Blind ten spot review Part Two

[lou2row]

Ten cigars have been sent to both EEE and andysutherland. With it being ten sticks, it was kept to low to mid range cigars. All are cigars I personally enjoy. We decided to forego it being about telling one brand from others, and changed it to just reviewing and seeing what each guy thinks of the sticks.

Sticks are on their way. Once they get them and get a chance to try them and write up their opinions, we will be on our way.

BTW, you each have the same stick for each number. I will wait till both reviews post before stating the cigar.:tu

[Emjaysmash]

:insert popcorn smilie emoticon here:

[Starscream]

In the words of C-3PO: "Here we go again".

With school about to start up, I'll be busier, but I'm gonna try to do at least one review a day, after I let 'em rest for a few days in the humi (providing allowing them to rest is ok with the OP).

[lou2row]

In the words of C-3PO: "Here we go again".

With school about to start up, I'll be busier, but I'm gonna try to do at least one review a day, after I let 'em rest for a few days in the humi (providing allowing them to rest is ok with the OP).

Good idea. That helps them reach the humi you prefer. These came out of three different humis, in two different areas of the house, and I'm not that anal about exact % humidity. 64-70 is fine with me.

You guys aint getting paid; no sense making a job out of something enjoyable!:ss

[Starscream]

You guys aint getting paid; no sense making a job out of something enjoyable!

WTF do you mean we're not getting paid?:confused:
I expected to get $100 per review!:mad:


















































































































;s
:D Just kidding! It should be the other way around.:tu

[Starscream]

Received sticks today. I'll put them in the humi for a few days and then get down to business. Nice bands on these sticks!

[Blindjimme]

:insert popcorn smilie emoticon here:


http://i654.photobucket.com/albums/uu264/Blindjimme/popcorn.gif


Got ya covered MJ

[Emjaysmash]

http://i654.photobucket.com/albums/uu264/Blindjimme/popcorn.gif


Got ya covered MJ

Many thanks!

[EEE]

Got sticks today. Wonderful looking bands. Real cool.

Ill be taking photos as we get through them.

Probably start smoking them this weekend.

[Starscream]

Cigar #1
http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/picture.php?albumid=350&pictureid=2594

Construction: 6x52 torpedo, light/medium brown wrapper

Pre-Light: smooth w/ a cedar taste

1st Third: Earthiness and sweetness upon lighting. Very mild so far. Earthiness has subsided, leaving a sweetness and woody flavor. Nose exhale is smooth.

2nd Third: Sweetness persists. Woody flavor is faint. Earthy/leathery flavor returns. Sweetness dissipates by the end of this third. Leathery flavor is the only flavor detected at this point.

Final Third: Leathery flavor continues. Started to get harsh with about an inch and a half left. Purging couldn’t get rid of the harshness so I put it out.

Final Thoughts: This cigar wasn’t bad. Nothing exceptional, but not bad. I enjoyed the sweet flavors in the first two thirds. The wodiness was nice as well. I was somewhat glad for the harshness to arise midway into the final third, as it gave me an excuse to put it out. It lasted over two hours, and I was getting antsy to go back inside. Would I smoke this cigar again? Yes, although I’d probably enjoy it in a robusto size (and a maduro wrapper if possible) the next go-a-round.

[EEE]

how do we post photo's on the site? I took a pic with my blackberry but don't know how to upload it.

[bobarian]

how do we post photo's on the site? I took a pic with my blackberry but don't know how to upload it.

Upload the picture to a hosting service such as ImageShack and then copy and paste the link in your post.

[Steelergar]

Kind of looks and sounds like a 5 vegas miami

[Starscream]

Upload the picture to a hosting service such as ImageShack and then copy and paste the link in your post.

Or you can go to User CP and upload photo to your photo albums. It's on the lefthand side of your User CP under networking.

[Starscream]

Cigar #2
http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/picture.php?albumid=350&pictureid=2610

Construction: 5.5x50 torpedo, dark brown wrapper
The wrapper cracked when I cut it.

Pre-Light Draw: cedar and slight coffee flavors, smooth draw

1st Third: Very pleasant aroma upon lighting. Coffee and chocolate flavors prevalent. A bit of spice and citrus are detectable through the nose. Citrus is becoming more prevalent. I'm detecting a slight bubblegum flavor (bubblegum flavor like the old sticks of gum that used to come in packs of baseball card packs, the kind with the heavy powder/chalk that prevents the gum from sticking to the cards).

2nd Third: spice through the nose is stronger, the strength of this cigar is also increasing. Much more full-bodied. The second third is dominated by strong coffee flavors.

Final Third: The cracked wrapper at the end is becoming a problem; the wrapper is starting to unravel as a result. Starting to become harsh. Coffee is still strong (black coffee).

Final Thoughts: This cigar was very enjoyable until the last inch and a half. The first third was very complex, then became pretty one-dimensional. Would I smoke this cigar again? YES

[EEE]

well I just loaded up my photo and it was horrible (not in focus).

I smoked cigar #8 due to my time restrictions on Sunday morning.

Construction: ~4.75x46 (didn't have my gauge with me) brown wrapper with a red tint (sumatra?), no veins and an extreme soft spot in the middle of the stick.

Pre-Light Draw: I don't drink coffee but this had the same smell as freshly ground & roasted coffee beans, which is enjoyable.

Initial Draw: Little sweetness. If the wrapper was splotchy I'd guess that it was a sungrown, but it doesn't lend itself to that. Has a very interesting taste of wood that has just been cut and sanded, you know how it has a sweet smell to it.

First Third: Slight bitter through the nose, copious amount of smoke on each draw, dry wood flavor overwhelming -- then the burn issues start. Within 10 minutes it goes out twice. Then the draw becomes extremely loose.

After the 2nd re-light I was just working on trying to keep it lit. Didn't work. After it went out the 3rd time I tossed it. I was very disappointed as the first third had me interested in what it had to offer. The taste was good but unfortunately the construction killed it.

Pre-burn out - would have paid $4/5 stick
Post burn out - would pay $1-2/stick

[lou2row]

Great reviews guys! As soon as both have smoked the same numbered cigar, I'll post what it was.

[EEE]

Cigar #1

Construction: 6x52 torpedo, light/medium brown wrapper

Pre-Light: smooth w/ a cedar taste

1st Third: Earthiness and sweetness upon lighting. Very mild so far. Earthiness has subsided, leaving a sweetness and woody flavor. Nose exhale is smooth.

2nd Third: Sweetness persists. Woody flavor is faint. Earthy/leathery flavor returns. Sweetness dissipates by the end of this third. Leathery flavor is the only flavor detected at this point.

Final Third: Leathery flavor continues. Started to get harsh with about an inch and a half left. Purging couldn’t get rid of the harshness so I put it out.

Final Thoughts: This cigar wasn’t bad. Nothing exceptional, but not bad. I enjoyed the sweet flavors in the first two thirds. The wodiness was nice as well. I was somewhat glad for the harshness to arise midway into the final third, as it gave me an excuse to put it out. It lasted over two hours, and I was getting antsy to go back inside. Would I smoke this cigar again? Yes, although I’d probably enjoy it in a robusto size (and a maduro wrapper if possible) the next go-a-round.

Eric #1
Since these are the same cigars I figured I would put our reviews together.

Prelight. I get a sweet hay flavor.

First third. There definitely has a sweet undertone to this cigar and a faint woody aroma on the nose. Nose exhale has no noticeable flavors.

Second third. I fail to get anything out of this but a very very small amount of sweetness. Once in a while I get that tobacco spice on the lips but its rare.

I smoked this while driving from OC Maryland to Philly. I liked the fact that I didn't have to think about the complexity of this cigar. Sometimes I enjoy a cigar with depth while driving but after auditing all day I just want to get a little mind numb. Anyway. By the time I started to get to final third I got tp the Pa border and got into some traffic. Driving a manual and being in traffic was good enough of a reason for me to throw it out.

