Since a few cigar clubs love this smoke, I decided to give it a go. I was told it was a Maduro, and a light one at that. It wasn't though. It is a Habano wrap, which I am a fan of anyway. The seller for me was that some of the tobacco was Italian. Since I had never had Italian tobacco, I wanted to try it.
This has a Honduran wrapper and binder. It is filled with tobacco from Peru, Nicaragua and Italy. This is a unique combination.
The construction was a good one. Nicely wrapped and felt a little tight. The wrap had a veiny texture though which made me concerned of how it would burn.
I torched this cigar and was bombarded by different flavors. It was cedary mixed with spice. Underlying all of this was a slight earthy and creamy flavor. The finish was cedar and cream. The taste lingered but never went south. It stayed consistent throughout. This was a bold smoke. Through the course of this cigar you will notice new flavors and mixes. You get spice, cream, earthy, and cedar. This is a well rounded smoke.
The draw and burn were consistent and even. No flaws on that end.
The one I had was the Piazza size. The price was $13.75, which is a little steep. But, it is worth a try. This complex smoke is something to try. The price brings it down, but not by much. This is an A-/A cigar, but I will put price into consideration.
Final Grade: B+
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Cohiba Red Dot
Cohiba... the name that cannot be separated from Castro, nor can it be separated from its know Cuban made cigars. I live in the United States, so I cannot get Cuban cigars. This one is from the Dominican Republic and has a Cameroon wrapper with Dominican filler and Indonesian binder.
I decided to try this smoke so I picked up a robusto. The construction was wonderful and so even. Not a flaw in it. The packing felt tight as well.
The first puff and I realized the great draw. It took half puffs as to not smoke it too fast. The flavor was strong in cedar with a hint of cream. The finish was creamy with the cedar flavor staying in your mouth.
The burn was very even. No matter how slow, or fast, you smoke, it is perfect every time.
With grading, this is an A+ cigar... except for the price. Most people are on a budget, and if not, they like to keep it under $20. Even with that, if you pay $20 you usually get a Churchill or toro sized cigar. This cigar was a robusto and it was $25. Most people are not willing to pay that, so that brings this final grade down... far. So, the cigar in and of itself is an A+ but because of the price, it takes a hit.
Final Grade: C-
I decided to try this smoke so I picked up a robusto. The construction was wonderful and so even. Not a flaw in it. The packing felt tight as well.
The first puff and I realized the great draw. It took half puffs as to not smoke it too fast. The flavor was strong in cedar with a hint of cream. The finish was creamy with the cedar flavor staying in your mouth.
The burn was very even. No matter how slow, or fast, you smoke, it is perfect every time.
With grading, this is an A+ cigar... except for the price. Most people are on a budget, and if not, they like to keep it under $20. Even with that, if you pay $20 you usually get a Churchill or toro sized cigar. This cigar was a robusto and it was $25. Most people are not willing to pay that, so that brings this final grade down... far. So, the cigar in and of itself is an A+ but because of the price, it takes a hit.
Final Grade: C-
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Perdomo Habano Maduro
I see people get the Perdomo Habano Connecticut cigars so I decided to look at this particular line. I saw it in a Maduro, which was full, and I wondered why that box was full.
The wrap on this cigar was even and well made. This cigar is a Nicaraguan puro, as all in this line are, but this had a Maduro shade wrapper. The filler comes from the valleys of Esteli, Condega, and Jalapa. The smell was earthy with some spice. So, I decided to clip the end (it was a torpedo) and give it a go.
The flavor was very full. Very earthy yet not overwhelming. The center of this earthy flavor gives hints of black pepper and also a slight hint of leather. It was smooth. The finish was nutty with a hint of spice, which comes from the Habano tobacco and the Nicaraguan filler. The taste was potent, but never got harsh. The tastes didn't linger at all either. The flavor and finish was pretty quick, but very nice.
The burn and draw on this was very good. I have no issues with this cigar as far as construction.
This cigar is a good smoke and a nice change in flavor to the "traditional" flavors of a Maduro. The only downside was the cost. Priced at $11.25, plus tax, brings the rating down, but not by much. Still lasts at least 40 minutes and has a good flavor.
