I was offered a cigar by a man named Brian, and a wonderful chess game. So, I grabbed a Black Label from the shelf. Heard great things about this cigar and I wanted to test it out. Now, I love my dark wraps, so this cigar was just right for me.
I got the Magnifico shape, which is what they call it (6 X 54). This ia a Medio Tiempo wrapper from Conneticut, sungrown, and dried to a Maduro. The filler is Nicaraguan Ligero and Piloto Cubano Ligero Blend and it is bound with La Vega Especial, which is from the Dominican Republic (this is according to www.bestcigarprices.com). I usually can read about it elsewhere, but this had the most information on the tobacco.
The wrapper was veiny and oily. Perfect for a Maduro (this is sometimes called a double Maduro or Oscuro). This cigar looked full of taste. The smell was rich like a nice cup of coffee.
Once I got fire to this smoke, I was enjoying myself. I could taste the rich coffee flavor mixed with a nice nutty flavor. As this full smoke filled my mouth I could taste the earthy flavor under it all, with a nice hint of spice at the end.
The aftertaste kept most of the flavors. A little longer than most cigars, but there were no complaints. This was an aftertaste you would want. Like having the aftertaste of a good meal. It is OK if it sticks around.
The issue that comes up is the draw. About 1 in 4 seem to have a terrible draw and you cannot get any smoke. This causes some issues with this cigar.
The construction was decent (considering the draw problems), the flavor was great, but the price was the only part that would sting a little. It was $13.25 plus tax. Now, I try and stay under ten dollars due to the economy, but this cigar was well worth it. If you are a dark wrap type, try this.
Final Grade: B-
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Partagas No. 1
This cigar with its Cameroon wrapper was on sale, so I thought I would try it. It was a light colored cigar with a lonsdale shape. So I grab the cigar and smell the wrapper. It had a nice cedar smell to it. Strong with that scent, but a good scent nevertheless. The contruction was sub par though. The wrapper seemed a little loose and it did not seem solid. Now, I have heard people say they really like these, so I am unsure as to if I just got a bad one, which is possible. Being realistic, if you make a million cigars, some ill made ones are bound to slip by.
The wrap had a fair amount of veins for a light wrap, which made me concerned about how it would smoke. This does not always mean it will smoke poorly though. Usually lighter wraps seem to be smoother and veins come out more when processed more.
When I started this cigar it gave me a nice, tart, cedar flavor. Very basic, but very nice. It had a good smoke, mild flavor, and burned well. As I went on though, it started to get sour. In fact, it got very sour towards the end, as well as a little hot.
The aftertaste was something I could do without too. It left me a tart aftertaste that had me going for water.
Now I have been told that this cigar needs to be smoked slowly. More slow than usual for a cigar of this type. People say that makes the flavor much better, and reduces that tart flavor. So, I would not say avoid this, but to take your time. If it stays with the flavor it starts with because of smoking slower, this is than a good cigar. But my experience was not the greatest.
The price on this was $9 plus tax. The low price is also nice because if you try it, smoke it slowly, and like it, then you got a bargin. If you hate it, you appreciate the good ones you have had and did not spend much money to do so.
Final Grade: C
The wrap had a fair amount of veins for a light wrap, which made me concerned about how it would smoke. This does not always mean it will smoke poorly though. Usually lighter wraps seem to be smoother and veins come out more when processed more.
When I started this cigar it gave me a nice, tart, cedar flavor. Very basic, but very nice. It had a good smoke, mild flavor, and burned well. As I went on though, it started to get sour. In fact, it got very sour towards the end, as well as a little hot.
The aftertaste was something I could do without too. It left me a tart aftertaste that had me going for water.
Now I have been told that this cigar needs to be smoked slowly. More slow than usual for a cigar of this type. People say that makes the flavor much better, and reduces that tart flavor. So, I would not say avoid this, but to take your time. If it stays with the flavor it starts with because of smoking slower, this is than a good cigar. But my experience was not the greatest.
The price on this was $9 plus tax. The low price is also nice because if you try it, smoke it slowly, and like it, then you got a bargin. If you hate it, you appreciate the good ones you have had and did not spend much money to do so.
