This was a gift to me from my friend Dennis.
This cigar was brought back to life with some time in the humidor. It was in great condition and well made. It was a bumpy and oily wrapper. It is a Nicaraguan wrapper and it is a thick Habano tobacco. The wrapper was nice and thick like leather.
The first flavor was earthy and very rich. Had a nice coffee hint and a spice in the aftertaste. It had a hint of toasty flavor as well. This also had a nice rounded flavor. Starting with the earthy flavor, turning to coffee, and ending in spice.
The draw is firm and cool. The burn is also very even. This shows the good construction as well.
This size cigar (La Fuerza, 5.5 x 54) would run between $17-$25. So, the price is steep. This is an A- cigar. The flavors could be more apparent but are still decent. The price drops it though.
Final Grade: B
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Rocky Patel Connecticut Vintage 1999
With a 7 year old Connecticut wrapper, Nicaraguan binder and 5 year old filler (Dominican and Nicaraguan), I decided to try this particular Rocky Patel. Now, most of the time the reviews are wonderful for Rocky cigars, but this one get mixed ones.
The look and construction of this cigar was a good one. I wouldn't expect less from a Rocky.
The flavor was creamy with a nice sweet aftertaste. It was almost like butter at some points. Unlike other Rocky Patel cigars, you have to go slow. Others, no matter how you smoke it, it tastes good. This one has a turn if puffed fast. It can go sour. Staying at a steady pace you get a creamy flavor with a hint of butter, and a creamy aftertaste. There lacked a balance to this cigar though. Almost like you needed a little bitter flavor to even it out. The butter flavor was also overshadowed by the creamy flavor. Seemed to be one sided much of the time.
The draw was just fine. A little more firm than other Rocky Patel's. The burn was even as well.
The price of a Churchill size is $12.50, which is over the top for this one. But for a creamy cigar, there are better. Rocky seems good at darker wraps. Even with that said, this cigar is well constructed and well smoked for the most part. Disappointing for a Rocky Patel though. Mostly a one note act, and thus not worth the price.
Final Grade: C-
The look and construction of this cigar was a good one. I wouldn't expect less from a Rocky.
The flavor was creamy with a nice sweet aftertaste. It was almost like butter at some points. Unlike other Rocky Patel cigars, you have to go slow. Others, no matter how you smoke it, it tastes good. This one has a turn if puffed fast. It can go sour. Staying at a steady pace you get a creamy flavor with a hint of butter, and a creamy aftertaste. There lacked a balance to this cigar though. Almost like you needed a little bitter flavor to even it out. The butter flavor was also overshadowed by the creamy flavor. Seemed to be one sided much of the time.
The draw was just fine. A little more firm than other Rocky Patel's. The burn was even as well.
The price of a Churchill size is $12.50, which is over the top for this one. But for a creamy cigar, there are better. Rocky seems good at darker wraps. Even with that said, this cigar is well constructed and well smoked for the most part. Disappointing for a Rocky Patel though. Mostly a one note act, and thus not worth the price.
Final Grade: C-
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Gurkha Evil
This cigar was a gift, and a great gift. Thank you again Steve and Lea.
This has a Brazilian Wrapper, Dominican Binder, Nicaraguan Filler. This cigar is well constructed and has a nice oily wrapper.
This cigar has a good amount of spice. The spice is subtle, yet strong. There is a slight earthy flavor underneath which compliments the spicy flavor. It starts being more noticeable about half way through. Also you can get hints of creamy and sweet, but very little. The spice clouds it
The burn and draw on this cigar was great. Perfect puffs.
The aftertaste has spice and a little bit of nuttiness. The spice stays with you in a very mild fashion.
The downside is the earthy flavor. It would seems better if it was from the start. Though with change in flavor can add new experiences with each puff. So, the downside can be an upside too. But, I think it would have been better with a more constant flavor.
