TIT for TAT II

[smokeyscotch]

I haven't seen the gorilla that deserves credit for the first Tit for Tat around in some time. I hope he won't mind me kicking off another one.
In his honor, I will keep his rules, except for changing the number of sticks from 2 to 3.


TIT FOR TAT
Blind Test



This review swap will match up two people for a Taste Challenge. They will send each other three (3) smokes. One will be what you feel is a “Good” quality smoke, a "Great" smoke, and the other will be what you feel is an “Excellent” quality smoke. NC’s and the “other” are acceptable. Make sure the bands are removed and you have marked the contents in a way that differentiates the three sticks without giving away what they are.

When you receive your smokes from your partner, smoke them and then give a review of what you’ve found in this thread. After the reviews are in, the person who sent the smokes will tell everyone what they are [good, great, or excellent,and brand].

If you are interested, speak up. I’ll collect names, starting today and continuing for the next week, ending on Saturday 2/9/08. Once all the names are in I’ll mix and match the names and post them here. It will be up to you to contact your partner to get their addy and ship out the smokes.

Please stick to the 3 Stick Rule. In other words don't make it a Bomb-Fest. Not that bombs are bad. Just keep the challenge pure.

Is anyone up for this [again]?

[awsmith4]

I haven't seen the gorilla that deserves credit for the first Tit for Tat around in some time. I hope he won't mind me kicking off another one.
In his honor, I will keep his rules, except for changing the number of sticks from 2 to 3.


TIT FOR TAT
Blind Test



This review swap will match up two people for a Taste Challenge. They will send each other three (3) smokes. One will be what you feel is a “Good” quality smoke, and the other will be what you feel is an “Excellent” quality smoke. NC’s and the “other” are acceptable. Make sure the bands are removed and you have marked the contents in a way that differentiates the three sticks.

When you receive your smokes from your partner, smoke them and then give a review of what you’ve found in this thread. After the reviews are in, the person who sent the smokes will tell everyone what they are.

If you are interested, speak up. I’ll collect names, starting today and continuing for the next week, ending on Saturday 2/9/08. Once all the names are in I’ll mix and match the names and post them here. It will be up to you to contact your partner to get their addy and ship out the smokes.

Please stick to the 3 Stick Rule. In other words don't make it a Bomb-Fest. Not that bombs are bad. Just keep the challenge pure.

Is anyone up for this [again]?

I'm up for it

[heatmiser]

Count me in!

[smokeyscotch]

1. awsmith4
2. heatmiser


Add your name to the list as you post.

[Coz77]

Im in also!

[nosaj02]

Ill give it a go!

1. awsmith4
2. heatmiser
3.Coz77
4.nosaj02

[jkorp]

I'm down.

1. awsmith4
2. heatmiser
3. Coz77
4. nosaj02
5. jkorp

[wayner123]

Count me in!!

1. awsmith4
2. heatmiser
3. Coz77
4. nosaj02
5. jkorp
6. wayner123

[smokeyscotch]

I guess I should add myself.

1. awsmith4
2. heatmiser
3. Coz77
4. nosaj02
5. jkorp
6. wayner123
7. smokeyscotch

Just a note. This is different than the Blind Taste Trade in that we are just giving the cigar a Good, Great, or Exellent label. Guesses as to what they are will enable you to flex your gorilla biceps. Arrr, ohhh, arrrr.:D

[bobarian]

I am up for trying this, sounds interesting.:tu


1. awsmith4
2. heatmiser
3. Coz77
4. nosaj02
5. jkorp
6. wayner123
7. smokeyscotch
8. bobarian

I cant wait to share my favorites, Creme de Jamaica, Double Happiness and Pirates Gold!!!:ss But I can only send one "Excellent" so which do I choose?:tu

[jkorp]

I am up for trying this, sounds interesting.:tu


1. awsmith4
2. heatmiser
3. Coz77
4. nosaj02
5. jkorp
6. wayner123
7. smokeyscotch
8. bobarian

I cant wait to share my favorites, Creme de Jamaica, Double Happiness and Pirates Gold!!!:ss But I can only send one "Excellent" so which do I choose?:tu

What, no Fighting Cock or Cremosa, these are on my top 5 most excellent cigars list :ss.

[smokeyscotch]

I am up for trying this, sounds interesting.:tu


1. awsmith4
2. heatmiser
3. Coz77
4. nosaj02
5. jkorp
6. wayner123
7. smokeyscotch
8. bobarian

I cant wait to share my favorites, Creme de Jamaica, Double Happiness and Pirates Gold!!!:ss But I can only send one "Excellent" so which do I choose?:tu

What, no Fighting Cock or Cremosa, these are on my top 5 most excellent cigars list :ss.


Don't forget the Free Cuba. I like the band on those. Oh shoot, you can't send the band. Crap! :D

[jkorp]

Don't forget the Free Cuba. I like the band on those. Oh shoot, you can't send the band. Crap! :D


I keep the bands under my matress ...........

[Coz77]

Don't forget the Free Cuba. I like the band on those. Oh shoot, you can't send the band. Crap! :D

So what you're trying to say is .... a gorilla could just send one Free Cuba, and one Tatuaje and it would literally be a TIT for TAT trade. :D

[Lorglath]

I am in, I love blind taste tests!

[smokeyscotch]

So what you're trying to say is .... a gorilla could just send one Free Cuba, and one Tatuaje and it would literally be a TIT for TAT trade. :D

If you consider a Free Cuba to be "Good" and the Tat exellent, then touche.:D

1. awsmith4
2. heatmiser
3. Coz77
4. nosaj02
5. jkorp
6. wayner123
7. smokeyscotch
8. bobarian
9. Lorglath

[smokeyscotch]

With the limited number of replies versus views, you guys want to wait till we have a tenth and kick it off?

[hurricane6]

I'm up for a challenge. May I be added to the list?:tu

[smokeyscotch]

Sure thing.:tu

1. awsmith4
2. heatmiser
3. Coz77
4. nosaj02
5. jkorp
6. wayner123
7. smokeyscotch
8. bobarian
9. Lorglath
10. hurricane6

[Lorglath]

Well, we now have 10 peeps, all with enough trader feedback, should we kick this thing off?

[smokeyscotch]

Here are the pairings. I think we can all trust eachother to send out at the same time. That way we can all start close to the same time.

1. heatmiser - jkorp
2. hurricane6 - smokeyscotch
3. Lorglath - Coz77
4. nasaj02 - awsmith4
5. bobarian - wayner123

PM sent to hurricane6.

Please post DC's here, as well as the reviews after receiving your end. Have fun!

[jkorp]

PM sent to heatmiser.

[Coz77]

PM sent to Lorglath

[nosaj02]

Shipment sent to awsmith4

DC# 0480 5401 4370 2106 44416

[awsmith4]

Shipment sent to awsmith4

DC# 0480 5401 4370 2106 44416

Shipment sent to you as well

DC# 0307 0020 0001 8220 3361

[wayner123]

PM sent to bobarian :ss

[smokeyscotch]

Sent to hurricane6. DC#0306 3030 0001 9361 7477


1. heatmiser - jkorp
2. hurricane6 - smokeyscotch
3. Lorglath - Coz77
4. nasaj02 - awsmith4
5. bobarian - wayner123

[hurricane6]

Tim-DC# 03060320000171682908 :tu

[smokeyscotch]

1. heatmiser - jkorp
2. hurricane6 - smokeyscotch (Both Sent)
3. Lorglath - Coz77
4. nasaj02 - awsmith4 (Both Sent)
5. bobarian - wayner123

[bobarian]

Coming at ya Wayne!:tu
DC#9101785091401435711674

[heatmiser]

I have connected with jkorp but am out of town until Tuesday. I will get his package out as soon as I get back home.

[smokeyscotch]

I have connected with jkorp but am out of town until Tuesday. I will get his package out as soon as I get back home.

That's cool, man. I'm just updating the list cause I'm anal like that.:D Not trying to rush you guys.


1. heatmiser - jkorp
2. hurricane6 - smokeyscotch (Both Sent)
3. Lorglath - Coz77
4. nasaj02 - awsmith4 (Both Sent)
5. bobarian (sent) - wayner123

[wayner123]

bobarian, I sent these off today. Sorry, for the delay:

0103 8555 7492 3137 4991

[jkorp]

heatmiser, here it comes:

0307 0020 0003 0932 9950

[Coz77]

Sorry guys....My package is going out tomorrow. I was home recovering after a HUGE Giants win!!! Needless to say I didn't do much of anything today

[hurricane6]

Received Tim's package today!! I'll let 'em rest and post up soon.:tu

[awsmith4]

Got mind today from Nosaj they look and smell awesome. I'm nervous the ones I sent will compare because these look so good

http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg250/awsmith4/Cigar%20Pics/IMG_0409.jpg

I'll start the review process ASAP!:tu

[smokeyscotch]

I got Hurricane6's end today. Very nice looking smokes. The LFD was over the top and very welcome in the humi. As soon I get over this bug I got, I will start smoking and posting.

Thanks, Bro!

http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u29/timalli/tittat2.jpg

[nosaj02]

I got mine from awsmith4 today as well and will be reviewing shortly. They look mighty tasty :ss

http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee235/nosaj03/DSC00658.jpg

[Coz77]

Sorry guys....My package is going out tomorrow. I was home recovering after a HUGE Giants win!!! Needless to say I didn't do much of anything today

Update package sent USPS at 10:30AM EST. :tu

[Lorglath]

sent mine to Coz today
0307 1790 0005 8451 4941

[nosaj02]

Just want to get some ideas from you fellas on how you plan on doing your review. Are you going to smoke all three in one sitting, one right after the other or are you going to smoke them on separate occasions and compile notes? I plan on doing the latter because I dont want a tainted palate but I dont what to take forever doing the review. The sticks I got look so good Im afraid Im going to smoke them all at once :ss

[heatmiser]

Sent mine to jkorp today: 0307 3330 0000 0890 6402

Should be there by the weekend...

[wayner123]

Just want to get some ideas from you fellas on how you plan on doing your review. Are you going to smoke all three in one sitting, one right after the other or are you going to smoke them on separate occasions and compile notes? I plan on doing the latter because I dont want a tainted palate but I dont what to take forever doing the review. The sticks I got look so good Im afraid Im going to smoke them all at once :ss

I plan on waiting a week (hopefully I can wait that long) then doing reviews on consecutive nights. I am most likely going to use my format from the Blind Test reviews. I don't think anyone can give a worthwhile review when smoking all 3 at once.

[Coz77]

My plan of action....

I don't get to smoke that often maybe 1-2 cigars a week. I plan on smoking the 1st of the 3 this weekend. Ill give a review, smoke the second (probably the following weekend) give another review, and so on... After all 3, Ill compile the reviews and then rate the sicks in Good, Great, and Excellent order.

I'm looking forward to it. This is the 1st time I'm blind tasting. :ss

[smokeyscotch]

Just want to get some ideas from you fellas on how you plan on doing your review. Are you going to smoke all three in one sitting, one right after the other or are you going to smoke them on separate occasions and compile notes? I plan on doing the latter because I dont want a tainted palate but I dont what to take forever doing the review. The sticks I got look so good Im afraid Im going to smoke them all at once :ss

As soon as this flu passes, I will probably smoke mine over a 2-3 week period. I will post a small review to keep the thread active, then post a final result review on the Good, Very Good, Exellent scoring. I think smoking them all in one sitting would rob your experience, and take the fun out of it for you. My sticks look awesome too.

