Shortly following the Special Craft series, Perdomo has released a new line of Bourbon Barrel-Aged cigars. The Habano Bourbon Barrel-Aged Connecticut, Sun Grown, and Maduro. This cigar features a Nicaraguan wrapper, binder, filler, and a beautiful presentation. Let's get it lit up.
1/3 - When you get this cigar lit up, you get a smooth rush of white pepper accompanied by a very mild spice - not overpowering by any stretch. On the finish there's a sweet oaky flavor that really fits in nicely with the notes of white pepper that you get on the initial draw. The construction is near perfect with a very easy draw, a dead even burn, and great smoke output.
2/3 - Entering the half-way point of the stick, the flavors transition from the white pepper to more hints of walnut. The spice is still present and slowly intensifying. The sweetness on the finish starts to fade out at this point and is replaced by a light note of black pepper. The construction is still right where you want it to be with a great draw, even burn, and good smoke output.
3/3 - Coming to the end of the cigar we see one more flavor transition. The black pepper that was previously on the finish has become the dominant flavor. The finish has notes of sweet oak and almond. Another great cigar from Perdomo, great construction and beautiful labeling - a must have.
Flavors:
1/3 - Smooth white pepper with a mild spice. Sweet oak finish.
2/3 - Hints of walnut and cedar. Black pepper on the finish accompanied by a slowly intensifying spice.
3/3 - Black pepper, sweet oak, and notes of almond on the finish.
Warped La Hacienda
The La Hacienda created by Warped Cigars is a great Cuban styled cigar, that offers a completely unique flavor profile. I picked up flavors I never thought I would while smoking a cigar. This Nica Puro only comes in two sizes (Corona, Robusto), but it is definitely a cigar to stash in your humidor. Let's get it reviewed.
1/3 - Right when you get this cigar lit up, you are hit with a very creamy, earth-like flavor mixed with floral notes. On the finish, stay with me here, I'm picking up some citrus (lemon is dominant) and milk - yes, milk. The draw is very cooperative, the burn is nice and even, and it's producing a good amount of smoke.
2/3 - Approaching the halfway section, the initial flavors are basically the same. Except for a bit of sweetness coming in to mix with the earthy/floral flavors. The floral notes are hanging around a bit longer now, enough to make it to the finish. The milky flavors are still lingering as well. The cigar still has a nice even draw, a great burn, and still producing great smoke.
3/3 - Coming to the end of the cigar, the initial flavors change from the sweet earthy/floral to a pepper flavor with hints of cedar - a nice flavor transition. On the finish, we end with some hints of citrus as the milky flavor finally fades out. A very unique cigar in terms of flavor - I highly recommend it.
1/3 - Right when you get this cigar lit up, you are hit with a very creamy, earth-like flavor mixed with floral notes. On the finish, stay with me here, I'm picking up some citrus (lemon is dominant) and milk - yes, milk. The draw is very cooperative, the burn is nice and even, and it's producing a good amount of smoke.
2/3 - Approaching the halfway section, the initial flavors are basically the same. Except for a bit of sweetness coming in to mix with the earthy/floral flavors. The floral notes are hanging around a bit longer now, enough to make it to the finish. The milky flavors are still lingering as well. The cigar still has a nice even draw, a great burn, and still producing great smoke.
3/3 - Coming to the end of the cigar, the initial flavors change from the sweet earthy/floral to a pepper flavor with hints of cedar - a nice flavor transition. On the finish, we end with some hints of citrus as the milky flavor finally fades out. A very unique cigar in terms of flavor - I highly recommend it.
New World by AJ Fernandez
The New World by AJ Fernandez is a cigar that was created by AJ Fernandez and his father, Ismael Fernandez. This Nicaraguan puro is only priced at just around $6 per cigar. A great deal for such a great cigar. It features a beautiful, dark Nicaraguan wrapper, a Jalapa binder, and Viso Ometepe, Condega Ligero, Esteli-Finca Soledad Ligero fillers. Quite a lineup of tobaccos featured in this stick. Let's get reviewing!
1/3 - When you get the cigar lit up, right away I got a very strong black pepper flavor. It's not overwhelming but it does have a kick. The finish is a different story. I'm picking up on some sweet notes of espresso and coffee beans - blending together very nicely. This is definitely a full-bodied smoke. So far the draw is great, the burn is basically dead even, and it's outputting a great amount of smoke.
2/3 - As I approach the middle of the cigar, the initial flavors begin a transition from the black pepper to more sweet earthy flavors. On the finish, there are hints of oak as well as a mild spice starting to creep in. A really nice flavor profile through this point. The draw is still perfect and it's still producing a good amount of smoke. However, the burn is starting to become uneven, but not enough for me to have to touch it up.
3/3 - Coming to the end of the cigar, the espresso is starting to appear on the initial puffs, as well as earthy notes appearing on the finish. The spice never becomes too strong, it just lingers throughout most of the smoke session. The burn decided to even itself back out, so there are no complaints as far as construction goes. A great, full-bodied smoke by AJ Fernandez - try it out.
