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+
Friday, February 4, 2011
Friday, January 28, 2011
Blue Mountain Double Wrap
Note: I got it at the only shop in MN that sells these, Little Havana Tobacco. As far as I know, no other shop sells Blue Mountain. Also, they are not sold online last I checked.
This cigar is a Nicaraguan puro. The wraps are Connecticut and Habano Shade.
This cigar felt firm and well made. The wrap seemed a little separated but I would have to see how it smoked and burned to determine if this was an issue.
When lighting this cigar I got a terrible taste. Very tart and papery. The cigar was not dry, so I was thinking I had a dud, or that it was just a poor cigar. About 1/5 of the way through, that changed. Flavors started coming in. I got a creamy flavor mixed with one that could be described as something like oak. Underlying all of this was a hint of spice and cedar. The aftertaste was of a bitter cream. It lingered a little bit, but the taste remained consistant. Throughout this cigar, no flavors really came out though. It wasn't bad, but nothing to make you amazed. It was a more subtle flavor.
The draw and burn were good. It started to split and burn uneven at the end, but it was around the time of it being finished anyway, so that did not cause a problem. The separation in the wrap caused no issue either.
This cigar, for a double toro, was only $9, which is pretty good. This cigar does not have the some mix as other double wraps, as it is not as bold with its flavors. As I said, it is more subtle. The mix of flavors is good though, I just wish they came out more. All in all, not a bad smoke.
Final Grade: B
This cigar is a Nicaraguan puro. The wraps are Connecticut and Habano Shade.
This cigar felt firm and well made. The wrap seemed a little separated but I would have to see how it smoked and burned to determine if this was an issue.
When lighting this cigar I got a terrible taste. Very tart and papery. The cigar was not dry, so I was thinking I had a dud, or that it was just a poor cigar. About 1/5 of the way through, that changed. Flavors started coming in. I got a creamy flavor mixed with one that could be described as something like oak. Underlying all of this was a hint of spice and cedar. The aftertaste was of a bitter cream. It lingered a little bit, but the taste remained consistant. Throughout this cigar, no flavors really came out though. It wasn't bad, but nothing to make you amazed. It was a more subtle flavor.
The draw and burn were good. It started to split and burn uneven at the end, but it was around the time of it being finished anyway, so that did not cause a problem. The separation in the wrap caused no issue either.
This cigar, for a double toro, was only $9, which is pretty good. This cigar does not have the some mix as other double wraps, as it is not as bold with its flavors. As I said, it is more subtle. The mix of flavors is good though, I just wish they came out more. All in all, not a bad smoke.
Final Grade: B
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Blue Mountain Maduro
These cigars were ones I never saw, and in keeping up, I gave one a go. I picked the Maduro because I like Maduros.
This cigar had an even wrap on it. No soft spots. The wrapper felt soft, yet a little paper like. This is a Nicaraguan Puro. All of it is from the Esteli valley.
The flavors on this cigar were pretty simple. It had an earthy flavor followed by the smallest bit of nuttiness. Towards the end was a hint of what could be described as a peppery coffee like flavor. With the aroma it had a nice toasted flavor underlying all of it, except during the first moments of the draw. The aftertaste Was a little bitter, still toasty though.
The draw was good and it produced a very nice ash. It started even, then random holes were popping up, and it was burning through places before the end could get to them. This should not have happened considering I was puffing about once every forty five seconds to a minute. About halfway through the smoke got warm, then hot. At this point all the flavor became bitterness. The cigar turned into Mr. Hyde.
The price on it was only $8. Several people have not had the problems I had with them, so I will dismiss them for the most part. It could have been a number of things. I got the bad one in the batch, which happens, or it could have been a little dry, which in Minnesota during the winter could explain it. The price helps keep this cigar out of my "F" or "D" range. If had burned proper, and not turned, I would give this cigar a solid "B+" for it had good flavoring for such a price. This one, gets less.
Final Grade: C-
This cigar had an even wrap on it. No soft spots. The wrapper felt soft, yet a little paper like. This is a Nicaraguan Puro. All of it is from the Esteli valley.
The flavors on this cigar were pretty simple. It had an earthy flavor followed by the smallest bit of nuttiness. Towards the end was a hint of what could be described as a peppery coffee like flavor. With the aroma it had a nice toasted flavor underlying all of it, except during the first moments of the draw. The aftertaste Was a little bitter, still toasty though.
