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Quick Stick: Tatuaje Verocu #5

2011-08-04T14:45:00.000-04:00

Tatuaje - Havana VI - Verocu #5

The unbanded cigar is a nice smoke; stronger then the larger sizes in the Havana VI (red label) line. Weighing in at 4" x 40 ring, the Verocu #5 is a badass little smoke that results in an enjoyable half an hour.

If you like Pete Johnson's stuff, this is worth a try. I would recommend this smoke to most smokers. If you havent liked the red label line, this vitola may give you an appreciation for the blend as it has a little more kick then the other sizes.

Credit to http://www.cigarnut.com for the beautiful picture

The cigar bunrs decently. No touch ups, but it went out on me once when I didn't expect if to. Also, it got a little hot in the last third. The cigar burns the lips and the smoke demands a cool drink to sip on. With that being the only flaw. But you've got to take into consideration Ismoke fast nad had been puffing on the cigar to keep it lit. Its difficult to say, but this box might have had a little too much humidity = as it seemed to be a freshly open box in the humidor.

I feel like a lot of people enjoy the bigger smokes, but I personally like smaller smokes, and I see so many new small vitolas that it makes me wonder if smaller stogies are a trend in its early stages. People are busy and short on cash. A $4 cigar that you know is going to be quality and taste amazing is hard to pass up when there are so many $9-10 smokes that leave you wondering why you bought it.

Again - thanks to http://www.cigarnut.com/ for the picture.

Overall - No grade - its good - I've only had one. I suggest you try one.

Hot Girl of the Day

2011-07-11T22:53:00.000-04:00

Naturally, because we read left to right, your eye is drawn to the left side of picture. Don't feel guilty its not your fault. I'm sure Arabic viewers, who happen to read from right to left would start by looking at her face. If you've read this at all, you just thought to yourself "what face? ahh yes....face."
Again do not feel guility, its a product of your reading style

Oliva - V - Lancero

2011-07-11T21:52:00.000-04:00

Oliva V - Lancero
The Oliva V gets mad love in the cigar community. Known as a great smoke with a lot value, the different sizes in the series range from $6-$7. These are a "go-to" or "every day" smoke for a lot of people, and while I cannot knock the quality of the line; I've never been as big a fan as others. The Belicoso and Robusto seem to get the most cred; and there are tons of opinions and reviews for these particular sizes online. Personally, I find the 'V' to be a little overpowering, but if you're low on money and want a lot of body in your smoke, the Oliva V is known as an old faithful.
That being said, the Lancero vitola caught my eye when I stepped into the humidor. The idea of the overpowered 'V' blend with a tiny ring gauge has my gears a-churning.

The Tale of the Tape:
Length - 7 "
Ring Gauge - 38 (awww yeah)
Wrapper - Habano Sun Grown
Binder - Nicaraguan
Filler - Jalapa Valley(Nicaraguan) Filler
Origin - Basically a Nicaraguan Puro

Sex AppealThe cigar looks amazing and is well-constructed. If you want to take a shot at Oliva for anything, quality and construction of make is not one of them. I've never had an Oliva burn poorly and don't expect this cigar to have any issues. I like the look of Lanceros; I really like smaller ring gauged cigars, so I'm sure that plays in to it, but there is an elegance to the vitola that always attracts me to them. We shall see.
All in all, the cigar looks awesome, the wrapper leaf is clean, smooth and spotless. Seems like a rugged leaf and the roll is clean, giving it that seamless look.

Smoking the Oliva V Lancero
I won't elaborate on this too much because I've only smoked one V Lancero and it wasn't very good. My smoke had a very dry feel to it, and the draw was a little too resistant. I usually expect a snugger draw on Lanceros, (such is the nature of a 7" cigar with a 38 ring gauge) - the draw was not tight enough to ruin the cigar, but tight enough to cause me some heartache.

The flavor profile was limited and lacked aroma. I said it before, but the term 'dry' keeps coming to mind as I smoke this cigar. I tasted a little spice and the resting smoke had a spicy-sweet scent to it. I was unimpressed with the flavors in general, as there wasn't anything that jumped out at me. I tasted some basic nut, spice and earth flavors, but the dry feel left me reaching for my cup of water.

The cigar seemed to burn too hot and I gave myself time between puffs to allow that heat to go away. But that offered little help in the way of adding flavor to the cigar. The smoke was a little harsh and stayed unremarkable throughout. There was no transition of flavor and complexity was a 2 out of 10.

I'm going to give this cigar another shot in the near future. I smoked one of these a day after the box was opened, so its possible the stogie was still in its 'sick period'. Maybe a month or two of rest in the humidor will give this beauty better flavors. Other than the resistant draw, the cigar burnt nicely. Please do not let this review deter you from trying the Lancero. If you're a V fan, or a Lancero fan, it is worth the $6 to give this cigar a try.

Overall: C-

Brooklyn Decker - The only reason to see Sandler's latest flick

2011-06-18T01:18:00.000-04:00

Brooklyn Decker from 'Just Go With It'
Adam Sandler used to be a very funny man. I imagine he is still hilarious, but I lost all interest in his comedy after the 5th or 6th movie where he played the guy who fell in love and tried to get the girl under some set of circumstances....insert laughter.
I don't mean to be a hater. The guy was my idol when I was 14. Quotes from his classics have made there way into popular catch phrases people commonly use. You can't blame the guy for taking a big bag of money every time the movie companies knock on his door with yet another romantic comedy script. But my interest in anything he does has worn thin.

With that said - here is one of two reasons to watch his newest release 'Just Go With It'

Brooklyn Decker is an attractive woman. She's received a lot of attention from the movie, particularly the beach scene where she comes out of the water in a yellow bikini. I'm sure you have a mental image of what I'm talking about. You probably haven't even seen the movie and you know what I'm talking about.
As I said, Brooklyn Decker was the main reason to see this year's version of Sandler's 'fool in love', rinse and repeat. The other reason...Jennifer Aniston.

South Park made fun of the Sandler phenomena a few years ago in a way only they can. South Park clip - Sandler movies.

Summer Time Is Here - Smoke the Anejo #50 (Robusto)

2011-06-15T23:55:00.000-04:00

1 Cigar You've Gotta Smoke (a compilation of my last month of smoking)
Spring is just about over and if you haven't enjoyed some outdoor smokin' I suggest you get a few stogies in before the heat is too much to handle. I haven't touched my blog in a few weeks because my laptop had a bad powerjack. A few Youtube searches and 2 Amazon orders later, I've learned how to disassemble my laptop and change out a powerjack. As lame as it sounds, I felt a little bit like Batman avoiding a $300 repair bill.
But enough of my amateur CPU tech skills; I've taken a bunch of pictures and tons of notes on new cigars I've smoked while my laptop has been out of service. I planned on writing some reviews, but instead I'm going to tell you about a single cigar that amazed me. This cigar is one of my new favorites, and even more importantly....this cigar was absolutely unbelievable.

