Cigar smokers?

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Originally posted by stickman:

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Originally posted by mdsphoto:
I like Caldwell the brand, the man not so much. He reminds me of a pimp who became a used car salesman.

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... His ultra boutique line called Lost & Found are just leftovers he is buying from Camacho and other large producers and rebranding them...

I had come across 'Lost and Found' cigars, but I didn't know it was Robert Caldwell behind them. I didn't understand the appeal of cigars that were sitting around a warehouse, and the producer didn't mind just letting them go to be rebranded. They're throwaways, right? Seconds at best, I would think. Maybe they're great, but I've never tried one.

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... with fancy names like Pepper Cream Soda & Swollen Cock and offering them at a premium price...

... and I've never understood cigar smokers' inclinations to liken their cigar to a phallus. Dude! I am about to put this thing in my mouth, for crying out loud!

Stick, you do know women smoke cigars too, right!

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Originally posted by wine+art:

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Originally posted by stickman:

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Originally posted by mdsphoto:
... names like Pepper Cream Soda & Swollen Cock...

... and I've never understood cigar smokers' inclinations to liken their cigar to a phallus. Dude! I am about to put this thing in my mouth, for crying out loud!

Stick, you do know women smoke cigars too, right!

Teehee. Yep, I do. And I dig it when they do.

No, I get it. Heck, I joked with g-man about the 'pretty lady' at Davidoff's. But c'mon - naming a cigar 'Swollen Cock'?!

I can just imagine walking into a shop, and they say, "Hey, stick, we just got these Swollen Cocks. Wanna' try one?" Noooo, thanks!
... not that there's anything wrong with that!

I just finished an Ezra Zion House Blend robusto (5.5 x 52); for a sub-$7 stick, this is quite good! It's absolutely packed with flavor, and it jumps out from the first puff. Salted butter and a tangy coffee are later complimented with cinnamon, nutmeg, later some bitter chocolate... Wow! I'm impressed! I'm holding off on some of their more limited blends (some are already sold out, so I've gotta' ration what I've got), but if this is a harbinger of things to come, I've got some excellent smokes ahead of me!

Enjoying a San Cristobal Coloso with a single V cut.

Now, which beer shall I order?

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Originally posted by wine+art:
Enjoying a San Cristobal Coloso with a single V cut.

What did you think of that? ... and how long did it last (that's a lot of cigar!)?

Speaking of Pepin/Ashton cigars, I returned to an old favorite, La Aroma de Cuba Edicion Especial No. 1, 5 5/8 x 46 corona gorda. This and the No. 5, 5 1/2 x 52 Belicoso are my favorite vitolas of this blend. This is still a solid, well-balanced performer - smooth pepper, hay, soft cocoa... very pleasing and relaxing, with no-fuss, flawless construction.

On a sleepless night I decided to revisit the My Father Oro de Nicaragua, partially because my last few sticks of this were disturbingly off, and I wanted to see what some more humidor rest might have changed. In short, I cannot describe my disappointment with this latest batch, purchased in early November of 2016. A previous purchase had inspired me to put this stick on my top-ten list for 2016; these, on the other hand, lead my list for most disappointing for 2017. I've never experienced such a dramatic difference in batches. Considering that it's made by My Father, a company for which I've had the greatest respect in the past, I'm shocked and dismayed. I really don't know what to say, but I do want to put this out, for fear that someone might buy some off my recommendation and then hate me, because these are genuinely flawed.

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Originally posted by stickman:

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Originally posted by wine+art:
Enjoying a San Cristobal Coloso with a single V cut.

What did you think of that? ... and how long did it last (that's a lot of cigar!)?

Well, it lasted long enough for me to drop about $80 playing poker and three beers.