[Coz77]

My sicks arrived in perfect shape yesterday...along with a friend. How did Matt know the Lot 23's was one of my favorites. Thanks Bro! I owe ya one:tu

Sorry about the crappy cell pick. I'm really looking forward to #2! (BTW which end do I smoke?)

http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p70/coz77/IMAGE_041.jpg

[awsmith4]

Got mind today from Nosaj they look and smell awesome. I'm nervous the ones I sent will compare because these look so good

http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg250/awsmith4/Cigar%20Pics/IMG_0409.jpg

I'll start the review process ASAP!:tu

Here go the reviews:
1st Cigar I smoked was the one labeled 'Good'. It was robusto in size, slightly pressed and had a triple cap. The draw and construction were near perfect. This cigar was slightly spicy, and for the first half, it had a finish that was so woody/cedary and dry it made my lips pucker, after half-way it became creamier and a very pleasant smoke down to the nub.

2nd Cigar I smoked was the one labeled 'Great'. This cigar was pressed and had a darker brown wrapper. The draw was almost too easy but better that than tight. The flavor was woody and creamy and had strong coffee notes on the finish. It was tasty and stayed cool to the end. Good burn as well.

3rd Cigar I smoked was the one labeled 'Excellent' and that is exactly how I felt about it. The draw and burn were superb. the construction was very nice and featured a triple cap. This stick was somewhat complex and changed its dominant flavors as it went. The most dominant flavors were leather and spice, but it also got creamy at times. I did not want to put this stick down and almost burned my fingers trying to smoke the nub. It gets :tu:tu:tu of :tu:tu:tu!

With all this said, what were these?

[wayner123]

Great reviews, but I thought that we weren't supposed to know which one was what?

Make sure the bands are removed and you have marked the contents in a way that differentiates the three sticks without giving away what they are.


I did not label mine except for 1,2,3. I hope I did it correctly.

[jkorp]

I labeled them good, great, excellent according to my rating......or did I... :ss

[smokeyscotch]

Great reviews, but I thought that we weren't supposed to know which one was what?



I did not label mine except for 1,2,3. I hope I did it correctly.


You labeled them correctly. No prblem with how jkorp labeled his. It took some of the guess work out, but tastes can differ. I would like to know what these sticks were now that the review is in.

[bobarian]

My Dog Rockets fly stealth! 1,2,3?? :r

[Lorglath]

I got mine from Coz 77 today
I am thinking that he numbered them in order that he wanted me to smoke them whereas I just numbered them randomly and wanted him to order them. It seems to me that #3 has a triple cap and I am excited to try all of them, but it might take a little while as I am in MN and it is impossible to smoke almost anywhere right now.


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v600/StealingAdelaide/FILE0054.jpg

[Coz77]

I got mine from Coz 77 today
I am thinking that he numbered them in order that he wanted me to smoke them whereas I just numbered them randomly and wanted him to order them. It seems to me that #3 has a triple cap and I am excited to try all of them, but it might take a little while as I am in MN and it is impossible to smoke almost anywhere right now.

I numbered them in no particular order...You smoke them anyway you want!...Enjoy!

[nosaj02]

Awesome review Al. The good cigar was a Boli RC from last year. The great cigar was a Padrom 4000 maddie and the excellent cigar was a Tat Regios. I hope you enjoyed them as much as I do. My review to come this weekend!!!


Here go the reviews:
1st Cigar I smoked was the one labeled 'Good'. It was robusto in size, slightly pressed and had a triple cap. The draw and construction were near perfect. This cigar was slightly spicy, and for the first half, it had a finish that was so woody/cedary and dry it made my lips pucker, after half-way it became creamier and a very pleasant smoke down to the nub.

2nd Cigar I smoked was the one labeled 'Great'. This cigar was pressed and had a darker brown wrapper. The draw was almost too easy but better that than tight. The flavor was woody and creamy and had strong coffee notes on the finish. It was tasty and stayed cool to the end. Good burn as well.

3rd Cigar I smoked was the one labeled 'Excellent' and that is exactly how I felt about it. The draw and burn were superb. the construction was very nice and featured a triple cap. This stick was somewhat complex and changed its dominant flavors as it went. The most dominant flavors were leather and spice, but it also got creamy at times. I did not want to put this stick down and almost burned my fingers trying to smoke the nub. It gets :tu:tu:tu of :tu:tu:tu!

With all this said, what were these?

[jkorp]

I got heatmiser sticks yesterday, but didn't get around to taking pictures today.

http://www.fileden.com/files/2007/7/2/1231701/NST1/0208081931_thumb.jpg (http://www.fileden.com/files/2007/7/2/1231701/NST1/0208081931.jpg)

He also sent two additional sticks as a side blind test, what a guy :tu.

I am actually smoking "C" right now, so I'll post more tonight or tomorrow.

[jkorp]

You labeled them correctly. No prblem with how jkorp labeled his. It took some of the guess work out, but tastes can differ. I would like to know what these sticks were now that the review is in.

I may, or may not have labeled them according to their real status. Thought that might throw a little added bias that'll need to be overcome when smoking. :ss

[bobarian]

I may, or may not have labeled them according to their real status. Thought that might throw a little added bias that'll need to be overcome when smoking. :ss

If Jason labeled them you are likely to have some blind tasting that looks like this.
Good=Free Cuba
Great=Glass top Cohiba
Excellent=Pirates Gold(but a well aged one)

:r:r:r:r

[jkorp]

If Jason labeled them you are likely to have some blind tasting that looks like this.
Good=Free Cuba
Great=Glass top Cohiba
Excellent=Pirates Gold(but a well aged one)

:r:r:r:r

Beer just came out of my nose

:r

[awsmith4]

Awesome review Al. The good cigar was a Boli RC from last year. The great cigar was a Padrom 4000 maddie and the excellent cigar was a Tat Regios. I hope you enjoyed them as much as I do. My review to come this weekend!!!

These were all great selections:tu

[heatmiser]

Just got back from a business trip this evening to find jkorps cigars on my desk (thanks wife)! I will get to work on them this weekend (hopefully).

No photos for me as my digital camera is missing (again, thanks wife).

[hurricane6]

Smoked 'B' from Tim(smokeyscotch) this evening. This was a petite corona (4.5"x ?). Construction was near perfect-VERY well made, nice smooth wrapper, almost velvety. I punched it and the draw was near perfect as well. First third was a strong spicey note. The ash held for nearly 2" before falling!
The 2nd third the spice mellowed a bit and a toasty undertone came thru. The spice was the dominant flavor almost a cheyenne pepper spice(yummy!!)
The last third the spice picked up again and became a little stonger, along with a bit of nicotine. I nubbed it! Overall-this was a perfect size cigar(for me), almost perfect construction,draw, burn and ash. The flavor was mostly spicey, a little firecracker of a cigar! The construction and appearance made me think of an Ashton(flawless), but the taste seemed ALL Pepin! The only thing that would have made this cigar better-would've been to pair it with some Crown Royal SR on the rocks. I LOVED this cigar, it reminded me of a number of cigars I've smoked, I just can't pinpoint a brand. I'll rate it after I smoke the last 2. Thanks Tim!:tu

[jkorp]

Sent mine to jkorp today: 0307 3330 0000 0890 6402

Should be there by the weekend...


Well, I smoked "C" the other night, and now I'm going to struggle to remember it. That is the problem if you don't come right in and do the review.

I believe this was a Corona or maybe a Toro, she seemed to be 5.5" or 6" long. The ring gauge was around 46 or 48. Looked like a Maduro, with pretty nice construction, no sloppy cap or anything. The draw was just about right, and she burned pretty consistent all the way through.

The flavors from start to finish were of a slightly sweet, good tobacco. There was no pepper, and I didn't detect any spiceiness, but that could be because I smoke peppery spicey sticks all the time and now my taste buds are fried. My overall impression is this was a descent mild to med stick, it tasted great, but it just wasn't my taste profile. I really liked the vitola though, not too long and not too girthy. I have no idea what it was, but I take a stab and say something by Patel?

[smokeyscotch]

Smoked 'B' from Tim(smokeyscotch) this evening. This was a petite corona (4.5"x ?). Construction was near perfect-VERY well made, nice smooth wrapper, almost velvety. I punched it and the draw was near perfect as well. First third was a strong spicey note. The ash held for nearly 2" before falling!
The 2nd third the spice mellowed a bit and a toasty undertone came thru. The spice was the dominant flavor almost a cheyenne pepper spice(yummy!!)
The last third the spice picked up again and became a little stonger, along with a bit of nicotine. I nubbed it! Overall-this was a perfect size cigar(for me), almost perfect construction,draw, burn and ash. The flavor was mostly spicey, a little firecracker of a cigar! The construction and appearance made me think of an Ashton(flawless), but the taste seemed ALL Pepin! The only thing that would have made this cigar better-would've been to pair it with some Crown Royal SR on the rocks. I LOVED this cigar, it reminded me of a number of cigars I've smoked, I just can't pinpoint a brand. I'll rate it after I smoke the last 2. Thanks Tim!:tu

Very nice review on "Cigar B". These are usually a little more toasty to me, but this stick lacked some needed age. It is a 43 ring gauge. The construction of these are always consistent, as well as the draw and burn. Since you are going to wait to rate it, I will wait to reveal the brand. Don't want that to steer you either way. You nailed the review. I had one from the same 5er before getting sick and got the same experience. They pair well with a nice Bourbon. I bet the Crown would be good too. Nicely done.:tu

[hurricane6]

Tim's cigar 'A'
A nicely constructed maduro(?), robusto size. I used a punch and fired it up.The first 1/3rd I got impressions of coffee, mild spice and a little earthy. Nice combination of flavors, very tastey.The ash was white and gray and held for about an 1 1/2", burn was a little off, but nothing that concerned me and it soon corrected itself. The flavors remained pretty consistent with a VERY slight sweetness and it also picked up a nice leathery note around 2/3rd mark. I smoked it down to about an 1" and put 'er down.
Overall- good smoke with nice flavors. I have a hard time with maduros since I don't smoke them very often, so I would guess something along the lines of a 5 Vegas 'A':confused:.Got me on this one Tim! Good smoke though!:tu 1 more and I'll give my final ratings and thoughts.thanks.

[smokeyscotch]

I am curious if you liked this one or "B" better. Very good take on this smoke. Very close to what I get out of these too. Great review! I gotta give out some more RG before I can hit you again, but I will hit you when I can.:tu

[Coz77]

I smoked Cigar 1 & 2 this weekend...

Cigar #1 - This cigar was perfect. This just might be the excellent cigar but I can not make that assumption until I smoke #3...This short perfecto defiantly looked like a short story yet, It seemed a bit larger to me? maybe because it was bandless...I don't know... I'm guessing this was a Hemingway Best Seller Nat (5" x 43/55) - What can I say...classic Fuente profile of mild/med toasty tobacco with light cedar and coffee flavors. This cigar was very smooth and burned almost perfect. By mid-point, the flavors have intensified into a shifting mix of sweet cedar, creamy coffee, coco and a touch of leather. I just couldn't put it down. This was the best cigar I had in a while. Must have more....Thanks Matt!

