The La Flor Dominicana Chapter 1 measures 6.5"x58 with a rough, but oily, Brazilian Ligero Oscuro wrapper. This box-pressed chisel cigar features a Connecticut Broadleaf binder and a Dominican filler. The cigar has a nice woody aroma to it, and a sweet earth on the pre-lit draw. This stick is created by Antonio Gomez (son of Litto Gomez), and was just released earlier this month (August 2013). Let's get it lit up and reviewed.
When you get this cigar lit up, you get black pepper rush with some spice lingering on the medium length finish. Within the 1/3 point, you also get a soil/earthy flavor which blends nicely with the black pepper. The burn is semi-even, the draw is perfect, and it's producing nice, rich smoke. The ash is a little flaky, but still strong, it held for the whole 1/3 of the stick.
The 2/3 point of the cigar brings a little more to the table in terms of flavor. Around this point of the smoke, you start to get a creamy, almond flavor mixing with the earth notes. The black pepper has backed off, and the spice is still minimal. The burn has evened itself out, almost perfectly, the draw is still nice and snug, and the smoke is getting richer as I'm getting closer to the end.
3/3's to the end brings a sweetness to the earth. A basic tobacco is coming in along with some black pepper notes. The finish is a little longer and the spice has gone away. Overall, this full-bodied cigar is a great smoke. Definetely worth the price (around $10).
Stogie Rite score: 98
H. Upmann Vintage Cameroon Lonsdale
The H. Upmann Vintage Cameroon Lonsdale mesures 6 5/8"x44 with a sandpapery, Cameroon wrapper. The cigar features a filler blend of Nicaraguan, Dominican, and Peruvian tobaccos. The stick is packaged nicely (as seen in the picture above). Ok, let's get this cigar reviewed.
When you get the cigar lit up, you get some black pepper notes mixed with a sweet tobacco flavor accompanied by a short, spicy finish. The 1/3 point of the stick has an uneven burn, not bad enough that you have to touch it up, a perfect draw, and it produces a lot of smoke.
The 2/3's point brings more flavors to the palate. An earthy/wood flavor is coming in. It's harsh, but very rich. On the finish, I'm getting a very salty tobacco finish. A different combination, but enjoyable. The burn has evened itself out, the draw is exactly the same, and still producing nice smoke. So far a very easy cigar... mild-medium bodied.
3/3's to the end keeps all the flavors till the end. The salt, tobacco, pepper, earth, and wood are still there, but the finish has shortened out. Easy cigar to smoke, good price, easy to recommend... go pick one up. Thanks for reading.
Stogie Rite score: 90
When you get the cigar lit up, you get some black pepper notes mixed with a sweet tobacco flavor accompanied by a short, spicy finish. The 1/3 point of the stick has an uneven burn, not bad enough that you have to touch it up, a perfect draw, and it produces a lot of smoke.
The 2/3's point brings more flavors to the palate. An earthy/wood flavor is coming in. It's harsh, but very rich. On the finish, I'm getting a very salty tobacco finish. A different combination, but enjoyable. The burn has evened itself out, the draw is exactly the same, and still producing nice smoke. So far a very easy cigar... mild-medium bodied.
3/3's to the end keeps all the flavors till the end. The salt, tobacco, pepper, earth, and wood are still there, but the finish has shortened out. Easy cigar to smoke, good price, easy to recommend... go pick one up. Thanks for reading.
Stogie Rite score: 90
Gurkha 125th Anniversary Rothschild
The Gurkha 125th Anniversary Rothschild measures 6x54 with a smooth, slightly oily, Brazilian Cubra Habano wrapper. The cigar features filler from Brazil, Dominican Republic, and Nicagragua, and an Ecuadorian Habano binder. It has a average pack with a few veins visible. Let's start reviewing.
When you get the cigar lit up, you get a sweet, earthy, basic tobacco flavor with a earthy/spice on the long finish. A lot of flavor as you head through the 1/3 of the cigar. With this stick you also get an even burn, a great draw, and a lot of smoke output. So far so good.
The 2/3's point adds a little more flavor. You start to get hints of nut mixing in with the sweet, earth, and tobacco flavors. The finish is still the same with the earthy/spice finish, but the finish is starting to shorten up. The stick still has a nice even burn, nice snug draw, and good smoke output.
