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Blind Cigar Reviews
- Thread starter Blue Dragon
- Start date
ckeller52
"All the Twitters. I know them."
- Joined
- Jan 1, 2006
- Messages
- 319
John, absolutely no problem. We don't all like the same thing around here. That's what makes it interesting. You end up building a personal profile and more of your money goes to cigars that YOU enjoy. A lot of guys would give their left nut for Tatuaje, Opus X and anything Don Pepin. I've found I really don't like those sticks. Sad thing is my local BM has two of those three in stock all the time and I have to buy the Bauza out of state. <g>
Great review and nice pics, feel better.
jfields
Where did all my money go?
- Joined
- Jan 25, 2007
- Messages
- 16,277
Thanks for understanding. I always want to appreciate something someone gives to me but, I want to be honest. That way you don't have people giving you the same thing over and over thinking you love it. Those Connies you gave me though..... I have a feeling about them
I recieved a nice selection of sticks from Jfields this am. Among them was a dark robusto sized (slightly larger, but not toro sized) stick. After a quick inspection, it is a little rough and dry feeling, but doesn't have any veins. I let it sit a little so i could enjoy a quick lunch just incase it decides to be on the stronger side. Today is beautiful outside, mid-80s, 5mph winds, and a clear Texas sky.
The loot
With my trusty Palio, I made a quick cut. Despite the dry feel, the cut is clean and almost none of the loose tobacco / dust. The cigar has a nice rich tobacco smell with a slight sweet smell. The test draw is perfect and I detect a slight sweet taste that I can't put my finger on....
Onto lighting, the initial puffs were filled with a rich, creamy mocha taste. This cigar has to be a maduro. The coffee is soon underlined with an earthy/woody taste. Every once in a while, i notice a note of white pepper. After about an inch, the coffee taste that i've become accustomed to is replaced with a pecan and some notes of cedar.
The second inch is filled with the nutty coffee taste. It reminds me of a rich coffee with some hazelnut creamer. I'm loving this taste. :love: My dog, however, isn't enjoying the aroma and has left my side. ???
After the ash dropoff around the 3 inch mark, the cigar tastes a slight turn and is earthy, almost like dirt. At this point, I'm confused by where my beautiful cigar has gone and wondering if someone switched it when I wasn't paying attention. Fortunately, this doesn't last long and the cedar sweetness is back.
I stopped with about an inch and a half left on the cigar for dinner time. (Maybe I shouldn't smoke during the day anymore, theres way too many distractions.) This has been an enjoyable cigar and leaves an impression that i've had one of these before, but I can't put my finger on it. It is slightly reminescent of an AF maduro.
Opening the enveope, the cigar turns out to be a Padron 5000 Maduro. I've torn through a few of the fumas and these are definately more enjoyable. It was a mild smoke packed with flavor. Thanks again Jfields.
**Pictures to come once I find the USB connector.
The loot
With my trusty Palio, I made a quick cut. Despite the dry feel, the cut is clean and almost none of the loose tobacco / dust. The cigar has a nice rich tobacco smell with a slight sweet smell. The test draw is perfect and I detect a slight sweet taste that I can't put my finger on....
Onto lighting, the initial puffs were filled with a rich, creamy mocha taste. This cigar has to be a maduro. The coffee is soon underlined with an earthy/woody taste. Every once in a while, i notice a note of white pepper. After about an inch, the coffee taste that i've become accustomed to is replaced with a pecan and some notes of cedar.
The second inch is filled with the nutty coffee taste. It reminds me of a rich coffee with some hazelnut creamer. I'm loving this taste. :love: My dog, however, isn't enjoying the aroma and has left my side. ???
After the ash dropoff around the 3 inch mark, the cigar tastes a slight turn and is earthy, almost like dirt. At this point, I'm confused by where my beautiful cigar has gone and wondering if someone switched it when I wasn't paying attention. Fortunately, this doesn't last long and the cedar sweetness is back.
I stopped with about an inch and a half left on the cigar for dinner time. (Maybe I shouldn't smoke during the day anymore, theres way too many distractions.) This has been an enjoyable cigar and leaves an impression that i've had one of these before, but I can't put my finger on it. It is slightly reminescent of an AF maduro.