Final Grade: C
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Oliva Serie O Maduro
Since I always like my dark wrap cigars, and this Oliva has been staring at me for some time, I decided to pick it up. What made this different was I usually do not get a torpedo shaped cigar. But, it is good to try new things.
This cigar had a wonderful rich smell similar to chololate and coffee. this dark Maduro was well crafted. The end gave a little spice to the nose. This particular cigar has a Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper with Nicaraguan Habano binder and filler.
As I lit up this smoke I could sense a chocolate aroma, or something similar. Very rich. The tobacco on my lips gave me the same taste. This cigar gave a good smoke that had tastes of cedar, rich flavors similar to coffee, and a little sweet and spice aftertaste.
The only part that could be considered a downside is the price, but considering how well made, and how great tasting, this cigar is, it is not too much of an issue.
This is a well rounded cigar that will cost about $10.20 plus tax.
Final Grade: A-
This cigar had a wonderful rich smell similar to chololate and coffee. this dark Maduro was well crafted. The end gave a little spice to the nose. This particular cigar has a Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper with Nicaraguan Habano binder and filler.
As I lit up this smoke I could sense a chocolate aroma, or something similar. Very rich. The tobacco on my lips gave me the same taste. This cigar gave a good smoke that had tastes of cedar, rich flavors similar to coffee, and a little sweet and spice aftertaste.
The only part that could be considered a downside is the price, but considering how well made, and how great tasting, this cigar is, it is not too much of an issue.
This is a well rounded cigar that will cost about $10.20 plus tax.
Final Grade: A-
Romeo y Julieta Reserva Real
This good sized cigar with a smooth construction is a nice stick to look at. The one I picked up was a Toro, a good thick cigar. It was a warm day and a light wrap seemed to be what I needed.
Most people would call the a Connecticut wrap, it isn't. It is the same shade, but the leaf itself is Ecuadorian (according to research). For terms of being simple, I will just say it is a Connecticut. The Nicaruagan fillers add a nice balance to the overall flavor, to help keep it light, but not too light.
This cigar was evenly packed and well put together. The wrap itself was very smooth.
Despite not being too light, this is a very light cigar. When you smell and strike this smoke you are blanketed with a smoother creamy flavor. This cigar almost makes you feel cool on a hot day (which is what I had it on).
The nice mellow creamy flavor stays with you for a short while, leaving a little sweetness in the aftertaste. While smoking this it may remind you of a light wood flavor. I wouldn't say cedar. It was hard to put my finger on it, but it was there, so subtly.
The aftertaste stayed with you just long enough, not leaving early, nor overstaying its welcome. The aroma and aftertaste are just as grand as the cigar itself, and just as smooth.
For $10.60, plus tax, this cigar is a great one to sit down with and cool off.
Final Grade: A-
Most people would call the a Connecticut wrap, it isn't. It is the same shade, but the leaf itself is Ecuadorian (according to research). For terms of being simple, I will just say it is a Connecticut. The Nicaruagan fillers add a nice balance to the overall flavor, to help keep it light, but not too light.
This cigar was evenly packed and well put together. The wrap itself was very smooth.
Despite not being too light, this is a very light cigar. When you smell and strike this smoke you are blanketed with a smoother creamy flavor. This cigar almost makes you feel cool on a hot day (which is what I had it on).
The nice mellow creamy flavor stays with you for a short while, leaving a little sweetness in the aftertaste. While smoking this it may remind you of a light wood flavor. I wouldn't say cedar. It was hard to put my finger on it, but it was there, so subtly.
The aftertaste stayed with you just long enough, not leaving early, nor overstaying its welcome. The aroma and aftertaste are just as grand as the cigar itself, and just as smooth.
For $10.60, plus tax, this cigar is a great one to sit down with and cool off.
Final Grade: A-
Sunday, July 18, 2010
C.A.O. La Traviata
This cigar had a darker wrap and a good construction. I smelled this smoke and got a good smell with an earthy undertone. This looks like it will be a good smoke, but lighting it would determine it.
When I lit this smoke, I wasn't getting a good draw. I figured it might just be the start of it and I would give it some time. Halfway down, I still had a poor draw. It cause the smoke to be thin and unbalanced. Some seemed strong while others weak.
