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Aug 29

Bucanero Canon Cubano Maduro Cigar Review

Posted on Sunday, August 29, 2010 in Cigar Reviews

Bucanero Canon Cubano Maduro Cigar Review

This 5.5×60 stick offers a soft, firm satin dark chocolate wrapper with small veins, tight seams, nice double cap and a creamy tobacco aroma. First light reveals a rich smooth texture of a medium bodied slightly earthy peppery flavor. The first third continues the trend with smooth creamy textures of aged tobacco with a touch of sweetness and earth. The draw is firm, smoke output is minimal and the burn is good. I find that it smokes much better with a lot more smoke if you take two small puffs rather than the typical one long draw. It starts giving a smooth coffee flavor along with the rest in the 2nd third, hitting the 1/2 way point 45 min in. With no changes to the last third it continues all the good flavors through the rest of the stick ending at 1:15 with an inch left where it got warm for my taste. Photography by BG Pictures.

Aug 23

Sancho Panza Double Maduro Quixote Cigar Review

Posted on Monday, August 23, 2010 in Cigar Reviews

Sancho Panza Double Maduro Quixote Cigar Review

This 4.5×50 box pressed maduro stick offers a dark chocolate, satin wrapped stick with firm construction, minimal veins, tight seams, a ton of oil sheen and feel and a mild peppery tobacco aroma. First light reveals a plain deep medium bodies tobacco with a heavy after taste. The entire rest of the 45 min experience was exactly the same – very plain with a bad aftertaste of plain tobacco. I want my $2 back. Photography by BG Pictures.

Aug 20

Daily Deals: Fri, Aug 20th 2010

Posted on Friday, August 20, 2010 in Cigar Reviews

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10 Fonseca 5-50 $22.50

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New deals all day

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5 Graycliff Double Espresso $39.95

Aug 19

La Gloria Cubana Artesanos De Tabaqueros Cigar Review

Posted on Thursday, August 19, 2010 in Cigar Reviews

La Gloria Cubana Artesanos De Tabaqueros Cigar Review

This 6×50 stick offers dual wrappers and the band at the foot end marking the transition between the first and 2nd third with connecticut and sumatran wrappers. It has a mottled rustic apperance, with a couple large veins, several smaller and a smooth firm feel. The aroma is a slight barnyard with a smooth tobacco. First light reveals a big pepper blast with deep earth smooth aged tobacco flavors. It’s a medium-full body with a perfect draw and thick smoke with a long peppery finish. The first third brings a mild black pepper zing with smooth creamy oily smoke and smooth tobacco flavors. The ash hold on to the wrapper slit point, falling off in a big solid chunk. When the sumatra wrapper takes over you get a nice buttery leather, dropping the pepper completely and the finish get shorter and cleaner. The last two thirds continue the leather adding a touch of licorice sweetness, the smoke gets thicker and richer leaving a buttery oily mouthfeel. Thank you very much to General Cigar Company for generously sending this in for review, I greatly appreciate it! Photography by BG Pictures.

Aug 11

Royal Jamaica Oro Rojo Toro Cigar Review

Posted on Wednesday, August 11, 2010 in Cigar Reviews

Royal Jamaica Oro Rojo Toro Cigar Review

This 6×52 stick offers a dark brown butter soft wrapper with a red hue, minimal veins, tight seams and a soft tobacco aroma. First light reveals a firm draw, minimal airy smoke with mild-medium flavors of an oily smooth tobacco with a slight bitterness. The first third proves to be similar with just a mild smooth aged tobacco taste with a long oily buttery finish. Burn is good but not perfect, and the draw remains firm. The 2nd third moved to more power and brought an earthy deep caramel but still mild. The finish was very deep oily and long with a touch of bitterness at points. The last third required multiple touchups and a relight, getting very warm by the band point at 1:30 where I stopped. Photography by BG Pictures.

Aug 5

Pinar Del Rio 1878 Cubano Especial Robusto Cigar Review

Posted on Thursday, August 5, 2010 in Cigar Reviews

Pinar Del Rio 1878 Cubano Especial Robusto Cigar Review

This 5×52 stick offers a pig tail cap, a rich dark chocolate oily smooth wrapper with a strong barn and chocolate aroma. First light reveals a very smooth, rich and oily smoke with mild-medium bodied flavors of a slightly sweet tobacco. The 1st third produces medium bodied flavors of a rich, smooth aged tobacco with a slight general sweetness and very oily long finish. At the 1/2 way point, flavors remained the same, the ash fell off and the draw opened up to normal. Smoke output is good and the burn is perfect. 1 hour in to the band point, flavors shift slightly bringing a slight caramel and earth to the blend. Ending at 1:25 min, the last third proved to hold the same profile since the last transition. Photography by BG Pictures.

