Thunder by Nimish Robusto

I had Thunder sitting in my humidor for awhile. I smoked one of them, and let the other one age. I thought it time to write up the review.

This Robusto (with a very nice spiral pigtail at the top) has an Ecuadorian habano wrapper, Nicaraguan and Honduran binders (yes, that is two binders), and Nicaraguan, Honduran and Costa Rican fillers.

Tight feel to it, and slightly oily.

This cigar started out with a blast of salt. It was very salty, but not to the level of being overpowering. That went down a little bit and hints of pepper, a little earthiness and nuttiness came through. During the second third the salt remained, but the the other flavored shifted to more of a coffee and leather mix (mainly coffee). The last third had the spice, nutty tones, and salt. The salt got less though, which let the nutty tones come out more. The aroma on this one was sweet and rich, which complemented the flavors.

This cigar was well made, only needed one correction. It produced a big smoke and the draw was not too bad (a little firm, but not much).

This Robusto (which is 4.5 x 54) will run around $7-$8 in Minnesota. All in all this was not a terrible smoke, but not great either. At the end when the salt went away some nice flavors came out, so that is redeeming. The price will not break your wallet, which is also a plus. This had decent construction as well which brings things up. The issue I see with this one is the one overpowering flavor, and the others in the background too much. This might be only for this vitola though. I would not say this was a bad smoke, it wasn't. This smoke is above average and I might give it another shot in another size. Unless I have a medium roast coffee, or a dark soda pop like Dr. Pepper, I would not pick this one up. You need something to accompany this cigar. Though, I think the blend has a lot of potential and I will possibly try it again in another size. With that, this cigar is on the boarder.

Final Grade: B-/C+

Cremo Classic Intrepidus

I got a cigar made by Cremo, which is a new company due to launch January next year. Luckily I got to review their smoke.

This cigar was made with a Habano wrapper, the binder is Nicaraguan, and the filler is Dominican and Nicaraguan. As a fun note, the cigar is American. Made in Miami at El Titan de Bronze cigar factory.

This cigar started out with almost a sweet cream flavor. This was accompanied by an almond/walnut tone, a hint of straw, and a subtle spice. After the first fourth things began to change. The cream was not as sweet, but not bitter either. The amount of cream increased, bringing with it subtle notes of toasted nuts and a little pepper. The last third of the smoke had the almonds and walnut come back, keeping with it the creamy flavors. The aftertaste of this smoke was of a sweet cream and butter. At times I could have sworn it tasted a little like peanut butter.

This cigar was very well made. The wrapper was tight and very even. Some veins here and there, but nothing out of the ordinary. The wrapper felt like a soft velvet or a suede. No soft spots, even after it warmed up. The draw is a little firm but produces a decent smoke and there is no lack in flavor. The burn was even and needed no correction and the ash was very nice.

I had the Intrepidus sized cigar (52 x 6) which lasted me a good 45 minutes to an hour. This smoke will run between $10-$12. Very nice prices for this smoke. This mild to medium smoke provided very complex flavors, and was very pleasant to smoke. Wonderfully made and great flavors. I suggest this cigar to anyone that sees it.

Final Grade: A+

NOTES: I found out on their website, when you register, you sign up for the chance to get a free box of Robusto cigars. They are only giving away one, so I already put in my e-mail for it. Best way to get info is through their Facebook page. Also, since my camera is broken they provided me with a picture of their cigar. Exactly like mine.

JD Cigars Temptation Lancero

After a long day I decided to go up to my local smoke shop and have a cigar. I found a JD Cigars Temptation Lancero and decided to give that a go.

This cigar is made with a Habano Claro (Connecticut shade) wrapper from Ecuador. The filler and binder are Nicaraguan.

This cigar started out rather simple. The flavor was that of a heavy cream and a light butter. About a third of the way through there was a straw type flavor, and some leaf tones. It had a subtle earth flavor similar to some teas. The aftertaste produces hints of pepper, while the main flavors were that of butter and almonds.