I don't know if I would actively seek out to buy this cigar. It did its job for my drive but again it lacked any depth and didn't give me any taste other than "cigar".

[lou2row]

Eric #1
Since these are the same cigars I figured I would put our reviews together.

Prelight. I get a sweet hay flavor.

First third. There definitely has a sweet undertone to this cigar and a faint woody aroma on the nose. Nose exhale has no noticeable flavors.

Second third. I fail to get anything out of this but a very very small amount of sweetness. Once in a while I get that tobacco spice on the lips but its rare.

I smoked this while driving from OC Maryland to Philly. I liked the fact that I didn't have to think about the complexity of this cigar. Sometimes I enjoy a cigar with depth while driving but after auditing all day I just want to get a little mind numb. Anyway. By the time I started to get to final third I got tp the Pa border and got into some traffic. Driving a manual and being in traffic was good enough of a reason for me to throw it out.

I don't know if I would actively seek out to buy this cigar. It did its job for my drive but again it lacked any depth and didn't give me any taste other than "cigar".

Cigar #1 is a cigar I enjoy in the morning and on drives (as EEE had it). It has came across several times with excellent complexity and I have noted tastes of cinnamon, leather, pepper, nutmeg, and cedar. Other times, my take is very similar to yours. I wish you guys would have gotten one of the ones with more to offer. I stocked up on these when they were still available.

Cigar #1 was:


http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg80/lou2row/Shot1-1.jpg

5 Vegas limitada 2006

[Starscream]

:hm
I've always wanted to try the Limitada. Not a bad stick, but I think they may need to lower their prices for me to buy a box.

[lou2row]

:hm
I've always wanted to try the Limitada. Not a bad stick, but I think they may need to lower their prices for me to buy a box.


This is the mildest flavorwise of the limitadas. I prefer this to the 2007, but I like the 2008 best of the 3. Only 2005 I had I got pretty f#$@ed up on scotch while smoking it and don't remember much. :banger
Bought some 2009s but am yet to try one.

[ade06]

Only 2005 I had I got pretty f#$@ed up on scotch while smoking it and don't remember much. :banger


Lol :al

[EEE]

[B]Cigar #1
Construction: 6x52 torpedo, light/medium brown wrapper

Pre-Light: smooth w/ a cedar taste

1st Third: Earthiness and sweetness upon lighting. Very mild so far. Earthiness has subsided, leaving a sweetness and woody flavor. Nose exhale is smooth.

2nd Third: Sweetness persists. Woody flavor is faint. Earthy/leathery flavor returns. Sweetness dissipates by the end of this third. Leathery flavor is the only flavor detected at this point.

Final Third: Leathery flavor continues. Started to get harsh with about an inch and a half left. Purging couldn’t get rid of the harshness so I put it out.

Final Thoughts: This cigar wasn’t bad. Nothing exceptional, but not bad. I enjoyed the sweet flavors in the first two thirds. The wodiness was nice as well. I was somewhat glad for the harshness to arise midway into the final third, as it gave me an excuse to put it out. It lasted over two hours, and I was getting antsy to go back inside. Would I smoke this cigar again? Yes, although I’d probably enjoy it in a robusto size (and a maduro wrapper if possible) the next go-a-round.

EEE #2
Smoked in car driving from NYC to Philly. Yes I travel a lot... And typing reviews on my blackberry is interesting sometimes.
Pre-light draw: without doubt I get a very strong cooking chocolate flavor. Very interesting.

First third: draw is perfect. Ash is straight as an arrow and I get a bit gunshy in the car with ash falling. So I ashed it but with difficulty as it held on tight. Flavor of cooking chocolate still there but am nowetting that earthy taste we are all familiar with.

Second third: draw and ash stay same. Perfect. A very odd thing happened in this part of the cigar. I start getting a tangy metallic taste. It isn't bad but something I've never tasted in a cigar before.

Last third: metallic isone and is now taken over with a faint sweetness that is more like fruit sugars than "sweet". Draw and ash continue to impress.

This was the strangest cigar profile I've ever smoked. Because of that I would be interested in trying more. Overall construction was absolutely perfect.

[Starscream]

Cigar #2
http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/picture.php?albumid=350&pictureid=2610

Construction: 5.5x50 torpedo, dark brown wrapper
The wrapper cracked when I cut it.

Pre-Light Draw: cedar and slight coffee flavors, smooth draw

1st Third: Very pleasant aroma upon lighting. Coffee and chocolate flavors prevalent. A bit of spice and citrus are detectable through the nose. Citrus is becoming more prevalent. I'm detecting a slight bubblegum flavor (bubblegum flavor like the old sticks of gum that used to come in packs of baseball card packs, the kind with the heavy powder/chalk that prevents the gum from sticking to the cards).

2nd Third: spice through the nose is stronger, the strength of this cigar is also increasing. Much more full-bodied. The second third is dominated by strong coffee flavors.

Final Third: The cracked wrapper at the end is becoming a problem; the wrapper is starting to unravel as a result. Starting to become harsh. Coffee is still strong (black coffee).

Final Thoughts: This cigar was very enjoyable until the last inch and a half. The first third was very complex, then became pretty one-dimensional. Would I smoke this cigar again? YES

EEE #2
Smoked in car driving from NYC to Philly. Yes I travel a lot... And typing reviews on my blackberry is interesting sometimes.
Pre-light draw: without doubt I get a very strong cooking chocolate flavor. Very interesting.

First third: draw is perfect. Ash is straight as an arrow and I get a bit gunshy in the car with ash falling. So I ashed it but with difficulty as it held on tight. Flavor of cooking chocolate still there but am nowetting that earthy taste we are all familiar with.

Second third: draw and ash stay same. Perfect. A very odd thing happened in this part of the cigar. I start getting a tangy metallic taste. It isn't bad but something I've never tasted in a cigar before.

Last third: metallic isone and is now taken over with a faint sweetness that is more like fruit sugars than "sweet". Draw and ash continue to impress.

This was the strangest cigar profile I've ever smoked. Because of that I would be interested in trying more. Overall construction was absolutely perfect.

I put the right reviews together for you, Eric. ;)

I think the fruit sugar you detected is the bubblegum and citrus flavors I detected. They sound similar enough. Nice review.:tu

[EEE]

Thanks bro. I don't usually bring a laptop with me so its hard for me to quote text.

Smoking #3 tonight.

[Starscream]

Thanks bro. I don't usually bring a laptop with me so its hard for me to quote text.

Smoking #3 tonight.

I figured it was quoting on the Blackberry that did it. I gotta catch up. Been busy getting everything ready for school.

[lou2row]

Quote:
Originally Posted by andysutherland
Cigar #2


Construction: 5.5x50 torpedo, dark brown wrapper
The wrapper cracked when I cut it.

Pre-Light Draw: cedar and slight coffee flavors, smooth draw

1st Third: Very pleasant aroma upon lighting. Coffee and chocolate flavors prevalent. A bit of spice and citrus are detectable through the nose. Citrus is becoming more prevalent. I'm detecting a slight bubblegum flavor (bubblegum flavor like the old sticks of gum that used to come in packs of baseball card packs, the kind with the heavy powder/chalk that prevents the gum from sticking to the cards).

2nd Third: spice through the nose is stronger, the strength of this cigar is also increasing. Much more full-bodied. The second third is dominated by strong coffee flavors.

Final Third: The cracked wrapper at the end is becoming a problem; the wrapper is starting to unravel as a result. Starting to become harsh. Coffee is still strong (black coffee).

Final Thoughts: This cigar was very enjoyable until the last inch and a half. The first third was very complex, then became pretty one-dimensional. Would I smoke this cigar again? YES

Quote:
Originally Posted by EEE
EEE #2
Smoked in car driving from NYC to Philly. Yes I travel a lot... And typing reviews on my blackberry is interesting sometimes.
Pre-light draw: without doubt I get a very strong cooking chocolate flavor. Very interesting.

