I've never had it even though it tasted very familiar. I definitely enjoyed it!
blind 5ers
- Thread starter navyvet
- Start date
Unbanded Cigar #3 Courtesy of @nic
Paired with Perrier
This cigar appears to be a corona gorda, 46-48RG and about 6” long with a medium brown wrapper. The cigar is triple capped and looks good, is very firm with little give. Smells really good and reminds me of something I’ve had recently I’ve had but no luck remembering just yet.
I clip the end and check the draw. Pre-light draw is a little loose but I think it will smoke well. I’m not getting any noticeable flavors from pre-light draw but that’s not unusual for me. I toast it up and give it a couple puffs to get rolling. It is 9:30pm.
First third:
Smoke volume on this stick is moderate. Initial flavors are fantastic, if this keeps up I’ll be tracking down a box once I know what it is. It feels very familiar. I’m getting some earth flavors, a bit of leather and coffee. I notice a faitn hint of spice on the finish. The ash is bright white and the burn line is good but not perfect but I’m leaving it alone for now because it looks like it will self-correct. If I had to guess I’d say it was medium-full. I am smoking this a little too fast and get a twinge of bitterness so decide to slow down a bit. Ash falls off on its own about an inch in.
Second third:
Flavors are earth, leather and a bit of something I can’t describe – perhaps plum? It is a little bit naturally sweet and the smoke is smooth and creamy. The burn is good and anytime the burn line begins to wander it self-corrects so no touchups have been needed.
Final third:
Flavors have moved to a creamy plum/raisin flavor. This stick is excellent, everything I’m looking for in a cigar. Burn line has stayed razor sharp for a couple inches now and the ash likes to fall off on its own after about an inch. I am getting a little spice on the finish now. Called it at 11:10, total time 1:40.
Overall thoughts
This cigar was fantastic! Definitely box worthy, thank you Nic for sharing, now I just have to review 2 more so I can see what it is. However If I were to hazard a guess Paniolo would be my first thought.
Paired with Perrier
This cigar appears to be a corona gorda, 46-48RG and about 6” long with a medium brown wrapper. The cigar is triple capped and looks good, is very firm with little give. Smells really good and reminds me of something I’ve had recently I’ve had but no luck remembering just yet.
I clip the end and check the draw. Pre-light draw is a little loose but I think it will smoke well. I’m not getting any noticeable flavors from pre-light draw but that’s not unusual for me. I toast it up and give it a couple puffs to get rolling. It is 9:30pm.
First third:
Smoke volume on this stick is moderate. Initial flavors are fantastic, if this keeps up I’ll be tracking down a box once I know what it is. It feels very familiar. I’m getting some earth flavors, a bit of leather and coffee. I notice a faitn hint of spice on the finish. The ash is bright white and the burn line is good but not perfect but I’m leaving it alone for now because it looks like it will self-correct. If I had to guess I’d say it was medium-full. I am smoking this a little too fast and get a twinge of bitterness so decide to slow down a bit. Ash falls off on its own about an inch in.
Second third:
Flavors are earth, leather and a bit of something I can’t describe – perhaps plum? It is a little bit naturally sweet and the smoke is smooth and creamy. The burn is good and anytime the burn line begins to wander it self-corrects so no touchups have been needed.
Final third:
Flavors have moved to a creamy plum/raisin flavor. This stick is excellent, everything I’m looking for in a cigar. Burn line has stayed razor sharp for a couple inches now and the ash likes to fall off on its own after about an inch. I am getting a little spice on the finish now. Called it at 11:10, total time 1:40.
Overall thoughts
This cigar was fantastic! Definitely box worthy, thank you Nic for sharing, now I just have to review 2 more so I can see what it is. However If I were to hazard a guess Paniolo would be my first thought.
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Nice! Glad you liked it. I was hoping to set fire to #1 of yours but feeling a bit under the weather, hopefully I can kill this bug quickly and get back to the fun stuff
No rush, brother. Feel better!
Oh man I have been down for like 4 days with a wicked head cold I totally feel for you.
Feeling better today and work sucked so I needed a pick me up.
This is the @HollyVVOOD #1 stick and it looks to be a 5inch....54ish rg? Something like that. Wrapper is pretty toothy and a slight oil sheen
After lighting up and taking a few puffs I was surprised at the lack of a pepper punch, just a faint dark bitter cocoa. Whatever flavors I pick up disappear almost instantly and I'm quickly left with a relatively clean palate. The draw and smoke production were pretty much dead on perfect.
Through the first half not much change. The ash has held on rock solid and I can tell this thing is well made. As I progress I'm getting a bit more pronounced dryness and a few instances that are stronger in sweetness or almost a peppery bite but still the flavors dissipate so quickly they're hard to pinpoint. It very slightly reminds me of a Roma craft cromag I had not too long ago but this stick is toned way way down.