This cigar was well made. The wrapper was even which made this cigar nice to look at. The roll was tight and even, but that caused no issue with the draw or smoke for both were very good. This smoke never got hot. The burn on this was consistent and even, requiring no corrections.

This Lancero (7 1/2 x 38) was a very good smoke. Usually I do not like this shape for you have to puff extra slow and it can become hot or tart very easily. I did not have an issue with this at all. For $7, this is a very good smoke.

Final Grade: A+

Drew Estate Java Maduro

This cigar is made by Rocky Patel and infused with flavor by Drew Estate (makers of ACID cigars). Typically I do not smoke flavored cigars. I have tried many, mainly for the purpose of rating them, but they are never a go-to cigar for me. This is the first flavored cigar I have rated on here.

This cigar is made with a Brazilian Maduro, and the filler and binder are from Nicaragua.

This box pressed cigar had a wrapper that felt like soft velvet. It didn't feel tight though in the wrap. Felt loose and spongey.

This cigar had a nice nutty flavor, which is perfect for the flavoring. The flavoring added chocolate and coffee. There is a hint of sweet vanilla as well. The aftertaste was similar to finishing a cup of coffee. A little roasted flavor with a hint of sweet from the chocolate and vanilla flavors. Towards the end though, it got a little bitter and tart. Sadly, the tobacco did not come out too much. You might get a moment of earthy flavor or a rich coffee/tobacco mix. For the most part, it seemed the only thing you could taste of the tobacco was the nuttiness. The rest was flavoring, which is disappointing because Rocky Patel has very good tobacco.

The burn and draw were very well done on this smoke. It was easy to smoke this one too fast. It was like having one of those latte type coffee drinks from a local coffee shop. Smoking too fast can change the flavor, and slowing down can fix it. Thankfully, it did not turn. Saved this one just in time.

I had the toro sized cigar, which ran around $12. That is not bad for a Rocky Patel, or an infused cigar as well (flavored usually costs more). So, the price brings the grade up on this one.

Final Grade: B-

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+

Onyx Reserve

This was the first Maduro I ever had, and I have been hooked since. So, on this post, I admit my bias.

The wrapper is a Blackened Connecticut Broadleaf while the binder is Nicaraguan. The filler is Dominican, Nicaraguan and Peruvian. Nice oily wrapper. Soft and feel like cloth.

The taste on this cigar is strong and balanced. You are hit with a nice earthy flavor with a nutty flavor. A woody and earthy flavor remain in the aftertaste. It has a toasty flavor to it as well. It is like having a fine scotch. It is strong and smooth.

The draw was firm, but the flavor did not settle. I am thankful for that. The last one I had had a better draw. The burn was nice and even with a good ash at the end.

The one thing that hits this stick is the price. It is $13.75 plus tax for a No. 2 Belicoso. That is a little steep for a 45-50 minute smoke. But the balance of this cigar never ceases, and the pleasure is always there.

Final Grade: A

Oliva Serie V Maduro Especial

The torpedo cigar is made with a Connecticut Broadleaf, Nicaraguan Binder and Jalapa Nicaraguan filler. This Maduro is a limited run of only 50,000 cigars a year.

This cigar fired up in a wonderful way. It started out with a nice spice flavor. It hit with power, but not overwhelming (not like the standard V). During the draw it had an earthy tone with a strong mixture of espresso. A wonderful mix. The aftertaste kept that espresso flavor with a nice bitter hint. Part of it reminded me of a strong green tea. Never had an aftertaste like that.

The construction was beautiful. The one I had had one blemish on it. None of the others did. This did not change the smoke at all. The wrap felt nice and tight. Also it had a nice texture. A little rough and oily. The draw was a little firm but the smoke was still good. The burn was nice and even.

This cigar would run $16.00 plus tax. For the limited production, that is not a bad price.

If you like the standard Serie V, try this one. It is different. Not so much the chocolate type flavors. This one has the spice and espresso but in a different balance that makes it unique.

Final Grade: A+

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-

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+

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-