While I was in Africa, a new acquaintance gave me a Cohiba Siglo VI. I'm not sure where/when he got it, but it had the new holographic accents on the band, so it was definitely young. I've had good luck with Siglo VI's performing well young, and the pre-light draw was very promising with lovely hay and honey notes. The smoking experience didn't live up to that promise, however, and the whole stick was too dominantly earthy and somewhat heavy on the palate for a Siglo VI. Not altogether unpleasant, but nowhere near what I expect from this mark.
I also got to try the Black Works Studio Boondock Saint in both the robusto and corona larga, which are very similar. It's rather similar to the recently released Sindustry, featuring typical maduro flavors of dark chocolate, licorice, and coffee. Whereas the Sindustry is more extroverted and more powerful, adding cranberry/cassis flavors, the Boondock Saint is a bit more subtle, with cream and brown sugar in the background - I didn't discern any red fruit. Both excellent sticks; I can't decide which I prefer at this point.
A store near where I'm currently staying (in the US) has an extensive collection of Liga Privada, an old favorite of mine. Their samples of UF-13 and Dirty Rat are notably lighter in color than others I've seen in recent years (a very good thing imho). The UF-13 is very good, but still a few paces off the originals, and the Velvet Rat is still the current standout in the lineup - so smooth and luxurious and all about the rich chocolate. I haven't tried the Dirty Rat yet, but my hopes are high.
After much searching I finally found some samples of the Rocky Patel Sun Grown Maduro. In essence this is a powerhouse! Very, very flavorful, fairly sweet, lots of chocolate, rich peanut, fairly spicy, and a strong toasty character. If you're looking for a strong, obvious cigar, this is a good choice. It's a mouthful. I'm tending toward more subtle, more refined sticks these days (I don't see it making my top ten at the end of the year), but there's no denying this cigar's excellence.
I've been essentially unmoved by most of the small number of new cigars I've tried recently, but a couple standouts justify mentioning.
The Caldwell/Room 101 collaboration Hit and Run may be my favorite Caldwell-associated cigar I've tried yet. Whereas I feel that All Out Kings is just a lesser (and over-hyped) copy of a Liga Privada T52, Hit and Run rather seems like a better version of a Caldwell The King is Dead. The best part of the cigar (to my palate) is the beginning, featuring a charred, burnt sugar and caramel over a nutty woodiness. The end of the cigar is dominated by too much woodiness for my taste, but at least it's light and elegant in profile, and I know some really like that. It's not my favorite style, but I can enjoy it for what it is.
I think Cigar Federation Tobacos cigars can be hit or miss, but their hits can be truly outstanding. One example of one of the best IMHO is CFT: The Reckoning, a full-sized, 6.5-inched figurado. Its exquisite balance allows many subtleties to emerge, including a faint anise, some dark chocolate, very mild pepper, and nutmeg, but the core flavors always return to a rich tobacco and leather. They only made a tiny amount, but if you get a chance to try one, jump at it!
I've previously mentioned these, but the Crux Classic (especially the robusto) and the Illusione Privé Corojo (especially the Prensado Suave) continue to impress me - both very consistent in blend and construction. Bravi!
The Caldwell/Room 101 collaboration Hit and Run may be my favorite Caldwell-associated cigar I've tried yet. Whereas I feel that All Out Kings is just a lesser (and over-hyped) copy of a Liga Privada T52, Hit and Run rather seems like a better version of a Caldwell The King is Dead. The best part of the cigar (to my palate) is the beginning, featuring a charred, burnt sugar and caramel over a nutty woodiness. The end of the cigar is dominated by too much woodiness for my taste, but at least it's light and elegant in profile, and I know some really like that. It's not my favorite style, but I can enjoy it for what it is.
I think Cigar Federation Tobacos cigars can be hit or miss, but their hits can be truly outstanding. One example of one of the best IMHO is CFT: The Reckoning, a full-sized, 6.5-inched figurado. Its exquisite balance allows many subtleties to emerge, including a faint anise, some dark chocolate, very mild pepper, and nutmeg, but the core flavors always return to a rich tobacco and leather. They only made a tiny amount, but if you get a chance to try one, jump at it!
I've previously mentioned these, but the Crux Classic (especially the robusto) and the Illusione Privé Corojo (especially the Prensado Suave) continue to impress me - both very consistent in blend and construction. Bravi!
quote:Originally posted by stickman:
I've been essentially unmoved by most of the small number of new cigars I've tried recently, but a couple standouts justify mentioning.
The Caldwell/Room 101 collaboration Hit and Run may be my favorite Caldwell-associated cigar I've tried yet. Whereas I feel that All Out Kings is just a lesser (and over-hyped) copy of a Liga Privada T52, Hit and Run rather seems like a better version of a Caldwell The King is Dead. The best part of the cigar (to my palate) is the beginning, featuring a charred, burnt sugar and caramel over a nutty woodiness. The end of the cigar is dominated by too much woodiness for my taste, but at least it's light and elegant in profile, and I know some really like that. It's not my favorite style, but I can enjoy it for what it is.
I think Cigar Federation Tobacos cigars can be hit or miss, but their hits can be truly outstanding. One example of one of the best IMHO is CFT: The Reckoning, a full-sized, 6.5-inched figurado. Its exquisite balance allows many subtleties to emerge, including a faint anise, some dark chocolate, very mild pepper, and nutmeg, but the core flavors always return to a rich tobacco and leather. They only made a tiny amount, but if you get a chance to try one, jump at it!