First third: draw is perfect. Ash is straight as an arrow and I get a bit gunshy in the car with ash falling. So I ashed it but with difficulty as it held on tight. Flavor of cooking chocolate still there but am nowetting that earthy taste we are all familiar with.

Second third: draw and ash stay same. Perfect. A very odd thing happened in this part of the cigar. I start getting a tangy metallic taste. It isn't bad but something I've never tasted in a cigar before.

Last third: metallic isone and is now taken over with a faint sweetness that is more like fruit sugars than "sweet". Draw and ash continue to impress.

This was the strangest cigar profile I've ever smoked. Because of that I would be interested in trying more. Overall construction was absolutely perfect.








This is a cigar I took a chance on, having heard nothing about it. I have enjoyed these for the last couple of years. I believe it is an exclusive of Famous cigars. The coffee, chocolate, wood and citrus are all flavors I've also noted on this cigar.


Cigar #2 is:
http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg80/lou2row/cnv0299.jpg

Alec Bradley Medalist

[Starscream]

Smoking #3 now. I will have the review up this evening.

[Starscream]

Cigar #3

http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/picture.php?albumid=350&pictureid=2637

Construction: 6x49 dark brown, very blotchy wrapper

Pre-light: Smooth draw. Cedar and oak flavors detectable.

1st Third: Nutty and spicy are the first flavors detectable. Very harsh through the nose. Cedar flavor is strong as well. I am also detecting somewhat of a mint flavor that pairs well with the cedar.

2nd Third: Nuttiness comes back to the forefront with a slight bit of coffee flavor as well. Cedar returns at the end of the 2nd third.

Final Third: I smoked this cigar for two hours and never made it to the final third. I had to put it out in order to make it to work on time.

Final Thoughts: I'm not usually a fan of strong cedar flavors in a cigar, but the dark wrapper brought other flavors that paired well with the cedar. I liked it!

[EEE]

Smoked #3

I hope this doesn't offend you Lou..

Horrible.

Period.

Initial light up the foot explodes like one of those gag cigarettes. First inch it looked like mt St. Helen blowing ash. With that going on I coyldnt concentrate on taste.

Work it past that and then I can relax, right. Wrong. the only thing I got out of it was chalk.

At the half way point I threw it out.

Gross.

[EEE]

We smoked two different cigars... We had to have.

[lou2row]

When I pulled the cedar wraps off of these cigars, this is the first time I had seen them be this mottled.

This is a cigar that generally gets high reviews from folks. It is the only cigar I have picked up hints of rosemary in it. I have several boxes aging in various sizes, and each size brings a different complexity. One of my favorite sticks that can be had on auction for around $2 a cigar.

Cigar #3 is:

http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg80/lou2row/cs-5xa.jpg
5 vegas A


EEE, you called it like you seen it. Nothing you can do if you get a bad cigar. Sorry it came apart on you. Hopefully the rest smoke better for you. No worries my friend.

[lou2row]

Oh, and if it is possible, could you smoke #6 with coffee as your drink of choice? Don't mean to squew the results, but that cigar is a different animal when coupled with a good cup of joe. I just want you to have the most enjoyable time with each cigar, and #6 I don't like as well with anything else.

If you don't drink coffee, it is still a fine stick.

[Starscream]

5 Vegas As are great cigars IMHO. Never had a cedar wrapped one though. That explains the extra cedary taste. I've seen some blotchy looking wrappers on the A series.


I may smoke #6 out of order in order to pair it with coffee, but will do.

[lou2row]

Well, this is going well so far, and I'm having fun with it. Wish Mark would have hung around for commentary, his take on sticks is enjoyable to read.

[Starscream]

Cigar #8
http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/picture.php?albumid=350&pictureid=2644

Construction: 5x50 medium/dark brown wrapper, solid, two rough veins on this stick

Pre-Light: smooth draw, cedar and mildewy citrus flavors

1st Third: Harsh on the tongue upon lighting. A slight citrusy flavor with heavy cedar flavors are detectable. Coffee with cream flavor starts to kick in. Wrapper issues plague this cigar from the start; it's not wanting to stay lit.

2nd Third: I'm getting a slight Padron flavor: coffee with a mix of pepper and nutmeg. Wrapper issues persist.

Final Third: Pepper, sweet, coffee, and nutty flavors all at once on the finish. Wrapper issues still are a problem. I had to re-light this cigar every five minutes or so.

Final Thoughts: Other than the wrapper issues, this was an excellent cigar. Maybe some more rest or dry-boxing for a while would solve the wrapper issues.

[Starscream]

Here are the two reviews together.:tu
We seemed to experience different flavors in this stick, but it looks like both enjoyed the flavors that this cigar had, and both of us had wrapper issues.

well I just loaded up my photo and it was horrible (not in focus).

I smoked cigar #8 due to my time restrictions on Sunday morning.

Construction: ~4.75x46 (didn't have my gauge with me) brown wrapper with a red tint (sumatra?), no veins and an extreme soft spot in the middle of the stick.

Pre-Light Draw: I don't drink coffee but this had the same smell as freshly ground & roasted coffee beans, which is enjoyable.

Initial Draw: Little sweetness. If the wrapper was splotchy I'd guess that it was a sungrown, but it doesn't lend itself to that. Has a very interesting taste of wood that has just been cut and sanded, you know how it has a sweet smell to it.

First Third: Slight bitter through the nose, copious amount of smoke on each draw, dry wood flavor overwhelming -- then the burn issues start. Within 10 minutes it goes out twice. Then the draw becomes extremely loose.

After the 2nd re-light I was just working on trying to keep it lit. Didn't work. After it went out the 3rd time I tossed it. I was very disappointed as the first third had me interested in what it had to offer. The taste was good but unfortunately the construction killed it.

Pre-burn out - would have paid $4/5 stick
Post burn out - would pay $1-2/stick

Cigar #8
http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/picture.php?albumid=350&pictureid=2644

Construction: 5x50 medium/dark brown wrapper, solid, two rough veins on this stick

Pre-Light: smooth draw, cedar and mildewy citrus flavors

1st Third: Harsh on the tongue upon lighting. A slight citrusy flavor with heavy cedar flavors are detectable. Coffee with cream flavor starts to kick in. Wrapper issues plague this cigar from the start; it's not wanting to stay lit.

2nd Third: I'm getting a slight Padron flavor: coffee with a mix of pepper and nutmeg. Wrapper issues persist.

Final Third: Pepper, sweet, coffee, and nutty flavors all at once on the finish. Wrapper issues still are a problem. I had to re-light this cigar every five minutes or so.

Final Thoughts: Other than the wrapper issues, this was an excellent cigar. Maybe some more rest or dry-boxing for a while would solve the wrapper issues.

[lou2row]

I've only had #8 a couple of times, but have enjoyed each one enough to have bought several more fivers. I believe I had wrapper issues on one of them, now that you've mentioned it. These may do well to be dry boxed. I have had these for probably 6 months. A good friend and discerning cigar smoker (C3S) turned me on to these.

Cigar #8 is...............


http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg80/lou2row/cs-4pb.jpg
Por Larranga cuban grade maduro

[EEE]

I don't think I've come across this stick before and would be interested in trying another one even with the wrapper issues, because, like I said, the taste was very intriguing.

#4 tomorrow night

[EEE]

Oh, and if it is possible, could you smoke #6 with coffee as your drink of choice? Don't mean to squew the results, but that cigar is a different animal when coupled with a good cup of joe. I just want you to have the most enjoyable time with each cigar, and #6 I don't like as well with anything else.

If you don't drink coffee, it is still a fine stick.

I'll do what I can to find a dark tea - as I don't drink coffee. Look forward to what that cigar is going to be like. :D:ss

[lou2row]

I'll do what I can to find a dark tea - as I don't drink coffee. Look forward to what that cigar is going to be like. :D:ss

I may try one this weekend with tea to compare notes. I actually don't think I have ever had a cigar with tea before. Should be interesting!

