Sunday, September 25, 2011

Don Pepin Garcia Cuban Classic 1979 (robusto)

DPG's Cuban Classic is a nice looking stick, at a reasonable price. 

Pre-light: chocolate scent, nice draw

First few puffs have some mild spice, and despite what others have said, this cigar didn't give me any pepper up front. 

1/3: I would describe this cigar as Cuban-esque.  Very good burn line here, and notes of leather are most prominent.  Maybe this particular stick has been aging for quite awhile at the B&M, but I am not recognizing the DPG power that I expected.  That's not something negative necessarily, but an observation nonetheless.

2/3: More leather and some woodiness.

3/3: Consistent.  More of the same recognized in the previous two thirds.  I've read about some interesting flavors including berries, pepper, etc.. however I didn't taste them.  Cigars can smoke differently based on a number of variables both limited to the cigar itself (how long ago it was rolled, how long it has been stored and in what conditions) as well as the human factor.  I may be coming down with a cold, so my sense could also be a little off.

Regardless, I enjoyed this cigar - yet another of Pepin's that has smoked quite well.  No surprise there. 



Size: 5 x 50
Wrapper: Nicaraguan Corojo
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Tatuaje Outlaw 2010

Somehow, I completely lost track of this one from back in August.  Unfortunately, my full review seems to be M.I.A., although I found some chicken scratches that I can post...  I received this cigar as part of a "bomb," and it turns out that it was a single store limited series by Pete Johnson, exclusively made for Outlaw Cigars in KC, Missouri for their "Bad to the Bone" event.  While the cigars for this event apparently came unlabeled and in cello, mine was without cello and had (obviously) a band on it. 

The stick showed some veins, and had some "tooth" to it as well.  I found that the draw was tight.  It did maintain a fairly even burn, with a white-ish ash.  I noticed that along the burn line, there were small sparks from time to time.  Interesting phenomenon. 

Sadly, this is where my handwritten notes end.  The rest of the post is gone...  Probably a casualty of my Blogger Android app.  Oh well.  Bottom line: This cigar wasn't what I would expect from Tatuaje.  Nothing about it was anything to write home about.  Here are a few photos of it:

































Size: 6 x 52
Wrapper: Nicaragua
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua

Sunday, September 18, 2011

Diesel Shorty

Here's another cigar that I've been patiently waiting to try.  It is from a line by AJ Fernandez.  Then there's the whole storyline about it being made for and blended with help from Shorty from the tv show, Pitboss.  Anyways...  to the smoke.
Typical clip and toast.  I must say, this is a handsome looking thing.  It has a very strong pre-light smell of barnyard, and the foot has a distinct chocolate smell.  The Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper has a nice oily sheen, and the wrapper is coffee bean-colored.  With a ring gauge of 60, it is certainly a mouthful.  Some veins are noticeable, but the only issue I had was that one protruding vein could be felt on my upper lip.  Easy fix, rotate 10 degrees.  Problem solved.  Paired with Boulevard ZON.
1/3: Toasted almonds on the light, which led to graham cracker.
2/3: Nice, tight ash!  Good burn line too.  Similar flavors to the first third.  Nice, medium bodied smoke.  I was expecting a real powerhouse, but while the flavors are good, it is not what I would call a "flavor bomb." 
3/3: Woody notes and some mild cinnamon here.  I smoked this one down to a tiny nub, a little further than I do with most cigars because I am not a big fan of the bitterness and charred tastes.  The Shorty, however, smoked smoothly to the last puff.  


I'm glad I have a few more of these aging in the humidor.




























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Size: 4-1/2 x 60
Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler:Nicaragua

Saturday, September 17, 2011

5 Vegas Miami M5

I've been looking forward to trying the 5 Vegas Miami M5 for some time now, as it came highly recommended by a smoking buddy.  The cigar is definitely attractive.  It has a box-pressed shape, and has a nice, chocolate-colored wrapper with a classy looking bronze/navy label. 

Clip.  Toast. 