I've previously mentioned these, but the Crux Classic (especially the robusto) and the Illusione Privé Corojo (especially the Prensado Suave) continue to impress me - both very consistent in blend and construction. Bravi!
Thanks for these notes. I'm always interested in reading your comments and will be on the lookout for the Illusione and the CFT. They seem like my style. I've never been a big fan of Room 101, so it seems our palates might be similar.
quote:Originally posted by haggis:
Thanks for these notes. I'm always interested in reading your comments and will be on the lookout for the Illusione and the CFT... our palates might be similar.
I'd agree: from your posts I get the impression that we have similar palates. If you get to try the Illusione Privé Corojo and find that you like it, bestcigarprices.com has the best box-prices I've found, bringing the cost down to ~$6.50/stick, which is amazing for such an excellent cigar!
quote:Originally posted by stickman:
While I was in Africa, a new acquaintance gave me a Cohiba Siglo VI. I'm not sure where/when he got it, but it had the new holographic accents on the band, so it was definitely young. I've had good luck with Siglo VI's performing well young, and the pre-light draw was very promising with lovely hay and honey notes. The smoking experience didn't live up to that promise, however, and the whole stick was too dominantly earthy and somewhat heavy on the palate for a Siglo VI. Not altogether unpleasant, but nowhere near what I expect from this mark.
A good read, stickman, and appreciate your notes. I'm a fan of the Siglo VI but have not purchased any in some time as I have a good number of them. I will be sure to try before I buy any new sticks based upon this. Thanks.
I bought a box of Cohiba Siglo VI in Havana last week. Thought I got a very good price on them. Haven't tried any yet.
VM
VM
quote:Originally posted by Vino Me:
I bought a box of Cohiba Siglo VI in Havana last week. Thought I got a very good price on them. Haven't tried any yet.
VM
Let's light one up next time we're together!
quote:Originally posted by KSC02:quote:Originally posted by stickman:
While I was in Africa, a new acquaintance gave me a Cohiba Siglo VI... Not altogether unpleasant, but nowhere near what I expect from this mark.
A good read, stickman, and appreciate your notes. I'm a fan of the Siglo VI but have not purchased any in some time as I have a good number of them. I will be sure to try before I buy any new sticks based upon this. Thanks.
'Glad to contribute. <thumbs-up>
We bought cigars at a tobacco plantation in Cuba. They are all for gifts as we do not smoke
quote:Originally posted by stickman:quote:Originally posted by haggis:quote:Originally posted by stickman:
I picked up a 5-box of Cohiba Siglo I, while passing through Amsterdam...
I have never bought cigars at an airport, as they don't seem to be stored or displayed in the ideal conditions (namely, temperature and humidity). But, you have had good luck??
Not really; I was just desperate.
The price wasn't absurd, and the sticks I could see seemed to be in adequate condition, so I took a shot. For serious purchasing, I wouldn't recommend airports, but for a small 5-pack on the road, I'm cool with it.
My experience with airports has been more miss than hit. With that said, flew through Doha recently and they had a walk-in humidor. Picked up Montecristo Petit #2, very well kept.
Anyone ever buy from YYZ's T3 duty free that can share some thoughts?
quote:Originally posted by Jcocktosten:
We bought cigars at a tobacco plantation in Cuba. They are all for gifts as we do not smoke
Your friends should be grateful!
quote:Originally posted by stickman:quote:Originally posted by Jcocktosten:
We bought cigars at a tobacco plantation in Cuba. They are all for gifts as we do not smoke
Your friends should be grateful!
Gave 4 to Miami Atty last night
Enjoyed the Tatuaje Halloween on the evening of. This is an event-only robusto covered in a dark CT broadleaf wrapper. For my taste, it's too monolithic, with very dark, charred chocolate flavor throughout, with just hints of cinnamon and pepper peeking out occasionally. Ok, but not nearly as good as...
The latest in the Tatuaje Monster Series is The Michael, a toro extra Nicaraguan, wrapped in an Ecuadorian Habano leaf. Although mine (I've only smoked one so far) got off to a very bad start (very bitter and overly gritty), less than a half inch into the smoke things changed dramatically. I've often said that a given cigar isn't "wildly complex." You might think, then what is? This is! It seemed like every few puffs changed character from focused and peppery, to sweet and nutty, to very savory focused on leather, to an earthy beef stock note, to bitter coffee with a background sweetness like honey butter, etc. I didn't find all the stages particularly delicious, but in terms of complexity, it's... well, wild. It reminds me of the Nomad Martial Law that way. Personally, I think it could be the most worthy Monster since The Mummy. Normally I'd wait until I tried at least one more before I comment, but these tend to disappear quickly. If you're a Tatuaje fan, I think these are worth a try. $13 msrp - wide variance in actual pricing (>$16 at my local b&m).