Photo credit - tgdennis1971 from Puff.com

Check out what I have to say about the Anejo #50 - click link below

Fuente - Anejo #50
I've smoked a handful of Anejos in the last 2 months and while I've enjoyed them, I wasn't blown away and wasn't buying the hype. A lot of guys I smoke with go crazy over these and my experiences with a few #48s and #49s had me wondering what they were smoking that I wasn't.
Then, I picked up the robusto size in the series. A little truer to my preference for a cigar's length, the #50 is about 5 1/4", where as the 48 and 49 are at least 7". You can read my review of the #49 Anejo HERE.

Pre-Smoke to First Inch of the Cigar-
The #50 is absolutely flawless. The Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper is as dark as they come in the variety, and has a smooth appearance with a little roughness to the touch. The cigar smells sweet, cedary and fresh.

I'm lucky enough to get my hands on two #50s out of a box that has been sitting since December. So its possible this #50 is at least a box-year old. There is a little bit of plume on the cigar and I feel like I've really got a hold of a special cigar.
I light the cigar up and the first few puffs are a strong cinnammon-like spice that almost burns my palette. I've smoked plenty of cigars with spicy starts, but this is unique in feel and flavor. A few solid drags and the #50 is steady burning. The spice starts to fade and I realize that the #50 is nothing like the 48 and 49. They pale in comparison right off the bat. The cigar has an easy draw that billows clouds of smoke. The smoke is thick and creamy; full-flavored and full-bodied. The spice is now sweetening a bit and has taken a back seat to other flavors.

Smoking it
The cigar has so much flavor and it only gets better as it burns. I wish the 48 and 49 were as good, because now I'm wishing this 5 1/4" cigar were 7 5/8". The #50 needs no touch ups and burns great. Now I know why everyone loves the Anejo series. Maybe I had some dud Anejos prior to smoking the #50, but as you may know; some sizes in most cigar lines, tend to showcase and highlight the qualities and flavors the manufacturer set out to create.
In essence, certain sizes are better representations of the intended identity of a cigar series then the others. I've smoked cigars of the same label in different sizes and come away feeling as if I've smoked a completely different cigar. That concept is a topic all its own so I'll get back to the details of the #50.

The middle third of the cigar is so good, and while the cigar's flavor profile is complex, this is a point where things level out and you get consistent flavor for about an inch and half. The flavor starts to get a dark fruit taste with a full-bodied feel. The resting smoke starts to have a sweet, thick aroma - and within a few minutes the flavor begins to sweeten to the point of it being sugary on palette. All the while, the cigar maintains a full-bodied flavor profile.

The End and My Thoughts-
The final 2 1/2" are the part that left me blown away. First of all, the cigar never burned to hot or got that harsh, built up tar taste. Second of all, the sweetness is thick, rich and tasty. My palette tingles a bit with some spice notes and the smoke has a chewy, creamy feel to it.
I literally sat there savoring each puff, exhaling through my nose; wishing the cigar had another 5" to go. But all good things must come to an end and I burned this bad boy to the point where I couldn't even toothpick the thing.

Overall, I don't have a bad thing to say about the cigar. If I wanted to get picky, I would say that the spice on the front end was so spicy it almost burned my mouth, but the spice had some unique notes that made it unforgetable and I apologizing for using the word unique in the same sentence, but it was unique. I've never had a cigar with that bold of a kick-off.
The construction was absolutley flawless. Hands down amazing. Not a blemish on the 5-year aged Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper, and every part of the experience was enjoyable. After talking with some friends who have been touting the wonders of the Anejo for years, I admitted to them that I now know why they love the Anejo as much as they do.
With a $12 price tag for a single stick, it is worth every penny. Its a little pricey I know, but these days I kick out $11 for a Liga Privada Robusto because I know that I'm getting an amazing, delicious cigar every time I light up. There are solid $8 robustos out there, and even some $6 sticks that are tremendous values. But once you start smoking top shelf and really liking them, its very common to spend $10 + for great cigars.
I'm not rich or even upper-middle class, so believe me, I can't go for my favorites every time I sit down, but the limited bi-annual releases of the Anejo will have me salivating until I the next batches become available.

SMOKE THIS CIGAR
So go smoke this damn thing. Do not settle for any of the other vitolas, other then the #55 'Shark' (which I have yet to smoke, but am told is even better then the #50). You will not be disappointed. You will be ecstatic. The #50 Anejo is better than the Padron 26 and 64s. It is better then the VSGs and the Liga Privadas. It is better then any Tatuaje I've smoked. These are some bold claims, and I stand behind them. I'd recommend the #50 to every seasoned smoker out there.
Full-bodied, full-flavored - rich and complex. Sweet, spicy, fruity and creamy. An amazing cigar, representing the best of the cigar world. Another Connecticut Broadleaf that is to die for. I pray that the Connecticut valley can meet the demands for this type of leaf. Or maybe they can uproot some of that shade they grow to make way for some more broadleaf growth.

OVERALL - A++

Drew Estate - Lost Art Ashtray Series

2011-05-04T16:18:00.001-04:00

The Moon -

Drew Estate's 'Lost Art' ashtray line is pretty cool. I've got the Moon one - I picked it up at an event at Cross Street Tobacco in Baltimore. The other art choices were nice as well. One was an enlarged old-school cigar band that read "Habano". Another was a painting of an angelic-looking woman, with a style of the early 1900's. All of them have a retro-look, which recalls the rich history of cigar culture. Drew Estate may be the re-birth of cigars, but they respect the past and pay homage through pieces like this ash tray series.

Tale of the tape:
5 7/8" x 3 7/8"
1.85 pounds of crystal perfection

I love this ashtray and its found a permanent place at the end of my patio chair's left arm rest. It's large enough to accomadate two or three smokers at once, but small enough so that you keep it clean and empty. Something I recommend anyways to show off this piece.

You can pick one up through Drew Estate's Store.

El Credito - El Perrito

2011-04-30T19:23:00.000-04:00

Quick Smoke When You're Broke - $2.50 cigar
The El Perrito isn't the prettiest looking thing; but its rugged look gives it some character. There isn't a lot of informationon this cigar and E.P. Carillo has got a value line called El Credito, so you can imagine research on this cigar wasn't too easy. This little value cigar is actually made by La Gloria Cubana, so it can't be complete shit.
Stats:
Size - 5 1/2" X 38 Ring
Wrapper - Ecuadorian (definitely not a shade wrapper- too dark)
Binder- Conn. Broadleaf
Filer- Dominican, Nicaraguan
Cost- $2.50

I smoked this cigar with low expectations and had already been told by my buddies at the shop that it was garbage. I had actually taken a puff off of a friends when he was ready to trash it because of how horrible he thought it was. I clipped a bit off the end to give me a fresh mouth-piece, and took a drag. It just tasted harsh and I tossed it in the ash-tray as I was in the middle of somking another cigar.
However, my local shop's owner gave me a free one the other day, and I figured I'd give it a chance and a review as I know folks are always interested in high-value, low-price smokes.

