily, maybe a little harsh at times as well. The balance of flavor though, from a soft cedar, gradually getting heavier to the spice on the finish is a nice progression with each draw.
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<br /> A little beyond the halfway point a leathery character, as well as what I can only describe as the musty old lady's handbag (maybe a touch of mothball) jumps in here and there. The leathery note is good, and fits perfectly with the generally earth and wood profile... but the mothball is not cool. Not cool at all. The burn and draw however continue to be great. The construction seems just fantastic on this stick, which is awesome for such a budget priced cigar.
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<br /> Not much happens through the end of the cigar. I know this is a pretty short review, but this just isn't an overly complex cigar. It has a straight forward, earthy, woody flavor profile, that aside from a few additions and subtractions of notes here and there, is pretty consistent from start to finish. Ended at 10:26, so the robusto lasted me an hour and a half, which is about normal for me and a well built 5x50. I will be smoking more of these in the future, and look forward to seeing if the slight harshness dissipates with time. I definitely think this is a great, wonderfully priced cigar for guys looking to get that earthy flavor, in a mild/medium bodied smoke that they can enjoy while doing something else. Definitely not a yard 'gar, or maybe the best yard 'gar... Box worthy? Maybe. For me there are a few other similarly priced cigars I would buy a box of first, but these are definitely worth trying.
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<br /></div>Burtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13892695776822953033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3124549705374099104.post-58642665362063362772011-08-14T21:13:00.000-07:002011-08-14T21:18:32.881-07:00Man O' War Puro AuthenticoMAN O' WAR PURO AUTHENTICOS
<br />5x42
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<br /> The Man O' War Puro Authentico is a mareva made by A.J. Fernandez in Nicaragua, using all Nicaraguan filler, and a Habano wrapper, grown in Esteli, was originally conceived as Abdel's personal, day to day smoke. It features a neat little pig tail cap, and a closed foot (wrapper extends beyond, and folds over the foot). This Particular example features a slightly reddish, chocolate brown wrapper, with almost no visible veins, and tight seams. The cap seems expertly applied as well. The band is a simple glossy black, with a simple gold helmet (the same style used on the other Man O' war bands). The aroma from the foot is spicy, with a mix of woody notes, and barnyard type smells. The cold draw reveals a strong sweet cocoa flavor, a touch bitter, with a fair amount of spice. In fact, the wrapper itself gives off some heat on the lips and tongue. The draw itself offers a touch of resistance, just right.
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<br /> Lit at 10:30pm
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<br /> The first few puffs bring not a lot of complexity, but certainly big, bold flavor. There is a woody, very slightly sweet core, a touch dirty, with a long, very spicy, hot, black pepper finish. This is one tough, cute little cookie. The draw is perfect, and smoke production is outstanding. The mouth feel is oily and thick, befitting a strong, full bodied Nicaraguan powerhouse, even if it is in a small package. In fact, I might go so far as to say this is the spiciest cigar I have had in quite some time. One must be careful retrohaling nasally with this one, as just a very small amount of smoke brings a substantial scorching heat.
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<br /> The ash holds for the first segment for just shy of an inch, falling in a solid chunk into the tray. The flavor profile doesn't change a whole lot in the first few inches, with the only variant being the coming and going of sweetness and bitterness. The bitterness is not acrid, rather more of a coffee bitterness, though I can't say there is much coffee flavor. The spicy finish remains impressively potent, not something that often happens. Most spicy cigars mellow out after the first inch or so, but the Puro Authentico keeps the heat cranked up. The body is equally heavy, as is the strength. By the two inch mark, I am feeling it in my gut a bit.
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<br /> Ash holds for the second time for closer to an inch and a half. Through this period, noticeably, things get a bit earthier, and darker. I cannot honestly say that this is an overly complex cigar so far, but the boldness, strength, flavor, and body all are making for an interesting, if rustic, and maybe a little rough around the edge... combination. Construction and performance as relates to it have been virtually perfect. The burn line is straight, the ash tight, the draw perfect, and smoke production bountiful. The flavor profile reminds me quite a bit actually of a recently popular sort of chocolate bar, one that combines 72% dark chocolate and hot chili pepper. An odd combination that actually works very well, and I would say is well represented here.
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<br /> There is almost no change from that point to the end, though that can hardly be called a bad thing, as pleasant as the combination of flavors, sweet cocoa and wood, with an earthy core feel and taste, and a long, slow hot pepper finish, has been. The burn line, draw, and smoke all remain wonderful through the final inch or so, when heat and squishiness forced me to end this cigar. The strength remains a constant factor through almost the entire cigar, and it is quite full in strength, so not a cigar for those who do not care for a little kick from the nicotine factor. Of note is that weather present while I smoked this stick. A recent review on one of the more popular review sites mentioned humidity as a major potential factor in tar and color bleed from this stick... Well, it was raining off and on (100% humidity...) as I smoked, and the temperature was in the high 80s fahrenheit, and I suffered no such problems, nor have I ever had any such issues with the handful of these cigars I have previously smoked, and enjoyed. I think this may be an example of the necessity of smoking several samples for a review, as a dud is not unheard of in cigar production.
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<br /> Ended at 11:42pm, for a total smoke time of one hour, 12 minutes, which for a petit corona is a fantastic burn time. This is not a cigar for the lover of mild cigars. It is however a fantastic, rustic, earthy, spicy powerhouse, suited well to those who like strong cigars, but not the recent trend towards behemoth vitolas. The price, and presentation also both make the MOW Puro Authentico a cigar quickly working its way into my "regular" rotation, as they are in no short supply, are readily available at a couple of the big online houses, and come conveniently packaged in inexpensive boxes of 10 (great looking boxes too, I might add). For me, and this is where personal opinion comes into these reviews, these cigars represent a great way to enjoy a strong, rustic, straight forward smoke, suited to reading a book, or watching a film while enjoying good flavor that doesn't necessarily require one's full attention to appreciate a plethora of transition. Great smoke.Burtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13892695776822953033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3124549705374099104.post-54617437624602698072011-07-20T17:27:00.000-07:002011-07-20T17:34:10.988-07:00Davidoff Classic No. 2DAVIDOFF CLASSIC No.2<br />6x38 Panetela<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor: -moz-zoom-out" alt="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/davidoff2.jpg?t=1311208299" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/davidoff2.jpg?t=1311208299" /><br /></div><br /><br /> A truly classic size, in the classic Davidoff line, and apparently Zino Davidoff's vitola of choice. One of the original sizes, originally a Cuban Puro, Davidoff moved to the Dominican Republic, and stopped using Cuban tobacco in 1991. Davidoff represents, as a brand, the finer things in life. Davidoff does not make inexpensive cigars, but they also don't make cigars of low quality. Davidoff, and the other brands made at Tabadom, their factory, are well known for their quality control, which is extremely meticulous. Davidoff also does not make large ring cigars. They make cigars in classic, traditional Cuban sizes, Lanceros, Rothschilds, Coronas, and of course, the descendent of the famous Davidoff Dom Perignon, in a Churchill size. This classic panetela is a prime example of the kind of cigars Davidoff makes... thin, elegant cigars.<br /><br /> This particular cigar, which came packaged in a cedar lined aluminum tube, featured a delicate, medium brown Ecuador grown Connecticut seed wrapper, around Dominican filler and binder. The construction is impeccable, with tight, even seams, a balanced, firm, but not too firm pack, and a tightly rolled pigtail cap. Not to mention the band, that famous white band, with its simple gold script. The aroma from the body and foot offer the musk that Henke Kelner (master blender at Tabadom) is known for blending into his cigars. There is also a delicate oily leather scent, and a touch of wood. The cold draw offers a similar musky, aged tobacco, with a wood and leather core. While the wrapper doesn't appear particularly oily, it feels very oily on the lips. Pre-light, the draw is a little snug. I will cut more off later if this proves to be an issue at any point.<br /><br /> Lit at 10:28, with cedar spills.<br /><br /> I only really take the time to light with cedar spills when a cigar is something special, and as my experience with Davidoff has been great (and the pricetag is... big), it seemed appropriate to light this slender, elegant cigar in the most elegant way possible. Right away, the flavor profile is smooth, and delicate, a mild sweet wood flavor making up the core, with a musky "old" flavor/aroma through the nose. There is no pepper or spice to speak of at this point, and I would be surprised if any appears. Davidoff generally produces mild to medium bodied cigars, of lighter strength, and initially here, the Classic blend is sticking to that. The blend is so gentle in fact, that I am able to cycle all of the smoke from a draw through my nose, with no harshness or burning sensation. Don't get me wrong though, just because the cigar is mild, and I keep using adjectives like delicate and gentle, the flavor profile is big, and bold... but smooth.