The latest in the Tatuaje Monster Series is The Michael, a toro extra Nicaraguan, wrapped in an Ecuadorian Habano leaf. Although mine (I've only smoked one so far) got off to a very bad start (very bitter and overly gritty), less than a half inch into the smoke things changed dramatically. I've often said that a given cigar isn't "wildly complex." You might think, then what is? This is! It seemed like every few puffs changed character from focused and peppery, to sweet and nutty, to very savory focused on leather, to an earthy beef stock note, to bitter coffee with a background sweetness like honey butter, etc. I didn't find all the stages particularly delicious, but in terms of complexity, it's... well, wild. It reminds me of the Nomad Martial Law that way. Personally, I think it could be the most worthy Monster since The Mummy. Normally I'd wait until I tried at least one more before I comment, but these tend to disappear quickly. If you're a Tatuaje fan, I think these are worth a try. $13 msrp - wide variance in actual pricing (>$16 at my local b&m).
quote:Originally posted by stickman:
After much searching I finally found some samples of the Rocky Patel Sun Grown Maduro. In essence this is a powerhouse! Very, very flavorful, fairly sweet, lots of chocolate, rich peanut, fairly spicy, and a strong toasty character. If you're looking for a strong, obvious cigar, this is a good choice. It's a mouthful...
Speaking of waiting until I've tried a couple/few before commenting, I should have waited on this. I tried another and found it to be not nearly as concentrated/powerful. Still a similar character and very flavorful, but I've found a wide disparity in the denseness of flavor. Just a caveat.
I'm on my way to Bonn for about 10 days. I will be very busy, but will make time to hit some cigar stores if anyone has some recommendations. I've done some searching, but online reviews do not always match reality. Anyone been there recently?
Bonn?! Outstanding! I haven't visited any cigar shops in Bonn, but if you do, smoke a good one for Beethoven! His birthday is in early December.
After a modicum of patience (about a year - not enough), I tried the Opus X 20th Anniversary Power of the Dream 6 3/8 x 52 torpedo. Distinctly less potent than a normal Opus X, but still in need of some aging. Right now, it starts slow and a bit tight on the draw. I ended up removing most of the torpedo tip to get a decent draw. Mostly hay and wheat, primarily savory with just a hint of sweetness here and there, and some overly prevalent tannin in the middle third. The end gained in richness, giving me more hope for this stick's future. If you've got 'em, hold 'em for at least another couple years IMHO. I must say that I think they actually improved on the most attractive band in the entire cigar world by using a deep blue (almost a Maxfield Parrish-like) background.
Well, my friend with the stick in his hand opining about the Illusione cigars caused me to seek them out today.
I bought several and am currently enjoying their Cigares Prive 6-60 stick. I must say I’m very impressed with everything about this cigar through the first hour. Very impressed.
Thanks, Stickman.
I bought several and am currently enjoying their Cigares Prive 6-60 stick. I must say I’m very impressed with everything about this cigar through the first hour. Very impressed.
Thanks, Stickman.
Illusione is amazing, up and down their lineup. Their Rothchildes is one of my all-time favorite non-Cuban. They have rarely disappointed.
I believe that it's been close to 4 years or so since I smoked my last cigar. I miss them, and I don't.
PH
PH
quote:Originally posted by PurpleHaze:
I believe that it's been close to 4 years or so since I smoked my last cigar. I miss them, and I don't.
PH
While I often go months without a cigar, I think I enjoy the conversation/ BS and total relaxation with the guys as much as the cigars, often.
It just would not seem right sitting around the fire pit on a cool night without a cigar.
quote:Originally posted by PurpleHaze:
I believe that it's been close to 4 years or so since I smoked my last cigar. I miss them, and I don't.
PH
Same here. We moved 2 1/2 years ago and I've had one or two cigars in that time. I like them, but I don't like waking up in the morning still tasting and feeling them. Toothbrushing and mouthwash don't even do the job.
quote:Originally posted by wine+art:
Well, my friend with the stick in his hand opining about the Illusione cigars caused me to seek them out today.
I bought several and am currently enjoying their Cigares Prive 6-60 stick. I must say I’m very impressed with everything about this cigar through the first hour. Very impressed.
Thanks, Stickman.
My honor; glad you enjoyed it.
I've been in Bonn, Germany, for almost 10 days and FINALLY had some time for myself. I found a recommended pipe and cigar shop in the town center. It was "ok." They have a diverse, but small, selection of Cubans, an impressive selection on NCs, and an amazing selection of single malts. The store is worth stopping in for the latter, if nothing else.
Regardless, I did pick up some R&J Short Churchills MAR2017) and Partagas Añejados, a corona gorda rolled in 2007, released 2017.
If I come back to Bonn, I'll search more widely for a good shop (Cologne, perhaps). The Bonn owner says he smokes almost exclusively Rocky Patel. That told me something.
Regardless, I did pick up some R&J Short Churchills MAR2017) and Partagas Añejados, a corona gorda rolled in 2007, released 2017.
If I come back to Bonn, I'll search more widely for a good shop (Cologne, perhaps). The Bonn owner says he smokes almost exclusively Rocky Patel. That told me something.
quote:Originally posted by haggis:
... If I come back to Bonn, I'll search more widely for a good shop (Cologne, perhaps). The Bonn owner says he smokes almost exclusively Rocky Patel. That told me something.
WhaAAat?
quote:Originally posted by wine+art:
While I often go months without a cigar, I think I enjoy the conversation/ BS and total relaxation with the guys as much as the cigars, often.
It just would not seem right sitting around the fire pit on a cool night without a cigar.
While I really enjoy cigars, I definitely find that it improves conversation. I also find that it improves my patience with driving in heavy traffic and with tedious tasks. And in the world of fine luxuries, the cost of a great cigar is a fraction of most high-end sensory experiences.
