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Mar 11

Padron Delicias Maduro Cigar Review

Posted on Thursday, March 11, 2010 in Cigar Reviews

Padron Delicias Maduro Cigar Review

This petite stick coming in at 4 7/8×46 offers a dark brown, very toothy and rugged wrapper with firm, crunch construction, some medium veins and an uneven handmade appearance. The aroma is a faint peppery tobacco with a hint of sweetness. First light reveals a very free, open draw and huge smoke output. Flavors are a typical Padron tobacco – slightly sweet, slightly peppery and a medium body. Overall very soft satiny smoke. The first third brought the core of the Padron experience. You get this in just about every stick they make. A smooth earthiness, good pepper kick and zing, rich smoke output that leaves a bit of oil on your lips and a bit of sweetness. The finish is long and peppery, the body moved up to a medium-full along with a nice strength to match. A slight buzz came on just 10 min in. 40 min in at the 1/2 way point the stick is exactly the same, burning perfectly, remaining extremely consistent. Ending at 1 hour to the nub, the flavors proved to be the same from start to finish which is just fine for me – they were great! Thank you very much to Mark T. for sending this in for review! Photography by BG Pictures.

Mar 9

Xikar HC Series Habano Colorado Toro Cigar Review

Posted on Tuesday, March 9, 2010 in Cigar Reviews

Xikar HC Series Habano Colorado Toro Cigar Review

This 6.5×52 stick offers a dark chocolate wrapper with a firm pack and satin feel. Minimal veins, invisible seams and a peppery cocoa aroma present with a fairly dense heft. The first third starts off on the smooth side, with a touch of aged tobacco taste and richness. The smoke is rich and plentiful with a medium body and soft flavors of slightly sweet earthy tobacco with a big pepper kick. The finish is very long with the black pepper flavors building adding a zing over the tongue. Half way in at the 60 min mark, flavors had mellowed out a bit with the pepper coming and going at points. The sweetness had begun to change to a caramel, and the core flavor turned to a soft leather. By the last third, the pepper came back but not quite as strong, and the caramel died down a touch. Total burn time to the nub was 1:50. Thank you very much to Xikar for sending this sample for review! Photography by BG Pictures.

Mar 3

Gispert Churchill Cigar Review

Posted on Wednesday, March 3, 2010 in Cigar Reviews

Gispert Churchill Cigar Review

This 7×54 stick offered a medium tan smooth oily wrapper with a slightly spongy feel. Mild in aroma, body and strength, it presents a fairly consistent experience, transitioning once between flavors over the long 2+ hour smoke. Although this particular sample had a wrapper flaw that cut it short at the 1:45 mark, it would easily push past 2 hours under normal circumstances. First half flavors were sweet and smooth with mild flavors of grass, moving to a mild sweet leather at the mid point. Smoke output was minimal, and the finish was unremarkable short of a mild pepper zing for most of the stick. The draw and burn were both very good, up to the band point where tears and holes opened up. Removing the band exposed a patch and large crack, ending the smoke. Thank you very much to Jeremie Plouffe for sending this in for review! Photography by BG Pictures.

Mar 1

Ashton VSG Eclipse Tubos Cigar Review

Posted on Monday, March 1, 2010 in Cigar Reviews

Ashton VSG Eclipse Tubos Cigar Review

This 6×52 dark chocolate stick comes wrapped in a cedar sleeve, inside a black aluminum tube for easy transport and storage. Offering a robust, slightly veiny irregular roll it presents slight tooth, a firm pack and beautiful chocolate tobacco aroma. Starting on the mild-medium body side of things, it opens with a oily, smooth tobacco and black pepper flavor without any of the spice and heat, adding a hint of a bitter chocolate in to the long pepper finish. Strength wise it’s definitely got a punch, medium-full by the first inch in. By the half way point flavors had changed to a creamy sweet chocolate and coffee, with a smooth pepper finish, getting richer as it burns down. By the end of the 2nd third flavors had dropped the pepper in exchange for more cream and butter, especially on the finish, leaving an oily creamy slick on the palate. The last third brought the coffee flavor to the forefront and the pepper back but at a milder point, with just a hint of the chocolate. Overall still rich, creamy, oily and slightly sweet, it finished long and smooth. Burn and draw were both excellent all the way down without issue. Total burn time to the last inch was 1:15 where it started getting hot. Thank you very much to Ashton for generously supplying this sample for review! Photography by BG Pictures.