The stick was solid, required only one light and enjoyable.

quote:

Originally posted by stickman:
On a sleepless night I decided to revisit the My Father Oro de Nicaragua, partially because my last few sticks of this were disturbingly off, and I wanted to see what some more humidor rest might have changed. In short, I cannot describe my disappointment with this latest batch, purchased in early November of 2016. A previous purchase had inspired me to put this stick on my top-ten list for 2016; these, on the other hand, lead my list for most disappointing for 2017. I've never experienced such a dramatic difference in batches. Considering that it's made by My Father, a company for which I've had the greatest respect in the past, I'm shocked and dismayed. I really don't know what to say, but I do want to put this out, for fear that someone might buy some off my recommendation and then hate me, because these are genuinely flawed.

I've had a similar experience over the last year with My Father cigars. When they're good, they are REALLY good. When off, it is a miserable smoking experience. Has put me off the brand.

smoked ER SLR Marquez while in Havana. Has potential, but will need sveral years of aging.

Juanita (Melia Cohiba) and La China (Partagas) are rolling best custom cigars in the city.

Shelves are full, but most stores have the same options.....

74 here yesterday so got outside and smoked the Tatuaje Krueger LE.

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Originally posted by mjraica:

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Originally posted by stickman:
On a sleepless night I decided to revisit the My Father Oro de Nicaragua... A previous purchase had inspired me to put this stick on my top-ten list for 2016; these, on the other hand, lead my list for most disappointing for 2017. I've never experienced such a dramatic difference in batches...

I've had a similar experience over the last year with My Father cigars. When they're good, they are REALLY good. When off, it is a miserable smoking experience. Has put me off the brand.

Sadly odd. They used to be so consistent.

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Originally posted by bates40:
Juanita (Melia Cohiba) and La China (Partagas) are rolling best custom cigars in the city.

I like the way you roll! :thumbs-up:

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Originally posted by mdsphoto:
74 here yesterday so got outside and smoked the Tatuaje Krueger LE.

Since the lists came out, I've been 'researching' what the online reviewers whom I respect are saying about their favorite cigars, and the word on the Krueger is that it's pretty ageable. Would you agree?

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Originally posted by wine+art:

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Originally posted by stickman:

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Originally posted by wine+art:
Enjoying a San Cristobal Coloso with a single V cut.

What did you think of that? ... and how long did it last (that's a lot of cigar!)?

Well, it lasted long enough for me to drop about $80 playing poker and three beers.

The stick was solid, required only one light and enjoyable.

I could probably lose $80 at poker in the span of a petit corona, but it's definitely at least a three-beer cigar!

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Originally posted by stickman:

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Originally posted by mdsphoto:
74 here yesterday so got outside and smoked the Tatuaje Krueger LE.

Since the lists came out, I've been 'researching' what the online reviewers whom I respect are saying about their favorite cigars, and the word on the Krueger is that it's pretty ageable. Would you agree?

Perhaps the strongest flavors those being cayenne pepper, wet earth and cedar would mellow over time. However, I think the flavors that balance those out now including baking spices, bread, floral and bakers cocoa would be lost. Only thing to do is buy 4 and smoke them over time. While I liked the cigar, there was nothing that exciting that would move me to purchase it again. To me The Mummy was the best of all the monster releases.

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Originally posted by stickman:

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Originally posted by wine+art:

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Originally posted by stickman:

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Originally posted by wine+art:
Enjoying a San Cristobal Coloso with a single V cut.

What did you think of that? ... and how long did it last (that's a lot of cigar!)?

Well, it lasted long enough for me to drop about $80 playing poker and three beers.

The stick was solid, required only one light and enjoyable.

I could probably lose $80 at poker in the span of a petit corona, but it's definitely at least a three-beer cigar!

Ha. I was due to leave a little lighter in the pocket, and the St. Bernadus Abt. 12 is not a Coors Light.

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Originally posted by mdsphoto:
74 here yesterday so got outside and smoked the Tatuaje Krueger LE...
Perhaps the strongest flavors those being cayenne pepper, wet earth and cedar would mellow over time. However, I think the flavors that balance those out now including baking spices, bread, floral and bakers cocoa would be lost.

Thanks for the input; 'sounds wise to me.

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...While I liked the cigar, there was nothing that exciting that would move me to purchase it again. To me The Mummy was the best of all the monster releases.