Jul 29

Victor Sinclair 10th Aniversario Toro Cigar Review

Posted on Thursday, July 29, 2010 in Cigar Reviews

Victor Sinclair 10th Aniversario Toro Cigar Review

This 5.7×54 stick offers a cedar sleeve, tight firm construction, an oily dark brown soft satin wrapper with a slightly peppery tobacco aroma. First light reveals a slightly firm draw, good rich smoke production, a mild-medium body of a smooth creamy buttery tobacco smoke with a long rich finish. The first third develops with a perfect burn line to a medium bodied flavor package of a smooth rich tobacco with a touch of cedar wood and caramel sweetness. The draw flavors finish quickly and change to a black pepper and spice kick on the longer finish sensations. The 2nd third carries the same experience, holding the ash to almost 2″. The last third ends at the band point getting very warm and slightly mushy, bringing a generic nutty flavor to the end at the 1:25 mark. Photography by BG Pictures.

Jul 20

Tatuaje Black Tubos Cigar Review

Posted on Tuesday, July 20, 2010 in Cigar Reviews

Tatuaje Black Tubos Cigar Review

This 6×52 torpedo stick comes packaged in an aluminum tube and cedar wrap. It offers a dark chocolate wrapper with a slight red hue, a satin texture with very slight tooth, tight seams, minimal veins and a slight barnyard aroma. After toasting the closed foot and adjusting the head cut, the draw was perfect, smoke output was great and the flavors were dominated by a medium-full bodied smooth, rich pepper and spice. The first third develops to a light and airy leather with a deeper earthy pepper and spice, though not as intense as the first light. Smoke output is good with smooth rich smoke. Burn is ok, needing a touchup. The draw gets a bit snug and I clipped the head one more time. 30 minutes in at the 1/2 way point flavors have mellowed to a smooth creamy medium bodied smoke with a slight sweetness, earthy oily finish and good bit of pepper & spice. It is requiring a slight touchup every 10 min or so to prevent tunneling. Ending at 1 hour, the last third continues the same experience since the 1/2 mark, ending with a bit of power punch. Photography by BG Pictures.

Jul 16

Corona Cigar Company Dominican Selection Churchill Cigar Review

Posted on Friday, July 16, 2010 in Cigar Reviews

Corona Cigar Company Dominican Selection Churchill Cigar Review

This 7×50 stick comes in with a light tan smooth wrapper with the feel of paper. Minimal veins, invisible seams and a double cap button it up, with an almost imperceptible aroma. First light reveals plenty of rich smoke production, a perfect draw and a mild-medium body of a dry bitter tobacco. The first third brings a mild leather and earth with a short finish. Smoke production is still great as is the draw. The burn is very good and the ash is holding on well. 45 min in at the 1/2 way point the experience is exactly the same. By the start of the last third flavors shifted to a slightly bitter nut and the smoke temp started rising. Finishing at 1:20 the stick proved to be a very nice fairly consistent mild stick, good for a morning smoke! Thank you very much to Corona Cigar Company for sending this for review! Photography by BG Pictures.

Jul 14

Joyas De Panama Torpedo Cigar Review

Posted on Wednesday, July 14, 2010 in Cigar Reviews

Joyas De Panama Torpedo Cigar Review

This 6.5×53 stick offers a medium brown dry wrapper with tight seams, a smooth firm feel and minimal veins with a slight barnyard aroma. First light reveals very smooth and creamy slightly sweet tobacco, a perfect draw and plenty of rich smoke. The first third ups the smoke production to a medium bodied thick and rich smoke, with very smooth creamy earthy and tabacco flavors with a long smooth finish. 25 min in at the 1/2 way point the only change is the sweetness bringing a slight licorice flavor. The burn is almost razor sharp and the ash is holding a solid 2″ at a time. 45 min in just past the band, the last third holds the same draw flavors adding an earthy finish that gets a bit longer than the start of the stick. Thank you very much to Joyas De Panama for sending this sample for review, I greatly appreciate it! Photography by BG Pictures.