3/3's to the end brings out the nutty flavor, and the sweetness dies out. The earthy/tobacco flavors are still there, but mellowing out. On the finish, the spice went away, and you get a nice rich earth flavor. Overall, a good smoke offering a good blend, even burn, nice draw, and good smoke output. Medium-bodied.
Stogie Rite score: 89
When you get the cigar lit up, you get a sweet, earthy, basic tobacco flavor with a earthy/spice on the long finish. A lot of flavor as you head through the 1/3 of the cigar. With this stick you also get an even burn, a great draw, and a lot of smoke output. So far so good.
The 2/3's point adds a little more flavor. You start to get hints of nut mixing in with the sweet, earth, and tobacco flavors. The finish is still the same with the earthy/spice finish, but the finish is starting to shorten up. The stick still has a nice even burn, nice snug draw, and good smoke output.
3/3's to the end brings out the nutty flavor, and the sweetness dies out. The earthy/tobacco flavors are still there, but mellowing out. On the finish, the spice went away, and you get a nice rich earth flavor. Overall, a good smoke offering a good blend, even burn, nice draw, and good smoke output. Medium-bodied.
Stogie Rite score: 89
Room 101 Namakubi Ecuador Ranfla
This Room 101 Namakubi Ecuador Ranfla measures 30x50x19.6.5 with a dark brown, oily Habano wrapper. The cigar features Honduran and Dominican filler. The filler is the same as the original Namakubi blend released a while back. Coming in with a perfecto shape, the cigar has a really deep earth/coffee aroma to it. Let's get it lit up.
When you get the cigar lit up you get very earthy flavors. Specifically, the cigar has a grassy/floral flavor to it. The smoke produced is very dry, giving you almost a cotton mouth. You'll definitely need a drink of some sort to accompany you while smoking this stick. The construction of the cigar so far is perfect. It has a nice draw, a very even burn, and produces a lot of thick smoke.
The 2/3's point brings more flavors to the table. A sweet wood flavor is coming in, and pushing the grassy/floral flavors on the finish. Now, the finish is coming out a little stronger at this point. It's very long, dry, and consists of a mild spice. So far, this cigar is very rich... very enjoyable.
3/3's to the end stays relatively the same. The sweet wood flavor is still there, and spice on the finish mellows out, leaving you with a nice mix of flavors on the palate. Rich flavors, a dead even burn, perfect draw, and nice smoke output makes it an extremely easy cigar to recommend.
Stogie Rite score: 98
When you get the cigar lit up you get very earthy flavors. Specifically, the cigar has a grassy/floral flavor to it. The smoke produced is very dry, giving you almost a cotton mouth. You'll definitely need a drink of some sort to accompany you while smoking this stick. The construction of the cigar so far is perfect. It has a nice draw, a very even burn, and produces a lot of thick smoke.
The 2/3's point brings more flavors to the table. A sweet wood flavor is coming in, and pushing the grassy/floral flavors on the finish. Now, the finish is coming out a little stronger at this point. It's very long, dry, and consists of a mild spice. So far, this cigar is very rich... very enjoyable.
3/3's to the end stays relatively the same. The sweet wood flavor is still there, and spice on the finish mellows out, leaving you with a nice mix of flavors on the palate. Rich flavors, a dead even burn, perfect draw, and nice smoke output makes it an extremely easy cigar to recommend.
Stogie Rite score: 98
Cuban Rounds Taste of Havana Churchill
The Cuban Rounds Taste of Havana Churchill measures 7x48 with a oily, sandpaper wrapper that has a very natural earth aroma to it. The story behind these cigars is odd. I'm not sure what the accurate story is because there are so many rumors about them out there.
This comes from Tobacco General: "Made from the exact same tobacco, filler, binder, and wrapper as many other much higher priced cigars, the quality is supurb. What makes it so much cheaper? The answer is simple; higher priced cigars come with the expectation that every cigar is identically colored inside and out. WIth these, the coloring may be off. This however, despite popular belief, does nothing to the flavor and pull of the cigar. It is in no way less satisfying than its pricey sibilings."