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor: -moz-zoom-out" alt="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/davidoff22.jpg?t=1311208308" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/davidoff22.jpg?t=1311208308" /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /> The ash holds for surprisingly long given the small ring gauge, over an inch before falling in my ashtray. The burnline is straight, and relatively slow. Smoke production is great, despite a firm draw. In fact, the smoke is quite thick, and oily in the mouth, and linger beautifully in the air. The flavor profile towards the end of the first third starts to change a bit adding a substantial sweetness, though it is still a wood flavor at its core. The wood flavor is cedar, very sweet cedar. Through the nose things remain musky, and now slightly floral. The ash is a gorgeous dark gray color, with a great stacked... well, dimes appearance (not quarters, given the ring gauge)<br /><br /> The body has gradually increased over the last two inches, moving towards the final third, moving well into the medium range. Still no nicotine strength to speak of, but the general mouth feel and profile has gotten a bit darker, and heavier, with a touch of black pepper becoming apparent in the finish, towards the back of the throat. This increase in body is kind of a surprise, but an interesting and pleasant one.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor: -moz-zoom-out" alt="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/davidoff23.jpg?t=1311208314" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/davidoff23.jpg?t=1311208314" /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /> In the final third, the flavor continues to progress similarly, getting a bit earthy, and with the black pepper becoming stronger. The musky aged tobacco remains, but the sweet cedar has pretty much disappeared. Nothing else really changes though through the final third.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor: -moz-zoom-out" alt="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/davidoff24.jpg?t=1311208322" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/davidoff24.jpg?t=1311208322" /><br /></div><br /><br /> Ended at 11:38 for a total burn time of one hour ten minutes. For the size, this is about how long I expected. What a cigar! Delicacy, elegance, and complexity all are fit to describe this cigar. I see why Zino Davidoff smoked this cigar personally. The length and ring gauge offer a complex, flavorful experience from the beautiful Ecuadoran Connecticut wrapper. I highly recommend this cigar to fans of small rings, mild cigars, and big flavors. I also think this would be a fantastic cigar for those who have any preconceived notions about either Davidoff or mild cigars.Burtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13892695776822953033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3124549705374099104.post-39959803433912799422011-07-06T19:28:00.000-07:002011-07-06T19:35:26.254-07:00Man O' War ArmadaMAN O'WAR ARMADA<br />6.5x56 'Toro Grande'<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor: -moz-zoom-out" alt="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/armada1.jpg?t=1309974213" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/armada1.jpg?t=1309974213" /><br /></div><br /><br /> The MOW Armada seems to be the CI camp's attempt to enter the super-premium cigar market, one that they otherwise don't usually compete with, staying more in the bargain/discount 3-5$ range. At 20$ for a single, or 500$ for a "box" (actually a humidor of 32 sticks), the Armada strays far from the other Man O'War lines. It features an Ecuador Sumatra seed Maduro wrapper, around fillers that I can't find info on anywhere. The Armada is offered in 2 sizes that I know of, a 6.5x56 "toro grande", and a 5x44 petite corona (not on the website, I have only heard about it, and had it offered via emails). The Armada may be available in other sizes in samplers from CI and Cigar.com, but I'm not positive on that.<br /><br /> What I am positive about is how great this massive cigar looks. I'm a devoted fan of tiny ring gauges, so the 56 ring is a bit beyond my comfort zone and preference, but the wrapper leaf, with its reddish dark chocolate color, and heavy tooth, is enough to make me look past the girth. The construction looks good as well, though for 20$/stick, a triple cap would be nice (a complaint I also have with Padron...) The seams look great, though the cap is a bit lopsided. The pack is even, and firm, and looking at the foot, the different leaves are clearly identifiable (lots of ligero...). The aroma from the foot is not overly complex, just a meaty, rich tobacco, with a slightly musty character to it. The cold draw however is awesome. One of the most defined chocolate flavors I have ever gotten. Not a bitter cocoa, but straight milk chocolate. There is also a wet, earthiness to it, that reminds me of really dark, nutrient rich potting soil. Surprisingly, there is just a touch of spice, not the overwhelming heat I expected.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor: -moz-zoom-out" alt="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/armada2.jpg?t=1310005997" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/armada2.jpg?t=1310005997" /><br /></div><br /><br /> Lit at 1:25pm.<br /><br /> The massive Armada lights easily enough under my torch, but once fully lit, the smoke production is not all that enthusiastic. Kind of disappointed by that. The flavor however, is awesome. I'm getting everything from milk chocolate, to hot peppers, and even a unique smoked pepper flavor, that reminds me of Mexican spices. Very strange, but awesome. About a half inch in, the burn line is a little crazy, but that could either be because of the big ring gauge, or the humidity here near the James River in Virginia in the summer (steamy, swampy, etc.).<br /><br /> The ash is pretty impressive, probably because of the size, and has held so far for almost 2 inches and is a mottled white and gray. The burn line has evened out by the end of the first third. The flavors have also shifted, now producing a more bitter chocolate, rather than the milky character initially present. The spicy heat has also picked up actually, and sticks around for a long time, mingling with some sweetness on the finish, which as I said, is impressive and really long.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor: -moz-zoom-out" alt="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/armada3.jpg?t=1310006004" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/armada3.jpg?t=1310006004" /><br /></div><br /> Some strength starts to become apparent to me around the halfway mark, which is also about an hour in. It isn't overwhelming, but just enough nicotine to know it is present. The high ligero content, and the fact that (after doing some research while smoking), the wrapper is actually apparently a ligero leaf, is probably the culprit. Not unpleasant, just lets you know it is there. The sweetness remains, mingling well with the spicy finish. The specific flavors I'm picking out at the halfway point still include interesting dried chili peppers, bitter chocolate, and now a bit of coffee bean.<br /><br /> At the band point, the only adjective that immediately springs to mind is wet. The flavor profile, mouth feel, all of it, everything has taken on a wet, dark character. Like when you throw a wet log into the fire. There is a little bit of mushroom character as well becoming apparent. Removing the band (which comes off easily, and cleanly, reveals a small crack in the wrapper, maybe 1/4 inch long. It doesn't seem to be problematic at this point though.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor: -moz-zoom-out" alt="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/armada4.jpg?t=1310006009" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/armada4.jpg?t=1310006009" /><br /></div><br /><br /> Approaching the end, a big blast of cinnamon comes out of no where. The complexity present here is, I have to admit, a little surprising. For the price, I am glad it is present, but for a brand sold exclusively through... well anyone, it is something special. I know it is produced by AJ Fernandez though, and he has made some awesome cigars (though not everything he has done has been gold, there are some real gems in his portfolio), so I guess I shouldn't be entirely surprised. Great blender using great tobacco... bound to work, right? In this final third a surprisingly hot spice also kicks up through the nose. Up until now, the spice has mostly been the kind that jumps around, mostly in the back of the throat though, while through the nose it has been mellow, smooth... now hot and spicy (significant "burn"). The crack in the wrapper burns through just fine, without a hitch. Actually, the performance has been great, considering that about halfway through, the weather went all fucked up, and it starting storming, raining, the works out here.<br /><br /> Ended at 3:20pm for a total smoke time just shy of 2 hours. I think I pretty much have summarized my feelings already, but for those who skip to the last paragraph... what a great amount of complexity! Also, I will admit to a bit of nicotine sickness for almost 30 minutes after finishing smoking this. The Armada is a strong smoke, no doubt about it... but the flavor and complexity, as well as the great performance make it worth a little suffering after the fact in my opinion.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor: -moz-zoom-out" alt="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/armada5.jpg?t=1310006024" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/armada5.jpg?t=1310006024" /><br /></div>Burtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13892695776822953033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3124549705374099104.post-13443935844328827052011-06-14T18:11:00.000-07:002011-06-14T18:41:14.138-07:00Tatuaje BorisTATUAJE BORIS<br />7 1/8 x 49<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor: -moz-zoom-out" alt="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/boris1.jpg?t=1308100745" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/boris1.jpg?t=1308100745" /><br /></div><br /><br /> The first, and to date, only cigar to be released in the Monster series "Out of costume" line, the Boris has gained some notoriety, and popularity, and is currently a highly sought after, much loved, much hyped, now virtually impossible to find rarity, in the world of limited, special, holiday, single store release, region edition, whatever... cigars. As a horror movie fanatic (the classic stuff, not SAW, but that is a different entry for a different blog...) I love the concept behind both the Monsters and the Actor cigars. I hope that Pete does more of these monster out of costume cigars (which now could be Bela Lugosi, or Gunnar Hansen) sometime, based just on the concept. The Boris, name for Boris Karloff, the actor who probably most famously portrayed Frankenstein's monster in the 1931 Universal classic Frankenstein, features an Ecuador grown Sumatra Rosado wrapper around Nicaraguan fillers and binder. It is a slightly fat Churchill vitola, with a simple white version of the classic Tatuaje band.