#2 - I am not sure what this was? An odd shaped cigar, both of its ends rolled out into that perfecto shape? The ring gauge increases towards the foot or head???... Im not sure If I even smoked this cigar the right way! Nevertheless...the review. This cigar started off harsh and a bit bitter with prominent maduro flavors of dark coffee, leather and earth. The ash was dark gray to black and the burn was erratic, needed a few touch ups. Not offensive but not much really going on with this cigar either. It wasn't until the last 3rd, after a huge flame purge is when this cigar decided to deliver. The flavors seemed to mellowed out, and become creamy, sweet and very smooth. Still your typical maduro flavors but more defined. I couldn't help but to think I was smoking this thing backwards. Id rate the cigar just OK and put it in the Good category (for now). Not sure if id pick more up... However it did keep my interest for a good 80 minutes.

[smokeyscotch]

Great, honest reviews, Coz. You guys keep them coming. I may just be able to smoke this evening, I hope.

[hurricane6]

Cigar 'C' from Tim- nice lookin' robusto, with a delicate wrapper. I say delicate because when I cut it with my Palio, it burst at the cap and the wrapper was of a thinner nature than most I smoke. This was not a bad thing, but I think it split and unraveled due to me. Nevertheless I fired itup and smoked it. The draw was WAY tight. Within the 1st inch, I tasted warm toasty flavors of nuts, cedar and a hint of sweetness. I immediately thought of a RP vintage, but wrong wrapper. The last of the 1st third it started to pick up a spicey note and continued until about half way when the spicey turned to a peppery spice and the warm toasty notes disappeared. The spicey notes kinda varied from that point on and the burn went way south. The draw loosened up to just about right, the ash was a black and gray. I did finish this (without a wrapper-it fell off on the last third) to around an inch.
The flavors didn't seem consistent-especially the spice. I couldn't even begin to guess what this one might have been. It started out good, but the finish was not. Of course this could be from me drawing too hard to keep it lit.:confused:
my final thoughts on the cigars from Tim-A was great
B was excellent
C was good
Thanks Tim for some very good and interesting smokes! I look forward to the reveal and to the next Tit4Tat!!:tu

[smokeyscotch]

Cigar 'C' from Tim- nice lookin' robusto, with a delicate wrapper. I say delicate because when I cut it with my Palio, it burst at the cap and the wrapper was of a thinner nature than most I smoke. This was not a bad thing, but I think it split and unraveled due to me. Nevertheless I fired itup and smoked it. The draw was WAY tight. Within the 1st inch, I tasted warm toasty flavors of nuts, cedar and a hint of sweetness. I immediately thought of a RP vintage, but wrong wrapper. The last of the 1st third it started to pick up a spicey note and continued until about half way when the spicey turned to a peppery spice and the warm toasty notes disappeared. The spicey notes kinda varied from that point on and the burn went way south. The draw loosened up to just about right, the ash was a black and gray. I did finish this (without a wrapper-it fell off on the last third) to around an inch.
The flavors didn't seem consistent-especially the spice. I couldn't even begin to guess what this one might have been. It started out good, but the finish was not. Of course this could be from me drawing too hard to keep it lit.:confused:
my final thoughts on the cigars from Tim-A was great
B was excellent
C was good
Thanks Tim for some very good and interesting smokes! I look forward to the reveal and to the next Tit4Tat!!:tu

Sorry "C" was a questionable experience. Just goes to show you that not all cubans are exellent. To be honest, I sent this one as the exellent cigar, but would have been surprised if it was graded as so, especially up against the two NC's I sent. Here is the list of cigars and order I sent them in.

A = Torano Signature ( My favorite Torano)-Good
B = Zino Platinum Shorty - Great
C = Jaun Lopez Habana - Exellent

I have had some of the Jaun Lopez that are awesome, but like the Monte #2, IMO, they can be inconsistent. I was hoping the one I sent was one of the exellents, but expected a lot of subjectivity.
Thanks for smoking them, Rick. I hope if nothing else, maybe you found a new cigar you like. I can't wait to dig into mine. I'll try and smoke tomorrow. Feeling a lot better now.

[hurricane6]

Sorry "C" was a questionable experience. Just goes to show you that not all cubans are exellent. To be honest, I sent this one as the exellent cigar, but would have been surprised if it was graded as so, especially up against the two NC's I sent. Here is the list of cigars and order I sent them in.

A = Torano Signature ( My favorite Torano)-Good
B = Zino Platinum Shorty - Great
C = Jaun Lopez Habana - Exellent

I have had some of the Jaun Lopez that are awesome, but like the Monte #2, IMO, they can be inconsistent. I was hoping the one I sent was one of the exellents, but expected a lot of subjectivity.
Thanks for smoking them, Rick. I hope if nothing else, maybe you found a new cigar you like. I can't wait to dig into mine. I'll try and smoke tomorrow. Feeling a lot better now.


Thanks again Brother! This was/is a learning experience. I love doin' these. Funny, I REALLY like the Juan Lopez NC, and the Torano, I have one sitting that I've yet to try(Iwill now) and the Zino-WOW!! I LOVED that one, I'll be trying to find some of those! Really great smokes you sent.:tu

[wayner123]

Well like a dufus I forgot to take pictures of what bobarian sent me. But there were the 3 suspects along with a bonus cigar (I think the bonus is a Reserva #7 from CFO, but I am not positive). So then, onto the review:

This is a review of stick '3'

Size: 7" x 48RG (sizes are estimates)

Appearance/Construction: I really liked this size. I mean I REALLY liked this size. I am a lancero man, and this was perfect. Very oily wrapper, and dark, but not overly so.

Prelight Draw: Purposeful draw with no real hints of anything in particular.

First Impressions: The first few puffs gave way to pepper like spice mixed with a sweet Nicaraguan like taste. I knew this was going to be a good smoke.

Smoking: After the initial spice died down a bit, the smoke became sweet and tangy. Only thing I could really compare it to was Habanas Torres 15 year lancero. I smoked it for about 3 inches and had to rush inside as my wife was sick and I needed to tend to her. This allowed the cigar to go out (something I have only ever done a couple of times before). I had feared it would make the cigar taste bad, but after a good purging it came back with the nice sweetness and slightly nutty taste. While I was inside the aftertaste made me immediately think Fuente. It was a good mixture of spice and sweet that blended well. It burned a bit funky, but I think that was due to it being a little wet ala Anejo.

Final Comments and guess: This was a very good cigar and a VERY good size. If not for having to re-light and the funky burn it would be a top 5 smoke. I will wait till I have smoked all 3 cigars to give my final guess as to good, great or excellent, but I am leaning towards excellent at this point.

[bobarian]

Ok, Here we go. Smoked mine over the weekend.

#3 went first, Friday evening with a Root Beer. A big 7 1/2 x 52, normally not something I would smoke in the evening, but I was off work early so I went for it!
Nice dark oily wrapper, maybe a Rosado or SG. Cap was a little rough. Some nice prelight aromas. Whacked it with the Palio and we were off! Huge clouds of aromatic smoke. Some nice woodsy, leathery flavors in the first third. I like this smoke! Middle third was more of the same, minor corrections probably because I was so anxious to smoke it and couldnt wait for it to settle in the humi. Final third continued with a bit more cedar sweetness, but not overly so. I enjoyed this smoke, not too strong, no bitterness to the nub. Very nice aftertaste!

#2 Next up a great looking 6x52 Topedo. Had this one a bit later Friday evening while watching the Sharks. Looked like a Triple Cap, but that is always hard to see on a Torp. Bigger than most Torps or Beli's from ISOM, maybe a Pepin?
Beautiful nut brown wrapper, great construction, practically veinless wrapper. A nice angled cut from the flawless Palio and immediatley hit with some wonderful complex flavors. Not too peppery, but a nice spicy taste.
This stick smelled wonderful. A nice long smoke! Some nice cinnamon and clove hints. Suspect this one may have had some age to it as it was very smooth.

#1 Saturday afternoon enjoying the golf on the most beautiful course in the world!
A rustic 5x50 robusto, nice toothy wrapper. Another Triple cap. A bit tight on the draw at first, but then it opened up and I sensed a nice grassyness, but very smooth. The only thing I wrote down the entire 80minutes was DELICIOUS! I loved this stick so much that I was solely focused on enjoying every millimeter! This is why I smoke cigars! Pure enjoyment to the nub!
A really fantastic smoke! THIS WAS THE ONE!(kudos to Trevor Gowdy!)


Conclusions, guesses and time to make a fool of myself
#1 A top 5 smoke. Excellent! Superlatives do not do this smoke justice!
My guess, a well aged HdM Epi2 or Choix Supreme.:chk:chk:chk

#2 Another very good smoke. Maybe a Top20! I really liked the aroma of this stick both prelight and while smoking. Not overpowering, but some very good spice. This one rates Great!:chk:chk

Maybe an aged Pepin Blue?

#3 This was also very enjoyable. Med-Full flavored. This was a mystery smoke for me.
If it was more complex it would have jumped up higher. It was a bit one dimensional, but not at all boring. I really enjoyed that aftertaste with this one.

I have no idea what this was, I definitely have not had one before but would smoke it again. Good.:chk

Thanks Wayne for the great smokes. I enjoyed every one of them! Every time I do these blind tasting I learn so much. Thank you Tim for reviving this thread! Hopefully #3 was a $5 NC that no one knows about so I can fill my Vinotemp with them:r

[heatmiser]

Well based off of my first smoke from jkorp, I think I am in for a real treat!!!

I lit up the cigar labeled "Good" tonight. The aroma of the cigar before I lit it was pretty mellow. It was a little light in hand but the construction looked solid. The wrapper was a medium color and slightly darker than the Cabaigain Belicoso Fino that I had the other night but still pretty light colored. I didn't measure it but it looked about 5.5" long with a 52-54 ring guage.

I decided to try a punch cut tonight since I have had some bad luck lately using my Palio and the caps coming loose. One punch cut was all that was needed to get a slightly loose draw (almost to loose).

1/3: The initial light was somewhat non-descript. Not much flavor or spice. I thought this was going to be a mild to medium cigar after the first few puffs. After about 4-5 puffs the spice notes kicked up slightly as did the flavor. Tons of smoke!!!

2/3: The cigar really opened up in the middle section. The spice was nice but not overpowering. There was a nice sweetness to the tobacco and the taste came through on my lips as well. This was my favorite part of the cigar by far. At this point I felt I had a very nice Nicaraguan cigar in my hand and my initial thought was this could be a 601 Oscuro green label.

3/3: This part was probably my least favorite but it was still good. It never turned bitter but the magic seemed to disappear somewhat. I still enjoyed it but didn't end up nubbing it.

So, my guess is definitely Nicaraguan and am sticking with the 601 Oscuro green label guess. Once I find out what cigar this is I will definitely buy at least a 5 pack and maybe a box.

Again, I think I am in for a treat as this was only labeled "Good" and I found it to be better than that. Thanks jkorp!!!

[heatmiser]

Well, I smoked "C" the other night, and now I'm going to struggle to remember it. That is the problem if you don't come right in and do the review.

