Rocky Patel Edge Lite

Mild and satisfying as usual. Paired with a fresh cup of joe (and my father-in-law, Mike).

Yep, smoked this one down far enough to where my fingertips were starting to burn, and still it was nice and smooth. Creamy smoke, good build, even burn. Nothing to complain about. Perfect with an after dinner coffee, and probably just as good with the morning paper.

4.25/5.0 stars

Alec Bradley Tempus

The wrapper is a nice mocha color; very oily. Off to a peppery start here. Burn is even.

After the first 1/2 inch or so, it is starting to lose the spiciness and mellow out a little. When putting the stick down on the ashtray, the first 1/2" of ash just dropped. Speaking of the ash, it is slightly inconsistent in color, but I'm not complaining. We'll see if this is as good as the tobacconist said it would be (Ultimate Cigar in Villa Park, IL). She did sell it to me as a medium-bodied cigar, and I can tell already (and confirm with various reviews) that it is a full-bodied smoke. Not sure why I would be misled, but whatever.

Start of the second third is showing hints of cedar, leather, and dark chocolate. It's just a tad harsh on the throat and roof of mouth. After the second photo, I set the cigar down gently, and again the ash dropped. So far I've not needed to do any touch-ups, however I did have to relight mid-way through the second third. This cigar packs a buzz.








Had to relight as I approached the final third, but ended up being interrupted anyways, so I left just under two inches (which is probably best since I was starting to taste the burn chemicals).
2.75/5.0 stars

HC Criollo Belicoso by Xikar (Toro)

Very impressed right off the bat. Paired with Fat Tire, watching Blackhawks and Sharks @ Uncle Mike's in Pleasant Prairie. Really smooth, earthy, feels good in my hand. 4.0/5.0 stars

Rocky Patel 1961 (Toro)

Nice smoke! 1/3 medium. Smooth, oily wrapper. 2/3 tasty medium with notes of toasted almonds and pepper. 3/3 fuller and less pleasant taste.
3.5/5.0 stars

Oliva Serie V figurado

Sometimes avoid the full -bodied, but so far this one is not one to be missed. The cigar of the year isn't disappointing so far 1/3.

2/3 was nice...tad spicy with dry finish,

final 3/3 was strong, but not overbearing. 4.0/5.0 stars

Soon to be reviewed. . . . .

Rocky Patel 1961, Olivia Serie V torpedo, HC Belicoso (by Xikar)

Arturo Fuente 8-5-8 (Churchills n Down in Deerfield)

Always a tasty smoke! 
This one was part of a box that I received 1.5 years ago. Sadly, they weren't kept in the best of conditions, so I've been trying to revive them in a newly seasoned humidor. Considering the circumstances, they seem to be coming along nicely. Over the years, I've been a big advocate of A. Fuente. They are definitely a good value, however I've also not been all that impressed with most of what I've had from them lately. Not to say that they aren't good, but some of the more up and coming brands are certainly making their mark. It's been some time since I tried a Hemingway, and I'm interested in trying out the newer Chateau Fuente King T Tubo. Perhaps I'll have better things to say after lighting these two up sometime in the near future.

Camacho Legend Ario Figurado 6x54 (@ Churchill n Down)

New Camacho cigar.  Legend Ario series was full-bodied to compete with Rocky Patel Edge.  RP has the Edge Lite which is mild, so Camacho put the Legend Ario in a connecticut wrapper, and bam-o.....  here we go.  Nice draw, so far so good.

This stick ended up being average. It heated up a little too easily, which made the cigar a bit soft. 3.0/5.0 stars

Oliva Serie O (robusto)

Can't say enough about Oliva, especially the O.  Great construction, great tobacco (I love Nicaraguan), generally just an excellent everyday smoke. 4.25/5.0 stars

Perdomo Lot 23

So, this one was purchased at Tenuta's. After liighting up with a torch, the first 4-5 minutes was very peppery before settling into a very mild, creamy smoke. The weight and construction is well-balanced and solid. Paired with a Charles Shaw Shiraz, the first 1/3 is quite pleasant. I could easily imagine pairing with a nice cup of morning java.

The 2/3 strengthened up a bit, but remained smooth, with a woody, dry finish. I imagine the final 1/3 would have been full, but I had someplace I needed to be, and I had enjoyed it enough. Good smoke. 3.5/5.0 stars

Reviewing a Perdomo Lot 23 (Toro) today

Additional labels I've tried recently

ExileDiamond Crown Maximus #5
Liga Privada #9
Natural Root by Drew Estate

Nub Connecticut
Camacho
CAO La Traviata
Olive Serie O & Great Lakes Blackout Stout
Gurkha Estate Vintage Shaggy Toro Maduro
Drew Estate Java
Arturo Fuente - Fuente Fuente Opus X (Dominican Republic Puro)
Room 101 (by Camacho)
Macanudo Gold Label

Oliva Serie G Figurado

Oliva Master Blends 3 (first post)

Plan is to review the cigars I try, the cigars I smoke regularly, and some beer and wine here and there. Who knows - maybe I'll find other stuff to "blog" about.

Starting with the MB3, can't write too much that "this" guy already didn't write about: http://mattscigar.com/2008/11/19/oliva-master-blends-3-chruchill/ his review is pretty much spot on, despite the fact that he reviewed a Churchill, while I reviewed what I believe to be a Robusto or Toro size. It was box pressed, which usually bugs me, but the construction was so top-notch, that it was hardly an issue. The first minute or so made me think that this was too complex and full-bodied for my tastes (typically medium body), however it very quickly mellowed out to a creamy, pleasant mild-medium smoke. As I moved into the final third, the pepper gradually kicked back in and the cigar headed towards full-bodied. The burn line was nice and even. It was enjoyed with a full glass of Charles Shaw Shiraz (aka 2 buck chuck). This cigar surprised me, although nothing from Oliva really should. The Oliva Serie O is currently one of my favorites.
4.5/5.0 stars