Feb 24

Ashton ESG 23 Year Salute Cigar Review

Posted on Wednesday, February 24, 2010 in Cigar Reviews

Ashton ESG 23 Year Salute Cigar Review

This 6.25×52 stick offers a dark milk chocolate wrapper with a slight tooth, tight seams and firm pack with just a bit of give. A triple cap and minimal veins combine with a slightly irregular lumpy appearance showing it as a hand made creation. The first third brought a medium-full body of flavors including a smooth creamy cocoa with an undertone of tobacco and pepper, the finish being short and more peppery than the draw adding a slight spice kick. By the 2nd third flavors had transitioned to a smooth creamy cocoa with a bit of coffee, touch of leather and on the end of the draw into the lengthening finish, a black pepper taste and slight zing over the tongue. The last third brought the coffee flavor more forward and amped up the pepper especially on the finish. Smoke output was very good, coating the mouth with rich, smooth tastes. Draw and burn were both excellent all the way down with no issues and not needing any thought. Burn time to the last inch was 1:35. Thank you very much to Ashton for sending this in for review! Photography by BG Pictures.

Feb 21

El Primer Mundo Rosado Oscuro Cigar Review

Posted on Sunday, February 21, 2010 in Cigar Reviews

El Primer Mundo Rosado Oscuro Cigar Review

This 5×50 box pressed stick presents a dark chocolate, slightly toothy wrapper showing minimal veins with tight seams and construction. The aroma is a sweet and peppery tobacco. Medium-full body, the flavors in the first third were smooth and rich giving a complex blend of a mild pepper, chocolate, light leather and cream with a touch of aged tobacco. Smoke output was excellent producing a huge, almost chewy volume with an absolutely effortless draw. Flavor remained consistent to the last couple inches where they transitioned to a creamy dry roasted coffee and touch of pepper with a long finish. Body and strength by the last third were a solid medium-full giving a slight rush. Total burn time was 1:10 to the nub. Thank you very much to Primer Mundo Cigar Co. for donating this sample for review! Photography by BG Pictures.

Feb 12

Rocky Patel Vintage 1999 Connecticut Robusto Cigar Review

Posted on Friday, February 12, 2010 in Cigar Reviews

Rocky Patel Vintage 1999 Connecticut Robusto Cigar Review

This 5.5×50 medium tan stick offers a firm, dense pack under smooth wrapper with minimal veins and a triple cap. Starting off very bitter, the first third was a dry, slightly bitter almond, fading quickly to a finish of an oily oak with hints of pepper zing. By the 2nd third flavors transitioned to a mild-medium roasted nut and oily toast with a longer finish. At the half way point it became a typical connecticut with dry toasty, nutty, woody flavors and a long dry finish. Body was medium, smoke output was fantastic, as was the burn and draw all the way down, typical of a Rocky Patel. Thank you very much to Michael Yamashita for sending this sample in for review! Photography by BG Pictures.

Feb 10

Victor Sinclair Triple Corojo Toro Cigar Review

Posted on Wednesday, February 10, 2010 in Cigar Reviews

Victor Sinclair Triple Corojo Toro Cigar Review

This 6×50 medium tan stick offers a soft satin wrapper with minimal veins and very smooth seams with a triple cap. Body started medium-full pulling down to a medium by the 2nd third. Strength slowly built up to full by the end of the stick at the 1:10 hour mark. Burn and draw were both excellent from start to finish, holding a very straight burn with just the right amount of resistance. Flavors were fairly consistent to the last third, giving a smooth, slightly chewy smoke with a creamy leather and slight pepper kick. The finish was long, growing heavy and slightly bitter as it burned down. The final third brought a creamy chewy earthiness with a hint of licorice, and a cleaner finish of oil, cream and the same chewiness on the palate. The only problem with this stick was a terrible band glue job, with a huge glob on the wrapper taking a chunk with the band. Luckily it did not breach and still smoked perfectly. Thank you very much to Ken Glass for sending this in for review! Photography by BG Pictures.

Feb 8

Padilla Signature 1932 Limitada Oscuro Salomon Cigar Review

Posted on Monday, February 8, 2010 in Cigar Reviews

Padilla Signature 1932 Limitada Oscuro Salomon Cigar Review

This 7.2×59 figurado features a dark chocolate, oily, slightly toothy wrapper with minimal veins and invisible seams. Draw was perfect with just the right amount of resistance for effortless control. Body was medium-full giving rich, smooth smoke. Strength was also medium-full, giving a buzz by the 1:30 point. After the video I felt kind of sick for 30 min. Actual smoke output was light, but flavors were prominent until the short clean finish. First third flavors were dominated by an oily creamy tobacco and big black pepper notes with minimal spice and zing, contrasted by hints of chocolate. An inch down flavors changed to quick hits of coffee, chocolate and leather, settling down to a peppery, oily earth on the finish. Near the 1/2 way point, flavors changed to a predominant coffee with a creamy tobacco finish, and the coffee continued to increase to the end, at the 2:10 mark. Thank you very much to Ken Glass for sending this in for review! Photography by BG Pictures.