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor: -moz-zoom-in" alt="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/boris2.jpg?t=1308100750" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/boris2.jpg?t=1308100750" height="633" width="378" /><br /></div><br /><br /> This particular stick has a slightly more vein-heavy wrapper than I would have expected, that is sort of a medium chocolate brown, almost a Cameroon wrapper color actually, despite being Ecuador Sumatra. As with most everything Pepin makes, the construction is spot on, triple cap, tight, straight, even seams, even pack, not too full, not underfilled. The aroma from the foot is a sweet, floral tobacco. I have heard this cigar described as having a very specific minty flavor and aroma to it, but at the moment, I'm not getting that, at least from the cold aroma. Cold draw... ah, there it is, that gentle hint of mint. Not the dominant flavor, though, as some reviewers would have you believe. Certainly present, but delicate, not dominant. The cold draw offers, primarily, a floral, mild tobacco, with a round, oily, nutty core flavor, with just a touch of mint on the tongue. the cold draw is perfect, by the way, offering just a touch of resistance.<br /><br /> Lit at 2:15pm.<br /><br /> Interesting. Smoke production isn't great here at the beginning. The flavor profile is surprisingly delicate as well. Light, and floral tobacco, still that touch of mint, almost no pepper, which is a big surprise from a Pepin/Tatuaje/Pete Johnson cigar. Some of this subdued character may be a result of age, as these cigars were released in 2009, making them well over a year old now.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor: -moz-zoom-in" alt="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/boris3.jpg?t=1308100759" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/boris3.jpg?t=1308100759" height="633" width="378" /><br /></div><br /><br /> By about the half inch mark, the smoke production has picked up to what I would consider normal. I am unsure of the cause for the early lack of smoke, but it is fine now, so no worries. The flavor profile hasn't changed any yet though, still a gentle, floral tobacco, maybe a little herbal even, with that sweet minty note, and just the slightest pepper on the otherwise gentle finish. I am frankly... downright shocked at the personality of this cigar. I have long heard about how good it is, but never really about how smooth and refined it is. Body at this point is right smack dab in the middle of medium. The smoke is oily, and thick on the palate, but there isn't a ton of strength behind it. I'm already sad that this isn't a regular production cigar, and that finding more of these would both be quite a task, and cost a pretty penny.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor: -moz-zoom-in" alt="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/boris4.jpg?t=1308100764" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/boris4.jpg?t=1308100764" height="633" width="378" /><br /></div><br /><br /> The ash is thick, and firm, holding for a good bit over an inch so far. The pepper blast I expected at the beginning, as is characteristic of Tatuaje, has sort of gradually built up, to a smooth, rounded pepper tingle and flavor over the course of this first third, now taking a seat as the primary flavor and sensation lasting through the finish, following the still smooth, delicate, floral tobacco core, with that sweet, herbal, mint dancing around in the middle. What a combination!<br /><br /> Not a huge deal, but worth mentioning due to how it reflects on construction... the ash has now held on firm for the entire first third, which on a 7 1/8" cigar, is a big ash! Had to hit it with a touch up at about the halfway point to get it burning properly again (wanted to go out), but that may have been a result of my slow pace today. The progression of flavor through this cigar so far hasn't been one of dramatic change, but rather just a slow, subtle darkening, with the light floral tobacco flavor taking on a gradually more earthy, and rich flavor, still floral, but less delicate, less subtle. The burn itself has also slowed down as it has progressed, which to me is a sign of quality construction and perfectly cured tobacco. At a time when limited release cigars are a dime a dozen, with many of them seeming rushed, and not particularly special, this cigar definitely is showing the high-end quality that one would expect from a truly "special" cigar.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor: -moz-zoom-in" alt="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/boris5.jpg?t=1308100769" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/boris5.jpg?t=1308100769" height="633" width="378" /><br /></div><br /> The construction and performance continue to be fantastic, with the ash holding on basically for 1/3 of the cigar at a time. The flavors remain phenomenal as well. Complex, subtle, smooth, and delicious. One thing I will admit, that could potentially be seen as a flaw, is the attention that the cigar now seems to demand. If not drawn on at least one per minute it seems to want to try to go out. That said, it tastes great, so it isn't like I don't want to draw more often!<br /><br /> As the flavor profile gradually gets heavier, and darker, so does the strength, which has now moved into more of the medium-full area. More pepper, and even a little coffee start to dominate, as the earthy tobacco just gets richer, and darker. Still a fantastic combination, and profile as a whole. Sweetness has gradually subsided throughout the cigar.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor: -moz-zoom-out" alt="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/boris6.jpg?t=1308100776" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/boris6.jpg?t=1308100776" /><br /></div><br /><br /> Ended at 4:20 for a total smoke time of 2 hours 5 minutes, which for a cigar this size is great, and admittedly was pleasant, and enjoyable the entire time. I cannot stress how enjoyable this cigar was. It has some of the characteristics that one thinks of as being typical of Tatuaje cigars (especially further into the stick), with the addition of a lot of subtlety and smoothness not normally present from the typically bold and strong brand. It is a damned shame that this was a limited release, because it is by far my favorite cigar I have had from this brand. Highly, highly recommended. If you see them, buy them... for me.Burtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13892695776822953033noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3124549705374099104.post-27433754355839673212011-06-10T18:32:00.000-07:002011-06-10T18:39:46.114-07:00Fonseca KDT CadetesFONSECA KDT CADETES<br />4.5x36 Short Panetela<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor: -moz-zoom-in" alt="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/fonsecakdt1.jpg?t=1307756268" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/fonsecakdt1.jpg?t=1307756268" height="633" width="378" /><br /></div><br /><br /> The KDT Cadetes (which is a name that I don't really understand... if anyone knows what the KDT means, please tell me!) is a tiny little cigar, packaged wrapped in white tissue paper, with the band holding it in place. It is a handmade, longfiller cigar (the other cigar in the Fonseca line of a similar size, the Delicias, is a shortfiller cigar), billed as being mild, as is the rest of the line. Fonseca is not a cigar I have any experience with, so this will be a report of my first experience with the brand.<br /><br /> This particular cigar, after removing the tissue paper, which frankly feels more like the material dryer sheets are made of, reveals a caramel brown wrapper that has a slightly ugly, somewhat veiny wrapper. The seams look good though, and the triple cap is actually great looking. The foot reveals a great looking construction, and the pack feels even, if a bit firm. In fact, the entire cigar feels just a touch hard. The cold draw is firm and reveals just a light, toasty tobacco, with a touch of barnyard hay. The aroma from the foot is just a very faint, sweet tobacco.<br /><br /> Lit at 7:30pm.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor: -moz-zoom-in" alt="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/fonsecakdt2.jpg?t=1307756265" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/fonsecakdt2.jpg?t=1307756265" height="633" width="378" /><br /></div><br /><br /> Flavors present at the beginning are a straight forward oily old leather core, with a dry toasty tobacco. It is definitely smooth, and subtle, and I say this in a good way. The burn line, only a short bit in is acting up a little, running in one spot in particular.<br /><br /> Settling into the first third a little ways, the flavor profile is starting to remind me of a few specific, high priced Dominican made mild cigars, with a musty, toasted tobacco and hay flavor dominating, with oily leather continuing to present itself through the finish, which produces just a touch of spice. The burn line continues to act wild, but keeps up with itself every few draws, not requiring a touch up or anything. Just a delicate, mild to medium little smoke so far. Nothing to go wild over, but certainly pleasant and enjoyable. The draw has improved since lighting, dramatically. It was not problematic initially, but definitely tighter than I prefer. It now features just the right amount of thickness to it. The smoke production is great, putting out great billows of white smoke with little effort.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor: -moz-zoom-in" alt="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/fonsecakdt3.jpg?t=1307756270" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/fonsecakdt3.jpg?t=1307756270" height="633" width="378" /><br /></div><br /><br /> Given the size of this cigar breaking it down into thirds (which is afterall the only way to review cigars, obviously) isn't really worth bothering with. Passing the halfway mark, not much of anything has changed. On one draw I got a touch of tar on my lips, kind of gross, but it has only happened once, so I call fluke. The ash holds for about 3/4 of an inch before needing to be rolled, or falling on its own.<br /><br /> Finally put this one down for the last time at 8:40pm, meaning that it lasted a hair over an hour, and about 30 minutes longer than I ever expected it to last. Not complex. Not bold. Not exciting. No. However, the Fonseca KDT Cadetes IS a cigar I very much look forward to enjoying again in the future, because it tastes good, performs great, and has that smooth, oily, delicious, subtle combination where everything works together to make an enjoyable smoking experience without having to be earth shatteringly complex, bold, powerful, whatever. Recommended smoking, indeed.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor: -moz-zoom-in" alt="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/fonsecakdt4.jpg?t=1307756272" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/fonsecakdt4.jpg?t=1307756272" height="633" width="378" /><br /></div>Burtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13892695776822953033noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3124549705374099104.post-54167531537948584822011-06-01T12:25:00.000-07:002011-06-01T20:54:14.909-07:00Trinidad ReyesTRINIDAD REYES<br />4.3x40<br />OSU SEP 09<br /><br /><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/reyes2.jpg" /><br /><br />The Trinidad marca is one that has a particularly interesting history, tied directly as it is, to the communist government in Cuba, produced first as a cigar produced at El Laguito (the famous Cohiba factory), exclusively as diplomatic gifts from Castro (according to some sources, more exclusive than the Diplomatic Cohiba, and according to other sources, a less exclusive cigar... regardless). First released publically in 1998, they were available only in a single size, the Fundadores, a Laguito Especial (the original Trinidads, the diplomatic cigars, were an Laguito No. 1, a lancero, the public release was the slightly thicker 40 ring gauge, Laguito Especial). Since then, several other sizes have been added to the line, as well as a few Limited Editions, special humidors, etc.