1/3 - When you get the cigar lit up, right away I got a very strong black pepper flavor. It's not overwhelming but it does have a kick. The finish is a different story. I'm picking up on some sweet notes of espresso and coffee beans - blending together very nicely. This is definitely a full-bodied smoke. So far the draw is great, the burn is basically dead even, and it's outputting a great amount of smoke.
2/3 - As I approach the middle of the cigar, the initial flavors begin a transition from the black pepper to more sweet earthy flavors. On the finish, there are hints of oak as well as a mild spice starting to creep in. A really nice flavor profile through this point. The draw is still perfect and it's still producing a good amount of smoke. However, the burn is starting to become uneven, but not enough for me to have to touch it up.
3/3 - Coming to the end of the cigar, the espresso is starting to appear on the initial puffs, as well as earthy notes appearing on the finish. The spice never becomes too strong, it just lingers throughout most of the smoke session. The burn decided to even itself back out, so there are no complaints as far as construction goes. A great, full-bodied smoke by AJ Fernandez - try it out.
INCH Maduro by E.P. Carrillo
The INCH Maduro is definitely one that will appeal to all of you big ring gauge fans. This cigar comes in four different sizes: 7"x70, 6.1"x64, 5"x62, and 5.9"x60. As you can see it doesn't leave the 60-70" range. The INCH Maduro features a dark and shiny Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro wrapper, a Nicaraguan binder, and a blend of fillers from the Dominican and Nicaragua. Just a beautiful cigar to look at.
1/3 - When you get the cigar lit up, you immediately get hints of sweet cocoa and a strong earthy flavor. The earthy notes end up on the finish which is then met by a nice, not overbearing spice. So, right away there is a lot going on in the flavor department through this section of the stick. The burn is nice and even, the draw is right where you want it to be with a ring gauge of this size, and it's producing a good amount of smoke.
2/3 - Right around this portion of the smoke, the flavors begin a nice transition. You start to pick up on more roasted coffee flavors and the cocoa starts to fade out. The earthy notes on the finish are still present, but now accompanied by some hints of black pepper. Through this point, the draw is still doing great, the burn fell on the uneven side but not enough that I had to touch it up, and it's still outputting a nice amount of smoke.
3/3 - Heading towards the end of the stick, spice is starting to die off. I'm starting to pick up pepper on the initial draw and an earthy/tobacco finish. The burn finished out nice and even after it's hiccup in the middle. The INCH Maduro is a great smoke for any occasion - another masterpiece from E.P. Carrillo.
1/3 - When you get the cigar lit up, you immediately get hints of sweet cocoa and a strong earthy flavor. The earthy notes end up on the finish which is then met by a nice, not overbearing spice. So, right away there is a lot going on in the flavor department through this section of the stick. The burn is nice and even, the draw is right where you want it to be with a ring gauge of this size, and it's producing a good amount of smoke.
2/3 - Right around this portion of the smoke, the flavors begin a nice transition. You start to pick up on more roasted coffee flavors and the cocoa starts to fade out. The earthy notes on the finish are still present, but now accompanied by some hints of black pepper. Through this point, the draw is still doing great, the burn fell on the uneven side but not enough that I had to touch it up, and it's still outputting a nice amount of smoke.
3/3 - Heading towards the end of the stick, spice is starting to die off. I'm starting to pick up pepper on the initial draw and an earthy/tobacco finish. The burn finished out nice and even after it's hiccup in the middle. The INCH Maduro is a great smoke for any occasion - another masterpiece from E.P. Carrillo.
My Father La Antiguedad
La Antiguedad is only the second line of box-pressed cigars that My Father Cigars have made. The first was the Flor de las Antillas - a phenomenal cigar to add to your list. La Antiguedad, meaning "The Antiquity," is yet another celebration of the Garcia's Cuban heritage. This cigar features a double binder, one being Criollo and the other a Corojo, Nicaraguan tobacco, and is covered by an Ecuadorian Habano Rosado Oscuro wrapper. Let's see what we get out of this stick.
1/3 - As you light the cigar up, the first thing I noticed was a very creamy coffee flavor mixed with some leather notes. On the finish, I'm getting a very nice hint of cocoa. A great flavor combination to start any cigar. The draw is a little tight, so you kind of have to work at it. The burn is even as can be, and it's producing only a little smoke.
2/3 - Heading to the halfway point, hints of nut are coming into play. A peanut flavor to be exact. The finish at this point has gotten rid of some of the cocoa and has gone strictly to hints of leather and earth. A smooth transition in my opinion. Still having a tough draw through this point, but the burn has remained nice and even, and the smoke output is relatively the same.
3/3 - Coming up on the end of the cigar, the earthy flavors have become dominant mixed with notes of black pepper. On the finish, the sweet cocoa has come back which really makes the last few puffs of this cigar pleasant. Overall, the flavor profile is enough to make the tough draw bearable. A superb cigar from My Father Cigars.
1/3 - As you light the cigar up, the first thing I noticed was a very creamy coffee flavor mixed with some leather notes. On the finish, I'm getting a very nice hint of cocoa. A great flavor combination to start any cigar. The draw is a little tight, so you kind of have to work at it. The burn is even as can be, and it's producing only a little smoke.