Much agreed! I loved the Mummy and bought a box, but after trying the Krueger, I didn't even buy another stick (of course, CO prices affected that decision, to be fair). The other monster that remains memorable for me was actually a little monster - the Baby Face. If they had been offered separately, I'd have bought a bunch!

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Originally posted by wine+art:

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Originally posted by stickman:
I could probably lose $80 at poker in the span of a petit corona, but it's definitely at least a three-beer cigar!

Ha. I was due to leave a little lighter in the pocket, and the St. Bernadus Abt. 12 is not a Coors Light.

Haha, no doubt. And yeah, that matters!

After seeing this show up on lots of ‘best of 2016’ lists, I tried the Crowned Heads Luminosa, a Connecticut shade (grown in Ecuador) wrapped stick, available as a robusto or toro. The beginning of mine showed mainly hay (not too much though) cream, and peanut, but the last third really morphed into a delicious morsel, adding a nice butteriness and caramel cream. Like all Crowned Heads cigars, this is a good value (MSRP = under $8) for a very good cigar. I wouldn’t personally put it on my own top 10 list, but I’m not generally a big fan of CT shade sticks.

My favorite CT shade cigar remains the Quesada 40th Anniversary Corona Clasica (which, after putting it on my list for 2016, I was a little embarrassed to learn recently that it actually came out in 2014 – “a little behind the game, stickman?”), but of the more easily found cigars, I would recommend the AJ Fernandez New World CT, this Luminosa, and the Room 101 Big Payback CT, in that order. I used to like the EP Carillo New Wave CT, but it's been a long time since I've had one.

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Originally posted by stickman:

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Originally posted by mjraica:

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Originally posted by stickman:
On a sleepless night I decided to revisit the My Father Oro de Nicaragua... A previous purchase had inspired me to put this stick on my top-ten list for 2016; these, on the other hand, lead my list for most disappointing for 2017. I've never experienced such a dramatic difference in batches...

I've had a similar experience over the last year with My Father cigars. When they're good, they are REALLY good. When off, it is a miserable smoking experience. Has put me off the brand.

Sadly odd. They used to be so consistent.

The only My Father I have left are two Flor de las Antillas (toro) from 2012. I am curious now how they will be. I was not overly impressed with their Le Bijou a few years back.

quote:

Originally posted by stickman:
After seeing this show up on lots of ‘best of 2016’ lists, I tried the Crowned Heads Luminosa, a Connecticut shade (grown in Ecuador) wrapped stick, available as a robusto or toro. The beginning of mine showed mainly hay (not too much though) cream, and peanut, but the last third really morphed into a delicious morsel, adding a nice butteriness and caramel cream. Like all Crowned Heads cigars, this is a good value (MSRP = under $8) for a very good cigar. I wouldn’t personally put it on my own top 10 list, but I’m not generally a big fan of CT shade sticks.

My favorite CT shade cigar remains the Quesada 40th Anniversary Corona Clasica (which, after putting it on my list for 2016, I was a little embarrassed to learn recently that it actually came out in 2014 – “a little behind the game, stickman?”), but of the more easily found cigars, I would recommend the AJ Fernandez New World CT, this Luminosa, and the Room 101 Big Payback CT, in that order. I used to like the EP Carillo New Wave CT, but it's been a long time since I've had one.

I have been eyeing this one so thanks for the review! Like you I really enjoyed the EPC New Wave and love the Gran Habano Zulu Zulu lancero both of which tend to be more on the creamy, leathery side. I find the BP & AJ more on the strong white pepper side, which is not really in my wheelhouse.

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Originally posted by haggis:

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Originally posted by stickman:

quote:

Originally posted by mjraica:
I've had a similar experience over the last year with My Father cigars. When they're good, they are REALLY good. When off, it is a miserable smoking experience. Has put me off the brand.

Sadly odd. They used to be so consistent.

The only My Father I have left are two Flor de las Antillas (toro) from 2012. I am curious now how they will be. I was not overly impressed with their Le Bijou a few years back.

I've continued to have good luck with the Flor de las Antillas, but it doesn't seem to me like a candidate for long-term aging. If it were me, I'd plan to smoke those sooner than later, just fwiw.