I’m a big fan of PA Broadleaf, so I was excited to finally try the Southern Draw Jacob’s Ladder in a 6x52 toro. The first two thirds feature primarily cream, coffee, bitter cocao, blackstrap molasses (not overly sweet), and cedar in a very savory profile with lots of subtle details (I’ll spare you the shopping list of intermittent flavors), but the last third (my favorite part of this cigar) added a faint but welcomed banana-like sweetness and white pepper. I’m impressed that the PA broadleaf wrapper is already showing light but consistent crystals of plume (just released this past summer), and I love that they didn’t let typical Maduro flavors of chocolate and black pepper dominate the blend. I also love the closed foot. Construction is outstanding with a virtually invisible burn-line. If you’re looking for a light cigar with a clean aftertaste, this is not it, but if you like a palate-staining, well-balanced-but-rich cigar, this is a big winner! If you prefer the former, I’d recommend Southern Draw’s Rose of Sharon, sporting an Ecuadoran CT shade wrapper – also an outstanding stick IMHO!
Nice to see all of you still enjoying the many wonders of a cigar!
As some of you may remember, I had a "custom" island stick made...well I decided to take the plunge again...they are sitting in my marine cooler as I type. I figure Ill try one when the weather warms up. Hopefully it turns out to be as special as the previous ones, still have a few left and they continue to amaze me.
Hope all is well with everyone...happy holidays
MB
As some of you may remember, I had a "custom" island stick made...well I decided to take the plunge again...they are sitting in my marine cooler as I type. I figure Ill try one when the weather warms up. Hopefully it turns out to be as special as the previous ones, still have a few left and they continue to amaze me.
Hope all is well with everyone...happy holidays
MB
quote:Originally posted by marcb7:
Nice to see all of you still enjoying the many wonders of a cigar!
As some of you may remember, I had a "custom" island stick made...well I decided to take the plunge again...they are sitting in my marine cooler as I type. I figure Ill try one when the weather warms up. Hopefully it turns out to be as special as the previous ones, still have a few left and they continue to amaze me.
Hope all is well with everyone...happy holidays
MB
M, I was just thinking last week where have you disappeared to? Glad to see you back. I was going to see if I could find your email just to check in on you.
That was one very special stick, indeed! Congrats and hope to see you on the forum again soon.
quote:Originally posted by wine+art:quote:Originally posted by marcb7:
Nice to see all of you still enjoying the many wonders of a cigar!
As some of you may remember, I had a "custom" island stick made...
Hope all is well with everyone...happy holidays
MB
... Glad to see you back...
That was one very special stick, indeed! Congrats and hope to see you on the forum again soon.
+1 I recall that very special stogie, your incredible generosity, and the camaraderie of that group very fondly. Great to hear/see from you again. You are missed, whenever you're not posting. <salute>
I recently got to try Foundation's (i.e., Nick Melillo, formerly of Drew Estate/Liga Privada) El Güegüense Maduro Toro. 2015's original El Güegüense (natural) was highly awarded, but I was never really so fond of it. This... is different. I love it!
The wrapper shows all the chocolate and earth aroma one could hope for from this exquisite, coarse San Andres exterior, but I love that it doesn't dominate the flavor profile. Initially, I get some added nutmeg and toast, the middle featured peanut, and my favorite part was the final third, where sweet, smooth butter cream really smoothed out the natural, mild grittiness of the blend. If you enjoy a San Andres wrapper, but you demand complexity, this is a great choice IMO.
The wrapper shows all the chocolate and earth aroma one could hope for from this exquisite, coarse San Andres exterior, but I love that it doesn't dominate the flavor profile. Initially, I get some added nutmeg and toast, the middle featured peanut, and my favorite part was the final third, where sweet, smooth butter cream really smoothed out the natural, mild grittiness of the blend. If you enjoy a San Andres wrapper, but you demand complexity, this is a great choice IMO.
Public service announcement: Warped's Lirio Rojo, a cigar I've praised highly repeatedly, is made only in small batches at a time, and they're available now, including at smallbatchcigar.com, store.cigarfederation.com, caspercigarcompany.com. I'm a little concerned with quality, considering how recent releases of Flor del Valle and Maestro del Tiempo haven't kept pace with the originals, but I wanted to at least wanted to make anyone interested aware. Personally, I'll be buying.
Gordita from Juanita at Melia Cohiba (that should be a Jay-Z lyric)
Strong, aggressive, full blasts of raw Capuchinno and coffee grounds.
Slight problems with construction in the end, but the best custom-rolled cigar from my January 2017 trip by far
Strong, aggressive, full blasts of raw Capuchinno and coffee grounds.
Slight problems with construction in the end, but the best custom-rolled cigar from my January 2017 trip by far
I've had more than my fair share of disappointing cigars recently, so I was quite happy to revisit the Warped Maestro del Tiempo 6102R, a limited run robusto from 2016, featuring a bit of medio tiempo leaf on the inside and an additional "Seleccion de Warped" blue band on the outside. 6102R comes from a model # for a Patek Phillipe watch (the Grand Complications Celestial). This was neither confirmed nor denied by Kyle Gellis, but considering that all the vitolas have numbers that coincide with Patek Phillipe model #'s (the others being 5205 and 5712), it seems very likely. Kyle loves and collects watches and conspicuously has several published photos of him looking at his watch... "Master of Time" - watches... yeah, makes sense to me.