2/3 - Heading to the halfway point, hints of nut are coming into play. A peanut flavor to be exact. The finish at this point has gotten rid of some of the cocoa and has gone strictly to hints of leather and earth. A smooth transition in my opinion. Still having a tough draw through this point, but the burn has remained nice and even, and the smoke output is relatively the same.
3/3 - Coming up on the end of the cigar, the earthy flavors have become dominant mixed with notes of black pepper. On the finish, the sweet cocoa has come back which really makes the last few puffs of this cigar pleasant. Overall, the flavor profile is enough to make the tough draw bearable. A superb cigar from My Father Cigars.
Nat Sherman Timeless
The Nat Sherman Timeless has features tobacco from three separate countries. Starting with the fillers, we have a blend of Nicaraguan and Dominican tobaccos that make for a great smoke. The third country is featured in the Honduran binder. All of these tobaccos blend together for a medium-strength smoke that has a great flavor profile. Now, let's get it lit up.
1/3 - When you get the cigar lit up, right away you get a very rich, leathery flavor combined with tones of robust coffee. On the finish there's an earthy/soil flavor. A nice mixture of flavors to start out with. There are no problems with the construction - getting a dead even burn, a great draw, and tons of smoke output.
2/3 - Heading towards the halfway point, you will start to notice a flavor change. The leather is transitioning more into a toasted pepper - smooth flavor transition. On the finish, we see more notes of nut than the earthy flavors we had before. Still through this point, the draw is still great, the burn hasn't changed at all, and still producing good amounts of smoke.
3/3 - Coming up on the end up the stick, you start to notice the nut on the finish is now the dominant flavor accompanied by a toasted tobacco. On the finish, the robust coffee we saw before is making it's way back. A great blend of flavors to end the cigar. Overall, this cigar had incredible construction and a great flavor profile. If you haven't tried this stick yet, I highly recommend it.
1/3 - When you get the cigar lit up, right away you get a very rich, leathery flavor combined with tones of robust coffee. On the finish there's an earthy/soil flavor. A nice mixture of flavors to start out with. There are no problems with the construction - getting a dead even burn, a great draw, and tons of smoke output.
2/3 - Heading towards the halfway point, you will start to notice a flavor change. The leather is transitioning more into a toasted pepper - smooth flavor transition. On the finish, we see more notes of nut than the earthy flavors we had before. Still through this point, the draw is still great, the burn hasn't changed at all, and still producing good amounts of smoke.
3/3 - Coming up on the end up the stick, you start to notice the nut on the finish is now the dominant flavor accompanied by a toasted tobacco. On the finish, the robust coffee we saw before is making it's way back. A great blend of flavors to end the cigar. Overall, this cigar had incredible construction and a great flavor profile. If you haven't tried this stick yet, I highly recommend it.
E.P. Carrillo La Historia
The La Historia by E.P. Carrillo is overall a beautiful looking cigar. From the outstanding artwork on the band to the rich, chocolate colored Maduro (San Andreas) wrapper. This cigar features, as already mentioned, a San Andreas wrapper along with an Ecuador Sumatra binder and filler from Nicaragua. Judging by the look of the cigar, you think that it's going to be a $10+ cigar. But, this cigar actually runs just around $8.75 - and you get your money's worth.. take my word for it.
1/3 - When you get this stick lit up, right away you notice how perfect the draw is. It's not effortless but it offers that small amount of resistance that constitutes a perfect draw. The initial flavor is a nice blend of nut and oak. On the finish, there's hints of semi-sweet espresso. A great combination of flavors as we approach the 2/3 point of the cigar. Through this point, the draw has stayed phenomenal, the burn is nearly dead even, and it's producing good amounts of smoke.
2/3 - Approaching the halfway point of the cigar, there is a change in flavor. The cigar is starting a transition from hints of nut/oak to more of a peppery/leather flavor. The finish is also taking on a new taste as it moves from the espresso to more of a chocolate tone. It is a different flavor combo, but at least the transition was smooth and enjoyable. Getting to the halfway point, the cigar still holds it's almost perfect construction.
3/3 - Coming to the last section of the smoke, there isn't too much of a flavor transition like we saw in the 2/3 portion of the cigar. At this point, the flavor you get on the initial draw is staying relatively the same. However, you'll start to notice the earthy/oak flavors that are now on the finish. It stays this way till you put it out. This is a fantastic cigar from E.P. Carrillo. The best one from him that I have had so far - I highly recommend it to you Carrillo fans out there.
1/3 - When you get this stick lit up, right away you notice how perfect the draw is. It's not effortless but it offers that small amount of resistance that constitutes a perfect draw. The initial flavor is a nice blend of nut and oak. On the finish, there's hints of semi-sweet espresso. A great combination of flavors as we approach the 2/3 point of the cigar. Through this point, the draw has stayed phenomenal, the burn is nearly dead even, and it's producing good amounts of smoke.
2/3 - Approaching the halfway point of the cigar, there is a change in flavor. The cigar is starting a transition from hints of nut/oak to more of a peppery/leather flavor. The finish is also taking on a new taste as it moves from the espresso to more of a chocolate tone. It is a different flavor combo, but at least the transition was smooth and enjoyable. Getting to the halfway point, the cigar still holds it's almost perfect construction.