Fellow brothers of the leaf have given me negative feedback on both the Le Bijou and La Mission du L'atelier, and I can only wonder about batches. The ones I've tried have been outstanding, (as a distinguished fellow forumite often says) and without debate. Le Bijou - I've had continuing good luck, especially in the short robusto; La Mission - I haven't tried in a long time. I've been reading/listening to a bunch of cigar news/blogs in the last month, and there's definitely some negative buzz about My Father (who also rolls many of Pete Johnson's sticks) in the last year or so... which kinda' breaks my heart, honestly.

For all the condescension Cigar Aficionado gets on cigar blogs, this is where what they do has value. Continuing to rate cigars that have been on the market for years can give the consumer useful information on what to buy now. It's a big challenge for the cigar industry as a whole, and it's what has inspired me deeper into the 'boutique' (a term that can be as misleading and misused as it is useful) market.

Steve Saka has some interesting views on this, but I've already said more than you may want to hear.

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Originally posted by mdsphoto:

quote:

Originally posted by stickman:
After seeing this show up on lots of ‘best of 2016’ lists, I tried the Crowned Heads Luminosa, a Connecticut shade (grown in Ecuador) wrapped stick, available as a robusto or toro...

... of the more easily found cigars, I would recommend the AJ Fernandez New World CT, this Luminosa, and the Room 101 Big Payback CT, in that order. I used to like the EP Carillo New Wave CT, but it's been a long time since I've had one.

I have been eyeing this one so thanks for the review! Like you I really enjoyed the EPC New Wave and love the Gran Habano Zulu Zulu lancero both of which tend to be more on the creamy, leathery side.

I haven't tried that one. Thanks for the heads-up.

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...I find the BP & AJ more on the strong white pepper side, which is not really in my wheelhouse.

Agreed, but that's why I like them. Knowing what I do about your tastes, I think you'll enjoy the Luminosa, especially if it can perform the way mine did in the last third.

I dipped into my meager stash of island sticks to try a San Luis Rey Exclusivo Asia Pacifico, a 6x52 pyramid from 2009. It started really slow, not offering much to begin, but into the second third the stick took off with musky hay, a unique bell mushroom note, some prominent pepper, and a clean menthol finish. This was my only one, so I can't confirm the experience, but my take would be: if you've got 'em, smoke 'em now. The first half of this stick makes me think these have peaked. It was, however, worth it IMHO to reap the rewards of the ending.

Fwiw, the Cigar Media Association always comes out with their awards late. They named their Cigar of the Year - Mi Querida from Dunbarton Tobacco and Trust (my admiration for Steve Saka grows, the more I learn about him), over the other nominees - Davidoff Nicaragua Box Pressed, Davidoff Yamasá (two sticks from Davidoff in consideration is an achievement by itself), Padrón 1926 Natural, RoMa Craft Intemperance Whiskey Rebellion (I'll be posting notes soon), and Warped Maestro del Tiempo (my own pick for #1). Brand of the Year was AJ Fernandez Cigars (well, alright!), over Davidoff (helluva' year for them), RoMa Craft, and Warped Cigars.

I find it both interesting and ironic that the winner for Brand of the Year was the only nominee that didn't also have a nominee for Cigar of the Year. On another front, I knew that Warped was gaining recognition for their work, but I didn't realize RoMa Craft was so widely respected. Whiskey Rebellion began as a Cigar Dojo incarnation (robusto), which now is a store exclusive (to my knowledge) for Famous Cigars (several vitolas, but not the original robusto) - pretty darn small to be getting this recognition!

A stick that seems to be getting fairly universal praise is the RoMa Craft Intemperance Whiskey Rebellion, so I tried a five-pack sampler ($33) of the different sizes from Famous-Smoke. Unfortunately, I didn't get to try the original robusto. I should admit that I smoked these after only about 3-4 weeks humidor rest, so that may affect my impressions.