1/3: White pepper and spice on the light, followed by notes of mocha.  I've chosen to pair this stogie with Boulevard Single Wide IPA.  They go well together.  The flavors very quickly transition to what I'll call a smooth, campfire taste. 

2/3:  Bakers' chocolate.

3/3: Mild tar.  Pepper.  Some spice on the tongue.

I would certainly like to smoke one of these again.  It had some uniqueness to the flavors, and it is always a good idea to give a new smoke at least two tries.  Overall, I found this to be an enjoyable smoke. 



Size: 5-1/2 x 55
Wrapper: Nicaragua
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

My Father Le Bijou 1922 Petit Robusto

 I've really enjoyed the My Father core line, so it was just a matter of time until I sampled the Le Bijou 1922.  I was told that kicks up the strength a few notches.

I cut and toasted this handsome cigar, and here's what I thought:

1/3: MAJOR power up front with plenty of black pepper.  After about a 1/2" or so, it settled in nicely.  There's still plenty of power, but it has less bite than the first few puffs.  Notes of wood, with a faint sweetness are present.


2/3: At 4-1/2 inches long, I get to the 2nd third fairly quickly.  The cigar is still bold, yet smooth.  The wood is still there, and I notice that the faint sweetness lingers a bit too, kind of like cherries or something of the like.  I enjoy the strength, and while it is not overpowering for me, it lets me know it's there.


3/3: Much of the same here.  The MF (My Father, that is) didn't go out, but it did need some help from the flame.  As is the case with most cigars, it got stronger in the final third, but it certainly was at its strongest when I first lit it up.


These are nice smokes.  I wouldn't recommend one to a beginner, as it would be too much for a novice to handle.




Size: 4-1/2 x 50
Wrapper: Nicaraguan Habano Oscuro (Pelo de Oro)
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua

Saturday, September 10, 2011

Liga Privada T52 Flying Pig

Aging in my humidor for the right moment...and that moment is now!  Beautifully constructed, packed solid, with a dark, oily wrapper, and an intricate pig tail.  Clipped.  Torched.  Sweet smoke to start.  Pairing this cigar with a glass of Guinness.  This is unquestionably, a cigar enthusiast's cigar.  I referenced this particular stick with a photo sometime last year.  Ken P. at Neumann's Cigars & More in Libertyville gave this to me from his personal stash, allegedly given to him by Steve Saka himself (the big cheese at Drew Estate). 

1/3: Smooth, hearty smoke.  Rich and creamy.  This stalk-cut tobacco is really where it's at.  Spot on burn line going here.  Mild coffee notes with a touch of cocoa.  

2/3: Notes of raisin bread, and some spice through the sinus.  The ash is holding on strong, tilting slightly to one side.  A nice black, oily ring surround the burn line.  I tell you, these are some of the classiest looking bands, and they look extra cool against the dark Habano wrapper.  The burn line is waving around a bit here.  I wonder if it'll correct on its own.  Approaching the halfway mark, some cedar taste is present.  I just felt like ashing, so I did, but it took some effort.  This certainly speaks to the quality construction. 

3/3: Still getting the velvety and heavy smoke.  Vitamin "N" has decided to join the party, but he's being nice. All in all, a great cigar if you can get one.



Size: 4-1/4 x 60
Wrapper: Stalk Cut Habano
Binder: Brazilian Mata Fine
Filler: Dominican, Honduran, Nicaraguan

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Curivari Reserva Limitada Classica Epicures

This Nicaraguan puro is another in a line of boutique cigars that I am sampling today. The Curivari website gives this description (misspelling and all): A dark oily wrapper, with a full-bodied, this cigar offers toasty flavors with notes of coffee, leather and spices

To me, there is a faint tobacco smell, pre-light.  It is firm and a little oily.  A clip and a toasted foot, and we're off.  Perfect draw here.  I've chosen to pair this smoke with a black coffee, although the subject of a future entry will involve the Cafe 52, which was practically designed to go with coffee. 