Opening the enveope, the cigar turns out to be a Padron 5000 Maduro. I've torn through a few of the fumas and these are definately more enjoyable. It was a mild smoke packed with flavor. Thanks again Jfields.
**Pictures to come once I find the USB connector.
jfields
Where did all my money go?
- Joined
- Jan 25, 2007
- Messages
- 16,277
Nice review. :thumbs: You described all the flavors to a "T" that I always note while smoking these. The mocha, white pepper, and nutty coffee. These are always consistent smokes. My uncle gave me one at a family gathering and, I had to hunt a box down. Glad you enjoyed.
jfields
Where did all my money go?
- Joined
- Jan 25, 2007
- Messages
- 16,277
Nice review. :thumbs: You described all the flavors to a "T" that I always note while smoking these. The mocha, white pepper, and nutty coffee. These are always consistent smokes. My uncle gave me one at a family gathering and, I had to hunt a box down. Glad you enjoyed.
Damn double post.
Damn double post.
Treamayne
On the run...
- Joined
- May 19, 2004
- Messages
- 1,482
Evening has set and the wind outside sounds the call for me to retreat, not to the porch, but to my upstairs den/library to partake of the wonderful stick I have received. It is 2230 (10:30pm) and the lights are low, my “rock mix” is playing from the speakers of the computer, water at my side (easy pairing for a blind taste test – I hope), I pull the stick from the bubble wrap it was carefully shipped in and begin the pre-smoke analysis:
It appears to be a 5” x 50-ish ring Robusto of a Dark Natural or Maduro shade. Coloring is even, construction is excellent with only a couple small veins. The foot seems to have very minor damage, but nothing of consequence. The cigar is firm, and seems to have two small “hard” spots that I’ll keep my eye on. Aroma is earthy with a slight sweetness that makes me lean toward the maduro side of things, but I’m keeping an open mind. Scent puts me in mind of MX2 or Brazilia.
I clip the cap with my double bladed cutter and take a few pre-light test draws. Draw is smooth and even, so whatever I felt earlier doesn’t seem to inhibit the draw at all. Again, there is a hint of sweetness in the pre-light taste and the end is nice and firm while the foot is slightly springy. I toast the end and take a nice whiff of the early scent – earthy with maybe a hint of cedar(?). Not like any CAO I remember, so my first perceptions were deceiving. I then finish the light with a 3” Cedar match from the Havana Club of Kuala Lumpur (located next to the Hard Rock for any that may get to visit). The sagas begins….
The first couple draws are smooth but almost empty of flavor. I would call the smoke volume a medium. Slowly the earthy tobacco flavor begins, but without a hint of the promised sweetness I scented on the pre-light. The burn is nice and even to start and the ash is a light-grey to white (but not Havana White). Strength seems a bit low (although this may have to do with a comparison to the really potent smokes I usually have) and I test the waters with both a French inhale and nasal exhale (not back to back) within the first third. I can scent a creaminess that I don’t taste yet. As the first third wanes, the strength begins to build and I begin to taste a slight creaminess, not like a Davidhoff, but different. For the flavor, I would almost expect a chewier smoke, but the volume stays about medium though the draw is always smooth.
Entering the middle third, the ash begins to flake a little around the veins and I give it a small touch up when it gets slightly uneven on one edge. I lose the ash at about 1-1.5”, probably because I had to touch up, but continue to relax in the recliner and savor the changes. The creaminess that began a couple minutes earlier now reminds me of caramel and the promised sweetness is budding, but very light. The strength has leveled off at what I would call a medium-body. The earthy flavor is replaced by more tobacco and the cedar is almost gone. I can’t put my finger on the spice – it’s not peppery or jalepeno (like and opus) maybe chili or something but I can’t put a finger on it.
As the middle gives way to the final third, the ash has gotten slightly flaky again and I give her a second touchup. Now there is a slightly woody taste accompanying the caramel like sweetness. There’s a bitter aspect I also can’t put my finger on and the strength build a little bit more. As I enter the finish the caramel is all but gone now and there is bitter, but not unpleasant, undercurrent of flavor with the woody tobacco primary flavors.