Smoking it:
The cigar took about 25-30 minutes to smoke, and I gotta say it was ten times better then I expected it to be. These cigars come in boxes of 50 and look like the roller that rolled them had just learned to craft a cigar. The cigar isn't finished with a cap, so I just lit it and started smoking. I could taste some a little punch to the smoke, but the draw wasn't worth a damn, so I clipped off a bit and went back to smoking.

The first few puffs are unremarkable, but not as harsh as I had thought it was, based on my one puff from a friends sample. Surprisingly, once the cigar is lit and about an inch in the smoke gets a little creamy and there is a lot of flavor. I'm not saying its delicious, it is a tad harsh, but it is pretty good. I taste mostly earthy flavors and spice, but the retrohale and resting smoke are creamy with a little sweetness.

So to sum it up, the first inch or so is too harsh. Once the cigar gets going its actually pretty good. I won't over do it on the flavor description, but its a little creamy with a lot of spice and earthiness. The final third of the cigar is a little to harsh and starts to get bitter.
The cigar burned nicely and required no touch ups. I spent most of the smoke, amazed at how good this ugly duckling ended up being. I'm not predicting a Cigar Aficianado's Top 25 of 2011, but I've spent $10 on worse cigars, so I can't hate on this little fella. At $2.50, this is a great cigar. At $7, I would have felt a little wripped off; but honestly it was a decent smoking experience. I will smoke this cigar again.

Joya de Nicaragua - Antano Dark Corojo - Peligroso

2011-04-29T19:41:00.000-04:00

Joya de Nicaragua - Antano Dark Corojo - Peligroso
Quick Analysis
JdN is a great brand with a lot of value you in their lines. It is no wonder Drew Estate now distributes them, and I feel the brand fits well in Drew Estate's brand line-up.

The Antano Dark Corojo Peligroso is the smallest size in the series weighing in at 5" X 44 ring - a great size for my preferences.

The Dark Corojo is basically the Antano 1970 (click for review) with a dark corojo wrapper - shocker! I love the original Antano line so I was excited when they introduced the DC a while back. If you check out my reviews of the original Antano 1970 (there are 2 for 2 sizes) mind you that the Peligroso is a much smaller cigar than the two smoked in those reviews. The wrapper to filler ratio difference really throws a wrench in the mix on trying to compare the lines through my reviews.

Quick Smoke Run Down
I'll keep this short and to the point. I've smoked a lot of these because its a great size when you're short on time or want a lot of flavor for around $5. The larger sizes are very different and I'll review one of those sometime soon.

The cigar is well-made and the wrapper is a rusty-dark brown, almost has a rosado wrapper hue to it. The gold foil and black band and foot band give the cigar a nice look and really separate it from the original line.

The Antano is known to be a powerhouse and people often expect the DC to be even more of an ass kicker, but the small size (ring gauge) makes the Peligroso a little smoother as the ligero in the filler is what reall gives the cigar its kick. The Peligroso is surprisingl smooth and opens up with a bold bit of spice that soons tones down. Just a third of the way in the cigar smoke takes on a creamy feel and the while the spice is still present, there is some sweetness in the mix.

This Nicaraguan puro is rich and bold, but it is smoother than you might expect. The corojo wrapper keeps a touch of sweet spice and cinnammon in the mix while some chocolate and woody flavors show up. A short, 30 minute smoke, this isn't super complex, but there is some depth to it.

So don't be afraid, give this smoke a try, starting with this size. A lot of people ask me, "Whats a good smoke when I'm short on time and don't want to spend ten bucks?" The Peligroso is one of my suggestions.

Keep an eye out for my review a larger size, because it is a very different experience.

Fuente - Anejo #49

2011-04-28T22:28:00.001-04:00

Fuente - Anejo #49
This was my first Anejo and I've got to thank my smoking buddy Ben from Cross Street Tobacco in Baltimore for this cigar. I've heard a lot of great things about Anejos and a lot of trusted friends have recommended them. But personally, I've steered clear because of the price, availability and my feelings about the Fuente brand.

The #49 gets its name from the ring gauge which is - you guessed it - 49. The cigar is a long one - measuring 7 5/8"'. The Anejo is wrapped with a Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro; at some point these wrapper leaves are fermented in cognac barrels. The binder is of Dominican origin, and while a cognac-aged broadleaf is pretty damn cool - the filler may be the most interesting aspect of the cigars composition. There are varying reports on the filler's make up; but most reliable sources say its a mixture of Don Carlos, Hemingway and Opus X filler tobacco.

Disclaimer: I absolutely love the Opus X line and do not include that line in analysis I'm about to .
                    To read about the Fuente Opus X click HERE (Opus X Review)
                    To skip my rant on Fuente click to the next page
I've found Fuentes are well-made cigars that have good, consistent flavors. But every Fuente I've smoked has been 'pretty-good'. Not amazing, not memorable, not to die for...just "that was a well-made cigar that had some good flavor." What they lack.......complexity. It seems they keep all that tobacco for the Opus X line. Now don't get me wrong, I'm not bashing Fuente. They make cigars well and are good at what they do. But I've smoked a variety of lines and sizes and I always walk away with the same feeling - hell, most of them taste the same.
Acquisition of the Anejo -
So part of me was hoping the Anejo was similar to the Opus X in terms of complexity and depth of flavor. But the band looks so similar to the rest of Fuente bands that mentally - I couldn't spring the $20-$30 to try a 'so-so' cigar. Then the other day I rolled into my local shop. I put down my bag and claim a comfy seat, say hi to the fellas and as I'm about to head into humidor when.....I realize I have no wallet. A moment of panic is cooled out when I realize I left the wallet in my work pants laying across the couch at home..

My buddy sees my dilemma and hands me an Anejo #49. I couldn't have been happier. Not only did I go from "oh shit....." to "yay!!!" - I was given a cigar I've been wanting to try and can't buy off the shelf. So thanks Ben....I'll get you back next time I see you. Situations like this demonstrate why cigar smokers enjoy the camaraderie of smoking at a local shop. Its the dirty jokes, the conversation, watching the game - the kind of face-to-face interaction that is fading in today's world of technology - but I digress, because I could probably write a book on that topic...Anyways....to the Anejo

Pre-Light - Construction - Look - (Note: I knew nothing prior to smoking)
At just under 8" its a long smoke. The 49 ring gauge is what got me excited. I prefer 40 to 48 gauges, so a 49 was good enough for me. The wrapper leaf is a standard maduro color and other than what looked to be a slight over wrap on a small section mid-way up the stick, the leaf was flawless. The cigar had a slightly sweet aroma - kind of like molasses, but very faint.

The foot had no sweet aroma, but did put off a lot of scent. Kind of earthy, but mostly just fresh tobacco; nothing really stood out with regards to aroma at the foot.
The cigar is extremely well-made. Perfectly firm throughout, and not a dip or dent on this mile-long smoke. It looks good and the sublte sweetness it gives off has me is enticing. I clip the cap and reach for a torch.