Jul 12

La Herencia De Cuba White Label Robusto Cigar Review

Posted on Monday, July 12, 2010 in Cigar Reviews

La Herencia De Cuba White Label Robusto Cigar Review

This 5×52 stick offers a dark milk chocolate satin wrapper with very slight tooth, tight even construction with a double cap and a sweet slightly peppery and perfumy aroma. First light reveals a loose draw, plenty of light creamy oily smoke with mild-medium flavors of a smooth almost aged tobacco. The first third brings more of the same plus a slight sweetness and earth that gives me the impression of a light licorice. The finish is oily and relatively short, the draw almost effortless still with tons of rich smoke and a great even burn. The cigar ended at just over 1 hour with very consistent flavors from start to finish, only changing slightly in body, ending at medium. Thank you to Tabacalera Ramirez For donating this sample for review! Photography by BG Pictures.

Jul 12

Daily Deals: Mon, Jul 12th 2010

Posted on Monday, July 12, 2010 in Cigar Reviews

http://www.joecigar.com/
12 Gurkha Symphony Robusto #4 $34.99

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New deals all day

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A.J. Fernandez 5 Stick Collection $12.95

Jul 9

Cuban Crafters Cupido Tuxedo Churchill Maduro Cigar Review

Posted on Friday, July 9, 2010 in Cigar Reviews

Cuban Crafters Cupido Tuxedo Churchill Maduro Cigar Review

This 7×52 stick offers a dark chocolate wrapper with tight seams, minimal veins, a firm very dense pack and an oily sweet aroma. First light reveals a great draw, minimal but rich smoke production with flavors of a medium bodied smooth an oily sweet tobacco with a short earthy finish. The first third develops to a medium body of smooth leather, oily slightly sweet caramel and a short clean oily finish. Smoke output is normal, draw remains good, and the burn is almost razor sharp. 40 min in almost to the 1/2 way point, flavors have turned very rich and creamy giving nice desert like tastes. The leather died down and the overall experience is lighter than the first third. The caramel is pronounced like a creme broule and the finish is oily and short with just a hint of pepper. The end of the 2nd third brought a rich earth and a longer finish. The last third continued the same flavor profile, ending the smoke at 1:45 to the nub where it started getting warm for my taste. Thank you very much to Cuban Crafters for sending this sample for review, I greatly appreciate it! Photography by BG Pictures.

Jul 7

262 Paradigm Toro Cigar Review

Posted on Wednesday, July 7, 2010 in Cigar Reviews

262 Paradigm Toro Cigar Review

This 6×54 box pressed stick offers a spongy, uniform dark chocolate wrapper with tight seams, minimal veins, slight tooth and a large double cap with a mild sweet tobacco aroma. First light reveals a light airy smoke, mild-medium body with slightly sweet tobacco and a small pepper kick with a long finish. A few small holes in the wrapper are leaking, these may be altering the burn a bit. 1/2 way through the first third the flavors pick up to a medium-full body with a much richer thicker smoke, creamy leather, oily tobacco and a good pepper kick on the finish. The 2nd third transitions to a creamier fuller smoke, a dark espresso and hint of chocolate, while the finish holds pepper and spice but gets very short and clean. The last third changes to a softer creamier coffee still with a bit of cocoa and brings the black pepper and spice up while the finish grows very long again. Thank you very much to Revolution Cigars for generously sending this in for review! Photography by BG Pictures.

Jul 5

Helix X748 Maduro Cigar Review

Posted on Monday, July 5, 2010 in Cigar Reviews

Helix X748 Maduro Cigar Review

This 7×48 maduro stick offers a dark to medium brown wrapper with a spongy, toothy but soft feel, visible seams, small veins and a mild soapy aroma. First light reveals a very thin wrapper with a tendency to peel and leak at points, giving a light airy mild tobacco smoke. The first third develops to a mild, oily, slightly sweet tobacco with a short clean finish. Overall a simple straight forward smoke. By the start of the 2nd third flavors had changed to a dry but still oily tobacco and leather with a good sweet caramel finish. The remainder of the stick is much the same, overall a consistent stick. Ending at 1:25 it started getting a bit warm and soggy for me but still performing perfectly. Photography by BG Pictures.

