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Blind Cigar Review Thread #2

I think this guy's had enough time in the humi, so time to knock out a review! I usually shy away from the larger vitolas like Churchills and Double Coronas due to the long time they take to smoke, so I made sure I had plenty of time this evening. I also made sure it was following a huge, fantastic dinner-- schwein steaks and potato salad. I decided to pair it with a big bottle of Leffe Brune. The weather is gorgeous outside this evening, so I set up shop on the deck behind our house.

The cigar measures about 6 7/8" x 48ish and has a dark, blotchy wrapper that smells very sweet. It's too dark to be a Cuban. After clipping the head with my Xikar, I take a cold draw. Nothing too notable about the flavor, so I set fire to the foot as my two-year old daughter, mischievously trying to play with my camera, looks up at the smoke and points, exclaiming, "Clouds!"

The first third gives a very spicy flavor that I feel from my lips all the way to the back of my throat. Does it taste like English mustard? Could that be because I had English mustard with my schwein steaks tonight? Something to ponder I suppose. The cigar produces loads of gray smoke which continues to captivate me but soon loses my daughter's interest. She goes back into the house to play with Mom as I continue to analyze what I'm tasting. There's definitely some sweetness there with a mineral taste on the finish. This finish tastes like a Fuente.

The flavors work well with the Leffe. As the cigar continues to build in flavor and complexity, I'm amazed by how tight the ash is and how well it's holding on. It finally falls at about an inch and three quarters. Towards the end of the first third the sweetness has built substantially.

Going into the second third, I'm trying to figure out how best to describe the complexity of the taste. I can't describe this profile as "smooth"; instead there's an more of an interplay going on between the spiciness and sweetness tied together by a woody core. As the cigar burns on, this back and fourth continues. It's definitely opened up now and is tasting really good. On a few draws I think I pick up a little allspice. The second ash falls off after about an inch and a half.

The cigars begins to peter out in the final third. The complexity begins to abate, yielding spice and wood. The sweetness is going away and a touch of bitterness is starting to creep in. I'm trying to smoke it gradually, so I conscientiously try to slow down more. I slow down too much--it goes out. After a purge and a relight the spice/wood profile and mineral finish return. I'm really thinking this a Fuente now. With about an inch and a half left it goes out one more time. She's given me all she has to give. This was a very good smoke!

Total smoking time was 1:55, and it had a little bit of a nic kick. My guess is a Fuente, but I'm not sure what. It's a darker wrapper, so something sungrown maybe? It couldn't be an Anejo, could it? I did notice when I took it out of the humi that it looked pretty similar to the celloed, cedared and banded Anejos I won in Kid Montana's Father's Day contest. Was my blind review tainted by the strength of that idea? I sure hope not...

The reveal-- a 2005 Anejo No.48! Wow, it had that much spice with five years of downtime! Amazing. I don't know if I want to meet one of these cigars fresh--I think it would kick the crap out of me! Greg, thanks for giving me the opportunity to try my first Anejo. It was a great experience!

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That's one of the lightest colored Anejo I've seen. I guess it could just be the pictures. Glad you enjoyed it, because those are excellent cigars.
 
That's one of the lightest colored Anejo I've seen. I guess it could just be the pictures. Glad you enjoyed it, because those are excellent cigars.

It looks lighter in the pictures. Must have been the early evening lighting outside. Excellent indeed.
 
Well done Barry. Cute kid too.

Thanks, Clint! The Mrs says she looks too grumpy in that picture, but I think she looks adorable.

So you're up! I'm excited to see what you think of the blind stick.
 
About two weeks ago, Clint sent me an unbanded fiver so I decided to start off with cigar #1 for the required review. There will be four more reviews to come....

OK. This cigar is roughly 5"x50 and its a beauty. It has a gorgeous golden colorado wrapper with 2-3 veins running up and down the cigar. This is how all cigars should be rolled. Firm, but not over filled with a prefect pre lit draw with just enough resistance. I get a touch of cinnamon and a slight taste of cedar. Tastes like a cuban.

Spot for picture

Once I get the cigar going, thick, rich smoke pours from my mouth. It has such an effortless draw. I get very little spice and a lot of the "Cubanesque" profile. This cigar shows a fair amount of hay, cinnamon and a weird floral taste on the finish. And what a long finish it is!!
So far, so good.