Jan 27

Padilla Dominus Robusto Cigar Review

Posted on Wednesday, January 27, 2010 in Cigar Reviews

Padilla Dominus Robusto Cigar Review

This 5×50 stick offered a medium chocolate wrapper with minimal veins, a very soft silky feel and a floral aroma. Body was medium-full giving rich smooth flavors all the way down with a good bit of power, but never overwhelming. Total burn time was just under 1 hour burning very well with a draw on the firm side. Smoke output was very good, filling the mouth with flavors of creamy leather, mild earthiness, hints of cinnamon and pepper in the first 1/2, transitioning to a dry mildly sweet cocoa with a long finish of the same. Thank you very much to Ken Glass for sending this in for review! Photography by BG Pictures.

Jan 22

Panacea Red 760 Cigar Review

Posted on Friday, January 22, 2010 in Cigar Reviews

Panacea Red 760 Cigar Review

This monster 7×60 medium chocolate maduro stick offers a tight, dense pack, minimal veins and an oily satin wrapper with some good tooth. Body started off near full and quickly mellowed to a nice medium. Flavors in the first third included pepper, smooth tobacco hints of oil and sweetness, leaving a short finish of slight earth and black pepper flavor with no zip or spice. Smoke output was on the light side but coated the mouth well leaving a bit of an oil residual. Near the half way point flavors changed to a mellow, slightly sweet cocoa with a short earthy finish and a mild pepper zing. The last third changed again to a dry roasted espresso both on the draw and finish, which got very long, bringing a black pepper kick in late. Total smoke time was 1:50. Thank you very much to Flatbed Cigar Company for sending this for review! Photography by BG Pictures.

Jan 18

Perdomo Grand Cru Maduro Torpedo Cigar Review

Posted on Monday, January 18, 2010 in Cigar Reviews

Perdomo Grand Cru Maduro Torpedo Cigar Review

This 6×54 dark chocolate stick offered a satin wrapper with minimal veins and nice tight construction. Draw was perfect producing lots of thick and rich smoke with minimal effort. Body was medium-full giving smooth dry flavors of deep tobacco, sweet earthy leather and a mild pepper zing on the short finish. Ash held on cleanly to the 1/2 point and a slightly oily, creamy nutty flavor joined in. This stick did approach full strength by the end, building uo to a slight buzz at the nub. This proved to be a very consistent stick in all regards, like most of the Perdomo line. Total burn time to the nub was 1:10. Thank you very much to Brother of the Leaf Chaz, from Long Island, for sending this in for me to try! Photography by BG Pictures.

Jan 11

Baccarat Petit Corona Cigar Review

Posted on Monday, January 11, 2010 in Cigar Reviews

Baccarat Petit Corona Cigar Review

This 5.5×42 natural stick offers a dry, satin wrapper with a light pack and a spongy feel with a few soft spots. Burn was very good all the way down, holding 1″ ash chunks and giving lots of good smoke volume. Flavors were never harsh, giving a mild-medium body of a sweet leather and pepper core, with a fairly long finish adding a slight pepper zing over the tongue. This is a quick smoke, ending at 40 min to the nub where it got pretty hot in temp and I ended it while the flavors stayed on the smooth side. Draw was just about perfect, just on the loose side giving very easy resistance. The only flavor transition was from an extremely sweet first inch to a mild sweetness the rest of the way down due to the sweetened tip. Photography by BG Pictures.

Jan 8

Mi Barrio El Acere Cigar Review

Posted on Friday, January 8, 2010 in Cigar Reviews

Mi Barrio El Acere Cigar Review

This 60×6 Habano stick offers a satin toothy wrapper with small veins, tight seams and a nice triple cap with a sweet oily tobacco aroma. It has an excellent draw and very good burn, never needing attention and holding the ash in 1/3 solid chunks. Body was medium, smoke output was very good, becoming richer as the burn progressed. Flavors had a bit of complexity bringing a soft earth, slight sweetness at the start and progressing to an oily light leather all the while showing a very smooth aged tobacco character. Transitions showed a more creamy texture, almonds, licorice and a nuttiness at the last 3rd. The whole stick showed a smoothness reminiscent of aged tobacco as all the flavors seamlessly moved from one to the next. Total burn time was 1:15 to the last inch. Photography by BG Pictures. Thank you to EO Cigars and Stogiereview.com for the opportunity to win this in your Christmas contest!

