Emilio LJZ Robusto 12/26/17

 Appearance
A milk chocolate colored wrapper with a few prominent veins. The seams are tightly wrapped. There is a nice oil sheen. The filler bunch is well packed with no apparent soft spots.

Aroma
Cedar, sweetness and a hint of spice on the wrapper. Cedar and sweetness with spice at the foot.

Prelight Draw
Cedar, black licorice, dried fruit and spice.

1st
Initial draws bring notes of an earthy cedar(Ecuadoran Habano) with a mild cinnamon/white pepper spice combo in the background. The ash is light gray and mostly tight. The draw is a tick on the snug side. The burn is nearly perfect. There is a leathery texture to the smoke. Late in the 1st/3rd notes of burnt toast join the profile.

2nd
Some black pepper notes join the white pepper spice. Cinnamon is gone. The draw has opened up. Dark roast coffee notes join the profile. The finish is long with notes of earthy cedar, dried fruit, burnt toast, dark roast coffee and a black and white pepper spice combo. Strength is at medium. The dried fruit sweetness has faded some. Smoke production is at the low end of high. The sweetness returns right before the end of the 2nd/3rd.

Final/3rd
The profile is well balanced from the first draws. There is a bit of cocoa on the finish now. The black pepper gets a bit more prominent late in the final/3rd.

Overall
The Emilio LJZ Robusto provides an enjoyable smoking experience. A flavorful, well balanced profile with a great draw and burn.

La Conquista #5 Robusto Corojo 12/24/17

Appearance
A light brown colored wrapper with a few prominent veins. The seams are tightly wrapped and difficult to find. It has a nice oily sheen. The filler bunch is well packed with no apparent soft spots.
The band is very attractive.

Aroma
Cedar and spice on the wrapper. Cedar, hay and spice at the foot.

Prelight Draw
Black Licorice, dates, cedar, hay and spice.

1st
Initial draws bring notes of cedar and a hint of spice. There is some sweetness to the profile as well. The ash is salt&pepper gray and stacked. The draw is a bit snug. The burn is just about perfect. Strength is in the mild range. The ash held firm til removal.

2nd
Spice ramps up in strength and body. Smoke production is in the low end of medium range. Draw opens up. Strength is mild/med.

Final/3rd
Profile remains consistent through to the nub.

Overall
The La Conquista #5 Robusto Corojo provides an enjoyable smoking experience. A nice flavor profile with a snug draw a pretty good burn.

Carolina Blue Cigars Gran Robusto Maduro 12/23/17

Carolina Blue Cigars Gran Robusto Maduro 12/23/17
Appearance
A dark chocolate colored wrapper with a couple prominent veins. The seams are tightly wrapped and difficult to find. There is a small amount of mottling and a bit of tooth. The wrapper has a nice oily sheen. The filler bunch is well packed with no apparent soft spots.

Aroma
Cedar, sweetness and a hint of spice on the wrapper. Same at the foot.

Prelight Draw
Cedar, sugary sweetness and spice.

1st
The initial draws bring notes of bitter espresso and cedar with a mild cinnamon spice. The draw is good the burn has a slight wave. At about 3/4” in the bitterness fades leaving espresso, cedar and spice with a leathery texture. The ash is a very light gray and tight. Smoke production is in the high range. Ash held firm til removal.

2nd
Burn line is off a bit due to the Ligero cone being off center. Flavor profile remains consistent into the 2nd/3rd. Midway in the 2nd the spice becomes a warm cinnamon and a nutty note joins the profile. Burn line is self correcting. Strength is at medium+.

Final/3rd
The espresso which had mellowed some comes back strong. The spice picks up as well.

Overall
The Carolina Blue Cigars Gran Robusto Maduro provides an enjoyable smoking experience. A consistent flavor profile with a perfect draw and mildly erratic burn. Definitely worth a try.

Diesel Grind Toro 12/17/17

 Appearance
The wrapper looks very chocolatey and has a few prominent veins. There is a bit of mottling making the well rolled and tightly wrapped seams visible. The oil sheen is more of a matte finish but u can definitely feel its presence.
The filler bunch is well packed with no apparent soft spots.

Aroma
Chocolate, earth and wood on the wrapper. Same at the foot.