Whatever the story may be, these Cuban Rounds are very inexpensive, just around $1.50 per stick. So, let's get it lit up.
When you get the cigar lit up, you get a very creamy, oily coffee flavor with some black pepper mixed in on the finish. Through the 1/3, the burn is dead even, you get a perfect draw, and nice smoke output. Through the 1/3 point, and the cigar is already worth the price.
The 2/3's point brings a different flavor. The creamy rich flavors die away, and you get a very basic sweet tobacco flavor. The finish becomes a little shorter, but with the same black pepper flavor on it. The burn has become more uneven, though not to the point where I have to touch it up, the draw is still nice and snug, and the smoke output is still great.
3/3's to the end doesn't bring many more changes. The basic tobacco flavor stays there for the remainder of the smoke. However, there is a little spice on the tongue that comes into play at the end. A nice touch to end the smoke. One thing that is common with these cigars, is the binders are weak so the tobacco tends to fall out at the end. I avoided that by punching the cigar, instead of cutting it... had no problems whatsoever.
Stogie Rite score: 92
This comes from Tobacco General: "Made from the exact same tobacco, filler, binder, and wrapper as many other much higher priced cigars, the quality is supurb. What makes it so much cheaper? The answer is simple; higher priced cigars come with the expectation that every cigar is identically colored inside and out. WIth these, the coloring may be off. This however, despite popular belief, does nothing to the flavor and pull of the cigar. It is in no way less satisfying than its pricey sibilings."
Whatever the story may be, these Cuban Rounds are very inexpensive, just around $1.50 per stick. So, let's get it lit up.
When you get the cigar lit up, you get a very creamy, oily coffee flavor with some black pepper mixed in on the finish. Through the 1/3, the burn is dead even, you get a perfect draw, and nice smoke output. Through the 1/3 point, and the cigar is already worth the price.
The 2/3's point brings a different flavor. The creamy rich flavors die away, and you get a very basic sweet tobacco flavor. The finish becomes a little shorter, but with the same black pepper flavor on it. The burn has become more uneven, though not to the point where I have to touch it up, the draw is still nice and snug, and the smoke output is still great.
3/3's to the end doesn't bring many more changes. The basic tobacco flavor stays there for the remainder of the smoke. However, there is a little spice on the tongue that comes into play at the end. A nice touch to end the smoke. One thing that is common with these cigars, is the binders are weak so the tobacco tends to fall out at the end. I avoided that by punching the cigar, instead of cutting it... had no problems whatsoever.
Stogie Rite score: 92
Foundry Wells
The Foundry Wells measures 6x50 with a nice dark brown, oily wrapper. The cigar features mixed binders and fillers, and a wrapper with a deep, sweet earth aroma. If you're wondering about the name, this cigar is named after H.G. Wells. Their other cigars are named after those involved in the Steampunk Movement: Ada Lovelace, Bryan Talbot, and Sir George Cayley. Ok, let's get this Wells lit up and start reviewing.
When you get the cigar lit up, you get a light rush of tobacco flavors. The finish is a long, deep bitter flavor, with no spice. The finish has more flavors than what you get after you take a puff. The cigar is constructed nicely. It has an even burn, a nice draw, and good smoke output.
The 2/3's point brings a little more to the flavors. Now I'm starting to get a light earth, wood flavor with a still heavy, oily finish. The cigar is medium to full strength. The stick still has a nice draw, good smoke output, but the burn is starting to get uneven at this point, nothing too severe.
3/3's to the end doesn't bring many more changes. The flavors are staying the same as the 2/3's point, and the finish is getting less heavy. This cigar is the type that has more strength than flavor. Most people are looking for more flavor than strength, and if you're one of those people, I wouldn't recommend this one.
Stogie Rite score: 88
When you get the cigar lit up, you get a light rush of tobacco flavors. The finish is a long, deep bitter flavor, with no spice. The finish has more flavors than what you get after you take a puff. The cigar is constructed nicely. It has an even burn, a nice draw, and good smoke output.
The 2/3's point brings a little more to the flavors. Now I'm starting to get a light earth, wood flavor with a still heavy, oily finish. The cigar is medium to full strength. The stick still has a nice draw, good smoke output, but the burn is starting to get uneven at this point, nothing too severe.