[EEE]

#4

couldn't smoke the other night, so I was out this morning smoking

Churchill - dark wrapper (I'd say maduro but there was zero sweetness in this stick)

I was initially worried about this cigar. I cut it and the wrapper split on me. Construction was good overall though - with the perfect amount of give on the thumb squeeze.

Pre-Light - little to no noticeable flavor.

Initial light - two very distinct flavors jump out instantly. wood and roasted apple. I am admittedly not one to find more than 10-12 flavors while smoking cigars, and that includes "smokey, nicotine, et al". I don't get the sea salt covered with sprinkles of nutmeg and rosemary, but every once in a while, like in this instance, I will get something like roasted apple. I'm always pleasantly surprised by my taste buds (and the cigar) when this happens.

The ash on this cigar is weak - didn't ever stay on longer than a 1/4 inch, at most. Mixed between dark grey and pure white. Odd.

second 3rd - cigar goes blank. No flavor at all - just smoke. Weird. But, even more weird is that the aftertaste in my mouth is unquestionably burnt coffee.

Last 3rd - the aroma is nice, very comfortable to the senses - like sitting in a smoking lounge with one or two people there, who are friends, and just relaxing. I enjoyed the aroma more than the bland, non-existant taste.

To note, I'm a notoriously slow smoker. A churchill can easily last 2.5 hours for me. This cigar was finished within 1.25 hours. It never got hot, and the burn stayed even, but it smoked really fast.

Overall I don't envision smoking this cigar more than out fishing or camping and am more interested in enjoying the conversation of friends than paying attention to what I'm smoking.

rating = slightly below average to average

[Starscream]

Cigar #4

http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/picture.php?albumid=350&pictureid=2662

Construction: 7x56-58, dark brown, very thin wrapper. When I received this stick, the wrapper was already starting to flake off at band and the foot.

Pre-light: smooth draw, very bland

1st third: Typical maduro flavors along with a bit of a minty flavor as well. Later on I detected some old black coffee flavors.

2nd third: Old coffee and nuttiness are strong. Some earthiness is detectable as well.

Final third: Similar to the second third. I put it out with about an inch and a quarter to go.

Final Thoughts: This cigar wasn't bad, but I wouldn't put it on my go to list by any means. Wasn't my thing. I know that there are two Gurkhas in this bunch, and I would guess that this is one of them. I may have been a bit biased against this cigar before I lit it up, as I'm not a fan of churchill length cigars, not to mention I didn't like the looks of the wrapper when I picked it up. So I may have been going into this review with a bad attitude toward it.

[lou2row]

I blind reviewed this cigar earlier in the year from someone on another board, and scored it highly. His had several years on them; these had about 2 years. I hadn't had one from my own stash in around a year, so this lets me down that they may have gone bland.



Cigar #4 is:




Gurkha X fuerte
(good call Andy)

[borndead1]

Well, this is going well so far, and I'm having fun with it. Wish Mark would have hung around for commentary, his take on sticks is enjoyable to read.

I'm following along, bro.


I sat this one out 'cuz I was afraid you'd send me 10 Gurkhas. :r

[Starscream]

I'm following along, bro.


I sat this one out 'cuz I was afraid you'd send me 10 Gurkhas. :r

:r

Only one so far. One more to go.

[EEE]

I have another road trip to attend this week and I plan on getting through the rest of these cigars during that time.

[lou2row]

I'm following along, bro.


I sat this one out 'cuz I was afraid you'd send me 10 Gurkhas. :r

Gad to see you here Bro! I hope if we have another herf up Jackson way you can make it again. I didn't get the chance to talk to you the last time. But the way I felt and probably looked, everyone may have thought I was contagious anyways!!

And 10 Gurkhas? What do I look like, some kind of eliteist? :D

[Starscream]

Been busy between school and work. I'll try to get to #5 today or tomorrow.

[lou2row]

Reviews as well done as you guys have been doing take time. Whenever you can my friend.

[Starscream]

Been busy between school and work. I'll try to get to #5 today or tomorrow.

Reviews as well done as you guys have been doing take time. Whenever you can my friend.

Looks like it's gonna be tomorrow. I'll take it to my son's football practice with me.

[Starscream]

Cigar #5

http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/picture.php?albumid=350&pictureid=2693

Construction: 5.5x58 light brown wrapper (I assume it's a Connecticut Shade), very solid

Prelight: Tastes like dry hay and has a barnyard aroma

I normally break my reviews down into thirds, but I'm doing it in two halves this time, as I didn't have anything to write down my thoughts while smoking. I smoked this one while watching my son's first scrimmage game.

1st half: Very complex. I detected sweetness, butter, caramel, confectioner's sugar, and honey. Near the end of the first half I detected nutty flavors.

2nd half: The second half was very nutty with hints of butter. Very creamy and smooth.

Final Thoughts: I liked this cigar. It wasn't nearly as mild as I predicted. Very enjoyable, but I wish I had smoked it early in the morning rather than in the afternoon. This stick would have paired well with coffee (with cream and sugar).

[coastietech]

Andy based on your review and the pic I would guess it was a cabaiguan. I'm curious to hear what it is. :tu

[Starscream]

Andy based on your review and the pic I would guess it was a cabaiguan. I'm curious to hear what it is. :tu

Never had one before. I can think of a few cigars that match this profile, but I guess we'll have to wait and see.:tu

[lou2row]

Almost grabbed a #5 tonight. Ended up smoking a #7.

[Starscream]

Cigar #6

http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/picture.php?albumid=350&pictureid=2712

Construction: dark brown wrapper, 5x50, wrapper was slightly cracked around the cap.

I paired this stick w/ coffee (with sugar and cream) as suggested by the sender.

Pre-light: smooth draw (a tad tight), cinnamon flavor detected

1st Third: Very bitter flavor upon lighting. Very bitter, old black coffee flavor detectable. The cigar starts to mellow out a bit and the bitterness goes away. Some sweetness is detectable.

2nd Third: Sweetness and chocolate are strong. Still has a bit of a black coffee flavor too.

Final Third: Sweetness is still detectable, although it is very slight. Cigar tastes of dark chocolate and coffee.

Final Thoughts: Not a bad cigar. I beleived that I've smoked this cigar before, but I have no guess as to what it is. This stick was not spectacular, but I would put it on my go to list.

[EEE]

ok, I'm back. I was down in Miami and my Verizon service was pretty shotty so I'm giving my reviews now.

I smoked #5, 6 & 10 - NOT in chronolgoical order as I smoked #10 Wed night, #5 Thur night and #6 on Saturday.

#5
Pre-light. Nice. Very nutty - in between the sweetness of almonds and the tang of walnuts. My taste bud memory tells me I have smoked this cigar before.

Initial draw - nice construction, easy flow but not loose. Aroma is quite pleasant. Taste is a little bland but that doesn't hurt anything.

1st third - I find that either the cigar is bitter, the Yuengling is bitter or the mixture of the two is bitter - either way, I've got a bitter taste going on. I decide to hold off on drinking any more of my beer and see where this leads.

2nd third - It was the mixture. Now I've got a nice flow of almost syrup sweetness going - not the Aunt Jamima too rich for human consumption syrup, but the real maple syrup from the NorthEast. MMmmmm...

Final third - the sweetness doesn't leave but it has mellowed out and I am just kicked back looking over the ocean enjoying the remaining parts of this cigar. I really wish I had another one as I'm smoking it so I could go light it up. The aroma from the cigar lingers in the patio and it is a great smell.

I look forward to hearing what this cigar is. The construction, burn and flavor on this is definitely worth looking into.

Above average!

-----------------------------------------------------

#6

I know you had asked me to drink this with coffee, but I don't drink coffee. I initially was going to drink some dark tea but because I was away from home I decided the next best thing would be a Guinness. As close to coffee as I can come. :)

Pre-draw - well, you instantly know why he wants you to drink it with coffee, as it tastes the way coffee smells (which I thoroughly enjoy sometimes). This had that "bite" taste. I see that Andy said bitter, which I could call it as well - but my initial reaction was "bite".