Prelight Draw
Chocolatey, earthy, cedar, molasses

1st
The initial draws bring heavy notes of cedar with a tiny bit of spice on the edges of the tongue. The ash is a medium gray and stacked. The draw and burn are spot on. Smoke production is at high. Earthy notes join the profile and balance the cedar nicely. The chocolate notes are slowly rising to the surface but still faint. Strength is at medium+ late in this 3rd. The finish is quite tasty with notes of earth, cedar, chocolate and mild pepper spice. The ash is tightening up.

2nd
Flavor continues into the 2nd/3rd. Draw and burn are still perfect. A little bit of the molasses brings more sweetness on the finish. Strength moves to med/full. The spice ramps up in the form of crushed red pepper. Interestingly the smoke production drops to the medium range. While espresso notes join the profile.

Final/3rd
The profile continues the same into the final/3rd. No changes right to the nub.

Overall
The Diesel Grind Toro provides an enjoyable smoking experience. A flavorful profile with a perfect burn and draw. This Diesel was produced to be a brick and mortar only cigar.

S.T.K Black Dahlia Robusto by Gran Habano 12/16/17

 Appearance
A light brown colored wrapper with very little in the way of veins on the surface. The seams are tightly wrapped. There is a very light oil sheen. Filler bunch is well packed with no apparent soft spots.

Aroma
Barnyard, hay, sweetness on the wrapper. Barnyard, hay and a faint hint of spice at the foot.

Prelight Draw
Licorice, cream and a mild spice.

1st
The initial draws bring notes of hay and coffee bean. Cream notes join the profile and blend nicely with the coffee notes. The draw is good and the burn is spot on. The ash is light gray and fairly tight but has a few flakes falling. Ash was looking a bit suspect but held on until removal.

2nd
Strength is mild/med. Cedar notes join the profile. The finish is long with notes of coffee, cream, cedar and mild cinnamon spice. The burn got a little wavy but then self corrected soon after.

Final/3rd
Profile continues into final/3rd. Burn & draw are still spot on. Almond notes join the profile. Flavors remain consistent right to the nub.

Overall
The Black Dahlia provides an enjoyable smoking experience. A nice flavor profile with a great burn and draw.
For those who are wondering what the S.T.K. stands for its Stay True Kid a slogan that George Rico Gran Habano brand owner uses on several of his boutique brands.

La Aurora ADN Dominicana Toro 12/10/17

 Appearance
The wrapper has a few prominent veins. The seams are tight and well rolled. There is a thick oily sheen and quite a bit of tooth.
The filler bunch is well packed with no apparent soft spots. The band is very attractive.

Aroma
Barnyard, cedar and cocoa powder on the wrapper. Barnyard, cedar, chocolate, candy sweetness and a faint hint of spice at the foot.

Prelight Draw
Licorice, cedar, chocolate and warm cinnamon spice.

1st
The initial draws bring notes of cedar, hay, espresso and mild cinnamon spice with a pinch of black pepper spice on the end of the finish. After a number of draws the burn line is at 45*. The ash is light gray and very flaky on one side and tight on the other. The draw is perfect. With the help of simple physics the burn is self correcting. There is a roasted peanut note joining the profile. The black pepper tapers back to more like a white pepper/cinnamon combo. Strength is at medium.

2nd
The burn is back to 45*. Upon inspection of the working end I notice a couple tiny tunnels right under the binder and the Ligero cone is off center causing the faster burn on the back side of the cigar. The burn line begins to self correct. Smoke production is in the high end of medium range. The finish is long with notes of cedar, espresso, hay, roasted nuts, tea, a pinch of floral and a white pepper/cinnamon spice. Burn line gets jagged due to more tiny tunnels.

Final/3rd
Burn line has fully self corrected. The flavor profile, burn and draw remain consistent through to the nub.

Overall
The La Aurora ADN Dominicana Toro provides an enjoyable smoking experience. A very flavorful and balanced profile with a perfect draw and erratic burn.

Charter Oak Maduro Toro by Foundation Cigar 12/9/17

Appearance
The dark chocolate colored wrapper leaf is a bit rough which is not uncommon for Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro. There are a few prominent veins. The seams are tightly wrapped but visible due to some mottling. There is a very light oil sheen.
The filler bunch is well packed with no apparent soft spots. The cigar has a closed foot.

Aroma
Chocolatey, earthy on the wrapper. Foot is closed.

Prelight Draw
Rich chocolate, earth, caramel, espresso and a mild spice.