Smoking it - 1st Third
The cigar lights evenly and stays that way throughout the smoke. I know thats a bit of a spoiler, but the burn is flawless throughout. The cigar starts off a little flat. I really couldn't distinguish individual flavors, although there was a little spice burning through.  But I got to admit I was trying to enjoy my first Anejo and I didn't put a lot of thought into it. It wasn't bad in any way, but I think my expectations for the 'fabled' Anejo were balancing out with what was in my hand.

It didn't take long for that traffic jam of taste to open up. After about 1/2" things changed and I perked up. Like I said before, I had no idea this was a Connecticut Broadleaf wrapped cigar and while I was getting some standard maduro tastes; there was a little added depth that piqued my interest.
A nice medium to medium-full body with a creamy taste and texture. The draw is smooth and full. A slight pull brings a cloud of smoke. 2 1/2" burnt and while I'm not blown away with amazement, I appreciate that this isn't a regular Fuente.

Smoking it - 2nd Third
A lot of taste; but not too heavy. Very predictable Fuente flavors start showing up; nutty, creamy with a medium body. The cigar has flashes of full flavor, and as I approach the midway point, the cigar begins to get a subtly sweetness that is pretty unique. From that point until the beginning of the final third, the cigar has a deep molasses sweetness that I really enjoy.

The overall flavor profile isn't off the hook awesome - but it is pretty good. The resting smoke is sugary sweet and thick. Most of what I liked about this cigar went down in this part of the smoke.

Final Third - Overall Thoughts
The sweetness starts to fade and the cigar burns a little hot. The smoke is a little harsh. But I smoke fast and this happens to me a lot with longer cigars.
At 7 5/8", this size stick is out of my normal 'comfort zone'. Maybe I'm always in a hurry, or maybe I don't have enough patience for really long cigars but the cigar stopped being really enjoyable and became mildly enjoyable.
A few minutes later I had a little tobacco buzz and was just ready to put the cigar down. Usually I burn cigars to about an inch in size; but I knew with 2" left I was ready to put it down.

Afterthoughts
All in all, I enjoyed the #49e - I wasn't blown away, but I will give this Fuente a pass on my Fuente theory (detailed in the introduction). Talking about my experiences with some seasoned Anejo smokers, I get the feeling some shorter Anejo vitola might better showcase the line's qualities. At least for my preferences.

After I researched the Anejo and discovered the wrapper is fermented in cognac barrels, a lot of the flavors and uniqueness I tasted made a lot of sense. I'm not taste expert and my analysis of cigar taste is limited compared to most reviewers.(Also I don't want to be douchey and over the top pretentious) But that aging process adds a sweetness and depth to the smoke that is truly unique. I suggest you smoke an Anejo. Go for the size you tend to enjoy and give it a try.

Much respect to the construction of this stick. Damn it was pretty and the burn was immaculate. Check out my review on the Hemingway Classic - Natural. I enjoyed the Anejo more than the Hemingway, but any smoker has to appreciate the amazing build and quality of these cigars.

Hottie of the Day

2011-04-23T15:06:00.000-04:00

I was going to write something - but the sun decided to come out and I'm done with working OT on a Saturday. Its time to enjoy the weather and hopefully watch the O's kick some Yankee ass. Fingers crossed

Guillermo Leon Signature - Corona

2011-04-21T23:14:00.000-04:00

Guillermo Leon Signature - Corona
As the VP of La Aurora, Mr. Leon is out to make a statement with a line bearing his name. The Guillermo Leon's is a good looking cigar, and I've smoked about three different sizes. Of the ones I've smoked, I find the Corona to be the perfect mixture of wrapper to filler ratio, weighing in at 5 1/2" x 42 ring gauge, I think the quality wrapper shines brings a richness that the larger gauges don't have. In fact the larger gauges were a little more spicy on the palette then I prefer. The corona however, with its 42 ring gauge highlights the quality wrapper

Guillermo Leon cigars have a chocolatey-brown Ecuadorian Habano wrapper. Ecuador has been a hotbed for wrapper leaf these days. With ideal soil conditions and cloudy weather, they sun is filtered in such a wa to provide a unique wrapper leaf.
Another interesting aspect of this cigar is its double binder. Leon uses a Cameroon binder to provide some sweetness and a corojo binder to give a little punch.

The filler is then a unique blend of Peruvian (rare to see that), Dominican, Nicaraguan, and my personal favorite, Brazilian tobacco. That filler mixture alone had me pumped to give this stick a few tries. Not to mention it is a good looking cigar.

The rich dark brown wrapper is smooth and flawless, and the band has a sophisticated look, topped off with Guillermo's signature. When a man puts his signature on a stick, you know hes proud of this produt and is willing to put his name on the line because he knows hes got a quality cigar.

On the Topic of La Aurora
Leon is taking this company in the right direction. In 2010, the company debuted the 107, celebrating the 107th birthday of the brand. The company offered free samples in smoke shops throughout the country. The cigar was meant to find a niche in a medium to low pricepoint, while offering a quality smoke. This marketing effort, followed up by Guillermo's signature series, Leon is doing all the right things to get La Aurora back on the map.

The Corona
The Corona is one hell of a smoke. A true nose cigar. I love french-inhaling when I smoke, and this cigar provided a lot of complex flavor and aroma. The signature series is a little bit stronger then most of La Aurora's offerings and a welcome blend in my opinion. My favorite smoke shop, Cross Street Tobacco's owner is a no bullshit smoker and tells it like it is. I mentioned I liked the look of the cigar and was aware of Leon's dedication to bringing Aurora back into prominence. The shop owner told me, straight up, this was a good cigar. That had me going in with high expectations, and sometimes high expectations can leave you disappointed. Not in this situation though....not at all.

Flavor and Construction
The cigar burned incredibly. No touch ups necessary, the burn was even and smooth. So the construction gets an 'A'. The flavor was rich, full and complex. I tasted some deep fruity notes, a creamy feel on the palette and a nice kick of spice that kept you on your toes without being harsh. When it comes to flavor, I don't want to give too much personal opinion because everyone's palette is difference and I want people to make their own decisions on the cigar. But I really enjoyed this smoke and think Mr. Leon has got a good plan in action.

Great cigar, and at a $8-$9 pricepoint it has a lot of value. If blindfolded, I might have thought I was smoking a smaller ring gauged Ashton VSG - (click that link for a VSG review).

So go out and smoke this cigar, you will not be disappointed.

OVERALL - A

Padron 1964 Exclusivo - Natural Vs. Maduro

2011-04-21T22:25:00.000-04:00

Padron 1964 - Exclusivo - Natural Vs. Maduro
I've reviewed the Principe, Natural and Maduro. You can check those out Here (Natural) and Here (Maduro). The Principe is a nice, slightly-box pressed, 4 1/2" x 42 ring gauged smoke; the Exclusivo is a bit larger - weighing in at 5" x 50 ring. I won't go into too much individual detail on the cigar because I've covered that information before. This review is to look at the 1964 series on a whole and offer some insight on the subtle differences between the Natty and Maduro wrapper leaf.

