"Bob's and Huy's Blind testing"

[Adriftpanda]

Bob (Bobarian) handed me a blind fiver to review, he told me the only way I could smoke these was if I was to do a review, so here is stick number 1. All the smokes had triple caps on them. Bob being who he is, I asked him if they were all CC, he said no, but they have been aged for at least a year or more. Well here is my first cigar

http://i626.photobucket.com/albums/tt346/hnguyen14/photo31.jpg

Pre-smoke
Nice golden brown wrapper, with little veins and no oils. The smell of this cigar is very pleasant, smells of cocoa and cinnamon. Stick is very light in the hands. Took a bite off the triple cap and I was able to taste that little zing of spice on my tongue, taking a draw of this smoke... nice easy draw. Should be a fun smoke!

http://i626.photobucket.com/albums/tt346/hnguyen14/photo32.jpg

First/Third
Woahh, with my initial puff on this stick and I'm blown away by the immense flavor of sweetness and cocoa The nice easy draw is allowing me to really enjoy this cigar. This smoke is burning somewhat even, I might have to do a little touch up, we'll see. The draw on this cigar is just right, giving out the ample amount of smoke. The ash on this stick is very light gray, almost could say white. About 10 minutes into this cigar, the flavor has continued to remain very consistent the first third of this cigar.

http://i626.photobucket.com/albums/tt346/hnguyen14/photo33.jpg

Second/Third
The flavor of this cigar is really impressing me. It has slowly shifted towards a earthy tone, but still has that hint of sweet cocoa. The burn is still somewhat even, haven't had to do any touch ups. This cigar to me, would be more on the light to medium bodied smoke. Something that would be a great morning smoke (still morning for me)

http://i626.photobucket.com/albums/tt346/hnguyen14/photo34.jpg

Third
I'm enjoying this cigar to the freaking nub! This a good change of pace for me, I smoked a couple LFD last night, so this light smoke is just what the doctor (Bob) ordered. A-hole ash, just fell all over me. Back to the review, I have not notice a change of flavor on this stick other than the earthy tone.

http://i626.photobucket.com/albums/tt346/hnguyen14/photo36.jpg

Overall
I enjoyed this cigar very much, something I could see myself smoking again. This would be a great morning smoke for whoever. The flavors on the cigar was very consistent. Overall, I would say that the entire cigar was consistent, the draw, burn, and the ample amount of smoke was just right. I'm guessing this smoke is a Nicaragua smoke? Could be wrong but that's my guess. Thanks Bob for the smoke.

[bobarian]

Nice review and pics, Huy. Any guesses as to brand and blend? I will post the cigar after work when I find the list. :tu

[Adriftpanda]

I want to say it's a Pepin blend, I have a feeling that I have smoked this cigar before.

[Starscream]

What are the dimensions on this cigar? RG and length?

[Adriftpanda]

What are the dimensions on this cigar? RG and length?

I say it's a toro. About 6'' with RG of 60, I believe.

[Starscream]

I say it's a toro.

:tu


It sounds like a good stick!

[kelmac07]

Huy...loved the review brother!! Got me curious now too as to what you smoked.

[Adriftpanda]

Huy...loved the review brother!! Got me curious now too as to what you smoked.

Me too bro... gotta wait for old timer Bob to get off work for us to find out. :D

[bobarian]

All five are approx 5"x50rg robustos.

[Adriftpanda]

All five are approx 5"x50rg robustos.

Shows how much I know... ;s thanks Bob

[bobarian]

Shows how much I know... ;s thanks Bob

That's why you ask your GF to measure! :banger

[T.G]

All five are approx 5"x50rg robustos.

Shows how much I know... ;s thanks Bob

Want me to give you a paper ruler and one of those little tear out center sections with the ring gauges on it out the Thompsons catalog at the next herf?

[Mr B]

Nice Review and pics Huy. Sounds like a fun Blind Review.

[bobarian]

OK, I'm home. Pretty close on your tasting notes. I really like these cigars in this size and the lancero. I kind of think of them as a Camacho "Light". It is a Honduran puro, Padilla Series 68 Robusto. Pretty close! :tu

[Adriftpanda]

OK, I'm home. Pretty close on your tasting notes. I really like these cigars in this size and the lancero. I kind of think of them as a Camacho "Light". It is a Honduran puro, Padilla Series 68 Robusto. Pretty close! :tu

It's a 68? Haha I was just telling Mike how much I did not enjoy the 68 the other week! Maybe the previous one I had was a dud because this one was awesome. Okay review on cigar #2 will come out tomorrow.

[theonlybear4CORT]

Hahaha the 68! glad you enjoyed the smoke,I look forward to reading your blind reviews.

[bobarian]

I think you will be quite surprised at what you can pick up in a blind tasting. I have done many(probably 50) and I learn something from every stick I smoke. This one is pretty easy because I already eliminated 90% of my sticks by telling your there were no CC's in the mix.

[kenstogie]

I love blind taste tests. as Bobarian said you learn so much!