3/3's to the end doesn't bring many more changes. The flavors are staying the same as the 2/3's point, and the finish is getting less heavy. This cigar is the type that has more strength than flavor. Most people are looking for more flavor than strength, and if you're one of those people, I wouldn't recommend this one.
Stogie Rite score: 88
La Flor Dominicana Cameroon Cabinet #4
The La Flor Dominicana Cameroon Cabinet #4 measures 6.25x54 with a nice sweet, wood/chocolate aroma on the Cameroon wrapper. The cigar features a Dominican and Nicaraguan filler and a natural, shade-grown wrapper color. Cameroon is one of my favorite wrapper leaves usually providing a sweet spicy flavor. Let's get it lit up and start reviewing.
When you get the cigar lit up, you get a very rich, creamy earth flavor with a long spicy, tobacco flavored finish. The spice isn't too harsh, it lingers on the tongue. No flaws with the construction. So far a nice even burn, a perfect draw, and great smoke output.
The 2/3's point brings new flavors to the palate. A nut flavor has come in, and has pushed the creamy earth back to the finish. There is still a spice there but it's much more mild than before. The ash on this cigar is incredibly strong. I didn't try it, but I'm convinced it would stay intact for most of the smoke. Still has a nice even burn, great draw, and nice smoke output.
3/3's to the end brings black pepper notes. The nut flavors have mellowed out, and the spice has migrated to the back of the throat. A very good cigar that I will buy again. Featuring very even burn, great draw, and tremendous smoke output, this cigar is easy to recommend.
Stogie Rite score: 98
When you get the cigar lit up, you get a very rich, creamy earth flavor with a long spicy, tobacco flavored finish. The spice isn't too harsh, it lingers on the tongue. No flaws with the construction. So far a nice even burn, a perfect draw, and great smoke output.
The 2/3's point brings new flavors to the palate. A nut flavor has come in, and has pushed the creamy earth back to the finish. There is still a spice there but it's much more mild than before. The ash on this cigar is incredibly strong. I didn't try it, but I'm convinced it would stay intact for most of the smoke. Still has a nice even burn, great draw, and nice smoke output.
3/3's to the end brings black pepper notes. The nut flavors have mellowed out, and the spice has migrated to the back of the throat. A very good cigar that I will buy again. Featuring very even burn, great draw, and tremendous smoke output, this cigar is easy to recommend.
Stogie Rite score: 98
La Palina El Diario Churchill
The La Palina El Diario Churchill measures 7x50 with a smooth dark oily wrapper. The cigar has a weird old wood, sweet vinegar aroma to it, one of the most odd smelling cigars, but still good. This stick features a Honduras Corojo wrapper, Honduran binder, and a nicaraguan filler. With those features, this cigar has great potential.
When you get the cigar lit up, you get a mixture of flavors including wood, tobacco, pepper, and sweet earth notes. The flavors are heavy, meaning they stick around in your mouth for a while after every puff. On the finish is where the flavors drop off, except the pepper mixed with a light spice. The cigar has a pretty even burn, a nice draw, and decent smoke output.
The 2/3's point focuses in on the wood flavors, but the other flavors are still lingering. The wood gets really thick and creamy blending nicely with the tobacco/wood flavors that hang out on your palate. The finish still has the pepper notes, but the spice is slowly intensifying. At this point you still have a semi-even burn, nice draw, and relatively good smoke output. A full-bodied smoke.
3/3's to the end doesn't bring many changes. The flavors mellow out, and you're left with a sweet tobacco flavor. The cigar really dries your mouth out because of the thick creamy smoke. It burns slowly, and this was a churchill. If you end up picking up the Churchill, make sure you have a good hour/hour and a half to smoke it. This stick is definitely worth the price (around $11).
Stogie Rite score: 97
When you get the cigar lit up, you get a mixture of flavors including wood, tobacco, pepper, and sweet earth notes. The flavors are heavy, meaning they stick around in your mouth for a while after every puff. On the finish is where the flavors drop off, except the pepper mixed with a light spice. The cigar has a pretty even burn, a nice draw, and decent smoke output.
