I just finished my trip from Napa Valley to South Carolina. I've missed you guys. Since I was bored out of my mind I did a little experiment:
One caveat; my tastes are unique (of course) I just want to share my experience, so here is what I did.
I visited every B&M I could (almost every state I drove through) over the past couple of weeks, and since I'm traditionally a hardcore Maduro guy, specifically Nicaraguan, I wanted to get out of my comfort zone. I did a Drew Estate test focusing on lighter Corona's, infused, etc.
First, there are some really awesome Cigars Stores, to name a few: The Squire in Santa Rosa, CA is a great lounge with friendly and knowledgable people. Highly recommended.
The Humidor, Cigars and Lounge in Wichita is great, and those guys love to party. The Smokey Cigar in Hendersonville, TN has a HUGE walk in and a great line of accessories. I got a Colibri Jet flame and its the best lighter I've ever used. And lastly, Lite um up Cigars in Columbia, SC. Great guy with his own Rocky Patel blend called the Man Cave. He's a Vet and we talked for at least an hour about his adventure in creating his own blend with RP.
On to my cross country experience with DE. Here is what I smoked:
isla del sol- Sumatra wrapper, aged Nicaraguan, coffee infused. I guess it was good, but I was disappointed, I love coffee and I just didn't get it. It has a sweetened cap and maybe that's what it was. 3 stars.
Legends Copper Label- This one is half Acid and half Naturals. Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper, Nicaraguan long filler, and one Dominican Piloto leaf. Lots of amaretto and hazelnut. I hate hazelnut. Definitely not for me. 3 stars.
Acid Kuba Kuba- Infused with herbs, oils, and botanicals. I remember distinctly loving this cigar in my earlier days of smoking but it's way to sweet for me now. I know it's their most popular cigar, but again, I can't do it anymore. 3 stars.
Java Maduro- I had high hopes for this stick. I love coffee, and hay, it's a Maduro. But no, it tasted like cream and nuts. Totally disappointed, 2 stars.
Natural (dirt, I think)- I was pleasantly surprised by this one. The binder sticks out past the wrapper and lit well. It has a crazy blend from all over the world in Countries you don't normally associate with premium Cigars. After the last few I was totally surprised and happy about this one. It wasn't very strong, just smooth, like you forget you're smoking.
So, it was obvious I'm still a fan of bold and strong Maduro's, I just had to try to mix it up and figured this trip would make for a great experience. I had to redeem Drew, He has always been one of my favorites, coming up with highly original cigars, I just hadn't had one in a while. I should also say again that these weren't necessarily bad cigars. They all lit well, burned well, the construction was great, etc. So I'm not trying to piss any one off here. Just sharing my experience which is highly subjective. I still like the company. But something had to be done...
Introducing the MUWAT- HERE IT IS! The smoke I've been waiting for, Jonathan Drew; just when I think it can't get any worse you go and do something like this, AND COMPLETELY REDEEM YOURSELF.
From the Subculture Studio; a dark, oily, 60 ring San Andres Maduro with Nicaraguan and Dominican fillers. Great flavor all the way to the nub. earth, leather, pepper, sweetness, cocoa. Burned cool and smooth. I fell in love again. Thanks DE.
For those of you still with me, thanks for reading my little story. I had a great time and learned to stick with what I know. I missed BOTL on my trip and have been excited to get back on here and share my experience. By the way, I picked up the Xicar ash can for the car. I normally smoke outside and have never had an ash tray. This thing is freaking awesome. I'll use it as my everyday asher now, it holds your smokes when your hands are busy, takes ash off the foot without messing up your burn, and when your done the lid closes everything up tight. Log on to CI now and get one, they're only $15 and made entirely of stainless steel. I look forward to any comments on these smokes.
One caveat; my tastes are unique (of course) I just want to share my experience, so here is what I did.
I visited every B&M I could (almost every state I drove through) over the past couple of weeks, and since I'm traditionally a hardcore Maduro guy, specifically Nicaraguan, I wanted to get out of my comfort zone. I did a Drew Estate test focusing on lighter Corona's, infused, etc.
First, there are some really awesome Cigars Stores, to name a few: The Squire in Santa Rosa, CA is a great lounge with friendly and knowledgable people. Highly recommended.
The Humidor, Cigars and Lounge in Wichita is great, and those guys love to party. The Smokey Cigar in Hendersonville, TN has a HUGE walk in and a great line of accessories. I got a Colibri Jet flame and its the best lighter I've ever used. And lastly, Lite um up Cigars in Columbia, SC. Great guy with his own Rocky Patel blend called the Man Cave. He's a Vet and we talked for at least an hour about his adventure in creating his own blend with RP.
On to my cross country experience with DE. Here is what I smoked:
isla del sol- Sumatra wrapper, aged Nicaraguan, coffee infused. I guess it was good, but I was disappointed, I love coffee and I just didn't get it. It has a sweetened cap and maybe that's what it was. 3 stars.
Legends Copper Label- This one is half Acid and half Naturals. Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper, Nicaraguan long filler, and one Dominican Piloto leaf. Lots of amaretto and hazelnut. I hate hazelnut. Definitely not for me. 3 stars.
Acid Kuba Kuba- Infused with herbs, oils, and botanicals. I remember distinctly loving this cigar in my earlier days of smoking but it's way to sweet for me now. I know it's their most popular cigar, but again, I can't do it anymore. 3 stars.
Java Maduro- I had high hopes for this stick. I love coffee, and hay, it's a Maduro. But no, it tasted like cream and nuts. Totally disappointed, 2 stars.
Natural (dirt, I think)- I was pleasantly surprised by this one. The binder sticks out past the wrapper and lit well. It has a crazy blend from all over the world in Countries you don't normally associate with premium Cigars. After the last few I was totally surprised and happy about this one. It wasn't very strong, just smooth, like you forget you're smoking.
So, it was obvious I'm still a fan of bold and strong Maduro's, I just had to try to mix it up and figured this trip would make for a great experience. I had to redeem Drew, He has always been one of my favorites, coming up with highly original cigars, I just hadn't had one in a while. I should also say again that these weren't necessarily bad cigars. They all lit well, burned well, the construction was great, etc. So I'm not trying to piss any one off here. Just sharing my experience which is highly subjective. I still like the company. But something had to be done...
Introducing the MUWAT- HERE IT IS! The smoke I've been waiting for, Jonathan Drew; just when I think it can't get any worse you go and do something like this, AND COMPLETELY REDEEM YOURSELF.
From the Subculture Studio; a dark, oily, 60 ring San Andres Maduro with Nicaraguan and Dominican fillers. Great flavor all the way to the nub. earth, leather, pepper, sweetness, cocoa. Burned cool and smooth. I fell in love again. Thanks DE.
For those of you still with me, thanks for reading my little story. I had a great time and learned to stick with what I know. I missed BOTL on my trip and have been excited to get back on here and share my experience. By the way, I picked up the Xicar ash can for the car. I normally smoke outside and have never had an ash tray. This thing is freaking awesome. I'll use it as my everyday asher now, it holds your smokes when your hands are busy, takes ash off the foot without messing up your burn, and when your done the lid closes everything up tight. Log on to CI now and get one, they're only $15 and made entirely of stainless steel. I look forward to any comments on these smokes.