Final Grade: A-
The wrap on this cigar was even and well made. This cigar is a Nicaraguan puro, as all in this line are, but this had a Maduro shade wrapper. The filler comes from the valleys of Esteli, Condega, and Jalapa. The smell was earthy with some spice. So, I decided to clip the end (it was a torpedo) and give it a go.
The flavor was very full. Very earthy yet not overwhelming. The center of this earthy flavor gives hints of black pepper and also a slight hint of leather. It was smooth. The finish was nutty with a hint of spice, which comes from the Habano tobacco and the Nicaraguan filler. The taste was potent, but never got harsh. The tastes didn't linger at all either. The flavor and finish was pretty quick, but very nice.
The burn and draw on this was very good. I have no issues with this cigar as far as construction.
This cigar is a good smoke and a nice change in flavor to the "traditional" flavors of a Maduro. The only downside was the cost. Priced at $11.25, plus tax, brings the rating down, but not by much. Still lasts at least 40 minutes and has a good flavor.
Final Grade: A-
Arganese Double Wrap
This cigar had just come into the shop when I grabbed one. About ten minutes before actually, and it was fresh.
Anyway, this barber pole looking cigar was one to finally try. It had a very complex smell. Sweet and earthy was the smell I got from this stick. The construction was fantastic though. It was... amazing. No cigar have I seen with such a great wrap on it. The wrap on this cigar was a Connecticut shade and Maduro wrapped in a way that makes it look striped, or like a barber pole. The filler and binder are Dominican.
The first draw on this was great, and it stayed that way throughout. I got an earthy flavor mixed with a mild hint of nuttiness. The finish was creamy, which mixed with the nutty created a nice balance to the smoke. The creamy flavor in the draw itself leaves you with a hint of sweet. So, sweet, earthy, and nutty in the draw. Little nutty and very creamy in the finish. This complex smoke will leave you finding new flavors and new enjoyment with every puff. A good draw in this smoke is also great as to not keep you from the wonderful flavor.
A Churchill sized stick will run you $11 plus tax which makes this a great buy.
Final Grade: A+
Anyway, this barber pole looking cigar was one to finally try. It had a very complex smell. Sweet and earthy was the smell I got from this stick. The construction was fantastic though. It was... amazing. No cigar have I seen with such a great wrap on it. The wrap on this cigar was a Connecticut shade and Maduro wrapped in a way that makes it look striped, or like a barber pole. The filler and binder are Dominican.
The first draw on this was great, and it stayed that way throughout. I got an earthy flavor mixed with a mild hint of nuttiness. The finish was creamy, which mixed with the nutty created a nice balance to the smoke. The creamy flavor in the draw itself leaves you with a hint of sweet. So, sweet, earthy, and nutty in the draw. Little nutty and very creamy in the finish. This complex smoke will leave you finding new flavors and new enjoyment with every puff. A good draw in this smoke is also great as to not keep you from the wonderful flavor.
A Churchill sized stick will run you $11 plus tax which makes this a great buy.
Final Grade: A+
Friday, August 20, 2010
Cain Maduro 660
This double toro cigar is the last of the Cain series for me to try. Now, the other two were really strong. One was spicy, the other just potent. So, when I saw the dark wrap, I was ready for anything.
This cigar had a very tight and even construction. So much so that the draw was a little firm. It took two tries with the punch to get it opened (first one just took the wrapper, the binder was still there). The smell was rich and earthy.
Once it was lit that earthy smell because a strong earthy flavor. Not harsh though. This had a full smoke, strong flavor, yet a mild feel. Not overpowering. After a nice long draw and a full earthy flavor, as the smoke is released slowly, there was a nutty aftertaste with a hint of spice at the end. The aftertaste did not linger either. It is quick, but pleasing.
The only downside was the firmness of the draw. Even that was not bad though. Still a great smoke and great flavor. This is the most mellow of the Cain line, but still great.
At $12.40 plus tax, this is a good buy.
Final Grade: A+
This cigar had a very tight and even construction. So much so that the draw was a little firm. It took two tries with the punch to get it opened (first one just took the wrapper, the binder was still there). The smell was rich and earthy.