<br /><br />The Reyes is the smallest cigar in the Trinidad portfolio, a tres petite corona, with a pigtail cap. This particular example has a very oily wrapper, somewhat darker in color than other Trinidad cigars I have had. The wrapper also has almost no visible veins, and a rather impressive amount of tooth to it, more than any other Cuban wrapper I can remember seeing. The seams are tight, the packing feels even, and just a little firm, and the cap is flawlessly applied. The wrapper has a subtle aroma, just a slight, sweet tobacco, while the foot offers the same sweet tobacco with a mix of tea and cinnamon. The cold draw is just a touch snug, and tastes of the same tea, plus creamy coffee, and a touch of spice. There is, in this example, an uncharacteristic barnyard element present as well. Not a bad thing though.<br /><br />Lit at 2:10pm<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor: -moz-zoom-in" alt="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/reyes1.jpg?t=1306956966" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/reyes1.jpg?t=1306956966" height="633" width="378" /><br /></div><br />At the beginning, flavor profile consists of toasty tobacco, bitter coffee, some floral tea, and a touch of spice on the finish. Draw is great, and it lit easily enough.<br /><br />The burn line about an inch in is a little wavy, with some runs here and there. The ash is tight, and dark gray in color. Flavor profile has settled into a creamy sweet tobacco, a bitter coffee, and the same herbal, floral tea character. It is a delicious combination, just perfectly balanced. There is also a musty note through the nose, reminds me of Hendrik Kelner's blends actually.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor: -moz-zoom-in" alt="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/reyes3.jpg?t=1306956975" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/reyes3.jpg?t=1306956975" height="633" width="378" /><br /></div><br /><br />At the halfway point, a sweet, milk chocolate flavor develops, and complements the tea and coffee flavors present already quite well. The mouthfeel is downright creamy, and smooth. In fact, the whole cigar has been creamy and smooth. The touch of spice on the finish, which has been pretty consistent the whole way through, is a good mix of tingle across the palate, and a cinnamon flavor through the nose, which is interesting with the musty tobacco also present through the nose.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor: -moz-zoom-in" alt="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/reyes5.jpg?t=1306956980" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/reyes5.jpg?t=1306956980" height="633" width="378" /><br /></div><br /><br />Ended at 3:00pm for a total time of 50 minutes. Not many transitions, but the complexity, and subtle notes that are present through out the cigar make this one of the most interesting blends I have had, especially out of Cuba. It burns well, draws well, and tastes great. It also isn't overly expensive (I paid around 85$ for a box of 12) when compared to other cigars in the marca.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor: -moz-zoom-in" alt="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/reyes6.jpg?t=1306956982" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/reyes6.jpg?t=1306956982" height="633" width="378" /><br /></div>Burtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13892695776822953033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3124549705374099104.post-69032641540064107652011-05-22T12:12:00.000-07:002011-05-22T12:18:08.484-07:00Illusione ~mk~ILLUSIONE ~MK~<br />5 1/8 x 42<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><img alt="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/mk1.jpg?t=1306091756" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/mk1.jpg?t=1306091756" /><br /></div><br /><br /> Not part of the original "Original Document" line from Illusione, the ~MK~ is a petite corona, blended with Corojo '99, Criollo '98, and the Cafe Colorado wrapper used on all of Dion's Illusione cigars. Despite being one of the smaller sizes in the line, it is billed as being among the strongest of the line. The brand's website specifically mentions the sweetness brought on by the high quality Viso used in the blend.<br /><br />This particular ~mk~ has an oily, chocolate brown wrapper, with just a touch of red to it. It has a fairly heavy vein structure, more than I expected from this brand. Still an attractive wrapper though. The filler looks and feels great, and well packed. The whole stick has just the right amount of give to it. The aroma from the wrapper is just a gentle tobacco, and a somewhat musty note to it. The foot, however, offers a potent mix of dusty chocolate, the same musty tobacco from the wrapper, and leather. The cold draw is free, and tastes of chocolate, leather, and a slight earthy vegetal note. It also offers just a tingle of spice across the tongue.<br /><br />Lit at 1:45pm.<br /><br />The immediate flavor profile is sweet and savory all at once, combining sweet cocoa, that really lingers, with a spicy pepper and leather on the finish. There is a strong floral character, as well as a touch of dark fruit as well. Here's hoping this level of complexity this early is a sign of great things to follow.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor: -moz-zoom-in" alt="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/mk2.jpg?t=1306091759" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/mk2.jpg?t=1306091759" height="633" width="378" /><br /></div><br /><br />The ash on this cigar is a brilliant, bright white, and is somewhat flakey. This is something I have noticed with the O.D. Illusione cigars previously, in several vitolas, so you have to be careful. The ash falls for the first time, for example, and a little less than 3/4 of an inch... in my lap. D'oh! There also appears to be just a touch of tunneling going on in one spot, so I will have to keep an eye on that. The flavor profile a little way into the first third here has gotten a bit heavier. At its core it features now a thick, oily leather, with just a nuance of that dusty sweet cocoa, and floral, dark fruit. The peppery finish has come down a touch, and is now a lingering, smooth flavor and sensation that sits in the back of the throat. The burn line is not razor sharp by any means, but keeps fine pace with itself, catching up within a few draws, before going weird again... and then catching up just fine.<br /><br />Just a hair past the halfway point the Black Cherry flavor that people talk about with Illusione has just, all of the sudden, become very apparent. It isn't even just a subtle touch of Black Cherry. It is a heavy, sweet, dense flavor, that is strangely awesome with the leather that remains the core. The peppery finish has all but diminished completely. I have had to be careful, as I find myself almost smoking too slowly. For some reason this cigar is burning like a smaller ring gauge than it is, requiring a bit more attention to keep it going properly. Just something to keep in mind.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor: -moz-zoom-in" alt="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/mk3.jpg?t=1306091760" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/mk3.jpg?t=1306091760" height="633" width="378" /><br /></div><br /><br />With about an inch and a half left, the flavor profile shifts yet again, with a sweet, earthy dark chocolate taking the forefront, and the spicy finish once again returning, much the same as it was in the beginning. Burn line has been pretty straight for a few inches now. Smoke production throughout the entire cigar has been great. Tons of thick, white smoke.<br /><br />Ended at 3:00 pm for a total smoke time of one hour fifteen minutes. Great length of time for this size, and boy does it deliver on the flavor front. This level of complexity is just very satisfying, and is one example of what makes smoking cigars such an enjoyable experience for me, personally. I see this cigar taking its place as one I will revisit often (box worthy for sure). Performs wonderfully as well. Despite a weird burn line at times, and a tendency to want to go out if not given enough attention, it never was problematic at all. Highly recommended.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor: -moz-zoom-in" alt="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/mk4.jpg?t=1306091762" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/mk4.jpg?t=1306091762" height="633" width="378" /><br /></div>Burtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13892695776822953033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3124549705374099104.post-43510485970468412092011-05-19T19:31:00.000-07:002011-05-19T19:34:10.142-07:00Arturo Fuente Anejo 50ARTURO FUENTE ANEJO<br />5 1/4 x 50 "No. 50"<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor: -moz-zoom-in" alt="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/anejo502.jpg?t=1305858620" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/anejo502.jpg?t=1305858620" height="633" width="378" /><br /></div><br /><br /> Tonight I am smoking a stick I have enjoyed on several occasions in the past, the Arturo Fuente Anejo. Tonight I am smoking the robusto sized Number 50. The story behind the Anejo is that a little over a decade ago a hurricane wiped out the crop for the Opus X wrappers. A few years later it resulted in a shortage, so Carlito used the extra Opus fillers, tweaked the blend, and wrapped it in a Connecticut Broadleaf maduro wrapper, aged five years, part of that in a Cognac barrel. It has a unique flavor profile, and an impressive lineage. The Anejo is not a regularly available line, released only a couple of times each year (I have read quarterly, and at father's day/Christmas, what is correct, I'm not positive). Regardless, they are something special, and are a cigar that some people have been known to age for years and years before smoking.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor: -moz-zoom-in" alt="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/anejo503.jpg?t=1305858623" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/anejo503.jpg?t=1305858623" height="633" width="378" /><br /></div><br /><br /> This particular example comes from the Winter 2010 release. I have had it for around 6 months now. This stick features a very dark, almost black wrapper with minimal veins, and a lot of tooth. The pack feels even, but very firm. The aroma from the foot has a very distinct combination of cinnamon and raisin, and is very sweet. The cold draw has a decent resistance (not quite firm though), and tastes of the same raisin/dried fruit, plus cinnamon sweetness, with just a touch of vanilla bean, and a hint of spice. Complex pre-light, let's hope it stays that way once burning. I have a feeling it will.