I've found that I often prefer ring gauges in the 46-52 range, but on this blend the 5x56 parejo called Bradford showed the best. They all share a very dense profile (at least at this point), highlighted by intense chocolate, hot pepper, and coffee flavors. I occasionally got a unique sweetness (notably in the 5x56 Bradford and the 5x50 figurado McFarlane) that I would liken to sweet banana - not a common combo with dense chocolate! There is no doubt that these things are packed with flavor; the challenge is unpacking those flavors, when you smoke one. At this point, they seem pretty opaque to me, and despite hearing how aromatic these are supposed to be, that was not my experience.

I'm willing to consider that 4 weeks might not have been enough time for these to settle (I've had numerous other sticks that were singing after ~3 weeks). I wanted to try them and reorder quickly, in case they disappeared. That doesn't seem to be the case, so I might just order another fiver and try again. At this point, I'd call these more 'promising' than 'outstanding.'

Fwiw, I find RoMa's Neanderthal SGP, Intemperance BA, and Aquitane to be so good, I'm tempted to just stick with those.

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Originally posted by stickman:

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Originally posted by haggis:

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Originally posted by stickman:

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Originally posted by mjraica:
I've had a similar experience over the last year with My Father cigars. When they're good, they are REALLY good. When off, it is a miserable smoking experience. Has put me off the brand.

Sadly odd. They used to be so consistent.

The only My Father I have left are two Flor de las Antillas (toro) from 2012. I am curious now how they will be. I was not overly impressed with their Le Bijou a few years back.

I've continued to have good luck with the Flor de las Antillas, but it doesn't seem to me like a candidate for long-term aging. If it were me, I'd plan to smoke those sooner than later, just fwiw.

Fellow brothers of the leaf have given me negative feedback on both the Le Bijou and La Mission du L'atelier, and I can only wonder about batches. The ones I've tried have been outstanding, (as a distinguished fellow forumite often says) and without debate. Le Bijou - I've had continuing good luck, especially in the short robusto; La Mission - I haven't tried in a long time. I've been reading/listening to a bunch of cigar news/blogs in the last month, and there's definitely some negative buzz about My Father (who also rolls many of Pete Johnson's sticks) in the last year or so... which kinda' breaks my heart, honestly.

For all the condescension Cigar Aficionado gets on cigar blogs, this is where what they do has value. Continuing to rate cigars that have been on the market for years can give the consumer useful information on what to buy now. It's a big challenge for the cigar industry as a whole, and it's what has inspired me deeper into the 'boutique' (a term that can be as misleading and misused as it is useful) market.

Steve Saka has some interesting views on this, but I've already said more than you may want to hear.

Thanks for the feedback and the commentary. It's all very useful. Never too much!!

I'll put the "My Father" at the top of the playlist for when the weather here is more conducive to a smoke. Much obliged.

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Originally posted by g-man:
I blame you guys for making me drunk buy a box of David Yamasa at NY prices

It occurred to me to ask: how are you storing these? ... if you still have any left. Seriously, though, you need to make sure they don't dry out. That could be as simple as putting them in a sealable tupperware container with a Boveda pack (preferably 65 or 68).

I'm also curious to know how you liked 'em. Too strong; not strong enough? "Just tastes like smoke to me!" or did some flavor profile pop out?

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Originally posted by haggis:

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Originally posted by stickman:
I've continued to have good luck with the Flor de las Antillas, but it doesn't seem to me like a candidate for long-term aging. If it were me, I'd plan to smoke those sooner than later, just fwiw...
Steve Saka has some interesting views on this, but I've already said more than you may want to hear.

Thanks for the feedback and the commentary. It's all very useful. Never too much!!
I'll put the "My Father" at the top of the playlist for when the weather here is more conducive to a smoke. Much obliged.

Excellent. I'll be curious to hear about how it performed. The blend for FdlA is so smooth, I never bothered to age any; I'd just buy a stick at the cigar shop/bar and smoke a 'fresh one.' Fwiw, the new Maduro wrapped version recently got a stellar review from Phil Kohn (kohnhed.com); he's got a pretty eccentric delivery, but I think his palate and knowledge are exemplary, and he reviews sticks that others avoid or ignore altogether.