Spot for picture

About halfway through, I am tasting a lot of leather with very little cinnamon, if any, showing through. The construction of this cigar is impeccable. I am still getting a little cedar. This cigar is very balanced as there has been zero bitterness and no dull spots in the cigar. The flavors flow nicely into each other.

Spot for picture

The last third is full of leather and I am getting a little nuttiness towards the end. I smoked this bad boy to the nub.

I am pretty sure this is a Cuban cigar. The balance and smoothness has me thinking this has some age to it. Maybe from 2004-2005. My guess is a Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No.2. I have had the pleasure of smoking this cigar a couple of times and felt that it reminded me of it. This was a nice medium bodied smoke. I liked it.

Clint, what is it?
 
Very well done, Joe. It was in fact a 2006 RASS. They are smoking amazingly right now with an amazing taste to them. Glad to hear you enjoyed it.
 
Very well done, Joe. It was in fact a 2006 RASS. They are smoking amazingly right now with an amazing taste to them. Glad to hear you enjoyed it.

Get the f@*# out of here. I've smoked a hand full of RASS before, the majority of them 2008 and younger, and I hated every single one. Bitter, unbalanced and tasted like ass!! I am shocked!!! Definitely a B+/A- smoke.
 
Time to get off my butt and fulfill my obligation, so here goes:

Barry sent me a wonderful selection of smokes and it it was this beautiful looking belicoso. It has a dark wrapper and looks about 6 1/2 inches by about a 50 or 52 ring gauge to the naked eye. Pre cut it has a wonderful tobacco aroma to it with the promise of deep, rich flavors. I'm really looking forward to this.

Start.jpg


After I cut it, I get strong fermented tobacco taste at cold. The draw seems to be spot on and that's a relief as I occasionally stink at cutting belicosos. The cigar lights easily enough and produces a good amount of blue smoke. Right off the bat I get a good amount of familiar spice that screams Don Pepin to me. After a couple of puffs the spice is joined by a strong, black coffee taste. I'm initially thinking this is a Tatuaje. The original Brown labels are among my favorite but this is lacking the 'mustiness' I get from them. There is a dry finish to this cigar that seems odd but the flavors and aroma are really hitting my sweet spot.

Firstthird.jpg


Through the first third the flavors are consistent with the first couple of puffs; strong tobacco, black coffee and spice. I'm really enjoying this so far. The smoke remains voluminous and a very light gray ash is forming. Not a razor sharp burn but it is certainly not a problem. The first third ends the way it began with the aforementioned flavors still dominant.

Middle.jpg


The middle third starts to show an odd ash forming, but it didn't last for more than four hours so I didn't call a doctor ;) . A creaminess starts to appear that wasn't their earlier and it is a wonderful addition to the coffee and spice that remain from the first third. I hit the halfway point after about 45min and this cigar is getting better the more I smoke. The ash falls around the midway point and after a quick purge of the cigar the creamed coffee and spice flavors are still there. I normally take my coffee black but this is a real treat.

Lastthird.jpg


The final third starts with some new flavors presenting themselves. After about an inch after the ash fell, I'm reminded of the Triunfador lanceros that I've enjoyed. The coffee flavors aren't as prevalent as the first 2/3 of the cigar but the creaminess and spice are still there. I usually get a strong tea and spice from the Triunfadors that I've smoked and there is that profile there in this cigar but it is creamier than that, which is great for me. There are a couple of times one side runs on me and a few touch ups are required but it doesn't take away from the wonderful flavors and aromas I'm getting out of this. I would bet good money that this is a Tat but I'm just not familiar with this size and shape. The richness and full body remain throughout this cigar and the slightly changing profile really made this a joy to smoke. It went from a strong coffee and spice to a creamy richness with the spice tagging along the entire time. As I hit the one hour and forty minute mark I am burning my fingers holding a nub of a great cigar.

Nub.jpg


This smoke was an absolute joy so a big shout out to Barry for allowing me the pleasure of trying it. It made an otherwise dull drive go by quickly. (Note: Closed course and professional driver. Please don't attempt a driving review at home.) From the first few puffs I was reminded of the familiar DPG spice and the Tatuaje profiles so I am going to go with my gut and guess Tatuaje Aristas. I've not had one before but the that is the only belicoso in the Havana line. What's the verdict Barry?
 