The Exclusivo is one of my favorite sizes in the 64' line. I usually prefer a smaller ring gauge, but the Padron 64' series is made with such great tobacco, that getting more filler then wrapper leads to some significant flavor difference when compared to the smaller ring gauges.

Natural Vs. Maduro:

Plain and simple, I prefer the Maduro wrapped 64's. They are sweeter, fuller and smoother then their Natural wrapped brethren. I find the Maduros to have a bit more complexity to the flavor, and some clear evolution of flavor as the smoke progresses.

The Natural by itself is an outstanding cigar. But when compared to the Maduro, I find it to be a little dry on the palette. There are some fruity notes, but they don't run as deep or rich as they do in the Maduro counterparts.

With that said, I want you guys to go out and have your own Natural Vs. Maduro battle and report back.

In my opinion, the Maduro wins without question. But I'll let you decide.

Liga Privada - T52 - Robusto

2011-02-21T19:10:00.000-05:00

Liga Privada - T52

I'll try and keep this short because this cigar is so damn good that it doesn't need a lot of explanation. The processes that go in to making this product are note-worthy, so I will explain them. In short, go smoke this cigar now! I love Liga Privada cigars and have never been disappointed by one of their products. It amazes me they've never found a place on Cigar Aficianado's Top 25 list. Furthering my belief that the list is crap. Maybe the editors are too busy drinking Scotch blended by magical wizards on the peak of Mt. Everest or smoking $1000 Cubans hand-rolled by Fidel Castro to have heard Liga Privada; or maybe they've got a beef with Drew Estate's President, Steve Saka being a contributing-editor to a competing publication. Just a thought.
I've always enjoyed the T52 and have smoked a number of them. But honestly I never differentiated them too much from the #9. You can see my #9 review HERE (#9). But when I realized I still hadn't reviewed the T52 I decided to sit down with one and really give it some thought.

To give you a quick background on some things that make the T52 a unique stick, I have to include the fact that Liga Privada uses 'stalk-cut' tobacco for the wrapper leaf. Stalk cut is a process by which the tobacco leaf is not cut off of the stalk at harvest, rather the entire plant is cut at the base and hung upside down during early stages of curing and fermentation.
Damn good cigar
To my knowledge, Liga Privada is the onlyu company doing this as it is expensive. Not only is the American Habano used for the wrapper leaf an expensive crop, but because you cut the plant at the stalk, you lose much of the lower primings (levels) of the plant due to immaturity.
The idea is that the leaves collected will take on more nutrients left in the withering stalk and result in some unique characteristics. Having no known stalk-cut cigars to compare the T52 to, I'm going to say it worked because this thing is insanely delicious.
The cigar is a carefully selected blend of Nicaraguan, Honduran and Dominican tobacco; bound by Brazilian Mata Fina and wrapped up with the 'stalk-cut' American Habano I explained before. At 5" X 52 ring gauge, this is a chunky Robusto.

With that mentioned, go smoke one. This Robusto was one of the best cigars I've smoked in a while. I enjoyed every second of the smoke. The burn was impeccable, the flavors rich, complex and savory. I considered the T52 a bolder twin brother of the #9, but with careful thought I realize the qualities that make the T52 a cigar all its own. While the #9 has a lot of chocolate, coffee and sweet, creamy flavors; the T52 leans toward the earthy, hay, mild spice,cinnamon - all the while maintaining rich, creamy texture.
The cigar's construction was amazing and it smoked like a champ. Its full bodied and full flavored, all without smacking you in the face. A great cigar after a big meal. Or anytime for that matter.

Overall - A+

262 Paradigm - Torpedo

2011-02-18T17:35:00.003-05:00

262 Paradigm -

A new brand with a lot of hype; Paradigm has made a quick name for itself with quality-made cigars. The company name, 262, represents February 1962, the beginning of the Cuban trade embargo. I've heard a lot of good things about the brand, and all the regulars at my favorite cigar shop have been smoking the hell out of them since they hit the shelf. The box-pressed Toro seems to be a favorite amongst a crowd of full-flavor, big cigar smokers. I generally like smaller ring gauges and shorter sizes, but I grabbed the Torpedo since I had a lot of time to relax and smoke.

The tobaccos used to make the cigar vary and it is obvious the company had a particular type of cigar in mind by the use of different tobaccos. The blend consists of Nicaraguan seco and ligero, and some Columbian. The Paradigm uses a Honduran binder and finishes off the package with a Brazilian wrapper. What more could you ask for? - IF YOU WANT THE ENTIRE REVIEW CLICK LINK

REVIEW
The Torpedo burned for a solid 1 and 1/2 hours, which is pretty amazing for as fast as I smoke. The flavor was good and consistent, but not very complex. I primarily tasted an almond type flavor throughout the cigar with a little bit of roasted nut and cocoa in the background. As I said, the flavor was good but it had no variation; which I don't care for, but a lot of folks do, so don't let that deter you from this smoke.
I would recommend this cigar due to its quality make and value for the dollar. At about $8, the Paradigm offers a nice product at a great price.
All in all I wasn't blown away but I am looking forward to the growth and maturation of 262 as a brand. If this is the company learning the ropes, there are a lot of good things to come. Give this cigar a try, the question isn't whether or not you'll like it, but how much it matches your flavor preference, because the quality is undeniable.
I'm looking forward to trying a Robusto as I think that may pack the flavors in a bit more.

Overall - B
The Bottom Line
High quality, consistent flavor. A long lasting cigar that you can kick back and enjoy without breaking the bank. Keep your eye on this brand; their use of various tobaccos shows they know their stuff, have a clear understanding of what they want in their product and have the resources to make things happen.

Hot Girl Of The Day

2011-02-16T23:53:00.002-05:00

Tatuaje - Black Tubo

2011-02-16T23:45:00.000-05:00

Tatuaje - Black Tubo

About a year ago, Tatuaje released the Black and Red Tubos. The releases had a ton of hype and for good reason; that reason being Tatuaje makes some great cigars. Both Tubos come in beautiful boxes of ten and each tube contains an attractive Torpedo sized smoke. The Red Verocu Tubos cost about $11 a piece and the Black Tubos cost about $15 a piece. I purchased a box of the Red Tubos back in March of 2011 and just finished the last one recently.
You can check out my review of the Red Tubo here. I purchased that box at a Tatuaje event at The Humidour in Cockeysville, MD and got my hands on a coveted three-pack of Black Tatuaje Robustos. Those 3 cigar were absolutely amazing. They had a rugged look, shag foot and tasted like cigar candy. I've heard that the Black Tubos are supposed to be the same blend as the three-pack Blacks. While they may be blended the same or use a certain type of tobacco, I've also heard that they are nothing like the Robustos.
At $15 a stick, I was in no hurry to pick up a Black Tubo, but a big paycheck and a lazy Sunday led me to picking up a Black Tat.