Jul 2

Forcade Cigars Giralda Churchill Cigar Review

Posted on Friday, July 2, 2010 in Cigar Reviews

Forcade Cigars Giralda Churchill Cigar Review

This 7×48 stick offers a light pack, smooth soft wrapping with tight seams and minimal veins. The aroma is a very pungent barnyard and chocolate. First light reveals a perfect draw, plenty of rich smoke giving a medium-full body and flavors of a rich slightly peppery tobacco with a long finish. The entire cigar was very consistent, giving the same flavors from first light ending at the 1 hour mark. Overall a very smooth smoke and great for any time of the day with a great bit of flavor and power. Thank you very much to Forcade Cigars for sending this sample for review! Photography by BG Pictures.

Jun 30

J.C. Newman Brickhouse Robusto Cigar Review

Posted on Wednesday, June 30, 2010 in Cigar Reviews

J.C. Newman Brickhouse Robusto Cigar Review

This 5×54 stick offers a mottled dark chocolate wrapper with smooth but visible small and medium viens, a soft satin feel and slightly peppery smooth tobacco aroma. First light reveals a firm draw, adequate smoke production and medium body flavors of an oily smooth tobacco with a slight pepper kick. The first third develops in to a fairly simple mix of flavors similar to the first light. The draw did open up slightly making for easier smoke production, and a slight sweetness joined the game. Burn is perfect, almost razor sharp, flavors are easy to pick out and the finish is long and smooth with a touch of earth. The 2nd third shows no changes, being 100% consistent throughout. Ending at 1:15, the entire stick proved to be very consistent with the same flavors and great burn qualities throughout. At only a few dollars a stick this is a great stick for anyone looking for a good smoking simple stick. I did find that it needs several months of time, as every sample I had fresh at a cigar shop was very sub-par compared to this. Photography by BG Pictures.

Jun 18

Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur Epicure Cigar Review

Posted on Friday, June 18, 2010 in Cigar Reviews

Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur Epicure Cigar Review

This 5.25×50 stick offers a firm slightly toothy golden brown wrapper with minimal veins tight seams and a double cap with a rich peppery tobacco aroma. First light reveals rich oily tobacco flavors with a good pepper kick, medium-full body and a long finish. The first third is creamy, rich, oily, holding the pepper and tobacco with a undertone of vanilla at points. The 2nd third mellows a bit losing a touch of power and body but keeping the oily richness. Flavors are a slightly peppery smooth tobacco with a long finish, perfect construction and 1″ ash chunks. The last third produces much of the same flavors, continuing the same great performance. Ending at 1:30 with over an inch left, it was just getting too warm for my taste. Photography by BG Pictures.

Jun 15

Corona Nicaraguan Robusto Maduro Cigar Review

Posted on Tuesday, June 15, 2010 in Cigar Reviews

Corona Nicaraguan Robusto Maduro Cigar Review

This 5×50 stick offers a very dark almost black wrapper, showing a firm but lumpy handrolled appearance with small and medium veins, double cap and rich creamy aroma. First light reveals a very thick rich smoke with flavors of a slightly sweet earth, medium-full body, an oily and mildly peppery finish and a perfect draw. The first third is complex with rich cream, smooth sweet tobacco, pepper on the finish and an oily after taste. The 2nd third transitions to a creamy sweet leather and cinnamon, keeping the rich oil and growing the finish. The last third changes to a smooth deep earth with more of the same great oily creamy richness, dropping the pepper. Thank you very much to Corona Cigar Company for donating this for review! Photography by BG Pictures.

Jun 11

El Mejor Espresso Churchill Cigar Review

Posted on Friday, June 11, 2010 in Cigar Reviews

El Mejor Espresso Churchill

This 7×50 box pressed maduro stick offers an almost black wrapper with a tight press and seams, minimal veins, a firm but slightly spongy feel, very oily and smooth wrapper with a rich chocolate and tobacco aroma. First light reveals a firm draw, earthy, peppery flavors with a long finish and medium body. The firt third has burn problems, burning unevenly and tunneling. Flavors remain consistent with the first impression. By the 1/2 way point after several touchups, the flavors revealed a touch of coffee. At 1:15 I ended the stick because it had no good flavors after constant relights, tunneling and touchups. It had gone very warm and mushy, giving mostly charcoal flavors and a frustrating experience. I will try one again sometime, this could have just been a dud, it was my only sample. Thank you very much regardless, to Michael Yamashita for sending this in for review, I do greatly appreciate it! Photography by BG Pictures.