1st
Initial draws bring notes of earth and dark chocolate. Espresso notes begin to inch their way into the profile. The draw & burn have been perfect from the start. Caramel sweetness joins the profile. The spice begins to develop late in the 1st/3rd as a paprika with a pinch of black pepper.

2nd
The ash is light gray and stacked. Strength is in the medium range. The spice continues to develop with the black pepper becoming more prominent. Smoke production is at the high end of medium range. The texture of the smoke becomes more creamy. Walnut notes join the profile. Black pepper has tapered back into balance with the paprika.

Final/3rd
The finish is long with notes of chocolate, earth, espresso,caramel, walnut, paprika and black pepper spice with a nice creamy texture. The flavor profile is very well balanced. Strength finishes at medium+. Great rich flavor right to the nub.

Overall
The Charter Oak Maduro Toro by Foundation Cigar provides a very enjoyable smoking experience. A very complex, well balanced and flavorful profile with a perfect burn & draw. With a perfect price point of $5.50 everyone should enjoy this cigar.
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K by Karen Berger Habano Robusto 12/3/17

 Appearance
A milk chocolate colored wrapper with mostly small veins. The seams are tight and well done. Soft box press. The wrapper has a matte finish.
The bands are very attractive with great color contrast.

Aroma
Musty earth and a mild spice on the wrapper.
Floral at the foot.

Prelight Draw
Fruit, licorice, earth and spice.

1st
Initial draws bring notes of floral with tea alongside. Spice notes begin to develop. A little past 1/2” there is a very sweet coffee note joining the profile. There is an enveloping sweetness to the profile. The ash is salt&pepper gray and stacked with a little flake. The draw is perfect while the burn is off by 22* due to a tunnel, but is beginning to self correct with the help of simple physics.

2nd
The smoke production is at the low end of high range. The finish is long with notes of earth, cedar, coffee, creamy sweetness and warm cinnamon spice. Strength is still at medium. Red fruity notes join the profile. Midway in the 2nd/3rd there is a cayenne pepper note joining the cinnamon spice.

Final/3rd
Burn has fully self corrected. The profile is very well balanced and flavorful with great complexity right to the nub.

Overall
The K Habano Robusto by Karen Berger provides a very enjoyable smoking experience. A very flavorful, complex and well balanced profile with a perfect draw throughout and mildly erratic burn(mid 1st to end of 2nd/3rd).
I’m definitely getting more of these to keep in the humidor.
GoGetchasome™!!

Tennessee Waltz Robusto Extra by The Crowned Heads 12/2/17

 Appearance
A chocolatey colored wrapper with a couple prominent veins. The seams are perfect. The wrapper has a nice oily look and feel. There is a little bit of tooth as well.

Aroma
Barnyard on the wrapper. Barnyard, earth and cedar at the foot.

Prelight Draw
Tangy citrus, chocolate, earthy, spice

1st
The initial draws bring notes of citrus, earth and black pepper spice. At 1/2” in the burn line has a slight wave. The ash is medium gray and tight. The draw is a tic on the snug side. The chocolate notes are helping to balance the black pepper spice. Ash held firm til removal.

2nd
Black pepper spice ramps up, dominating the flavor profile. Strength is at medium+. Smoke production is in the medium range. The finish is long with dominating notes of heavy black pepper and underlying notes of citrus, earth and chocolate. Draw has opened up nicely. The burn is off 22 1/2* due to the Ligero cone being off center.

Final/3rd
With the help of simple physics the burn self corrects. The black pepper tapers back but still dominating the profile. Profile remains consistent through to the nub.

Overall
The Tennessee Waltz Robusto Extra provides a somewhat enjoyable smoking experience. A consistent profile dominated by black pepper with a nice draw(after it opened up) and an erratic burn. Too much black pepper for my preference

Caldwell Midnight Express Robusto 11/26/17

 Appearance
A chocolate brown colored wrapper with plenty of mottling. The seams are wrapped tight but are visible due to the mottling.
There is a lot of oil sheen on this cigar. The filler bunch is well packed but there are a few soft spots.

Aroma
Earthy, fruity, cedar and very faint spice on the wrapper. Fruity, raisiny, cedar and spice.

Prelight Draw
Earthy, fruity, raisin, molasses, cedar and spice.

1st
The initial draws bring notes of molasses and espresso an interesting mix. There is a tiny bit of spice in the background. The ash is medium gray and fairly tight with a little flake. The draw & burn are spot on. The spice is tasting like a warm Pimenton(Spanish Paprika). The ash held on til removal but was looking very suspect.