The 2/3's point focuses in on the wood flavors, but the other flavors are still lingering. The wood gets really thick and creamy blending nicely with the tobacco/wood flavors that hang out on your palate. The finish still has the pepper notes, but the spice is slowly intensifying. At this point you still have a semi-even burn, nice draw, and relatively good smoke output. A full-bodied smoke.
3/3's to the end doesn't bring many changes. The flavors mellow out, and you're left with a sweet tobacco flavor. The cigar really dries your mouth out because of the thick creamy smoke. It burns slowly, and this was a churchill. If you end up picking up the Churchill, make sure you have a good hour/hour and a half to smoke it. This stick is definitely worth the price (around $11).
Stogie Rite score: 97
Torano Single Region Serie Jalapa Churchill
The Torano Single Region Serie Jalapa Churchill measures 7x50 with a soft dark tan Honduran wrapper. The Single Region name comes from the tobacco being grown in the same region of Nicaragua (Jalapa Valley). It has a very sweet earthy aroma to it. Alright, let's get it lit up.
The initial flavors you get when you light up the cigar is a very sweet wood flavor with hints of pepper and earth. The smoke that's produced is very creamy, which always adds a lot to the smoke. The cigar features a medium-tight draw, even burn, and good smoke output.
The 2/3's point brings more earthy flavors but the notes of black pepper are still there. A slight nut flavor is coming in, mostly on the finish. The cigar is still producing thick creamy smoke, still has a nice even burn, and has a tight draw. So far so good.
3/3's to the end of the cigar doesn't bring many changes. The nut flavors come out and overpower the earthy flavors. A nice transition coming to the end of the smoke. No problems with the construction, and the burn and smoke output were exceptional. The only problem I really had was with the draw, it was way too tight.
Stogie Rite score: 90
The initial flavors you get when you light up the cigar is a very sweet wood flavor with hints of pepper and earth. The smoke that's produced is very creamy, which always adds a lot to the smoke. The cigar features a medium-tight draw, even burn, and good smoke output.
The 2/3's point brings more earthy flavors but the notes of black pepper are still there. A slight nut flavor is coming in, mostly on the finish. The cigar is still producing thick creamy smoke, still has a nice even burn, and has a tight draw. So far so good.
3/3's to the end of the cigar doesn't bring many changes. The nut flavors come out and overpower the earthy flavors. A nice transition coming to the end of the smoke. No problems with the construction, and the burn and smoke output were exceptional. The only problem I really had was with the draw, it was way too tight.
Stogie Rite score: 90
Cigar Accessories for the Working Man
The Redneck Rest
The most popular item made by Redneck Fab is pictured above, the Redneck Rest. The Rest looks great on the hood of a car, the seat of a fishing boat, sitting next to you on the gun range, on your dashboard helping you survive traffic without going to prison, in your Humvee while you impose your will, on your tool bench, next to your BBQ or smoker... You can let your imagination take over. If you leave it outdoors it will begin to rust, which looks amazing, adding more character to your rest. You can also throw a coat of paint on any of your Redneck Fab products to personalize them or just to make them look even 'badder'.
The man behind it all is Kevin Taylor who, wielding a welding torch like a broadsword, designs and creates all of the products available through Redneck Fab. I've met Kevin and he is definitely a man worthy of your support. He is very friendly and a good businessman and, on top of that, the gear is amazing.
Ability to multitask like a boss: Check.
The Redneck Shortie
If you're interested in picking up your own, American made, Redneck Fab items, you should drop everything (children included) and head to the company website Redneckfab.com. Follow Kevin on Instagram @itskmft and check out the Redneck Fab products already in use by the global cigar community by searching the hash tags #redneckfab and #redneckrest.
Now if you'll excuse me I have to go fight off a bear while rebuilding an engine - good thing I have my Redneck Shortie to hold my cigar.
Cheers,
Charles
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Whiskey Review - Auchentoshan Classic
Here is what my reviews have been missing - some 'Lowland Love'. It's not hard to overlook the Lowland region; at the time of this writing there are only three distilleries in the area that have whisky ready for consumption (but there are two more that have some aging, to be opened in several years). The Lowland distilleries have a nickname that I am not sure if they are proud of or not, "The Lowland Ladies". No, it isn't a jab at their manliness or their decor, rather they got that name for producing mild, gentle, floral whisky; the kind of whisky the Lowlands are known for.