Once it was lit that earthy smell because a strong earthy flavor. Not harsh though. This had a full smoke, strong flavor, yet a mild feel. Not overpowering. After a nice long draw and a full earthy flavor, as the smoke is released slowly, there was a nutty aftertaste with a hint of spice at the end. The aftertaste did not linger either. It is quick, but pleasing.
The only downside was the firmness of the draw. Even that was not bad though. Still a great smoke and great flavor. This is the most mellow of the Cain line, but still great.
At $12.40 plus tax, this is a good buy.
Final Grade: A+
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Cain Habano 660
This is the next Cain cigar I tried, only in a double toro. Again, if you attempt to have this cigar, have some water. It is a Habano wrap with Nicaraguan ligero long leaves from Condega, Jalapa and Esteli as a filler. Same stuff as the "F" Series, but different blend.
Now the "F" had a lot of spice but hints of earthy and cedar flavor. This does not. This has very slight woodsy flavor but one flavor stands out: spice. This cigar, with a slight red wrap, should be glowing with the spice off of it. This cigar had a wonderful full smoke with the strong ligero tobacco inside. The main thing on this one was spice. In fact, most of them have that, but this one, with the Habano wrap, seemed to jump up more.
Now this is not as tightly packed with ligero as the "F" Series and thus a little weaker, but do not let that fool you. This cigar still packs one hell of a punch.
The construction, wrap, and draw were all good. Not one single issue with the burn as well. The time was also around 45 minutes to an hour. For $11.75, plus tax, this cigar was a great buy.
Final Grade: A-
Now the "F" had a lot of spice but hints of earthy and cedar flavor. This does not. This has very slight woodsy flavor but one flavor stands out: spice. This cigar, with a slight red wrap, should be glowing with the spice off of it. This cigar had a wonderful full smoke with the strong ligero tobacco inside. The main thing on this one was spice. In fact, most of them have that, but this one, with the Habano wrap, seemed to jump up more.
Now this is not as tightly packed with ligero as the "F" Series and thus a little weaker, but do not let that fool you. This cigar still packs one hell of a punch.
The construction, wrap, and draw were all good. Not one single issue with the burn as well. The time was also around 45 minutes to an hour. For $11.75, plus tax, this cigar was a great buy.
Final Grade: A-
Cubao No. 5
Now when I saw this plain cigar in its plain box I thought nothing of it. Just another cigar to try. Plus I had heard some bad things about Cubao. One thing that did interest me was how, when looking at what people say, I get different answers as to how it tastes. So I picked up this Robusto Extra sized cigar and decided to give it a go.
I did not have the Maduro but the Ecuadorian Sumatra wrap. The filler was Nicaraguan.
The construction was even throughout. Felt like it might have been packed a little loose, but whether that is on purpose or not would only be determined on the smoke.
I could taste the woody flavor as the cigar was in my mouth, and that went up greatly after I lit it. I have a good cedar flavor with a hint of oak. On the lower side of strength was nutty/earthy flavors. Throughout all of this it had a nice spice, like adding just a little pepper to a steak. You know it is there and you like it, but it doesn't cover anything. Some people say there was a leather taste, but I myself did not notice it. Now some people also noticed a creamy flavor. I did not.
Here was the part that is amazing: the draw. This cigar had a fantastic draw. Even with that good of a draw, it lasted a long time. Didn't burn fast or get hot. If felt warm on the first couple puffs, then it cooled right off. I had to take half puffs to handle the amount of smoke it gave.
My mother always told me not to judge a book by its covers. Well, do not judge this plain looking cigar either. The only thing that seems off, visually at least, is the price. At $12, you would expect a nicer label or a prettier box. Do not let that fool you. Pick on up. If nothing else, tell me what you tasted in this one. It seems to vary between people greatly.
I liked this cigar. Now I have to tell my friend to keep them in stock.
Final Grade: A-
I did not have the Maduro but the Ecuadorian Sumatra wrap. The filler was Nicaraguan.
The construction was even throughout. Felt like it might have been packed a little loose, but whether that is on purpose or not would only be determined on the smoke.