Time to get off my butt and fulfill my obligation, so here goes:

Barry sent me a wonderful selection of smokes and it it was this beautiful looking belicoso. It has a dark wrapper and looks about 6 1/2 inches by about a 50 or 52 ring gauge to the naked eye. Pre cut it has a wonderful tobacco aroma to it with the promise of deep, rich flavors. I'm really looking forward to this.

Start.jpg


After I cut it, I get strong fermented tobacco taste at cold. The draw seems to be spot on and that's a relief as I occasionally stink at cutting belicosos. The cigar lights easily enough and produces a good amount of blue smoke. Right off the bat I get a good amount of familiar spice that screams Don Pepin to me. After a couple of puffs the spice is joined by a strong, black coffee taste. I'm initially thinking this is a Tatuaje. The original Brown labels are among my favorite but this is lacking the 'mustiness' I get from them. There is a dry finish to this cigar that seems odd but the flavors and aroma are really hitting my sweet spot.

Firstthird.jpg


Through the first third the flavors are consistent with the first couple of puffs; strong tobacco, black coffee and spice. I'm really enjoying this so far. The smoke remains voluminous and a very light gray ash is forming. Not a razor sharp burn but it is certainly not a problem. The first third ends the way it began with the aforementioned flavors still dominant.

Middle.jpg


The middle third starts to show an odd ash forming, but it didn't last for more than four hours so I didn't call a doctor ;) . A creaminess starts to appear that wasn't their earlier and it is a wonderful addition to the coffee and spice that remain from the first third. I hit the halfway point after about 45min and this cigar is getting better the more I smoke. The ash falls around the midway point and after a quick purge of the cigar the creamed coffee and spice flavors are still there. I normally take my coffee black but this is a real treat.

Lastthird.jpg


The final third starts with some new flavors presenting themselves. After about an inch after the ash fell, I'm reminded of the Triunfador lanceros that I've enjoyed. The coffee flavors aren't as prevalent as the first 2/3 of the cigar but the creaminess and spice are still there. I usually get a strong tea and spice from the Triunfadors that I've smoked and there is that profile there in this cigar but it is creamier than that, which is great for me. There are a couple of times one side runs on me and a few touch ups are required but it doesn't take away from the wonderful flavors and aromas I'm getting out of this. I would bet good money that this is a Tat but I'm just not familiar with this size and shape. The richness and full body remain throughout this cigar and the slightly changing profile really made this a joy to smoke. It went from a strong coffee and spice to a creamy richness with the spice tagging along the entire time. As I hit the one hour and forty minute mark I am burning my fingers holding a nub of a great cigar.

Nub.jpg


This smoke was an absolute joy so a big shout out to Barry for allowing me the pleasure of trying it. It made an otherwise dull drive go by quickly. (Note: Closed course and professional driver. Please don't attempt a driving review at home.) From the first few puffs I was reminded of the familiar DPG spice and the Tatuaje profiles so I am going to go with my gut and guess Tatuaje Aristas. I've not had one before but the that is the only belicoso in the Havana line. What's the verdict Barry?

I have the utmost respect for Clint.

Clint was smoking a cigar, while doing 70mph, at 4000 RPMs, taking pictures of said cigar... I would have shit my pants if I was in the car with him...

What was steering while using one hand to hold the cigar and one hand to take the picture :sign:?
 
Time to get off my butt and fulfill my obligation, so here goes:

Barry sent me a wonderful selection of smokes and it it was this beautiful looking belicoso. It has a dark wrapper and looks about 6 1/2 inches by about a 50 or 52 ring gauge to the naked eye. Pre cut it has a wonderful tobacco aroma to it with the promise of deep, rich flavors. I'm really looking forward to this.

Start.jpg


After I cut it, I get strong fermented tobacco taste at cold. The draw seems to be spot on and that's a relief as I occasionally stink at cutting belicosos. The cigar lights easily enough and produces a good amount of blue smoke. Right off the bat I get a good amount of familiar spice that screams Don Pepin to me. After a couple of puffs the spice is joined by a strong, black coffee taste. I'm initially thinking this is a Tatuaje. The original Brown labels are among my favorite but this is lacking the 'mustiness' I get from them. There is a dry finish to this cigar that seems odd but the flavors and aroma are really hitting my sweet spot.

Firstthird.jpg


Through the first third the flavors are consistent with the first couple of puffs; strong tobacco, black coffee and spice. I'm really enjoying this so far. The smoke remains voluminous and a very light gray ash is forming. Not a razor sharp burn but it is certainly not a problem. The first third ends the way it began with the aforementioned flavors still dominant.