Prelight -
This cigar gets a 10 out of 10 for presentation. The Tubo has an awesome look, the shag foot gives the cigar a unique look and the wrapper looks rugged yet appealling. The initial look had me thinking that this cigar would be similar to the three-pack Black Robustos I smoked months ago. I started to get excited.
The cigar had a sweet earthy aroma and felt firm throughout. The construction is top notch.

Sparking it -
If you've smoke Kristoffs, lighting a shag foot helps you get an even burn early on. This shag was no different. A few quick puffs on the torch and I'm in business. Anticipating the delicious flavors I savored months back I kick back and prepare myself for an hour and a half of relaxation. Right away I knew something wasn't quite right. The cigar had a good taste, but not the sweetness I remember in the Robustos.
An inch and a half in I realize that this is not the exact blend I got in the three-pack. I start to get a little disappointed, but I decided to drop the expectation and smoke this cigar and review it without comparing it to anything. The cigar has a dry, earthy taste and the burn is immaculate.

Smoking it and Thoughts -
The cigar burned wonderfully; you couldn't ask for a better made cigar. Unfortunately the flavors and character didn't match the construction. While the cigar didn't taste bad, it had very little complexity or evolution. I kept expecting the flavors to change as the cigar burned, but with each bit of expectation came a little bit of disappointment. If you're a Tatuaje fan, give this cigar a whirl because it may be something you like, but I expect a lot more out of a $15 cigar. I'd sooner smoke a Liga Privada or Padron Anniversary before kicking out that type of scratch for the blandness of this Black Label.
Maybe I'm being too critical because I was expecting more from a Black Tatuaje; maybe I'm expecting too much from a Tatuaje product (as I've almost never been disappointed by a Tatuaje product). Or maybe I'm pissed I paid $15 for a so-so flavored cigar.

Overall - C- (value of cigar played big role in lower grade)

Padron 1964 Anniversary - Principe Natural

2011-02-07T23:40:00.000-05:00

Padron 1964 Principe -
Work has been hectic lately, and with a lot of work comes a paycheck that makes me happy. With that said, I've been smoking top shelf stuff the past two weeks. It truly is the best way I have to reward myself these days.
So, my recent smokes have been good ones. I didn't go as far as dropping $30 on a Padron Family Reserve #44, but I've been enjoying myself. Short on time the other day I reached for the Padron Principe. I've smoked my share of Maduro wrapped 64's in a variety sizes, but not many naturals wrappers. Knowing the wrapper leaf's flavor would come through on such a slim ring gauge, I felt this was a good stick to try a natty wrapper.
The Principe is the smallest of the 64 series, measuring about 4 1/2" with a 42 ring. Like all the Anniversarys; the Principe is a box-pressed.

Smoking it
The cigar lit with ease and had an effortless draw. Each puff produced plumes of creamy smoke. The cigar is small, but really an enjoyable smoke through and through. If you're in a hurry you can be done this thing in 25 min, but I sat back and relished in the moment. I pushed the smoke back and forth in my mouth, analyzing the subtlties of the flavor.
I just smoked a Padron 64 Exclusivo - with a Maduro wrapper the day before, so I was able to pinpoint some of the wrapper's influence on the cigar's flavor. For the most part, the natural provided a creamier, medium body with an earthy flavor. Where as the maduro had a rich, full body with chocolate and coffee flaors.
All in all a great smoke. At 10$ it is a little steep for a smaller cigar. But it is worth it when you feel like rewarding yourself but you're short on time. The Natural Principe was complex and tasty. The smoke was creamy and plentiful. Only 4 1/2", the cigar had a lot going on and there was variation throughout. I tasted dried fruit, cream and earthy flavors.
Smoke one!

HOT GIRL OF THE DAY

I'm back and smoking - Reviews to come and HOT GIRL OF THE DAY

2011-02-06T20:23:00.000-05:00

Hey there everyone, I am writing to apologize for my lack of activity the past month or so, also I wanted to announce that I have some reviews and content on the way. So keep checking back, I should have some reviews up before the end of the week. Here are a few samples of reviews you'll be seeing :

1.) Opus X - #5
2.) Padron 1964 Anniv. - Exclusivo Maduro & Principe Natural
3.) E.P. Carillo - Robusto
4.) El Triunfadro - #2
5.) My Top Ten Cigars of 2010
6.) Critique of Cigar Aficianado's Top 25 List

I look forward to hearing your thoughts of the new content.

And as a BONUS - HOT GIRL OF THE DAY

Crying over spilled milk? Hell, I'd spill milk on purpose if this was the result

Hot Girl of the Day

2010-12-12T03:10:00.000-05:00

Ana de la Reguera -
I just watched the movie Cop Out. Pretty funny. Not your normal Kevin Smith film, but Bruce Willis and Tracy Morgan have a certain chemistry that makes for some funny stuff. This hispanic bombshell has a supporting role and has starred in a new Kahlua commerical. She is hands-down smoking hot. Truly a beautiful woman. Body is banging, beautiful face and the accent is to die for......

Jaime Garcia - Reserva Especial

2010-11-29T17:12:00.000-05:00

Jaime Garcia - Reserva Especial

The son of the great Pepin Garcia made his mark on the cigar world with the introduction of the My Father series. A great full-bodied smoke, the cigar paid homage to the cigar genius that is his father. That series also put smokers on notice; that notice saying that Jaime Garcia is ready and able to carry on the Garcia name. I, like a lot of smokers out there, really enjoy Garcia's blends. Whether I'm smoking a Tatuaje or a San Cristobal, I always remember Pepin Garcia's influence on the product. So naturally, Jaime's endeavours have my attention.
When I saw the cigar on the shelf I was shocked that it was only $7. A nice price for what I'm expecting to be a quality cigar. I opt for the Belicoso, weighing in at 5.5" x 52 ring. At first the price excites me, then I wonder if the Garcias are trying to snag a piece of the economy market. Hmmmm.....I wonder. The cigar is rolled beautifully. The Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper showing few veins, a little lighter than most CBs you see out there. The binder and filler are made with Nicaraguan tobacco; no surprise.

Initial Thoughts:
I like the price and I can't wait to smoke this thing. I know this cigar probably had a lot of hype about it, but I wasn't in the know, so it was quite a surprise when I saw it at the shop. The cigar isn't very aromatic by itself. It is firm yet slightly spongy and feels full through-out. Seemingly flawless, signature triple-cap topping it off.
As I mentioned before, the Broadleaf wrapper is a bit lighter than I've come to expect of a CB. It is a bit darker than milk-chocolate. Barely a maduro shade. Not that I care too much, just an observation. The cold draw doesn't offer a whole lot other than tobacco and a hint of sweetness.