It’s just after midnight when I set the final half-inch down and begin to collate my notes. The flavor that stays with me after I retire the nub is the bitter-woody blend. I would call it a medium-full stick but am not very sure what it is yet, so I go to the letter.
<drumroll>
It’s a DCM #5!
Nice smoke and bit surpising. I’ve had very few DCMs and none that were too memorable, until now. It was not as strong as I would have expected from previous reviews of the #5 I’ve seen, but a good smoke none-the-less. Something I will definitely consider for future rotation, esp. on days I don’t necessarily want an LFD or other really strong stick.
Thank you again Kevin, it was a surprise and a pleasure.
More pictures can be found in my album at:
Treamayne's Album
-K-
It appears to be a 5” x 50-ish ring Robusto of a Dark Natural or Maduro shade. Coloring is even, construction is excellent with only a couple small veins. The foot seems to have very minor damage, but nothing of consequence. The cigar is firm, and seems to have two small “hard” spots that I’ll keep my eye on. Aroma is earthy with a slight sweetness that makes me lean toward the maduro side of things, but I’m keeping an open mind. Scent puts me in mind of MX2 or Brazilia.
I clip the cap with my double bladed cutter and take a few pre-light test draws. Draw is smooth and even, so whatever I felt earlier doesn’t seem to inhibit the draw at all. Again, there is a hint of sweetness in the pre-light taste and the end is nice and firm while the foot is slightly springy. I toast the end and take a nice whiff of the early scent – earthy with maybe a hint of cedar(?). Not like any CAO I remember, so my first perceptions were deceiving. I then finish the light with a 3” Cedar match from the Havana Club of Kuala Lumpur (located next to the Hard Rock for any that may get to visit). The sagas begins….
The first couple draws are smooth but almost empty of flavor. I would call the smoke volume a medium. Slowly the earthy tobacco flavor begins, but without a hint of the promised sweetness I scented on the pre-light. The burn is nice and even to start and the ash is a light-grey to white (but not Havana White). Strength seems a bit low (although this may have to do with a comparison to the really potent smokes I usually have) and I test the waters with both a French inhale and nasal exhale (not back to back) within the first third. I can scent a creaminess that I don’t taste yet. As the first third wanes, the strength begins to build and I begin to taste a slight creaminess, not like a Davidhoff, but different. For the flavor, I would almost expect a chewier smoke, but the volume stays about medium though the draw is always smooth.
Entering the middle third, the ash begins to flake a little around the veins and I give it a small touch up when it gets slightly uneven on one edge. I lose the ash at about 1-1.5”, probably because I had to touch up, but continue to relax in the recliner and savor the changes. The creaminess that began a couple minutes earlier now reminds me of caramel and the promised sweetness is budding, but very light. The strength has leveled off at what I would call a medium-body. The earthy flavor is replaced by more tobacco and the cedar is almost gone. I can’t put my finger on the spice – it’s not peppery or jalepeno (like and opus) maybe chili or something but I can’t put a finger on it.
As the middle gives way to the final third, the ash has gotten slightly flaky again and I give her a second touchup. Now there is a slightly woody taste accompanying the caramel like sweetness. There’s a bitter aspect I also can’t put my finger on and the strength build a little bit more. As I enter the finish the caramel is all but gone now and there is bitter, but not unpleasant, undercurrent of flavor with the woody tobacco primary flavors.
It’s just after midnight when I set the final half-inch down and begin to collate my notes. The flavor that stays with me after I retire the nub is the bitter-woody blend. I would call it a medium-full stick but am not very sure what it is yet, so I go to the letter.
<drumroll>
It’s a DCM #5!
Nice smoke and bit surpising. I’ve had very few DCMs and none that were too memorable, until now. It was not as strong as I would have expected from previous reviews of the #5 I’ve seen, but a good smoke none-the-less. Something I will definitely consider for future rotation, esp. on days I don’t necessarily want an LFD or other really strong stick.
Thank you again Kevin, it was a surprise and a pleasure.
