tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31255410478236214162024-03-27T01:38:09.326-05:00Cigar StoriesA personal journey into the world of fine cigars and the people and stories that make the journey exceptionalUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger56125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3125541047823621416.post-7008262756501060872023-05-30T15:43:00.002-05:002023-05-30T15:43:59.074-05:00Rocky Patel Sixty Sixty 6x60<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXcq5og0-7kWnDhL5CdRQFkLhAi5jSfJTgnhpD1MjtqdP3bndsIlUyJTYtzHTADNm9Uz8APAu-_YwIKX730E9ZDCaEi2BPfcTqLDpDG6Kmwj1YHqCpLl4b8Qi09QrGsOlnRBlhhaHp1T2oaGtEB2cxn88TGCPcoaLlaA-0Qw7IF_7yBQAprC3IQB8G/s4032/IMG_7645.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXcq5og0-7kWnDhL5CdRQFkLhAi5jSfJTgnhpD1MjtqdP3bndsIlUyJTYtzHTADNm9Uz8APAu-_YwIKX730E9ZDCaEi2BPfcTqLDpDG6Kmwj1YHqCpLl4b8Qi09QrGsOlnRBlhhaHp1T2oaGtEB2cxn88TGCPcoaLlaA-0Qw7IF_7yBQAprC3IQB8G/s320/IMG_7645.jpeg" width="180" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's kind've weird how fast time passes. It seems like just yesterday I held both of my kids as newborns, and yet, almost 17-years later, I'm blessed to have a son who is one credit short of graduating high school, but also engaged in college, taking classes so that he'll graduate and enter college as a sophomore.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My daughter is 13-years old, independent and strong willed, hanging out with mom and dad is basically the kiss of death, the ultimate of punishment. And so it was, we found ourselves, my wife and I, alone, on a date night, out for a drink, me a cigar.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Our daughter had a party at church she was excited to attend, our son at home tending to his aquarium, and my wife and I, enjoying a spectacular evening on the square in Murfreesboro. The Humidor and Liquid Smoke are neighbors, I suspect owned by the same folks, their outdoor seating area typically cordoned off with some decorative chain and posts to hold it up, this evening however, just the chairs and tables.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And my bride of twenty one years. Can you believe it's been that long? My son is driving, he doesn't have the same needs of us as he used to, and I already told you my daughter is pretty independent, meaning it was just the two of us.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My wife commented to me that she was really enjoying "dating" me again, I echo that sentiment. The shopkeeper at The Humidor offered a perfect V-Cut for the RP Sixty Sixty, I was excited to try this cigar as I had read good things.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The box pressed shape lent itself well to the cut, and while slowly toasting the tip, I reflected on how much life had already passed under my feet. Drawing that first puff of smoke, the dry leathery flavor on the tongue was a perfect match for the pear cider I was sipping on. In the interest of full disclosure, I don't enjoy beer, I've tried enough types throughout the years to arrive at that conclusion, so I tend to drink on the lighter fruitier side of things, that typically being a cider.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As we sat and enjoyed the weather and each others company, the cigar settled into a nice, really even burn. It held its ash far longer than expected, that lending to a cooler burn, and with it, fuller flavors. That initial leathery dryness on the front end had blossomed into a full blown "big" bold cigar. The dryness coupled with the dryness of the cider made me a bit thirstier than I should have been, but that aromas both from the cigar, as well as the nutty overtones created a really good experience.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As my drink was finished, I went with a far sweeter cider, it better complimenting the dry flavors coming from the RP. Picking up on the rich leather, a taste that just got stronger the deeper I got into the stick, I thought to myself how well the cigar would hold up against a steak or perhaps fajitas.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Sadly, although the RP offered up the better part of an hours worth of enjoyment, it signaled it was reaching the end of what it had to offer, and after a final few draws I placed it into the ashtray and allowed it to extinguish itself in dignity.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Looking back at the evening, obviously I would take any and every opportunity to go out with my wife and enjoy her company. The enjoyment of a cigar only served to enhance that experience. Would I choose the RP again, probably not. It was good, perhaps even great - but it was pricey, more that I would normally spend on a cigar - but it was a special night.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Should you smoke the RP Sixty Sixty, obviously that's up to you, but like all good things in life, we know for a fact that a cigar serves to enhance our experiences, and if a big bold cigar is what you are in the mood for, I'd argue in support of the RP.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">More than that however, taking time to spend time with the ones you love is important, because as I stated at the beginning, before you know it, just like me, time will have passed. Thankfully, a lot of those memories I get to share and remember include a cigar, and just like the RP will serve as a memory of a date with my wife, so to, should a cigar be part of your lifelong memories.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Until we smoke again...</div><br /><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3125541047823621416.post-41262474700175534702021-07-04T16:50:00.001-05:002021-07-04T16:50:16.448-05:00Drew Estate Deadwood Leather Rose 5x54<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTzCNqjrTIHSShvJwpsXaHunZu2DhMEHrelyyoWZfyA51OFXO5fjDIuqn6Nzcg3Wzvp4ZaHN2beuYZ-Ojc76af1dsEuxiGGpujYgda0KNYAesg9XAvBt7TYQaXj0cWpvwWXK-P3FZN5J0/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTzCNqjrTIHSShvJwpsXaHunZu2DhMEHrelyyoWZfyA51OFXO5fjDIuqn6Nzcg3Wzvp4ZaHN2beuYZ-Ojc76af1dsEuxiGGpujYgda0KNYAesg9XAvBt7TYQaXj0cWpvwWXK-P3FZN5J0/w224-h299/IMG_5389.jpeg" width="224" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>I was really excited to have an opportunity to smoke the Drew Estate Deadwood Leather Rose 5x54. I have been a big fan of Drew Estate for many years, and although their Acid line of cigars is not my favorite, the hype behind this line was enough to picque my interest and separate me from my money. <p></p><p>This opportunity arose a week ago, I was meeting a good friend from Knoxville in Franklin, TN. Lunch was chicken fingers at a local joint, the plan was to finish lunch and head on over to Crown Cigars & Ale, an establishment that years ago was known as, Stogie's.</p><p>The atmosphere and ambience at Crown is excellent, their humidor is well stock and cared for, and the selection is on par for a premium shop of this caliber. My friend and I both immediately gravitated towards the Drew Estate area, my initial thought was a Kentucky Fire Cured cigar, but just below that the Deadwood caught my attention, and with that attention a final choice was made. My friend went with a Kentucky Fire Cured cigar, on this occasion choosing one of their tasty sweet (sugar tipped) offerings.</p><p>Knowing that this was in fact a working get together, I stuck with coffee, and since no half and half was available, I drank my coffee black, something I rarely do beyond espresso. Given the torpedo shape to the cigars head, I used a cutter versus my preferred punch, but once opened up I proceeded to toast the foot, preparing to take the first draw from the cigar.</p><p>Upon taking that first draw, I was immediately struck by the sweetness of the head, with a rich and meaty smoke that exuded strong overtones of chocolate, with the creaminess of the smoke rounding out the draw. The development of the chocolate continued throughout the cigar, and the sweetness of the head, while tempering itself the deeper in the cigar I got, still provided a very strong presence. </p><p>Although the cigar was tasty, it failed to burn consistently, requiring several touch ups throughout to keep an even burn. Additionally, the cigar felt soft in my hands, as if not enough tobacco had been added. I don’t think that detracted from the stick, rather providing a tactile item to accompany the tasting.</p><p>I have never smoked pipe tobacco, however I have read others compare this cigar to the aromatic tobacco enjoyed by pipe smokers. I have no basis to form an opinion one way or another, but to say, if this is symbolic of pipe tobacco, I look forward to trying a pipe in the not so distant future.</p><p>Time quickly drew to a close, a ZOOM call was waiting for my friend and I, one that cigars would not have been appropriate on, so we wrapped up our cigars and prepared for the call. </p><p>I really enjoyed this cigar, I will be keeping an eye out to add some to my humidor. This is a great cigar to share, as it is not very strong, and is a great tasty stick to offer to those who might not enjoy cigars as often as I do. All in all, it was a great smoke and a great day. </p><p>If you happen to find yourself having the opportunity to smoke this stick, I encourage you to take that opportunity. Honestly, for me, I’m excited to smoke it again, this time paired with some Disaronno.. In the meantime, enjoy what you have in the humidor, be intentional about taking time to enjoy a cigar with a friend, I promise you, it is time well spent.</p><p>Until we smoke again…</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3125541047823621416.post-58939982022135677622021-06-23T14:56:00.004-05:002021-06-23T14:56:31.349-05:00NUB Cameroon 4x60<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Jg35GyhHdvYrJoRSLMNLhsSMzsVJBHEOX7jl4-wEl4kX1tYmY4j18b418nxkd6cRY0eYQei116SH9xrIrBDl_iqSpnNj6n5tWVdejj0nQBymUa7MzzOYOMfvti1V-n98UnC_FqfUAkQ/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Jg35GyhHdvYrJoRSLMNLhsSMzsVJBHEOX7jl4-wEl4kX1tYmY4j18b418nxkd6cRY0eYQei116SH9xrIrBDl_iqSpnNj6n5tWVdejj0nQBymUa7MzzOYOMfvti1V-n98UnC_FqfUAkQ/" width="180" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I am ashamed in realizing my last post here was in March. The truth is, I have no excuse having enjoyed many cigars since that point in time, and with each cigar a story that accompanies it. I recently found my humidor lacking in not only quantity, but quality of cigars, meaning an order needed to be placed to replenish that which was smoked.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It was a marketing email from Cigars Daily that caught my attention, I had several shopping carts started with a few online retailers I purchase from, but this particular email was too good to pass up, meaning a quick purchase was made that included a box of NUB Cameroon 4x60's, and with it, a dozen Oliva cigars thrown in for free.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Excited to get smoking, I afforded the new sticks a few days in my humidor, giving them a chance to acclimate to their new temporary home, as well as allowing them to get to know the other sticks in the box. Not wanting them to get too friendly however, I grabbed one the other morning and headed outside to my covered patio, or as I like to call it, my new outdoor office.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Using a punch, I opened up a perfectly formed head, and then slowly toasted the foot so as to not burn it or char it. Upon drawing upon the cigar for the first time, I was met with a toothy, slightly leathery taste, underlined by pepper. Knowing that most cigars give off pepper upon initially being lit, I pulled a second draw a minute or so later, having allowed the cherry to fully settle in and even out.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The dry leather still was evident, but a fuller range of flavors enveloped my palate, with a slightly sweet hint of cinnamon and raisin acting as the foundation to a fantastic smoke. The burn on this cigar was even and consistent, although a phone conversation I was having while smoking the cigar meant the need to touch up and relight mid-stick was necessary seeing as I was talking so much I forgot to draw on the cigar.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The entire NUB family of cigars are excellent, the Habano stands as a personal favorite, but the Cameroon is a close second, and might I suggest ties for first place with the Habano.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The phone call I was on is with a good friend of mine who lives in Knoxville. The previous weekend saw us meeting in person, enjoying several different cigars including a NUB. This weekly call is time spent together sharing and doing life together, and although he is a cigar smoker, he is not a morning cigar smoker like myself. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">What made this particular cigar special was 2-distinct things. First, I haven't had the Cameroon in many years, so having the opportunity to smoke it again was like catching up with an old friend, a friend you quickly realize that you missed more than you thought. The second item involves the fact that like most good cigars, they are better enjoyed when shared with friends, and even though this cigar and the friend I enjoyed it with happened to be separeted by 160 miles, it still made the engagement better.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here is the thing I can tell you to be true. Cigars bring people together in a way other items cannot. I have been in countless situations where once cigars are introduced to the equation, conversations start flowing in ways not possible without the influence of cigars. The fact that those situations get to be enjoyed using a great cigar stands only as a bonus.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As we exit a year of unknown, unprecedented, and unexpected, might I encourage you to find a cigar you enjoy, look up a friend you've not spoken to in a while, and see what develops. I for one suspect you'll be surprised by the outcome. Even as I write this article, plans are being made via text for a meetup tonight with some old friends, one is bringing food, another drink, and I'm the one providing the cigars that will unite some old friends. I promise you, the NUB Cameroon 4x60 will play a role in tonights gathering as its too good to selfishly hold only for myself. I know a story will develop, a story that I just might share with you all here.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Until we smoke again...</div><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3125541047823621416.post-17199017034063761462021-03-03T14:20:00.005-06:002021-03-03T14:21:09.748-06:00A Tribute to Rush Limbaugh<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU1pRkSO5oXZgS4kBX95F_cTGOBLb3FBNGnEWac5Hf3MK9D-pU7PM5tZN-XaL60nf8E2fLvzHg5tSRxj1x3XvYDgu3e8ykpbRdtXllI9x1SztqMDtQ4FzaYkxYNtVMXiFKMW91ugwGvLY/s2048/IMG_4969.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU1pRkSO5oXZgS4kBX95F_cTGOBLb3FBNGnEWac5Hf3MK9D-pU7PM5tZN-XaL60nf8E2fLvzHg5tSRxj1x3XvYDgu3e8ykpbRdtXllI9x1SztqMDtQ4FzaYkxYNtVMXiFKMW91ugwGvLY/s320/IMG_4969.jpeg" /></a></div><p>My first cigar was around age 13-14, and it was a Swisher Sweet, not even sure how I managed to get my hands on it, but me and a friend from 7th grade smoked them in front of my garage. I don't remember if I actually enjoyed it or not, but it is an experience I never forgot. True enjoyment of cigars however didn't start until later in life, and in that vein, I can say that Rush Limbaugh influenced and increased my knowledge and enjoyment of them. I watched Rush on his TV show long before I became a daily listener. Rush was one of 3 individuals I never met, but really felt like I knew, but the only one for whom I shed tears when I learned of his passing.