Dec 18

La Aroma De Cuba Edicion Especial Lancero Cigar Review

Posted on Friday, December 18, 2009 in Cigar Reviews

La Aroma De Cuba Edicion Especial Lancero Cigar Review

This 7.5×38 medium tan stick offers a smooth almost seamless wrapper with a triple cap and very small veins with firm construction. Overall a medium body stick it packs a medium-full power kick, giving a slight buzz about 1/2 way through. Flavors were extremely smooth from first light to the nub and included a creamy leather, vanilla, roasted nuts, dry tobacco and a pepper & spice kick at various points throughout. Burn was excellent, holding 1″ of ash at a time with a perfect draw just slightly on the firm side. Total burn time to the last inch was 1:20 where it started to get warm. The amount of buzz I received during this video may have been mitigated if I had not chosen this as my ‘just rolled out of bed cigar’. I would not suggest doing as I did :) Thank you very much to Ashton Cigars for generously donating this for review! Photography by BG Pictures.

Dec 16

Puros Indios Viejo Presidente Cigar Review

Posted on Wednesday, December 16, 2009 in Cigar Reviews

Puros Indios Viejo Presidente Cigar Review

This 7×48 stick offered a dark tam wrapper showing a fairly firm wrap and lots of texture to the leaf. The burn had several points that needed touchups, but by the last third it calmed down and was pretty straight on it’s own. Flavors had several transitions along with the body. Starting off mild with notes of sweet tobacco, touches of leather and pepper, going to a plainer earthiness and dropping the pepper, then finishing with nice medium body smooth coffee flavors. Total burn time to just past the band was 1 hour. The draw changed from firm to loose at about the 1/2 way point, neither being a problem or difficult to smoke. Actual smoke production picked up dramatically in the last third. Photography by BG Pictures.

Nov 2

Piano Fuerte Bravo Toro Cigar Review

Posted on Monday, November 2, 2009 in Cigar Reviews

Piano Fuerte Bravo Toro Cigar Review

This 6×52 stick offered a dark, toothy, oily wrapper with a firm satin feel and sweet tobacco aroma. Overall body was medium, with the first half being a little lighter. Smoke was a bit light till the 1/2 way point at which it became much more ich and plentiful. Burn and draw were both very good, with no construction issues. Draw was on the loose side on par with just about any Rocky Patel, with just enough resistance. Flavors presented themselves with several nice transitions, offering combinations of smooth creamy wood, leather, a light earthiness, a touch of sweetness at points and a bit of pepper on most of the finish, growing a little stronger in the last third. Thank you very much to Piano Fuerte Cigars for donating this for review! Photography by BG Pictures.

Oct 21

Tatuaje Havana VI Nobles Cigar Review

Posted on Wednesday, October 21, 2009 in Cigar Reviews

Tatuaje Havana VI Nobles Cigar Review

This 5×50 medium chocolate wrapped stick offered an excellent burn and perfect draw, lasting just under 1 hour to the band point. Flavors started a little on the mild side but woke up by the 1/2 way point to produce a nice medium body experience. Several transitions led to flavors including leather, sweetness, mild earthiness, pepper washes, cocoa and a warm mild coffee. A great anytime stick! Thank you to Shuckins for trading me for this stick, I always like to try new blends! Photography by BG Pictures.

Oct 14

Perdomo Grand Cru Toro Corojo Cigar Review

Posted on Wednesday, October 14, 2009 in Cigar Reviews

Perdomo Grand Cru Toro Corojo Cigar Review

This 6×50 stick offered a medium chocolate brown wrapper with striations and a very soft silky texture with an aged tobacco aromas. Burn was good all the way down and the draw was pretty free with just a touch of resistance. It produced thick rich smoke with just a tiny easy draw, giving a medium-full body overall. Flavors were very diverse, changing several times in the first half. They included sweet leather, honey, earthy-ness, mocha, then ended the stick with big blasts of creamy coffee. A nice pepper and spice kick was present through most of the finish which was very long and full flavored. Photography by BG Pictures.

Oct 7

Ashton Heritage Churchill Cigar Review

Posted on Wednesday, October 7, 2009 in Cigar Reviews

Ashton Heritage Churchill Cigar Review

This 6.75×48 stick offered an extremely smooth, smoke-rich experience. Burn and draw were flawless all the way down, absolutely perfect. Body was pushing medium most of the time with very smooth and pronounced flavors of coffee, leather, caramel and creamy nuts with a tiny pepper zing on the short clean finish. Burn time to just past the band was 1:45. Thank you very much to Ashton Cigars for donating this sample for review! Photography by BG Pictures.  Please excuse the lack of my standard pictures, I goofed on this one and I only had one sample.