The first half inch is unremarkable, but the cigar soon begins to deliver great taste and body. The word "balance" comes to mind immediately. There is tons of flavor, but the cigar is very palettable. Smooth and sweet with enough kick to keep me interested. I find myself inhaling the resting smoke through my nose; really sweet and tasty. I know that my expectations are high and also I want to smoke a good cigar, so I am fully aware that my opinions may be a little bias. With that in mind, the beginning of this cigar is nothing short of amazing. Sweetness, mild spice, medium body, rich complexity.

Smoking it and Final Thoughts
The cigar burns without issue. Very well-made. I smoke the cigar while playing pool with friends. Even at my quick smoking pace, the cigar burns for over an hour (which is slow for me). I take my time and savor the rich smoke with each puff. I hate to sound over-the-top but the cigar is just that good. It may not fit everyone's taste, but it is right up my alley.
The interesting thing is that Jaime has made a cigar that screams of Garcia's style, but it really has an identity all its own. I find myself tasting bits of cigars that I know and love. I don't want to comment or try to label the cigar with having a particular flavor profile. All I can say is that it is good. Very meaty, chewy flavor with a sweet aroma.
Usually, when I smoke a good cigar I taste chocolate or some coffee etc......But the Reserva Especial has me tasting chocolate cake and caramel frappucinno. Well, not exactly, I'm exaggerating a bit to give you a feel for the richness of the tobacco. Very creamy and complex.
At $7 or so, this cigar is amazing. I see myself smoking a lot of these. Go get some. Tell your friends. Jaime is here to stay.

Overall - A+

Arturo Fuente - Hemingway Classic - Natural

2010-11-16T21:35:00.001-05:00

Hemingway Classic - Natural
Debuted in 1983, the Hemingway Collection has been the cornerstone of Arturo Fuente's cigar business for years. Known for consistent quality and a famous flavor profile, the series pays homage to the famous author for whom the cigar gets its name from - a man that smoked Fuentes regularly. This cigar is a classic. No surprise that it is named The Classic, it is arguable that no non-cuban cigar has more tradition and success than the Hemingway Classic.
The Classic is a beautiful perfecto vitola, measuring 7" x 48 ring. Rolled to perfection, with virtually no flaws on the delicate Cameroon wrapper leaf - it is no wonder that Cigar Aficianado listed the Hemingway Classic as their #7 cigar of the year for 2009. Proving the cigar's timeless taste and quality. The Classic is bound and filled with Dominican tobacco.
I've smoked Hemingway's before, but never a Classic - this is a beautifully presented cigar and I'm excited to light it up.

Initial Thoughts
The cigar is something to behold. You can see how well-made it is just by looking at it. The perfecto vitola is a thing of beauty on this Fuente. Cameroon wrapper's are particularly thin and fragile, so only the best rollers can roll the Classic. The cigar is firm and seems to be of high-quality in every aspect. Not particularly aromatic, the draw is slightly resistant and I don't get a lot of taste on the cold draw.
With the cigar lit, I'm not too blown away with the taste. It is good, but it is predictable. Then again, I tend to feel that way about most Fuente products. If you've smoked a Fuente, you've smoked all of them (exluding Opus X and Anejos). Surely there are differences and some better then others, but there is definitely similar qualities in all of their cigars. For me, and my ADHD self, that is a let down, but in hindsight, that type of consistency is a testament to the quality of the Fuente product. To have such consistent quality with the amount of production Fuente handles is pretty damn impressive.
The cigar burns nicely and produces tons of smoke. Very smooth and a mild-medium body. The flavor profile is cedary with a little cinnamon.

Smoking it and Final Thoughts
The Classic was an enjoyable smoke. Not my favorite flavor profile. But I'm sure this is perfect for a lot of people out there. There was a lot to the cigar in the way of flavor. I would say it is complex overall, but not in an evolving way. The last third of the cigar kicked things up a bit, but you're tasting similar flavors throughout the cigar.
I recommend the Classic to all mild and medium smokers. The cigar smoked wonderfully and there is a lot of value in the product.
I have a Maduro Classic on hand and will be doing a comparative review sometime soon. So keep an eye out for that.
Overall, I enjoyed the cigar and came away with a better experience than I had expected. The flavors of cedar, mild sweetness and cinnamon were almost fulfilling; lacking just a little bit of body for my taste.

Overall - B (would be an A if I liked the flavor profile better)
Amazing quality. Amazing burn. Consistent flavor

Kristoff - Sumatra - Torpedo

2010-11-13T00:57:00.001-05:00

Kristoff - Sumatra
I"ve been smoking a lot of the Kristoff Maduro in the Robusto size these days. Listed as a Robusto, this thing is sized more like a Toro. Anyways, I've enjoyed the Maduro so much that I have bothered to try the newer Sumatran wrapped version. Friends that recommended the Kirstoff have noticed how much I enjoy the cigar have said that the Sumatra wrapped version is even better and deserves a try.
I picked up a fairly priced, 8$, Sumatra Torpedo. Every Kristoff Ive smoked has burnt well and has great flavor. Surprisingly, these cigars are made with Dominican tobacco....usually I prefer Nicaraguan tobacco, but my recent Kristoff smokes have reminded me of why I love cigars so much.
Writing reviews and always thinking about the cigars as I smoke, I sometimes find myself focusing on details and different aspects of a cigar rather then just enjoying the experience. The Kristoff selections are so good all-around, that I stop focusing on details and just admire how much I'm enjoying the cigar. The flavors are complex and creamy. I'm not going to list the flavor profile because I never made the effort to label what I was tasting - but I was say that the flavor is damn good.

The Sumatran Torpedo weighs in at 6.25" x 52 ring. Wrapped in an earthy looking Ecuadorian Sumatran leaf, the cigar has a genuine feel to it. The unfinished "shag" foot and the band style give the cigar an old-school Cuban vibe. I don't know how to explain the feel you get from the look of the cigar, but you'll know what I mean when you pick one up to buy. Kristoff did a lot to give a cigar that is cubanesque, but maintains its own identity at the same time. The cigar has Brazilian binder and is a blend of mostly Dominican and a little Nicaraguan tobacco.
Tasty, aromatic and a bit sweeter then the Maduro selection, the cigar is an amazing smoke. I can't say it enough. I love these cigars. The resting smoke is sweet and smells of cinammon. I had pipe smokers in the shop telling me how good it smelled. The cigar is full of flavor but very smooth and medium bodied; a perfect example of full flavor doesn't have to be overpowering.
I can't say whether I prefer the Sumatra over the Maduro series; as they are different types of cigars.. The sumatra is medium, floral, creamy and has some spice in the last third. Where as the Maduro is beefy and thick; sweet in its own right, but a little more body than the Sumatra.
I highly recommend Kristoff cigars, expecially the "smaller"sizes. A lot of flavor. Smooth, well-made and hands-down amazing.