</p><p>Rush did not always speak of cigars, but when he did, the vibrancy he brought to the subject made you want to learn more about the hobby. Rush was special, but guess what, so are cigars. Many might argue that Rush was divisive, and hateful, but the reality is, he wasn’t - and those who actually took the time to listen - quickly realized this.</p><p>Perhaps this is what makes cigars so special. You don't have to agree with someone to enjoy a cigar with them. Several months ago, I sat at a local cigar store enjoying a cigar while waiting to pick up my wife. Although I originally intended to read while enjoying the cigar, I got engaged in a conversation with a man who I suspect was not much younger than myself. As the conversation developed, I realized our views where diabolically opposed, and yet our conversation remained cordial, the enjoyment of a cigar bringing up a common thread which by default introduced a civility necessary for discourse.</p><p>Those who criticize Rush Limbaugh most likely never listened to any extent. The irony in Rush Limbaugh is this simple truth, Rush was almost more polite with those who disagreed with him, than those who fell in line. Rush would challenge like minded thinkers to push them to deeper understanding and thought extraction, but with those who disagreed, his level of politeness was exceptional, the reason being is that you can catch more flies with honey than you can vinegar.</p><p>February 17, 2021 saw the passing of a great man, someone I considered a friend even though I never met him. That day was too cold to enjoy a cigar in his honor, but the cigar shown here, bandless and nameless to you, is the cigar that I smoked in his honor and memory. I can tell you the cigar was excellent, and in a future post I will write a review of the same cigar smoked on another day. This post is to honor a man who impacted so many, in many different ways.</p><p>The fact that I mostly agreed with what Rush said is not important, what is important is that the love Rush displayed for so many areas of life also included a love of cigars. And although we may disgaree about many things, coming together over a cigar means that we still are a civil people, able to agree about many things, and yet together enjoy a finer thing in life while expressing opposing views. </p><p>If you are ever in the Nashville area and need a reason to light up a cigar, I'm always willing and able to accommodate the invite. We may not agree on much, but hey, at least we can agree on the enjoyment of cigars, and together we can use that as a springboard for other areas of agreement. I think that is how Rush viewed cigars, golf, and his radio show - a springboard to engage. He may not have always got the person to agree with him, but at least he knew he could shake hands with an opposing view, knowing that he and you agreed in other areas.</p><p>RIP Rush Limbaugh, you will be missed.</p><p>Until we smoke again...</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3125541047823621416.post-7345450841499147492020-12-20T11:52:00.001-06:002020-12-20T11:52:37.690-06:00Drew Estate Tabak Especial Negra 6x60<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjJSdOY6wY2WSwEoUvNMpfvxm1H-GvtQqw5kcfGMqvASEhBWGV_E7E2AV8mGBbKrNfrsBCqgD1KWtcj5S0EgxM5HnJA7bFMcCoE6HZbvb_CcpYjiCw_ZeZFK8J6e5F4s699__WfOQTQUE/s2048/IMG_4643.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjJSdOY6wY2WSwEoUvNMpfvxm1H-GvtQqw5kcfGMqvASEhBWGV_E7E2AV8mGBbKrNfrsBCqgD1KWtcj5S0EgxM5HnJA7bFMcCoE6HZbvb_CcpYjiCw_ZeZFK8J6e5F4s699__WfOQTQUE/s320/IMG_4643.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Let me be clear, under normal circumstances, I am not a fan of flavored cigars, a fact I discussed many years ago when reviewing an Acid cigar by Drew Estate. I was introduced to the Tabak line when given some samples last year at the Drew Estate Barn Smoker in Hopkinsville, KY. It was late in the day, the secondary events where wrapping up, with most participants making their way back to the main venue to see the closing activities. We stumbled upon a booth offering coffee, and seeing as I rarely say, "No" to coffee, I got a cup and went about adding cream to it to get it the way I like it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Drew Estate team member offering up the coffee also offered to exchange us cigars for the coupons inside the voucher book we had been given upon our arrival earlier in the day, and with that offer, an exchange of goods took place. It was late in the day, and the gentlemen was being overly generous, and instead of the 1 or 2 sticks our coupons entitled us to, I along with the rest of our group walked away with 4-5 sticks each, in my case, having all the sticks being of the darker Negra variety.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Truth be told, I had no intention of smoking these sticks, my plan being on giving them out when others show up and don't have cigars of their own to smoke. It was my friend who suggested I try one of the Tabak, a suggestion that came after he smoked one and quite enjoyed it telling me not only how well it smoked, but how flavorful it was.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Still skeptical, it wasn't until we met up over drinks that I brought one with me, but in fairness had another cigar with me as well, intending to smoke that over the Tabak. My friend is persuasive, and not wanting to be a spoil sport, I went ahead and cut the head and set about to toasting the foot.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In taking the first draw, the immediate taste I got was one of slightly sweet, but not the sickening sweet variety typical with most 'sugar-tipped' cigars. The draw on the cigar was full and excellent from the first one, and the flavor was delicious, a slight undertone of coffee on the bottom, but notes of chocolate and cream on top really rounded out the flavor profile, but again, and I cannot stress this enough, it wasn't sweet.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Like I do with most cigars, I had a cup of coffee with me, a drink I never drink sweet or rarely with flavor, but a drink that paired quite nicely with the Tabak, and served to be quite a nice evening of cigars and conversation.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Fast forward to last week. My wife, like just about everyone else in the world was sent home to work last March. I've always worked from home, and since we do not have a large house, my office because our office, and my workspace became our workspace. On this particular day, she had asked me if I wanted to sit outside with her, as she was getting ready to do her office Christmas party, Zoom style. I obliged, and since she was attending a party, I might as well party as well.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I fired up the Keurig and prepped a cup of coffee, and since it was a party of sorts, I added some Disaronno just to amp it up a notch. The cigar was cut, perfectly toasted, and I settled in with a good book (Story Brand by Donald Miller) adding my AirPod Pros into the mix through which some Christmas music could enjoyed. She prattled on with her co-workers, I sipped coffee, enjoyed a delicious smoke, all while reading and enjoying music.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The particular Tabak here, the 6x60 is a big cigar. It offers close to an hours worth of smoking enjoyment, and the flavor profile is one that everyone I've shared this cigar with enjoys. Full of rich, vibrant coffee undertones, a vein of Chocolate comes to the surface, and in the instance of the 6x60, a slightly yeasty note is detected, almost lending a pastry like quality to the velvety smoke. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Tabak line, especially the Negra versions, have become one of my favorite cigars to enjoy - a fact emphasized by the fact that I've purchased entire boxes in 2 different sizes, the 6x60 and the 5x54 Robusto. The 5x54 smokes a lot faster than the 6x60, an obvious fact given the size difference, and the 5x54 seems to smoke deeper into the band than the 6x60. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I've noticed that the 6x60 starts to lose its charm around the 60% mark in the stick, whereas the 5x54 stays strong and delicious up to and including through the band. Either way, I do not think you can go wrong with either cigar, and truth be told, this cigar would be great with some Disaronno straight up, you know, without the coffee.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here is the thing though, anyway you enjoy it, the Tabak will not let you down. It is truly a fantastic smoke, and one that I encourage you to give a try. As for me, I'm waiting for the weather to clear up a bit, and the temperature raise a few degrees, because even as I write this post, I'm staring down a Tabak that is longing to be smoked, and I don't want to let it down.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Until we smoke again...</div><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3125541047823621416.post-57324577392641278282020-12-08T14:13:00.004-06:002020-12-08T14:13:41.355-06:00Diamond Crown Maximus Double Robusto 5x56<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNLDsgbwy6EUvFZZLuMhbmogaLNQ2L7JNHaHi2vS60wxUAzHJOl1LiNeQwX4jXvh__GaykJT35nlyrggxO0Zb9J1kftdAzB5Mmu0wCdvOc7tUppK4PVDkW9f84ltLEn_PWPcjok2Ik2Es/s2048/IMG_2995.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNLDsgbwy6EUvFZZLuMhbmogaLNQ2L7JNHaHi2vS60wxUAzHJOl1LiNeQwX4jXvh__GaykJT35nlyrggxO0Zb9J1kftdAzB5Mmu0wCdvOc7tUppK4PVDkW9f84ltLEn_PWPcjok2Ik2Es/s320/IMG_2995.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I've got a friend named Tony who lives in Pennsylvania who travels a lot for work. As part of his travels, Nashville is a location he finds himself in on almost a annual basis. Of course, with Covid his travels have been greatly curtailed, a fact I know he is thrilled about, but when he travels, he travels well. Tony is intentional about spending times with his friends in every city he finds himself in, and thanks to an expense account that really has no limit, Tony always makes sure that time spent with friends in each town he finds himself is full of good food, good drink, and good cigards.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's been a couple of months since Tony and I last saw each other, but the memory of our last time together is still fresh on my mind, meaning it is something I want to share with you all. Our time together started at the Music City Center where Tony was wrapping up his day on the show floor, and since parking in Nashville is expensive, we decided to walk to Martin's BBQ which was only a few blocks away, knowing that a new cigar bar was only a few blocks away, again our intent being to walk.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Upon arriving at our destination, signs indicated our chosen place to enjoy cigars was under new ownership, and as such, not open yet for the enjoyment of said cigars. In prior years, we had enjoyed the ambience at Blend Bar, which closely aligns themselves with Davidoff. The decision was made to retrieve the car, and head up to Blend for the continuation of our evening.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If you haven't been to Blend Bar, I highly recomend it. The staff offers a truly unique smoking and drinking experience, of course the level of service is reflected in the prices, but remember I mentioned the expense account Tony has, so in theory, price on this particular evening was not an issue.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Years ago I enjoyed a Diamond Crown cigar, in fact I wrote about it here, and it was a fantastic cigar. Seeing the Maximus in the humidor, I made my selection and ordered an Old Fashioned to accompany the smoke. I requested the Old Fashioned slightly sweet, and the server obliged bringing a fanatastic drink to our chosen sitting arrangements.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">At Blend Bar, the server lights the cigars for you as well as cutting or punching depending on your preferred smoking style. Being presented a perfectly toasted and lit cigar, the serve holds a flame for a final touchup as the cigar comes to life, bringing with it an exceptional smoking experience.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Maximus is a great smoke, full flavored from the very first pull of smoke. Initial tasting notes offered hints of cedar, with a very subtle undertone of cinnamon, perhaps that being brought out by the sweetness of the drink I was pairing with this cigar. As the cigar developed an ash, pepper with a slight spiciness where on full display, but the prevailing slight sweetness offered up by the initial cedar tasting notes served as a foundation to this excellent cigar.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Conversation turned from work, to families, to our dreams of retirement. Tony discussed at length his hunting cabin he had purchased, calling me out on being too much of a city boy to be able to survive in it. The truth is, he's probably correct, especially when he stated no running water or toilets inside. Of course, I don't hunt either, but for a day trip, I can certainly see myself sitting on the porch enjoing a drink while puffing on a cigar - perhaps the Maximus? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Ironically, much like myself, the Maximus is very much a city boy in and of itself. Its refined, not rough around the edges. The time that went into developing the blend is evident. It is not a cigar that was thrown together willy-nilly, rather the depth and complexity the cigar offers is a direct result of the blenders intentionality in creating a truly great smoking experience, and while sophistication isn't required to enjoy it, an apprecaition for exceptional cigars enhances the enjoyment of the cigar.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Sadly, as our drinks ran dry, our cigars found their way to extinction, meaning our time together was quickly drawing to a close. Friendship, like a good cigar or great drink, is something that once enjoyed, you find yourself looking for again and again and again, and despite the distance that normally separates us, sitting down for dinner, drinks, cigar and a conversation almost immediately picks up where it was last left off. Most likely, and as a direct result of Covid, we proabaly won't have a chance to see eachother for the next few months, but when time and travel does allow meeting again, drinks and a cigar will serve as the foundation for the continuation of the conversation yet to be finished.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If life is a journey, and make no mistake, it is a journey, then friendship serves as a fuel to move you along. Take none of it for granted. Make the most of it. Enjoy it. Maximize it. Cherish it. And if a cigar, perhaps even a Diamond Crown Maximus happens to be part of that journey, I for one know, that you are the better for it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>Until we smoke again...<p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3125541047823621416.post-52354535855425475572020-11-30T14:24:00.002-06:002020-11-30T14:24:45.985-06:00La Coalicion by Crowned Heads 6x52<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxL8PCEcFaQJMvHUAuZkQqMRtz3VXRWv-dJvHG6RfPytHC3t-tlNt_XHxZcG7r2kl0giQ8cxDK8O0sKPyfLTxMiWYMZA7YVutv644wOV1twxiS3PRlSLg2uuiBf7pSoaorE9g6D9vIZZs/s2048/59898832803__BCF65E1C-F0E5-4DD9-9280-60E6143722C3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1639" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxL8PCEcFaQJMvHUAuZkQqMRtz3VXRWv-dJvHG6RfPytHC3t-tlNt_XHxZcG7r2kl0giQ8cxDK8O0sKPyfLTxMiWYMZA7YVutv644wOV1twxiS3PRlSLg2uuiBf7pSoaorE9g6D9vIZZs/s320/59898832803__BCF65E1C-F0E5-4DD9-9280-60E6143722C3.