3/3 - Coming to the last section of the smoke, there isn't too much of a flavor transition like we saw in the 2/3 portion of the cigar. At this point, the flavor you get on the initial draw is staying relatively the same. However, you'll start to notice the earthy/oak flavors that are now on the finish. It stays this way till you put it out. This is a fantastic cigar from E.P. Carrillo. The best one from him that I have had so far - I highly recommend it to you Carrillo fans out there.
My Father Connecticut
My Father Connecticut is definitely something new for Jose "Pepin" Garcia. Otherwise known for his extremely full bodied cigars, Garcia takes on a different challenge - creating a mild to medium smoke that still offers a great flavor profile. In this cigar he features an Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper, a Nicaragua Corojo 99 binder and Nicaragua Habano-Criollo filler.
1/3 - Right as you light the cigar up you get creamy, light pepper flavor accompanied by a mild spice that lingers on your tongue and lips. On the finish, you get a sweet wood flavor that really blends well with the initial flavors. Already in the 1/3 portion of this cigar you can tell the construction will not be a problem during your smoke. You get a good amount of smoke output, a just slightly uneven burn (nothing that I had to touch up), and a great draw.
2/3 - As we approach the halfway point of this stick, the flavors start to change. At this point the wood that you previously had on the finish has made it's way up to the initial flavor, but now with much more sharpness. The spice is still hanging out, still very mild. On the finish, you now get hints of earth and pepper flavors. Like the beginning of the cigar, the flavors are blending very well. Through this point, the burn has evened itself out, the draw is still very cooperative, and still is producing good smoke output.
3/3 - Coming up on the end of this cigar, the flavors have stayed consistent, but have swapped positions again. The earthy flavor that was once on the finish is now present in the initial puffs. On the finish, the spice has become stronger accompanied by a peppery flavor. The construction stayed very consistent all the way till the end. A great cigar brought to you by My Father cigars.
1/3 - Right as you light the cigar up you get creamy, light pepper flavor accompanied by a mild spice that lingers on your tongue and lips. On the finish, you get a sweet wood flavor that really blends well with the initial flavors. Already in the 1/3 portion of this cigar you can tell the construction will not be a problem during your smoke. You get a good amount of smoke output, a just slightly uneven burn (nothing that I had to touch up), and a great draw.
2/3 - As we approach the halfway point of this stick, the flavors start to change. At this point the wood that you previously had on the finish has made it's way up to the initial flavor, but now with much more sharpness. The spice is still hanging out, still very mild. On the finish, you now get hints of earth and pepper flavors. Like the beginning of the cigar, the flavors are blending very well. Through this point, the burn has evened itself out, the draw is still very cooperative, and still is producing good smoke output.
3/3 - Coming up on the end of this cigar, the flavors have stayed consistent, but have swapped positions again. The earthy flavor that was once on the finish is now present in the initial puffs. On the finish, the spice has become stronger accompanied by a peppery flavor. The construction stayed very consistent all the way till the end. A great cigar brought to you by My Father cigars.
Ashton Virgin Sun Grown Eclipse Tube
The Ashton Virgin Sun Grown Eclipse Tube measures in at 6 x 52 with a toothy Ecuadorian Habano wrapper. If you are going to grab this cigar, you're going to drop just around $12-$13. However, I can tell you now that it's worth that money. It's great for special occasions or just to celebrate a Friday night.
1/3 - Right when you light up the cigar, you get a nice cinnamon flavor with a little spicy earth on the finish. The spice isn't very strong, but it feels as if it has potential to expand it's intensity. The construction is great - a nice even burn, a semi-easy draw, and good smoke output.
2/3 - When you get to this point in the cigar, the flavors will begin to change. They change from the cinnamon/earth flavors to more of a creamy oak flavor. On the finish, you get what tastes like a wood-shop. The spice has disappeared and now there is a little bit of a sweetness. The construction has stayed consistent for the most part - the draw becoming a little easier.
3/3 - Coming to the end of the cigar, you get ambushed with a very intense pepper flavor. It's a tough ending to this cigar - definitely full-bodied. This stick caught me by surprise, especially at the end. I highly recommend this cigar for those who love strength and flavor.
1/3 - Right when you light up the cigar, you get a nice cinnamon flavor with a little spicy earth on the finish. The spice isn't very strong, but it feels as if it has potential to expand it's intensity. The construction is great - a nice even burn, a semi-easy draw, and good smoke output.
2/3 - When you get to this point in the cigar, the flavors will begin to change. They change from the cinnamon/earth flavors to more of a creamy oak flavor. On the finish, you get what tastes like a wood-shop. The spice has disappeared and now there is a little bit of a sweetness. The construction has stayed consistent for the most part - the draw becoming a little easier.
3/3 - Coming to the end of the cigar, you get ambushed with a very intense pepper flavor. It's a tough ending to this cigar - definitely full-bodied. This stick caught me by surprise, especially at the end. I highly recommend this cigar for those who love strength and flavor.