The cigar: much improved over last year IMHO. A bit woodier than I recall at the start, but the lovely blend of honey, nutmeg, and other baking spices reminds me of spice bread. What really made my day, however, was the gorgeous, floral, perfumy aroma. So comforting. <sigh> I don't know of another cigar that exhibits this particular aroma - God, I've missed that! I think the medio tiempo accounts for the slightly denser profile of flavors, including some intermittent sweet coffee. The draw was a bit snug, but not problematic. Easily the best cigar I've had since October.
The cigar: much improved over last year IMHO. A bit woodier than I recall at the start, but the lovely blend of honey, nutmeg, and other baking spices reminds me of spice bread. What really made my day, however, was the gorgeous, floral, perfumy aroma. So comforting. <sigh> I don't know of another cigar that exhibits this particular aroma - God, I've missed that! I think the medio tiempo accounts for the slightly denser profile of flavors, including some intermittent sweet coffee. The draw was a bit snug, but not problematic. Easily the best cigar I've had since October.
quote:Originally posted by stickman:
I've had more than my fair share of disappointing cigars recently, so I was quite happy to revisit the Warped Maestro del Tiempo 6102R, a limited run robusto from 2016, featuring a bit of medio tiempo leaf on the inside and an additional "Seleccion de Warped" blue band on the outside. 6102R comes from a model # for a Patek Phillipe watch (the Grand Complications Celestial). This was neither confirmed nor denied by Kyle Gellis, but considering that all the vitolas have numbers that coincide with Patek Phillipe model #'s (the others being 5205 and 5712), it seems very likely. Kyle loves and collects watches and conspicuously has several published photos of him looking at his watch... "Master of Time" - watches... yeah, makes sense to me.
The cigar: much improved over last year IMHO. A bit woodier than I recall at the start, but the lovely blend of honey, nutmeg, and other baking spices reminds me of spice bread. What really made my day, however, was the gorgeous, floral, perfumy aroma. So comforting. <sigh> I don't know of another cigar that exhibits this particular aroma - God, I've missed that! I think the medio tiempo accounts for the slightly denser profile of flavors, including some intermittent sweet coffee. The draw was a bit snug, but not problematic. Easily the best cigar I've had since October.
Great comments. Does the 5205 have the same flavor/aroma profile? Thanks to you, I have a couple.
On the first nice warm spring day, II look forward to lighting one up.quote:Originally posted by Board-O:quote:Originally posted by PurpleHaze:
I believe that it's been close to 4 years or so since I smoked my last cigar. I miss them, and I don't.
PH
Same here. We moved 2 1/2 years ago and I've had one or two cigars in that time. I like them, but I don't like waking up in the morning still tasting and feeling them. Toothbrushing and mouthwash don't even do the job.
Try brushing your tongue. It helps.
quote:Originally posted by haggis:quote:Originally posted by stickman:
... I was quite happy to revisit the Warped Maestro del Tiempo 6102R, a limited run robusto from 2016, featuring a bit of medio tiempo leaf on the inside and an additional "Seleccion de Warped" blue band on the outside...
The cigar: much improved over last year IMHO... What really made my day, however, was the gorgeous, floral, perfumy aroma. So comforting. <sigh> I don't know of another cigar that exhibits this particular aroma - God, I've missed that! I think the medio tiempo accounts for the slightly denser profile of flavors, including some intermittent sweet coffee. The draw was a bit snug, but not problematic. Easily the best cigar I've had since October.
Great comments. Does the 5205 have the same flavor/aroma profile? Thanks to you, I have a couple.
Flavor seems different, but the aroma is recognizable as being akin to the 5205. I actually think the 5205 is cleaner, more precise. There's some other good news, as well: some of the disappointing ones I've gotten since the original release seem to improve with age, so there's hope even for the lesser ones. <thumbs-up>
I've been holding an Opus X Scorpio Maduro 2010, and I finally pulled the trigger. Very focused and potent licorice and char on the palate (as well as lip-tingling nicotine), but an intriguing floral/cedar aroma - a nice combination of power and elegance. Not the most delicious smoke by far, but worth it for the uniqueness.
As the ‘Best of 2017’ lists begin being released, and as I ponder my own list, I always like to look back at my previous year’s list and assess my assessments. With the caveat that I didn't get to try nearly as many new releases as I would have liked, my take last year was:
1a. Warped Maestro del Tiempo 5205 – initially a good call IMHO. The originals were so soft and sweet, focused on baking spices and a gorgeous, floral aroma, but subsequent releases were decidedly less elegant. The few originals I have left continue to beguile me.
1b. Black Label Trading Co. Bishop’s Blend – yeah, I’ll stand by that one too. The originals were limited (6,000 cigars total) and amazingly rich yet complex. The follow-up releases were not quite as good, but at least recognizable – far better than the Maestro del Tiempo.
3. Warped Lirio Rojo. These are released just a couple/few times a year, and I always buy a handful to age. Let these sit a year or more, and they blossom into a refined smoke that balances bitter coffee and sweet cherry. I love ‘em!
4. Quesada 40th Anniversary Corona Clasica. Made in the modern, richer/fuller CT-shade movement, consistently delivering delicious oats and cream with some burnt-sugar accents. These are gone, as far as I can tell, but smallbatchcigars.com continues to carry their own short belicoso, which seems pretty close to the original from the few I’ve tried.