The gentle whisky can be attributed to several factors but one that stands out is that most whisky in this region is triple-distilled, producing a very smooth and clean spirit. Also, distilleries in this region are located inland, away from the sea and its elements. Lastly, there is no peat used in creating Lowland whiskies, avoiding the smokiness of whisky from other regions.
For the inaugural Lowland review I chose the whisky that you are, by far, the most likely to come across when you are out and about the town, Auchentoshan (Ah-ken-tosh-en) Classic. There is no age statement on the bottle so the assumption can be made that this is a younger spirit. It is a fact that any Scotch has to be over 36 months old but how far past that this goes I am not certain. Do not let that dissuade you though, most people my age and older will tell you that "age is just a number".
Auchentoshan Classic (formerly Auchentoshan Select) is produced at the (drumroll) Auchentoshan Distillery, located near Glasgow. Auchentoshan, which is Gaelic, means "corner of the field" and their whisky has been called "the breakfast whisky" (for you hardcore fans out there that start early) due to the gentle expressions they produce. The distillery was founded by Irish refugees in 1825 which leads me to speculate that it is the Irish background that is responsible for the triple distillation. On to the whisky!
The whisky has a nice, bright gold color and a great looking consistency with nice legs. The aroma is light and mild but very pleasant; I picked up faint hints of citrus and 'sweetness'. It tastes sweet with a very faint hint of fruit. This may sound a bit crazy but I picked up the faintest hint of watermelon. The gentleman I was sipping with said he detected pineapple. Either way, you're in for a bit of a treat; this could be an interesting one to try and see what you find. The whisky has a nice finish as well, super smooth and lasting.
Rating: 4.0 out of 5 Casks
Reason: Just a very nice, sweet, mild whisky. I can see why it has been called breakfast whisky. The absence of ocean salinity and smoky peat help this to be a very easy-going sipping whisky. Pairs well with a cigar with a Connecticut wrapper (The San Lotano Lancero went great). This is another one of those whiskies that I would recommend to drinkers of both sexes and all 'levels'. To cap it off, the price is great at around 35.00 a bottle. For that price, you really should grab a bottle and give it a go.
Cheers!
Charles
Oliva Serie O Double Toro
The Oliva Serie O Double Toro measures 6x60 featuring a very smooth, oily Maduro wrapper. For this particular cigar, Oliva took the Cuban-Seed Habano tobaccos and grew them in different areas of Nicaragua, which created an incredibly rich and complex cigar. Let's get it lit up.
When you get the cigar lit up, you can tell right away that this cigar is going to be very complex. The first rush you get is a blend of creamy wood and deep leather. A slight spice on the finish, nothing overpowering. This stick has a very even burn through the 1/3 point, a tight draw, and decent smoke output.
The 2/3's point brings more flavors to the table. The creamy wood flavor is joined by a sweet cocoa mixed with some oak. I'm sure there are a ton of flavors packed in the cigar, but I'm only writing out the ones I picked up. On the finish, you have a nice mild spicy earth flavor. The burn is still flawless, the draw has been an issue for me so far... it's requiring a lot of work, and the smoke output is still good, even with a bad draw. *Side note: wrapper is tearing about halfway through the cigar.*
3/3's to the end of the cigar does not bring as many flavor changes as before. The wood flavor stays the same the whole smoke, the sweetness has gone away, and the finish is still a spicy earth flavor. That's about it for the flavor changes. A great smoke besides the construction problems. With hopes that you don't have the same construction problems, I recommend the stick.
Stogie Rite score: 88
When you get the cigar lit up, you can tell right away that this cigar is going to be very complex. The first rush you get is a blend of creamy wood and deep leather. A slight spice on the finish, nothing overpowering. This stick has a very even burn through the 1/3 point, a tight draw, and decent smoke output.