The draw was good and it produced a very nice ash. It started even, then random holes were popping up, and it was burning through places before the end could get to them. This should not have happened considering I was puffing about once every forty five seconds to a minute. About halfway through the smoke got warm, then hot. At this point all the flavor became bitterness. The cigar turned into Mr. Hyde.
The price on it was only $8. Several people have not had the problems I had with them, so I will dismiss them for the most part. It could have been a number of things. I got the bad one in the batch, which happens, or it could have been a little dry, which in Minnesota during the winter could explain it. The price helps keep this cigar out of my "F" or "D" range. If had burned proper, and not turned, I would give this cigar a solid "B+" for it had good flavoring for such a price. This one, gets less.
Final Grade: C-
Friday, January 21, 2011
La Gloria Cubana Serie R
I had this one awhile ago, but didn't write a review. This smoke... well, you will know what I mean.
This cigar was made with an Ecuadoran wrapper, Nicaraguan binder, and Dominican and Nicaraguan filler.
The taste on this is amazingly strong, even for a natural wrapper. You get the spicey cedar flavor, with hints of espresso and leather. At times it almost seems like an oak flavor. The finish is a nice cedar, with a little kick.
The draw and burn on this are perfect. Nothing else to add. Easy drawm, great smoke, even burn.
The price can range from $14-$17 depending on the size. So, the price is steep on this one. But, it is a great smoke. I had one that was on the more expensive end (number 6 size) and it lasted a good 45 minutes to an hour.
This is all in all a great smoke. The price gives it a small hit, but it is one worth picking up.
Final Grade: A
This cigar was made with an Ecuadoran wrapper, Nicaraguan binder, and Dominican and Nicaraguan filler.
The taste on this is amazingly strong, even for a natural wrapper. You get the spicey cedar flavor, with hints of espresso and leather. At times it almost seems like an oak flavor. The finish is a nice cedar, with a little kick.
The draw and burn on this are perfect. Nothing else to add. Easy drawm, great smoke, even burn.
The price can range from $14-$17 depending on the size. So, the price is steep on this one. But, it is a great smoke. I had one that was on the more expensive end (number 6 size) and it lasted a good 45 minutes to an hour.
This is all in all a great smoke. The price gives it a small hit, but it is one worth picking up.
Final Grade: A
Friday, December 10, 2010
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-
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+
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+
Friday, December 3, 2010
Macanudo 1968
A friend brought these in an said they were too strong for him. Bring the one that likes strong cigars, one was passed my way.
This cigar has a Honduran San Agustin Havana Seed wrapper, a Connecticut Habano binder, and fillers from the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, and Ometepe.
The wrapper on this cigar felt soft, but a little crisp. The person I got it from keeps his cigars in good condition, so I know it would not be dry.
This cigar had a mild espresso flavor, with some earthy and spicy notes. There was a hint of bitter flavor throughout. The aftertaste consisted of a smokey flavor and an earthy note that lingered.
The construction on this cigar was moderate at best. It burned well, but the draw was terrible. I had to put it through the cigar poker. That helped out a lot, but not for very long. The draw became firm again in about four puffs.
This is a new shape for this cigar. A Trompetta. This is a Pyramid shaped cigar. It runs about $10, so the price is a tad steep, but not for the tobaccos in this smoke.
The flavors came out more when I had a good smoke. It is hard to judge the flavor on this cigar and I would have to give it another go when writing on that (I will expand on it the next time I get the chance), but for the one I got is the one I will grade.
Final Grade: D
This cigar has a Honduran San Agustin Havana Seed wrapper, a Connecticut Habano binder, and fillers from the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, and Ometepe.
The wrapper on this cigar felt soft, but a little crisp. The person I got it from keeps his cigars in good condition, so I know it would not be dry.
This cigar had a mild espresso flavor, with some earthy and spicy notes. There was a hint of bitter flavor throughout. The aftertaste consisted of a smokey flavor and an earthy note that lingered.
The construction on this cigar was moderate at best. It burned well, but the draw was terrible. I had to put it through the cigar poker. That helped out a lot, but not for very long. The draw became firm again in about four puffs.
This is a new shape for this cigar. A Trompetta. This is a Pyramid shaped cigar. It runs about $10, so the price is a tad steep, but not for the tobaccos in this smoke.
The flavors came out more when I had a good smoke. It is hard to judge the flavor on this cigar and I would have to give it another go when writing on that (I will expand on it the next time I get the chance), but for the one I got is the one I will grade.
Final Grade: D
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