The flavor had good qualities, but bad proportions. The spice was overwhelming at points, whereas the earthy flavor was overshadowed by it, as if it wanted to come out. When the smoke was more full, the flavor evened out more. If this was consistent, the cigar would be much better.
The aftertaste lingered too. Not a mix of earthy and spice, but just the spice.
The two redeeming factors are the aroma, and price. The aroma was very balanced and nice. The price is only $8.50 plus tax. These keep the grade up, but not much.
Final Grade: C+
When I lit this smoke, I wasn't getting a good draw. I figured it might just be the start of it and I would give it some time. Halfway down, I still had a poor draw. It cause the smoke to be thin and unbalanced. Some seemed strong while others weak.
The flavor had good qualities, but bad proportions. The spice was overwhelming at points, whereas the earthy flavor was overshadowed by it, as if it wanted to come out. When the smoke was more full, the flavor evened out more. If this was consistent, the cigar would be much better.
The aftertaste lingered too. Not a mix of earthy and spice, but just the spice.
The two redeeming factors are the aroma, and price. The aroma was very balanced and nice. The price is only $8.50 plus tax. These keep the grade up, but not much.
Final Grade: C+
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Rocky Patel Vintage 1990
Steve has been telling me to try this cigar, over and over again. Some of the people that come into Little Havana Tobacco live by these cigars. So, to silence the peer pressure, I tried it.
This smoke has a wrapper that is aged 12 years, a nice Honduran Maduro wrapper with fillers at least 5 years of age. According to the Rocky Patel website, the binder is Nicaraguan, with fillers from Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic. With these stats, according to sources, I was unsure as to how this cigar would pan out, but needless to say, I was happy in the end.
I saw the box shaped cigar, with a very tight wrap, and saw that this had been put together very well. Tight wrap and a tight pack. This was very well put together. Everything was even and the quality of the cigar looked supreme.
I noticed a nice wood smell that reminded me of a fine cedar and a hint of oak. This gave a hint of coffee, or even espresso, to it.
When I lit this wonderful looking cigar, I got a wonderful taste. I was hit with the wood and coffee flavor on the first puff, with a nutty flavor added. Under this complex taste was a sweetness, which turns the coffee to more of an espresso. Between that is a slight earthy flavor. Some people say they taste this, I however barely noticed. On top of that, the aroma of this smoke added to the flavor by giving the same great taste to the nose.
No matter the draw, this cigar does its job. Not only do you get a great smoke and great flavor, but the burn stays constant. No matter how you smoke this this gem, it is wonderful.
All of that for a price of $12.50 plus tax makes this cigar fantastic.
I will give a grade deserving to the student that made it.
Final Grade: A+
Arganese Maduro
This is the sister cigar of the last one I rated. Very close to one another. Now, the last one had Dominican filler and binder with a Nicaraguan wrapper. This one had a nice Maduro wrap. Now the site says Dominican filler and binder, but the box says different, so I am leaving that choice up to the smoker.
This cigar was also well wrapped and well made. The veins were more noticable but that is common on darker wraps. No soft spots either. The construction was very good.
The smell was very mild and offered a nice woody smell. If the smell was telling me anything, this was going to be a mild smoke. I have been tricked by that before though, so I will not let that sway me.
I started this smoke and I was impressed. It had a rich woody flavor (almost like oakish) with a little spice to it. Richer than its sister. With the taste came a bitter flavor like you would get from coffee. The kind of bitter you want. All of this stayed consistant and did not falter at all throughout the entire time I was enjoying this treat.
The aftertaste was tart with a slight sweet flavor at the end. It was like having an apple tart in which is flows well. Now this may not taste like apple, but it gives the tastebuds the same pleasure.
None of these qualities popped out though. All of them were really mild. More mild than the Nicaraguan. That one had qualities similar, but some overshadowed others. This one did not. This was a very well rounded cigar.
This cigar would in the the $8 range and would be worth every penny.
Final Grade: B+/A-
This cigar was also well wrapped and well made. The veins were more noticable but that is common on darker wraps. No soft spots either. The construction was very good.