With about an inch and a half left, it became really hot and was starting to become harsh so I ended it about 10 min after this pic.
My ratings scale only has 4 levels
1 - holy shit that was delicious, I need a box...or twelve
2 - enjoyable, I'd smoke it again
3 - not so bueno, would prefer to not waste my time with this
4 - I need some roadkill to lick to get this "flavor" outta my mouth
This is solidly in the 2nd category. Slightly dulled flavors but overall enjoyable
This is the @HollyVVOOD #1 stick and it looks to be a 5inch....54ish rg? Something like that. Wrapper is pretty toothy and a slight oil sheen
After lighting up and taking a few puffs I was surprised at the lack of a pepper punch, just a faint dark bitter cocoa. Whatever flavors I pick up disappear almost instantly and I'm quickly left with a relatively clean palate. The draw and smoke production were pretty much dead on perfect.
Through the first half not much change. The ash has held on rock solid and I can tell this thing is well made. As I progress I'm getting a bit more pronounced dryness and a few instances that are stronger in sweetness or almost a peppery bite but still the flavors dissipate so quickly they're hard to pinpoint. It very slightly reminds me of a Roma craft cromag I had not too long ago but this stick is toned way way down.
With about an inch and a half left, it became really hot and was starting to become harsh so I ended it about 10 min after this pic.
My ratings scale only has 4 levels
1 - holy shit that was delicious, I need a box...or twelve
2 - enjoyable, I'd smoke it again
3 - not so bueno, would prefer to not waste my time with this
4 - I need some roadkill to lick to get this "flavor" outta my mouth
This is solidly in the 2nd category. Slightly dulled flavors but overall enjoyable
- Joined
- Feb 4, 2015
- Messages
- 2,863
I like your ratings scale; I might have to adopt it for the rest of my reviews, which should resume soon...
Awesome, I'm glad you enjoyed it even though the dull flavors you were picking up. Would you like to know what it is, or wait till the end?Feeling better today and work sucked so I needed a pick me up.
This is the @HollyVVOOD #1 stick and it looks to be a 5inch....54ish rg? Something like that. Wrapper is pretty toothy and a slight oil sheen
After lighting up and taking a few puffs I was surprised at the lack of a pepper punch, just a faint dark bitter cocoa. Whatever flavors I pick up disappear almost instantly and I'm quickly left with a relatively clean palate. The draw and smoke production were pretty much dead on perfect.
Through the first half not much change. The ash has held on rock solid and I can tell this thing is well made. As I progress I'm getting a bit more pronounced dryness and a few instances that are stronger in sweetness or almost a peppery bite but still the flavors dissipate so quickly they're hard to pinpoint. It very slightly reminds me of a Roma craft cromag I had not too long ago but this stick is toned way way down.
With about an inch and a half left, it became really hot and was starting to become harsh so I ended it about 10 min after this pic.
My ratings scale only has 4 levels
1 - holy shit that was delicious, I need a box...or twelve
2 - enjoyable, I'd smoke it again
3 - not so bueno, would prefer to not waste my time with this
4 - I need some roadkill to lick to get this "flavor" outta my mouth
This is solidly in the 2nd category. Slightly dulled flavors but overall enjoyable
Haha please do. I'm a simple guy, not advanced enough for the 100 pt scales
Hmm perhaps dull was a more negative toned description than I had intended. Flavors were slightly muted but could have been the remnants of this cold that stopped the flavors from popping. I'd be surprised if I've had this stick before, but then again, what do I know!? Haha this was fun and the stick was still enjoyable, what was this stick?
Also as a heads up, Victor @HollyVVOOD, and I agreed on one unbanded dog rocket. I'm hoping this was it so I can sleep easy knowing the rest should also be at least solid smokes!
Haha you can't sleep easy yet, that wasn't the dog. It was a Liga Privada No. 9
Cigar #2: 5.25” 44-46 ring
Pre-light
Dark, toothy. Veins running everywhere. Sloppy triple cap. Faint aroma of malt sweetness and dark fruit. Firm, no obvious soft spots. Very slight box press.
First Third
Draw is perfect. Lit with 2 matches, and resulted in a bit of a wavy burn. I let it go, and it seems to work itself straight.
Black pepper, bitter chocolate, and maybe a little nutmeg, or generic spices. A little bitter, and medium + bodied at quarter inch in. Hints of lemon rind citrus. Cedar.
Second Third
The black pepper has dropped off substantially. Otherwise, the flavor is almost exactly as it started. Bitter chocolate, various spices. Cafe con leche. Burn and draw continue to be perfect. It’s moved to medium from medium +. I think this is a young cigar. The black pepper is starting to hit the back of my throat, suggesting ammonia.
Final Third
Final third same as the second. Pepper (and possible ammonia) are all but gone. Cafe con leche and chocolate make up the bulk of what I’m now tasting. Retro is devoid of much anything other than the listed flavors. Faint notes of burning Spanish cedar.