<br /><br /> Lit at 8:07pm.<br /><br /> Once lit evenly, it has an even draw, with a good amount of cedar (not a huge surprise since these come wrapped in cedar), coffee sweetness, and a heavy hot pepper spice on the finish, which lingers for a good time. Smoke production is awesome. Great start.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor: -moz-zoom-in" alt="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/anejo504.jpg?t=1305858625" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/anejo504.jpg?t=1305858625" height="633" width="378" /><br /></div><br /><br /> Getting about an inch in, the ash is a bright white color, showing tons of little bubbles from the toothy wrapper, and holds very firmly. The burn line is razor sharp. The flavor profile consists of a burnt wood sweetness, a very oaky flavor, followed by a touch of black coffee bitterness, and a long spicy finish. Through the nose there is a meaty quality, black pepper and, well, roasted meat. The performance is flawless, and the flavors are great. So far, so very, very good.<br /><br /> Approaching the halfway mark, the sweetness has subsided a bit, while the dark, coffee flavor has become more prominent. The black pepper remains strong, especially through the nose. The strength has been medium, maybe medium-full at most, but the body is definitely up there. Just a rich, dark, heaviness to this cigar overall.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor: -moz-zoom-in" alt="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/anejo505.jpg?t=1305858627" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/anejo505.jpg?t=1305858627" height="633" width="378" /><br /></div><br /><br /> Closing in on the band point, the mouthfeel is downright syrupy. The smoke is chewy and rich. The flavor profile remains a combination of black coffee and peppery meat. The initial cinnamon flavor has also come back in a big way. The complexity of this flavor profile is really something special, and is, so far, one of the finest examples of a maduro wrapped cigar.<br /><br /> Ended at 9:45 for a total smoke time of one hour 38 minutes. This is a pretty typical length of time for a well built robusto in my experience. Through this time it performed nothing short of flawlessly. The burn line remained razor sharp, the draw was perfect, and the ash held for several inches before falling each time. The flavor profile is complex, and changes several times as it burns down.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor: -moz-zoom-in" alt="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/anejo501.jpg?t=1305858631" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/anejo501.jpg?t=1305858631" height="633" width="378" /><br /></div>Burtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13892695776822953033noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3124549705374099104.post-19035618526907519282011-05-15T18:38:00.000-07:002011-05-15T18:57:55.477-07:00CroMagnon EMHCROMAGNON EMH<br />5x56 "Early Modern Human"<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor: -moz-zoom-in" alt="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/emh1.jpg?t=1305510958" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/emh1.jpg?t=1305510958" height="633" width="378" /><br /></div><br /><br /> This evening I'm going to be lighting up the second vitola in the CroMagnon taxonomy... The EMH, or Early Modern Human. This cigar is a 5x56 Robusto Extra, a fat, stout beast indeed. It features, as I have previously noted with the CroMagnon cigars, a very very oily wrapper leaf. For a bit of info about the line itself, see my previous review or the CroMagnon Mandible (I see no point in repeating essentially the same paragraph...)<br /><br /> This particular example is part of a sampler I purchased from Hava Cigar shop. It features a somewhat lighter colored wrapper than some of the others that I have. That said, it lacks none of the slick oily appearance. It has a somewhat rustic, veiny appearance, appropriate for the theme that this line carries. The aroma from the wrapper is a simple dirty tobacco. The foot offers the same earthy character, with the addition of some cocoa sweetness, and a tangy spice, like cumin. The cold draw is free, and offers a heavy, dark earth core, with a significant amount of spice across the palate. One thing it does not have is any of the significant sweetness the other size I have smoked had.<br /><br /> Lit at 6:44pm.<br /><br /> Immediately the flavor profile has an earthy, charred wood core, and accompanying oak sweetness, with a significant blast of pepper spice that lingers through the finish. It's a good thing I at a @ChiefHava sized burger for lunch today, because the strength is already apparent within the first few draws. This is going to be a strong one.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor: -moz-zoom-in" alt="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/emh2.jpg?t=1305510959" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/emh2.jpg?t=1305510959" height="633" width="378" /><br /></div><br /><br /> About 3/4 of an inch in, and things are progressing nicely on the flavor front. Continues to deliver a dark earthy core, with a great wood flavor, and a heavy pepper heat through the finish. The problem I am encountering, and this is something I noticed with the last one as well, is that the wrapper burns fairly unevenly, and has already required a pretty good touch up. Not something that is going to keep me from enjoying the cigar (I have a lighter with me afterall, thus, touch ups aren't some huge issue) but just a slight annoyance.<br /><br /> Just past the one inch mark, I'm starting to get a bitter, roasted coffee bean flavor, which is a nice development. It is one of those flavors that is interesting as it transitions into the hot pepper finish. The burn continues to be a little awkward, but the draw and smoke production are fantastic. I'm not sure if it is the humidity outside, or the cigar itself, but it takes a couple of puffs each time I draw to really get this one going. Given the similar issues I had with the last one, it may well be the cigar.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor: -moz-zoom-in" alt="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/emh3.jpg?t=1305510961" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/emh3.jpg?t=1305510961" height="633" width="378" /><br /></div><br /><br /> Regardless of burn issues, the flavors continue to be bold, and strong. The body and strength are pretty... bold as well. Feeling this one already at the halfway mark. Also starting to see some flavor shifts at this point, with the sweetness initially present dropping off almost completely. A musty, old leather character takes over though, and is nice with the bitter coffee, and peppery finish. The spicy finish is one thing that has me sort of impressed. Normally when cigars have a lot of spice up front early on, it drops off through the middle, and doesn't come back until the end. Not the EMH. It has been consistently hot (and I don't mean it is burning hot) all the way.<br /><br /> Getting down towards the end things are getting a little hot and muddled, and I have a little bit of tunneling going on. The flavor starts to become less defined as well. Not a huge issue though, and something that happens with plenty of sticks.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor: -moz-zoom-in" alt="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/emh4.jpg?t=1305510963" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/emh4.jpg?t=1305510963" height="633" width="378" /><br /></div><br /><br /> Ended at 8:15pm for a total smoke time of and hour and a half. Flavorwise, this is yet another example of complexity that is bold and in your face, with more than enough strength and body to back it up. I look forward, as with the Mandible, to seeing how these progress with some age. They certainly have the oil, body, and flavor to benefit from some serious down time.Burtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13892695776822953033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3124549705374099104.post-63219693346322783532011-05-14T18:46:00.000-07:002011-05-14T18:56:56.446-07:00Ashton ESGASHTON ESG<br />6 3/4 x 49 "20 Year Salute"<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor: -moz-zoom-in" alt="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/esg1.jpg?t=1305424323" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/esg1.jpg?t=1305424323" height="633" width="378" /><br /></div><br /><br /> The Estate Sun Grown is the most expensive, supposedly hardest to find cigar in the regular Ashton portfolio. It represents a combined effort between Robert Levin, founder of Ashton, and Carlos Fuente Jr., the man behind Fuente's Opus X among other triumphs. This cigar was conceived as a celebration of 20 years in the industry for Ashton, and the pedigree that the blend carries certainly seems worthy of it. It features a tweaked VSG filler blend, contained within a sungrown variant of the Opus X Rosado wrapper. It is now available in 4 sizes, with one vitola being added to the line annually following the original release, the "20 Year Salute" (also available are a large robusto, a torpedo, and a toro).<br /><br /> The particular example I have today is the 20 Year Salute, which is close to a Churchill in dimensions, and features a gorgeous burnt caramel colored wrapper, with a slightly dusty tooh to it, and that soaked up oil look. The veins in the wrapper leaf are visible, but smooth to the touch, and as is typical of high end Fuente productions, the construction appears impeccable, triple cap, tight seams, even, full packing... And the band is a true work of art, that rivals the Opus X for intricacy. It features plenty of gold leaf work, flowers, and two painted scenes of tropical life. This is a Dominican puro, though the aroma from the wrapper and foot don't really suggest that. It has a smell that reminds me of shortbread from the wrapper, with an additional element of spice and toasty tobacco at the foot. Removing the cap reveals a snug draw full of spicy, earthy tobacco, a touch of floral sweetness, and a musty leather. Given the blend, and the MSRP on these, I have high expectations. So far they are being met...<br /><br /> Lit at 5:50pm.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/esg2.jpg?t=1305424324" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/esg2.jpg?t=1305424324" /><br /></div><br /><br /> The initial profile is not really what I expected. It offers a mild, toasty tobacco, and just a touch of peppery spice that lingers gently on the finish. There is just a touch of a leather flavor on the draw as well. Despite having a ight draw, smoke production is great, and the burn seems to be moving evenly as well.