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I suspect you are a lot like me, not really need an excuse to grab a cigar and simply sit, relax and enjoy it. Perhaps that is part of what makes the enjoyment of cigars so special, the simple fact that you don't need that excuse. But might I suggest that when an excuse arises, you, like me, immediately jump to the need for a cigar to add that exclamation point to what is most likely a great experience already.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This cigar was one such exclamation point. A friend of mine had gifted me a bottle of bourbon, and to be perfectly honest, I am not much of a bourbon drinker, but this one was quite enjoyable all by itself, which is how I found myself enjoying it the first few times. On this day however, the bourbon found itself as part of an old fashioned, a drink that only added to the enjoyment of not only the gifted bourbon, but the cigar, the La Coalicion as well.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I used a punch to open up the cigar, and after toasting the foot, I enjoyed the initial draw which offered up a very nice smoke. The initial flavor was well balanced, with a slightly sweet undertone which complimented the dough like flavor the cigar was offering up. I know I've stated it here before, but I love that doughy, yeasty, bread like qualities that certain cigars offer up, and this cigar did not fail to bring that to the forefront.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'll tell you a bit of a secret here, and honestly, I attribute this to an empty stomach with alcohol more so than to the overall strength of the cigar itself, but this cigar kicked my butt. Remember when I told you that I rarely struggle for an excuse to enjoy a cigar, well on the morning this cigar was enjoyed, it was a bit early to be having a drink, and although I had food cooking which would serve as lunch, the weather was so perfect my original intent was to get a second cigar in after lunch, meaning a first cigar had to be enjoyed before moving on to the second. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The cigar had a different plan though, which in some ways really sucked, but truth be told, was perfectly OK, as it simply meant I had to sit down and enjoy versus playing with the kids while enjoying the cigar. I grabbed a quick snack to appease my appetite, and during that time the cigar went out meaning it needed a relight. What made the cigar so good was the fact, that even though it needed to be relit, it remained true to its flavors never overwhelming or becoming clogged with carbon or tar. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When all was said and done, this cigar offered close to an hour worth of enjoyment, and thankfully I had another identical stick in the humidor which I enjoyed several days later. Given that I was beaten by this cigar the first time out, in enjoying it a second time, I was able to confirm that the cigar really is not that strong a stick, unless of course you, like me, try smoking it on an empty stomach while drinking a strong drink.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Lesson learned, more importantly though, cigar enjoyed, and isn't that what it is all about? Never needing a reason to enjoy a cigar, but always thankful for those opportunities when presented. Although I have not had a La Coalicion since the two sticks that enjoyed a brief stay in my humidor, this is definitely a cigar I will smoke again, perhaps while pairing it with a big meal that includes steak. Who knows though, I have so many cigars in my humidor at the moment, it may take a bit before I make my way back to La Coalicion. In the meantime though, if you have the chance to smoke this cigar, go ahead and give it a go, I promise you you won't regret making that choice.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Until we smoke again...</div><br /> <p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3125541047823621416.post-36132245187619669012020-11-24T08:14:00.003-06:002020-11-24T15:33:57.405-06:00Pappy Van Winkle Barrel Fermented Robusto 5.25 x 52<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNo-UKWW_ute5X298DqREQy_ZHfjKZytFPUSRxXfhQvnn75KQhS_CKuS3YXnurfnh0IrllkHWAG2Pv3RpU-vZ9BJe-zY8Zq9wUYx4k9SHoqDyaKdGbiGEDpBAO-8BlXcz1uloLiDjIwl4/s2048/IMG_3862.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNo-UKWW_ute5X298DqREQy_ZHfjKZytFPUSRxXfhQvnn75KQhS_CKuS3YXnurfnh0IrllkHWAG2Pv3RpU-vZ9BJe-zY8Zq9wUYx4k9SHoqDyaKdGbiGEDpBAO-8BlXcz1uloLiDjIwl4/s320/IMG_3862.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>The library system in the town I live in is really quite good. They will literally purchase a book they do not have simply so that they can loan it to you to read without making you have to purchase it. The business model, in and of itself, just doesn't make sense to me, given my capitalisitic roots, but hey, anytime someone wants to save me money by buying what I want, and then loaning it ot me, I'm all for it. The money saved there allows for the purchase of other things in life I enjoy, like the cigar that finds itself as the subject of this post.</p><p>Always being one who is a day late or a dollar short as it relates to unique or limited release cigars, I found myself fortunate to find a nearly full box of Pappy Van Winkle Barrell Fermented cigars at my local retailer. Knowing my wife would kill me if I bought everything they had, I limited myself to just a few sticks, knowing that time spent in the humidor would only add to my enjoyment when the right time was presented.</p><p>Turns out, the right time in the instance of this cigar, turned out to be sooner than later, affording an early evening smoke accompanied by a book I had been looking forward to reading. The author, Michael Connelly, the main character, Harry Bosch. Yes, I know, Bosch has turned into a phenomenon in recent years given the Amazon series of the same name, and Titus Welliver truly epitomizes the character the book portrays in such a realistic manner, its hard not to binge watch each newly released season. The writing, the editing, the weaving of different Connelly novels to adapt it to the small screen is incredible, and honestly I'll be sad when its final season wraps up next year.</p><p>The book in question was The Night Fire, and it was borrowed from the aforementioned library, and since it was a newer release, 7-days was the allotted time I had with the book before I would start accruing late fees of $0.05 per day. Did I mention the flaws I see with that business model? I'm old enough to remember when Blockbuster would charge for VHS tapes not rewound upon their return.</p><p>The way I smoke cigars has shifted a bit in the last year or so, and of course with COVID, I seem to be enjoying cigars at a much more frequent rate than in past years, but whereas I swore by a punch for the better part of a decade, I've returned to a cutter, removing more of the cap, but opening up a more pleasurable smoking experience.</p><p>After expertly toasting the foot of the Pappy, I took my first draw, the familiar taste of the Kentucky fire cured tobacco immediately evident on the palate. The smoke itself was full, creamy, and tasty. Fire curing tobacco really adds a special element to the cigar experience, and this Pappy was no exception, offering a unique complexity to it that I struggled to clearly define, but new at once I truly enjoyed.</p><p>I remember years ago writing about a really cheap Drew Estate cigar, one that, to the best of my knowledge, was machine made versus handmade, but with its Corojo wrapper, really was a good smoke. Now, many years later, my tastes have matured, and with it, Drew Estate and the broad offerings its product portfolio offers. What always amazes me, is the depth and complexity offered when smoking a Drew Estate cigar, regardless of price point.</p><p>The Pappy is not a cheap cigar, but it is worth every penny, in terms of the smoking experience it offers. And yet cheaper sticks from Drew Estate offer as great a smoking experience, one that far surpasses the price point they may have been acquired at. The Pappy falls into the category of special occasion cigar. In the instance of this Pappy, I had just completed a project I had been working on for almost a year, the ability to actually have time to sit down and read just for enjoyment was something time did not afford me when I was engrossed in the project, but with completion comes enjoyment, and that enjoyment was something the Pappy delivered in droves.</p><p>For me, any Kentucky fired cured tobacco cigar is a stick I'll smoke, I enjoy that process and the flavors it offers that much. Pappy was simply an exclamation point on an already excellent tobacco. Full flavored without being brutal, tasty without overwhelming, pricy without breaking the bank. If you are new to cigars, the Pappy probably isn't a good starting point, but if you have smoked more than your fairshare of cigars, and are looking for something special to enjoy with an event in your life, I promise you, you won't go wrong by selecting a Pappy.</p><p>As for me, I finished the book in a little over 5-hours, and at least 2 other cigars. In the end, Bosch got the bad guy, but I got the win having enjoyed not just a Pappy, but several other great cigars as well. In my world, heck, in your world, that's what we call a win-win.</p><p>Until we smoke again...</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3125541047823621416.post-84375055494665523322020-11-23T09:00:00.003-06:002020-11-24T08:14:21.277-06:00Liga Privada T52 Flying Pig by Drew Estate<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKbTAvWfgosEh6tKoJX4vY3Z2U6jHiL9LKQLLvAyQg4ymReaijy7CbSHmro2SqyZxbQMbG4fBtPZ5iKjBOKMx5Hv4De7_iP62IHgtb3ODCvn-cgxMXKfA_mkCoU-u8HCOnHWSwxMn5j2A/s2048/IMG_4564.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKbTAvWfgosEh6tKoJX4vY3Z2U6jHiL9LKQLLvAyQg4ymReaijy7CbSHmro2SqyZxbQMbG4fBtPZ5iKjBOKMx5Hv4De7_iP62IHgtb3ODCvn-cgxMXKfA_mkCoU-u8HCOnHWSwxMn5j2A/s320/IMG_4564.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>Hey, what can I say - I'm a sucker for a short fat cigar - and not just a short fat cigar, but one that is so beautifully constructed and well executed that happens to have a fun name, Flying Pig. Several months ago I along with a bunch of friends had purchased tickets to the Drew Estate Barn Smoker in Hopkinsville, KY. Sadly, COVID had other plans meaning that Drew Estate cancelled all in person events for 2020, but seeing as all my friends had already blocked out the day, I suggested we have our own Barn Smoker at my house in Tennessee. Plans quickly came together and in lieu of a Barn Smoker, we held a Yard Smoker.</p><p>My wife grows grapes in the backyard turning them into wine, and pulled pork along with homemade BBQ sauce as well as home grown, homemade hot sauce we had bottled seemed the perfect compliment, and so it was the plan came together, and I, along with 34 of my closest friends came from far and wide, and together we enjoyed good food, drank great wine and other spirits, and smoked some phenomenal cigars.</p><p>Seeing as Drew Estate served as the catalyst for the day, I supplied a freshly acquired box of Tabac's along with NUB Habano 4x60 that I had purchased at a very fair price. As good as those were, and they were good, that day Liga Privada seemed to be the prevailing school of thought as several who showed up brining cigars of their own all brought Liga Privadas, most of which where of the No 9 variety.</p><p>And so it was, we ate, we drank, and we smoked great cigars while enjoying the company and the conversation. As the daylight turned from dusk to dark, the pour on the drink became a bit more generous, the conversation a bit more off the cuff and colorful, and the enjoyment of the cigars much more intense. By nightfall, the lightweights had headed home, leaving only the true dyed in the wool cigar purists, and with that, conversation shifted to the nuance of cigars, and how different brands and styles differed from each other.</p><p>My one friend, having smoked everything he had brought, was offered a Liga Privada No 9 by another friend of mine, hesitatant at first to accept knowing the costs, he relented, meaning everyone was smoking a Liga Privada at the same time. Knowing I had the Flying Pig in my humidor, I headed inside to retrieve it commenting that I had been saving the cigar for a special occasions, and that a special occasion had broken out warranting its enjoyment.</p><p>I gently cut the pigtail off the cap, needing to do a second cut to get a good surface to draw upon. I gently toasted the foot, taking care to not burn the wrapper or char it in any way. Getting a good light I drew upon it noting the inital strength needed to draw that first whisp of smoke through the cigar. The immediate boldness and strength of the cigar revealed itself, along with a very defined currant flavor that offered perceieved uniquely sweet quality to a cigar that is not sweet.</p><p>The strength of the cigar settled into a consistent level that did not wane, but alternatively did not overpower the stick. Balance of the blend was on full display, and although the inherent strength of the cigar meant puffs were staged 45-50 seconds between each, each puff offered a full palate of flavor that I enjoyed both by itself, but finding myself hungry I paired back up with the previously discussed food that had been prepared for the event.</p><p>If you are like me, when a good cigar presents itself, there is a certain anxious tension that develops that looks for opporutinities to smoke the same again. The Flying Pig was that sort of cigar, and although several months have passed since the Yard Smoker, the memory of that cigar has not faded in my memory, and when the invitation to visit a friend from Knoxville presented itself this past weekend, knowing his love of cigars was on par with mine, I knew the only appropriate cigar would be the Flying Pig.</p><p>The picture shown here is from this past weekend, and although the food was different, the drinks different, and the atmostphere different, two things stood strong - good friends, and good cigars - make for a great afternoon of conversation and cigars. My big takeaway comment from the weekend was simply this, I had forgotten how strong the cigar was, but the enjoyment was there, the flavor was there, and, perhaps most importantly, the outlook to that next memory making event is already on my radar. Whether or not the Flying Pig will come along in the next endeavor, only time knows, but what is known is simply this. Whenever friends collide with convesation and cigars, only good things can emerge.</p><p>And for that, I am extremely excited and full of anticipation.</p><p>Until we smoke again...<br /><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3125541047823621416.post-46873949715180481272019-07-15T15:22:00.000-05:002019-07-15T15:22:40.531-05:00Carlos Torano Vault Robusto (5x52)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQtD5h6D_WNJcPQ91qMla99NOWR0Wx_cXzFKcozrLiiadpf3Sh3sP6PyQuWldYI0dVtUuSH1i4SY7-y7-jRVChyn0Qiw-kxoS4MOiJjKHX6DK8z5fKrbTXwroEMeFNgc6JFLvIkz3nif4/s1600/IMG_3366.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQtD5h6D_WNJcPQ91qMla99NOWR0Wx_cXzFKcozrLiiadpf3Sh3sP6PyQuWldYI0dVtUuSH1i4SY7-y7-jRVChyn0Qiw-kxoS4MOiJjKHX6DK8z5fKrbTXwroEMeFNgc6JFLvIkz3nif4/s320/IMG_3366.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This is a cigar that had been sitting in the humidor for a while before I got a chance to smoke it, the Carlos Torano Vault Robusto (5x52) turned out to be a decent little smoke that I fully enjoyed one evening a few weeks ago.</span></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3125541047823621416.post-1515302362704618802012-10-23T10:05:00.002-05:002012-10-23T10:05:28.871-05:00Rocky Patel Olde World Reserve Toro Corojo (6.5x52)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY2Zpro13JC9_YCrS95Zqt77X8hk7TryEwKjcxsg-xGmn0zo0lUle_iBAE0nlbGnFeYvKxnL5Iz1xT5m51dTILxpANGlnJHF_XTjAEMtozxEJ9RLkXRpFW1diAViDy9bvbDnf5lYuLLr8/s1600/IMG_5046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY2Zpro13JC9_YCrS95Zqt77X8hk7TryEwKjcxsg-xGmn0zo0lUle_iBAE0nlbGnFeYvKxnL5Iz1xT5m51dTILxpANGlnJHF_XTjAEMtozxEJ9RLkXRpFW1diAViDy9bvbDnf5lYuLLr8/s320/IMG_5046.