Sawtelle Cigars "The Inkwell" 11/26/15

Appearance 

Flawless. From the beautiful milk chocolate brown color of the wrapper with only a couple minor small veins. To the excellent rolling of the wrapper with tight invisible seams. The wrapper has a light oily sheen. This stick has soft box press on the back side and hard box press on the front. Not a bad thing just interesting. The belicoso head is well shaped and the cap is well done. 

Aroma 

The wrapper has an aroma of wood(black walnut) and earth and a hint of cocoa powder. The foot has a molasses aroma with earthiness as well.

Prelight Draw

Creamy molasses and a light tang of citrus on the palate(I love the citrus note in a cigar as it leaves the palate fresh and clean). 

1st

The first several draws bring out the citrus notes cleaning the palate but in the background their is a hint of spice(cinnamon)(definitely a good thing). The draw is nearly effortless(unusual in a belicoso shaped head). A woody cedar note is present joining with the citrus in a very creamy texture. At about 3/4" in the burn is near perfect. The ash is salt&pepper gray and tight. A creamy espresso note joins the mix while the spice tapers off a bit. The ash was looking a little suspect so I removed it. So far the strength has hovered around medium. 

2nd

The transition into the 2nd/3rd is seamless as the citrus,cinnamon spice, cedar and creamy espresso(yes I noticed those all started with the letter "c") all are present in balanced proportions. Creamy cashews have nudged their way in while the cinnamon becomes warm. 

Final/3rd

The balanced flavors continue into the final/3rd with the spice becoming more of a crushed red pepper. The finish has been long and creamy. 

Overall this was a tasty creamy relaxing smoking experience. A medium strength full flavored complex and well balanced cigar. The box(25 count) is the best deal $125 or $5 a stick. Smaller quantities are available in increments of 5 sticks. A must have in your humi. Available on their website sawtellecigars.com GoGetchasome™!! TRUST ME!!! 

International Cigar Club Habano Toro 11/15/15

Appearance 

Medium brown colored wrapper with very little in the veins department. It is a little toothy but not bad. The seams are tight and difficult to see. There is a nice oily sheen on the wrapper.

Aroma

The wrapper has a light barnyard aroma and the foot has a sweet note as well. 

Prelight Draw 

Hay,blk licorice and a hint of spice.

1st

First draws bring notes of hay and coffee bean. The ash is a salt&pepper gray and semi tight at about 3/4" mark. There is a spice note developing leaving a warming sensation in the mouth. The burn was off early but has almost fully self corrected. I'm gonna put the spice at Cardamom. The cigar has a nice draw. The ash has become more stacked as the cigar has burned. The flavor has become meaty, reminding me of veal. 

2nd

The spice and coffee bean notes carry into the 2nd/3rd. The ash becomes more tight in this 3rd. Halfway thru a creamy cashew note joins the spice and coffee bean. The burn was off a bit but again self corrected quickly. This cigar puts out a large volume of smoke. The ash holds on til I remove at each 3rd.

Final/3rd

The coffee bean cashew and spice notes carry into the final/3rd. The finish has been medium in length throughout the cigar. The spice becomes the dominant flavor late in this 3rd(never a bad thing). Strength has held at medium til the late in this 3rd when it goes to medium+. 

Overall a very enjoyable smoking experience. Well balanced flavors and solid construction. 

Thanks again to Bruce Goldman for the samples for review. Check out their website at icccigars.com to order. U won't b disappointed! Tasty sticks at an affordable price point. GoGetchasome™!!

International Cigar Club Connecticut Robusto 11/8/15

Appearance 

Light brown in color with only a few small thin veins. Seams are tight. A very light oil sheen is visible. 

Aroma

Barnyard aromas on the wrapper and a sweetness at the foot.

Prelight Draw

Sweetness and a slightly floral note.

1st

This cigar starts out light and creamy. After several more draws a light cinnamon spice makes its presence known. The burn is razor sharp and the draw is just right. The ash is charcoal gray and mostly tight. 

2nd

A nice espresso with a dash of nutmeg note makes the transition into the 2nd/3rd. The strength has moved from mild to medium by the 1/2 way point of the cigar. The burn and draw are still spot on. The ash holds strong til I ash at each 3rd. 

Final/3rd

The espresso is creamy with a warm cinnamon spice moving into the final/3rd and continued thru to the end of the cigar. 

Overall the ICC Connecticut provided a very relaxing smoking experience. The cigar was creamy and well balanced with espresso, warm cinnamon and nutmeg notes. The construction was flawless. One of the best Connecticut wrapped cigars I've smoked.

They can be ordered at icccigars.com 

Thanks again to Bruce Goldman(brand owner) for the samples for review.

GoGetchasome™!!

International Cigar Club Short Perfecto 11/1/15

Appearance 

The cigar has a light tan Ecuadoran Habano wrapper with tight seams and no prominent veins. 

Aroma 

A light tobacco scent on the wrapper. A light sweetness at the foot.

Prelight Draw

Honey with a hint of spice

1st

The honey notes begin with the first draws. After several draws the spice begins to develop. The spice starts out as a white pepper. At 3/4" in the draw and burn are perfect leaving a light gray/almost white ash which is semi tight. About 1" in some nice leather notes come to the surface. 

2nd

The ash is holding straight and strong. The draw and burn have continued to b spot on. Halfway thru the cigar the ash is still holding. Some cashew(creamy nuts) notes have joined the mix. The smoke output is moderate. 

Final/3rd

I knocked the ash off just into the final/3rd as I did not want to wear it. The flavors continued thru to the nub. The strength was in the medium range throughout. Overall the ICC Short Perfecto was a very pleasurable cigar. The construction was flawless and the flavors were well balanced and creamy. This is definitely something u need to try! U can order on their website icccigars.com

Thanks go to Bruce Goldman(Brand Owner) and Darren Herring(National Brand Advisor) for the samples for review. Their cigars fall in the $6-$8 price point. #GoGetchasome™!!