<br /><br /> Getting about an inch in, I am still surprised by how smooth and honestly... mild this cigar has been. It has a musty leather core, with just a touch of pepper spice on the finish, and through the nose a delicate floral sweetness. These are all delicious flavors, perfectly blended, and absolutely not at all what I expected. The ash falls off for the first time after about an inch and a half, revealing a perfect burn underneath. The draw at this time remains tighter than I prefer.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor: -moz-zoom-in" alt="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/esg3.jpg?t=1305424326" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/esg3.jpg?t=1305424326" height="633" width="378" /><br /></div><br /><br /> Around the halfway mark the body is starting to come up a bit, as is the strength, and flavor. Mouthfeel has gotten heavier as well. The draw is opening up too. Makes me wonder if there was something in the filler that I burned through... Anyway, flavor profile is now sweeter, and spicier. Sweeter on the draw, still a sweet woody flavor, with musty leather at the core, with a spicy finish that is a bit more substantial than before. At this point it is becoming a bit more like what I expected this cigar to be.<br /><br /> Smoking almost to the band point (granted the band is pretty large on this one) everything is starting to remind me more of the Opus X cigars that, in a way, this stick shares a wrapper with (albeit this is a sungrown version). It has a cinnamon spice with the sweet wood flavor, a musty old leather core that ties everything together, and finally a spicy, peppery finish. That said, despite the substantial increase in heavier flavor and overall feel, the nicotine strength has only increased marginally. I'm sort of taken aback by the dramatic change that this cigar has made. I one thing worth noting however is that this change occured gradually, over the course of maybe an inch or two, which makes it an interesting, positive development in my book. I'm not sure, as this is the only ESG I have ever smoked, if this transition is typical, or if I got an oddball stick. I sort of hope it is intentional though, as it makes this a unique, and interesting cigar in the portfolio of "Opus-related/wrapper sharing/whatever" cigars, which are personally some of my favorites, generally.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor: -moz-zoom-in" alt="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/esg4.jpg?t=1305424332" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/esg4.jpg?t=1305424332" height="633" width="378" /><br /></div><br /><br /> As the final third takes fire, the strength has started to come up, and I am feeling it in my empty stomach. Oops. The flavor profile continues to get richer, and heavier. The smoke itself is getting spicy, and chewy. As I get closer to the end the strength only continues to build, maybe a little bit too much in fact. By the end it is definitely a pretty full bodied smoke.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor: -moz-zoom-in" alt="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/esg5.jpg?t=1305424336" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/esg5.jpg?t=1305424336" height="633" width="378" /><br /></div><br /><br /> Ended at 8:00pm, for a total smoke time of just over 2 hours. Despite a sort of slow start, by the end this became a really impressive, complex smoke. The price is a bit high on these, compared to other, similar cigars, but it certainly performs just as well as any other high end cigars.Burtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13892695776822953033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3124549705374099104.post-47006866445959841922011-05-11T20:20:00.000-07:002011-05-13T13:27:59.485-07:00CroMagnon MandibleCROMAGNON<br />4.5x60 "MANDIBLE"<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor: -moz-zoom-in" alt="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/mandible1.jpg?t=1305170368" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/mandible1.jpg?t=1305170368" height="633" width="378" /><br /></div><br /><br /> I don't really know the whole story behind the CroMagnon brand, other than the fact that Twitter cigar magnate Skip Martin aka. @ChiefHava and Adrian's have teamed up to produce a dark, rustic, powerful cigar that based on what I know of Skip's smoking habits, pretty much is a combination of the common elements in the cigars he seems to smoke a lot of. I recently picked up a sampler of the lineup (the "taxonomy", they call it), and while the vitolas are pretty far from what I normally smoke (mostly larger rings, where I smoke mostly coronas and lonsdales), this time the marketing got to me, and I had to give it a shot. Up first is the Mandible, the size I am least looking forward to, a so called "petite gordo", in other words, a NUB size, 4.5x60. The blend is interesting, using Nicaraguan filler, a Cameroon binder (which contributes a very specific flavor and even aroma in my experience), and a gorgeous Broadleaf wrapper.<br /><br /> The first thing I noticed when I took these sticks out of the box was the amazing wrappers. They are a dark chocolate brown maduro, with the heaviest, slickest oil sheen I have ever seen on a cigar. I mean these things look like they have been treated with Soul Glo, Afro Sheen, the works... And they smell great too. The wrapper gives off a musty, old barn smell, while the foot offers the same, with the addition of a sweet floral note, and a bit of a bready smell. The cold draw is a little tight, and offers a profile of dusty cocoa powder, medium tobacco, and just an overall earthy density. I just cannot get over the wrapper... The only thing that I can think of that is remotely similar is the wrapper on the LFD DL Maduros.<br /><br /> Lit at 9:33 pm.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor: -moz-zoom-out" alt="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/mandible2.jpg?t=1305170369" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/mandible2.jpg?t=1305170369" /><br /></div><br /><br /> The initial flavor profile is rich, combining a sweet dark chocolate, with a slightly fruity note, like black cherry, and a dark, black pepper finish that lingers, and comes on slowly.... lumbering like a caveman even... Despite a tight draw, this thing is already smoking easily, producing plenty of oily, chewy, clinging smoke. Burn line is a little iffy... hoping it will straighten out. Good start.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor: -moz-zoom-out" alt="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/mandible3.jpg?t=1305170371" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/mandible3.jpg?t=1305170371" /><br /></div><br /><br /> Progressing a little further, the flavor profile has changed a few times (or rather a few flavors have come and gone) including an oaky wood flavor, wet and sweet, and a bread flavor, like what I got on the cold draw. About 3/4 of an inch in, and things have pretty much settled into dusty cocoa on the draw, followed by a floral/fruit note, like cherry and... well something floral, and a long, black pepper finish. Already, the strength is noticeable. I am not a smoker of a lot of really strong cigars, so that may have something to do with it, but I also am somewhat aware of the smoking habits of the man who is responsible for this cigar, and well, he is a smoker of the full stuff. The fullest stuff even. This cigar is advertised as being rustic and strong... well, it is. I ate a good dinner maybe 30 minutes before lighting up, and my stomach is feeling it. The ash is flowering just a little bit. In all fairness, these just arrived in the mail today, but were only shipped the day before yesterday, and were shipped with a 69% Boveda pack (classy!) It's also possible that I am just not used to smoking a cigar in this massive ring gauge. I typically smoke stuff in the 38-46 range... not 60's. Takes a different pace just to keep this guy burning properly.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor: -moz-zoom-out" alt="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/mandible4.jpg?t=1305170372" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/mandible4.jpg?t=1305170372" /><br /></div><br /><br /> The mouthfeel is really something with this cigar, realllly heavy, and oily. Almost has a syrupy quality to it, like smoking maple syrup. Flavor profile hasn't changed for about an inch now, still cocoa powder and a long pepper finish.<br /><br /> By the halfway point the strength has continued to steadily rise, as has the body, while the flavor has really not changed much. It's heavy and dark, pretty straight forward sweetness and strong pepper finish. It's a good flavor, but doesn't really offer much in the way of complexity or subtlety. Through the nose, the fruity character still is present though, which is certainly a plus for me.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor: -moz-zoom-out" alt="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/mandible5.jpg?t=1305170374" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/mandible5.jpg?t=1305170374" /><br /></div><br /><br /> Getting into the final third, the flavor profile takes on a bit of a leathery character. The sweetness has also fallen off a bit. The spice is also a bit more pronounced, less of a slow black pepper, and more of a sharp, hot pepper burn, further forward on the palate. The finish remains long a spicy though.<br /><br /> In the last inch the flavor pretty much drops off entirely, turning into a hot... mess. The strength has ramped up more than I like, and the flavor is just a hot, burnt wood. Ended at 11:00 exactly.<br /><br /> Total smoke time was an hour and a half, which is about what I expected from this size. Aside from a troubled burn line, and the downward direction of the flavor in the last third or so, this was a really enjoyable cigar, far more enjoyable than I expected from a cigar in a vitola I generally don't care for, touting strength that normally would turn me off, and just not really being a cigar blended the way I typically like them. The fruity floral notes, and sweet cocoa, combined with the strong pepper finish, all of which remain pretty consistently through the entire cigar really make this one that I look forward to revisiting, and even allowing to age. I think this has the potential, in time, to become a much more balanced, hopefully more nuanced cigar. For now it remains an interesting, tasty entry in the full body/full strength realm. Definitely something worth checking out for you guys that like 'em potent.