The construction on this cigar is perfect. The draw was perfect. The burn was perfect, the ash held well into two inches. I enjoyed this cigar, but it ended far more mild than I generally seek out. It would be great in the morning with coffee. This would be a great cigar to have around, for a change of pace smoke.
Guess
I have absolutely no idea. Dominican maduro perhaps?
Answer
Arturo Fuente Anejo, I assume the #46. Thanks @ChipS, it’s been years since I’ve had one. I’m not sure that I think it’s worth the price, but I’d love to have a few in the humidor. More reviews coming soon.
Unbanded Cigar #4 Courtesy of @nic
Paired with Perrier
This cigar belicoso about 5.5” long with a medium brown wrapper. The cigar is triple capped and looks good, is very firm with little give. Has a strong tobacco smell that I like and a faint campfire aroma. Looking at the foot you can see different colored leaves rolled together – I tried taking a picture but it didn’t really turn out.
I clip the end at a slight angle and check the draw. Draw is a bit tight but not bad. I fire it up at 8:58pm.
First third:
Smoke volume on this stick is moderate. Initial flavors are primarily leather and a faint hint of pepper and an acidic taste on the finish. The ash is bright white and the burn line is good if not a little wavy. Ash is holding strong at about 1.5 inches, going to see how long it goes before it falls in my lap.
Second third:
Flavors are the same, leather and spice with a bit of an acidic hit at the end. The burn line perfect.
Ash finally falls off on its own accord about halfway in.
Final third:
Flavors are creamy, lot of leather and the spice has increased – getting a nice kick from pepper. Has become a little more mild as it progressed, I would put this at a medium. I finish up at 11:00pm, total time just over 2 hours.
Overall thoughts
No idea what this is – will have to wait and open the envelope next week to see. Overall this was a good smoke but not one that will be a go-to for me.
@nic thank you for the sticks, the reviews have been fun to do and I’ve enjoyed everything you sent. I’m looking forward to burning the last one next week, probably Thursday.
Paired with Perrier
This cigar belicoso about 5.5” long with a medium brown wrapper. The cigar is triple capped and looks good, is very firm with little give. Has a strong tobacco smell that I like and a faint campfire aroma. Looking at the foot you can see different colored leaves rolled together – I tried taking a picture but it didn’t really turn out.
I clip the end at a slight angle and check the draw. Draw is a bit tight but not bad. I fire it up at 8:58pm.
First third:
Smoke volume on this stick is moderate. Initial flavors are primarily leather and a faint hint of pepper and an acidic taste on the finish. The ash is bright white and the burn line is good if not a little wavy. Ash is holding strong at about 1.5 inches, going to see how long it goes before it falls in my lap.
Second third:
Flavors are the same, leather and spice with a bit of an acidic hit at the end. The burn line perfect.
Ash finally falls off on its own accord about halfway in.
Final third:
Flavors are creamy, lot of leather and the spice has increased – getting a nice kick from pepper. Has become a little more mild as it progressed, I would put this at a medium. I finish up at 11:00pm, total time just over 2 hours.
Overall thoughts
No idea what this is – will have to wait and open the envelope next week to see. Overall this was a good smoke but not one that will be a go-to for me.
@nic thank you for the sticks, the reviews have been fun to do and I’ve enjoyed everything you sent. I’m looking forward to burning the last one next week, probably Thursday.
#2
Pre Light/Cut: Dark in color. A few veins running the length of the cigar. Smells of sweet wood, little bit of earth. The foot appears to be mostly wrapped not open.
Cut: Immediately after the cut the wrapper begins to unfold from the top. It's possible I took to much off. Construction doesn't appear to be very good. I don't know I may be over analyzing it.
1/3: I'm not getting much other than a harsh singular flavor. Dry burnt tobacco, dark earth, dirt even. Plenty of smoke from a decent draw. Combustion line is super wonky. Little bit of ammonia now?
I wasn't sure if my palate was going to be able to tell the docket rocket apart from the rest but I really feel like this is it lol. I mean I hope it is or my palate does suck.
Mineral, harsh dry tobacco, more ammonia. It's coating my mouth and the back of my throat. I'm not enjoying this at all.
2/3: Combustion line is thin and still wonky. I'm trying to pick up something, anything other than dark dry dirt, nothing. I really hope this is the rocket lol.
Half way through the 2/3 and I can't continue, I'm sorry. @Cricken please tell me what this is lol. If it's not the dog rocket I apologize, I just didn't enjoy this one.
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Noo! Man I don't know why I didn't enjoy that. I tried my hardest but could not pick any flavors up. I'm glad I'm doing this though because I obviously need to build my palate more.
Haha I like those odds. I think I'll try another tomorrow!Wasn't gonna be likely that you'd enjoy ALL of them but sorry you had to have such a turd before the actual dog rocket shows up
But now you have a 1 in 3 chance of finally smoking it! WOOT!