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Mar 1
2
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 17
La Aurora Belicoso Maduro Cigar Review
Posted on Wednesday, February 17, 2010 in Cigar Reviews
La Aurora Belicoso Maduro Cigar Review
This 6.25×52 stick offers a dark brown wrapper showing minimal veins, clean seams and a very firm pack. 3/4″ had to be clipped off the tip for a decent draw, producing just an average amount of smoke on the draw. First third flavors were of caramel and licorice sweetness, a mild earth, slight woodiness and small pepper and spice kick on the long finish. At the half way point flavors changed to a smooth oily, creamy leather with a mild pepper that kicks up on the finish. In the final third flavors remained the same while the draw improved along with smoke production, reaching a very good volume pushing chewy. Thank you very much to viewer Jeremie Plouffe for generously 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.
Feb 1
Gurkha Centurion Cigar Review
Posted on Monday, February 1, 2010 in Cigar Reviews
Gurkha Centurion Cigar Review
This 6×60 dark chocolate wrapped perfecto offers a draw on the firm side, and 5 inches of normal burn after getting past and clipping the tapered ends. Showing several transitions, flavors included a creamy buttery leather, chocolate, big pepper blasts without the spice, deep earth and a long finish for most of the smoke. At the last third, flavors changed to a huge deep roasted coffee that was increasingly creamy to the nub. Smoke output was very light at the start, taking 20 minutes to open up to just normal. It was on the light side but always smooth, delivering a medium-full bodied experience overall. The ash held on for 2″ at a time with no burn issues. Thank you very much to Ken Glass for sending this in for review, I greatly appreciate it! 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 13
Man O’War Ruination Belicoso Cigar Review
Posted on Wednesday, January 13, 2010 in Cigar Reviews
Man O’War Ruination Belicoso Cigar Review
This 5.7×56 stick offers a dark and oily wrapper with fairly firm construction, small veins and tight seams. Draw was perfect and the burn was very good all the way down, holding long tight ashes. The first inch had quite a spice kick with a smooth tobacco core and long finish. It then transitioned to flavors including coffee, chocolate, licorice, sweetness and left a long finish of oily tobacco and deep espresso. Body was medium-full with rich thick smoke while strength was pushing full. After the video I did have a jittery buzz for 30 min or so. Total burn time was 1:15 to the nub. Thank you very much to Chaz from Long Island, a fan of the site for generously sending me this to try! Photography by BG Pictures.
Jan 1
San Cristobal Monumento Cigar Review
Posted on Friday, January 1, 2010 in Cigar Reviews
San Cristobal Monumento Cigar Review
This 7.25 x 49 stick offers a oily dark chocolate wrapper with slight tooth and fairly firm construction. The aroma has a slight sweet cocoa note along with a rich tobacco. This was a monster of a smoke pushing the 2 hour mark and building to full strength by the last bit – not an early morning smoke! It had some minor burn issues needing several corrections but nothing show stopping. Several transitions were present and flavors were fairly diverse including cream, cocoa, espresso, mocha, wood, pepper and a bit of spice. The draw was a bit firm at the start but quickly opened up to just on the loose side. Thank you very much to Ashton for donating this for review! Photography by BG Pictures.
Dec 28
Nica Libre Imperial Cigar Review
Posted on Monday, December 28, 2009 in Cigar Reviews
Nica Libre Imperial Cigar Review
This 6×54 box pressed maduro stick offers an oily, slightly toothy well made wrapper with an extremely pungent aroma of barnyard. This is often marketed as a copy of or alternative to the Padron blend. While it certainly does not live up to that claim it does stand well on it’s own merits. Starting medium and ending medium full, core flavors were earthy with leather coming in at points. The first third brought a touch of mustiness reminding me of most Bucanero blends. Other flavors came and went including nice pepper and spice kicks especially on the finish, raisins, licorice and coffee. Not overly complex by any means though it did hold my attention well. Total burn time was 1:30 and the construction had no issues. Burn was a bit wavy but never needed attention. The draw was fantastic all the way down. Photography by BG Pictures.