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's not that I'm not smoking them, trust me, I've been enjoying more than my fair share of good cigars recently, I've been busy and although that is a great excuse to use in explaining why I haven't been posting my reviews - the bottom line is I've not made the time necessary to get posted my notes and thoughts on the cigars I've been smoking. The funny thing is when I click into my pending posts, I've got about half a dozen reviews started that need to be finished, but heck, rather than work on those I'll run with this one and get my thoughts up and placed out there for your review and consideration.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Rocky Patel Olde World Reserve Toro Corojo (6.5x52) (RPOWR) is the subject of today's conversation. For those who read when I post, you'll remember a prior review of a <a href="http://cigar-stories.blogspot.com/2012/07/rocky-patel-old-world-reserve-torpedo.html" target="_blank">Rocky Patel Olde World Reserve Torpedo Maduro</a> that really wasn't that glowing a recommendation to run out and buy that cigar. I stated in that review I wouldn't be spending my hard earned money to purchase that cigar again, so in fairness of full disclosure I did spend my money to buy this cigar, however it was a part of a sampler pack of cigars that I wanted to try, so by default this cigar made it into my humidor.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And I'm glad it did. This RPOWR was a solid smoke and I really enjoyed it. Certainly not my favorite cigar ever, but it smoked really well and was very enjoyable. I paired this cigar with a sweet red wine that I think went the distance to really enhance the flavor profile of the RPOWR. Upon lighting the cigar, initial draw was on the strong side of the spectrum, there really was a heavy pepper on the draw. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To the cigars defense, I was using a simple butane lighter, and against my normal lighting protocol (due to a breeze that refused to let the lighter stay lit), I drew on the cigar with flame on it to get it lit correctly, so by default the cigar was "hot" from the onset. As soon as some ash was formed, the cigar did cool down, and at that point the heavy pepper really settled down, and a very nice raisin essence with some tea leaves on the finish was evident in the smoke. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The wine I was drinking did suggest some sweetness to the smoke, however with the glass of wine out of the equation, I don't think there was any sweetness present, however the suggestion of raisin and tea made the cigar enjoyable.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As the evening continued and the cigar matured into the second and third phase, the strength of it got stronger. Having finished the first bottle of wine we had opened, a less sweet red Pinot Noir was opened, and it offered up a different tasting perspective of the RPOWR. Make no mistake, the RPOWR was gaining strength with me starting to feel a little light headed from the cigar.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The finish graduated from the tea leaves to a much stronger spicy pepper, I'd call it almost borderline cayenne in strength, and as a result I found myself drinking more wine. More wine, ever stronger cigar equals very light headed me, and with about 2 inches left I tossed the cigar into the fire pit and just sat and watched the fire burn for about 10 minutes. I really had a decent buzz going on, and I just needed to sit and let it pass.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I don't know about you, but my buzz runs a very specific course, slight nausea followed by extreme thirst followed by hunger - so I did what my body was telling me to do, drink a lot of water and then consume some food.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's the deal, would I smoke this cigar again - Yes. But, I say yes because as we speak I have one sitting in my humidor, again having been part of the sampler pack I bought. Last night I had a chance to enjoy a cigar while the kids ran around the backyard, but the RPOWR was not the cigar I selected. I think I'm going to save that for an evening that has a BIG dinner on the front end, this is a big cigar that deserves to be enjoyed after a big dinner.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On this one here, I'm not going to suggest running out and buying it, but neither am I going to discourage you from buying and smoking either. I'm on the fence with this one, if you like what I had to write and want to give it a go, go for it. If you pass it by for other selections, I'm good with as well. Perhaps the RPOWR is a paradox, good enough to be smoked and enjoyed, but not great enough to be at the top of your "to smoke" list.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm always interested to hear what you have to say, so check in below in the comments and let me know your thoughts on this or any other cigar you may have enjoyed.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Until we smoke again...</span></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3125541047823621416.post-63206472832408977452012-09-14T12:44:00.002-05:002012-09-14T12:44:59.771-05:00Drew Estate Acid Kuba Kuba (5x52)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIcLCMCcdQJsorxnj_Na774w6mS8uXgMJMhzr6gs7VjG38wh_SEpSmfS9EEcPA1BpTcmv58EGUsDgIC1Ric3t36e7s-mVFhTPM9EkTebttVFi_EOiBhfeLU5utCinMN89xdXTA2OGj2Js/s1600/IMG_4898.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIcLCMCcdQJsorxnj_Na774w6mS8uXgMJMhzr6gs7VjG38wh_SEpSmfS9EEcPA1BpTcmv58EGUsDgIC1Ric3t36e7s-mVFhTPM9EkTebttVFi_EOiBhfeLU5utCinMN89xdXTA2OGj2Js/s320/IMG_4898.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My sister and her husband recently (after our visit in July) took up cigar smoking on a regular basis, and several times now she has sent me text messages either commenting on a cigar she was currently smoking, or sending a picture of a cigar they were in the process of smoking. Several of their recently smoked cigars have been of the flavored variety, and I quite frankly got intrigued and decided to seek out a flavored cigar to try. It's been a while since I've had a flavored cigar, so what better a time than now to give one a try.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I did a little research online reading some reviews, and I finally settled on getting a "infused" cigar made by Drew Estate. My local cigar shop had the Drew Estate Acid Kuba Kuba in stock, so during a recent trip their I picked up one and added to the humidor.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The weather has been fantastic the past week, and on Monday the kids really wanted to go outside and ride their power wheels, so I grabbed a magazine that had come in the mail earlier that day and a cigar along with a drink and went outside to watch the kids have fun and enjoy a cigar in the process.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I used my punch to open the head and toasted the foot and got the foot toasted and took the first draw. The initial taste was one of overwhelming sweetness from the sugar tip. The smoke and flavor absent the sweet sugar tip was one of tea with a slight mint finish. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The flavor of the smoke was really tasty, it really reminded me of a herbal tea again with a slight mint finish. The finish was really fresh and light and unlike any cigar I've smoke before. Sadly however the smoke was overwhelmed by the sugar tip, and I really had a hard time overcoming how sweet the tobacco was, and I for one believe it detracted from the infused flavors that where there.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'd love to smoke this cigar without the sugar tip and see how it tastes, I really think it would be a good smoke.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I only smoked about half the stick before I let it go out, I couldn't get past the sweetness. And so it goes, the cigar was finished and the experience done. It will probably be a longtime before I actively seek out a flavored cigar, but in the meantime the memory of what could have been a great smoke will remain.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I seriously wonder what my sister's opinion would be of this cigar, perhaps if she'll smoke it and give me her opinion it will offer me insight as to her smoking profile preferences. Let's see if she'll take me up on the suggestion.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Until we smoke again...</span></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3125541047823621416.post-54769454928400202562012-09-14T11:32:00.004-05:002012-09-14T11:32:38.057-05:00Corona Cigar Company Dominican Selection (6x52)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_5KgCrECQbR-5W1HCiSQK8P1qjTLvC5EL_8R4aBfRWPd8BPADGcehORtfg3pkjZFJdkpVzlTnW-O__hxP3pRxngniTVPJ0KTrC9Fq-mXpfISgx91C8_BW2QebdnV929ttoEPe8QVjJEU/s1600/IMG_4865.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_5KgCrECQbR-5W1HCiSQK8P1qjTLvC5EL_8R4aBfRWPd8BPADGcehORtfg3pkjZFJdkpVzlTnW-O__hxP3pRxngniTVPJ0KTrC9Fq-mXpfISgx91C8_BW2QebdnV929ttoEPe8QVjJEU/s320/IMG_4865.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So last weekend was my birthday, and my wife had asked me a week or two prior what I wanted to do for said birthday. I knew exactly what I wanted to do, break bread with friend and then smoke cigars with friends. As the day drew near, I told my wife I wanted to go to <a href="http://www.oldchicago.com/" target="_blank">Old Chicago</a> for deep dish Chicago style pizza and then plan on cake and other treats back at our house.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I invited a few of my friends, their wives and kids and the plan was set into play. Saturday evening arrived and we met at the restaurant and enjoyed a good time of fun and food. It meant a lot to me that everyone I had invited took time out of their lives to come celebrate with me, and I knew the fun was just beginning because as dinner finished up we headed back to our home for round two of the celebration.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As a present to myself, I purchased a cigar sampler from <a href="http://www.coronacigar.com/" target="_blank">Corona Cigar Company</a> that included 2 each of 8 different cigars. Seeing as I recognized a few of the sticks in the sampler package as brands I have tried and enjoyed before, it seemed like a fair gamble for what amounted to a $3 per stick cost.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Unbeknownst to my wife, the day before I headed over to the Home Depot and bought retaining stones that I used to build a fire pit in our backyard. Again, realize the plan for my birthday was something I had actually been working on for a while, and the fire pit was a pivotal piece of the puzzle. Saturday morning I awoke and went on a 10 mile bike ride first thing in the morning the ended with me coming home soaking wet as it started to rain during the ride, a byproduct of the cold front that was suggesting temps in the mid-sixties for evening time - perfect weather for a fire in the new fire pit.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When we got home, I threw a match into the already stacked wood in the fire pit and immediately we had a hot blaze going. I elected to smoke a Corona Cigar Company branded cigar, in this case a Dominican Selection (6x52) Connecticut wrapper cigar that was part of the previously mentioned sampler pack.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As I've written in the past, I'm not a huge fan of the Connecticut wrapper as it normally is not a terrible strong cigar, and in this case it held true as well. The cigar lit easily and the immediate flavor was one of a smooth mellow creamy flavor. The smoke had some subtle hints of butter with a slight nutmeg on the finish.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The cigar was good, but honestly given the big bold dinner I had just enjoyed, a stronger cigar would have been a better choice for the evening. None the less, I had my family and friends around me enjoying our new fire pit while smoking a cigar and sipping on a glass of red wine.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All in all, it really was a good situation I had going. The cigar smoked really well not requiring any touchups to the cherry, and the flavor while good remained consistent throughout the stick not offering up too much other flavor other than that previously mentioned here.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This (like all Connecticut wrapper) really would serve well as an early morning cigar enjoyed with a cup of coffee. This is not a cigar I'd go to after enjoying a big dinner, be it pepperoni pizza or steak or just about anything else. Perhaps the redeeming situation for this cigar was the birthday cake my wife had made that actually went quite well with the cigar. The sweetness of the cake actually went quite nicely with the buttery creaminess of the smoke, and the nutmeg I noted earlier on the finish I do believe was further enhanced by the cake.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I enjoyed this cigar to about the base of the wrapper, and by that point it was showing signs of carbon buildup on the draw so I offered the cigar to the fire and let it drift into cigar memory.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As this cigar was finished, another one of my friends showed up carrying with him a couple CAO Gold cigars. I'll post that review here as well, but I'll tease it by stating that it was not as good as previous CAO Gold cigars I've had in the past, but I'll deal with that in that review.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the meantime, as I sat and smoked this cigar, I couldn't help but think to myself that this would be a good cigar to suggest to my sister to try. She is a newer cigar smoker and as such isn't into the big bold cigars I tend to go for. Of course it helps that she lives only a few minutes from the <a href="http://www.coronacigar.com/" target="_blank">Corona Cigar Company Lounge</a> and as such has access to their massive inventory to try. I think this is a cigar worth trying, even if it doesn't end up being your favorite.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Until we smoke again...</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3125541047823621416.post-8616662569576341462012-08-22T13:00:00.001-05:002012-08-22T14:47:24.687-05:00Diamond Crown Maximus Double Robusto No.6 (5x56)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv8HKgHZt3MwJlh-6vMjB-SUpyoHpyd63DwaxLb5kQhzHkDDLwMCN8erudP95sLxIVmr4PXkMorbBD-U17Kmxzcey6Wv3yznxfq9SAIKma6Pc2o94QJaOORlw8XT9fzSTtr28QgpPmuII/s1600/IMG_4770.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv8HKgHZt3MwJlh-6vMjB-SUpyoHpyd63DwaxLb5kQhzHkDDLwMCN8erudP95sLxIVmr4PXkMorbBD-U17Kmxzcey6Wv3yznxfq9SAIKma6Pc2o94QJaOORlw8XT9fzSTtr28QgpPmuII/s320/IMG_4770.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirCIHb1G5VCrQQ_36r-00AszFaRTV5ud5Rknoq_cH8-r6LVWrBnAQCBItMRj54daUVK9LhJdWsq8lch6IMP2XcKyXUNlmLBCDOYKKKpHaj_1okqa_IUlrmcHz41EpfqyClvFkCJWYaQnA/s1600/IMG_4771.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirCIHb1G5VCrQQ_36r-00AszFaRTV5ud5Rknoq_cH8-r6LVWrBnAQCBItMRj54daUVK9LhJdWsq8lch6IMP2XcKyXUNlmLBCDOYKKKpHaj_1okqa_IUlrmcHz41EpfqyClvFkCJWYaQnA/s320/IMG_4771.