More pictures can be found in my album at:
Treamayne's Album
-K-
I got a very nice selection from Treamayne, and among them was a perfectly wrapped light brown corona. The wrapper was nearly perfect and smelled very nice. I think it could be a Davidoff or a Cuban RyJ despite the fact it doesn’t smell like other Cubans I have in my humidor. It was Friday morning March 23, 2007, 11 am, and I am “working” from home. It’s a humid day but nice out, and I go to the back porch to light this sucker up.
The cigar cuts perfectly and I don’t taste very much prelight. I torch it and begin to smoke it. The first third is absolutely great and I love the flavors – cedary and a light honey taste. There is no bitterness and the draw is perfect. The cigar does not burn perfectly even.
The ash fell right after this picture and the burn evens out quickly, remaining steady for the rest of the smoke. The ash is a marble grey and flaky – I can’t hold the ash very long going forward. I no longer think this is a Cuban because it lacks the typical Cuban tobacco flavors. It is loosely wrapped and mild. It’s very smooth, and I believe the tobacco quality is very high - making me to believe this is not a regular $4 smoke.
There is absolutely no harshness in the smoke but the delightful flavors are there, even though they have mellowed out a bit and harder to taste, somewhat disappointing me because I was enjoying it so much.
Towards the end, I notice a faint alcohol-like flavor and some more earthiness but overall the flavors are still very similar to what I originally tasted. It has been pretty consistent throughout.
I smoke it to about half inch or so is left. I’d compare it to a much, much better CAO Gold, but with more pronounced flavors. I’m pretty sure I’ve never had this stick before. So let’s see what it is.
Zino Platinum Sceptre Low Rider!
I very much enjoyed the 45 minute smoke. My favorite part was the first third, but the flavors mellowed out from there and wish there was more of it. My initial thoughts – based mostly on its flawless construction and later milder tastes – of it being a Davidoff were correct. It’s a mild smoke, so not for everyone, but I would love to smoke these again. My first Davidoff! Thanks, Treamayne!
The cigar cuts perfectly and I don’t taste very much prelight. I torch it and begin to smoke it. The first third is absolutely great and I love the flavors – cedary and a light honey taste. There is no bitterness and the draw is perfect. The cigar does not burn perfectly even.
The ash fell right after this picture and the burn evens out quickly, remaining steady for the rest of the smoke. The ash is a marble grey and flaky – I can’t hold the ash very long going forward. I no longer think this is a Cuban because it lacks the typical Cuban tobacco flavors. It is loosely wrapped and mild. It’s very smooth, and I believe the tobacco quality is very high - making me to believe this is not a regular $4 smoke.
There is absolutely no harshness in the smoke but the delightful flavors are there, even though they have mellowed out a bit and harder to taste, somewhat disappointing me because I was enjoying it so much.
Towards the end, I notice a faint alcohol-like flavor and some more earthiness but overall the flavors are still very similar to what I originally tasted. It has been pretty consistent throughout.
I smoke it to about half inch or so is left. I’d compare it to a much, much better CAO Gold, but with more pronounced flavors. I’m pretty sure I’ve never had this stick before. So let’s see what it is.
Zino Platinum Sceptre Low Rider!
I very much enjoyed the 45 minute smoke. My favorite part was the first third, but the flavors mellowed out from there and wish there was more of it. My initial thoughts – based mostly on its flawless construction and later milder tastes – of it being a Davidoff were correct. It’s a mild smoke, so not for everyone, but I would love to smoke these again. My first Davidoff! Thanks, Treamayne!
davidr2340
Craft Beer Lover...
- Joined
- Apr 18, 2006
- Messages
- 2,665
Great review bro!!!
What happened to your Esc key?!?!
What happened to your Esc key?!?!
jfields
Where did all my money go?
- Joined
- Jan 25, 2007
- Messages
- 16,277
:laugh:Great review bro!!!
What happened to your Esc key?!?!
Treamayne
On the run...