80* here today on the dock enjoying a Drew Estates L40 watching the boats go by. Ahhh winter in the south.

I've recently had the chance to try a couple, highly awarded sticks from Crux, a relatively new (launched in 2014), 'boutique' cigar company. The Crux du Connoisseur No.2 (6.5x38 petit lancero) was Cigar-Coop's #1 cigar for 2016 (fwiw, I don't think you can beat his news, but often I find that my palate doesn't match his very closely.) Mine started with slightly bitter coffee (a compliment from me), nuts (kinda' bitter, like walnut), leather, and chocolate, but the 2nd third added a beautiful sweet cedar note (reminded me of Aganorsa tobacco, a la Warped or Illusione - again a compliment, coming from me). The end was mostly just a toasty tobacco flavor, which was slightly harsh. Construction was excellent, and I get the sense that these will improve with time. Not really a 'wow' experience for me, but it is undoubtedly a fine cigar.

The Crux PB5 (5.75x54) did wow me, and right from the start. The pre-light draw exhibits the most unique, sweet, nutty flavor! I really can't describe it; you gotta' try it! The first third had a radically erratic burn, which miraculously continued to correct itself (I don't do touch-ups with a lighter, unless its absolutely necessary!), but the flavor was phenomenal: rich peanut, sweet cream, and a crazy sweet/smooth taste I can't identify, but it's delicious! The end did show some residual ammonia, so these need time to age! They may have released this batch (these are from the 2nd release of the limited edition cigar) a bit too early, but I'm fine with hiding my remaining four for a while (and I intend to buy more). What I love most in my favorite cigars are exotic, non-primary flavors and aromas, and this has that in spades! This release is limited to 750 boxes of 10, so they won't likely last long. If you can find them (smallbatchcigar.com has them now), I'd give it among my highest recommendations.

I only got to try one of each of these, but as I intend to age my remaining ones, I didn't see any point in delaying recommendations for sticks which may disappear, before I get to try another.

quote:

Originally posted by mdsphoto:
80* here today on the dock enjoying a Drew Estates L40 watching the boats go by. Ahhh winter in the south.

'Sounds rough.

I'm curious: knowing your love for lanceros, have you tried the Ezra Zion All My Ex's? I've been trying my first Ezra Zions, and so far I'm really, really impressed, and I've been considering a purchase of All My Ex's.

I've long been a fan of Epinoza's Laranja Reserva line, and a friend told me the best of them all is the Laranja Reserva Caixa, a 6.5x48 stick and the only box-pressed cigar in the line. After trying one, I might just agree. The cream and citrus elements of this stick are lovely, but it's also got some fairly full body with toast, pepper, and sweet notes. The 6x52 is also very good, and the entire line of vitolas can be had for $9-10, a decent value for a very good cigar, IMHO.

quote:

Originally posted by stickman:

quote:

Originally posted by mdsphoto:
80* here today on the dock enjoying a Drew Estates L40 watching the boats go by. Ahhh winter in the south.

'Sounds rough.

I'm curious: knowing your love for lanceros, have you tried the Ezra Zion All My Ex's? I've been trying my first Ezra Zions, and so far I'm really, really impressed, and I've been considering a purchase of All My Ex's.

I have not tried any offerings from the former House of Emilio, now Boutique Brands. I've been intrigued by Ezra Zion & Nomad and have kept my eyes open for samplers, but have yet to see any. Having hit a lot of duds lately I'm very wary about spending for a 5 or 10-pack of something I may not enjoy.

quote:

Originally posted by mdsphoto:

quote:

Originally posted by stickman:
I'm curious: knowing your love for lanceros, have you tried the Ezra Zion All My Ex's? I've been trying my first Ezra Zions, and so far I'm really, really impressed, and I've been considering a purchase of All My Ex's.

I have not tried any offerings from the former House of Emilio, now Boutique Brands. I've been intrigued by Ezra Zion & Nomad and have kept my eyes open for samplers, but have yet to see any. Having hit a lot of duds lately I'm very wary about spending for a 5 or 10-pack of something I may not enjoy.

