Foundry #4 Cayley

I had noticed these cigars at the shop in Libertyville because of their unique packaging.  Definitely a gimmick by General Cigar.  Nobody there at the time had any real comments to make, so I wasn't up for justifying the purchase of a $10 cigar because of the metal gear-shaped ring around it and an odd cut.  

Recently though, this size went on 50% clearance - due to customers not being a fan of the size.  Why wouldn't I give it a shot?  Some looking around online suggested that I might find this to be an inconsistent cigar that was more in the mild-medium category.  Perfect for a Sunday morning after breakfast!

 

 

1/3: Mild and buttery. The burn line is quite good despite the 45 degree cut at the foot.

2/3: Some increase in strength in the 2nd third.  This cigar still doesn't not exceed the medium category.  I'm a little surprised how the burn line completely corrects itself.  I was half-expecting it to run, but alas, it did not.  

3/3: I opted to keep the metal band around the paper one, as it made it easy to grip the cigar as well as providing a "stand" to keep it from rolling off the table when I put it down.  I left it on a little too long because by the time I was ready to remove it, the heat of the cigar had caused it to swell to the point where it became a little tricky to remove the metal ring.  I managed to remove it without busting the cigar, thankfully. 

Good to the last draw!

I don't know if I got lucky with this one, or if others with issues simply tasted from bad batches.  At the reduced price, this one is a no-brainer.  For $10 a stick, I still wouldn't steer people away.  Milder cigars work for me sometimes....  around breakfast time!

 

Size: 6-1/2 x 60 (6½" x 60 x 56 x 43)
Wrapper: Connecticut (aged 8 years)
Binder: ?
Filler:  ? 5 unidentified countries (4 non-traditional)

La Palina El Diario (robusto)

This is a Honduran cigar I hadn't been too familiar with, but was recommended by someone at my favorite B&M.  I must say, it's a good stick!  I used my punch cutter and my torch to toast the foot.  Unfortunately, I was meeting a friend this evening for a little celebration, so I did not do a full (or even a mini-review).  The cigar was good enough however, to put an entry on the blog.

The pre-light sniff revealed a deep earthy/musty smell.  I could tell there would be some richness, and I was right.  This cigar produced a nice amount of thick smoke - another thing I like.  It wasn't as much as you'd expect from a Liga Privada T52 (lots of smoke!), but quite enjoyable.

Sweet and spicy with a medium-bodied profile. 

Size: 5 x 52
Wrapper: Honduran Corojo ’99 Rosado
Binder: Honduran Criollo ’98 (x2)
Filler: Nicaraguan Corojo ’99 and Criollo ’98

La Perla Habana Black Pearl Rojo (robusto)

I got this stick in a trade of budget cigars.  Produced at the Toraño factory in Esteli, Nicaragua, Black Pearl has several variations, and they seem to have a decent following. 

As per my ritual, I toasted the foot w/ my torch.

1/3:  The cigar is nice and firm.  The draw is on the tighter side, but acceptable.  Medium-bodied.  As with a a few other cigars I've had from time to time, I pick up a flavor that is difficult for me to describe.  Maybe it's nutmeg..  however another reviewer referred to it as a combination of tea and clove.

2/3:  The cigar is pretty consistent so far.  It is better than I expected, but that shouldn't mean too much as I hadn't done a lot of research into this brand before trying it.  I am used to seeing them in the catalogs rather than in the local B&Ms.

3/3: A little stronger in the final third, but still remains consistent.

I'd try it again, or at least another from the Black Pearl series.

 

Size: 5 x 52

Wrapper: Habana Criollo

Binder: Habana Criollo

Filler:  Nicaragua