I believe this was a Corona or maybe a Toro, she seemed to be 5.5" or 6" long. The ring gauge was around 46 or 48. Looked like a Maduro, with pretty nice construction, no sloppy cap or anything. The draw was just about right, and she burned pretty consistent all the way through.

The flavors from start to finish were of a slightly sweet, good tobacco. There was no pepper, and I didn't detect any spiceiness, but that could be because I smoke peppery spicey sticks all the time and now my taste buds are fried. My overall impression is this was a descent mild to med stick, it tasted great, but it just wasn't my taste profile. I really liked the vitola though, not too long and not too girthy. I have no idea what it was, but I take a stab and say something by Patel?

This was actually an Arturo Fuente 858 Sun Grown. I really like this one although I have only had it once before. I got two of them recently from a buddy back in Boston that I work with. He has some more and am hoping he will let me buy a few more from him as I haven't been able to find them anywhere else.

[jkorp]

This was actually an Arturo Fuente 858 Sun Grown. I really like this one although I have only had it once before. I got two of them recently from a buddy back in Boston that I work with. He has some more and am hoping he will let me buy a few more from him as I haven't been able to find them anywhere else.


Cool, I do believe that was my first 858 Sun Grown. Like I said it wasn't bad at all, It was quite good, just not my cup of tea. I am glad though that I got to see what all the ruckus is about. Thank you for putting that in there. Where did that stick fall out in your own rating?

[smokeyscotch]

Great reviews, guys. Man, there are some good smokes in this round. I have to smoke tonight. :ss

[smokeyscotch]

Ok, Here we go. Smoked mine over the weekend.

#3 went first, Friday evening with a Root Beer. A big 7 1/2 x 52, normally not something I would smoke in the evening, but I was off work early so I went for it!
Nice dark oily wrapper, maybe a Rosado or SG. Cap was a little rough. Some nice prelight aromas. Whacked it with the Palio and we were off! Huge clouds of aromatic smoke. Some nice woodsy, leathery flavors in the first third. I like this smoke! Middle third was more of the same, minor corrections probably because I was so anxious to smoke it and couldnt wait for it to settle in the humi. Final third continued with a bit more cedar sweetness, but not overly so. I enjoyed this smoke, not too strong, no bitterness to the nub. Very nice aftertaste!

#2 Next up a great looking 6x52 Topedo. Had this one a bit later Friday evening while watching the Sharks. Looked like a Triple Cap, but that is always hard to see on a Torp. Bigger than most Torps or Beli's from ISOM, maybe a Pepin?
Beautiful nut brown wrapper, great construction, practically veinless wrapper. A nice angled cut from the flawless Palio and immediatley hit with some wonderful complex flavors. Not too peppery, but a nice spicy taste.
This stick smelled wonderful. A nice long smoke! Some nice cinnamon and clove hints. Suspect this one may have had some age to it as it was very smooth.

#1 Saturday afternoon enjoying the golf on the most beautiful course in the world!
A rustic 5x50 robusto, nice toothy wrapper. Another Triple cap. A bit tight on the draw at first, but then it opened up and I sensed a nice grassyness, but very smooth. The only thing I wrote down the entire 80minutes was DELICIOUS! I loved this stick so much that I was solely focused on enjoying every millimeter! This is why I smoke cigars! Pure enjoyment to the nub!
A really fantastic smoke! THIS WAS THE ONE!(kudos to Trevor Gowdy!)


Conclusions, guesses and time to make a fool of myself
#1 A top 5 smoke. Excellent! Superlatives do not do this smoke justice!
My guess, a well aged HdM Epi2 or Choix Supreme.:chk:chk:chk

#2 Another very good smoke. Maybe a Top20! I really liked the aroma of this stick both prelight and while smoking. Not overpowering, but some very good spice. This one rates Great!:chk:chk

Maybe an aged Pepin Blue?

#3 This was also very enjoyable. Med-Full flavored. This was a mystery smoke for me.
If it was more complex it would have jumped up higher. It was a bit one dimensional, but not at all boring. I really enjoyed that aftertaste with this one.

I have no idea what this was, I definitely have not had one before but would smoke it again. Good.:chk

Thanks Wayne for the great smokes. I enjoyed every one of them! Every time I do these blind tasting I learn so much. Thank you Tim for reviving this thread! Hopefully #3 was a $5 NC that no one knows about so I can fill my Vinotemp with them:r


I can't wait to see what these were. Great reviews, Bob!:tu

[Lorglath]

I smoked Cigar 1 & 2 this weekend...

Cigar #1 - This cigar was perfect. This just might be the excellent cigar but I can not make that assumption until I smoke #3...This short perfecto defiantly looked like a short story yet, It seemed a bit larger to me? maybe because it was bandless...I don't know... I'm guessing this was a Hemingway Best Seller Nat (5" x 43/55) - What can I say...classic Fuente profile of mild/med toasty tobacco with light cedar and coffee flavors. This cigar was very smooth and burned almost perfect. By mid-point, the flavors have intensified into a shifting mix of sweet cedar, creamy coffee, coco and a touch of leather. I just couldn't put it down. This was the best cigar I had in a while. Must have more....Thanks Matt!

#2 - I am not sure what this was? An odd shaped cigar, both of its ends rolled out into that perfecto shape? The ring gauge increases towards the foot or head???... Im not sure If I even smoked this cigar the right way! Nevertheless...the review. This cigar started off harsh and a bit bitter with prominent maduro flavors of dark coffee, leather and earth. The ash was dark gray to black and the burn was erratic, needed a few touch ups. Not offensive but not much really going on with this cigar either. It wasn't until the last 3rd, after a huge flame purge is when this cigar decided to deliver. The flavors seemed to mellowed out, and become creamy, sweet and very smooth. Still your typical maduro flavors but more defined. I couldn't help but to think I was smoking this thing backwards. Id rate the cigar just OK and put it in the Good category (for now). Not sure if id pick more up... However it did keep my interest for a good 80 minutes.

Great Review Coz! I am not going to classify the cigars yet since it may impact your response to the last stick. You were right on with number 1, the shape is a bit of a give away, it was a Arturo Fuente Hemmingway Best Seller... I picked up a box of these and it already had plume, they are a fantastic smoke with great flavors.

The second was a Gurkha Legend Aniversario (perfecto). It is an interesting smoke that I picked up from CI. You did a very good job describing it and have the same feelings toward it that I do. Interesting, and keeps your attention! from a second hand perspective, the smoke smells really good as well.

I had your number 1 in the car on the way to Madison WI this weekend and was not able to really pick any discernible flavors out of it. It was a smooth burn and needed no real touch ups. A bit on the stronger side of draw, but nothing to detract from the cigar. The smoke was great, if I had to classify it i would say floral / earthy. I have no real idea what it was, but if i had to guess I would say a gurkha or something I haven't tried before! I am excited to try the others! Let me know how you like that last one, place them in order, and I will give you my order that i think they are.

[heatmiser]

Cool, I do believe that was my first 858 Sun Grown. Like I said it wasn't bad at all, It was quite good, just not my cup of tea. I am glad though that I got to see what all the ruckus is about. Thank you for putting that in there. Where did that stick fall out in your own rating?

The 858 Sungrown fell into my "Good" rating although it is probably a tie with my "Great" rated cigar. The 858 SG is a little more mild than I usually smoke but I thought the flavors were fantastic.

[smokeyscotch]

I got around to trying Cigar "A" from hurricane6.

Cigar "A" measured 5" x 50 Ring Gauge.
The construction of this cigar was great with a triple cap. It had a reddish brown wrapper with a satin sheen. Initially, it reminded me of an El Rey del Mundo Choix Supreme from Havana.
I clipped the cap and noticed a near perfect prelight draw. The prelight flavor was earthy and nice tobacco.
I lit this one using two cedar spills. It took a great light and gave off an awesome aroma.

First Third: This was a nice cigar from the first draw. The burn was steady and even, having a white to light gray ash. The flavor started a little peppery, fading to sweet leather with an earthy to nut finish. After the fourth or fifth draw, the pepper subsided to an abundance of sweet leather, while retaining the clean nutty finish. There were occasional hints of cedar and mild mocha notes.

Second Third: I could not get over the aroma of this cigar. I would be surprised if this was not a well rested Cuban. This fine cigar really mellowed into a buttery sweet note, while the body of the flavor is leather with an occasional hint of mocha, nut, and earth. From time to time there was a slight twang of floral or cedar. This was a very complex smoke, with the flavors being well balanced around the leathery body of the smoke.

Last Third: This was a very consitent cigar, retaining the flavors from before. It kicked it up somewhat toward the end with more cedar and floral notes and slight pepper. The cigar was very easy on the nose and very well balanced throughout. I let it burn out with only an inch left.

This was a great cigar. I would happily buy a box of these any day of the week. I have had some great cigars in 2008 thus far. This is definitely one of the best of those. My guess would be that this is a well rested Choix Supreme. While it was a great cigar, I will save that results until I finish the other two cigars. Thanks for this cigar, Rick. This was a very nice experience.

[hurricane6]

I got around to trying Cigar "A" from hurricane6.

Cigar "A" measured 5" x 50 Ring Gauge.
The construction of this cigar was great with a triple cap. It had a reddish brown wrapper with a satin sheen. Initially, it reminded me of an El Rey del Mundo Choix Supreme from Havana.
I clipped the cap and noticed a near perfect prelight draw. The prelight flavor was earthy and nice tobacco.
I lit this one using two cedar spills. It took a great light and gave off an awesome aroma.

First Third: This was a nice cigar from the first draw. The burn was steady and even, having a white to light gray ash. The flavor started a little peppery, fading to sweet leather with an earthy to nut finish. After the fourth or fifth draw, the pepper subsided to an abundance of sweet leather, while retaining the clean nutty finish. There were occasional hints of cedar and mild mocha notes.

Second Third: I could not get over the aroma of this cigar. I would be surprised if this was not a well rested Cuban. This fine cigar really mellowed into a buttery sweet note, while the body of the flavor is leather with an occasional hint of mocha, nut, and earth. From time to time there was a slight twang of floral or cedar. This was a very complex smoke, with the flavors being well balanced around the leathery body of the smoke.

Last Third: This was a very consitent cigar, retaining the flavors from before. It kicked it up somewhat toward the end with more cedar and floral notes and slight pepper. The cigar was very easy on the nose and very well balanced throughout. I let it burn out with only an inch left.

This was a great cigar. I would happily buy a box of these any day of the week. I have had some great cigars in 2008 thus far. This is definitely one of the best of those. My guess would be that this is a well rested Choix Supreme. While it was a great cigar, I will save that results until I finish the other two cigars. Thanks for this cigar, Rick. This was a very nice experience.

Glad you are feelin' better and can smoke! Excellent review.:tu I could taste that cigar as I was reading your take on it! That's the kind of review that sells cigars!!!! I'll do a box split with ya!:r I can't wait to read the next 2.

[smokeyscotch]

Glad you are feelin' better and can smoke! Excellent review.:tu I could taste that cigar as I was reading your take on it! That's the kind of review that sells cigars!!!! I'll do a box split with ya!:r I can't wait to read the next 2.


Thank you, Rick. It was a very nice cigar. I can still taste it a little on the palate. If the other two are as good or better than this one, I am almost afraid.:r Thanks, Bro!