This smoke is around $10-$12 (I had the robusto). For the price this smoke is worth a shot. It is spicy and full flavor, so take it slow. This would be good on a cold day. Warm you right up.
It was a great gift. Thank you again Steve and Lea.
Final Grade: A
This has a Brazilian Wrapper, Dominican Binder, Nicaraguan Filler. This cigar is well constructed and has a nice oily wrapper.
This cigar has a good amount of spice. The spice is subtle, yet strong. There is a slight earthy flavor underneath which compliments the spicy flavor. It starts being more noticeable about half way through. Also you can get hints of creamy and sweet, but very little. The spice clouds it
The burn and draw on this cigar was great. Perfect puffs.
The aftertaste has spice and a little bit of nuttiness. The spice stays with you in a very mild fashion.
The downside is the earthy flavor. It would seems better if it was from the start. Though with change in flavor can add new experiences with each puff. So, the downside can be an upside too. But, I think it would have been better with a more constant flavor.
This smoke is around $10-$12 (I had the robusto). For the price this smoke is worth a shot. It is spicy and full flavor, so take it slow. This would be good on a cold day. Warm you right up.
It was a great gift. Thank you again Steve and Lea.
Final Grade: A
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Oliva Serie V
This is a cigar that I have heard about and seen. I had it in a Churchill size and I loved every second of it. Now, my tastebuds were not having their best day, but that didn't matter. I will tell you way. Let's get to the review, shall we?
Habano Sun Wrapper, Nicaraguan binder, and Jalapa Valley Ligero filler are all put together very well. The construction of this smoke is very well done. Usually I find a flaw or two with an Oliva, which I understand (you make so many, you are bound to have errors) but with this one there are none.
I lit this cigar and had a wonderful draw. Just a little firm, but that is to keep you from being overwhelmed with flavor. A nice spicey flavor was consistant throughout this cigar. A nice earthy flavor with a coffee like flavor were under the spice. It was a wonderful mix. The aftertaste had some spice, but more like eating a piece of steak with pepper on it. The spice is nice a mild. There was a slight bitterness to it, but almost the same as a dark chocolate. So, it was a nice addition.
The draw and burn were perfect. Never had a problem with either. In fact, it took all my might not to puff to fast.
The price is around $12.50, which is not bad for an hour or more smoke. So price isn't an issue.
The only downside was the tastes. I thought a little more of the undertones would have made it better. Still, this is a great cigar.
Final Grade: A+
Habano Sun Wrapper, Nicaraguan binder, and Jalapa Valley Ligero filler are all put together very well. The construction of this smoke is very well done. Usually I find a flaw or two with an Oliva, which I understand (you make so many, you are bound to have errors) but with this one there are none.
I lit this cigar and had a wonderful draw. Just a little firm, but that is to keep you from being overwhelmed with flavor. A nice spicey flavor was consistant throughout this cigar. A nice earthy flavor with a coffee like flavor were under the spice. It was a wonderful mix. The aftertaste had some spice, but more like eating a piece of steak with pepper on it. The spice is nice a mild. There was a slight bitterness to it, but almost the same as a dark chocolate. So, it was a nice addition.
The draw and burn were perfect. Never had a problem with either. In fact, it took all my might not to puff to fast.
The price is around $12.50, which is not bad for an hour or more smoke. So price isn't an issue.
The only downside was the tastes. I thought a little more of the undertones would have made it better. Still, this is a great cigar.
Final Grade: A+
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
La Gloria Cubana
After smoking some full flavored cigars, it was time to go a little lighter, so I grabbed a La Gloria Cubana.
The construction of this cigar was even, but felt a little loose. Usually I like a very tight feel. A solid feel. The wrapper was nice and soft. Didn't feel weak though. This is always a good thing. Nothing worse than a weak wrapper and a cigar coming apart on you.
This cigar, with its Natural wrapper and tobacco, lit like a dream. The flavor was creamy with a hint of cedar. There was another wood flavor as well, but I could not put my finger on it. It didn't matter though. This was a strong flavor for such a mild to medium smoke. The aftertaste and finish leave you with a nice cedar flavor.