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor: -moz-zoom-out" alt="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/mandible6.jpg?t=1305170376" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/mandible6.jpg?t=1305170376" /><br /></div>Burtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13892695776822953033noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3124549705374099104.post-17756014558854762152011-05-02T20:20:00.000-07:002011-05-02T20:25:56.311-07:00San Lotano MaduroSAN LOTANO MADURO<br />5x52 Box Pressed Robusto<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/sanlotanomad2.jpg?t=1304393009" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/sanlotanomad2.jpg?t=1304393009" /><br /></div><br /> This first thing that anyone is gonna notice about this cigar is the box press. It isn't just a slight press, it isn't just a regular box press... it is REALLY box pressed. Like, this thing has SHARP corners. Anyway, San Lotano is A.J. Fernandez's first brand of his own, having made his name blending and producing cigars for other people (primarily online houses, CI in particular comes to mind). The San Lotano brand is a family brand, going back to his family in Cuba, back in the day, blah blah. Fernandez is a protege of Alejandro Robaina, the master of Cuban tobacco, God rest his soul, and has become known for his full bodied, Habano wrapped blends. The San Lotano brand comes in three wrapper variations, each available in 4 vitolas (Habano, Maduro, Connecticut). The Maduro I will be reviewing today is the robusto, which features a Mexican San Andreas Maduro wrapper, Honduran binder, and a mix of fillers from various countries.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/sanlotanomad1.jpg?t=1304393014" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/sanlotanomad1.jpg?t=1304393014" /><br /></div><br /> This particular example features a dark chocolate wrapper, with a slightly mottled color to it, and a toothy matte finish. The look of this cigar actually is somewhat reminiscent of the Padron x000 series. The band is something I have to *** about, as an artsy fartsy type myself... It looks like it was designed with MS Paint or something. No graphic designer should or would be proud to be responsible for this band. That said, I don't smoke cigar bands, so aside from looking weak, it doesn't matter... The cold aroma is wet, and earthy, with a touch of musty tobacco. The cold draw is sweet and creamy, and offers primarily a dark chocolate flavor, the source of the sweetness. The draw itself is a bit firm, likely owing to the ridiculous box pressing going on. The wrapper itself looks great, no veins (all smushed in the box pressing process, no doubt), and applied masterfully, with a good enough looking double cap and tight seams. The pack itself is full... this thing feels like a brick, and has almost no give to it when squeezed...<br /><br /> Lit at 7:47pm.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor: -moz-zoom-in" alt="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/sanlotanomad3.jpg?t=1304393019" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/sanlotanomad3.jpg?t=1304393019" height="633" width="378" /><br /></div><br /><br /> At first light, this is a somewhat lighter, softer smoke than I expected, offering a dry, soft mouthfeel, and a simple, sweet tobacco flavor, with just a touch of spice on the finish, that gradually builds as it moves across the palate. Smoke production is not great at this point, probably as a result of the slightly snug draw. The burn, after just a few draws is already a little wacky, due to the hard edges from the box pressing. Hoping these little nuisances will correct themselves as things progress.<br /><br /> The first third is going well, and the tight draw has actually probably kept my pace slow, which is good. The flavor profile offers a dark chocolate bitterness, and a creamy sweetness, which contrast nicely. The finish has a mild spice to it that moves around the mouth a bit, and lingers for a good length of time. There is a heaviness developing through the mouth-feel of this cigar. The smoke is dense, and oily, where it started much lighter. Burn line has also worked itself out, requiring only a pair of quick touch ups.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/sanlotanomad4.jpg?t=1304393026" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/sanlotanomad4.jpg?t=1304393026" /><br /></div><br /><br /> Ash falls for the first time just a bit into the second third. The flavor profile continues to contain a great spread of sweet, dark flavors, now with an almost oaky character mingling on on a few draws. This is not an overly strong cigar, like some of those that AJ Fernandez makes, and not as complex as some, but it offers great flavors so far, with no issues, and a balance that is superb on the palate.<br /><br /> Throughout the final third, unfortunately the only further development is a bit more bitterness that eventually becomes hot, and unpleasant... but only really at the end. From start to finish this is a great, inexpensive, sweet, rich, maybe not overly complex, but pleasant cigar that really delivers what I think of as the flavors I look for in a maduro wrapped cigar. Perhaps the only negative thing I could say about this cigar is that the draw remained a bit too tight the whole time, but that is something that can vary a good deal from stick to stick, so I don't put much stock in it. if this is what we can expect from AJ Fernandez in the future, I will certainly continue to pay attention. Lasted a total of 1 hour 35 minutes approximately.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor: -moz-zoom-out" alt="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/sanlotanomad5.jpg?t=1304393034" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/sanlotanomad5.jpg?t=1304393034" /><br /></div>Burtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13892695776822953033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3124549705374099104.post-4750547824310991042011-02-19T11:50:00.000-08:002011-02-19T12:00:11.652-08:00Cohiba Siglo ICOHIBA SIGLO I<br />4x40 Half Corona<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/sigloi1.jpg?t=1298145443" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/sigloi1.jpg?t=1298145443" /><br /></div><br /> It is a fantastic day outside, and I have decided to smoke something sort of special to enjoy it, the Cohiba Siglo I. In all fairness, this will be my first experience with the Cuban Cohiba brand. Needless to say, I'm excited to see if this little minuto lives up to the brand name hype. The Cohiba brand is certainly one of, if not the most, well known cigar marcas to come out of Cuba. The Siglo line is a series of 6 sizes, ranging from this half corona up to the massive canonazo Siglo VI, with pretty much everything in between filling out the other 4 sizes.<br /><br /> This cigar features a golden caramel colored wrapper, with a fine hairy tooth all over it, and a slick oil sheen to it. The wrapper features only a fine network of veins, and no blemishes or sunspots. The construction is fantastic, featuring a well lined triple cap, and tight, straight seams. The foot offers a fine, bready toast aroma, with just a slight floral nuance, as well as a hearty tobacco scent. The cold draw is just slightly snug, and offers a wide range of subtlety, from acidic citrus and grass flavors, to smooth cream and chocolate.<br /><br /> Lit at 1:40pm<br /><br /> The Siglo I lights very easily, toasting in mere seconds, and immediately offers a big blast of smoke, and flavors of sweet cream, dark chocolate, and a touch of citrus and grass, with a dash of a spice bite on the finish. This cigar is impressively well balanced even right here at the start.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/sigloi2.jpg?t=1298145451" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/sigloi2.jpg?t=1298145451" /><br /></div><br /> The first third brings cocoa and black coffee core flavors, with citrus and floral dashes here and there (especially through the nose), and a delicate cream undertone to everything ties it all together. The burn is fantastic, never wavering. The draw is just a hair tighter than medium, and produces massive amounts of smoke. The ash holds well for just about the entire first third, and falls, leaving a clean, straight line, in a big chunk into the ash tray.<br /><br /> Getting a few draws into the second third, the basic flavor profile remains the same coffee and cocoa core, with floral and citrus notes, but with the addition of a dark, woody element. The creamy texture, flavor, and overall feel to this cigar still serves to just accentuate the subtle nuances, and really set this one a bit beyond other cigars it's size, which in many cases just do not have time to achieve this sort of complexity. The spicy finish initially present sort of comes and goes, never lingering for long, but popping in just to make sure you are still paying attention every once in a few draws.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/sigloi3.jpg?t=1298145461" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/sigloi3.jpg?t=1298145461" /><br /></div><br /> In the final third, the only real change is that the stick starts to get a little hot which is likely just due to the size, ring gauge specifically. The burn and draw have remained consistently great throughout, and the flavor profile, while not changing a whole lot, has retained a level of complexity that I have never gotten, and never expected to get, from a cigar of this vitola.<br /><br /> Ended at 2:40, for a total smoke time of an hour. This, admittedly, was smoking pretty slowly, likely slower than many people would smoke a cigar of this size.<br /><br /> Perhaps the only real downside to this cigar is the cost. At 7 or 8 dollars each, they are a bit steep for the size, and resulting smoke time. For me personally, however, the vitola is actually one of my favorites, and the cost is worth it to have some of these on hand for when I want something special, but small.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/sigloi4.jpg?t=1298145468" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/sigloi4.jpg?t=1298145468" /><br /></div>Burtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13892695776822953033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3124549705374099104.post-64567419401431418752011-02-13T15:33:00.000-08:002011-02-13T15:41:57.071-08:00Liga Privada T-52 Flying PigLIGA PRIVADA T-52 FLYING PIG<br />4x60 figurado<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/pig1.jpg?t=1297640316" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/pig1.jpg?t=1297640316" /><br /></div><br /><br /> One of those (unfortunately) limited release cigars that has gotten a lot of buzz in the last year or two (including the No.9 Flying Pig), the T-52 Flying Pig is certainly a perfect example of what has allowed Drew Estate to really move in and take a position of influence in the traditional cigar world (where before they were known for their infused cigars, the Liga Privada lines, which the Flying Pig is a limited edition portion of, have really put Drew Estate on the map among smokers of... normal cigars)<br /><br /> The T-52 blend features a stalk cut Habano wrapper, a Brazilian binder, and a mix of Nicaraguan and Dominican fillers. As I have noticed with the other LP cigars, the Flying Pig is dark, oily, and toothy, and has a distinct sweet aroma, mixing floral and chocolate notes. The construction on this chubby perfecto is flawless, with a cool tightly wound pig tail cap, and a pig nose foot. The cold draw is free, and gives flavors of sweet chocolate, and a considerable earthy pepper spice. Even the cold draw leaves your palate oily, which really says something about the wrapper leaf used for the T-52.<br /><br /> Lit at 3:55pm.