Dec 25
San Cristobal Seleccion Del Sol Robusto Cigar Review
Posted on Friday, December 25, 2009 in Cigar Reviews
San Cristobal Seleccion Del Sol Robusto Cigar Review
This 5×52 stick offers a dark milk chocolate wrapper with small veins and a slightly soapy tobacco aroma. Burn was overall very good never needing any touchups, with a perfect draw – just the right amount of resistance. Smoke output was huge and very thick, chewy at points and always cool down to the nub. Total burn time was 1 hour to the last 1/2″. Flavors were complex with multiple transitions. They included wood, earth, leather, pepper, spice, nuts, cream and were always smooth. Body and strength fluctuated, building from medium to full at the 1/2 way point, then back down to about a medium-full at the end. Thank you very much to Ashton Cigars for generously sending this for review! Photography by BG Pictures.
Dec 23
Padron 1964 Anniversary Torpedo Maduro Cigar Review
Posted on Wednesday, December 23, 2009 in Cigar Reviews
Padron 1964 Anniversary Torpedo Maduro Cigar Review
This 6×52 stick offers a firm box pressed dark chocolate wrapper with terrific sweet tobacco and spicy aromas. Burn was almost razor sharp all the way down with a perfect draw giving just the right amount of resistance for an easy cool draw. Flavors were plentiful to say the least with many transition points throughout from beginning to end. They were all exceptionally well blended together and smooth, including coffee, cream, earth, pepper, sweet tobacco, touches of spice and hints of cocoa at points. Total burn time to the nub was 1:15. Photography by BG Pictures.
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 11
Old Henry Robusto Cigar Review
Posted on Friday, December 11, 2009 in Cigar Reviews
Old Henry Robusto Cigar Review
This 5×50 stick offers a medium tan wrapper with firm construction and a triple cap, with a very pleasant sweet aroma. Flavors were fairly consistant for the first two thirds, showing a smooth, rich smooth leather with a mild spice and pepper kick on the finish. Hints of a woody taste remained after the main flavors quickly trailed off. The last third brought a much smoother creamy taste and texture with a mild core of almond and a simpler finish without the pepper. Total burn time to the nub was 45 min. Overall body was mild-medium with a firm draw. Burn was very good all the way down with the ash holding in thirds cleanly and producing rich thick smoke. Thank you very much to Holts for sending this for review! Photography by BG Pictures.
Dec 7
Padilla Signature 1932 Robusto Cigar Review
Posted on Monday, December 7, 2009 in Cigar Reviews
Padilla Signature 1932 Robusto Cigar Review
This 5×50 dark chocolate stick offered a smooth almost seamless wrapper with some tiny veins, a triple cap and a great tobacco aroma. Draw was on the loose side and burn was very good all the way down, holding the ash in thirds. Flavors were very consistent from first light to the nub, giving a wonderful dusty creamy smooth leather, with a touch of tobacco flavor. They held all the way through the finish to the next draw where a slight pepper and spice joined in with a hint of cinnamon at points. Overall body was medium-full never overpowering. The smoke was rich and full even with the loose draw, giving saturated flavors all the way down. Total burn time to the nub was 50 min. Photography by BG Pictures.
Nov 27
Piano Fuerte Sonata Torpedo Cigar Review
Posted on Friday, November 27, 2009 in Cigar Reviews
Piano Fuerte Sonata Torpedo Cigar Review
This 6.5×54 stick offered a thin light tan wrapper with a firm wrap and a wrinkled wet look. Draw was on the loose side but produced a very good amount of smoke, more so in the last half. Burn was very good with just a few little waves here and there but requiring no action. The ash held on very nicely to each of the third transition points holding tight stacks. Flavors in the first third were of a light, creamy leather with a hint of sweetness and a good pepper and spice kick on the short finish. The 1/2 way point showed a complete change to a dark, rich chocolate and dark roast coffee. The body was medium to medium-full at the most and left a nice oily slick on the mouth much like a maduro would. The last third brought a nutty flavor that mingled well with the dark flavors, also raising the smoke temp a bit, but only getting hot at the nub. Thank you very much to Piano Fuerte Cigars for donating this for review! Photography by BG Pictures.