OVERALL - A

Thanks for your support - Also check out Opera For the Masses

2010-11-08T23:12:00.040-05:00

Hey everyone,
Thank you for your continued support and interest in my site. I write to give you guys a general descipion of cigars you may purchase; detailing information about taste, quality, value etc. Also I think its fun to compare your thoughts and favorites with other people. Everyone's palette is different, and you like what you like, so much of what I say may not apply to you. With respect to value and quality, those are less subjective features then characteristics like flavor, appearance and whether I like a cigar or not.

So read, have fun, compare and provide input. Your comments are greatly appreciated and I enjoy an open dialogue with readers. Guest reviews are welcome as well. Contact me if you'd like to be featured! Also, if you have a cigar you'd like featured, let me know.

Opera For the Masses - Sports, Entertainment, Guy Stuff
Visit the site Opera For the Masses - check it out.....we cover sports, MMA, soccer, Seinfeld, Music - you name it. All around - fun guy stuff. Everything from the Top 10 Dylan songs to NFL picks. Lots of useful information, lots of usless information too - we keep you informed and keep it fun!

And as a bonus - Review Cigars' Hot Girl Of The Day

Kelly Brook - America wake up! It seemed England tried to keep this natural beauty to themselves for years, but a Reebok Tone billboard gained global attention when it had to be removed from aside a major roadway because it was causing accidents.
Once the world realized this gorgeous girl existed, everyone went crazy. Playboy was lucky enough to get her to pose for them a month or so ago. I recommend checking it out. See the Reebok billboard below.

Is it the shoes?

Gran Habano - Azteca

2010-11-02T22:08:00.000-04:00

Gran Habano Azteca - Not too long ago I read an interview of George Rico in Cigar Press. Mr. Rico is the son of Guillermo Rico, founder of Gran Habano and probably something with the word Tabacalares in it. Regardless, the conversation went deep into George's beliefs about cigars, the industry and what he is trying to do with his company. His words filled with the lofty and widely shared notions of quality over quanity, full flavored as compared to over the top power. His interview described a vision with new-age quality at its core.
Gran Habano's latest installment, the Azteca was also a topic of discussion, and so it shall be the topic of my hateful rant this evening.

The box, carved in the shape of an Aztec temple wasn't flashy enough by itself. It needed to be painted in electrified neon orange/pink, lets call it salmon - more of an orange. Not like that shirt your friend wore when people thought bright pink was cool. "Dude its not pink its coral." Salmon, coral, (insert almost pink color here). My sensible side took one look at the box and ornate band and said - gimmick to sell a crap cigar. Lets not forgot George Rico is responsible for G.A.R. cigars. In my opinion, they aren't good. More gimmick than good.

Some time back I didn't write a review on a G.A.R. because I thought it sucked

I kept my thoughts to myself - I wrote only about positive things

That has ended - This site will now be highly critical

But I had read someone saying these were good sticks, and I remembered the interview I had read. I should have remembered, the reviewer was given a free stick at a show. So either, the reviewer was sub-conciously or conciously swayed to give a good review - or Hypothesis #2: Today's product is not as good as the samples.

Being the ever-travelling cigar-smoking reviewer of the people, I decided I had to give it a try. I grabbed the smallest of the bunch - The Aguilia - a nice looking Torpedo. Roughly 5 1/2" x 52 ring, the Azteca is wrapped with a San Andres Maduro, bound with a San Andres leaf and filled with a blend of tobacco from Nicaragua and Panama. Just so you know, San Andres is a fancy way to say Mexican. The astute salespeople that they are, (they did come up with the coral temple box) Gran Habano uses San Andrean tobacco, not Mexican tobacco; but seriously, its Mexican tobacco.

A picture is worth a thousand words - this picture describes the flavor of the Azteca

Anyways, I'm gonna have to HATE on Gran HabaNO's Azteca. I also, got some hate in my heart for Rico. The cigar tasted like dry. Yes, I used the word dry there. Flavor was random, fleeting and rare. I tasted smoked, at one point I thought I was getting a fruity taste, but all of this was wishful thinking. To be fair, the cigar burned nicely and the packaging is catchy. I had no burn issues and the cigar smoked well.
I dislike very few cigars, and when I do its usually related to the quality of the roll/make. If I don't care for the taste of a cigar, I usually respect that others may enjoy those particular flavors - and I highlight the quality make of the stick.
Unfortunately, this cigar's taste was so unenjoyable that I spent my time smoking it, waiting....waiting...waiting for the flavor to start. I tasted dry, unfulfilling smoke. The Aguila may have been burning a little hot, as there was a good bit of resting smoke pluming upward. This could have contributed to the poor flavor, but I don't think it was the culprit.
The culprit is George Rico and his PitBull (the rapper) wannabe persona.

Which one is Pitbull, which one is George Rico? I don't think he even knows.

A trusted friend told me the samples were awesome. After I told him my feelings on the cigar. He expressed that he felt the same way. He whole-heartedly feels he was tasted one cigar, agreed to buy it, and was provided a different cigar altogether.

So, take my HATE with a grain of salt and a shot of tequila. The cigar smoked well. But tasted like crap. Of a random poll of 8 or 9 avid smokers, all said they didn't care for the cigar. Even at $6-$7, the value wasn't appealling. My anger comes from Rico's words of creating a cigar people like to smoke, a cigar that tastes amazing, quality, blah blah blah - but in reality - selling me a turd dressed in a coral (no its not pink) suit. I could be over-optimistic and wait for a smaller ring-gauge; that might concentrate the lack of flavor into something I could taste. Maybe I'll give it another chance and dip the cigar in chocolate milk before smoking it.

To quote Mr. Rico, "“Our goal is to bring to light the fact that full flavor, in contrast to full body, means a harmonious smoke, with complexity, depth, smoothness, and individual nuances. That’s what our new Azteca line exemplifies. To my palate, the Azteca is a unique, balanced cigar with an abundant rich flavor you won’t find in any other cigar.” - He had one thing right.....you won't find it in any other cigar, because you can't find nothing.

Overall - D (value and nice roll taken into consideration) C- if I'm in a better mood.
Thanks to Cigar.com for the G.A.R. and Rico picture.

COMING SOON - CAO La Traviata - Corona Gorda!

2010-10-29T23:44:00.000-04:00

To be fair to CAO - I will be reviewing the CAO Corona Gorda very soon. Its called the Animado. Originally, CAO released just three sizes - but the success of the line led to the release of a Corona Gorda and Belicoso in May.
I have yet to smoke either of these, but I saw a guy with the CG and damn it looked good. We all know the La Traviata is a great cigar. They are well-made, smoke great and taste amazing. The $5 price tag makes it all the better. I smoke a lot of the Robusto size because I think the cigar gets a little bitter in the longer sizes. But I think the smaller ring gauge of the CG is going to be amazing for the blend.
In general, most people like smoking big, fat cigars. I on the other hand, enjoy smaller ring gauges and/or smaller length. I didn't even know CAO made the corona gorda - 5 5/8" x 46 ring. Probably because most people review and jump up and down about the bigger cigars.

Also - when my local gets more in - I may do a Maduro vs. Natural review.