1st Third: Definitely coffee. In fact, this does go well with the Guinness. My senses are so set on the coffee taste that I get nothing else out of this section.

2nd Third: The coffee is subdued and here comes the bakers chocolate that I got from one of my previous tastings. Guinnesss still goes well with these profiles. I had one side run on me pretty good and it required a touch-up but nothing to take away from the cigar.

Final Third: I need to purge a couple of times as now I get the bitterness. It almost tastes like ash in my mouth. I don't like it - but thankfully I'm on another Guinness and am feeling good about being in Miami.

This was barely an average cigar. If it wasn't for the last third it would be slightly above average. Maybe I smoked it too fast. I'd definitely give it another shot.

-------------------------------------------

#10

This was the first cigar I smoked in Miami - and it was humid as hell with no wind whatsoever. I can't give a respectable review on this as I tried with all my might to keep it lit but the humidity (which you could literally see build on the patio railing) drenched this stick. I smoked it for roughly 30 minutes but got nothing out of it except a headache from acting like I was a hooker about to get paid double my rate.

I want to be honest about the reviews and not try to say it was because of the construction of the cigar as I feel that this scenario would have played out with any of the sticks. I just happened to grab that one as I was heading out to smoke.

So, I don't have anything good, bad, or indifferent to say about this stick -- except it can't stand up to 90+% humidity. :)

I hope to get the rest of your sticks done this week.

[lou2row]

Cigar #5

http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/picture.php?albumid=350&pictureid=2693

Construction: 5.5x58 light brown wrapper (I assume it's a Connecticut Shade), very solid

Prelight: Tastes like dry hay and has a barnyard aroma

I normally break my reviews down into thirds, but I'm doing it in two halves this time, as I didn't have anything to write down my thoughts while smoking. I smoked this one while watching my son's first scrimmage game.

1st half: Very complex. I detected sweetness, butter, caramel, confectioner's sugar, and honey. Near the end of the first half I detected nutty flavors.

2nd half: The second half was very nutty with hints of butter. Very creamy and smooth.

Final Thoughts: I liked this cigar. It wasn't nearly as mild as I predicted. Very enjoyable, but I wish I had smoked it early in the morning rather than in the afternoon. This stick would have paired well with coffee (with cream and sugar).


EEE's take:
#5
Pre-light. Nice. Very nutty - in between the sweetness of almonds and the tang of walnuts. My taste bud memory tells me I have smoked this cigar before.

Initial draw - nice construction, easy flow but not loose. Aroma is quite pleasant. Taste is a little bland but that doesn't hurt anything.

1st third - I find that either the cigar is bitter, the Yuengling is bitter or the mixture of the two is bitter - either way, I've got a bitter taste going on. I decide to hold off on drinking any more of my beer and see where this leads.

2nd third - It was the mixture. Now I've got a nice flow of almost syrup sweetness going - not the Aunt Jamima too rich for human consumption syrup, but the real maple syrup from the NorthEast. MMmmmm...

Final third - the sweetness doesn't leave but it has mellowed out and I am just kicked back looking over the ocean enjoying the remaining parts of this cigar. I really wish I had another one as I'm smoking it so I could go light it up. The aroma from the cigar lingers in the patio and it is a great smell.

I look forward to hearing what this cigar is. The construction, burn and flavor on this is definitely worth looking into.

Above average!


#5 is a cigar that has it's followers. I am one of them. I have enjoyed each of Alex Fernandez's incarnations in this series. I have these in a couple sizes, and have caught them on auction very reasonable for the quality you get. I'm glad you both enjoyed this.


Cigar #5 is:
















http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg80/lou2row/cs-lcb.jpg
La Cuna bin no. 85

[Starscream]

:hm
Never had a LaCuna. Not a bad stick.

It seems as if we both had similar thoughts on both 5 and 6. Still think I've smoked #6 before, but we'll see.

[lou2row]

Cigar #6

http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/picture.php?albumid=350&pictureid=2712

Construction: dark brown wrapper, 5x50, wrapper was slightly cracked around the cap.

I paired this stick w/ coffee (with sugar and cream) as suggested by the sender.

Pre-light: smooth draw (a tad tight), cinnamon flavor detected

1st Third: Very bitter flavor upon lighting. Very bitter, old black coffee flavor detectable. The cigar starts to mellow out a bit and the bitterness goes away. Some sweetness is detectable.

2nd Third: Sweetness and chocolate are strong. Still has a bit of a black coffee flavor too.

Final Third: Sweetness is still detectable, although it is very slight. Cigar tastes of dark chocolate and coffee.

Final Thoughts: Not a bad cigar. I beleived that I've smoked this cigar before, but I have no guess as to what it is. This stick was not spectacular, but I would put it on my go to list.



Now EEE's take:
#6

I know you had asked me to drink this with coffee, but I don't drink coffee. I initially was going to drink some dark tea but because I was away from home I decided the next best thing would be a Guinness. As close to coffee as I can come.

Pre-draw - well, you instantly know why he wants you to drink it with coffee, as it tastes the way coffee smells (which I thoroughly enjoy sometimes). This had that "bite" taste. I see that Andy said bitter, which I could call it as well - but my initial reaction was "bite".

1st Third: Definitely coffee. In fact, this does go well with the Guinness. My senses are so set on the coffee taste that I get nothing else out of this section.

2nd Third: The coffee is subdued and here comes the bakers chocolate that I got from one of my previous tastings. Guinnesss still goes well with these profiles. I had one side run on me pretty good and it required a touch-up but nothing to take away from the cigar.

Final Third: I need to purge a couple of times as now I get the bitterness. It almost tastes like ash in my mouth. I don't like it - but thankfully I'm on another Guinness and am feeling good about being in Miami.

This was barely an average cigar. If it wasn't for the last third it would be slightly above average. Maybe I smoked it too fast. I'd definitely give it another shot.






This is the official cigar of the Mid Michigan Militia Herfers (MMMers). Many of us enjoy this cigar and have passed out boxes worth of them in hits and RAOKs. Alot of people stocked up when it was known they were soon to be no more. I like the cigar, but as I said, generally with coffee. Dry boxing may have helped some with the bitterness, especailly in a very humid environment.




Cigar #6 is:







http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg80/lou2row/CI-DIA-PIMN-400.jpg
Diablo

[lou2row]

Let's recap:

#1.
Andy: okay
EEE: meh
Cigar: 5 Vegas limitada 2006

#2.
Andy: liked it
EEE: liked it
Cigar: Alec Bradley Medalist

#3.
Andy: liked it
EEE: hated it
Cigar: 5 Vegas A

#4.
Andy: yard gar (called Gurkha)
EEE: yard gar
Cigar: Gurkha X-Fuerte

#5.
Andy: liked it
EEE: liked it
Cigar: La Cuna no. 85

#6.
Andy:just okay
EEE: just okay
Cigar: Diablo

#7.
Andy:
EEE:
Cigar:

#8.
Andy: really liked it
EEE: meh after first third
Cigar: Por Larranga Cuban Grade

#9.
Andy:
EEE:
Cigar:

#10.
Andy:
EEE: unreviewed due to high humidity
Cigar:

[Starscream]

Three more to go. I was hoping to get to it on this three day weekend, but it seems I'm coming down with a cold, which effects my tastebuds greatly. If I reviewed one now, I know it'll just taste like cardboard. Hope this bug doesn't last long. I still can't wait to try out #9.

[lou2row]

For #7 and #9, if any of the spectators can guess the cigar before I give the final answer, I'll hit them with a nice fiver.

I'll wait 24 hours from when Andy and E post their reviews before I tell what they are to see if anyone gets it right.

[EEE]

talk about putting the pressure on us to give reviews that define the cigar well enough!!! :)

[lou2row]

talk about putting the pressure on us to give reviews that define the cigar well enough!!! :)


You guys have been doing a good job so far IMO. I think if people had been guessing, they may have hit one or two by now.