The smell was very mild and offered a nice woody smell. If the smell was telling me anything, this was going to be a mild smoke. I have been tricked by that before though, so I will not let that sway me.
I started this smoke and I was impressed. It had a rich woody flavor (almost like oakish) with a little spice to it. Richer than its sister. With the taste came a bitter flavor like you would get from coffee. The kind of bitter you want. All of this stayed consistant and did not falter at all throughout the entire time I was enjoying this treat.
The aftertaste was tart with a slight sweet flavor at the end. It was like having an apple tart in which is flows well. Now this may not taste like apple, but it gives the tastebuds the same pleasure.
None of these qualities popped out though. All of them were really mild. More mild than the Nicaraguan. That one had qualities similar, but some overshadowed others. This one did not. This was a very well rounded cigar.
This cigar would in the the $8 range and would be worth every penny.
Final Grade: B+/A-
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Arganese Nicaragua
This simple robusto cigar had a nice smell to it. Smell of wood with a hint of spice to it. Just a nice aroma.
When I lit this stick I found it to be a mild to full flavor. It was smooth. This smoke still had the woody and that hint of spice to it, just like I smelled on the wrap. The flavor was strong on the woody with a spice finish that was slightly overshadowed. It worked out well though, for it didn't get harsh. The flavor got a little strong at the end, but not too much.
Building a good smoke in this one could be a little tough at times. The smoke was not that full but more mild and half-hearted. The smoke tasted good, but at times seemed weak.
The cigar itself was well wrapped and was very even. Not one soft spot in the whole thing. This was well constructed.
This would be around $8 and for that price, it makes this cigar a bang for its buck.
Final Grade: B-/B
When I lit this stick I found it to be a mild to full flavor. It was smooth. This smoke still had the woody and that hint of spice to it, just like I smelled on the wrap. The flavor was strong on the woody with a spice finish that was slightly overshadowed. It worked out well though, for it didn't get harsh. The flavor got a little strong at the end, but not too much.
Building a good smoke in this one could be a little tough at times. The smoke was not that full but more mild and half-hearted. The smoke tasted good, but at times seemed weak.
The cigar itself was well wrapped and was very even. Not one soft spot in the whole thing. This was well constructed.
This would be around $8 and for that price, it makes this cigar a bang for its buck.
Final Grade: B-/B
Monday, July 12, 2010
First Draw Wrapper Maduro (Arganese)
I tried the dark wrap of the FDW cigars. Well, this did not disappoint. This was only $7.65 + tax. Trust me, it did not disappoint.
I was feeling down and needed a dark wrap cigar. So I went to Little Havana Tobacco in Anoka (I live nearby and it is my homebase so I mention it a lot) looking for a cigar. I tried the other FDW so I thought it was only fair to try the Maduro wrap.
It had a rich, earthy flavor. Very full and a great smoke.It had a very smooth finish with a nice light smoke. The full flavor kept with my taste buds in a great way. My tongue was full on with the nutty flavor. This is a great Maduro for the price. Usually darker wraps are more expensive, but this is the same as the ruby red wrap.
The surface doesn't look rough, but it feels rough. Do not let that fool you though. Slowly puff this cigar and it will burn even through and through.
It gets a little harsh towards the end, but after that long smoke, you feel good at the end and are happy when you put it out. It is an amazing way it works out.
The price, feel, and taste make this a great smoke.
Final Grade: B+
I was feeling down and needed a dark wrap cigar. So I went to Little Havana Tobacco in Anoka (I live nearby and it is my homebase so I mention it a lot) looking for a cigar. I tried the other FDW so I thought it was only fair to try the Maduro wrap.
It had a rich, earthy flavor. Very full and a great smoke.It had a very smooth finish with a nice light smoke. The full flavor kept with my taste buds in a great way. My tongue was full on with the nutty flavor. This is a great Maduro for the price. Usually darker wraps are more expensive, but this is the same as the ruby red wrap.
The surface doesn't look rough, but it feels rough. Do not let that fool you though. Slowly puff this cigar and it will burn even through and through.
It gets a little harsh towards the end, but after that long smoke, you feel good at the end and are happy when you put it out. It is an amazing way it works out.