5. Illusione Haut 10 – decidedly underrated by me. My first couple were a bit reticent, but samples I’ve enjoyed this past year have opened up to become some of the best experiences I’ve had this past year. This is the Siglo VI of the New World to me – that is, the finest, most sophisticated, regular-production smoke you can find. Expensive and worth it!
6. RoMaCraft Neanderthal SGP – SGP, standing for Small Gene Pool. In a year plagued by inconsistent experiences, this has been so consistent, I’ve almost lost interest, because they’re always the same – deep, earthy, chocolatey.
7. My Father Oro de Nicaragua – wow, a big swing and a miss on my part. I ranked this after having tried only three. I ordered more, and they were not good at all. The beginning of my disenchantment with an old favorite – My Father.
8. Padrón Family Reserve No.50 Maduro – yep, pretty much a no-brainer. My favorite Padróns continue to be the 45th Maduro and the 46th Natural, but any top-tier Padrón is pretty much can’t miss.
9. AJ Fernandez Bellas Artes – maybe a bit over-rated by me. It’s a nice, steady, salted-butter pretzel of a smoke, but perhaps not a top-ten type cigar.
10. La Flor Dominicana Petite La Nox – definitely a good call IMHO. This seemed to be over-looked by many online reviewers, but this is a great version of the stupendous original 6x50 La Nox.
1a. Warped Maestro del Tiempo 5205 – initially a good call IMHO. The originals were so soft and sweet, focused on baking spices and a gorgeous, floral aroma, but subsequent releases were decidedly less elegant. The few originals I have left continue to beguile me.
1b. Black Label Trading Co. Bishop’s Blend – yeah, I’ll stand by that one too. The originals were limited (6,000 cigars total) and amazingly rich yet complex. The follow-up releases were not quite as good, but at least recognizable – far better than the Maestro del Tiempo.
3. Warped Lirio Rojo. These are released just a couple/few times a year, and I always buy a handful to age. Let these sit a year or more, and they blossom into a refined smoke that balances bitter coffee and sweet cherry. I love ‘em!
4. Quesada 40th Anniversary Corona Clasica. Made in the modern, richer/fuller CT-shade movement, consistently delivering delicious oats and cream with some burnt-sugar accents. These are gone, as far as I can tell, but smallbatchcigars.com continues to carry their own short belicoso, which seems pretty close to the original from the few I’ve tried.
5. Illusione Haut 10 – decidedly underrated by me. My first couple were a bit reticent, but samples I’ve enjoyed this past year have opened up to become some of the best experiences I’ve had this past year. This is the Siglo VI of the New World to me – that is, the finest, most sophisticated, regular-production smoke you can find. Expensive and worth it!
6. RoMaCraft Neanderthal SGP – SGP, standing for Small Gene Pool. In a year plagued by inconsistent experiences, this has been so consistent, I’ve almost lost interest, because they’re always the same – deep, earthy, chocolatey.
7. My Father Oro de Nicaragua – wow, a big swing and a miss on my part. I ranked this after having tried only three. I ordered more, and they were not good at all. The beginning of my disenchantment with an old favorite – My Father.
8. Padrón Family Reserve No.50 Maduro – yep, pretty much a no-brainer. My favorite Padróns continue to be the 45th Maduro and the 46th Natural, but any top-tier Padrón is pretty much can’t miss.
9. AJ Fernandez Bellas Artes – maybe a bit over-rated by me. It’s a nice, steady, salted-butter pretzel of a smoke, but perhaps not a top-ten type cigar.
10. La Flor Dominicana Petite La Nox – definitely a good call IMHO. This seemed to be over-looked by many online reviewers, but this is a great version of the stupendous original 6x50 La Nox.
As we await the online reviewers’ lists, I’ll offer my top 20. This was an odd year after last year’s panic. My list includes releases from last year, which were new to me this year. Similarly I didn’t get to try several cigars I had hoped to this year, so those will get pushed to next year for me. My list is not a consumer advocate type of list, so I include small, hard-to-get cigars, which are essentially ignored by most of the popular reviwers.
1. Ezra Zion Blessed Leaf Rhema – the past couple years I’ve split my top pick (1a. and 1b.)
between two different cigars, a powerful one and an elegant one. This cigar brings them both together into one, glorious cigar, and this beauty pushes the ends of the spectrum, simultaneously featuring coffee bean, powdery chocolate (think French roast coffee and an oreo wafer), silky smooth butterscotch, and the most alluring, effusive floral aroma. Downside: availability. They made a total of 725 (cigars, not boxes), they’re only offered once, and they sell out within hours of being released. I’ve heard several producers claim that they could make a ‘cigar of the year,’ if they only needed to make a thousand sticks; Ezra Zion is the only one I’ve seen actually prove it.
2. Bespoke robusto – perhaps the most precise, detailed cigar I had last year. Notes of horehound candy, licorice, black tea, and cinnamon weave into a refined palate that is unlike anything else I’ve tried. These are blended by Hendrik Kelner, Jr. (son of the master blender for Davidoff), are rolled in the DR, and include Dominican, Nicaraguan, and American broadleaf tobaccos. Downside: again availability. Only a few shops in the US carry them; I get mine at Biggs Mansion in Chicago.
