Blind ten spot review Part Two
 

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

Re: Blind ten spot review Part Two
 

:insert popcorn smilie emoticon here:

Re: Blind ten spot review Part Two
 

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).

Re: Blind ten spot review Part Two
 

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

Re: Blind ten spot review Part Two
 

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

Re: Blind ten spot review Part Two
 

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!

Re: Blind ten spot review Part Two
 

http://i654.photobucket.com/albums/u...me/popcorn.gif


Got ya covered MJ

Re: Blind ten spot review Part Two
 

Many thanks!

Re: Blind ten spot review Part Two
 

Got sticks today. Wonderful looking bands. Real cool.

Ill be taking photos as we get through them.

Probably start smoking them this weekend.

Re: Blind ten spot review Part Two
 

Cigar #1
http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/pictur...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.

Re: Blind ten spot review Part Two
 

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

Re: Blind ten spot review Part Two
 

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

Re: Blind ten spot review Part Two
 

Kind of looks and sounds like a 5 vegas miami

Re: Blind ten spot review Part Two
 

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.

Re: Blind ten spot review Part Two
 

Cigar #2
http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/pictur...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

Re: Blind ten spot review Part Two
 

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

Re: Blind ten spot review Part Two
 

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

Re: Blind ten spot review Part Two
 

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".

Re: Blind ten spot review Part Two
 

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/g...ow/Shot1-1.jpg

5 Vegas limitada 2006

Re: Blind ten spot review Part Two
 

: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.

Re: Blind ten spot review Part Two
 

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.

Re: Blind ten spot review Part Two
 

Lol :al

Re: Blind ten spot review Part Two
 

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.

Re: Blind ten spot review Part Two
 

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

Re: Blind ten spot review Part Two
 

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

Smoking #3 tonight.

Re: Blind ten spot review Part Two
 

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

Re: Blind ten spot review Part Two
 

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/g...ow/cnv0299.jpg

Alec Bradley Medalist

Re: Blind ten spot review Part Two
 

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

Re: Blind ten spot review Part Two
 

Cigar #3

http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/pictur...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!

Re: Blind ten spot review Part Two
 

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.

Re: Blind ten spot review Part Two
 

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

Re: Blind ten spot review Part Two
 

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/g...row/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.

Re: Blind ten spot review Part Two
 

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.

Re: Blind ten spot review Part Two
 

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.

Re: Blind ten spot review Part Two
 

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.

Re: Blind ten spot review Part Two
 

Cigar #8
http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/pictur...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.

Re: Blind ten spot review Part Two
 

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.

Re: Blind ten spot review Part Two
 

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/g...row/cs-4pb.jpg
Por Larranga cuban grade maduro

Re: Blind ten spot review Part Two
 

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

Re: Blind ten spot review Part Two
 

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

Re: Blind ten spot review Part Two
 

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!

Re: Blind ten spot review Part Two
 

#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

Re: Blind ten spot review Part Two
 

Cigar #4

http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/pictur...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.

Re: Blind ten spot review Part Two
 

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)

Re: Blind ten spot review Part Two
 

I'm following along, bro.


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

Re: Blind ten spot review Part Two
 

:r

Only one so far. One more to go.

Re: Blind ten spot review Part Two
 

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

Re: Blind ten spot review Part Two
 

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

Re: Blind ten spot review Part Two
 

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

Re: Blind ten spot review Part Two
 

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