[nosaj02]

I will be posting my reviews this week boys. Sorry for the delay

[bobarian]

Wayne, I'm dying here. What did I smoke?????? I need me some #3's!!!:r:r

[smokeyscotch]

Wayne, I'm dying here. What did I smoke?????? I need me some #3's!!!:r:r

:r I have been a little anxious to know myself. BTW guys, I should be doing a review sometime today, hopefully.:tu

[wayner123]

Ok, Here we go. Smoked mine over the weekend.

#3 went first, Friday evening with a Root Beer. A big 7 1/2 x 52, normally not something I would smoke in the evening, but I was off work early so I went for it!
Nice dark oily wrapper, maybe a Rosado or SG. Cap was a little rough. Some nice prelight aromas. Whacked it with the Palio and we were off! Huge clouds of aromatic smoke. Some nice woodsy, leathery flavors in the first third. I like this smoke! Middle third was more of the same, minor corrections probably because I was so anxious to smoke it and couldnt wait for it to settle in the humi. Final third continued with a bit more cedar sweetness, but not overly so. I enjoyed this smoke, not too strong, no bitterness to the nub. Very nice aftertaste!

#2 Next up a great looking 6x52 Topedo. Had this one a bit later Friday evening while watching the Sharks. Looked like a Triple Cap, but that is always hard to see on a Torp. Bigger than most Torps or Beli's from ISOM, maybe a Pepin?
Beautiful nut brown wrapper, great construction, practically veinless wrapper. A nice angled cut from the flawless Palio and immediatley hit with some wonderful complex flavors. Not too peppery, but a nice spicy taste.
This stick smelled wonderful. A nice long smoke! Some nice cinnamon and clove hints. Suspect this one may have had some age to it as it was very smooth.

#1 Saturday afternoon enjoying the golf on the most beautiful course in the world!
A rustic 5x50 robusto, nice toothy wrapper. Another Triple cap. A bit tight on the draw at first, but then it opened up and I sensed a nice grassyness, but very smooth. The only thing I wrote down the entire 80minutes was DELICIOUS! I loved this stick so much that I was solely focused on enjoying every millimeter! This is why I smoke cigars! Pure enjoyment to the nub!
A really fantastic smoke! THIS WAS THE ONE!(kudos to Trevor Gowdy!)


Conclusions, guesses and time to make a fool of myself
#1 A top 5 smoke. Excellent! Superlatives do not do this smoke justice!
My guess, a well aged HdM Epi2 or Choix Supreme.:chk:chk:chk

#2 Another very good smoke. Maybe a Top20! I really liked the aroma of this stick both prelight and while smoking. Not overpowering, but some very good spice. This one rates Great!:chk:chk

Maybe an aged Pepin Blue?

#3 This was also very enjoyable. Med-Full flavored. This was a mystery smoke for me.
If it was more complex it would have jumped up higher. It was a bit one dimensional, but not at all boring. I really enjoyed that aftertaste with this one.

I have no idea what this was, I definitely have not had one before but would smoke it again. Good.:chk

Thanks Wayne for the great smokes. I enjoyed every one of them! Every time I do these blind tasting I learn so much. Thank you Tim for reviving this thread! Hopefully #3 was a $5 NC that no one knows about so I can fill my Vinotemp with them:r

Great reviews, but almost opposite of what I get from each cigar. Seriously, I taste different flavors all together in each stick. Here is what you had:

1. RASS from '07 - I grade these as good. I don't like Ramon Allones much as a brand on the whole.

2. Pepin JJ maduro - I graded as great. No age on this either, straight from the joecigar deal a month or so ago.

3. Don Lino 1989 - I graded as excellent. New blend for this year 2008.

I am glad you enjoyed them. I just have not tasted hardly any of the flavors you described in any of the smokes. Weird :chk

[bobarian]

Great reviews, but almost opposite of what I get from each cigar. Seriously, I taste different flavors all together in each stick. Here is what you had:

1. RASS from '07 - I grade these as good. I don't like Ramon Allones much as a brand on the whole.

2. Pepin JJ maduro - I graded as great. No age on this either, straight from the joecigar deal a month or so ago.

3. Don Lino 1989 - I graded as excellent. New blend for this year 2008.

I am glad you enjoyed them. I just have not tasted hardly any of the flavors you described in any of the smokes. Weird :chk

Thanks Wayne. At least I got close. #2 was smoother the other JJMad, I have tried. Never had a Don Lino of any kind before, but will definitely look into more. I've been really wanting to try the DL Africa. RASS, what more can you say? But this one was amazing. Fireworks. I have a box of 07's as well, but its been a month or so since I had one. I love these blind tastings! It really gives you the chance to judge a cigar for what it really is. Thanks for all the great smokes Wayne!:tu:tu

[jkorp]

Sent mine to jkorp today: 0307 3330 0000 0890 6402

Should be there by the weekend...

I smoked "A" tonight. I believe this was about 5.5 or 6", so maybe a toro. It was dark and oily, contruction was nice and had a single cap. Since it was a single cap I was concerned that my palio might take off too much with a straight cut and start to unravel so I decided on a Dickman cut to leave more of the cap intact. This worked out well with this stick.

The draw was perfect and the burn was pretty consistent with just a few wanderings here and there but always corrected itself.

The initial 3rd had some faint spice and good dark dry flavors. These dark flavors really built as the stick progressed. Towards the end I was feeling and thinking, this is getting a little strong. The last 3rd got just a little harsh, but not too bad.

Again, no idea what it is, but a good smoke.

[smokeyscotch]

Nice review jkorp.

Hey Bob, I am glad the RASS made the exellent cut. That is one of my favorites. Good smokes you sent there Wayne.

I will smoke tomorrow. I apologize Rick. Had to take the wife shopping for Valentines. It paid off though. I got a second hand gun cabinet that will make a nice looking cabinet humi.:ss

[smokeyscotch]

I got a chance to smoke Cigar "B" today, from Rick (hurricane6).

Size: 4.75 x 48

Construction: Good construction. It appears to be an older Maduro. Can't tell if it is triple capped. The transition from wrapper to cap is near perfect and non-evident. Very firm roll but nice feel.

The stick smells great from head to foot. After cutting I noticed a nice draw with just a little tug. Prelight flavor is a little herbal with some sweetness. Tastes like aged tobacco to me, but could be wrong.

First Third:

This cigar is fairly sweet with a very very soft spice on the nose. It is fairly creamy, but has a dry/cool smoke. I am not sure I have tasted anything like this lately. Has some hints of dark caramel and coffee bean, and something I can't quite nail down. It may be a little leathery, but not in your face leather. The profile is so well balanced it is hard to break it up at times. I wouldn't call it flat, just really married flavors. It seems to have a chocolatey finish.

Second Third:

The aroma is really nice. I 'm not sure if I have ever noticed coffe or espresso in aroma before, but this one seems to have it. This is a very new experience for me. Burn has stayed mostly consitent with only a couple of touchups. Nothing major, just a little uneven at times. Ash is white in the center with gray outside. The smoke has picked up more of an herbal, spearmint hint. It is not what I would call cedar. It definitely is a minty hint with the before mentioned coffee finish, leaning more toward leather now. While looking at the stick, I notice what might be pectin residue from the rolling process. Now I am reeeally wondering what I am smoking. Is it new, is it old? From the flavors I am getting and the dry finish, I am wondering if this might be Mexican Tobacco. I have smoked some cigars with Mexican wrappers that have been similar. This one is still a new one for me though.

Final Third:

The draw tightened up a good bit here. The flavor also flattened out a great deal as well. It got really one dimensional, so I let it go out here. I didn't want to ruin what had been a good experience up to this point.
This was a good cigar. It is not totally what I am used to. Therefore, I hope I have not done this stick any injustice. All in all, I think the flavor could have been a little bolder, but a great experience.

I think "A" has the Exellent mark so far and this one has nowhere else to fall but second at this point. I am looking forward to "C", which I will try to smoke tomorrow or maybe later tonight.
Thanks for the experience, Rick. I hope I haven't just butchered a review on a true classic.:confused:

[hurricane6]

I got a chance to smoke Cigar "B" today, from Rick (hurricane6).

Size: 4.75 x 48

Construction: Good construction. It appears to be an older Maduro. Can't tell if it is triple capped. The transition from wrapper to cap is near perfect and non-evident. Very firm roll but nice feel.

The stick smells great from head to foot. After cutting I noticed a nice draw with just a little tug. Prelight flavor is a little herbal with some sweetness. Tastes like aged tobacco to me, but could be wrong.

First Third:

This cigar is fairly sweet with a very very soft spice on the nose. It is fairly creamy, but has a dry/cool smoke. I am not sure I have tasted anything like this lately. Has some hints of dark caramel and coffee bean, and something I can't quite nail down. It may be a little leathery, but not in your face leather. The profile is so well balanced it is hard to break it up at times. I wouldn't call it flat, just really married flavors. It seems to have a chocolatey finish.

Second Third:

The aroma is really nice. I 'm not sure if I have ever noticed coffe or espresso in aroma before, but this one seems to have it. This is a very new experience for me. Burn has stayed mostly consitent with only a couple of touchups. Nothing major, just a little uneven at times. Ash is white in the center with gray outside. The smoke has picked up more of an herbal, spearmint hint. It is not what I would call cedar. It definitely is a minty hint with the before mentioned coffee finish, leaning more toward leather now. While looking at the stick, I notice what might be pectin residue from the rolling process. Now I am reeeally wondering what I am smoking. Is it new, is it old? From the flavors I am getting and the dry finish, I am wondering if this might be Mexican Tobacco. I have smoked some cigars with Mexican wrappers that have been similar. This one is still a new one for me though.

Final Third:

The draw tightened up a good bit here. The flavor also flattened out a great deal as well. It got really one dimensional, so I let it go out here. I didn't want to ruin what had been a good experience up to this point.
This was a good cigar. It is not totally what I am used to. Therefore, I hope I have not done this stick any injustice. All in all, I think the flavor could have been a little bolder, but a great experience.

I think "A" has the Exellent mark so far and this one has nowhere else to fall but second at this point. I am looking forward to "C", which I will try to smoke tomorrow or maybe later tonight.
Thanks for the experience, Rick. I hope I haven't just butchered a review on a true classic.:confused:

Interesting review. I still have some 'resting', so I might have to revisit this one. You seem to have picked up on some flavors that I might have not noticed or maybe I didn't know the right words to use to describe what I was tasting. This is a great review, I'll definitely fire one up soon and compare notes with ya.:) 2 down 1 to go!!!

[nosaj02]

Alright folks time for my first review. It was nice outside so I decided to smoke my first cigar. I plan on smoking them alphabetically.

"A" was a nice light brown, box-pressed, short smoke. I think it is somewhere in the robusto size area. Initial prelight draw was smooth with small hints of spice and cedar.
http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee235/nosaj03/DSC00728.jpg

First puff and near perfect draw released a large amount of flavorful smoke. The same taste of cedar and spice continued to through the first third. Very consistent flavor. The draw remained perfect and the burn was nice.
http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee235/nosaj03/DSC00730.jpg

The cigar continued to burn fairly good. No touch ups needed and the flavor profile turned a bit sweet with floral undertones. I was really enjoying the smoke very much through the second third. The ash held pretty good for a little bit after the first third before it fell off into my lap.
http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee235/nosaj03/DSC00732.jpg

As I got to the final third the flavors mellowed and returned back to the cedar and spice. The draw became looser with every draw. This think was smoking like a chimney. It was great and I smoked it until I could not hold it any more.
http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee235/nosaj03/DSC00735.jpg

I really enjoyed this smoke and if this is any indication of what is to come then Im in a world of bliss. Next review should be coming this weekend!