I can't say I blame you. Serious Cigars has singles, so I might pick up a couple to try, if I place another order there.

After running out of patience, I just tried the Illusione Singularé Phantom, a 6x50 Toro remake of the original, made back in 2010. It's an admirable stick with lots of subtleties and complexity, but what stands out most to me is the chalkiness of the smoke. Like the Annunaki and Miserere (the 2014 and 2015 Singularés, respectively), you really feel this in the cheeks. All the Singularés seem to age pretty well, and if you like this style, I think it's worth the ~$12 for the stick. For my palate, I still prefer the eccj... by a lot!

After an unusual display of patience on my part, I finally tried a couple sticks from Cornelius and Anthony (an old tobacco company, but a new cigar company) this past week.

First off, the Cornelius and Anthony - Cornelius in a corona gorda (a favorite vitola of mine). Very refined and impressively smooth, based in graham cracker, cream, and roasted nuts, with occasional appearances from subtle licorice, woodiness, and a note that reminded me of smelling pepperoni - a great balance between Nicaraguan and Dominican character. I loved it! A bit pricey at $12 for a corona gorda (5 5/8 x 46), but the high quality in this flavorful, medium-bodied stick is undeniable.

The Cornelius and Anthony Venganza is quite different! This is big, obvious, and delicious; it's almost like smoking a chocolate raspberry velvet cake, with some butterscotch and pepper thrown in for good measure. Not as detailed and complex at the Cornelius, but just about as enjoyable. With a name like 'Venganza' (vengeance), I was expecting something rather aggressive - not at all. This is full-bodied, but very smooth and round. $9.25 for this 5x52 robusto - a square deal IMHO, considering the quality.

This is a new producer to me, and from these first two tries, I believe they're worthy of the praise they received in the end-of-year lists. These are good candidates for my own 2017 list, and I will try more! If you get to try either of these, do yourself a favor and make sure to do a pre-light draw, as both of these gave an accurate and delicious pre-light indication of what was to come!

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Davidoff Nicaraguan Belicoso
Size: 5 1/4 x 52 (12,500 cigars produced)


ALL CODES ARE NOT RETROACTIVE AND CAN NOT BE COMBINED WITH ANY OTHER OFFER. TO RECEIVE ANY OFFER YOU MUST HIT THE AMOUNT LISTED. ONCE THE CODE HITS IT LIMIT IT WILL NO LONGER ACTIVE.

Again trying out new (to me) cigars from the 2016 lists, I bought a couple Hoyo la Amistad Toros. These are a collaboration between Hoyo de Monterey (not the Cuban original) and AJ Fernandez. The first one I tried genuinely blew me away! It started so beautifully floral, with near perfect balance of sweet spices, rich tobacco, soft milk chocolate, and pepper - not a lot in terms of transitioning to other flavors, but when the main character is so beautiful, I really don't mind. Whenever possible, I like to smoke more than one, just due to the fickle nature of cigars. Well, the second one was way off - not unpleasant, but the flavors were fairly muted, and there was no floral character whatsoever. Just meh. Buying by the stick, these were under $8 - very fair IMHO, but many retailers discount box purchases to bring these well under $5/stick! At that price I think this cigar is well worth the risk. If I had tried the first one blind, I would have said it's worth $12 or more. This was the Consensus #6 cigar of the year. Based on the first stick I tried, I can certainly see why.

Tried the Maestro Del Tiempo yesterday, which was at the top of my 2016 consensus list. Like most new cigars I've had lately it had tons of burn issues. Tough to provide a fair review of the stick.

quote:

Originally posted by mdsphoto:
Tried the Maestro Del Tiempo yesterday... tons of burn issues...

'Sorry to hear that. Do you suspect 'wet' tobacco or poor construction? I've had more than a few sticks recently with notable ammonia, especially in the last third of the stick, so I've got a growing list of sticks I'm trying to hide, or even move to a different 'coolidor,' so that I'm not continually reintroducing ammonia to my 'ready' cigars.