Liga Undercrown Gran Toro
The Liga Undercrown Gran Toro, by Drew Estate Cigars, measures 6x52 with a smooth San Andres wrapper. This Nicaraguan grown cigar is one of Drew Estate's more popular sticks. This isn't my first Undercrown stick, but it's the first review I'm going to write about it. It's really hard to just have one of these cigars.
1/3 - When you get the cigar lit up, you get a plethora of flavors. Right off the bat, you get a pepper, cocoa, and creamy leather flavors - no spice so far. On the finish, you get a nice basic tobacco flavor. The construction is great so far. I'm getting a dead even burn, a very cooperative draw, and a ton of smoke output. This cigar smokes like a chimney even without puffing.
2/3 - The leather flavor is really becoming prominent at this point in the cigar. You still get some of the cocoa/pepper notes, but mainly leather. The finish has become much more sweet, with a touch of spice. At this point, the construction has stayed perfectly consistent.
3/3 - When you get to this point, the cigar becomes more bold. The flavors do not change from where they were at the 2/3 point. However, the finish loses the little spice it had, and finishes on a sweet note. This cigar is very enjoyable, and affordable. Another great cigar from Drew Estate.
1/3 - When you get the cigar lit up, you get a plethora of flavors. Right off the bat, you get a pepper, cocoa, and creamy leather flavors - no spice so far. On the finish, you get a nice basic tobacco flavor. The construction is great so far. I'm getting a dead even burn, a very cooperative draw, and a ton of smoke output. This cigar smokes like a chimney even without puffing.
2/3 - The leather flavor is really becoming prominent at this point in the cigar. You still get some of the cocoa/pepper notes, but mainly leather. The finish has become much more sweet, with a touch of spice. At this point, the construction has stayed perfectly consistent.
3/3 - When you get to this point, the cigar becomes more bold. The flavors do not change from where they were at the 2/3 point. However, the finish loses the little spice it had, and finishes on a sweet note. This cigar is very enjoyable, and affordable. Another great cigar from Drew Estate.
Montecristo Relentless
The Montecristo Relentless is overall a great looking cigar. Not only does it look good, but it feels great in your hand. This cigar, from the Dominican, features an Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper, a Mexican San Andres binder, and Nicaraguan and Brazilian Mata Fina filler. Just by reading that alone, you know a lot has been put into the making of this stick. The size I'm reviewing is the Toro (6 x 54).
1/3 When you first get this cigar lit up, the first thing I taste is almond. On the finish you get a mix of black pepper and cocoa. A decent flavor combination to kick of the smoke. As far as construction goes, you see an even burn accompanied by a nice, easy draw and a decent amount of smoke output.
2/3 The transition from the 1/3 to now brings a stronger flavor combination. Instead of the almond/cocoa/pepper mix, I'm picking up some notes of leather/toast with a sweet oak on the finish. A good flavor profile so far. The burn isn't as even as it was at the start, but it's still bearable. The draw has become a little easier along with the smoke output becoming a little heavier.
3/3 Coming to the end of the cigar, it stays pretty consistent with the 2/3 point of the stick. You get the hints of leather and toast with a sweet finish. It's a very enjoyable stick, which is what you come to expect from Montecristo cigars. If you haven't had a chance to pick it up, go for it.
1/3 When you first get this cigar lit up, the first thing I taste is almond. On the finish you get a mix of black pepper and cocoa. A decent flavor combination to kick of the smoke. As far as construction goes, you see an even burn accompanied by a nice, easy draw and a decent amount of smoke output.
2/3 The transition from the 1/3 to now brings a stronger flavor combination. Instead of the almond/cocoa/pepper mix, I'm picking up some notes of leather/toast with a sweet oak on the finish. A good flavor profile so far. The burn isn't as even as it was at the start, but it's still bearable. The draw has become a little easier along with the smoke output becoming a little heavier.
3/3 Coming to the end of the cigar, it stays pretty consistent with the 2/3 point of the stick. You get the hints of leather and toast with a sweet finish. It's a very enjoyable stick, which is what you come to expect from Montecristo cigars. If you haven't had a chance to pick it up, go for it.
Asylum Premium 6 x 66
A creation from Christian Eiroa comes the Asylum Premium 6 x 66. By the way, if you haven't tried the Eiroa by Christian Eiroa, I suggest you get on that soon... you're missing out. I hope to review that cigar for you guys at some point. But I digress - the Asylum Premium 6 x 66 comes at us with a maduro wrapper from Nicaragua along with a binder and fillers from Nica (a Nicaraguan Puro).
1/3 - This cigar is a beast. Measuring 6 x 66 (thus the name), featuring a beautiful, oily maduro wrapper. As soon as you light up, you get sweet notes of chocolate blended with a leathery finish. With this cigar, you get a nice even burn, an exceptional draw, and a lot of thick smoke.
2/3 - Transitioning into the 2/3 portion of this cigar, I'm starting to pick up a change of flavor. Hints of soil are starting to blend in with the chocolate flavor you get at the beginning of the smoke. On the finish, you have earthy notes and some pepper. You really realize the richness of this cigar when you get to this point.