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'll admit it, I'm pining for an audience bigger than what I currently have. Don't get me wrong, those of you who humor me by stopping by and reading my ramblings are truly appreciated, but darn it, I want more. Don't we all? Isn't more what it's all about. More of this and more of that. When I left Florida and my sister's house last month I wanted more time to spend with her and my brother in law. The fact that they've become cigar smokes making several trips over to the Corona Cigar Company to procure more smokes excites me, but makes me sad at the same time as I'm not there to enjoy a good smoke with them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Of course, the good news is they'll be visiting on a whirlwind trip in December, so I'm confident we'll find time to enjoy at least one cigar together while they are here. However, while we are on the subject of more, today's cigar becomes an item that I want more of. The Diamond Crown Maximus Double Robusto No.6 (5x56) was picked up a few weeks ago while I was in California visiting some business clients I have. My brother in law and I went out in search of a decent cigar bar and stumbled upon a cigar store that had one heck of a humidor. <a href="http://www.maxamarcigars.com/" target="_blank">Maxamar Ultimate Cigars</a> is where I picked up the Diamond Crown Maximus Double Robusto No.6, and although a bunch of guys where sitting around in the front of the shop smoking cigars, no food or drink was available so we elected to seek out other places to sit, drink and for me to enjoy a cigar.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">California is one of those ridiculous states with so many restrictive laws, finding a suitable location was impossible so we ended up at a small bar near his house, had a few drinks and he went home and I went to play poker into the wee hours of the morning. For the record, I came home with more money than I went with, all thanks to my masterful skills at no limit Texas Hold'em.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now, back to the cigar. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The DCMDR (my fingers are tired already from typing out the full name) promptly went into the humidor upon my return home from California, and last week saw an opportunity present itself wherein I'd get to sit outside and enjoy a smoke while the kids played in the yard. For the record, last week also saw me start an extremely aggressive weight loss / life style change as I work to get back to lighter, healthier, more fit me. In a way, the cigar was my reward for a first successful week in that journey. I've gone cold turkey on the Coca-Cola intake, Coke has always been my nemesis, it's like heroin in my blood stream, no wimpy diet or Coke Zero for me, nope, I'm a full bore kind've guy who easily consumes 3-4 cans a day. Going cold turkey has been hard, but the results will be worth it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The DCMDR was punched and the foot lightly toasted. The initial tasting was of a spicy pepper, but with some hints of oak and leather on the finish. I think a portion of that initial spicy pepper can be attributed to the fact that the cigar was burning really hot initially as it took a few attempts to get a really even burn across the foot which meant a lot more exposure to flame than what I normally prefer. The spicy pepper was gone within a minute or three however, replaced with a well defined cinnamon spice on the finish.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The oak and leather lent itself to a very dry smoke, I was thirsty throughout the entire cigar, however this was not a bad or undesirable trait at all. As the ash started forming, a very distinct raisin started to develop, and honestly it was quite nice as it balanced perfectly with the cinnamon spice I was picking up on the tail end of each draw. The DCMDR was not sweet, it was the subtle nuances in the smoke giving off those impressions, and it was very enjoyable.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I started this post by stating I wanted more, and honestly I wanted more of this smoke. I found myself drawing on it every 20-30 seconds versus every 45-60 seconds as I normally draw, it's as if I couldn't get enough of it, and the truth be told I couldn't. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As the cigar passed the halfway mark, it picked up some strength to it. It was getting stronger and the supposed "sweet spot" you'll hear about introduced some real strength and boldness. The only way I could describe it to you is as such, go take a good long inhale of cinnamon into your nostrils and then exhale. That sensation was something the cigar was offering up, but again it wasn't overpowering or detracting in any way from the cigar.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This truly was a great cigar. I smoke it down to the nub, and even then it pained me to put it down as I wanted more. Had I had another of the same cigar in the humidor I would've gone to get it and started the process all over again.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was bold, it was spicy, and it was distinct. Definitely a cigar I'd smoke again. Which brings me to the price point. This cigar cost me $12 in California. I have not seen it on a retail shelf here in TN yet, so I don't have a comparison to show how much the tobacco taxes are out there. The guy at the cigar shop apologized for the pricing being so high, he blamed California taxes and he's probably right. At $12 this is a special occasion cigar, not one that can make it into my regular routine, however it in TN it is only a $6-7 cigar, it certainly will become a regular smoke for me. I'll have to do more research to find out for sure what the price is locally.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Either way though, I'm glad I had a chance to give this cigar a smoke, I've read numerous articles about Diamond Crown Maximus cigars, and now I can contribute an article myself and make my suggestion to you that if you get a chance and your wallet will allow it, give this cigar a try.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I don't think you'll be disappointed.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Until we smoke again...</span></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3125541047823621416.post-57669363332933551092012-08-08T14:46:00.004-05:002012-08-08T14:46:42.346-05:00Rocky Patel Nording (Toro Grande 5x58)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNnOc8KTC2BIFrDUzXCvYJApW9ucnaUFmekILwZqyTTgpSVBej6a1ExEnoDNG6AqWtJjFXgn8SVRnQGY86tLbPouPEGf34vujQ7a_c_OXCT8hUzJnj59fUOOaLI5MZQOskfaccwUXySfs/s1600/IMG_4532.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNnOc8KTC2BIFrDUzXCvYJApW9ucnaUFmekILwZqyTTgpSVBej6a1ExEnoDNG6AqWtJjFXgn8SVRnQGY86tLbPouPEGf34vujQ7a_c_OXCT8hUzJnj59fUOOaLI5MZQOskfaccwUXySfs/s320/IMG_4532.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8AoUQuJ5gG_gtYWDhC6TRB6NCK_F1-byWoAjtiB5GjPkKbf1RYr_tFHqJXTMjw-ewbgOSSyjB6nnx4YHZ85SEO8e7kKazKTiC6PCmtz7Qt4SdV2V1gNsEVvg3LiEipVKt9R1qzQtAgCk/s1600/IMG_4530.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8AoUQuJ5gG_gtYWDhC6TRB6NCK_F1-byWoAjtiB5GjPkKbf1RYr_tFHqJXTMjw-ewbgOSSyjB6nnx4YHZ85SEO8e7kKazKTiC6PCmtz7Qt4SdV2V1gNsEVvg3LiEipVKt9R1qzQtAgCk/s320/IMG_4530.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In my last entry I mentioned the Rocky Patel sitting in my humidor and this is that cigar. A Rocky Patel Nording Toro Grande 5x58 that I had the pleasure to enjoy the other evening while we sat in the backyard and the kids ran around. I posted 2 pictures, the first showing the ash that got to almost 2 inches prior to falling, the second pic was my first picture I took and my son insisted his hand be part of the picture, so there it is, my son Ethan's 6-year old hand helping his dad frame the perfect lit cigar shot for this blog I write on here.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This was a big flavor cigar that at times left me a little lightheaded, but it was a very enjoyable cigar. After getting it lit, the initial taste was very strong and bold, bitter black coffee was my first impression, but the initial bitter that I noted very quickly diminished and settled into a relatively smooth but strong taste. There are hints of pepper on the finish and some notes of leather worked their way into the taste profile as well.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It may just be me, but this cigar seemed to get stronger the deeper into the stick I got, and on several occasions the black coffee I noted seemed to take on a slightly burnt taste. It reminded me of coffee that has sat in a coffee maker for hours with the heating element on, but not enough liquid to heat thereby causing a burnt taste. It wasn't a bad thing per se, but certainly isn't a taste I look for when choosing my cigars.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The construction of the cigar was excellent, Rocky Patel I think puts together the world's best constructed cigars, the wrapper was flawless, the cap beautiful, and the length of ash I was able to achieve spoke to how well the leaves were bound to create this cigar.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I made the comment that the cigar left me a little lightheaded, something that doesn't happen too often, especially considering I was coming off a fairly stout dinner of meatball sandwiches that I had made for the family.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I started off drinking some iced tea and it was of no offense to the cigar, but my wife managed to crack open a bottle of red wine and pour herself a glass which she shared with me, and honestly the cigar really was complimented by the red wine, so I ended up smoking the cigar with the red for the better part of the evening.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I noticed that the deeper into the stick I got, the stronger and more defined the pepper on the finish became. The pepper really reminded me of a black table style pepper, and on one draw it actually made my nose tickle to the point that I thought I was going to sneeze. Thankfully I didn't, but the pepper was a flavor that hung around throughout this cigar.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I smoked this cigar for about an hour and the time came to take the kids inside and get them ready for bed. I could easily have smoked for another 15-20 minutes, but time was getting away from us. The cigar burnt evenly and needed only one minor touchup right after I ashed the first time, most likely caused by knocking off a portion of the cherry.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While this was a good cigar and one that I enjoyed, it's not a cigar I'll probably buy again. There are cigars I smoke that I look forward to smoking again and again, and this cigar is not one of the those cigars. That doesn't mean it's bad or that I didn't enjoy it, it just wasn't one that knocked it out of the park for me, and as such is not a cigar I actively seek out again to smoke.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Does that mean you shouldn't give it a try? Of course not, cigars like wine are about finding what you enjoy and then seeking options that fit the bill as far as your tastes are concerned. If what I described above makes you want to try it, TRY IT, I don't think you'll be disappointed. It is a good smoke and an incredible value for the money, this stick only cost me around $7, and at that price point it is a value especially considering the care that went into making it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As for me, I'm off to California for a few days, going to try to check out some cigar bars out there and hopefully bring back some new stories to share with you. Until I return though I encourage you to go out and find a cigar and share your experience. Use the comment area below if you want, and of course if you find something you think I should be trying, by all means share it with me as well and I will try to find your recommendation and give it a smoke.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Until we smoke again...</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3125541047823621416.post-78579842192113096892012-08-06T16:30:00.001-05:002012-08-06T16:30:45.730-05:00CAO OSA SOL LOT 50 (5x50)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI4wj9s3ygz5awT6-IG6dcmZgXVS8eZ7JVKdIjPGz_B46LUOL94fjbJNj997ykG7QDS_XibTfE9bKuEUdqr0Vv3FxmZ4pt3q13XfdZVoTKmp4OkfwkNEVwi96wi-Ge3hTktj9r9OhdiFg/s1600/IMG_4453.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI4wj9s3ygz5awT6-IG6dcmZgXVS8eZ7JVKdIjPGz_B46LUOL94fjbJNj997ykG7QDS_XibTfE9bKuEUdqr0Vv3FxmZ4pt3q13XfdZVoTKmp4OkfwkNEVwi96wi-Ge3hTktj9r9OhdiFg/s320/IMG_4453.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I tend to have a love hate relationship with CAO cigars. There are some that I absolutely love and then there are others I wouldn't recommend to my worst enemy. Offered for your consideration today is the CAO OSA SOL 6x54 Toro that not only would I suggest you try, if we were out together I'd offer to buy one for you to smoke with me. It really is that good.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The opportunity to enjoy some mexican food with my wife and kids along with some good friends of ours was too good an offer to pass up, and knowing there was a great cigar bar right next door with a great outdoor seating area only sweetened the deal knowing the kids could run around and burn some energy while the ladies talked and the men smoked.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The <a href="http://cigarbar-nolensville.com/" target="_blank">Nolensville Cigar Bar</a> was the destination, and just like the old television show Cheers, I was greeted by name upon entering the shop, a fact that my friend refused to let me live down with constant jeers of "oh, I see you've been here before" and other sarcastic comments. Sarcasm aside, we ordered some drinks and headed back onto the patio to enjoy a smoke.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My buddy ordered a Jack and Coke and I ordered a seven and seven, both drinks I think pair well with this cigar, my preferred Woodchuck was not available hence the mixed libation. The foot was toasted and the cigar drawn upon, and the initial taste was very smooth, slightly creamy but with a nicely defined sweetness to it. The wrapper itself aside from being very nicely constructed tasted delicious.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The smoke offered up a nicely defined sweetness reminiscent of hard candy, but finished with a nice earthy cedar that complimented the draw perfectly. I stated to my friend after only 2-3 draws on how good a cigar this was, and while not bold as I normally tend to go, especially after a big mexican dinner, it was very flavorful.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I actually had several bites of the desert my wife had ordered, fried ice cream which did nothing to detract from the cigar, and maybe even complimented it a bit. The cigar burned really nice although didn't hold a terrible long ash, I got about an inch and half out of it before it fell. One thing I noticed about this cigar was how good the smoke smelled, it really reminded me of a pipe tobacco, and held a defined sweetness that was absolutely delicious.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If it seems like I'm starting to gush a bit about this cigar, perhaps it is because I am. This was a fantastic smoke, I really enjoyed it as did my friend who enjoyed the same cigar. He's not strong and bold cigar smoker, and he told me he really enjoyed the CAO and found it to be really balanced. There was no harsh notes to the cigar that I tasted, and the burn was even not needing any touch ups throughout the smoke.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I enjoyed the cigar for close to 45 minutes before finally allowing it to retire in the ashtray, and if it weren't for a lack of time combined with pure exhaustion I seriously would have smoked another one back to back. I'm going to look into buying a whole box of this cigar - yes, it's that good.