Nov 25
Illusione 88 Cigar Review
Posted on Wednesday, November 25, 2009 in Cigar Reviews
Illusione 88 Cigar Review
This 5×52 robusto sized stick offered a very oily, smooth firm wrapper with a nice sweet floral aroma. Burn was very good all the way down, holding the ash to each third. Draw was slightly on the loose side with perfect resistance. The first third brought flavors of slightly sweet leather, a touch of cocoa and coffee with a mildly spicy finish that built up heat as it went along. The 2nd third transitioned to a nice dry coffee, still with a nice oil on the mouth and a touch of earthiness. The last third smoothed out just a bit and dropped the spice, adding a longer finish of oily coffee. Total burn time just past the band was 1:10. Overall a medium-full body with very rich flavors. Thank you to Shuckins for trading with me for this stick! Photography by BG Pictures.
Nov 20
La Aroma De Cuba New Blend Monarch Cigar Review
Posted on Friday, November 20, 2009 in Cigar Reviews
La Aroma De Cuba New Blend Monarch Cigar Review
This 6×52 stick offered a very smooth satin medium chocolate wrapper with a nice aroma of dusty cocoa. Draw started out very firm but gradually went down to a very nice amount of resistance as the stick burned. Total burn time to the nub was 1:30, holding the ash between 3/4″ and 1 1/2″ with an almost razor sharp line. Flavors in the first two thirds were very consistent, giving a light creamy leather flavor with a long finish. Pepper and spice built up on the finish giving a zing on the tongue and a heat on the lips. The last third showed the leather to fade out replaced by a smooth tobacco, and the pepper going way down to just barely there. The spice was completely gone by the band point. Thank you very much to Ashton for donating this for review! Photography by BG Pictures.
Nov 13
Old Henry Maduro Robusto Cigar Review
Posted on Friday, November 13, 2009 in Cigar Reviews
Old Henry Maduro Robusto Cigar Review
This 5×50 stick offered a dark chocolate, VERY thick and toothy wrapper with excellent construction. Burn was almost razor sharp all the way down, with the ash holding to the 1/2 way point and a perfect draw. Flavors in the first half were of a medium bodied light leather and smooth earth, with a bit of sweetness and a pepper & spice kick. The 2nd half transitioned to a deep earth and bit of licorice, losing the sweetness and pepper zing. The finish grew longer and the body went down to a mild-medium. Thank you to Shuckins for trading me for this stick! Photography by BG Pictures.
Nov 9
Santiago Cabana Maduro Toro Cigar Review
Posted on Monday, November 9, 2009 in Cigar Reviews
Santiago Cabana Maduro Toro Cigar Review
This 6×50 dark chocolate stick offered a slightly toothy, satin wrapper with a nice firm construction. Burn time to the band was just over an hour with a draw that started slightly firm and ended slightly loose with a good burn. Flavors present were medium bodied overall with a few distinct transitions. The first third was the typical maduro cigar – slightly sweet, good pepper and spice kick and a light leather. Later flavors included a creamyness, a deeper earth and a bigger peppercorn zing. Thank you CSMoFo (Joe) for sending this to me! Photography by BG Pictures.
Oct 28
Man ‘O War Toro Cigar Review
Posted on Wednesday, October 28, 2009 in Cigar Reviews
Man ‘O War Toro Cigar Review
This 6.5 x52 dark chocolate stick offered a toothy, thick firm wrapper giving tons of rich creamy smoke. Burn was very good, draw was on the loose side with good resistance. Flavors were widely varied with several transition points including cocoa, coffee, leather, wood, cream, pepper and spice in various combinations. The finish was mostly short and clean with some points offering pepper and spice. Thank you to Shuckins for the stick in trade! Photography by BG Pictures.