[jkorp]

Sent mine to jkorp today: 0307 3330 0000 0890 6402

Should be there by the weekend...

I smoked "B" last night. Sorry I didn't go in order, but I saved this one for last. I think this stick was about 5x52, a nice dark triple capped beauty. The construction was perfect, the wrapper was dark and just a touch oily. I dry boxed it for a day before smoking, this has become my habit for cigars I know I'll be smoking in a day or 2.

The draw was spot on. The cigar opened the way I thought it would with a little spice and a little tanggines. As it progressed through the first 3rd, the flavors softened a little, and mellowed into a nice flavor. The spice was pretty much gone I'd say, but overall kind of woody maybe. By the time the second 3rd rolled around the flavors were still kind of woody and almost a papery taste, kind of dry. The strenght built a little, but pretty much stayed consistent. Into the last 3rd, the papery taste remained, I don't mean that in a bad, way, it's just the only word I can think of to describe it. The strenght was building and a slight harshness started so I purged. Purging really does a lot to change up the flavors. Post purge the smoke got a little bit of the tang back, and a slight spice. And thus ended "B".

So I know

A -
B -
C - 858 sungrown

Please fill in the blanks.

[heatmiser]

Hey jkorp, here are the results:

A: Padron 3000 Maduro (great)
B: Oliva V Double Robusto (excellent)
C: Arturo Fuente 858 Sun Grown (good)

Let me know what you think about the other two mystery cigars I sent you...

I smoked your "Good" cigar and really liked it (see my post from 2/12). Let me know what I smoked when you have a chance. I will get to your other two cigars hopefully tonight and tomorrow night.

[jkorp]

Well based off of my first smoke from jkorp, I think I am in for a real treat!!!

I lit up the cigar labeled "Good" tonight. The aroma of the cigar before I lit it was pretty mellow. It was a little light in hand but the construction looked solid. The wrapper was a medium color and slightly darker than the Cabaigain Belicoso Fino that I had the other night but still pretty light colored. I didn't measure it but it looked about 5.5" long with a 52-54 ring guage.

I decided to try a punch cut tonight since I have had some bad luck lately using my Palio and the caps coming loose. One punch cut was all that was needed to get a slightly loose draw (almost to loose).

1/3: The initial light was somewhat non-descript. Not much flavor or spice. I thought this was going to be a mild to medium cigar after the first few puffs. After about 4-5 puffs the spice notes kicked up slightly as did the flavor. Tons of smoke!!!

2/3: The cigar really opened up in the middle section. The spice was nice but not overpowering. There was a nice sweetness to the tobacco and the taste came through on my lips as well. This was my favorite part of the cigar by far. At this point I felt I had a very nice Nicaraguan cigar in my hand and my initial thought was this could be a 601 Oscuro green label.

3/3: This part was probably my least favorite but it was still good. It never turned bitter but the magic seemed to disappear somewhat. I still enjoyed it but didn't end up nubbing it.

So, my guess is definitely Nicaraguan and am sticking with the 601 Oscuro green label guess. Once I find out what cigar this is I will definitely buy at least a 5 pack and maybe a box.

Again, I think I am in for a treat as this was only labeled "Good" and I found it to be better than that. Thanks jkorp!!!

I don't know how I missed this post, as I posted right after duh!:confused:
I was wondering why you hadn't smoked one yet, and you had.

So I am glad you liked this smoke. I think it is a good smoke also, and not to expensive. It is a really good morning smoke, because it's not as strong as I normally like, but good to start the day off with now and again.

It is the Padilla Hybrid. It has an Ecuadorian SG wrapper, and the filler and binder has Nic like you picked up with some Dom and Peruvian. These have been in my Vino for probably 4 months, not too long but makes a difference I think.

You can usually pick these up on c-bid for a good price.:tu

[jkorp]

Hey jkorp, here are the results:

A: Padron 3000 Maduro (great)
B: Oliva V Double Robusto (excellent)
C: Arturo Fuente 858 Sun Grown (good)

Let me know what you think about the other two mystery cigars I sent you...

I smoked your "Good" cigar and really liked it (see my post from 2/12). Let me know what I smoked when you have a chance. I will get to your other two cigars hopefully tonight and tomorrow night.

Ah ha, I have only had one Oliva V, and it was a robusto! Excellent. I have several in the Vino but always look and say "just a little longer". Thanks for putting that in there. I would not have guessed the padron, I don't smoke many of these, ususally end up giving what I have away.

This was a great experience, I look forward to the next one.

[smokeyscotch]

Well, stick a fork in me, I am done. I smoked cigar "C" last night. Very nice!

Size: 6 x 50 Torpedo Natural Wrapper

Construction: Very good. Had a smooth shiny wrapper, and was very well wrapped with a nice cap.

First Third: I cut it on a small slant with the Palio. Had a really good prelight draw full of earth and spice. Upon lighting, I noticed the pepper right away with this smoke. Not only did it have pepper on the nose, but on the palate as well. The pepper was backed up by some of the most evident leather, cedar and earth, I have experienced. I immediately thought "Pepin". About half way through the first third, it mellowed out a little on the nose, and became more rounded. On the finish the leather would subside into a little caramel occasionally.

Second Third: This is probably the best burning Torp I have had in a while. It has a really nice ash that is white in the center out to gray. It is firm and even as well. The cigar has mellowed just a tad more, with a slight pepper, moving quickly to deep, sweet leather, caramel, and then finishing with a little cedar. Now I am thinking Opus or Anejo. I had to see how this one would pair with Scotch, it being as full bodied as it was. As I suspected, it was awesome with the Glenlivet 12. The Scotch brought out a sweeter hint of the caramel and just added a new dimension. The cigar brought out some nice things in the Scotch as well.

Final Third: This fine smoke picked up just a little more of the pepper again, but everything was well balanced. One might expect a full bodied smoke such as this one to go a little sour toward the end. However, other than the extra kick of welcome spice, it kept the leather, and gained a deep roasted nut, and earth with more cedar. I let it die with maybe an inch left.

This was really a great smoke. I would imagine this would be great after a big steak. Pair it with some chilled Scotch or Bourbon and you have yourself a great late evening smoke.

Rick, you sent me some great cigars, buddy. I wish I could pick two exellent cigars. I hope I say this in a way that will not sound bad. Cigar "A" had the Exellent grade up to now. However, I can grab one of my Choix's and have a close comparison. This last smoke was just something I don't get to experience much. I am not knocking "A" at all. If I had to smoke it everyday I would be more than content.
I appreciate every cigar you sent. It seems you put a lot of thought into them, and it was a wonderful learning experience. Thank you.

Grades:

A = Great to Exellent
B = Good
C = Exellent

Now the fun part. What did I smoke? :dr

[heatmiser]

I don't know how I missed this post, as I posted right after duh!:confused:
I was wondering why you hadn't smoked one yet, and you had.

So I am glad you liked this smoke. I think it is a good smoke also, and not to expensive. It is a really good morning smoke, because it's not as strong as I normally like, but good to start the day off with now and again.

It is the Padilla Hybrid. It has an Ecuadorian SG wrapper, and the filler and binder has Nic like you picked up with some Dom and Peruvian. These have been in my Vino for probably 4 months, not too long but makes a difference I think.

You can usually pick these up on c-bid for a good price.:tu

Cool! I have a 5'er of the Padilla Hybrid's in my humi from a Famous auction I won but have not smoked any yet. I am glad I own them as I really liked this cigar!!!

[awsmith4]

Alright folks time for my first review. It was nice outside so I decided to smoke my first cigar. I plan on smoking them alphabetically.

"A" was a nice light brown, box-pressed, short smoke. I think it is somewhere in the robusto size area. Initial prelight draw was smooth with small hints of spice and cedar.
http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee235/nosaj03/DSC00728.jpg

First puff and near perfect draw released a large amount of flavorful smoke. The same taste of cedar and spice continued to through the first third. Very consistent flavor. The draw remained perfect and the burn was nice.
http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee235/nosaj03/DSC00730.jpg

The cigar continued to burn fairly good. No touch ups needed and the flavor profile turned a bit sweet with floral undertones. I was really enjoying the smoke very much through the second third. The ash held pretty good for a little bit after the first third before it fell off into my lap.
http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee235/nosaj03/DSC00732.jpg

As I got to the final third the flavors mellowed and returned back to the cedar and spice. The draw became looser with every draw. This think was smoking like a chimney. It was great and I smoked it until I could not hold it any more.
http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee235/nosaj03/DSC00735.jpg

I really enjoyed this smoke and if this is any indication of what is to come then Im in a world of bliss. Next review should be coming this weekend!

Glad you liked it:tui think I remember what it was but I left the list at work but will get it tomorrow so I make sure I get them right.

[hurricane6]

Well, stick a fork in me, I am done. I smoked cigar "C" last night. Very nice!

Size: 6 x 50 Torpedo Natural Wrapper

Construction: Very good. Had a smooth shiny wrapper, and was very well wrapped with a nice cap.

First Third: I cut it on a small slant with the Palio. Had a really good prelight draw full of earth and spice. Upon lighting, I noticed the pepper right away with this smoke. Not only did it have pepper on the nose, but on the palate as well. The pepper was backed up by some of the most evident leather, cedar and earth, I have experienced. I immediately thought "Pepin". About half way through the first third, it mellowed out a little on the nose, and became more rounded. On the finish the leather would subside into a little caramel occasionally.

Second Third: This is probably the best burning Torp I have had in a while. It has a really nice ash that is white in the center out to gray. It is firm and even as well. The cigar has mellowed just a tad more, with a slight pepper, moving quickly to deep, sweet leather, caramel, and then finishing with a little cedar. Now I am thinking Opus or Anejo. I had to see how this one would pair with Scotch, it being as full bodied as it was. As I suspected, it was awesome with the Glenlivet 12. The Scotch brought out a sweeter hint of the caramel and just added a new dimension. The cigar brought out some nice things in the Scotch as well.

Final Third: This fine smoke picked up just a little more of the pepper again, but everything was well balanced. One might expect a full bodied smoke such as this one to go a little sour toward the end. However, other than the extra kick of welcome spice, it kept the leather, and gained a deep roasted nut, and earth with more cedar. I let it die with maybe an inch left.

This was really a great smoke. I would imagine this would be great after a big steak. Pair it with some chilled Scotch or Bourbon and you have yourself a great late evening smoke.

Rick, you sent me some great cigars, buddy. I wish I could pick two exellent cigars. I hope I say this in a way that will not sound bad. Cigar "A" had the Exellent grade up to now. However, I can grab one of my Choix's and have a close comparison. This last smoke was just something I don't get to experience much. I am not knocking "A" at all. If I had to smoke it everyday I would be more than content.
I appreciate every cigar you sent. It seems you put a lot of thought into them, and it was a wonderful learning experience. Thank you.