The price, feel, and taste make this a great smoke.
Final Grade: B+
Sunday, July 11, 2010
How to start in the world of cigars
Before I begin this post, I would like to thank Steve Johnson for his imput on this and his help. He answered many questions and discussed with me the factors of rating cigars, picking cigars, and picking tobacco shops. Over the time I have known him, we have discussed all of these things and that helped make this post possible.
First thing is first, finding a shop. Now everyone has different tastes, but when starting out, you want a nice balance and good comfort. Most importantly, a person to help you and listen to you. In time you find these things and it becomes your homebase for your cigars. Also, you need a shop that listens to customer feedback. I am going to compare the two cigar shops I have been to the most as an example.
I was at a shop called Tobacco Grove. It had nice things, but it was cramped. Finding a place to sit down was next to impossible. Next was the selection. This selection was huge! I didn't know what I wanted. Mainly because I didn't know where to start. I have to crouch and lean and search to find much of anything. This selection was only for cigar veterans. There was no other good cigar shops around though so I was out of options. At this place I have had some decent cigars, and some bad ones too. Needless to say, unless you know exactly what you want are are going home to smoke it, this is not your place. Also, prices can be hefty. We will get to prices shortly though.
My homebase is Little Havana Tobacco Inc. located in Anoka, MN. I walked in and thought the selection was small. This is a new shop though. But, it was easy to look through. Things were up front, there was plenty of room to sit, and even TVs and good company. Now, Tobbaco Grove has that, but it is cramped, this is not. Also selection. It is an alright selection as far as types, but quality is key. Never had a bad cigar there. If you walk into a place with a massive selection, ask for help. If the help is half hearted, find another shop.
Now service is big. Someone to help you. I have been to shops where I get help, and I don't. Like I do not drink. There are places where they still tell me what would go good with a nice scotch. That means nothing to me. You need a place that listens.
Now, if you are new to smoking cigars, find something in the middle. Oliva Connecticut wrap Robusto is a good middle ground cigar. That can also be used as a baseline later on, so if you smoke dark or light wraps often, this one can bring you back to center. If you are new, it helps you determine which way you want to go.
Honesty is key in the end though. An owner that can say they do not know, instead of lying, is a good thing. You may want someone very smart on the subject, but not being scammed is more important. There are places that will want you to buy the most expensive all the time. These people do not care about enjoyment, just money and I will tell you this, price does not determine qualtiy.
These are some simple things to consider when looking for a smoke shop. I hope it helps.
First thing is first, finding a shop. Now everyone has different tastes, but when starting out, you want a nice balance and good comfort. Most importantly, a person to help you and listen to you. In time you find these things and it becomes your homebase for your cigars. Also, you need a shop that listens to customer feedback. I am going to compare the two cigar shops I have been to the most as an example.
I was at a shop called Tobacco Grove. It had nice things, but it was cramped. Finding a place to sit down was next to impossible. Next was the selection. This selection was huge! I didn't know what I wanted. Mainly because I didn't know where to start. I have to crouch and lean and search to find much of anything. This selection was only for cigar veterans. There was no other good cigar shops around though so I was out of options. At this place I have had some decent cigars, and some bad ones too. Needless to say, unless you know exactly what you want are are going home to smoke it, this is not your place. Also, prices can be hefty. We will get to prices shortly though.
My homebase is Little Havana Tobacco Inc. located in Anoka, MN. I walked in and thought the selection was small. This is a new shop though. But, it was easy to look through. Things were up front, there was plenty of room to sit, and even TVs and good company. Now, Tobbaco Grove has that, but it is cramped, this is not. Also selection. It is an alright selection as far as types, but quality is key. Never had a bad cigar there. If you walk into a place with a massive selection, ask for help. If the help is half hearted, find another shop.
Now service is big. Someone to help you. I have been to shops where I get help, and I don't. Like I do not drink. There are places where they still tell me what would go good with a nice scotch. That means nothing to me. You need a place that listens.
Now, if you are new to smoking cigars, find something in the middle. Oliva Connecticut wrap Robusto is a good middle ground cigar. That can also be used as a baseline later on, so if you smoke dark or light wraps often, this one can bring you back to center. If you are new, it helps you determine which way you want to go.