3. Crux PB5 – 2016 – the original 2015’s were officially released last year, but I missed the originals, so the second release is ‘eligible’ for my list. Very sweet, nutty, and impeccably balanced for a shy-of-full-bodied, delicious experience. The ‘PB’ is a nod to Skip Martin of RoMa Craft (Skip – Skippy – peanut butter = PB), who gave advice on the final blend. Downside: availability, but not as challenging as the above. The 2017 release is being shipped now, so a yearly release format has been established for this rare, Engañoso wrapped stogie.
4. Cigar Federation Tabacos Kama Sumatra – a kaleidoscopic palate of chai tea, baking spices, clove, anise, cream, yadda-yadda… Early samples seemed to lack aroma, but more recent ones have added a spice-box aroma to make this a fantastic smoke that rewards attention. Downside: availability. These are produced in the same m.o. as Ezra Zion – released online, in small batches, and sold out rapidly.
5. Nomad Martial Law – wildly complex and unique, with a ground base of savory bread, accented with red pepper, dried apricot, an indescribable, pleasant bitterness, hints of licorice, a distinct roasted character, etc, impeccably balanced on a long, palate-staining finish. This stick prominently features tobaccos from Ometepe island, and the volcanic soils make for unique flavors. Downside: finding them. The places that carry them do so on a regular basis, but I’ve only found them at a few places.
6. Illusione Cigares Privé Corojo – my highest ranking for an easily found, regular production stick. A gentle bed of peanut and cream-of-wheat allows notes of clove, pepper, roasted cream, Chinese Five Spice, and sometimes a sweet red fruit. All the vitolas are good, but I prefer the Prensado Suave. Downside: consistency – sort of. I’ve had a couple that were a bit pedestrian, but overall these are consistently very good and often outstanding, especially when the red fruit character is present.
7. Southern Draw Jacob’s Ladder – a glorious, Pennsylvania broadleaf stick. Plenty of earthiness, chocolate, coffee, and licorice, but it remains light enough to let subtler notes of white pepper, cream, cedar, and a banana sweetness to peak out. Southern Draw was new to me this year, and I have yet to try anything from them that I don’t like. Downside: nobody seems to be able to keep them in stock long enough for me to reorder.
8. Warped Black Honey – again new to me. This didn’t live up to the ‘greatest of all time’ hype, but I think the old-world character, chocolate honey graham cracker, with hints of citrus and pepper make this an impressive little morsel. Downside: availability and size. They’re hard to find, and it seems to smoke rather quickly (5x48 torpedo), often leaving me wanting more.
9. Ezra Zion The Raven Nevermore – dark and brooding, yet reserved. The Broadleaf wrapper and fillers from Nicaragua, Indonesia, and Peru make for a unique palate, balancing dark chocolate and licorice with finer notes of savory herbs, hazelnut, and creamy malt. Downside: availability. Again they only made 685 of them, and they’re long gone.
10. El Güegüense Maduro – like the Jacob’s Ladder, this is characteristically Maduro without being heavy or monolithic. Add some toast, nutmeg, peanut, and butter cream to the traditional earthy chocolate, and I think this should have wide appeal. Downside: only that it isn’t as intellectually thrilling as the others on this list, but otherwise, I don’t see a downside to this.
11. Cigar Federation Tobocos The Reckoning – not particularly exotic, but the perfectly aged tobaccos are beyond reproach.
12. Illusione Kadosh – the best Singularé ever, IMHO, and probably my favorite ‘short smoke’ right now.
13. Southern Draw Rose of Sharon – a new wave CT style with excellent richness and depth.
14. Tatuaje Michael – my favorite Tatuaje Monster since The Mummy, wildly complex, and very satisfying.
16. Cornelius and Anthony Cornelius – understated and refined, from a producer who makes several excellent cigars.
17. Black Label Trading Company Sindustry – a gorgeous, velvet chocolate-raspberry cake of a smoke. If it had greater clarity and complexity, I would rate it even higher.
18: Caldwell Hit and Run – my favorite Caldwell cigar so far, very refined and subtle.
19: Flor de las Antillas Maduro – best in the short robusto vitola, IMHO, a chocolatey interpretation of the original.
20. RoMa Craft Whiskey Rebellion Bradford – dense and bit opaque, but the high quality of the tobacco is undeniable.
Honorable mention: Hoyo de Monterey La Amistad – if they were all as good as the best ones, this would be in my top ten. Unfortunately, I came across too many that were off.
Honorable mention 2: anything by Ezra Zion – Chocolate Stout, Punkin’ Pie, Lucille, Brass Knuckles, Live Free or Die, and even the House Blend are all outstanding, but peppering my list with unobtainable cigars seemed like poor form. EZ is unique in the cigar world, and I would recommend trying their limited release cigars at any opportunity that presents itself.
1. Ezra Zion Blessed Leaf Rhema – the past couple years I’ve split my top pick (1a. and 1b.)
between two different cigars, a powerful one and an elegant one. This cigar brings them both together into one, glorious cigar, and this beauty pushes the ends of the spectrum, simultaneously featuring coffee bean, powdery chocolate (think French roast coffee and an oreo wafer), silky smooth butterscotch, and the most alluring, effusive floral aroma. Downside: availability. They made a total of 725 (cigars, not boxes), they’re only offered once, and they sell out within hours of being released. I’ve heard several producers claim that they could make a ‘cigar of the year,’ if they only needed to make a thousand sticks; Ezra Zion is the only one I’ve seen actually prove it.