Just trying to add a little something to see interest level on this.

[Starscream]

Still have this cold, so no reviews this weekend. Tastebuds are screwed right now.

[borndead1]

Still have this cold, so no reviews this weekend. Tastebuds are screwed right now.



Perfect time to smoke PIs and Gurkhas! :r

[Starscream]

Perfect time to smoke PIs and Gurkhas! :r

:r

[lou2row]

Hey Mark, he has a 1 in 3 chance to hit the Gurkha! And I don't think I even own a PI. Had a couple, tried em, were not my thing.

[occasionalsmoke]

You guys have been doing a good job so far IMO. I think if people had been guessing, they may have hit one or two by now.

Just trying to add a little something to see interest level on this.

FWIW. Hooked. :tu Newbie here. Awesome fun and great reviews. This and the orig. thread made me become certified and processed.

Keep it going!

Lack the experience and taste buds to participate in any other way than :wo

O. Smoke

[Starscream]

FWIW. Hooked. :tu Newbie here. Awesome fun and great reviews. This and the orig. thread made me become certified and processed.

Keep it going!

Lack the experience and taste buds to participate in any other way than :wo

O. Smoke

Thanks:tu

I've almost got my tastebuds back, now waiting for the cough to go away. Then I'll be back to review the final three.

[lou2row]

FWIW. Hooked. :tu Newbie here. Awesome fun and great reviews. This and the orig. thread made me become certified and processed.

Keep it going!

Lack the experience and taste buds to participate in any other way than :wo

O. Smoke

O.S., all it takes is a little time and patience to focus on what the flavors mean to you. Sometimes trying unbanded cigars makes you do it, since the preconceptions are taken away. All is left is your own opinion. And in the end, that is all that matters to your personal enjoyment anyways.

[EEE]

guys, sorry for the major dealy here. All of my family is on the West coast and we had a major family issue that took me out there immediately and I am just getting back. I swear I'll have the last of these cigars smoked this weekend.

[lou2row]

No problem Bro. Hope everything is okay with the family.

[Starscream]

Hope everything is ok, Eric.


I smoked #7 this morning; hope to have the review up tomorrow afternoon.

[Starscream]

Cigar #7

http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/picture.php?albumid=350&pictureid=2829

Construction: 6.5 x 50 torpedo, dark brown wrapper

Pre-Light Draw: Not much flavor detectable

First Third: The first inch was horrid. Bitterness and ammonia is strong. I was tempted to put this stick down, but I figured I would struggle through so I can give it a full review. Ammonia settled down and was replaced by leathery and earthy flavors. I'm not a big fan of earthy flavor, but at least it wasn't ammonia.

Second Third: Very earthy still, but some sweetness is mixed in as well. The sweetness is almost like a Smores bar. Marshmallow and chocolate are detectable. This cigar isn't bad anymore.

Final Third: Marshmallow and chocolate dissapear and the earthy/leatheriness is the only flavor detectable.

Final Thoughts: Although the first third was horrible, the rest of the cigar wasn't bad. I'm not a fan of earthiness, but I did enjoy the marshmallow and chocolate pairing in the second third. Would I smoke this cigar again? No offense meant, but probably not.



EDIT: I would guess that this is the second Gurkha.

[lou2row]

I think I did a full review (not blind) of this cigar a while ago. If I can find it, I'l add it to my notes when I post it's identity.

Glad your feeling better, my friend! :tu

[Starscream]

I think I did a full review (not blind) of this cigar a while ago. If I can find it, I'l add it to my notes when I post it's identity.

Glad your feeling better, my friend! :tu

Thank you. Glad to be smoking again.:tu

[EEE]

Smoked my last 2 this weekend.........

#7 (torp)

pre-draw - air, too much, lose draw. Slight tobacco

Initial light: Easy to take hold of the fire, copious amounts of smoke. I get (yes, I'm serious here) the after taste of fruity pebbles cereal. (blech) chalky/sweet

First third - burn is straight, ash is average, very average cigar taste - I actually told my wife as I started this "it's almost like when you first light up a pipe and aren't getting the taste yet - just tobacco" I think the draw was just too loose for my palate's liking.

Second third - for me this was a one dimensional stick, as far as taste goes. "cigar" My wife said that it didn't have much of an aroma either. She is probably a better indicator on the aroma side of my reviews - she often sits with me or goes on walks with me while I smoke and tells me what she thinks (good and bad).

Last third - the stick just isn't eventful. Its fair, and every third/fourth draw I get a pleasant citrusy taste but it never stays. Never had any issues with burn as it stayed straight. The draw stayed too loose for my liking but I would have to have a couple more to see if it was that single stick or something with the make-up of the line.

For me this was barely average which I wouldn't spend more that $3-4 on.

----------------------------------------------------------

#9 (box press)

I instantly think Mayorga when I pull out this small ring gauged box pressed stick. Though I personally don't know if they come in wrappers outside of jet black - which this one wasn't.

Pre-draw - rich tobacco & bitter on the back of my tongue

Initial light - nice. Interesting coffee and dark dark chocolate taste - that definitely coincides with my pre-draw taste.

First third - the ash is super weak on this, falls off at a butterfly's wing flap. Taste has subdued considerably but still get the dark chocolate undertone.

Second third - good burn, horrid ash, becoming less and less chocolate and more bitter.

Last third - purge, draw, ash fall, taste burnt chocolate, repeat ......... though I must have been hypnotized as I literally nubbed this thing down as far as I could go. Hmmm.

Maybe I have two sides of my smoking brain fighting each other on this. One side isn't impressed at all with the ash and just wants to trash it, doesn't like the burnt chocolate -- but the other side finds it interesting and wants to continue to see where it goes......

I'm not sure I'd buy this cigar but definitely would smoke it again if gifted.

[EEE]

Lou,

Thank you very much for the chance to participate in these reviews. It has been fun for me to get back into these. I look forward to more interaction with you good sir.

[lou2row]

Lou,

Thank you very much for the chance to participate in these reviews. It has been fun for me to get back into these. I look forward to more interaction with you good sir.

Your very welcome Eric. You put up some excellent reviews, thanks for being involved. I wish a few of the sticks had been more to your liking, but I know that taste is subjective. I have friends that if they like a cigar, I feel safe buying a box, and others that if they enjoy a particular cigar, I still only buy one to try it first.
There is no right or wrong, only your personal preference that matters in the end. I just enjoy seeing people's take on cigars in this type of setting.

[Starscream]

Cigar #9

http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/picture.php?albumid=350&pictureid=2850

Construction: 5.5 x42 box-pressed (very square), dark brown wrapper

Pre-light: I honestly forgot to do a pre-light draw.

1st Third: The first bit tasted both bitter and like plain old tobacco. The bitterness remained, but a dark coffee flavor was detectable.

2nd Third: Still bitterness. Dark coffee is behind the bitterness. A nutty flavor is detectable near the end of the second third. Some sort of bitter nut.

Final Third: Still bitter. The nutty flavor is still there, and the coffee returns. Bitterness, nuttiness, and black coffee.

Final Thoughts: The cigar had a bitter taste in the forefront the entire time. The coffee and nutty flavors were nice, but they were behind the bitter flavor. This appearance of this cigar was very attractive, but the bitterness left a bad taste in my mouth.
Would I buy this cigar again? I'd be willing to give it a second shot, as the bitterness may have been exclusive to this single stick.

[Starscream]

Cigar #7

http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/picture.php?albumid=350&pictureid=2829

Construction: 6.5 x 50 torpedo, dark brown wrapper

Pre-Light Draw: Not much flavor detectable

First Third: The first inch was horrid. Bitterness and ammonia is strong. I was tempted to put this stick down, but I figured I would struggle through so I can give it a full review. Ammonia settled down and was replaced by leathery and earthy flavors. I'm not a big fan of earthy flavor, but at least it wasn't ammonia.

Second Third: Very earthy still, but some sweetness is mixed in as well. The sweetness is almost like a Smores bar. Marshmallow and chocolate are detectable. This cigar isn't bad anymore.