The burn on this cigar was consistent and even. Not one flaw in that. I even took it outside to test how it held up (it was a very windy day) and nothing changed. The draw had a slight firmness to it, but not too much.
The price is good as well. Granted, this smoke was only about 30 minutes, but a good 30 minutes. The size I had was close to a petite corona and cost $9.00. This is a good by.
Final Grade: A
The construction of this cigar was even, but felt a little loose. Usually I like a very tight feel. A solid feel. The wrapper was nice and soft. Didn't feel weak though. This is always a good thing. Nothing worse than a weak wrapper and a cigar coming apart on you.
This cigar, with its Natural wrapper and tobacco, lit like a dream. The flavor was creamy with a hint of cedar. There was another wood flavor as well, but I could not put my finger on it. It didn't matter though. This was a strong flavor for such a mild to medium smoke. The aftertaste and finish leave you with a nice cedar flavor.
The burn on this cigar was consistent and even. Not one flaw in that. I even took it outside to test how it held up (it was a very windy day) and nothing changed. The draw had a slight firmness to it, but not too much.
The price is good as well. Granted, this smoke was only about 30 minutes, but a good 30 minutes. The size I had was close to a petite corona and cost $9.00. This is a good by.
Final Grade: A
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
The Politics of a Cigar
I sit here at Little Havana, the day before labor day, looking out at the grey sky when I begin to think of all that is said inside these walls. Discussions range from sports, families, politics, and of course, cigars. Pipes too, from time to time. We always come back to our smoke. After the discussions on how to live life, whether or not Obama is a good President, and which cars we like best, the cigar always remains.
The talk of what makes a good cigar is far and wide. Whether dark or light, thin or thick, strong or mild, and so on. These are all minor things when it comes to the cigar experience. These are just sideshows to the main attraction. The experience itself is what is the issue. Since Minnesota gave an indoor smoking ban (with few expemtions), this issue has been a large one. But, when you think about it, it is no bigger or smaller since that law. It has always been about the smoke. It has always been about the whole experience. Since this is about the politics of cigars, we should hit the issues.
First one that is usually tackled is the flavor. When doing this, some say to consider what you drink or eat. The food is the side issue. What smoke suits the event. Going to the humidor and thinking of how you feel, or what is striking your fancy is a good place to start. Refining your search by remembering what you like or do not like also refines it more. Soon you find it, but the meal you may have might not fit with this smoke. So, order something else if it concerns you.
Next people bring up is size. What is the event? Talking with friends, a card game, sporting event, or just a bit of time alone. Maybe you like your cigar thin, or a bigger ring gauge is better for you. Is it a 30 minute event, or a whole hour. These are the things to consider when picking your smoke.
Next is price. People usually mention this first, and it is first in their mind, but it comes a little later on. After the event, or reason, and the flavor, price becomes the foremost. What is needed is comparable cigars. Similar with flavors, but broad in price range. There is the saying that you get what you pay for, but sometimes you find a treasure. What helps you save money, it seems, is keeping a journal. What you thought and the price. If a cheap one is better than the expensive, you can save a lot.
Next is where you have it. Some people want it at a bar. Personally I like to relax in a lounge. Picking your spot is an important thing. Some people love being outdoors while others hate the unpredictabiliy of the weather. Some people like a lounge, but cannot find a good one. Some like it at home, but hate the stale air the next day (though some have rooms designed to handle this issue).
Finally, the end result. What did you think? Did you enjoy it? That is what everyone goes to in the end. You could have a great cigar ruined by rain or people. You could have a bad cigar that you loved because of where you smoked it. The point of the matter is if you enjoyed yourself. Some people come to me saying they have had Cuban cigars (usually a lie, third most forged item in the world behind Nike shoes and Rolex watches). When they find out it wasn't, they feel bummed. I asked if they liked it for itself and not its supposed origin. They say yes. I tell them that is what counts. Did you like it? If you did, you found a good thing. That is a base to venture from. If not, what did you not like? Then you can refine your smoke time.