2nd
There is a faint cocoa powder note bringing even more sweetness to the molasses notes. The smoke is at the high range. The finish is long with notes of earth, molasses, espresso, cocoa powder and a warm Spanish paprika.

Final/3rd
The earthy, molasses, espesso, cocoa powder and warm Spanish paprika flavors continue into the final/3rd. The burn gets a bit uneven due to the Ligero cone being off center. The profile remains consistent right to the nub.

Overall
The Caldwell Midnight Express Robusto provides a very enjoyable smoking experience. A very flavorful profile with a perfect draw and burn til the final3rd when the burn was a bit uneven.

La Barba Red Corona 11/25/17

 Appearance
A medium brown colored wrapper with a couple prominent veins. The seams are tight. There is a nice oily sheen on the wrapper. Filler bunch is well packed with no apparent soft spots.

Aroma
Barnyard, dry hay, toast and mild cinnamon spice on the wrapper. Barnyard and spice at the foot.

Prelight Draw
Dried fruit, cedar and cinnamon spice.

1st
The initial draws bring notes of cedar with a pinch of citrus. The ash is medium gray and stacked with a little flake. Burn is a bit wavy and the draw is a tic or 2 on the snug side. With the help of simple physics the burn line has self corrected. The ash seems to be tightening up. Cinnamon spice notes are beginning to join in the profile.

2nd
The dried fruit and citrus notes come together nicely to cleanse the palate. Some crushed red pepper notes join the profile. Draw opens up. Strength is at medium+. Smoke production is at the medium range. A dark roast coffee note joins the profile. The finish is long with notes of cedar, dried fruit, citrus, dark roast coffee and a cinnamon/red pepper spice combo. Burn goes off 10* due to a small tunnel on the side.

Final/3rd
Burn begins to self correct and is quickly at a small wave. The coffee notes become more prominent with a dash of black pepper. The black pepper takes over the profile, fortunately it’s at the nub.

Overall
The La Barba Red Corona provides an enjoyable smoking experience. A flavorful and very complex profile, changing up the flavors right up to the nub. The draw was good once it opened up and the burn was mildly erratic.

The T Robusto by Booth, Caldwell and AJ Fernandez 11/24/17

 Appearance
A dark chocolate colored wrapper with a couple small veins on an otherwise silky wrapper. If not for a little bit of mottling the seams might be invisible. There is a light oil sheen on the wrapper. Filler bunch is well packed with no apparent soft spots.

Aroma
Earth, cedar and soft leather on the wrapper. Earth, cedar, soft leather and a hint of spice at the foot.

Prelight Draw
Cedar, earth and spice

1st
The initial draws bring notes of very earthy cedar. The ash is salt&pepper gray and stacked. Draw is perfect. Burn has a very slight wave.

2nd
Strength is at medium+. A nice creamy dark chocolate note joins the profile. Burn line is now razor sharp. The finish is long with notes of cedar, earth, dark chocolate and a cinnamon/black pepper spice combo with a soft leather texture. Smoke production is at the high range.

Final/3rd
Strength moves to med/full.
The black pepper is beginning to dominate the profile and continues to dominate right to the nub.

Overall
The T Robusto by Booth, Caldwell and AJ Fernandez provides an enjoyable smoking experience for the 1st 2/3’s of the cigar. A flavorful and well balanced profile (1st 2/3’s) with a near perfect burn and perfect draw.

The Late Hour Winston Churchill Robusto by Davidoff 11/23/17

 Appearance
A dark chocolate brown colored wrapper with a couple of prominent veins. The seams are tightly wrapped. The filler bunch is well packed with no apparent soft spots. A very light oil sheen is evident.
The bands are very attractive with great color contrast.

Aroma
Barnyard and a hint of spice on the wrapper. Aged tobacco at the foot.

Prelight Draw
Dried fruit sweetness, cedar and a hint of spice.

1st
Initial draws bring notes of cedar and a faint spice in the background. It has a very leathery texture. The draw is effortless, the burn is razor sharp. The ash is salt&pepper gray and stacked with a little flake. Dark roast coffee notes join the profile. Strength is already at medium+.

2nd
The smoke production is at the high end of medium range. The spice notes have become more prominent as black pepper. Halfway into the 2nd/3rd some sugary sweet notes join the profile and help to balance out the black pepper notes. The finish is long with notes of cedar, dark roast coffee, sugary sweetness, black pepper spice and a leathery texture.