Middle.jpg


The middle third starts to show an odd ash forming, but it didn't last for more than four hours so I didn't call a doctor ;) . A creaminess starts to appear that wasn't their earlier and it is a wonderful addition to the coffee and spice that remain from the first third. I hit the halfway point after about 45min and this cigar is getting better the more I smoke. The ash falls around the midway point and after a quick purge of the cigar the creamed coffee and spice flavors are still there. I normally take my coffee black but this is a real treat.

Lastthird.jpg


The final third starts with some new flavors presenting themselves. After about an inch after the ash fell, I'm reminded of the Triunfador lanceros that I've enjoyed. The coffee flavors aren't as prevalent as the first 2/3 of the cigar but the creaminess and spice are still there. I usually get a strong tea and spice from the Triunfadors that I've smoked and there is that profile there in this cigar but it is creamier than that, which is great for me. There are a couple of times one side runs on me and a few touch ups are required but it doesn't take away from the wonderful flavors and aromas I'm getting out of this. I would bet good money that this is a Tat but I'm just not familiar with this size and shape. The richness and full body remain throughout this cigar and the slightly changing profile really made this a joy to smoke. It went from a strong coffee and spice to a creamy richness with the spice tagging along the entire time. As I hit the one hour and forty minute mark I am burning my fingers holding a nub of a great cigar.

Nub.jpg


This smoke was an absolute joy so a big shout out to Barry for allowing me the pleasure of trying it. It made an otherwise dull drive go by quickly. (Note: Closed course and professional driver. Please don't attempt a driving review at home.) From the first few puffs I was reminded of the familiar DPG spice and the Tatuaje profiles so I am going to go with my gut and guess Tatuaje Aristas. I've not had one before but the that is the only belicoso in the Havana line. What's the verdict Barry?

I have the utmost respect for Clint.

Clint was smoking a cigar, while doing 70mph, at 4000 RPMs, taking pictures of said cigar... I would have shit my pants if I was in the car with him...

What was steering while using one hand to hold the cigar and one hand to take the picture :sign:?

while reading the review I notice that :D then i saw where he was from hes lucky he didn't run into a cornfield :laugh:
 
Clint, spot on review! You get bonus points for the first behind-the-wheel review I think I've ever seen.

The cigar was an Arturo Fuente Sungrown Cuban Belicoso purchased in January of '08. It's a good smoke that with some age turns a fantastic one. I'm glad you enjoyed it!
 
Criminy, I suck. I don't think I've ever had the Cuban Beli before but there is no way on God's green Earth I would've guessed Fuente. I would've bet the farm that was Nicaraguan tobacco and the peppery spice was spot on DPG. Thanks again for the smokes, this was a lot of fun to do. Now I need to finish my slice of Humble Pie.
 
Time to get off my butt and fulfill my obligation, so here goes:

Barry sent me a wonderful selection of smokes and it it was this beautiful looking belicoso. It has a dark wrapper and looks about 6 1/2 inches by about a 50 or 52 ring gauge to the naked eye. Pre cut it has a wonderful tobacco aroma to it with the promise of deep, rich flavors. I'm really looking forward to this.

Start.jpg


After I cut it, I get strong fermented tobacco taste at cold. The draw seems to be spot on and that's a relief as I occasionally stink at cutting belicosos. The cigar lights easily enough and produces a good amount of blue smoke. Right off the bat I get a good amount of familiar spice that screams Don Pepin to me. After a couple of puffs the spice is joined by a strong, black coffee taste. I'm initially thinking this is a Tatuaje. The original Brown labels are among my favorite but this is lacking the 'mustiness' I get from them. There is a dry finish to this cigar that seems odd but the flavors and aroma are really hitting my sweet spot.

Firstthird.jpg


Through the first third the flavors are consistent with the first couple of puffs; strong tobacco, black coffee and spice. I'm really enjoying this so far. The smoke remains voluminous and a very light gray ash is forming. Not a razor sharp burn but it is certainly not a problem. The first third ends the way it began with the aforementioned flavors still dominant.