Honesty is key in the end though. An owner that can say they do not know, instead of lying, is a good thing. You may want someone very smart on the subject, but not being scammed is more important. There are places that will want you to buy the most expensive all the time. These people do not care about enjoyment, just money and I will tell you this, price does not determine qualtiy.
These are some simple things to consider when looking for a smoke shop. I hope it helps.
Gurkha Ancient Warrior
Gurkha, this brand makes a very fine cigar. I have to thank my girlfriend Nicole, and my friend Steve, for having me try this smoke. Thanking isn't enough with this one.
This cigar is made with a Brazilian Wrapper, Dominican Binder, and Honduran, Dominican Filler.
When I first saw this dark wrap cigar, I noticed how rough the leaves looked (note the word "looked"), but how wonderful it was wrapped. It looked like a warrior, rough yet dignified. The wrap was very even and well done though. I have been fooled by looks before though, so I wasn't going to let that sway me. I have seen cigars where the wrap looks perfect but you couldn't get it to burn evenly if you tried, and vice versa. But this wrap didn't look bad at all. Darker wraps seem to look rougher at times, but this one had an extra quality: richness. So, all in all, it looked good. Even wrap, rich tobacco, and a nice feel.
I smelled this cigar and it seemed rather mild, but full at the same time. I knew this cigar wasn't going to knock me down, but would it leave me disappointed? I was out on my deck smelling this cigar and taking in the subtle spice, which is due to the Brazillian wrapper. I couldn't tell how it would finish, but I was about to find out.
As I lit this smoke I had a good mellow flavor. It had a roasted flavor with some spice. It wasn't knocking me down, but it got strong as I smoked it down. I had a hint of woodsy flavor as well, which helped the spice flavor out. It was subtle though. The spice was what caught me, and I loved it. As I burned through this smoke I noticed a nice nutty flavor as I slowly let the smoke out. It wasn't a large flavor, but it was a nice addition. Now, some people noticed a creamy flavor at the end. I however did not. Though it your tastebuds are apt to noticed that flavor, this cigar would be for you as well.
The price is decent too. About $12-14. Some places, like wholesalers and internet shops, sell them for $8. Add tax to these numbers, naturally. But getting it at a shop is nice for you have a good place to smoke it.
The finish was great on this as well. It got a little stronger throughout, but not overwhelming. Never harsh. The Brazillian wrapper, with Dominican and Honduran fillers made this cigar a treat in all senses. This is one where if you smoke Cameroon or Maduro wraps, it is a nice change for either. A mellow smoke with a good full flavor.
Final Grade: A+
Saturday, July 10, 2010
First Draw Wrapper (Arganese)
This is a working man (or woman) cigar. I decided to have a light wrap cigar called the ruby red. I love maduro, but I wanted to change it up a bit. I decided on this because the thing I hear from my friends are "cigars are so expensive, and cheap ones taste terrible." Well, now that can change.
This cigar has a nice spice to it with a creamy flavor on the finish. It is a heavy Connecticut wrap, there is not question on that. The flavors are very simple, but very good.
This cigar can get harsh at the end, but that is still an hour into it, so you get a good long smoke.
The draw is great, and so is the burn. Great construction.
If you smoke this cigar, I say be patient for the first few puffs and then don't smoke it so far down that it hurts. If you can feel the heat on your finger when you puff, you're done.
The price is $7.65 + tax and for what you get, it is a great cigar. Well made, good smoke, and good taste, with a great price.
Final grade: B+
This cigar has a nice spice to it with a creamy flavor on the finish. It is a heavy Connecticut wrap, there is not question on that. The flavors are very simple, but very good.
This cigar can get harsh at the end, but that is still an hour into it, so you get a good long smoke.
The draw is great, and so is the burn. Great construction.
If you smoke this cigar, I say be patient for the first few puffs and then don't smoke it so far down that it hurts. If you can feel the heat on your finger when you puff, you're done.
The price is $7.65 + tax and for what you get, it is a great cigar. Well made, good smoke, and good taste, with a great price.