I could taste the woody flavor as the cigar was in my mouth, and that went up greatly after I lit it. I have a good cedar flavor with a hint of oak. On the lower side of strength was nutty/earthy flavors. Throughout all of this it had a nice spice, like adding just a little pepper to a steak. You know it is there and you like it, but it doesn't cover anything. Some people say there was a leather taste, but I myself did not notice it. Now some people also noticed a creamy flavor. I did not.
Here was the part that is amazing: the draw. This cigar had a fantastic draw. Even with that good of a draw, it lasted a long time. Didn't burn fast or get hot. If felt warm on the first couple puffs, then it cooled right off. I had to take half puffs to handle the amount of smoke it gave.
My mother always told me not to judge a book by its covers. Well, do not judge this plain looking cigar either. The only thing that seems off, visually at least, is the price. At $12, you would expect a nicer label or a prettier box. Do not let that fool you. Pick on up. If nothing else, tell me what you tasted in this one. It seems to vary between people greatly.
I liked this cigar. Now I have to tell my friend to keep them in stock.
Final Grade: A-
Monday, August 2, 2010
Rocky Patel Vintage 1992
Now I did the 1990 before, but now I am on to the 1992. I figured it would only be fair to do both, and since Rocky Patel is a brand I enjoy, I wouldn't object to having this smoke.
This cigar has a 10-year old Ecuadorian wrapper (Sumatra according to cigar.com). The five year old binder and filler add to this cigar in a wonderful way.
This cigar was lighter than the 1990 (though some say otherwise), but not by much. It has a more woody and nutty flavor. Still a very earthy cigar, but did not have the richness of the 1990. Not as much of the coffee like taste. Regardless, this cigar is very, very good. The aftertaste is mild with the nutty and woody flavors lingering in your mouth. A perfect blend. Never getting stale or tart.
The price on this stick (Churchill size) was $12.50 plus tax, and worth every damn penny. Another great cigar from Rocky Patel.
Final Grade: A+
This cigar has a 10-year old Ecuadorian wrapper (Sumatra according to cigar.com). The five year old binder and filler add to this cigar in a wonderful way.
This cigar was lighter than the 1990 (though some say otherwise), but not by much. It has a more woody and nutty flavor. Still a very earthy cigar, but did not have the richness of the 1990. Not as much of the coffee like taste. Regardless, this cigar is very, very good. The aftertaste is mild with the nutty and woody flavors lingering in your mouth. A perfect blend. Never getting stale or tart.
The price on this stick (Churchill size) was $12.50 plus tax, and worth every damn penny. Another great cigar from Rocky Patel.
Final Grade: A+
CAO Gold
I saw this Churchill cigar and decided to give this one a go. I have not had much luck with CAO, I am always willing to give a brand another go.
This light brown Connecticut wrapped cigar smelled nice. Gave me a nice cedar smell, and a little nutty smell too. I cut the end and lit up. The Nicaraguan fillers were very mild. I got that cedar flavor back, plus a little sweet with a little bit of tart in the middle. This offered a nice balance to this smoke. The cedar mellowed out as the smoke was coming out of my mouth, making it more even, but too short lived.
The aftertaste was decent. A little tart, but short lived. That is a good thing though. Even if you like tart, it can overstay its company.
The construction was great with this smoke. The draw was even and consistant. The wrap was nice and tight, and there were no soft spots in the packing.
The price on this cigar is $10, plus tax. A good price for such a smoke. This has its minor flaws with tartness, and at times a hint of sour, but those can easily be overlooked.
Final Grade: B+
This light brown Connecticut wrapped cigar smelled nice. Gave me a nice cedar smell, and a little nutty smell too. I cut the end and lit up. The Nicaraguan fillers were very mild. I got that cedar flavor back, plus a little sweet with a little bit of tart in the middle. This offered a nice balance to this smoke. The cedar mellowed out as the smoke was coming out of my mouth, making it more even, but too short lived.
The aftertaste was decent. A little tart, but short lived. That is a good thing though. Even if you like tart, it can overstay its company.
The construction was great with this smoke. The draw was even and consistant. The wrap was nice and tight, and there were no soft spots in the packing.
The price on this cigar is $10, plus tax. A good price for such a smoke. This has its minor flaws with tartness, and at times a hint of sour, but those can easily be overlooked.
Final Grade: B+
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)