[Adriftpanda]

Pre-light

This cigar is one ugly motha. I think this might be one of the darkest wrappers I've smoked in awhile besides from the Camacho TM. This might even be an oscuro wrapper. After just looking at the cigar some more, it looks as if the first half of the wrapper is almost black and the 2nd half of the cigar is a dark brown, change of color. Took a bite off the cap and automatically I can pick up an hay like taste.

http://i626.photobucket.com/albums/tt346/hnguyen14/photo37.jpg

First/Third

Awww this is nice. With the first few puffs on this cigar, I can taste the sweet coffee notes with a hint of peppers. The draw on this cigar is flawless, giving out the right amount of smoke. About an inch and half into this stick, the burn is very even, very appealing to look at ( I hate it when my cigars run on me). I'm starting to get that sweet maduro taste hitting the palate just right, yummy. The flavors on this cigar has remained pretty consistent so far... let's see what happens next!

http://i626.photobucket.com/albums/tt346/hnguyen14/photo38.jpg
http://i626.photobucket.com/albums/tt346/hnguyen14/photo39.jpg

Second/Third

The finish on this cigar is very short which isn't bad. Mean while, the sweet maduro taste is still the prominent flavor, I am able to get a hint of cedar to this cigar. I was sure this was going to be a spice kick cigar, but it hasn't kicked in yet... maybe it won't, either way this cigar is an awesome smoke and I'm enjoying it. With the 2/3 coming to an end, I'm able to pick up on some new flavors...

http://i626.photobucket.com/albums/tt346/hnguyen14/photo40.jpg

Third

I'm beginging to pick up on some woody notes but with a hint of white peppers. Throughout the entire cigar, the burn on this cigar has been flawless. Bob said that he doesn't think I've had this cigar before, but I think I might have... With about an inch left on this stick, the taste of cedar and white peppers are still prominent through out this last third.

http://i626.photobucket.com/albums/tt346/hnguyen14/photo41.jpg

Conclusion

Never judge a cigar by it's wrapper. As I stated, this cigar was one ugly motha... this cigar might have been ugly but it was a hell of a cigar. With a few inches left, I stood up and I felt it kicking in. I would classify this cigar as medium plus. So my guess as to what this cigar is, I would say it's something Ecuadorian, maybe even Honduran, maybe a La Gloria or Camacho? Either way, it was a great smoke for me.

Cigar #3 will have to wait till maybe Monday, I have a busy weekend ahead of me. Thank you to those that are reading these, and big thanks to Bob for this opportunity to do this.

[Doctorossi]

Ooh- I think I might know what that one was, just by givin' it the stink-eye.

[bobarian]

#2 was the now discontinued Camacho Negro. Wrapper is a Mexican maduro, Honduran filler/binder. Great job, Huy. :tu

[T.G]

#2 was the now discontinued Camacho Negro. Wrapper is a Mexican maduro, Honduran filler/binder. Great job, Huy. :tu

Those were really good tasting cigars - not sure why they didn't go over, maybe the absorbant price that JR was charging for them due to the packaging.

I might be remembering things wrong, but I thought all of the Camacho Negros were box pressed?

[Skywalker]

I say it's a toro. About 6'' with RG of 60, I believe.

All five are approx 5"x50rg robustos.

That's why you ask your GF to measure! :banger

Bob, you stole my line!!! I was going to say something smart!!!:r

BTW Huy - I love the Camacho Negros!!!

Nice reviews!!!:tu

[Adriftpanda]

#2 was the now discontinued Camacho Negro. Wrapper is a Mexican maduro, Honduran filler/binder. Great job, Huy. :tu

Half right! Sweet!

Thanks Darrell.

[Mr B]

Another great review. Thanks Huy

[BFallehy]

Great Review. I am a fan of the Camacho Negro's, unfortunatly I only have a couple left. :(

[Skywalker]

Great Review. I am a fan of the Camacho Negro's, unfortunatly I only have a couple left. :(

:tpd: :bh

[Darrell]

Keep your nasty ass toes out of the pictures. :pu

[Skywalker]

Keep your nasty ass toes out of the pictures. :pu


Oh! Yeah!

I thought those were Nub Habanos!!!:r

[Adriftpanda]

Keep your nasty ass toes out of the pictures. :pu

:fu2
Next time I will have both feet in the picture for you, grouch.