Grades:

A = Great to Exellent
B = Good
C = Exellent

Now the fun part. What did I smoke? :dr

Tim-I'm glad you enjoyed what I picked for you. I have to say, your reviews did justice to all 3 cigars. I enjoyed reading them. Now to the good stuff- we both apparently enjoy similar cigars, as you rated them just as I did, so the reveal...
A-Illusione 88
B-Diablo-Picante
C-AVO-80th
Thanks to you as well for a great blind taste experience!

[smokeyscotch]

Tim-I'm glad you enjoyed what I picked for you. I have to say, your reviews did justice to all 3 cigars. I enjoyed reading them. Now to the good stuff- we both apparently enjoy similar cigars, as you rated them just as I did, so the reveal...
A-Illusione 88
B-Diablo-Picante
C-AVO-80th
Thanks to you as well for a great blind taste experience!

You have great taste, Rick. Would you mind sharing the age on these? Just curious. I write all my reviews in my journal, and thought I would add the age if possible. I'll have to hit ya with something a little nicer than what I sent you. You sent me some awesome cigars, Brother.:ss

[hurricane6]

You have great taste, Rick. Would you mind sharing the age on these? Just curious. I write all my reviews in my journal, and thought I would add the age if possible. I'll have to hit ya with something a little nicer than what I sent you. You sent me some awesome cigars, Brother.:ss

The Illusione was fresh-less than 2 mos
Diablo- I've had for about 5-6 mos+ whatever age they had on them from sitting around at the store
AVO 80th I bought 4 mos ago when my B&M got them in.
Hope that helps. No need to hit back-I enjoyed what you sent!!!!

[heatmiser]

I was able to smoke jkorp's "Great" and "Excellent" cigars today.

"Great" Cigar:

This cigar did not do as well for me as the Padilla Hybrid which was marked "Good". It had some nice spice but that was about it. It was still a good cigar IMO but lacked much flavor outside of the spice. The middle part of this cigar was the best and the last third was my least favorite as it turned bitter to which purging did not seem to correct.

"Excellent" Cigar:

This was a really nice lancero (I think) with a pigtail. The construction and draw were fantastic. I could tell this was a quality cigar as the tobacco was very smooth and creamy. It did not have the spice the the "Great" cigar did but had a nice subtle tobacco flavor with lots of smoke. I enjoyed this very much but it did not knock my socks off. I would definitely smoke this again if the price was right. It held consistent flavor all the way through.

Thanks again jkorp for sharing these cigars with me!!!

[jkorp]

I was able to smoke jkorp's "Great" and "Excellent" cigars today.

"Great" Cigar:

This cigar did not do as well for me as the Padilla Hybrid which was marked "Good". It had some nice spice but that was about it. It was still a good cigar IMO but lacked much flavor outside of the spice. The middle part of this cigar was the best and the last third was my least favorite as it turned bitter to which purging did not seem to correct.

"Excellent" Cigar:

This was a really nice lancero (I think) with a pigtail. The construction and draw were fantastic. I could tell this was a quality cigar as the tobacco was very smooth and creamy. It did not have the spice the the "Great" cigar did but had a nice subtle tobacco flavor with lots of smoke. I enjoyed this very much but it did not knock my socks off. I would definitely smoke this again if the price was right. It held consistent flavor all the way through.

Thanks again jkorp for sharing these cigars with me!!!

Interesting. The great cigar suprises me, it is one of my favorites, and the least expensive Pepin blend. This was a 5 Vegas Miami Petite Corona. But, I can see the harshness, I've had a coupld that took on a harshness but were normally corrected with a purge. Oh well, at least the middle was good for you. :tu

The excellent cigar, is one I just got recently from a split and really enjoyed. I haven't smoked many because I don't have many, infact given away more than I've smoked so far. This was the Old Henry Lancero, for those that don't know, a Pepin / Holt's house blend. I think these are great smokes and had the same impression that you did. They aren't too bad in price either, about $85 for a box of 18, but you get 5 robustos and 2 mugs for free when you order. I think these will become really excellent with some age.

Well, it's seems for the most part you liked the smokes, hopefully you found something new that maybe you wouldn't have tried otherwise. I know I did. Having only smoked one Oliva V, this reconfirmed what a great stick this is and that I should get some. The Padron is another one. It's something that I often pass up, but not anymore.

Thanks again. I'll let you know about those other 2 mystery sticks when I get to them. Maybe next week, but unfortunately I feel a cold coming on :mad: so they might have to wait.

[smokeyscotch]

I lost count of reviews. Are there any more out there? I appreciate everyone's participation, and great reviews. :tu:ss

[Coz77]

I lost count of reviews. Are there any more out there? I appreciate everyone's participation, and great reviews. :tu:ss

I still have one more from Lorglath (Matt). Hoping to set it on fire this week.

[awsmith4]

I know nosaj still has 2 to go

[bobarian]

Wayne still has 2 to go.:tu

[wayner123]

This is a review of stick '2'

Size: 5" x 50RG (sizes are estimates)

Appearance/Construction: Nice Robusto that looked like a maduro wrapper. The cap and overall construction was decent but nothing to write home about.

Prelight Draw: Tighter draw than I would have liked so I rolled it around to try and open it up some more. The taste reminded me of a punch. Strong tobacco with a hint of citrus.

First Impressions: The cigar lit well and the first few puffs were of pungent tobacco taste. Like an oak barrel aged tobacco.

Smoking: The cigar did not change in taste at all. It pretty much tasted of the oak barrel pungent taste. It burnt razor sharp and the ash held on like a champ. I haven't had an ash hold this well in a while. I think this may have been due to the tight construction.

Final Comments and guess: This was a good cigar, but I would not buy it again. No complexity and the pungency of it left me wanting something different. I do know the exact cigar but surely something made by the Villazon & Co factory.

[wayner123]

This is a review of stick '1'

Size: 5" x 44RG (sizes are estimates)

Appearance/Construction: Nice smooth wrapper with a golden brown tint. A little dark. It had a nice triple cap and slight box press. The foot had a weird angle to it, like the cut was not smooth.

Prelight Draw: Not much here in the way of flavors. But the draw was perfect.

First Impressions: The first few puffs were delicious to say the least. The perfect draw gave way to plumes of smoke and immediately I thought this was no NC.

Smoking: This was an excellent smoke. I really babied this one as the size was not large. But it smoked slowly enough even when I was puffing like a chimney. The flavors were intense. Sweet hay mixed with a sweet nutty taste were the most present. Every once and a while a good spice backbone kicked up the flavors into another dimension. The smoothness was always present. The smoke ranged from caramel goodness to black pepper spice all in a great balance.

Final Comments and guess: I think I have found the ratings for the cigars and they are revealed below. I really enjoyed this smoke and the whole time I kept thinking it tasted like a Partagas CC.

My ratings:

1. excellent
2. good
3. great

While I would not buy number 2 again, I would certainly get some of the numbers 1 & 3. I would spend a lot on number 1's, and hopefully they are within grasp. Thanks so much bobarian for the smokes. Please let me know what I smoked!!

[bobarian]

Nice reviews Wayne. You were close on a few.

#1 was a Tatuaje Noella(Oct 07)-Always a nice smoke, I think I like these even more than the HavanaVI Angeles.:tu

#2 JdN Antano Robusto-A good full flavored smoke, but you are right on the money when you said they were a bit one dimensional. I like the lancero's much better!:tu

#3 Partagas 898 varnished(11/01)-You hit this one pretty close. Interesting comparison to the HT. Both are very smooth smokes. A nice mix of flavors and complexity.:tu

Hope you enjoyed them all. Thanks for playing!:ss

[wayner123]

Nice reviews Wayne. You were close on a few.

#1 was a Tatuaje Noella(Oct 07)-Always a nice smoke, I think I like these even more than the HavanaVI Angeles.:tu

#2 JdN Antano Robusto-A good full flavored smoke, but you are right on the money when you said they were a bit one dimensional. I like the lancero's much better!:tu

#3 Partagas 898 varnished(11/01)-You hit this one pretty close. Interesting comparison to the HT. Both are very smooth smokes. A nice mix of flavors and complexity.:tu

Hope you enjoyed them all. Thanks for playing!:ss

That's awesome man! I thought number 1 was a CC, but not suprised to see it's a Tatuaje. Especially since I have never seen that color and slick construction wrapper on a CC.

Thanka again. I can hardly wait till Tit for Tat III

Btw, what was the mystery smoke??

[awsmith4]

That's awesome man! I thought number 1 was a CC, but not suprised to see it's a Tatuaje. Especially since I have never seen that color and slick construction wrapper on a CC.

Thanka again. I can hardly wait till Tit for Tat III

Btw, what was the mystery smoke??

the Noella is one of my Top 5 favorites of all time

[bobarian]

Btw, what was the mystery smoke??

Did you smoke it?:ss

[smokeyscotch]

Nice reviews Wayne. You were close on a few.

#1 was a Tatuaje Noella(Oct 07)-Always a nice smoke, I think I like these even more than the HavanaVI Angeles.:tu

#2 JdN Antano Robusto-A good full flavored smoke, but you are right on the money when you said they were a bit one dimensional. I like the lancero's much better!:tu

#3 Partagas 898 varnished(11/01)-You hit this one pretty close. Interesting comparison to the HT. Both are very smooth smokes. A nice mix of flavors and complexity.:tu

Hope you enjoyed them all. Thanks for playing!:ss


Nice variety of smokes, Bob. Classy, Bro! Did he rate them the same as you had them rated? Good, Great, Exellent?

BTW, really nice reviews Wayner!:tu

[bobarian]

Nice variety of smokes, Bob. Classy, Bro! Did he rate them the same as you had them rated? Good, Great, Exellent?

BTW, really nice reviews Wayner!:tu

I rated the 898 as excellent and the Tat as great. But they are very close, which is why I included them. :tu

[smokeyscotch]

I rated the 898 as excellent and the Tat as great. But they are very close, which is why I included them. :tu

Cool! That speaks a lot for the Tat. You have good tatse, Man!:tu

[wayner123]

Did you smoke it?:ss

Not yet, I want to know what it is. Unless it's part of the "game".

[bobarian]

Not yet, I want to know what it is. Unless it's part of the "game".

An extra I tossed in because I really wanted your opinion. It is a CFO Reserva #7. :tu

[wayner123]

An extra I tossed in because I really wanted your opinion. It is a CFO Reserva #7. :tu

That's what I thought and posted that guess earlier. Thanks so much for it. I have been wanting to try one or two before I bought 50!!

[nosaj02]

Sorry for the delay folks! Will have both done this weekend, guaranteed

[nosaj02]

This is my second long overdue review. Today I smoked B.