Side issues come up all the time. What lighter to use, the kind of humidor you should have, and so on. Remember, these are things for later. Getting the good smoke experience is up top. Getting that is what you should shoot for. The other stuff fall into place on their own.
The talk of what makes a good cigar is far and wide. Whether dark or light, thin or thick, strong or mild, and so on. These are all minor things when it comes to the cigar experience. These are just sideshows to the main attraction. The experience itself is what is the issue. Since Minnesota gave an indoor smoking ban (with few expemtions), this issue has been a large one. But, when you think about it, it is no bigger or smaller since that law. It has always been about the smoke. It has always been about the whole experience. Since this is about the politics of cigars, we should hit the issues.
First one that is usually tackled is the flavor. When doing this, some say to consider what you drink or eat. The food is the side issue. What smoke suits the event. Going to the humidor and thinking of how you feel, or what is striking your fancy is a good place to start. Refining your search by remembering what you like or do not like also refines it more. Soon you find it, but the meal you may have might not fit with this smoke. So, order something else if it concerns you.
Next people bring up is size. What is the event? Talking with friends, a card game, sporting event, or just a bit of time alone. Maybe you like your cigar thin, or a bigger ring gauge is better for you. Is it a 30 minute event, or a whole hour. These are the things to consider when picking your smoke.
Next is price. People usually mention this first, and it is first in their mind, but it comes a little later on. After the event, or reason, and the flavor, price becomes the foremost. What is needed is comparable cigars. Similar with flavors, but broad in price range. There is the saying that you get what you pay for, but sometimes you find a treasure. What helps you save money, it seems, is keeping a journal. What you thought and the price. If a cheap one is better than the expensive, you can save a lot.
Next is where you have it. Some people want it at a bar. Personally I like to relax in a lounge. Picking your spot is an important thing. Some people love being outdoors while others hate the unpredictabiliy of the weather. Some people like a lounge, but cannot find a good one. Some like it at home, but hate the stale air the next day (though some have rooms designed to handle this issue).
Finally, the end result. What did you think? Did you enjoy it? That is what everyone goes to in the end. You could have a great cigar ruined by rain or people. You could have a bad cigar that you loved because of where you smoked it. The point of the matter is if you enjoyed yourself. Some people come to me saying they have had Cuban cigars (usually a lie, third most forged item in the world behind Nike shoes and Rolex watches). When they find out it wasn't, they feel bummed. I asked if they liked it for itself and not its supposed origin. They say yes. I tell them that is what counts. Did you like it? If you did, you found a good thing. That is a base to venture from. If not, what did you not like? Then you can refine your smoke time.
Side issues come up all the time. What lighter to use, the kind of humidor you should have, and so on. Remember, these are things for later. Getting the good smoke experience is up top. Getting that is what you should shoot for. The other stuff fall into place on their own.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Marco V Diamond Label
This is a cigar company headquartered in St. Paul, MN. Since I am from this state, I had to try it. It is like people sticking to sports teams, except when the Vikings suck, I do not support them, but I watch them from time to time. So, being local does not make a good review, but it does make me want to check it out.
I picked the lightest of the cigars. This is a thick robusto (5"x60). It is well constructed and have a very even wrap. No soft spots in the smoke either. The wrap is shade grown Connecticut seed, grown itself in Ecuador. The binder is from the Dominican Republic as is the filler. The filler is described as "blend of four tabaccos of Dominicano de Olor and Piloto Cubano from the Cibao Valley, Dominican Republic" according to marcovcigars.com, their official site.