2. Bespoke robusto – perhaps the most precise, detailed cigar I had last year. Notes of horehound candy, licorice, black tea, and cinnamon weave into a refined palate that is unlike anything else I’ve tried. These are blended by Hendrik Kelner, Jr. (son of the master blender for Davidoff), are rolled in the DR, and include Dominican, Nicaraguan, and American broadleaf tobaccos. Downside: again availability. Only a few shops in the US carry them; I get mine at Biggs Mansion in Chicago.
3. Crux PB5 – 2016 – the original 2015’s were officially released last year, but I missed the originals, so the second release is ‘eligible’ for my list. Very sweet, nutty, and impeccably balanced for a shy-of-full-bodied, delicious experience. The ‘PB’ is a nod to Skip Martin of RoMa Craft (Skip – Skippy – peanut butter = PB), who gave advice on the final blend. Downside: availability, but not as challenging as the above. The 2017 release is being shipped now, so a yearly release format has been established for this rare, Engañoso wrapped stogie.
4. Cigar Federation Tabacos Kama Sumatra – a kaleidoscopic palate of chai tea, baking spices, clove, anise, cream, yadda-yadda… Early samples seemed to lack aroma, but more recent ones have added a spice-box aroma to make this a fantastic smoke that rewards attention. Downside: availability. These are produced in the same m.o. as Ezra Zion – released online, in small batches, and sold out rapidly.
5. Nomad Martial Law – wildly complex and unique, with a ground base of savory bread, accented with red pepper, dried apricot, an indescribable, pleasant bitterness, hints of licorice, a distinct roasted character, etc, impeccably balanced on a long, palate-staining finish. This stick prominently features tobaccos from Ometepe island, and the volcanic soils make for unique flavors. Downside: finding them. The places that carry them do so on a regular basis, but I’ve only found them at a few places.
6. Illusione Cigares Privé Corojo – my highest ranking for an easily found, regular production stick. A gentle bed of peanut and cream-of-wheat allows notes of clove, pepper, roasted cream, Chinese Five Spice, and sometimes a sweet red fruit. All the vitolas are good, but I prefer the Prensado Suave. Downside: consistency – sort of. I’ve had a couple that were a bit pedestrian, but overall these are consistently very good and often outstanding, especially when the red fruit character is present.
7. Southern Draw Jacob’s Ladder – a glorious, Pennsylvania broadleaf stick. Plenty of earthiness, chocolate, coffee, and licorice, but it remains light enough to let subtler notes of white pepper, cream, cedar, and a banana sweetness to peak out. Southern Draw was new to me this year, and I have yet to try anything from them that I don’t like. Downside: nobody seems to be able to keep them in stock long enough for me to reorder.
8. Warped Black Honey – again new to me. This didn’t live up to the ‘greatest of all time’ hype, but I think the old-world character, chocolate honey graham cracker, with hints of citrus and pepper make this an impressive little morsel. Downside: availability and size. They’re hard to find, and it seems to smoke rather quickly (5x48 torpedo), often leaving me wanting more.
9. Ezra Zion The Raven Nevermore – dark and brooding, yet reserved. The Broadleaf wrapper and fillers from Nicaragua, Indonesia, and Peru make for a unique palate, balancing dark chocolate and licorice with finer notes of savory herbs, hazelnut, and creamy malt. Downside: availability. Again they only made 685 of them, and they’re long gone.
10. El Güegüense Maduro – like the Jacob’s Ladder, this is characteristically Maduro without being heavy or monolithic. Add some toast, nutmeg, peanut, and butter cream to the traditional earthy chocolate, and I think this should have wide appeal. Downside: only that it isn’t as intellectually thrilling as the others on this list, but otherwise, I don’t see a downside to this.
11. Cigar Federation Tobocos The Reckoning – not particularly exotic, but the perfectly aged tobaccos are beyond reproach.
12. Illusione Kadosh – the best Singularé ever, IMHO, and probably my favorite ‘short smoke’ right now.
13. Southern Draw Rose of Sharon – a new wave CT style with excellent richness and depth.
14. Tatuaje Michael – my favorite Tatuaje Monster since The Mummy, wildly complex, and very satisfying.
16. Cornelius and Anthony Cornelius – understated and refined, from a producer who makes several excellent cigars.
17. Black Label Trading Company Sindustry – a gorgeous, velvet chocolate-raspberry cake of a smoke. If it had greater clarity and complexity, I would rate it even higher.
18: Caldwell Hit and Run – my favorite Caldwell cigar so far, very refined and subtle.
19: Flor de las Antillas Maduro – best in the short robusto vitola, IMHO, a chocolatey interpretation of the original.
20. RoMa Craft Whiskey Rebellion Bradford – dense and bit opaque, but the high quality of the tobacco is undeniable.
Honorable mention: Hoyo de Monterey La Amistad – if they were all as good as the best ones, this would be in my top ten. Unfortunately, I came across too many that were off.
Honorable mention 2: anything by Ezra Zion – Chocolate Stout, Punkin’ Pie, Lucille, Brass Knuckles, Live Free or Die, and even the House Blend are all outstanding, but peppering my list with unobtainable cigars seemed like poor form. EZ is unique in the cigar world, and I would recommend trying their limited release cigars at any opportunity that presents itself.