Final/3rd
Strength moves to med/full.
Draw & burn are still spot on. Flavor profile remains consistent right to the nub.

Overall
The Late Hour Winston Churchill Robusto by Davidoff provides an enjoyable smoking experience. A well balanced and flavorful profile with an effortless draw and razor sharp burn.

Highclere Castle Corona by Foundation Cigar 11/19/17

 Appearance
A beautiful tan Ecuadoran Connecticut shade grown wrapper with a few prominent veins. The seams are visible but tight and well rolled. Very light oil sheen. Filler bunch is well packed with no apparent soft spots. Attractive band with great color contrast.

Aroma
Cedar, caramel and spice on the wrapper. A little dry tobacco and some spice at the foot.

Prelight Draw
Tangy citrus, cedar, caramel, cayenne pepper spice.

1st
Initial draws bring notes of tangy citrus and cedar with a mild red pepper spice. Draw is perfect and the burn is spot on so far as well. The ash is salt&pepper gray and stacked. Midway in the 1st a caramel sweetness joins the profile and the red pepper spice moves up a tick on the heat scale.

2nd
Ash held firm till removal at start of 2nd/3rd. On the working end the Ligero cone is dead center and no tunnels hence the perfect burn line. Smoke production is at the medium range. The spice becomes like cayenne pepper. Strength which started at medium moves to med/full. The finish is long with notes of tangy citrus, cedar, caramel and cayenne pepper spice with a bit of a leathery texture.

Final/3rd
A mild creamy cashew note joins the profile. Burn & draw are still perfect. The well balanced and flavorful profile carries through to the nub.

Overall
The Highclere Castle Corona by Foundation Cigar provides a very enjoyable smoking experience. A well balanced, complex and flavorful profile with a perfect draw and burn.
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A bit pricey at $11.95 for a Corona but definitely worthy of a spot in my humi.

Fratello Navetta Endeavor Toro 11/18/17

 Appearance
The bands are beautiful! Clean with nice contrast.
After removing the large foot band I inspect the cigar. A beautiful dark chocolate colored Ecuadoran Oscuro wrapper with several prominent veins and a good amount of tooth.
The seams are well wrapped but visible.
The wrapper has a nice oily sheen.
The filler is well bunched with no apparent soft spots.

Aroma
Very earthy, cedar and a hint of spice on the wrapper. Cedar and sweetness at the foot.

Prelight Draw
Baking chocolate, espresso and nutmeg spice

1st
The initial draws are rich and thick with chocolate and espresso. There is also a sugary/candy type of sweetness under the chocolate and espresso. The spice starts out as a mild nutmeg spice. Strength is medium+ already. The ash is medium gray and stacked. Draw and burn are spot on. Smoke production is at the high range. The nutmeg spice gets warmer and bolder.

2nd
Strength climbs to med/full. Almond notes join the profile. Burn and draw still spot on. The finish is long with notes of earth, chocolate, espresso, almond, an underlying sugary/candy sweetness and warm nutmeg spice. The ash tightens up to about 3 nickels between stack lines. A perfect amount of pectin glue allows for perfect band removal. The blend is very creamy late in the 2nd/3rd.

Final/3rd
The Navetta is very well balanced throughout. There is a dash of crushed red pepper joining the profile. The espresso notes become double espresso. Burn & Draw are perfect right to the nub.

Overall
The Fratello Navetta Endeavor Toro provides a very enjoyable smoking experience. A very rich, complex, well balanced and flavorful profile with a great draw and burn.
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Another homerun by Omar @FratelloCigars

 Sent from my iPhone

Pappy Van Winkle Tradition Toro by Drew Estate 11/12/17

 Appearance
A milk chocolate colored wrapper with a couple prominent veins. The seams are tightly wrapped. There is a very light oil sheen. The filler bunch is well packed with no apparent soft spots.

Aroma
Cedar with a touch of sweetness on the wrapper. Cedar, graham cracker and a hint of spice at the foot.

Prelight Draw
Cedar, vanilla, leather, bourbon and a bit of cinnamon spice.

1st
The initial draws bring notes of cedar, charred oak and cinnamon spice. The draw is a bit snug(feeling it in my cheeks right away). The burn has a slight wave. The ash is medium gray and mostly tight. The profile is very sweet. After removing the ash and inspecting the working end, I notice a tiny tunnel at the center.