Final grade: B+
Cain "F"
When I saw the name I thought of the movie Robocop 2 when the main character says "Cain, let's step outside." Well, with this cigar it is almost like that on some levels, but in a great way.
I walked into Little Havana and saw Steve at the counter. I asked what he had that was new and he showed me a few cigars. Nothing really caught my eye until I saw this box that said "Cain" on it. When he pointed it out it kept on me. This Robusto cigar with a Habano wrap and Nicaraguan ligero long leaves from Condega, Jalapa and Esteli as a filler. I had to try it.
Now, Steve told me "this thing starts out kicking and keeps going." He was right. The first puff had strength, no doubt about that. The flavor came on strong and stayed strong. It felt very mellow though. The flavor got a little stronger but it stayed mellow throughout. The strength creeps up on you.
The flavor did not become complex, but comforting and simple. It is like having a cool glass of water on a hot day. The water is very simple, but very enjoyable. This cigar had that for me, at first. Speaking of water, have water with this cigar. It is like separating the flavors of a strong scotch.
The flavor was full of spice. When broken down you could get rich earthy tones, some nutty tones, and even some cedar like flavors. Hints of coffee and leather came to surface too. But overall, the spice ruled. This had other flavors pop up, but that spice was the only one in full force. Like a hot pepper, you taste the pepper, even though your mouth feels like it will burst into flames.
The mix of tobacco added some bitter and mellow elements when puffed slowly and the smoke is let out even slower. This cigar kept having new layers no matter how you smoked it. Simple with a standard quick puff, and enjoyable, or complex with the slow puff, and still enjoyable.
The strong flavor never ceased. It started out kicking and kept on kicking... the flavor went on and on. I tasted it about an hour after I finished and the taste didn't dull or sour.
This cigar burned perfectly and had a wonderful draw.
If you like them strong, try this smoke. If you are a novice, you have been warned. This is a very powerful cigar. For $9.50, this is a darn good smoke.
Final Grade: A
I walked into Little Havana and saw Steve at the counter. I asked what he had that was new and he showed me a few cigars. Nothing really caught my eye until I saw this box that said "Cain" on it. When he pointed it out it kept on me. This Robusto cigar with a Habano wrap and Nicaraguan ligero long leaves from Condega, Jalapa and Esteli as a filler. I had to try it.
Now, Steve told me "this thing starts out kicking and keeps going." He was right. The first puff had strength, no doubt about that. The flavor came on strong and stayed strong. It felt very mellow though. The flavor got a little stronger but it stayed mellow throughout. The strength creeps up on you.
The flavor did not become complex, but comforting and simple. It is like having a cool glass of water on a hot day. The water is very simple, but very enjoyable. This cigar had that for me, at first. Speaking of water, have water with this cigar. It is like separating the flavors of a strong scotch.
The flavor was full of spice. When broken down you could get rich earthy tones, some nutty tones, and even some cedar like flavors. Hints of coffee and leather came to surface too. But overall, the spice ruled. This had other flavors pop up, but that spice was the only one in full force. Like a hot pepper, you taste the pepper, even though your mouth feels like it will burst into flames.
The mix of tobacco added some bitter and mellow elements when puffed slowly and the smoke is let out even slower. This cigar kept having new layers no matter how you smoked it. Simple with a standard quick puff, and enjoyable, or complex with the slow puff, and still enjoyable.
The strong flavor never ceased. It started out kicking and kept on kicking... the flavor went on and on. I tasted it about an hour after I finished and the taste didn't dull or sour.
This cigar burned perfectly and had a wonderful draw.
If you like them strong, try this smoke. If you are a novice, you have been warned. This is a very powerful cigar. For $9.50, this is a darn good smoke.
Final Grade: A
Alec Bradley MAXX The Freak
I walked into Little Havana Tobacco, the local tobacco shop, and saw Steve, the owner. I have come in a few times. I like the place and it is close.
I love my dark wrap cigars. Maduro is the wrap for me. I saw a cigar by Alec Bradley MAXX. It was called "The Freak" and it was in a black box. I decided to try it out.