- Joined
- May 19, 2004
- Messages
- 1,482
Glad you enjoyed the mystery stick....Sorry the flavors didn't hold out. I've had a few Zino's that did that as well, but not all. Not sure if it is a characteristic of the brand and I don't smoke them often since I usually prefer a stronger stick, but I've found them to be good after-lunch smokes.
-K-
-K-
Pics will be posted later!
Gary sent me a nice stick.
A oily maduro colored belicoso.
I clipped this stick and took a pre-light draw.
It had an almost Anejo-y taste slightly sour with a raisin tone.
Not sour in a bad way though!
The draw is tight but I like it that way!
Lighting it up it exploded into flavor.
Chocolate/cocoa flavors.
A nice full bodied smoke!
It noses easily.
The ash is nice and firm, striated light grey.
Coffee notes appear with a nice light spice on the nose.
Burnt cherry undertones appear.
Have I had this smoke before?
Damn it's familiar!
Sourness and earth come out at about the 2/3 mark.
Raisin, creamy chocolate and leather here.
It finished woody and the earthiness became a little musty at the nub.
I smoked it as far as I could.
A very enjoyable smoke but I am clueless to what it actually is!
Of course Gary did not provide me with the answer... :laugh:
Thanks for the great smokes mango!
-Rob
Gary sent me a nice stick.
A oily maduro colored belicoso.
I clipped this stick and took a pre-light draw.
It had an almost Anejo-y taste slightly sour with a raisin tone.
Not sour in a bad way though!
The draw is tight but I like it that way!
Lighting it up it exploded into flavor.
Chocolate/cocoa flavors.
A nice full bodied smoke!
It noses easily.
The ash is nice and firm, striated light grey.
Coffee notes appear with a nice light spice on the nose.
Burnt cherry undertones appear.
Have I had this smoke before?
Damn it's familiar!
Sourness and earth come out at about the 2/3 mark.
Raisin, creamy chocolate and leather here.
It finished woody and the earthiness became a little musty at the nub.
I smoked it as far as I could.
A very enjoyable smoke but I am clueless to what it actually is!
Of course Gary did not provide me with the answer... :laugh:
Thanks for the great smokes mango!
-Rob
Wow!
I knew those flavors...
I should have put the pieces of the puzzle together.
The Cuban Beli did cross my mind but it seemed to have a darker wrapper then I remember.
The ash was definately Fuente now that I think about it.
I was thinking of digging in the humi to compare it with the Cuban Belis I have but I got lazy and just smoked the sucker!
Gary, did this have any age on it?
Either way I need to get a new box or two!
-Rob
grateful1
Oh My!
- Joined
- Feb 6, 2006
- Messages
- 19,596
What's with all the friggin' questions - it's only Wednesday! :angry:
Yes...a few years.
Pics will be posted later!
Gary sent me a nice stick.
A oily maduro colored belicoso.
I clipped this stick and took a pre-light draw.
It had an almost Anejo-y taste slightly sour with a raisin tone.
Not sour in a bad way though!
The draw is tight but I like it that way!
Lighting it up it exploded into flavor.
Chocolate/cocoa flavors.
A nice full bodied smoke!
It noses easily.
The ash is nice and firm, striated light grey.
Coffee notes appear with a nice light spice on the nose.
Burnt cherry undertones appear.
Have I had this smoke before?
Damn it's familiar!
Sourness and earth come out at about the 2/3 mark.
Raisin, creamy chocolate and leather here.
DOH!
It finished woody and the earthiness became a little musty at the nub.
I smoked it as far as I could.
A very enjoyable smoke but I am clueless to what it actually is!
Of course Gary did not provide me with the answer... :laugh:
Thanks for the great smokes mango!
-Rob
Pics!
-Rob
edit to fix photos
Blue Dragon
Can't Re-Member
- Joined
- Jul 18, 2005
- Messages
- 2,101
I just came across a really good article on cigar tasting and also blind cigar tasting from Moki's site. Nice one Andrew! :thumbs:
Cigar Tasting 101 - Vitolas.net
Five Steps to Blind Tasing a Cigar
I have added these links to the first post for future reference too.
Cigar Tasting 101 - Vitolas.net
Five Steps to Blind Tasing a Cigar
I have added these links to the first post for future reference too.