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/pig2.jpg?t=1297640323" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/pig2.jpg?t=1297640323" /><br /></div><br /><br /> Right away the flavor profile is spicy and meaty. It literally has a seared meat flavor, as well as an underlying sweetness that balances nicely with the considerable spice kick. The loose draw would be a problem, but smoke production is so impressive that it actually doesn't matter that the draw is almost too loose. Sitting idle in the ashtray, huge puffs of smoke come off the foot. This cigar was built to burn well. Even the tapered foot is burning really easily, and surprisingly evenly for the shape.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/pig3.jpg?t=1297640331" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/pig3.jpg?t=1297640331" /><br /></div><br /><br /> Burning just past the rounded foot, the flavor profile starts to change a little bit. The spice has come back a bit, just a gentle tickle that sits in the back of the throat, while the draw offers sweet cocoa, and bitter dark coffee notes. The seared meat flavor is more leathery now. The mouth feel is extremely oily and dense, and the almost overwhelming smoke production only serves to accentuate that.<br /><br /> The ash is firm, and a light grey color, with a ton of tooth visible in little blobs and pockets. The burn line, while not RAZOR sharp, is just shy of it. Draw remains free, and produces massive amounts of rich oily smoke. The flavor profile, just hitting the second third has become even darker, black coffee and earthy cocoa. The spice continues much the same, lingering at the back of the throat.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/pig4.jpg?t=1297640336" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/pig4.jpg?t=1297640336" /><br /></div><br /><br /> Just passing the halfway mark, and the ash is still there. It hasn't fallen once, which is likely a combination of the large ring gauge, and the great construction. It's very cool, regardless of the reason, especially so because of the shape. The flavor profile remains the same, black coffee, a bit of bitter dark chocolate, and an earthy leather and pepper finish. Through the nose a floral note, like the one present before lighting is there, sort of in and out, but it is delicate, and doesn't really stand up to the bold powerful flavors that dominate otherwise.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/pig5.jpg?t=1297640342" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/pig5.jpg?t=1297640342" /><br /></div><br /><br /> Ash still is holding on at the band point, something that never happens, regardless of what cigar we are talking about, at least in my experience. Flavor profile just gets richer and darker as it burns. Flavors are basically the same as the regular T-52, but accentuated, elevated, richer, bolder... Not something that you would typically think to be the case when the ring gauge is LARGER on a cigar from other sizes in the line, as typically larger rings mean less potency. Another thing that impresses me is just how big and full the body and flavor are on this cigar, without the strength being above medium, maybe medium-full, unlike the regular T-52, which I think of as being a good bit stronger.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/pig6.jpg?t=1297640348" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/pig6.jpg?t=1297640348" /><br /></div><br /><br /> Ended at 5:35 for a total smoke time of one hour and forty minutes, which is a long time for any 4 inch cigar, and is great when it is this good. Highly recommended for anyone who has enjoyed any of the Liga Privada cigars in the past. For me, this might be a better release even than the much praised Dirty Rat, released around the same time.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/pig7.jpg?t=1297640356" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/pig7.jpg?t=1297640356" /><br /></div>Burtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13892695776822953033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3124549705374099104.post-31566769301795662802011-01-30T14:32:00.000-08:002011-01-30T14:47:31.121-08:00Don Carlos Edicion de AnniversarioDON CARLOS EDICION DE ANNIVERSARIO<br />5.2x50 Robusto<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/dcea1.jpg?t=1296427313" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/dcea1.jpg?t=1296427313" /><br /></div><br /> A very rare cigar, produced to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Don Carlos line of Arturo Fuente cigars. Has to be special right? Certainly looks like it! Double banded, cedar and ribbon wrapped, this cigar has all the trimmings of a high end Fuente special release. It has the pedigree too. I can't find much info on the internal blend, but the cigar uses an aged Opus X wrapper, that Sungrown habano seed, Dominican wrapper that the Fuentes are so famous for. Taking off the sleeve and ribbon, this really is an impressive looking cigar, aside from the fancy dressings. The wrapper is a golden honey color, with an impressive amount of tooth to it. The construction is also flawless, in typical Fuente fashion. Triple cap, almost no visible veins, and invisible seams. The filler looks well bunched, and the overall heft of the cigar is impressive despite being the smallest size in the line. The cold aroma reminds me of the most pungent, aromatic Opus X cigars, leather and dried fruit, with a touch of cinnamon, but it has something else, a musty funk to it, manure/farm notes that sort of creep up after the punchy fruit and leather. Very impressive cold aroma. The cold draw is great, offering those same leather and fruit characteristics, as well as a bit of spice, and musty aged tobacco. This cigar is, afterall, around 5 years old now (initially released in 2006, then aged a further two years and released in smaller boxes in 2008) Really impressive before lighting. Lets see how she does once lit...<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/dcea2.jpg?t=1296427320" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/dcea2.jpg?t=1296427320" /><br /></div><br /><br /> Lit at 3:15pm.<br /><br /> Wow. Takes a second to really get going, but once properly lit, and a few draws are down, it really has built into something impressive already. Powerful spice washes over the palate. The mouthfeel is dense, and oily, almost syrup-like. Only a few draws in that the ash looks awesome, with TONS of little oil pockets, or tooth, becoming visible. Smoke production is out of this world. Even when sitting in the ash tray, big tufts of white smoke are pouring out of the lit end. Good start!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/dcea3.jpg?t=1296427337" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/dcea3.jpg?t=1296427337" /><br /></div><br /><br /> Throughout the first third, the flavor profile does not change a whole lot. The draw initially offers a bit of peppery spice, followed by a smooth, really oily leather flavor, followed by a few assorted notes of vanilla bean, cinnamon sweetness, and raisins. These three flavors are not present on every draw, but sort of move around from draw to draw. Through the nose there is a prominent, well... I would call it dessert spice. Like vanilla bean, and cinnamon, but hot and spicy. A note on how well made this cigar is... my neighbor came over and was chatting me up for a few minutes, and unfortunately, the cigar went out. Within a few minutes, I was able to roll the ash, purge, and relight, and it was as if nothing had happened (what a relief). The burn and draw have also been perfect the whole time. I have seen this cigar labeled as one of those cigars that is essentially a tweaked Opus X blend (like the Casa Fuente, God of Fire, and other high-end Fuente made cigars), and this certainly, at this point, is apparent. It lacks the in your face strength that the Opus often has, but flavor wise, it is similar, but smoother, and a bit more subdued maybe. The strength is no-where above medium at this time. It does offer a good bit of that musty, aged tobacco flavor that I think of as being a key element of the regular Don Carlos line, which is a time tie in, given that this cigar was produced to celebrate the anniversary of that blend.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/dcea4.jpg?t=1296427355" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/dcea4.jpg?t=1296427355" /><br /></div><br /><br /> Impressively, the second ash (had to roll it the first time at about the one inch mark to re-light), holds all the way until the band point (admittedly, the band point comes at just past the halfway point. But regardless, the ash is firm, and bright white in color. Not a single burn issue so far. No draw issues either. Just the right amount of a tug required, and it produces more than enough smoke. Flavor profile has gotten slightly darker around the half point. Earthy dark. No distinct dark flavors. Still oily leather, with hints of musty tobacco, cinnamon, vanilla, and now even some cream flavor.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/dcea5.jpg?t=1296427371" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/dcea5.jpg?t=1296427371" /><br /></div><br /><br /> Upon removing the main band... finally something negative I can say. Fuente tends, in my experience, to be pretty liberal with their glue usage when applying bands, and the removal of this one takes a bit of wrapper with it, and leaves a sizeable flap of tobacco. Not a huge issue though, as a little yanking removes this piece, and the remainder burns through without issue.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/dcea6.jpg?t=1296427380" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/dcea6.jpg?t=1296427380" /><br /></div><br /><br /> In this final third, things sort of ramp up in strength, as I am now feeling it a bit in my head. Not stomach churning strength like the Opus X sometimes has, but it certainly has a fuller kick to it now that it did initially. Flavors remain similar, with maybe a slight shift from the oily leather and sweet fruit and spice, towards the darker, earthy character mentioned earlier. Complexity has its own form in this cigar... all at once, but not a lot of transition as it burns down.<br /><br /> Ended around 5pm, for a total burn time of one hour forty five minutes. Overall, I think this is an interesting cigar, falling somewhere right between the Don Carlos blend, and the Opus X blend. It has a smooth, musty, and laid back character, but has a lot of the flavors that the Opus X is known for, which I guess comes from the use of the Opus wrapper leaf. I'm not sure how I feel about the price of this cigar, as it truly does fetch a pretty penny(high 20$ range) even in this smaller size. The price, and relatively small production numbers on this stick would seem to dictate this as a special occasion type cigar, and while it certainly is a fine blend, I just think that if it sounds worth it to you, then yes, this is a cigar to have on hand. If nothing else, the fact that these probably won't be around forever is reason enough to pick some up if you see them. Performance is flawless, and flavor is great.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/dcea7.jpg?t=1296427388" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v60/docbp87/dcea7.jpg?t=1296427388" /><br /></div>Burtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13892695776822953033noreply@blogger.com0