This cigar has a great draw. For a cigar this tight and thick, the draw is fantastic. I get a huge creamy flavor. Very smooth, very light. Perfect on a hot day. This creamy flavor is smooth. It reminds me of a Romeo Y Julieta Reserva Real, only a tad heavier, but not by much. It produces a lot of smoke, but it doesn't linger. The aroma is light and a little sweet. The aftertaste give only the slightest hint of cedar, but pay attention or you might miss it. Even if you do, the creamy part of the aftertaste is still good.
The only downside is you have to hold the smoke a little long to get all the flavors and the aftertaste is over a little too quick. Though when looking at this cigar as a whole, these are very minor issues.
The burn and draw are perfect on this smoke. The construction is good as well. The smoke is good. Ready for the best part? $8, plus tax, is the price. This cigar is a good 45-60 minute smoke and it is only that much. Though some brands have an edge over this one, the price is a hard part to beat.
Final Grade: A+
I picked the lightest of the cigars. This is a thick robusto (5"x60). It is well constructed and have a very even wrap. No soft spots in the smoke either. The wrap is shade grown Connecticut seed, grown itself in Ecuador. The binder is from the Dominican Republic as is the filler. The filler is described as "blend of four tabaccos of Dominicano de Olor and Piloto Cubano from the Cibao Valley, Dominican Republic" according to marcovcigars.com, their official site.
This cigar has a great draw. For a cigar this tight and thick, the draw is fantastic. I get a huge creamy flavor. Very smooth, very light. Perfect on a hot day. This creamy flavor is smooth. It reminds me of a Romeo Y Julieta Reserva Real, only a tad heavier, but not by much. It produces a lot of smoke, but it doesn't linger. The aroma is light and a little sweet. The aftertaste give only the slightest hint of cedar, but pay attention or you might miss it. Even if you do, the creamy part of the aftertaste is still good.
The only downside is you have to hold the smoke a little long to get all the flavors and the aftertaste is over a little too quick. Though when looking at this cigar as a whole, these are very minor issues.
The burn and draw are perfect on this smoke. The construction is good as well. The smoke is good. Ready for the best part? $8, plus tax, is the price. This cigar is a good 45-60 minute smoke and it is only that much. Though some brands have an edge over this one, the price is a hard part to beat.
Final Grade: A+
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
CAO Brazilia
Since I had the Italia, I had to try the Brazilia. This was the Somba size and was far darker than the Italia.
This had a torpedo end that was well wrapped. Even and tight. This cigar has a nice Brazilian wrap with a Nicaraguan binder and filler. The smell of this told me to prepare for a spicy cigar.
I fired it up and flavor came pouring in. Thanks to the good draw, it took no effort. I was bombarded by spice and earthy flavors. They mixed very well. Spice seemed to by the dominant flavor while at times the earthy tones were. The finish was better. The spice stayed, mixed with a nutty flavor that was not tasted before, like the earthy tones gave way to them. The spice died away and the nutty flavor stayed. The aftertaste lingered but not too long.
This cigar is $11.50 and a great buy. Aside from it seeming overwhelming at first, and the lingering aftertaste, this cigar was really good. The overwhelming disappears and the aftertaste doesn't turn on you, so they are tolerable. With this in mind, I give you my final grade.
Final Grade: A-
This had a torpedo end that was well wrapped. Even and tight. This cigar has a nice Brazilian wrap with a Nicaraguan binder and filler. The smell of this told me to prepare for a spicy cigar.
I fired it up and flavor came pouring in. Thanks to the good draw, it took no effort. I was bombarded by spice and earthy flavors. They mixed very well. Spice seemed to by the dominant flavor while at times the earthy tones were. The finish was better. The spice stayed, mixed with a nutty flavor that was not tasted before, like the earthy tones gave way to them. The spice died away and the nutty flavor stayed. The aftertaste lingered but not too long.
This cigar is $11.50 and a great buy. Aside from it seeming overwhelming at first, and the lingering aftertaste, this cigar was really good. The overwhelming disappears and the aftertaste doesn't turn on you, so they are tolerable. With this in mind, I give you my final grade.
Final Grade: A-
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