3/3 - Coming to the end of this cigar, the notes of chocolate are making a comeback. Accompanied by a peppery finish, we come to the end of the stick. The Asylum Premium 6 x 66 has a kick-ass flavor profile as well as great construction. Great cigar for a great price.
1/3 - This cigar is a beast. Measuring 6 x 66 (thus the name), featuring a beautiful, oily maduro wrapper. As soon as you light up, you get sweet notes of chocolate blended with a leathery finish. With this cigar, you get a nice even burn, an exceptional draw, and a lot of thick smoke.
2/3 - Transitioning into the 2/3 portion of this cigar, I'm starting to pick up a change of flavor. Hints of soil are starting to blend in with the chocolate flavor you get at the beginning of the smoke. On the finish, you have earthy notes and some pepper. You really realize the richness of this cigar when you get to this point.
3/3 - Coming to the end of this cigar, the notes of chocolate are making a comeback. Accompanied by a peppery finish, we come to the end of the stick. The Asylum Premium 6 x 66 has a kick-ass flavor profile as well as great construction. Great cigar for a great price.
H. Upmann The Banker
In 1844, Herman and Carl Upmann traveled to Cuba to create a cigar that they could give to their important clients. Now, here we are in 2014, and this cigar has been recreated and released. This classic looking cigar from H. Upmann comes to you with a beautiful, shiny Ecuadorian Habano wrapper surrounding fillers from Nicaragua and the Dominican. It has everything you need for a great cigar, now let's get this beauty lit up.
1/3 - The first few puffs you take of this cigar bring you an incredibly rich peppery flavor with a spicy almond finish. It's not an overwhelming spice, but overall, it is pretty strong. After you really get into it, the flavor already starts to change from the pepper to notes of creamy chocolate. The finish stays consistent through this section of the stick with the spicy almond flavors.
2/3 - About halfway through the cigar, we get yet another flavor change. Transitioning from notes of creamy chocolate to a coffee flavor with a spicy/toasty nut on the finish. The construction is flawless through this point of the cigar. You get a dead even burn, very easy draw, and good amounts of smoke.
3/3 - Alright, we're coming up on the end of the stick, unfortunately. The cigar ends with a nice, smooth nutty flavor combined with notes of leather, chocolate, and coffee on the finish. A nice way to end a phenomenal cigar from a phenomenal cigar company. I don't usually buy boxes of cigars, but this cigar is too good not to. If you haven't had one, pick one up here.
1/3 - The first few puffs you take of this cigar bring you an incredibly rich peppery flavor with a spicy almond finish. It's not an overwhelming spice, but overall, it is pretty strong. After you really get into it, the flavor already starts to change from the pepper to notes of creamy chocolate. The finish stays consistent through this section of the stick with the spicy almond flavors.
2/3 - About halfway through the cigar, we get yet another flavor change. Transitioning from notes of creamy chocolate to a coffee flavor with a spicy/toasty nut on the finish. The construction is flawless through this point of the cigar. You get a dead even burn, very easy draw, and good amounts of smoke.
3/3 - Alright, we're coming up on the end of the stick, unfortunately. The cigar ends with a nice, smooth nutty flavor combined with notes of leather, chocolate, and coffee on the finish. A nice way to end a phenomenal cigar from a phenomenal cigar company. I don't usually buy boxes of cigars, but this cigar is too good not to. If you haven't had one, pick one up here.
Rocky Patel Supter Ligero
If you've read any of my reviews on this website, then you know that I'm not one to go and promote Rocky Patel. It's nothing personal against Rocky, I've just never had a Rocky Patel cigar to go crazy about. Anyways, I was sent his new Super Ligero to smoke and review. This cigar, featuring a Habano wrapper and fillers from Nicaragua and Costa Rica, is like no other Rocky Patel available. Here's the inside scoop:
1/3 - When you get this cigar lit up, you get a very woody flavor right off the bat. The finish brings a smooth chocolate flavor with some spice that lingers in the back of your throat and on your lips. So far through the 1/3 of this cigar, the construction is stellar. You have a very cooperative draw, a dead even burn, and a lot of smoke output.
2/3 - Now that we're breaking away from the first part of the cigar, it's beginning to get sweeter. Not in a swisher sweet way, but more of a cinnamon kind of sweet. Blending with the cinnamon, is a nice oaky/earthy note. The spice on the finish has vanished, leaving us with notes of earth, chocolate, and a little pepper.
3/3 - Coming up on the end of this Rocky Patel. Very enjoyable thus far. The initial flavor has not changed much, but I can't say the same about the finish. On the finish we have a very musky pepper flavor. Blends beautifully with the woody/cinnamon notes. A great cigar - I recommend picking it up if you can.