Middle.jpg


The middle third starts to show an odd ash forming, but it didn't last for more than four hours so I didn't call a doctor ;) . A creaminess starts to appear that wasn't their earlier and it is a wonderful addition to the coffee and spice that remain from the first third. I hit the halfway point after about 45min and this cigar is getting better the more I smoke. The ash falls around the midway point and after a quick purge of the cigar the creamed coffee and spice flavors are still there. I normally take my coffee black but this is a real treat.

Lastthird.jpg


The final third starts with some new flavors presenting themselves. After about an inch after the ash fell, I'm reminded of the Triunfador lanceros that I've enjoyed. The coffee flavors aren't as prevalent as the first 2/3 of the cigar but the creaminess and spice are still there. I usually get a strong tea and spice from the Triunfadors that I've smoked and there is that profile there in this cigar but it is creamier than that, which is great for me. There are a couple of times one side runs on me and a few touch ups are required but it doesn't take away from the wonderful flavors and aromas I'm getting out of this. I would bet good money that this is a Tat but I'm just not familiar with this size and shape. The richness and full body remain throughout this cigar and the slightly changing profile really made this a joy to smoke. It went from a strong coffee and spice to a creamy richness with the spice tagging along the entire time. As I hit the one hour and forty minute mark I am burning my fingers holding a nub of a great cigar.

Nub.jpg


This smoke was an absolute joy so a big shout out to Barry for allowing me the pleasure of trying it. It made an otherwise dull drive go by quickly. (Note: Closed course and professional driver. Please don't attempt a driving review at home.) From the first few puffs I was reminded of the familiar DPG spice and the Tatuaje profiles so I am going to go with my gut and guess Tatuaje Aristas. I've not had one before but the that is the only belicoso in the Havana line. What's the verdict Barry?

I have the utmost respect for Clint.

Clint was smoking a cigar, while doing 70mph, at 4000 RPMs, taking pictures of said cigar... I would have shit my pants if I was in the car with him...

What was steering while using one hand to hold the cigar and one hand to take the picture :sign:?

while reading the review I notice that :D then i saw where he was from hes lucky he didn't run into a cornfield :laugh:

Clint runs into cornfields all the time. :laugh:
 
Criminy, I suck. I don't think I've ever had the Cuban Beli before but there is no way on God's green Earth I would've guessed Fuente. I would've bet the farm that was Nicaraguan tobacco and the peppery spice was spot on DPG. Thanks again for the smokes, this was a lot of fun to do. Now I need to finish my slice of Humble Pie.

Hey, no worries, Clint. I think you did great.
 
This was a blind review on an unknown cigar sent by a great BOTL Joe (vinnyvega)!

I am calling this one ATF. It is the last day before the regular school year starts, the sun is finally out after a few days of Fall like weather, and I have a new build I just finished (DPMS 5.56 upper on a POF lower). I am pairing the smoke with an 18 year old Glenfiddich to kick things off right.
The stick is a little over 6".” Toro?” Ring gauge 46. Natural wrapper is oily, smooth, and very rich looking. Rosado in hue. There is some toothyness and are a few veins. The cigar feels firm to the touch. Pre-light draw tastes creamy and draw is perfect.

Starts out with a familiar taste. At first it reminds me of the Padilla habanos, but then it tastes really like a Johnny-O. My guess on the wrapper is that it is a corojo rosado or habano. Are they the same? Is there a big difference? I don't know enough to get it closer than that. Tastes a little like it is Nicaraguan. It is a medium body smoke. There is a creamy finish, but this is not a mild creamy, it has some strength behind it. Earthy, with pepper popping up after each draw. The first third the pepper is prevalent. During the 2nd third, the pepper has mellowed and the flavor turns more woody (cedar, oak?) with some sweetness (nuts?). The final third brings on more of the same, but the smoke has gone up in strength to a medium-full body.

The burn was sharp with well-formed light gray ash that held for about an inch and a half. I missed the ashtray the first time. I had to relight a couple times during the smoke. Too much typing, not enough smoking? A good amount of smoke from every draw. Still, it reminds me of some Johnny-O's I've had, though the ash seemed lighter than I recall.

It turns out the cigar was a Brick House. I have seen the advertisements, and I've seen them listed in cigar review magazines, but had yet to pick one up.

Thanks a lot Joe! I appreciate the experience with something new.

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Nice review Mike!! These are my favorite $5 NC smokes. I really do like what J.C. Newman did with this cigar.
 
Great review! I have always been curious as to whether or not these guys were worth it. Gonna have to pick some up.
 
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