The 1st third shows medium strength, and while the Curivari description suggests coffee, leather, and spices, they are not so distinguishable for me.  The smoke is certainly pleasant though.  I do get some spice through the sinus.  Earthiness is what I seem to be getting, but overall just a smooth aged tobacco flavor is what I am experiencing.  An inch into it, and I'm seeing some uneven burn, but while not razor straight, it does correct itself.

The 2nd and final thirds really produced more of the same.  Certainly, no new flavors come into the picture, but the aforementioned ones have now gained some strength.

The Curivari RL Classica is a nice, relaxing smoke.  It is pretty consistent, so it would make for a good "social" cigar or one to enjoy while tinkering or just chilling out.  Don't expect any twists and turns here.   



Size: 4-1/2 x 52
Wrapper: Nicaragua
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Authentic Cuban Seed Criollo and Corojo

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Bahia Gold No.2 Belicoso

Gifted to me from my buddy, Amos, here we've got a nice looking torpedo by Tony Borhani.  After the clipping and toasting ritual, I get a slightly loose draw, and some nice billowy, light smoke. 

The 1st third is peppery with a hint of cinnamon.  A flaky, white ash is present.  You can literally see the oiliness in this cigar, because there is about a quarter-inch of "black" above the burn line.  Both my cigar, and my buddy's are burning with a lot of waviness.  There are actual curls along the burn line.

The 2nd third continues the wavy burn line, and I pick up more leather.  Medium-bodied stick all the way. 

The final third shows much of the same as the rest of the stick.  Mine was pretty enjoyable, however Amos's was not.  His humidor has been running a bit hot though, so I wouldn't hold too much stock in his lack of enthusiasm for this stick. 



Size: 6-1/2 x 54
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Sumatra
Binder: Dominican Republic
Filler: Dominican Republic

Monday, September 5, 2011

Don Pepin Garcia Blue Invictos

I picked up a blue label DPG and a black one (Cuban Classic 1979).  I plan to review the black at a later date.  I like a lot of Pepin's stuff, and the lines put out by his son, Jaime Garcia, so I felt it only fair to check out some of the lines I haven't tried yet.

This Invicto has a sweet taste on the lips pre-light.  After clipping and toasting, I certainly taste the classic Pepin spice.

The 1st third was predominantly spicy and peppery.  This is a well-constructed cigar.  The cigar itself looks and feels nice, and the band is classy as well.

The 2nd third led to notes of earth and coffee, and at times I picked up some milk chocolate.

The final third was smooth and creamy.  The cigar at this point was producing some thick, puffy smoke.  Notes of leather are evident here.  As I get to about an inch left, I do experience some bitterness and dryness.

I recently read a review that stated that the black label is more reasonably priced and better tasting than the blue one, and having enjoyed this cigar, I look forward to taking that Cuban Classic out for a spin.



Size: 5 x 50
Wrapper: Nicaraguan Corojo
Binder: Nicaraguan Criollo
Filler: Nicaraguan Criollo & Corojo

Sunday, September 4, 2011

CAO LX2 (robusto)

Not the biggest CAO fan here, but I happen to have a very nice humidor with the LX2 logo on it, so I figured, why not?  I'm glad I did, as this is a pretty decent smoke.

Initial thoughts are that this is an attractive, chocolately looking stick, that is firmly packed.  A very solid cold draw after the clip.  We're toasted and ready to go.

The 1st third revealed spice.  Good draw and burn.  This cigar is smooth and medium-bodied so far.  Good flavor to be had here. 

The 2nd third continued smoothly, with quality tobacco flavor.

The final third strengthened up a bit, with some nicotine making its presence known.  I've got a slightly wavy burn, but no issues to speak of.  The spice appears again, but stronger.  With a little over an inch to go, it is starting to burn a little hot.

I think I'd smoke one of these again sometime.  Probably not my first choice for a box purchase, but definitely worth a smoke if you see them in the local B&M.



Size: 5 x 48
Wrapper: Nicaragua
Binder: Honduras
Filler: Dominican Republic & Nicaraguan Ligero
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