Purchase this cigar here! - http://www.famous-smoke.com/brand/rocky+patel+super+ligero+cigars
Ashton Symmetry - Coming Soon
"Four years in the making, Ashton Symmetry is the first new cigar launched under the Ashton brand name in nearly a decade! Handcrafted in the Dominican Republic, Ashton Symmetry is blended by legendary cigar-maker, Carlito Fuente. Beautiful Habano wrappers grown in the cloud-covered fields of Ecuador accompany a bold, yet balanced blend of proprietary aged tobaccos. This exclusive blend features Dominican tobaccos from Chateau de la Fuente and Villa Gonzalez, as well as some rare leaves from the Fuente family's Un Buen Vecino farm, located in Esteli, Nicaragua. Medium to full-bodied, Ashton Symmetry offers a wonderful creamy richness garnished with notes of spice, oak and toasted nuts. Available in 5 sizes, shipping is lated to begin this fall."- released from Ashton on Instagram.
The Big Payback Hueso
Nicaraguan tobacco, an affordable price, and created by Room101. Can you ask for something better than that? The Payback that I'm smoking/reviewing is the Hueso. The Hueso measures 6x60. Like I mentioned everything about this cigar is Nicaraguan, but I wanted to point out how smooth and oily the wrapper is. This cigar has a great feel to it, not to mention a big ring gauge (Room101's first line with 70 gauge).
Flavor Profile
-1/3 of the cigar offers a sharp black pepper flavor with a very light cedar on the finish
-2/3 of the cigar brings a very noticeable change. Now you get more of a chocolate/soil flavor now with a mild spice on the finish.
-3/3 point stays consistent with the chocolate, but the notes of soil are pushed back to the finish.
Performance/Construction
The Big Payback does exactly what you'd expect from Room101. A great draw that puts out a lot of thick, creamy smoke. The burn is almost dead even throughout a majority of the cigar. This cigar brings a tight pack with visible seams and a few veins. Smoking this is definitely an experience you don't want to miss out on.
Flavor Profile
-1/3 of the cigar offers a sharp black pepper flavor with a very light cedar on the finish
-2/3 of the cigar brings a very noticeable change. Now you get more of a chocolate/soil flavor now with a mild spice on the finish.
-3/3 point stays consistent with the chocolate, but the notes of soil are pushed back to the finish.
Performance/Construction
The Big Payback does exactly what you'd expect from Room101. A great draw that puts out a lot of thick, creamy smoke. The burn is almost dead even throughout a majority of the cigar. This cigar brings a tight pack with visible seams and a few veins. Smoking this is definitely an experience you don't want to miss out on.
The Big Payback is going to catch the eye of all cigar smokers. When you see the price along with the Room101 name, you're sold. You know Matt Booth isn't going to get cheap on you because of the amazing quality of everything else he offers. And he didn't. One of the best Nicaraguan sticks I've had. Give it a try.
Herrera Esteli Short Corona
The Herrera Esteli Short Corona by Drew Estate measures 4.6x47 with a smooth, dark tan Ecuadorian Habano wrapper. The cigar features a Honduran binder and filler from Nicaragua. The aroma of the cigar is very earthy, almost a manure smell (which is a good thing!). As I mentioned above this is a short corona, but it also comes in Lonsdale (6x44), Piramide Fina (6x52), Robusto (5.5x52), and Toro (6x52).
One the first puff you get sweet earthy notes with a short, sharp spice on the finish that lingers on the tip of the tongue. The sweet stays consistent throughout the smoke, mixing with notes of cedar, pepper, oak, and a nice basic tobacco flavor. Right away you can tell that this stick has quite a flavor profile. This cigar has a very nice draw with a burn that is a little uneven, but fixes itself as you smoke it. When you hit the halfway point, the spice has died down, leaving you with a nice sweet, maple-like flavor.
I will smoke this one again, but next time I'll pick up the Toro. The Herrera Esteli is one of the best smokes that Drew Estate has to offer at this point. Great construction and flavor profile makes it very easy to recommend!
Stogie Rite score: 98
One the first puff you get sweet earthy notes with a short, sharp spice on the finish that lingers on the tip of the tongue. The sweet stays consistent throughout the smoke, mixing with notes of cedar, pepper, oak, and a nice basic tobacco flavor. Right away you can tell that this stick has quite a flavor profile. This cigar has a very nice draw with a burn that is a little uneven, but fixes itself as you smoke it. When you hit the halfway point, the spice has died down, leaving you with a nice sweet, maple-like flavor.
I will smoke this one again, but next time I'll pick up the Toro. The Herrera Esteli is one of the best smokes that Drew Estate has to offer at this point. Great construction and flavor profile makes it very easy to recommend!
Stogie Rite score: 98
1502 Emerald Toro
Hello
readers and aficionados, today we’ll be looking at the 1502 Emerald. This cigar
is one of three cigars being put out by Enrique Sanchez and his team at Global
Premium Cigars (GPC). The other two cigars in his line are the Ruby and Black
Gold. The entire 1502 cigar line is being distributed under the House of Emilio
brand name. Now, let’s get into the cigar!
The
cigar that I have smoked for review today is the toro size, which measures in
at 6 x 50. This cigar features a beautiful Nicaraguan Corojo Habano wrapper.
The binder is Nicaraguan and the fillers feature tobaccos from the regions of
Nicaragua (Estelí and Condega) and Mexico (San Andreas). The look of the cigar
is beautiful. The wrapper is smooth, silky, and has no visible veins. The foot
of the cigar is covered around the edges by the wrapper.
