Friday, September 28, 2012

CLE Cuarenta 2012 (robusto)

Life has been busy lately, so I'll sneak in this quick review.  I haven't been smoking many Camacho cigars lately.  Jason from Cigars & More recommended that I sample a CLE, made by Christian Eiroa (formerly the President of Camacho Cigars).  CLE are his initials, with Luis being his middle name.

Apparently, the tobaccos used in this line are still somewhat of a mystery. 

1/3: The first few puffs yielded scents of cedar and cinnamon. Mild and smooth to begin, with some sweetness being evident partway through the 1st third.

2/3: The Cuarenta has increased in strength and complexity.  It is more on the medium side, and it has a meaty mouthfeel to it.

3/3: Same meatiness is recognized in the final third.  I also picked up a little hint of hazelnut.

Decent smoke, but it had nothing to really make me excited to try another. 


Size: 5 x 50
Wrapper: Habano Seed
Binder: Unknown
Filler: Unknown

Thursday, September 20, 2012

Toraño Exodus 1959 / 50 Years (robusto)

Believe it or not, I think that this may be the first Carlos Toraño cigar I've tried.  I don't know why it took me this long, perhaps I just never heard anything all that exciting about the brand.  Regardless, I asked one of my trusted B&M tobacconists to point me in the direction of a great Toraño to start with.  As I've shown a recent preference for punch cuts with my robusto sizes lately, this time will be no different. 

The foot has a distinct smell of cedar.  The appearance shows some visible veins and seams.  After toasting the foot, I'm ready to see what the Exodus 59/50 has to offer. 

1/3: The flavors I'm picking up are first a mild peppercorn, followed by baker's chocolate and some floral.  The burn is good, as is the draw.

2/3: The cigar has been kept at a constant 65/65 for the last several weeks, so I'm not quite sure why it is smoking a little "wet."  It's kind of chewy and moist at this point, which isn't affecting the draw a lot, but definitely to a noticeable degree.  My best description of the flavor is: dirt...  wet dirt.  Shall I call it mud? 

3/3: In the final third, it remains moist.  I'm getting a faint hint of cinnamon, and as I get down to the nub there's some bitterness.  Not overwhelming bitterness, but it is present.

The cigar is middle of the road, as far as I'm concerned.  I took a peek at some other reviews just now, and it appears that my experience was a little different from others' (sweet, creamy, leather, dark chocolate). 


Size: 5 x 50
Wrapper: Brazilian Arapiraca Sun-Grown
Binder: Honduras
Filler: Nicaragua (Esteli & Pueblo Nuevo)

Saturday, September 15, 2012

Rocky Patel Vintage 2003 Cameroon (robusto)

I've heard that this is one of Rocky's better cigars.  It seems that Rocky has spread himself (and the rest of his family) a bit thin over the last several years.  It seems that everywhere you look there's another X Patel brand of cigars.  Lately, the only RPs I've been picking up when I see them is the Sumatra label.  When I was still mixing milds into my rotation, I enjoyed the Edge Lites, but lately I haven't had much of a taste for the milder side of the spectrum.

At first inspection, the Vintage 2003 Cameroon has an oily sheen on the wrapper.  The pre-light sniff at the foot shows a hint of barnyard.  I opted for my Xikar punch/torch to get things started.

1/3: The first few puffs were unique and pleasant.  There's a good draw, and I notice a crisp finish.  I have a long flap on one side of the cap that keeps peeling back.  I tore it off, and it's not presenting any issues now.  Predominant notes of leather here in the 1st third.

2/3: The leather continues on into the 2nd third.  Medium-bodied describes this one so far.

3/3: This RP was consistent to the finish.  I "nubbed" it, and didn't notice too much in terms of flavor shifts.  If you're looking for a stick with consistent leather, this one's got that.


Size: 5-1/2 x 50
Wrapper: Cameroon
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler:  Dominican Republic, Nicaragua
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