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, in case you missed it, I would highly recommend this cigar, in fact I suggested it to my sister to try along with her husband. This may become my new go to cigar replacing the NUB's and CAIN's I typically choose when I want something I know is good.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The smoke was not one dimensional, and the flavor profile built upon the sweetness on the front with the cedar on the finish. It matured and got better, like a fine wine aerating itself. It didn't change, there weren't multiple dimensions to cigar, just one smooth consistent flavor that simply got better the deeper into the stick you got.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With that being said, I'm already hankering for a cigar, I haven't had one since enjoying this CAO, maybe tonight I'll take the kids out back and let them run around while I crack open a Rocky Patel I've got sitting in the humidor. Maybe you should consider doing the same as well, isn't that what Monday nights are for?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Until we smoke again...</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3125541047823621416.post-54517287673901026302012-07-27T09:24:00.000-05:002012-07-27T09:24:06.089-05:00Cohiba Black Corona (5.5x42)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVr2Qon4hAzXa1dxPAEaEXE-8TylOCsCA7P9nCO9iXyYkIVJ_IE8nKmTCKWxwUH409AmWYvqnB9r0VRMpyFDw4z-sFOxlhnEkRvfHJLfWssQmJ1PdYIinfLRCopZUSbP_Id6hSX1iRBV8/s1600/IMG_3136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVr2Qon4hAzXa1dxPAEaEXE-8TylOCsCA7P9nCO9iXyYkIVJ_IE8nKmTCKWxwUH409AmWYvqnB9r0VRMpyFDw4z-sFOxlhnEkRvfHJLfWssQmJ1PdYIinfLRCopZUSbP_Id6hSX1iRBV8/s320/IMG_3136.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of the fun things about journaling the cigars I smoke is the ability to look back at my notes and accompanying pictures and remembering a specific experience. This is a great example of what I am talking about, the Cohiba Black Corona (5.5x42) that I'm featuring here today was actually enjoyed by me back in March, but due to my life going on it's taking me this long to get around to posting my review of this fantastic little cigar.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I got this cigar from a buddy of mine who owns <a href="http://www.motorcitycigars.com/" target="_blank">Motor City Cigars</a> in Detroit having come highly recommended by him. The first thing you'll notice if you have a chance to smoke this cigar is the fact that it is BLACK. The picture above really doesn't do the cigar justice in showing not only how dark the wrapper is, but just how well constructed it is. I'd actually had this cigar in my humidor for a little over a year prior to actually smoking it, primarily because it is a little smaller than what I normally smoke. I tend to avoid cigars that are less than a 50 ring gauge and at 42, this is definitely small for what I prefer. The other reason I held off on smoking this cigar was based on my buddy bragging on how good a cigar it is, I figured a little age on it couldn't hurt, and most likely would help enhance the flavor.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The evening I finally lit this cigar up saw temperatures in the mid 70's, not bad for a March evening in Middle Tennessee, of course we had a vey warm winter so nights like this weren't the rarity it may seem. I punched the head and toasted the foot drawing on it after it was fully lit. The Maduro wrapper immediately offered up a warm bread flavor with a very pronounced hazelnut on the finish. Very bold, but smooth.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was reminded of the <a href="http://cigar-stories.blogspot.com/2010/06/cain-maduro-torpedo-654.html" target="_blank">Cain Maduro</a> that I've smoked in the past, but not with the strength of boldness that the Cain has, but this was truly a fantastic cigar. The ash I show in the picture above is actually about 1/2" short of the final length before it finally fell, a indication of how well the cigar was put together.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The sad thing about the cigar was how fast it was gone, but that partially is attributed to the fact that I smoked it like a big cigar, and since it is such a small cigar it just got consumed faster. I blew through this cigar in about 25 minutes, and I am not a fast cigar smoker at all.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The flavor started to add some additional elements as it got into the halfway point hinting at some raisin overtones with a slight pepper that started to be noted on the finish, a taste that would get slightly stronger as the cigar was enjoyed.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This was a great cigar, and I literally smoked it to the end with about 1" left before I finally let it expire. This cigar was so good, it's actually on my short list of cigars I will smoke again, however I am going to try out some of the larger sizes offered, I'm eyeballing the 6x54 Supremo that is currently being made.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is a strong cigar, but not overpowering. I think taken in moderation it is a cigar even a novice can enjoy without too much worry, and I think this cigar can serve as a great gateway cigar introducing a newer smoker to a fuller flavor experience without knocking them off their feet.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sadly, as I stated earlier this cigar was gone almost as quick as it started, but left in its place is a memory of a great cigar enjoyed while spending time with my wife and kids. As I often do, I take the band off as the cigar reaches the halfway point, and my daughter used the band as a "ring" on her little fingers. I'd encourage you to give this cigar a smoke, I don't think you'll be disappointed.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Until we smoke again...</span></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3125541047823621416.post-47875409337362798332012-07-23T10:51:00.004-05:002012-07-23T10:51:58.442-05:00Pura Sangre Nicaragua Churchill (7x52)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGV7mg_2CHw6nuTPoZfsiggL6mS84TNbOspeRyYN1oEUeHUkxjbntiQplMxsdUimZIZG-soTQhoNPSDsENZ80kZwOQSvzlP-qDX2jiHh9M-3yfMnIcJ5SQWl3-5IFwliQ-wfRFbYurlWs/s1600/IMG_4441.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGV7mg_2CHw6nuTPoZfsiggL6mS84TNbOspeRyYN1oEUeHUkxjbntiQplMxsdUimZIZG-soTQhoNPSDsENZ80kZwOQSvzlP-qDX2jiHh9M-3yfMnIcJ5SQWl3-5IFwliQ-wfRFbYurlWs/s320/IMG_4441.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is the second of two free cigars that <a href="https://www.facebook.com/VenturaCigar" target="_blank">Ventura Cigar Company</a> sent out as part of their promotion to help build their brand and get the word out about their cigars. The first was the <a href="http://cigar-stories.blogspot.com/2012/07/estillo-cubano-toraso-575x54.html" target="_blank">Estillo Cubano</a> that I reviewed here earlier this month and now the Pura Sangre Nicaragua cigar present here today.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This past saturday night offered up the perfect opportunity to sit in the back yard, open up a bottle of wine and enjoy a cigar while the kids ran around. I've really been on a Billy Joel kick lately ever since watching a concert he did a few years back in New York City, so I put on his "Storm Front" album on my iPad and my wife and I sat and drank wine while the kids played in the yard. The weather was as close to perfect as you can get in a hot Tennessee July, and a breeze was the perfect compliment to the mid-80's temperature.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The cigar I intended to smoke was the Pura Sangre Nicaragua Churchill (7x52) that had been sitting in my humidor now for a few weeks. I took a moment to inspect the cigar prior to lighting it and two things immediately came to my attention, number one was the fact the the cigar had several soft sponges and felt almost like a sponge in between my fingers indicating a loose fill and number two was the overall wrapper construction In comparison to the Estillo Cubano I smoked a few weeks ago that is produced by the same company, this Pura Sangre really seemed hastily put together, and in contrast to the small pigtail cap on the Estillo, the overall appearance just screamed "cheap."</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I utilized a punch on the head and toasted the foot, and the cigar took flame easily and quickly and after a few moments I took the first draw. Initial tasting offered up a burnt walnut taste with some harshness on the finish. The taste was not offensive per se, but neither was it great. The harshness on the finish mellowed out a bit as the cigar ash grew, but surprisingly after only about one half inch, the ash fell immediately making the cigar burn hot again. The loose ash stood as witness to the overall loose construction.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was able to only get about one inch of of ash after the initial ash had fallen, but sadly the cigar started to burn unevenly causing me to make several touch-ups during the smoking experience. As the cigar continued to burn the flavor profile continued to mellow and the initial burnt walnut I tasted on the first roughly 1/4 of the stick gave way to a very slight sweetness that reminded me of cinnamon. The red wine we were drinking may have acted as a catalyst for this taste I was noting, but either way it was a nice segue from the first 1/4 of the cigar, and although their still continued to be a little harshness on the finish, that harshness was assisted in large part by the cinnamon and as such made for a decent portion.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The surprising item on this cigar is how dramatic a change the cigar took at about the midway point on the stick. Aside from the need to touch-up the cigar on multiple occasions, the cigar took on a very sour acidic note on the final half, and although I tried several things including knocking off the cherry and relighting the cigar as well as making a larger opening on the head to draw through, the final portion of the cigar really failed to impress. I told my wife that I wasn't going to be smoking much more of the cigar, and although I gave it 4 or 5 additional draws in a hope that it'd clear itself out, sadly it didn't meaning a little less than half of the cigar expired in the ashtray unsmoked instead of being enjoyed.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If it weren't for the fact that I have another one of these cigars sitting in the humidor I'd probably wrap up this review by stating that this is a cigar I won't be smoking again. However, seeing as I do have another stick in the humidor I am going to give this cigar a second smoke to compare and contrast. I won't be posting another review here unless there is a drastic difference, it's always possible that I simply had a bad cigar with some bad filler, but the truth be told I just don't think this is a great cigar - a fact that is noted in that it isn't put together all that well, it has a loose fill construction, the wrapper wasn't that inviting, and the fact it won't hold a decent ash all work against giving this cigar a positive review.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Inversely, this is a "value" cigar, and as such there are some compromises as a result, but if value is what you are after I'd but the Estillo Cubano also made by Ventura Cigar Company over the Pura Sangre any day of the week as it really is a much better cigar. In the meantime, I'm off to find some new and exciting cigars to try out and tell you about here, but until that occurs I encourage you to get out there, find a cigar or two and give them a smoke. You'll never know what you like until you've tried some and start to develop your own personal preferences.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Until we smoke again...</span></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3125541047823621416.post-17333235829440565652012-07-20T08:56:00.001-05:002012-07-20T08:56:17.559-05:00Drew Estate La Vieja Habana Bombero Corojo (6x54)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_tPG7mGUjjmkdGoKY1pfzG5Ct_u0ltIWh1yn74YaxCyTj9KVxUl_7tlGDxzmmIakiW9OqRU26sKlJz8HoV6-JcMoR4iUZfp_K62s2U5aloQ5ZU18qpaAqann30qOjghFuKwNrYJvHOeo/s1600/IMG_3257.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_tPG7mGUjjmkdGoKY1pfzG5Ct_u0ltIWh1yn74YaxCyTj9KVxUl_7tlGDxzmmIakiW9OqRU26sKlJz8HoV6-JcMoR4iUZfp_K62s2U5aloQ5ZU18qpaAqann30qOjghFuKwNrYJvHOeo/s320/IMG_3257.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There have only been 2 cigars that I have actually bought in box quantity, the CAO Gold Perfecto being the first a number of years ago, and the Drew Estate La Vieja Habana that I bought last year from an online retailer. The first time I smoked this cigar was at the cigar bar near our home Stogie's and I chose the Drew Estate in response to another Corojo wrapper cigar I had smoked the time before that I had quite enjoyed (I can't for the life of me remember the name of that cigar but I can tell you it was good). </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The price point on the Drew Estate is what made me select it to smoke as it was over 1/2 the price of the previous Corojo wrapper cigar I had smoke. I enjoyed the Drew Estate so much I bought a box of them online bringing the per stick price down to about $3.00 which I think is a fair price point offering great value. Additionally, given the price point it was a great cigar to break out and share when friends where over who may not be the biggest of cigar "snobs" if you will.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anyways, back the cigar. I used a punch every time I enjoyed this cigar, and roasting the foot was a pretty easy ordeal as these cigars took flame easily and offered a good draw each time I smoked it. The initial draw offers some spice that makes this a stronger cigar, but one that is not overpowering at all.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The smoke was full, however I noticed it was important to keep the cigar cool as the smoke could get a little hot which in turn increased the spice and made introduced a hot pepper element to the smoke. Again, I noticed this nuance only when the cigar was burning hot, like right after I ashed (more specifically the ash fell). Speaking of ash, it was looser than most of the cigars I smoke, and getting an inch of ash on it was good I learned as it did tend to fall pretty early, but while on the stick it was of a darker charcoal color with grey graining interwoven.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The biggest drawback to this cigar was in the final third of the stick. It tended to become "clogged" up making you have to draw harder on it to get some smoke. I learned after a few stick to allow it to extinguish itself after it became harder to draw on as the possibility of getting an unpleasant stale smoke taste in your mouth occurs, and that can ruin the cigar for you. I chalked up this to the price of the cigar, and seeing as the first 2/3's of the cigar gave you a solid 30-45 minutes of smoking time, losing the last 1/3 of the cigar to an ashtray seems like a fair compromise given the price point.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The flavor of this cigar leans more to the one dimensional side of cigars, but it is a good one dimension so don't let that be a negative. Again, considering the price I think this is a great cigar. Of course the true test of any cigar is whether or not you'd smoke it again, and for me I can attest to the fact that I would certainly not only smoke this cigar again, I'd buy a whole box and put it into the humidor. This Drew Estate is certainly a great cigar to have on hand to not only enjoy, but to share as well.