I
snip the cap and take a taste. The pre-light draw is very open and features floraly and spicy notes. I light it up and begin
smoking. The 1502 Emerald is producing wonderfully thick smoke, which covers
the palate well. The smoke features a nutty component and there is definitely
that Nicaraguan “zing”; that lingering spice that just hits you and hangs
around. By no means is this a bad thing, it keeps your mind and palate on its
toes waiting and hoping for next flavors to hit you. The 1502 Emerald is a slow
burner, and for us slow smokers out there, it’s a match made in heaven! The
burn is a bit wonky, but it’s correcting itself. As I progress into the cigar,
the flavors still remain the same; floraly, peppery, but now I’m getting a hint
of cedar. Along with the cedar, I’m also getting a note of vanilla and a faint
touch of cinnamon. The aramotics of this cigar are something else, in a good
way though! I can’t exactly put into words what I’m pulling in, you’ll have to
smoke it for yourself to find out! The 1502 Emerald lasted for about an hour
and twenty minutes. To sum it all up, wonderful smoke, wonderful ash, wonderful
construction. Everything about the 1502 Emerald is wonderful!
Kudos to a job well done, Enrique and the GPC team. He has a
homerun product on his hands and the ratings that this cigar is receiving are,
without a doubt, worthy! If you haven’t tried the 1502 Emerald or any of the
1502 line in general, I suggest you do. I will review the other lines in the
coming weeks. So, that’s it for the review. I hope you all enjoyed it and to
close it out, I quote Enrique Sanchez, “remember, it’s not a cigar, it’s a
1502”.
Score: 91
To look at his product line and see where there is an
authorized retailer near you visit:
Fonseca CXX Anni Rarissimus Corona
The CXX Anni Rarissimus Corona measures in 6 3/8 x 46 with a dark brown, oily but rough Dominican Habano Vuelta Arriba sun-grown wrapper. Featured in the cigar is a Cuban seed Dominican grown binder along with a Cuban seed - Domincan and Nicaraguan grown filler. This cigar honors the 120th anniversary of the Fonseca cigar company that was a limited release in 2011.
Once this cigar is lit up, I picked up some nut and cocoa backed by a mild spice on the finish. Right away you get a good bit of heavy, creamy smoke with a dead even burn and a very smooth, easy draw. About the halfway point is when the flavors take a turn from the notes of nut and cocoa to more of a spicy pepper/coffee flavor, still accompanied by a mild spice on the finish. When you get to the 3/3 point, the cigar loses momentum - you lose the thick smoke and it gets much warmer.
A nice, full-bodied smoke with a great flavor profile and solid construction makes this cigar easy to recommend to any of you cigar smokers out there. If you haven't smoked this Fonseca yet, go and pick it up! (Running just around $8).
Stogie Rite score: 89
Once this cigar is lit up, I picked up some nut and cocoa backed by a mild spice on the finish. Right away you get a good bit of heavy, creamy smoke with a dead even burn and a very smooth, easy draw. About the halfway point is when the flavors take a turn from the notes of nut and cocoa to more of a spicy pepper/coffee flavor, still accompanied by a mild spice on the finish. When you get to the 3/3 point, the cigar loses momentum - you lose the thick smoke and it gets much warmer.
A nice, full-bodied smoke with a great flavor profile and solid construction makes this cigar easy to recommend to any of you cigar smokers out there. If you haven't smoked this Fonseca yet, go and pick it up! (Running just around $8).
Stogie Rite score: 89
E.P. Carrillo New Wave Conecticut Brillante
The E.P. Carrillo New Wave Connecticut Brillante measures 6x52 with a nice, oily smooth Ecuadoran wrapper. Inside the cigar you get a very tasty blend of Nicaraguan and Dominican tobaccos. I'm just going to come out now and say that this cigar is fantastic. One of the best smokes I've had for it's price (around $6). Let's light it up and get down to details.
When you get the cigar lit up, it will be hard not to notice the thick smoke that the stick produces. The first flavors I picked up started with some nut backed by a mild spice on the finish. One thing I noticed was it had a very smooth/easy sweetness that lingers on your tongue almost throughout the whole cigar. A nice touch, especially if you're into mild cigars.
The 2/3 - 3/3's point ends with hints of earth and coffee. This New Wave Connecticut has caught my attention and will definitely go down on my "everyday smoke" list. Perfect for an early morning, noon, or night smoke. If you haven't picked this cigar up yet, I highly recommend it.
Stogie Rite score: 94
When you get the cigar lit up, it will be hard not to notice the thick smoke that the stick produces. The first flavors I picked up started with some nut backed by a mild spice on the finish. One thing I noticed was it had a very smooth/easy sweetness that lingers on your tongue almost throughout the whole cigar. A nice touch, especially if you're into mild cigars.
The 2/3 - 3/3's point ends with hints of earth and coffee. This New Wave Connecticut has caught my attention and will definitely go down on my "everyday smoke" list. Perfect for an early morning, noon, or night smoke. If you haven't picked this cigar up yet, I highly recommend it.
Stogie Rite score: 94
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