This cigar is made with a Nicaraguan Habano wrapper, a binder from Costa Rica, and filler from Nicaragua, Honduras, Mexico, and Columbia
This cigar is huge. A double toro as it could be called. This is a thick stick. I thought I may be in for a strong smoke, but then I lit this monster...
The tobacco tasted decent on my lips and mouth, but as I was puffing I wasn't getting much. Four puffs in the flavor came rolling past my tastebuds. It was surprisingly mild. A nice even smoke too, but you had to give it a few good puffs to get a good smoke out of this. Mind you, this is a large cigar and it takes a lot to stay lit. My girlfriend was there watching me build up a smoke with a big smile on her face. She decided to have a cigar of her own in the meantime.
It had a nice earthy and nutty flavor with a nutty finish. In the middle of the whole thing was a rich coffee like flavor. The aroma was almost coffee like as well. These flavors are well maintained. Personally, I thought the aroma was better than the taste, but it is still good.
When I put the cigar down, I noticed the aftertaste. Now this cigar had a decent aftertaste. A light nutty flavor with a hint of coffee. Not so strong that you could not taste anything else, and not so weak that it was gone when the smoke left. It is closer to strong than weak, but it is pretty in the middle, which is nice for this kind of wrap and size.
The construction was good. Easy draw and even burn, all the while producing a good smoke.
This cigar gave me a nice, smooth, mild taste. The only thing some people may have issues with is sitting for 45 minutes to an hour to smoke the thing, but at that shop, that is what the leather chair is for. Also, it takes a little while to get going, but not too long.
The pricing was great for what you got at only $11. Some of these go for closer to $20.
Final grade: A-
I love my dark wrap cigars. Maduro is the wrap for me. I saw a cigar by Alec Bradley MAXX. It was called "The Freak" and it was in a black box. I decided to try it out.
This cigar is made with a Nicaraguan Habano wrapper, a binder from Costa Rica, and filler from Nicaragua, Honduras, Mexico, and Columbia
This cigar is huge. A double toro as it could be called. This is a thick stick. I thought I may be in for a strong smoke, but then I lit this monster...
The tobacco tasted decent on my lips and mouth, but as I was puffing I wasn't getting much. Four puffs in the flavor came rolling past my tastebuds. It was surprisingly mild. A nice even smoke too, but you had to give it a few good puffs to get a good smoke out of this. Mind you, this is a large cigar and it takes a lot to stay lit. My girlfriend was there watching me build up a smoke with a big smile on her face. She decided to have a cigar of her own in the meantime.
It had a nice earthy and nutty flavor with a nutty finish. In the middle of the whole thing was a rich coffee like flavor. The aroma was almost coffee like as well. These flavors are well maintained. Personally, I thought the aroma was better than the taste, but it is still good.
When I put the cigar down, I noticed the aftertaste. Now this cigar had a decent aftertaste. A light nutty flavor with a hint of coffee. Not so strong that you could not taste anything else, and not so weak that it was gone when the smoke left. It is closer to strong than weak, but it is pretty in the middle, which is nice for this kind of wrap and size.
The construction was good. Easy draw and even burn, all the while producing a good smoke.
This cigar gave me a nice, smooth, mild taste. The only thing some people may have issues with is sitting for 45 minutes to an hour to smoke the thing, but at that shop, that is what the leather chair is for. Also, it takes a little while to get going, but not too long.
The pricing was great for what you got at only $11. Some of these go for closer to $20.
Final grade: A-
Friday, July 9, 2010
What I am about.
Hello all and welcome.
I would like to thank you all for stopping by my blog here. This is a place to talk cigars and good places to smoke them. There are plenty of good tobacco stores out there and I have my own favorites. Needless to say, I am always open to try new places, and new cigars. Everyone is free to message me with suggestions, or open discussion on a review I write.
I welcome you to join me. My first review will be on a cigar I had earlier today.
I would like to thank you all for stopping by my blog here. This is a place to talk cigars and good places to smoke them. There are plenty of good tobacco stores out there and I have my own favorites. Needless to say, I am always open to try new places, and new cigars. Everyone is free to message me with suggestions, or open discussion on a review I write.
I welcome you to join me. My first review will be on a cigar I had earlier today.
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