DBall's Newb (and not-so-newb) Blind Taste Test #6

[DBall]

Can't wait to see these final cigars! Robb already finished #3 and Adam is keeping us in suspense (yet sticking to the proposed schedule of 1/week, so no complaints here)...

Man, I forgot how much I enjoyed these things...

[Ripplingh2o]

Originally Posted by DBall

Can't wait to see these final cigars! Robb already finished #3 and Adam is keeping us in suspense (yet sticking to the proposed schedule of 1/week, so no complaints here)...

Man, I forgot how much I enjoyed these things...

The proposed schedule as I understood, said "at least one per week". Didn't want to extend this to a 5 week episode.

[DBall]

AdamJoshua Cigar #3
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Seems to be about PC sized.

Very nice milk chocolate wrapper, no veins to speak of, well packed, a little bit tight with a knot right where my fingers are pinching in the photo, doesn’t seem to be anything too major.

First Third: Lots of wood off the bat, no pun intended, it’s that wood you get when you chew on a No. 2 pencil. The last time I got something like this was a Monte Esp that was a bit tight as well, this is one of those unmistakeable notes to me, wish there was someone else here to try this, they might have another name for it or something more common as far as what type of wood, usually I can tell cedar or oak, but it’s not really either of those.

About half way through the first third and it’s a bit of a smokey oak and tea profile at this point, Is that something, well if not it is now.

Almost through the first third, very little spice to me, nice smooth snorking, nice sharp burn line with no touchups needed.

Second Third: starting out mild to medium the wood is going limp … phrasing … still a bit of wood but I’m getting more leather and a bit of sweetness, I would say honey but it’s way in the back, really faint and hard to pinpoint but it’s definitely not a sweetness like a chocolate or caramel.

Final Third: Strength is picking up a bit, almost like a licorice or anisette.

Overall a very enjoyable cigar, the tightness never came into play.

I’d go with 7 out of 10 smileys.

[DBall]

Ripplingh2o Cigar #3
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Initial observations - 5.0" x 42RG medium brown wrapper, densely composed, firmly packed cigar with a woodsy aroma. Used my Xikar V-cutter. Thought I smelled a hint of cocoa so I chose to pair it with a cup of Swiss Miss. Toasted at 9:55 a.m.

First 1/3 - Right off the first draw I know this is going to be another wonderful cigar. Excellent draw with rich, creamy smoke and only the smallest hint of pepper thru the retrohale. Pairs superbly with my hot chocolate. As usual, I can't pinpoint any particular notes or nuances regardless of how I "sip" or retro but that doesn't detract from its enjoyment. As I now progress to the second 1/3, the initial gray & white ash remains solidly intact.

Second 1/3 - Watched some YouTubers last night as they reviewed various sticks touting proclamations of cedar, vanilla bean, licorice, apricot, leather, citrus, toasted almond, graham cracker, & yes, even hot biscuits. I'm encouraged to discover my cigar palate, but likened to the Herman's Hermits lyric, "second verse, same as the first". This stick continues to be rich & creamy without any harshness. Burn by the way, is razor sharp.

Last 1/3 - Finally, there seems to be a slightly noticeable transition. IDK, maybe a honey or almond note or a hint of toffee flavor .? The Mrs. just visited me in the garage and remarked, "oh, that one sure smells good."
Final thoughts - I didn't have one of those fancy nub holders like Adam has, so I used a 10 penny nail from off my workbench to keep from burning my fingers. Great smoke Dan, thank you. Mirroring the 2nd cigar, I hope this is one I can buy in the future. Overall rating - since it was a tad better than cigar #2,

I'll give it a 9.0. Smoke time: 45 minutes.

On to cigar #4 in a couple days or so.

[DBall]

What they smoked:
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2015 Rafael Gonzalez Petit Corona

AdamJoshua Rating: 7/10

Ripplingh20 Rating: 9/10

This is a fresh run of the mill Cuban cigar, but it seemed to get a good reception! Luckily, these can be had for a reasonable price.

Glad to see these got favorable reviews!

So excited for the next two!