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I won't bore you by writing 15 reviews of this cigar, but that is probably about how many of these I've smoke during the last year. The cigar is bold and on the stronger side, but since it doesn't overpower you I'd have no issue recommending this cigar to a newbie, I think it does offer a great smoking experience.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'd encourage you to try one if you get a chance, I'm confident you'll enjoy the experience.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Until we smoke again...</span></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3125541047823621416.post-72588292279496204342012-07-19T09:33:00.003-05:002012-07-19T09:33:48.311-05:00CAO Brazilia Box Press (5.5x50)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyn7PNI6DtXeq4IiY_H6aluLcy4p05bo8qGu9dabHNQ92uhwD24YMP5Uy7TbV2ANpKKo4dvwFxloFRnAQPzweS22cmq4WhlsIXRFmegcj3FgW-Km2p3sjh-KJT54TjolHZWnGchDKCHZc/s1600/IMG_3218.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyn7PNI6DtXeq4IiY_H6aluLcy4p05bo8qGu9dabHNQ92uhwD24YMP5Uy7TbV2ANpKKo4dvwFxloFRnAQPzweS22cmq4WhlsIXRFmegcj3FgW-Km2p3sjh-KJT54TjolHZWnGchDKCHZc/s320/IMG_3218.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pop quiz hot shot. What's better than a great cigar enjoyed with friends or family? Answer: A great cigar enjoyed with friends or family that was given to you as a gift by other friends. That my friends is what we have here today, presented for your consideration. A CAO Brazilia Box Press that a neighbor of mine dropped by my house, in fact actually had his daughter run by one day. I don't know why, it certainly wasn't because I was a great neighbor to have, but I am most thankful for the unexpected and this generous gift (there were actually 3 cigars given that day) was certainly appreciated and enjoyed.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I used a punch on this cigar to open the head, and slowly lit the foot toasting it almost to perfection upon which I took the first draw. The initial flavors were of an earthy consistency with a strong dark coffee undertone. I'm not talking weak coffee, I'm talking STRONG coffee, dark coffee, BLACK coffee undertone. No cream, no sugar, pure straight coffee. And that ain't a bad thing I assure you.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The earthy taste on the front end is such that it reminds you that the tobacco leaf comes from the ground, and it served well to enhance the smoke never overpowering the smoke. The smoke itself was easy to draw into your mouth and offered up a great mouth feel. The burn itself was even and cool allow the cigar to burn for a better part of an hour without any need to touch up the burn to keep it even. In fact notice in the picture above that this is well into half the cigar and the burn is even with a great ash structure maintaining the well rolled cigar and construction.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As the cigar continued to burn, the coffee flavor was further enhanced as the initial earthy flavors gave way to a mild spicy development. Not strong by any stretch of the imagination, but present perfectly complimenting the smoking experience. My wife and I were sharing a drink made up of 2 parts orange juice and 1 part Lemoncello over ice which tastes almost identical to an Orange Julius like what they used to sell at local malls, and you wouldn't think it but it actually paired quite well with this cigar. I actually went as far as to try the same drink with a couple other cigars without the success I saw with this CAO, and I can't help but think that the strong coffee I discussed earlier actually is the glue that binds this particular drink to the cigar. Orange juice and coffee together is always a decent match, and it didn't fail to impress here.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All in all I think the CAO Brazilia is a great cigar and one that I'd encourage you to try. It is a medium strength cigar, but certainly falls to the weaker end of that ranking. The most important thing about cigars is finding the style you like and then exploring the various offerings, if a medium bodied cigar reminiscent of coffee is something that sounds good to you, I'd strongly recommend you give this cigar a try.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the meantime this cigar slowly came to a end, and with the setting of the sun and the need to get the kids into bed meant that another great family time together had been complimented by a great cigar, delegated accordingly to the memory banks of my mind.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Until we smoke again...</span></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3125541047823621416.post-21496544533844815652012-07-18T11:08:00.000-05:002012-07-18T11:08:15.642-05:00Xen by Nish Patel (6x52)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqkX18zw4n9tVJH-ZVIPVQ6I2b2UxcXzxdc3Q83e8Xx6gTjzKsNZn-SujWVEYB-EVDsBb1ItN1TiBnfyVmshntCmtfprsubGMvZ9b9ZgGd4wpmhrk0kQwBYnZEn3jCudYd-sCkZU3HR9c/s1600/IMG_3870.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqkX18zw4n9tVJH-ZVIPVQ6I2b2UxcXzxdc3Q83e8Xx6gTjzKsNZn-SujWVEYB-EVDsBb1ItN1TiBnfyVmshntCmtfprsubGMvZ9b9ZgGd4wpmhrk0kQwBYnZEn3jCudYd-sCkZU3HR9c/s320/IMG_3870.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This will be the final vacation cigar post I have as this is the last of the cigars I smoked while on vacation, and while this post actually serves as the last to this mini-series of Florida vacation smokes, the Xen by Nish Patel is actually the first cigar I smoked while on vacation earlier this month.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Xen by Nish Patel was bought during my trip to the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/coronacigar" target="_blank">Corona Cigar Company</a> in Orlando a few weeks ago. I'll confess to say that I normally don't buy Connecticut leaf wrapper cigar as they tend to be very mild and not what I'm looking for in a cigar. Perhaps that is why it is the first cigar I ended smoking while on vacation. Either way, I was pleasantly surprised with how good a cigar the Xen ended being, and stands as a cigar that I would recommend to first time or newer cigar smokers.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A couple of quick notes prior to lighting the cigar. If you've never stopped to look at the construction of a cigar, I strongly encourage you to take a moment next time you get ready to smoke and look at the artistry that goes into rolling a great handmade cigar. The Xen in this case was done beautifully showing no flaws, the rollers who work at the Rocky Patel factories really do a great job putting out great looking cigars.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I cut the head (I would prefer a punch, but I forgot mine at home) and set to roasting the foot. The cigar took flame easily and within 30-40 seconds I was able to draw introducing a creamy smoke flavor from first draw. The foot was lit perfectly and evenly, and remained so throughout the entire cigar, and the creamy smoke offered up subtle tastes of coffee. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This was a very smooth cigar - it's a cigar I'd easily enjoy with a cup of coffee first thing in the morning on a golf course or while reading the morning's news. The smooth creaminess remained consistent and while not offering up much more in terms of flavor, the consistency of the smooth coffee flavor being offered stands as a testament to the blending done on this cigar.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The genius behind this cigar perhaps aside from the consistency and even burn is the fact that upon finishing this cigar, you'll want another cigar of stronger strength. Even if you didn't want a second cigar, the Xen doesn't disappoint.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Xen was a great kickoff to a great family vacation, and is certainly a cigar I will buy again, most likely for a morning golf outing with my son and friends. If you are new to cigars or not looking for a lot of strength, I think the Xen is an excellent choice which I now am proud to recommend.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Until we smoke again...</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3125541047823621416.post-68249907615926666112012-07-17T08:36:00.000-05:002012-07-17T08:36:01.369-05:00Rocky Patel Old World Reserve Torpedo Maduro (5x54)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3AYosjFBmWwmbf18rnTExQGTtYD_jSIBOzdsqMO2zsFKjSi5yjLrLsRh1GkM_PqzkEX93MX4ID0Rjm5Smu3rzSsgOMXwYjJ9UAX53h5aBTbI2Z243AW6-2d1XTRy1LB3tcCfbh1jUeWk/s1600/IMG_4284.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3AYosjFBmWwmbf18rnTExQGTtYD_jSIBOzdsqMO2zsFKjSi5yjLrLsRh1GkM_PqzkEX93MX4ID0Rjm5Smu3rzSsgOMXwYjJ9UAX53h5aBTbI2Z243AW6-2d1XTRy1LB3tcCfbh1jUeWk/s320/IMG_4284.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm a little out of chronological order here, but oh well, it's my blog and I can put things in any order I want to. This is part of my continuing Florida vacation, and during this trip I had a chance to smoke a Rocky Patel Old World Reserve(RPOWR). I went with the Torpedo Maduro in a great 5x54 size that I hadn't yet smoked.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had read quite a few reviews on this cigar, and honestly I was really looking forward to smoking it. Dinner had been earlier in the evening with my sister and her husband and my Uncle and his wife along with my wife and kids. In celebration of my son's and wife's birthdays that are 3 days apart we went to Benihana Orlando for a great dinner. We had quiet a dinner (the final bill reflected that fact!) and afterwards he headed back to my sister's house for drinks and conversation.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I cut the head on the RPOWR and toasted the foot. After a sufficient time I took a first draw and was met with a full flavored taste suggestive of espresso. After a few draws I took my lighter and attempted to get the foot evenly lit, a battle I would encounter throughout the course of this cigar.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I always look forward to maduro wrappers, they can offer up really great flavors often times suggesting a bread or yeast undertone, but sadly this cigar failed to deliver those expected tastes. The espresso flavor was good, however it was anchored by a very earthy taste that wasn't unpleasant, but certainly wasn't great either.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">An additional strike against this cigar was the fact it refused to stay lit. It was quite tight in its construction forcing you to draw hard against it to get a full mouth of smoke, but left unattended for more than a minute equated into the cigar extinguishing itself. This constant battled not only detracted from the overall cigar smoking experience, it I believed introduced a harsh charcoal and carbon taste, a byproduct I believe of the constant lighting and going out of the burn.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At one point I commented how disappointed I was with this cigar, especially given how good Rocky Patel cigars are as a whole. My sister gave me a blackberry beer that they had in the fridge, and while tasty I'm still not much of a beer guy so when a bottle of a sweet red wine she had was opened, I switched to that and enjoyed that for the rest of the evening.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Overall I was disappointed by the RPOWR and its smoking performance. Whether or not it was a fluke or simply a bad cigar I honestly don't know and probably won't ever know as unless I am given for free another one of these cigars to smoke, my own money will not be used to buy it again. There are too many great cigars out there to put good money after a bad smoke.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After about 2/3 of the way down the cigar, it put itself out (surprise!) and I put it in the ashtray for retirement. My uncle who was smoking cigarettes offered up one of his smokes, and seeing as he has his cigarettes rolled at a a small store by his house using pipe tobacco, I was curious to try it. The tobacco was great however the taste of the paper and filter detracted from the smoke, but hey beggars can't be choosers.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Overall a great evening was had even though the cigar didn't carry its weight. I didn't let that ruin the vacation, however like I said I won't be smoking the RPOWR anytime again soon.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Until we smoke again...</span></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3125541047823621416.post-61431424720782427252012-07-16T15:08:00.000-05:002012-07-16T15:08:16.437-05:00Rocky Patel Sun Grown Robusto (5.5x50)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj-WWcZn0q0q2zTTm7kQ98YFmK2-ibGOHmlCne-6Itc9bQthyhozaeYNIUNDSC4BYFJ0HZfDbPan3ZJY9OXHdjsePNDdAWM7Bu8G0wBCxZYEPMqLZcvYYdvGqV3R0TjM8IEduTuAmK_kw/s1600/IMG_4313.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj-WWcZn0q0q2zTTm7kQ98YFmK2-ibGOHmlCne-6Itc9bQthyhozaeYNIUNDSC4BYFJ0HZfDbPan3ZJY9OXHdjsePNDdAWM7Bu8G0wBCxZYEPMqLZcvYYdvGqV3R0TjM8IEduTuAmK_kw/s320/IMG_4313.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Let me go on record as saying "I love visiting my in Florida," and spending a few days with her and her husband. We had planned a trip to Orlando to visit my sister and also to take the kids to Disney World. We are very lucky that my Uncle retired from Disney and he is gracious enough to get us into the parks for free - a HUGE gift that saves us a ton of money. Heck, adult admission to just 1 park is $95 per day, and add to that $35 for the park hopper option that allows you to go to multiple parks and you can see how the cost of a visit to Disney quickly gets away from you. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For us, we stay at my sisters and get in for free, so Disney is almost an affordable vacation.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anyways, you're not here to hear about Disney World, you're here to talk cigars, and I have a great one for you today. The Rocky Patel Sun Grown cigar is no stranger to my humidor, and instead of bringing a selection of cigars with me to Florida to smoke, I told my sister I wanted to visit the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/coronacigar" target="_blank">Corona Cigar Company</a> to check out the VAST selection. I'm not going to lie to you, I was overwhelmed with just how much selection there was. I saw names I'd only read about including a huge selection of Davidoff cigars, but the determining factor for me in picking up some cigars happened to be that Nish Patel, Rocky Patel's brother was hosting an event the evening we visited the store, and anytime a buy 3 get 1 free promotion is in play, it makes sense to take advantage of it. And the "free" cigar was nothing to sneeze at, you could choose from several decent Rocky Patel selections including the Sun Grown Robusto featured here.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I will be posting reviews on a couple of the other cigars I bought in forthcoming posts including the XEN by Nish Patel, but today I want to focus on the Sun Grown pictured above. In my <a href="http://cigar-stories.blogspot.com/2010/08/rocky-patel-sungrown-torpedo.html" target="_blank">review of August 2, 2010</a> on this blog I wrote very lovingly of the Sun Grown Torpedo, and I encourage you to go back and read that review. It has been quite a while since I have enjoyed a Sun Grown from Rocky Patel, and what better a day to cut the head off and enjoy than the 4th of July.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, while the kids played, and the guests of my sister enjoyed multiple adult libations, I did exactly that, cut the head, roasted the foot and looked forward to what I knew was going to be a great smoke. From the first draw on this stick to completion, I have to say this cigar was phenomenal - the best cigar I smoked on this vacation.