Final Third: Marshmallow and chocolate dissapear and the earthy/leatheriness is the only flavor detectable.

Final Thoughts: Although the first third was horrible, the rest of the cigar wasn't bad. I'm not a fan of earthiness, but I did enjoy the marshmallow and chocolate pairing in the second third. Would I smoke this cigar again? No offense meant, but probably not.



EDIT: I would guess that this is the second Gurkha.

Smoked my last 2 this weekend.........

#7 (torp)

pre-draw - air, too much, lose draw. Slight tobacco

Initial light: Easy to take hold of the fire, copious amounts of smoke. I get (yes, I'm serious here) the after taste of fruity pebbles cereal. (blech) chalky/sweet

First third - burn is straight, ash is average, very average cigar taste - I actually told my wife as I started this "it's almost like when you first light up a pipe and aren't getting the taste yet - just tobacco" I think the draw was just too loose for my palate's liking.

Second third - for me this was a one dimensional stick, as far as taste goes. "cigar" My wife said that it didn't have much of an aroma either. She is probably a better indicator on the aroma side of my reviews - she often sits with me or goes on walks with me while I smoke and tells me what she thinks (good and bad).

Last third - the stick just isn't eventful. Its fair, and every third/fourth draw I get a pleasant citrusy taste but it never stays. Never had any issues with burn as it stayed straight. The draw stayed too loose for my liking but I would have to have a couple more to see if it was that single stick or something with the make-up of the line.

For me this was barely average which I wouldn't spend more that $3-4 on.



Other than the uneventfulness, it seems almost as if we smoked two different cigars.

[Starscream]

#9 (box press)

I instantly think Mayorga when I pull out this small ring gauged box pressed stick. Though I personally don't know if they come in wrappers outside of jet black - which this one wasn't.

Pre-draw - rich tobacco & bitter on the back of my tongue

Initial light - nice. Interesting coffee and dark dark chocolate taste - that definitely coincides with my pre-draw taste.

First third - the ash is super weak on this, falls off at a butterfly's wing flap. Taste has subdued considerably but still get the dark chocolate undertone.

Second third - good burn, horrid ash, becoming less and less chocolate and more bitter.

Last third - purge, draw, ash fall, taste burnt chocolate, repeat ......... though I must have been hypnotized as I literally nubbed this thing down as far as I could go. Hmmm.

Maybe I have two sides of my smoking brain fighting each other on this. One side isn't impressed at all with the ash and just wants to trash it, doesn't like the burnt chocolate -- but the other side finds it interesting and wants to continue to see where it goes......

I'm not sure I'd buy this cigar but definitely would smoke it again if gifted.

Cigar #9

http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/picture.php?albumid=350&pictureid=2850

Construction: 5.5 x42 box-pressed (very square), dark brown wrapper

Pre-light: I honestly forgot to do a pre-light draw.

1st Third: The first bit tasted both bitter and like plain old tobacco. The bitterness remained, but a dark coffee flavor was detectable.

2nd Third: Still bitterness. Dark coffee is behind the bitterness. A nutty flavor is detectable near the end of the second third. Some sort of bitter nut.

Final Third: Still bitter. The nutty flavor is still there, and the coffee returns. Bitterness, nuttiness, and black coffee.

Final Thoughts: The cigar had a bitter taste in the forefront the entire time. The coffee and nutty flavors were nice, but they were behind the bitter flavor. This appearance of this cigar was very attractive, but the bitterness left a bad taste in my mouth.
Would I buy this cigar again? I'd be willing to give it a second shot, as the bitterness may have been exclusive to this single stick.

We had about the same experience with this stick.

[lou2row]

Cigar #7

http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/picture.php?albumid=350&pictureid=2829

Construction: 6.5 x 50 torpedo, dark brown wrapper

Pre-Light Draw: Not much flavor detectable

First Third: The first inch was horrid. Bitterness and ammonia is strong. I was tempted to put this stick down, but I figured I would struggle through so I can give it a full review. Ammonia settled down and was replaced by leathery and earthy flavors. I'm not a big fan of earthy flavor, but at least it wasn't ammonia.

Second Third: Very earthy still, but some sweetness is mixed in as well. The sweetness is almost like a Smores bar. Marshmallow and chocolate are detectable. This cigar isn't bad anymore.

Final Third: Marshmallow and chocolate dissapear and the earthy/leatheriness is the only flavor detectable.

Final Thoughts: Although the first third was horrible, the rest of the cigar wasn't bad. I'm not a fan of earthiness, but I did enjoy the marshmallow and chocolate pairing in the second third. Would I smoke this cigar again? No offense meant, but probably not.



EDIT: I would guess that this is the second Gurkha.


EEE's take:
#7 (torp)

pre-draw - air, too much, lose draw. Slight tobacco

Initial light: Easy to take hold of the fire, copious amounts of smoke. I get (yes, I'm serious here) the after taste of fruity pebbles cereal. (blech) chalky/sweet

First third - burn is straight, ash is average, very average cigar taste - I actually told my wife as I started this "it's almost like when you first light up a pipe and aren't getting the taste yet - just tobacco" I think the draw was just too loose for my palate's liking.

Second third - for me this was a one dimensional stick, as far as taste goes. "cigar" My wife said that it didn't have much of an aroma either. She is probably a better indicator on the aroma side of my reviews - she often sits with me or goes on walks with me while I smoke and tells me what she thinks (good and bad).

Last third - the stick just isn't eventful. Its fair, and every third/fourth draw I get a pleasant citrusy taste but it never stays. Never had any issues with burn as it stayed straight. The draw stayed too loose for my liking but I would have to have a couple more to see if it was that single stick or something with the make-up of the line.

For me this was barely average which I wouldn't spend more that $3-4 on.


My take a year ago when reviewing the stick:
Have had this cigar before (gifted from FGM). Enjoyed it's unique flavor profile from normal maduros. Lokking forward to this follow up.

Toro cigar, great looking oily wrapper. Wrapper has an earthy scent with the end smelling a little sweet.

Start: Great draw as it's lit with good smoke volume. A little bitter, peppery blast at the very onset that quickly subsides. Soon has the charcoaly flavor with very little sweetness that I remembered. Not something I'd smoke in my rotation, but enjoyable as a change of pace. Nice dry finish.

Mid: Slightly creaminess comes in with the carbony flavor. No sweetness at all. Toro is probably as long of a stick I'd like unless I found a better drink pairing.

Finish: Follows suit but starts to get a little tarry. Burn stayed true with good ash through out. Very nice construction

As I said, a cigar for once in a while to clear your palate. Not one I'd buy a box of, but can see always having a couple around. A great example of an untypical flavor.


Now, does anyone have a guess on what this might be?

[Starscream]

Now, does anyone have a guess on what this might be?

I'm still going with Ghurka.


Edit: Now that you mention it, charcoal was in the flavor profile in the first third. Never thought I'd describe a flavor in a cigar as "charcoal", but that is a good description for that flavor.

[lou2row]

Okay, no one took a guess on what the exact cigar was, so I'll go ahead with announcing that #7 was:



http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg80/lou2row/cs-uia.jpg

Gurkha Black Puros

Good eye Andy! Both Gurks out of the way, but now only one more to smoke.

And to all that read about the fiver; I didn't mean the crap I sent these two schmucks, I was actually talking five good cigars! :r :D

[lou2row]

Both reviews are up for #9. I doubt a guess will happen from what was posted by the reviews. I could say a one word review of this stick, but any cbidder that also posts here would nail it immediately. ;s

I'll wait till tomorrow, and post up on #9.

[Starscream]

Both reviews are up for #9. I doubt a guess will happen from what was posted by the reviews. I could say a one word review of this stick, but any cbidder that also posts here would nail it immediately. ;s

I'll wait till tomorrow, and post up on #9.

Nica Libre?

As a matter of fact, I just looked at a pic of one over at CI and it looked exactly like the one I smoked.