The 2/3's point brings more flavors to the table. The creamy wood flavor is joined by a sweet cocoa mixed with some oak. I'm sure there are a ton of flavors packed in the cigar, but I'm only writing out the ones I picked up. On the finish, you have a nice mild spicy earth flavor. The burn is still flawless, the draw has been an issue for me so far... it's requiring a lot of work, and the smoke output is still good, even with a bad draw. *Side note: wrapper is tearing about halfway through the cigar.*
3/3's to the end of the cigar does not bring as many flavor changes as before. The wood flavor stays the same the whole smoke, the sweetness has gone away, and the finish is still a spicy earth flavor. That's about it for the flavor changes. A great smoke besides the construction problems. With hopes that you don't have the same construction problems, I recommend the stick.
Stogie Rite score: 88
Jaime Garcia Reserva Especial Toro
The Jaime Garcia Reserva Especial Toro measures 6x54 with a dark, oily Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper that has a dark chocolate aroma. The cigar features Nicaraguan binders and longfillers. This stick is created by My Father Cigars, a highly respected cigar company. Time to get it lit up for review.
When you get the cigar lit up, you get a nice sweet rush of cocoa/wood with medium strength spice on the finish. For the 1/3 point of the smoke, the flavors stay the same. This cigar has flawless construction, an even burn, nice draw, and nice smoke output. So far so good.
The 2/3's point brings a few flavor changes. A very deep earth comes in, and takes out the sweet wood and cocoa flavors. The cigar becomes somewhat bitter, but there is still hints of sweetness on the finish. The cigar still has an even burn, nice draw, and great smoke output.
3/3's to the end wraps up this smoke nicely. The sweet cocoa flavors come back taking away the bitter earth notes. The cigar was just around $7, so the cigar is well worth it. Perfect construction, nice draw, even burn, and great smoke output makes this cigar very enjoyable.
Stogie Rite score: 97
When you get the cigar lit up, you get a nice sweet rush of cocoa/wood with medium strength spice on the finish. For the 1/3 point of the smoke, the flavors stay the same. This cigar has flawless construction, an even burn, nice draw, and nice smoke output. So far so good.
The 2/3's point brings a few flavor changes. A very deep earth comes in, and takes out the sweet wood and cocoa flavors. The cigar becomes somewhat bitter, but there is still hints of sweetness on the finish. The cigar still has an even burn, nice draw, and great smoke output.
3/3's to the end wraps up this smoke nicely. The sweet cocoa flavors come back taking away the bitter earth notes. The cigar was just around $7, so the cigar is well worth it. Perfect construction, nice draw, even burn, and great smoke output makes this cigar very enjoyable.
Stogie Rite score: 97
Partagas Benji Master Series Prominente Churchill
The Partagas Benji Master Series Prominente Churchill cigar measures 7x48 with a nice dark wrapper that's accompanied by a very deep earthy aroma. It consists of Dominican and Nicaraguan tobaccos wrapped in a nice Cameroon wrapper.This is the first Partagas I've had. Let's get it lit up for review.
When you get the cigar lit up, you get a nice smooth, sweet pepper flavor. On the finish you get a mild earthy flavor with no spice. A very smooth cigar at first. The stick has a very even draw, a nice burn, and decent smoke output. So far so good.
The 2/3's point still has the pepper flavors, but the earth notes on the finish are going away. Replacing the earthy flavor is light nut notes with a little spice on the lips. All these flavors are blending nicely. The burn is still razor sharp, draw is still perfect, and the smoke output is getting better.
3/3's to the end brings another round of different flavors. A very creamy earth/tobacco flavor is coming in and the spice on the finish is getting stronger. Unlike most cigars, this one has a very intense ending. Overall, this cigar had a very nice blend of tobaccos and flavors. A high quality cigar at a good price makes it easy for me to recommend.
Stogie Rite score: 96
When you get the cigar lit up, you get a nice smooth, sweet pepper flavor. On the finish you get a mild earthy flavor with no spice. A very smooth cigar at first. The stick has a very even draw, a nice burn, and decent smoke output. So far so good.
The 2/3's point still has the pepper flavors, but the earth notes on the finish are going away. Replacing the earthy flavor is light nut notes with a little spice on the lips. All these flavors are blending nicely. The burn is still razor sharp, draw is still perfect, and the smoke output is getting better.
