DBall's Newb Blind Taste Test Thread #2

[Montano]

Originally Posted by DBall

Now I just think that Nick does not like habanos...

Perhaps that's a good thing, since I probably couldn't afford them

[DBall]

Originally Posted by Montano

Perhaps that's a good thing, since I probably couldn't afford them

Shizz.. they are typically cheaper than NCs. That one was $4.52...

[DBall]

What they smoked:



2001 Juan Lopez Corona

Montano score: 8.5
Riff Raff score: 8.2

I'm glad there's nearly consensus on at least one cigar finally. The first one of these I was gifted blew my mind, grabbed a handful of boxes and got the same 'meh' impression Riff Raff did with some of them.

Sometimes, though, they shine.

[Savor the Stick]

Interesting how the flavor profile is different for both the testers. I think this is a good thing because it does probably encompass what a larger test group would find.

Nice reviews guys. and thanks to Dan for the cigars.

[yourchoice]

I'm just jealous of Nick's green grass!

Nice reviews guys, keep 'em comin'!

[Riff Raff]

Originally Posted by DBall

[b]What they smoked:

The first one of these I was gifted blew my mind, grabbed a handful of boxes and got the same 'meh' impression Riff Raff did with some of them.

Sometimes, though, they shine.

Well I am just glad it wasn't my taste buds on the fritz!

[Riff Raff]

Wow! A twelve year old habano? I am impressed Dan! Being a newb to CCs it could be my unrefined palate that hinders my true appreciation of the finer stogies. It was a good smoke, but honestly I wouldn't say it wowed me. Three CCs in a row! Holy cow! You are pulling out all the stops here! Each new smoke in this blind taste test is the highlight of my week!

[DBall]

Montano Cigar #5
**************

This was a light colored cigar with a somewhat veiny wrapper. Per-light draw was a touch on the tight side. I got notes of meaty tobacco.



The first draw fills my mouth with a very nice caramel flavor. I'm instantly reminded of the See's Caramel Chews that I love so much. I think this one is gonna be good !



The draw remains a bit tight, so I used my poker to try and get things going. As I moved to the 2nd third of this cigar, the very nice chewy caramel flavor remains. I'm not getting a ton of smoke, but what I do get is very flavorful.



The burn was nice and even, and quite slow. I was taking my time with this one and really enjoying each draw. As I moved towards the final 3rd, the caramel flavor started to give way to a nice vanilla note.



This was a very enjoyable smoke. The flavor profile was one that I could go for time after time. I consider it a mild smoke with lots of flavor.



I give this baby an 8.5

[DBall]

Riff Raff Cigar #5
*************

Okay, the halfway point. Here we go:



Not exactly a gorgeous stick, but not horrible either. A bit rustic with a natural wrapper that is a bit toothy nearer the foot. My calibrated eyeball estimates it to be about a 6" X 42. There are some nicks in the wrapper and there is a small wrinkle from when it was wrapped.

Pre-light: Nice firm draw that tastes of hay.

First light: Some hay flavors and a slight hint of toast. There is a nice dark gray ash and lots of smoke.





1/3rd: A bit of an uneven burn but no big deal. Not much flavor to this puppy. Maybe a hint of pepper. On the retro-hale there is a bit of cedar present also in the background there is a very light fragrance of chlorine. Yeah, like a pool in the spring. Just a hint though. Strange.



2/3rd: Some sweet tobacco flavors and a bit of pepper. Still not much flavor. On the retro-hale still cedar with a bit of an oily flavor. Pretty uneventful so far.



3/3rd: Still some sweet tobacco and little else. Maybe some grassy notes coming through with some oil on the finish. The burn started to freak out a bit at the end.



Overall impression: Meh! Yeah, just meh. There really is nothing much to this mild cigar. It wasn't a bad smoke. Just boring. I give it an 8.2

There you have it!

[Montano]

Without a doubt the oldest CC I've had

Perhaps the age is why it appeared old and wrinkled

It was a decent smoke, just nothing to write home about. I would smoke it again.

[RevSmoke]

Montano - good choice for a bourbon, Buffalo Trace is enjoyable.

Great thread guys, keep up the good work. This is the first thread I hit when I log on to the site.

Thanks again!

[Nimbus]

Bill's first review; driving, smoking and taking pics at the same time scared the daylights out of me.

Very generous selection of cigars Dan.

[E.J.]

LOVE THESE THREADS!!!!!

Dan, I tip my hat to you.... FINE JOB!

[Montano]

I'm ready to smoke #5, but I don't see the reviews for #4 yet

[DBall]

Originally Posted by Montano

I'm ready to smoke #5, but I don't see the reviews for #4 yet

That's because your counterpart is slackin'...

when is the next review?? *waiting*

[Riff Raff]

? Wow. I thought we were doing one a week. My Bad. I have smoked # 4 and written the review. It will be up tonight. Promise, cross my heart and all that junk.

[DBall]

Originally Posted by Riff Raff

? Wow. I thought we were doing one a week. My Bad. I have smoked # 4 and written the review. It will be up tonight. Promise, cross my heart and all that junk.

I'm only pickin' on ya. 1/week is what I was aiming for... more is ok, but one a week will make it stretch out a bit more

[Riff Raff]

Okay, okay. #4 is up! Quit your bellyaching!