If that is what this stick is, CI better take that "tastes like Padron" lie off their site immediately.

[coastietech]

Nica Libre?

As a matter of fact, I just looked at a pic of one over at CI and it looked exactly like the one I smoked.

That was gonna be my guess as well...

[lou2row]

Nica Libre?



no.

[lou2row]

Nica Libre?

As a matter of fact, I just looked at a pic of one over at CI and it looked exactly like the one I smoked.

If that is what this stick is, CI better take that "tastes like Padron" lie off their site immediately.

I only had one stick that has lived up to that Padron comment; Camacho Negro. Really enjoyed those, and am mad I didn't stock up more before they went bye bye.

[Starscream]

I only had one stick that has lived up to that Padron comment; Camacho Negro. Really enjoyed those, and am mad I didn't stock up more before they went bye bye.

Man, I missed out on that deal when JR had them dirt cheap last year. Beautiful box and a good smoke.

[EEE]

Is there a way to edit our posts after there have been replies? I ask because it would be nice to see the reviews, and unveiling of the stick, be put into the original post. It would be interesting to see them all together like that.

[Starscream]

Is there a way to edit our posts after there have been replies? I ask because it would be nice to see the reviews, and unveiling of the stick, be put into the original post. It would be interesting to see them all together like that.

You can only edit posts here within a fifteen minute window. When Lou reveals the stick, I guess he could cut and paste our reviews on top of it, or just multi-quote our reviews.

[lou2row]

Originally Posted by EEE

#9 (box press)

I instantly think Mayorga when I pull out this small ring gauged box pressed stick. Though I personally don't know if they come in wrappers outside of jet black - which this one wasn't.

Pre-draw - rich tobacco & bitter on the back of my tongue

Initial light - nice. Interesting coffee and dark dark chocolate taste - that definitely coincides with my pre-draw taste.

First third - the ash is super weak on this, falls off at a butterfly's wing flap. Taste has subdued considerably but still get the dark chocolate undertone.

Second third - good burn, horrid ash, becoming less and less chocolate and more bitter.

Last third - purge, draw, ash fall, taste burnt chocolate, repeat ......... though I must have been hypnotized as I literally nubbed this thing down as far as I could go. Hmmm.

Maybe I have two sides of my smoking brain fighting each other on this. One side isn't impressed at all with the ash and just wants to trash it, doesn't like the burnt chocolate -- but the other side finds it interesting and wants to continue to see where it goes......

I'm not sure I'd buy this cigar but definitely would smoke it again if gifted.

Quote:
Originally Posted by andysutherland
Cigar #9



Construction: 5.5 x42 box-pressed (very square), dark brown wrapper

Pre-light: I honestly forgot to do a pre-light draw.

1st Third: The first bit tasted both bitter and like plain old tobacco. The bitterness remained, but a dark coffee flavor was detectable.

2nd Third: Still bitterness. Dark coffee is behind the bitterness. A nutty flavor is detectable near the end of the second third. Some sort of bitter nut.

Final Third: Still bitter. The nutty flavor is still there, and the coffee returns. Bitterness, nuttiness, and black coffee.

Final Thoughts: The cigar had a bitter taste in the forefront the entire time. The coffee and nutty flavors were nice, but they were behind the bitter flavor. This appearance of this cigar was very attractive, but the bitterness left a bad taste in my mouth.
Would I buy this cigar again? I'd be willing to give it a second shot, as the bitterness may have been exclusive to this single stick.

We had about the same experience with this stick.


Sorry you guys didn't enjoy cigar #9. This is one that I've liked, and picked up a box of the coronas. Not my favorite size, but was hoping they would work for this review. On cbid, when someone says,"mmmmmmmmmmmm...." they are referring to cigar #9:


http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg80/lou2row/EstebanCarrera.jpg
Estaban Carrera (picture is of natural, the reviewed cigar was a maduro).

[Starscream]

No way! Maybe I just got a bad stick. I love these! Never had one with that much bitterness before.

[EEE]

I have never had that stick before.... Like I said - I would try it again.

Again - Lou thank you for this opportunity. Greatly appreciated.

[Starscream]

Again - Lou thank you for this opportunity. Greatly appreciated.

:tpd:
Thank you to both of you for both opportunities.

I'll try to get to the last one today. No later than tomorrow.

[Starscream]

Cigar #10 (Final Review)

http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/picture.php?albumid=350&pictureid=2861

Construction: 6x56-58(ish), light/medium brown wrapper

Pre-Light: Tobacco taste, smells like a tobacco barn

1st Third: Very peppery with a slight bit of sweetness in the background. Pepper and sweetness start to blend into a spicy-sweet cinnamon flavor.

2nd Third: Cinnamon is gone. Pepper returns to the forefront. Just pepper. Cinnamon flavor returns near the middle of the second third. Pepper and spice. The pepper is strong. Smoking this cigar is almost like tongue bite from a pipe.

Final Third: Pepper, pepper, and more pepper. I nubbed it!

Final Thoughts: I enjoyed this cigar immensely. Full-bodied, spicy, and peppery. I'd love to get my hands on more of these.

I would guess that this stick was a DPG of some sort.

[Starscream]

I know I already have said this, but now that I'm done reviewing all ten sticks (twenty five if you count all the blind reviews that I've done lately), I would like to officially thank lou2row and EEE for letting me participate in these blind reviews. MCS too for the five blind reviews that I did for him as well. True brothers of the leaf! It has been an honor, a privilege, and a chance to refine my palate. Twenty five blind reviews since July has really helped me to discern flavors in cigars. I thank you for the opportunity, but I'm also glad to be done with blind reviews for a while. I see there are a lot of blind reviews on the board right now, but I am officially passing the torch to someone else for a while. To the members here who have followed these three threads, give lou2row, EEE, and MCS some rg (rep bump).

[EEE]

:( I'm so sorry that mine was like a sponge in the Miami air. Sounds like it was a delicious cigar.

[Starscream]

:( I'm so sorry that mine was like a sponge in the Miami air. Sounds like it was a delicious cigar.

Definitely. I love full bodied, peppery cigars. This one hit the spot. A good cigar for my tenth wedding anniversary.:tu

[lou2row]

Cigar #10 (Final Review)

http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/picture.php?albumid=350&pictureid=2861

Construction: 6x56-58(ish), light/medium brown wrapper

Pre-Light: Tobacco taste, smells like a tobacco barn

1st Third: Very peppery with a slight bit of sweetness in the background. Pepper and sweetness start to blend into a spicy-sweet cinnamon flavor.

2nd Third: Cinnamon is gone. Pepper returns to the forefront. Just pepper. Cinnamon flavor returns near the middle of the second third. Pepper and spice. The pepper is strong. Smoking this cigar is almost like tongue bite from a pipe.

Final Third: Pepper, pepper, and more pepper. I nubbed it!

Final Thoughts: I enjoyed this cigar immensely. Full-bodied, spicy, and peppery. I'd love to get my hands on more of these.

I would guess that this stick was a DPG of some sort.

Once again, good eye Andy! This is a cigar I was worried you would be able to name without even smoking. But since you weren't posting sizes, I thought it might slide through. This series is all well made, great for the price sticks. Only have a couple let me down. This is one of my favorites (and I've had them all).

The final cigar, #10 is:

http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg80/lou2row/cs-xga-view4.jpg

legend series yellow label (DPG)

Thanks guys for letting me be a part of this. You guys put alot of time into this and it showed in your reviews. The eight non Gurkhas are all ones I keep around and in my rotation. I hope you and some of the followers found something worth trying again.

[lou2row]

Definitely. I love full bodied, peppery cigars. This one hit the spot. A good cigar for my tenth wedding anniversary.:tu

Congrats my friend! :tu

[Starscream]

Congrats my friend! :tu

First Legends series that I have ever smoked. I loved it. I'll have to get more. And thanks for the congrats on my anni.

[Starscream]

I hope you and some of the followers found something worth trying again.

Most definitely!:tu