3/3's to the end brings another round of different flavors. A very creamy earth/tobacco flavor is coming in and the spice on the finish is getting stronger. Unlike most cigars, this one has a very intense ending. Overall, this cigar had a very nice blend of tobaccos and flavors. A high quality cigar at a good price makes it easy for me to recommend.
Stogie Rite score: 96
Perdomo Champagne Sun Grown Torpedo
The Perdomo Champagne Sun Grown Torpedo measures 7x54 with a nice dark wrapper with a very earthy aroma. The Sun Grown version of the Champagne series is new to Perdomo that's now available in shops around the country. This cigar features Cuban-Seed tobacco that's grown in high quality soil in Nicaragua. It's rolled in a U.S. Connecticut shade wrapper. The cigar is one of the nicest looking and smelling cigars out there today.
When you get the cigar lit up, you get a strong spice flavor with very creamy earthy notes added in. The other Champagne cigars made by Perdomo are also spicy, but with this stick, they have intensified it greatly. Construction wise, there are no flaws. The cigar has a nice draw, perfectly even burn, and nice smoke output. So far so good.
The 2/3's point of the stick really lets you know that it's full-bodied. New flavors are starting to blend in with the creamy earth/pepper flavors. You now get a sweet soil flavor, but keep the intense spice. Spicy cigars aren't my favorite, but if they are accompanied by a nice blend of flavors, then I don't mind. The cigar still has a nice draw, dead even burn, and nice smoke output. Let's see what the 3/3's point brings.
3/3's point to the end wraps up the smoke nicely. The creamy earth flavors come back and the sweetness leaves. The spice on the finish decreases in intensity which is a nice touch to end the cigar. Perdomo knocked this out of the park. One of the best cigars I've had.
Stogie Rite score: 98
When you get the cigar lit up, you get a strong spice flavor with very creamy earthy notes added in. The other Champagne cigars made by Perdomo are also spicy, but with this stick, they have intensified it greatly. Construction wise, there are no flaws. The cigar has a nice draw, perfectly even burn, and nice smoke output. So far so good.
The 2/3's point of the stick really lets you know that it's full-bodied. New flavors are starting to blend in with the creamy earth/pepper flavors. You now get a sweet soil flavor, but keep the intense spice. Spicy cigars aren't my favorite, but if they are accompanied by a nice blend of flavors, then I don't mind. The cigar still has a nice draw, dead even burn, and nice smoke output. Let's see what the 3/3's point brings.
3/3's point to the end wraps up the smoke nicely. The creamy earth flavors come back and the sweetness leaves. The spice on the finish decreases in intensity which is a nice touch to end the cigar. Perdomo knocked this out of the park. One of the best cigars I've had.
Stogie Rite score: 98
Camacho Criollo
This is a new style of reviewing a cigar that I'm going to try. I'm basing it off of a seminar that Jose Blanco had in the La Aurora factory in the Dominican Republic. In the seminar he gives us the requirements for a perfect blend, and that's how I'm going to start rating cigars. I'll be judging by 1). Flavor 2). Strength 3). Aroma 4). Complexity 5). Balance and 6). Finish. I will add side notes to the different areas.
Flavor: 7/10
The flavor has a nice woody earth flavor at the beginning. Not too strong. It's around the halfway point when the cigar really changes flavor to a stronger pepper flavor. A really good stick for those who like lots of dark flavors.
Strength: 8/10
This cigar is very strong. Its' definitely full bodied with a lot of different flavors. The pricing is cheap so I didn't expect too many flavors. But, it has a good variety of flavors for what it goes for.
Aroma: 5/10
The aroma is decent... nothing to go crazy about. It smells like a basic cigar when it's burning. Pre-light it has a light chocolate/pepper aroma.
Complexity: 5/10
Balance: 7/10
Finish: 6/10
The finish has a long spice to it at the beginning. It's an overpowering finish at the beginning, but as you get farther in the cigar, the finish mellows out, and it blends nicely with the flavor.
An overall good smoke. This cigar makes it look like Camacho is trying to re-brand themselves. It's an interesting look, but the inside is all that matters.
Stogie Rite score: 85
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