Today was a good day to smoke and review. B was a nice dark brown also box pressed smoke similar to A but a little bit bigger. Nice firm construction.
http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee235/nosaj03/DSC00737.jpg

Prelight draw was smooth and loose. Similar flavor as the first with hints of dark chocolate and leather. The stick lit easy and with a nice burn. Lots of smoke on the first puff with more accentuated spice and leather.
The smoke was a greyish brown color.
http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee235/nosaj03/DSC00738.jpg

During the first third of the cigar the flavor was consistant. Unfortunately the flavor profile was not anything exceptional. I was not going to judge the cigar by the inital stages but it was not impressive. Spicey was a way to define the flavors. Ash was flakey and would have held longer if I wasnt clumsy.

http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee235/nosaj03/DSC00739.jpg

The second third of the cigar started the same as the first with nothing that stood out. As I continued to smoke through the cigar it started to pick up a little. Flavors remained the same but I started to taste a hint of dark chocolate. It did not last long and returned quickly to the leather and spice. Nearing the end of the second third, disappointment began to grow.

http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee235/nosaj03/DSC00742.jpg

Well I was nearing the end of the cigar and nothing really changed. I grew more and more disappointed. It was not as flavorful as the first but on the plus side it did have a great burn and draw. I did my best to nub the cigar but I didnt really feel like finishing the cigar. I actually had a bit of a buzz going which quickly turned into a headache.

http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee235/nosaj03/DSC00743.jpg

By comparison, this cigar was not as great as the first. I will be smoking and review the final cigar tomorrow.

[Lorglath]

I still have one more from Lorglath (Matt). Hoping to set it on fire this week.

I actually had 2 to do... well here is one of them... Also don't you still owe one or two? or did I miss them....


Here it goes... I was able to smoke #2 recently and had the feeling the whole time that it was a Diplimatico #2 or the like from ISOM. The feel was a bit dry, i checked my humidity since then and fixed it, so the problems I had with the cigar were undoubtedly due to myself....

Started off well, with a nice draw...
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y137/lorglath/start.jpg

Burned pretty well the whole way down...
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y137/lorglath/PIC-0061.jpg

Then I got a crack in the wrapper and things started to go down hill for the looks of the cigar, the smoking of it remained fine
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y137/lorglath/PIC-0062.jpg

and another
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y137/lorglath/PIC-0063.jpg

I ended up nubbing the thing, it was a fairly mild smoke, smoked in good company, I seemed to detect some earthy / grassy tones to it but didn't detect any spice / coco / coffee...

On a scale of 1 to 10 where 1 is a Cremosa (which thanks to the MN Herf I got to try finally.... as if I was waiting to in the first place) and 10 being a perfect stick (I have my first opus experience in mind) I would give this smoke a 6-7, definately smokeable, wonderful smoke, but there was room for improvement. When I grade on this scale I just imagine what could make it better, not what I didn't like. Thanks for the great smoke! was it a diplimatico?

[Coz77]

Sorry about the wrapper but glad you enjoyed it. I think if the wrapper hung in there you would have picked up more of that cameroon flavor. #2 was believe it or not was a Don Tomas Cameroon robusto. And the #1 you smoke about a week ago was a Saint Luis Rey maduro. Both staples in my humi.

[Coz77]

I was able to smoke #3 yesterday....
http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p70/coz77/Sunday.jpg


Im not sure what to say about his cigar. It tasted very young to me, almost green...there was a unusual sharpness to the smoke I really couldn't put my finger on. I picked up vegetal and grassy flavors. It was on the mild side with almost no finish at all. As I got to the halfway point and for about an inch I picked up a nice toasty flavor but that quickly went away and the cigar went down hill after this...Not one of my favorites...it reminded me a lot of a Hoyo de Tradicion I had about a month ago.

#1- This cigar was awesome great flavors and complex...really enjoyed this one excellent
#2- This cigar was interesting and kept me entertained - Great
#3 - This cigar was uneventful, left me wanting more and tasted unusual - good, but not for me.

Matt thanks again for everything I really enjoyed this blind taste test.

[Lorglath]

Sorry about the wrapper but glad you enjoyed it. I think if the wrapper hung in there you would have picked up more of that cameroon flavor. #2 was believe it or not was a Don Tomas Cameroon robusto. And the #1 you smoke about a week ago was a Saint Luis Rey maduro. Both staples in my humi.

Wow! that is amazing that #2 was a don tomas! I might have to give those things another try... I am still waiting to smoke number 3... hopefully this weekend.

[Lorglath]

#1- This cigar was awesome great flavors and complex...really enjoyed this one excellent
#2- This cigar was interesting and kept me entertained - Great
#3 - This cigar was uneventful, left me wanting more and tasted unusual - good, but not for me.

Matt thanks again for everything I really enjoyed this blind taste test.

#1 -Arturo Fuente Hemmingway Best Seller (Great)
#2 -Gurkha Legend Aniversario (perfecto) (Good)
#3 -Bolivar Royal Corona 07 (Best)

I think you may have gotten a bad one from the box, and for that I am sorry. I usually LOVE the BRC, they have some very complex flavors, and the only problem that I have had is some inconsistency in draw from time to time. Too bad you got a :BS one. But I hope you enjoyed the test! Thanks for the wonderful reviews!

[Coz77]

#1 -Arturo Fuente Hemmingway Best Seller (Great)
#2 -Gurkha Legend Aniversario (perfecto) (Good)
#3 -Bolivar Royal Corona 07 (Best)

I think you may have gotten a bad one from the box, and for that I am sorry. I usually LOVE the BRC, they have some very complex flavors, and the only problem that I have had is some inconsistency in draw from time to time. Too bad you got a :BS one. But I hope you enjoyed the test! Thanks for the wonderful reviews!

Wow #3 has shocked me...Im totally bummed, My 1st experience with a Boli Cuban and it left me disappointed. Not to mention it was the best in your line up of smokes....Gotta love a blind taste test. Thanks again Matt.

[smokeyscotch]

I was able to smoke #3 yesterday....
http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p70/coz77/Sunday.jpg


Im not sure what to say about his cigar. It tasted very young to me, almost green...there was a unusual sharpness to the smoke I really couldn't put my finger on. I picked up vegetal and grassy flavors. It was on the mild side with almost no finish at all. As I got to the halfway point and for about an inch I picked up a nice toasty flavor but that quickly went away and the cigar went down hill after this...Not one of my favorites...it reminded me a lot of a Hoyo de Tradicion I had about a month ago.

#1- This cigar was awesome great flavors and complex...really enjoyed this one excellent
#2- This cigar was interesting and kept me entertained - Great
#3 - This cigar was uneventful, left me wanting more and tasted unusual - good, but not for me.

Matt thanks again for everything I really enjoyed this blind taste test.

This is only out of curiosity. Did you pair #3 with the Heineken?

[awsmith4]

This is only out of curiosity. Did you pair #3 with the Heineken?

I tend to have bad experiences pairing light or bitter beers with more flavorful cigars:2

[Coz77]

This is only out of curiosity. Did you pair #3 with the Heineken?

Yes I did...Heine light doesn't really have the bitterness a regular Heine does...Nevertheless the beer at some points over powered the smoke. It was really strange, Perhaps a bad pairing.

[nosaj02]

This is my last review and it will be a quick one. Unfortunately I could not take pics because I smoked the bad boy during the Honda Classic and they do not allow cellphones or cameras at the event.

"C" was a nice caramel colored robusto size powerhouse. Nice construction with what seemed to be a cuban style triple cap. Great flavors off the bat that remained consistant throughout the entire cigar. The burn was a bit off but it may have been due to the wind but it did not take anything away from the smoothness. Lots of spice and woodsy flavor from start to finish, I was very please with this cigar. I nubbed the bad boy! I would have to say that this is tied with "A" for being the best cigar.

Now with all of this behind me, Al, whats the good word? What did I have the pleasure of smokin?

[awsmith4]

This is my last review and it will be a quick one. Unfortunately I could not take pics because I smoked the bad boy during the Honda Classic and they do not allow cellphones or cameras at the event.

"C" was a nice caramel colored robusto size powerhouse. Nice construction with what seemed to be a cuban style triple cap. Great flavors off the bat that remained consistant throughout the entire cigar. The burn was a bit off but it may have been due to the wind but it did not take anything away from the smoothness. Lots of spice and woodsy flavor from start to finish, I was very please with this cigar. I nubbed the bad boy! I would have to say that this is tied with "A" for being the best cigar.

Now with all of this behind me, Al, whats the good word? What did I have the pleasure of smokin?

Here you go:

A - El Primer Mundo Rosado Oscuro (An Atlanta based company but available around the Southeast) - I really like this stick and the more I smoke the higher it ranks

B - Rocky Patel Vintage 1992 - Usually consistent but I have recently had some similar boredom with this smoke, maybe it was just that fiver?

C - LFD Double Ligero - One of my all time favorites

[nosaj02]

Very nice ! I knew "B" had a familiar disatisfying flavor just as with most Patels for me. The other two were sublime!

Here you go:

A - El Primer Mundo Rosado Oscuro (An Atlanta based company but available around the Southeast) - I really like this stick and the more I smoke the higher it ranks

B - Rocky Patel Vintage 1992 - Usually consistent but I have recently had some similar boredom with this smoke, maybe it was just that fiver?

C - LFD Double Ligero - One of my all time favorites

[awsmith4]

Very nice ! I knew "B" had a familiar disatisfying flavor just as with most Patels for me. The other two were sublime!


I am becoming increasingly more and more dissatisfied with RPs, glad you enjoyed the others:tu

[smokeyscotch]

Does that round out the TiT for Tat? I aapreciate all of the participants. It looks like everyone had a good learning experience. I know I did. I found two new favorites. :tu

[Lorglath]

I am sorry guys, I have 1 more to go, I will be doing it tomorrow at my cigar night, terribly sorry for the late timing!

[jkorp]

I am sorry guys, I have 1 more to go, I will be doing it tomorrow at my cigar night, terribly sorry for the late timing!


Well?

[jkorp]

Sent mine to jkorp today: 0307 3330 0000 0890 6402

Should be there by the weekend...

Well,

I smoked one of the extra "side blind sticks" today, I believe it was marked M#2

This was a very nice stick. Nice medium brown figurado vitola. The cigar started off med, with some great flavors, flavors I would associate with Nic tobacco, but I won't being to claim I can pick out origin :D. At the last 3 inches this thing really picked up some strength and the flavors darkened a lot. It got real earthly and woody.

I would rate this is a real nice cigar, something I would definitely smoke again. I'll wager a guess, but I really have no idea, is it something by RP?

[Lorglath]

Wow... I suck hard... I have a hard time finding time to smoke sometimes, however, I was on spring break last week and FINALLY was able to set aside some time to truly appreciate this last stick. I never want to do it in a situation where I am busy or in a crowded area because I feel it would detract from the experience but this is the review, I have pictures, but they are on my camera at home, I should have them up sometime soon...

I believe this was stick #3

Prelight:

The stick was firm but budged slightly to the pressure of a firm grasp and smelled fantastic with notes of spice and leather.

The burn throughout the entire smoke was consistent with a mostly white ash.

The first few puffs were a bit off in taste, mostly because I was forced to use a Bic to light it with. however it soon mellowed into the natural flavors. The draw was perfect, not too light and not like sucking a golf ball through a straw, perfect for what I enjoy. The flavors were very prominent, however I could not put my finger on all of them, There was definitely some spice, as well as some Chocolate and Coffee.

The next third stayed fairly consistent without the flavor profile changing too much, still great burn and a good draw.

The cigar ended with a caramel hint and some great ash, I believe I nubbed it.

Coz77. Thanks for the wonderful smokes, I do apologize for taking so long, but in MN winter it is hard to get adequate time to enjoy a cigar and concentrate on it. What were all the 3 to put them in one post? I know the 2nd was a Don Thomas Cameroon...