[Adriftpanda]

Pre-light

This 3rd cigar is covered by a maduro wrapper with little oils and one very noticeable vein. The smell of this cigar is very pleasant, something a little sweet. Okay, let's take a bite off the cap. Taking a dry draw, it seems as if this cigar is not very giving, but I can taste the sweet hay like flavor. Okay time to light this thing up.

http://i626.photobucket.com/albums/tt346/hnguyen14/photo42.jpg

First/Third

Wow wow wow. The first couple puffs on this cigar just blown me away. The flavors are so rich. The initial puff on this cigar, I was able to pick up on a hint of coffee beans with some light peppers that lingers the back of my throat. The finish is very long and is making me take a drink of my water. After about 5 minutes of settling in on this cigar, the flavors have mellowed out to a sweet coffee bean taste with some peppers to it. The flavors on this cigar is very smooth.

http://i626.photobucket.com/albums/tt346/hnguyen14/photo43.jpg

Second/Third

I am able to pick up on the sweet maduro with hints of nuts. I mentioned in the pre-light that this cigar was going to be tough to draw on, it's a little tough so I used my draw tool to poke down its pipe hole! This smoke is burning a little uneven, a little touch up as well. The ash on this stick is solid firm. Such a high maintenance cigar! Okay back to the flavor profile. I also pick up a smoky component, leaving the back of my throat felling like a charcoal grill. I have an idea of what this cigar is but I don't want to ruin it for myself, let's smoke some more!

http://i626.photobucket.com/albums/tt346/hnguyen14/photo44.jpg
http://i626.photobucket.com/albums/tt346/hnguyen14/photo45.jpg

Last

The cigar is burning a little more even now and the draw seems to have opened a little more. A soft pepper flavor is also something that I am to pick up, this flavor is balancing out very well with the rest of the smoke. Think roasted nuts with a light pepper, I would say that those are the two prominent flavors through out the last 3rd.

http://i626.photobucket.com/albums/tt346/hnguyen14/photo46.jpg

Conclusion

Overall I enjoyed this cigar very much, although at times, the stick went wavy on me. I'm not sure if this would be a cigar I would grab out of the humi every day, but it's something I wouldn't mind once in a while. Overall, I would say that this is a medium smoke. I want to say this is something Nicaraguan, maybe a 601? Although it did not have that Pepin spice blast, I still think it's the 601. Bob did say that it has some age on it... I'm sticking to it. 601.

[Mr B]

Another great review Huy. :tu

Thanks

[Red]

good stuff!! i love blind reviews

[bobarian]

Very nice review Huy. It is indeed a Nicaraguan but not a Pepin or Ortega. It is an Illusione 88. One of those bad boys has to be a Pepin! Or does it! :r

[Adriftpanda]

Very nice review Huy. It is indeed a Nicaraguan but not a Pepin or Ortega. It is an Illusione 88. One of those bad boys has to be a Pepin! Or does it! :r

Ehhh half right, not bad. I'm sure one of them are! Did you get it!!!!!???

[bobarian]

Ehhh half right, not bad. I'm sure one of them are! Did you get it!!!!!???

Yes, I got your package. Smoking little Viaje now in Raymond's memory. Spicy little stick!

[weak_link]

I really need to get out of the banter thread more often. Great reviews so far Huy! :banger

[theonlybear4CORT]

Damn good blind review huy.

[mcmoyer]

Great thread! I really enjoy reading Huy's reviews!

:tu

[yourchoice]

Great thread to come back to, but Huy...did you ever smoke the last two??? None-the-less, I really enjoyed the review of the first three. It's interesting to see how perceptions may have changed in almost 4 years. :tu

[mk05]

Yes, I'd like to see that Huy's taste in music has also changed from Santana and Alicia Keys. Who knows, he might have devolved right down to JoJo and Taylor Swift.

[Ubiquitous]

This is fun! Great reviews

[MUNKY]

Awesome, blind tasting I often wonder if sticks unwrapped like this would be enjoyed more the way. Good review so far!

[bobarian]

This thread is over four years old, not sure why its being resurrected now. I dont remember if the last two were ever smoked and reviewed but even if they were my original list is long gone so I have no idea the actual identity of the cigars in question.

Blind tasting definitely has its benefits. Without the preconceptions one forms by seeing the band, it allows you to formulate opinions on the taste and experience of the cigar itself. I would encourage others to do more blind tasting and see if your opinions change of cigars you have smoked previously.

One way is to hold a blind tasting at a herf. Each participant puts an unbanded numbered cigar into a hat. Then each pulls one cigar for tasting. At the end the number is shown and the original person who put that number in can reveal the actual cigar. You might find this to be more challenging than it seems. :2

[yourchoice]

This thread is over four years old, not sure why its being resurrected now. I dont remember if the last two were ever smoked and reviewed but even if they were my original list is long gone so I have no idea the actual identity of the cigars in question.


Bob, I didn't resurrect the thread with the purpose of questioning if the last two were ever smoked. I apologize, especially to Huy, if my post came off that way.

I was prompted to bump it for many reasons... I thought it was a very intriguing thread that I missed the first time around, my interest in blind taste tests, the concept of developing palettes and people's perceptions of cigars and their good and bad attributes.

In that context, I hope you understand why I resurrected the thread, even if you don't agree with its resurrection.

[bobarian]

No worries Joel. :tu I just wanted to be sure no one expected any conclusion. You saw the reason for the thread, to help expand an individuals palate and openness to flavors that might otherwise be affected by the band and preconceptions.

[Adriftpanda]

I have no idea if I smoked the last 2 or not. Long time ago, when Bob was still in his 80s.

[mariogolbee]

I have no idea if I smoked the last 2 or not. Long time ago, when Bob was still in his 80s.
In 1920?