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The first draw offers up a full smooth smoke, creamy with a slight hint of sweetness that fades as quick as it arrives. There is a slight spice on the finish, but nothing overpowering. However, let me be clear, this is a strong cigar, not for a novice. I enjoyed this stick over the better part of an hour, and it kicked my butt for a few minutes forcing me to sit as my head caught up with itself.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The flavor is great in that it continues to add additional layers to the overall experience. It doesn't change as the cigar progresses as much as it continues to add new dimensions to the existing flavor. There are really well defined notes of chocolate and cherry and the spice on the finish is almost the equivalent of a dash of cayenne pepper added to a chocolate desert. The logical side says it doesn't belong there but the taste buds run the campaign to get the pepper into the dish. In the same way, this cigar is a complex set of flavor and nuances that in the normal sense would seem to contradictory but in reality serve to create a truly memorable smoking experience.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At one point early into the cigar my sister took a draw off of it and moved on with her hosting duties. That is not how this cigar is meant to be enjoyed. You need to be able to sit and really focus on the enjoyment this cigar offers. I dare say it is one of the more complex cigars I have smoked, and it was great.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I stated a few paragraphs before that this cigar started to kick my butt. I had been sipping on a beer, and when I started to feel a little light headed I went for a cold coke as the sugar and caffeine always do me right, and while coke is certainly not my drink of choice for enjoying a cigar with, I just didn't want to let this cigar go. I literally smoked it down to the nub with it getting to hot to hold finally serving as the catalyst to extinguish it to smoking history.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Can a novice enjoy this cigar? Yes, however plan for some time to really enjoy the experience and recovery. I remember telling my sister I was buzzed - it certainly wasn't because of the beer, I barely drank 1/2 of that, no, the cigar was the reason for the buzz.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Want to know a secret?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I liked it, I liked it a lot!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How could I lose? I was enjoying the 4th of July with not only my wife and kids, but my sister and her husband along with some of their friends. And isn't that what makes cigars so great, the ability to connect with others and enjoy a good time together. Needless to say we are already planning our next Florida vacation, in the meantime my sister and her husband who are really cigar novices texted some pictures the other day of some subsequent cigars they've enjoyed since our leaving to come home. It's too bad we don't live closer to each other.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Until we smoke again...</span></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3125541047823621416.post-4944699551797471772012-07-12T07:43:00.001-05:002012-07-12T07:43:30.700-05:00Estillo Cubano (Toraso 5.75x54)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I know it's been a while since I've posted a review. It's a shame on my part as I have enjoyed quite a few good cigars in the past few months, but lives events have consumed quite a lot of time including a move that included our whole household as well as relocating my business, all while making sure business kept clicking during the transition. Thankfully we are settled into the new place and life is taking on a new sense of "normal" if there exist such a thing. Many a day I have just sat and enjoyed a smoke during the transition, if anyone tells you that moving is easy, I can assure you that they are lying to both you, but also themselves.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today we are going to take a look at the Estillo Cubana Toraso 5.75"x54 cigar made by the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/VenturaCigar" target="_blank">Ventura Cigar Company</a>. Up until getting not one, but two free cigars in the mail had not heard of this company, but because of a ad campaign ran in Cigar Aficionado magazine offering FREE cigars if you choose to like their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/VenturaCigar" target="_blank">Facebook Page</a>, I became aware of and now an enjoyer of this brand of cigar.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Middle Tennessee where we reside has been HOT that past few weeks. Thankfully the heat broke and last night the temperature was an almost perfect 80 degrees with a breeze and very low humidity. Seemed like a perfect night for a smoke. When my wife suggested letting the kids run around in the backyard, something that in the heat has been almost impossible while she had a glass of wine, I knew a cigar was in my future. We had been in Orlando all of last week, and during that time I had smoked a few Rocky Patel and Nish Patel cigars, and although I still had a Rocky Patel sitting in the humidor, I thought it'd be a good chance to try something new and the Estillo Cubano called out to me from the humidor begging to be smoked.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have had a bit of humidity control issues in my humidor in the new house, so I knew everything in there was probably going to be a bit on the dry side as I try to regulate and get my humidor balanced again, but any issues I may have had surely didn't show on this cigar. The first thing I noticed about the Maduro wrapper was the tightly wound pigtail at the head of the cigar. I prefer to use a punch on my cigars, but elected to cut the head however I kept it close to the tip so as to best mimic a punch.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I roasted the foot using a butane lighter as opposed to a torch, so the roasting took a minute or two longer than a torch would, and when the time was right I took the first draw on the cigar. First draws are always interesting and fun because it often serves as a preview of what is in store, and strong earthy flavor with pepper on the finish suggested the strength of the smoke and the experience to come.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After the first few draws I took a moment to make sure the foot was evenly lit as a small portion of it hadn't seem to taken yet, but after that minor adjustment it was smooth sailing from that point on needing no additional flame to keep the cigar lit, a fact that demonstrated the even firm construction of the cigar.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I initially paired the cigar with a simple 50/50 lemonade ice tea out of the fridge that I have been drinking throughout the day (no alcohol!) however I took a sip of the Shiraz my wife was drinking and realized the wine much better suited to this cigar than the sweet drink I had started with. Whereas the ice tea washed out and overpowered the taste of the cigar, the wine accentuated and enhanced the flavors allowing the pepper and spice to develop and flourish.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The smoke on each draw was full and offered tremendous mouth feel, and the the ash was tight and held on for almost 1/3 the length of the cigar before finally dropping. I stopped several times to grab a picture of the ash, however as I reached for my camera to capture the ash it dropped, however I can tell you that if you are patient this cigar does offer the ability to create a long ash if that is your thing.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For some reason while smoking this cigar the idea of listening to some Dean Martin came to me, so I put that on the iPad to listen to while the kids ran around the backyard. I'm not sure if "..while the moon hits the sky like a big pizza pie, that'a amore" actually made the smoke better, but it certainly served to put a smile on my face while watching the kids have fun. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">About midway through the smoke my now 6-year old son Ethan asked if he could play with his new set of golf clubs he got for his birthday last week, so we retrieved them from the trunk of my car and he set to hitting a few balls. I'm no dummy, golf, cigars, hmmmm. The next thing I knew I was in the far with him chipping his balls back to where he was hitting from using the little sand wedge that came in his set. He was having a blast and I realized that given how low maintenance the Estillo Cubano was, this is definitely a cigar you could golf with with little fear of it extinguishing itself each time you put it down to golf (if putting down your cigar to golf is your thing (it's not mine!)).</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As I sat back down to enjoy the final third of the cigar I was impressed with the flavor development. The pepper was still there and the dominant however a subtle underlying sweetness had come into play, and sipping on the wine actually served to fully develop that flavor and bring the cigar to a pleasing finish.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As time marched on the need to wrap up the evening and get the kids ready for bed arrived, and a final draw allowed me to bid farewell to a well done smoke. This cigar will definitely be in my future, I know this for a fact as another one awaits me in the humidor as we speak. I don't know what the price point is on this stick as I have previously stated I got it for free, but I am certain it is a tremendous bargain offering a great smoking experience for someone who enjoys spice in their smoke. I would certainly encourage you to give it a try, who knows, it may make it into your regular rotation as well.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Until we meet again...</span></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3125541047823621416.post-70475638739993435992012-03-11T13:39:00.002-05:002012-03-11T13:57:56.140-05:00J. Fuego Sangre De Toro (6x60)<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvyVoU3ALpfVSNJfKlwtRq6Ys0UKXn81-iitYx-sDGZTpFu-btjgJLDIE7n8CnTSjioKZ6WhrRde9xl1vQq-O1NpgqFkrOPglyosTIHlLXJ5XAjvEYbhgQayV1oyY5SObuy5FGiLjSwgw/s1600/IMG_2935.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvyVoU3ALpfVSNJfKlwtRq6Ys0UKXn81-iitYx-sDGZTpFu-btjgJLDIE7n8CnTSjioKZ6WhrRde9xl1vQq-O1NpgqFkrOPglyosTIHlLXJ5XAjvEYbhgQayV1oyY5SObuy5FGiLjSwgw/s320/IMG_2935.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718711054767675474" /></a>Ahhh, the joys of an evening out with a friend. My wife has been in California all week for her sister's wedding, so the kids went with Grandma which left me alone with myself so I started working the phone book. A good friend of mine with whom I hadn't met since before Christmas was the first choice, and thankfully he was ready and willing to join in the adventure for good food, good drink, and a good cigar.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Mission accomplished!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">The evening started at The Outback where I was awarded a very generous portion of Prime Rib which I thoroughly enjoyed. The steak actually came after I enjoyed a bowl of their French Onion Soup and a wing from the appetizer plate ordered by James.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Upon the completion of dinner we headed over to Stogie's, my preferred hangout spot for enjoying cigars. Since we were in separate cars I arrived quicker than James as he had to stop for gas. This gave me some time alone in the well stocked humidor to look at new selections as well as old favorites. A gentleman entered the humidor and made a comment to the effect of not knowing how to choose a cigar. He asked me if I knew anything to which I replied I felt I did and he proceeded to ask some advice.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">After asking a few questions of him I steered him towards the CAO Gold telling him that he really couldn't go wrong with that cigar. It is a nice, well balanced cigar, not too strong, not too weak. He told me he had some business clients coming in that enjoyed cigars and I told him he wouldn't be disappointed with the CAO Gold.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">James showed up a few minutes later and I finally settled on the J. Fuego Sangre De Toro (6x60) that I had picked up on a few prior occasions only to end up buying another stick in place of it. Tonight was the night to give this cigar a taste.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">After paying and settling on a spot, I gently toasted the foot and took my first draw. The cigar immediately showed some bold flavor with a almost sweet finish. Allow me to preface, it WAS NOT a sweet finish, but it offered up the suggestion of it. Like a really dark chocolate, you know there is a sweet note to it, you just have to look for it. In the same way the cigar suggested right from the get go that it had a sweetness it wanted to offer, but it was going to make you work for it.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">I had my usual WoodChuck Cider that I prefer to drink when smoking cigars, and James and I launched into a discussion that ran the gamut from catching up from the last few months to politics. The cigar easily kept up and really demonstrated an incredible balance between strength and flavor, and the finish slowly gave up a little sweetness, again along the lines of a dark chocolate the deeper I got into the cigar.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">The ash was well constructed and held for a solid inch and a half, and although it got a little hotter than I prefer after the first ash fell off, the cigar continued to develop and offer up a truly great smoking experience.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">As the cigar rounded the halfway point (about 3" in) the draw actually picked up some strength offering an almost cajun pepper kick, but again finishing smooth. The flavor was there, but it DID NOT linger which is really unique. The smoke itself had a wonderful mouth feel, and the cigar as a whole really did well to represent Jesus Fuego and his intents in creating this line of cigars.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Sadly, my WoodChuck ran out before the cigar did, so I thought I drink a Boylan's Ginger Ale. My memory told me that this would not be to sweet, however it was much sweeter than I remember and really detracted from the cigar. I went the final third of this cigar not drinking much as the sweetness of the soda really overpowered the cigar. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Time was drawing to a close, James had to go and tend to his dog at home, and I had another friend coming to the house to play some cards, so the J. Fuego Sangre De Toro was allowed to extinguish in the ashtray and a great evening closed on itself.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">All in all I think this cigar was excellent. It IS NOT for the faint of heart or timid. This is bold, but not overpowering, and certainly rewarding to a person who enjoys their cigars strong and bold. I really don't remember what the stick cost, I think around $6 or $7, and I certainly think it is worth the price.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">I will be looking to add this cigar to my rotation of known great cigars and would encourage you to buy a stick or three and share it with your friends.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;">Until we smoke again...</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1