Blue Mountain Connecticut

When I had this cigar, I thought about Little Havana Tobacco. They have this nice poker table, and this made me think of a poker type cigar.

Note: I got it at the only shop in MN that sells these cigars. As far as I know, no other shop sells Blue Mountain. Also, they are not sold online last I checked.

This is a Connecticut shade, Nicaraguan puro.

It felt a little soft and the wrap was even. There were a few veins here and there, but nothing that made you think it would burn badly.

Lighting this cigar, the flavor came off very generic. A few puffs in and I got a bitter cream flavor. A little further and some cedar and light tobacco flavors came in. Also, the aroma was a light sweet tobacco, which would balance out the bitter if it was just as strong. It didn't. This cigar had a small bite too. I could feel the edges of my tongue tingle from this smoke.

The burn on this was good. I had to even it out once. The draw was really good. No trouble getting a good smoke.

This cigar runs about $9. Not bad for a double toro. The only downside was with the flavor. To get anything other than the bitter cream and the bite, you really had to pay attention. Not much popped out at you. That is why this is a good poker game type smoke. The burn and draw is good, so you do not have to worry, and the flavor simple, so you do not miss anything. For the average cigar smoker, it is just that: average.

Final Grade: C+

Rocky Patel Decade

Now, what is known about this cigar is little, other than high ratings from many cigar sources. The binder and filler are even secret (according to the Rocky Patel website). The only thing known is that this cigar was made to celebrate ten years in the cigar business, and that the wrapper is Sumatra (Cigar Aficionado says Ecuador for the wrapper and Nicaragua for binder and filler, yet the Rockey Patel site says Sumatra).

The wrapper on this was very even, a little rough feeling, and tight. Very dark as well.

This cigar has a wonderful nutty flavor when lit. That flavor comes with a nice woody and earthy flavor. Together you get hints of rich coffee. The aftertaste leaves with that same nutty flavor. It stays with you a little while, but never gets bad. This cigar is strong, but it never got harsh.

The draw and burn were good. The draw seemed a little firm, but you always got a great smoke out of it. The burn was even all the way through.

This hour to hour and a half smoke costs about $18 (this is the double toro, or Emperor). That is a steep price, but the quality is amazing. Rocky Patel says on his site that this took ten years to make, and it shows. This is a cigar to have when celebrating something. This is one to remember.

Final Grade: A+

Oliva Connecticut Reserve

This is the lightest of the Oliva line, and it was time to give it a shot.

This cigar had a nice, smooth, soft Connecticut wrapper with Nicaraguan long filler. A very simple cigar.

The first puff was one of a strong creamy flavor. During with it gave a hint of sweetness. It was almost like creamy coffee. It had a slight buttery flavor. The aftertaste was a light cream and a lingering sweet, like after having a cookie or piece of cake. Underneath was a hint of wood flavor. Hard to describe that one. I must be honest, saying it tastes like wood is not what I want to say (no, it is not a dirty joke), but it is tough to describe. A good flavor though.

The issue with this cigar in flavor is the strength. The creamy comes out easily, but the other flavors are a little difficult to notice.

The construction is very well done. Good draw, and good burn. No uneven burn at all. The only issue was how fast it burned. Seemed to shorten the smoke.

A robusto is $7.25 and the Churchill is $11.75. So the price is very reasonable. In fact, the price is good.

The robusto lasted about 25-30 minutes, when it should have been 35-40 minutes. So, that brings it down. Also, getting some of the flavors out. Still a great buy though which puts this one at a good grade.

Final Grade: B+/A-

Oliva Master Blends 3

I decided to give this Oliva a shot. Since I have had the rest of them, I should finish off the line.

The wrapper is a Nicaraguan Broadleaf Sun-Grown leaf. The binder is a Nicaraguan Habano leaf, and the filler is made up of Nicaraguan Ligero.

This maduro comes off with a strong earthy flavor. It lasts for a little while but it finishes off with a bitter spice. The mix of these flavors seems very black and white, one or the other. When it is mixed, it is pleasant. Sadly, that does not last long. It comes off very one sided. The spice lingers and leaves a bitter taste.

This box pressed cigar has a nice wrap. Soft and almost like velvet. It is firm and solid. The draw is nice too. Well constructed. The burn is also very even.

Another issue is the price. For a Churchill it is $18.50 plus tax. OK, now if you are die-hard Oliva fan, that is great. For most people, it is not.

This cigar is overpriced and no matter how secretive this blend is, it shouldn't be. It should be told to all cigar makers as to tell them what not to do. Great quality tobacco (depending on the season, and this must have been a poor season) for the most part, but terrible mix.

Final Grade: F