2nd
The draw opens up immediately and with it comes increased smoke production now at the high end of medium range. Strength is a solid medium+. The ash gets a little flaky. The finish is long and sweet which no doubt comes from aging the wrapper in bourbon barrels. Smoke production is at the low end of high. Burn line is nearly perfect. The profile becomes a little more leathery than sweet just past the midway point of the cigar.

Final/3rd
The sweetness comes back into balance with the cedar, charred oak, leather and cinnamon spice. A 1/2” into the final/3rd the cinnamon spice becomes warm. Profile continues well balanced right to the nub.

Overall
The Pappy Van Winkle Tradition Toro by Drew Estate provides a very enjoyable smoking experience. A very flavorful and well balanced profile with a good burn and draw.

An interesting story behind this blend. When Willy Herrera was interviewing for the “Master Blender” job he created 3 blends. The Herrera Esteli blend was chosen and he got the job. This blend was one of the other 2 that they set aside for future release.
The folks at Pappy Van Winkle wanted a cigar to launch to pair with their Bourbon. This is the blend they chose.
Well done Willy!
It is a bit pricey at $26.00 per cigar but it is right in line with the Pappy Van Winkle brand.

Davidoff Yamasa Robusto 11/11/17

 Appearance
An oily milk chocolate brown colored wrapper with very few veins. The seams are well wrapped and very difficult to find. Filler is well packed with no apparent soft spots.

Aroma
Chocolate, earth, cedar and a tiny bit of sugary sweetness on the wrapper. Cedar and honey at the foot.

Prelight Draw
Burnt molasses, cedar, earth, a hint of chocolate and cayenne pepper spice.

1st
Initial draws bring notes of cedar with a somewhat muted burnt molasses note in the background. The burnt molasses fades away a few puffs later and reveals a cedar and leathery profile with hints of chocolate and spice. The draw is slightly snug. The burn is perfect. The ash is salt&pepper gray and stacked. Draw opens up just past midway in the 1st/3rd. Ash was firm and straight at removal.

2nd
The body & strength are hovering around the medium range. Smoke production is at the low end of high range. The finish is long with notes of cedar, chocolate, leather and spice. The spice vacillates between cayenne and cinnamon with a pinch of black pepper.

Final/3rd
Strength inches up to medium+. Some espresso notes join the profile midway in the final/3rd. Profile remains consistent through to the nub.

Overall
The Davidoff Yamasa Robusto provides an enjoyable smoking experience. A flavorful and well balanced profile with great burn and draw.

The Wise Man Maduro Torpedo 11/5/17

 Appearance
A dark chocolatey colored wrapper with a few prominent veins. The seams are all tightly wrapped. The oily sheen is very appealing to the eye and the touch. The filler bunch is well packed with no apparent soft spots. The band is very attractive with nice color contrasts.

Aroma
Dark chocolate, earth, leather and a faint hint of spice on the wrapper. Honey and dry tobacco at the foot.

Prelight Draw
Cocoa, earth, honey and spice.

1st
The initial draws bring notes of earth and a pinch of red pepper spice. The draw is a tick on the snug side of perfect. The burn has a slight wave. Strength and body start off in the medium range. Smoke production is at the low end of medium. Espresso notes begin working their way into the profile joining the earth, leathery texture and crushed red pepper spice. The ash is light gray and mostly tight with a little flake. Late in the 1st/3rd creamy cashew notes join the profile.

2nd
Strength moves to medium+. The spice tapers back a bit but is still present. The finish is long with notes of earth, honey, cocoa, espresso, cashews, a leathery texture and crushed red pepper spice. Draw has improved to effortless. Smoke production is at the high range.

Final/3rd
Burn continues to be spot on. Strength moves to med/full. Balance has been perfect from the start. The flavor profile remains consistent and balanced right to the nub.

Overall
The Wise Man Maduro Torpedo by Foundation Cigars provides a very enjoyable smoking experience. A very flavorful and well balanced profile with great burn and draw. Another great cigar by Nick Melillo @NickRAgua owner of Foundation Cigars.
GoGetchasome™!!

Sindicato Affinity Maduro Robusto 11/4/17

 Appearance
A chocolate brown colored wrapper with a couple prominent veins. A bit of mottling makes the tightly wrapped seams visible. There is also a good amount of tooth as well as a nice oily sheen. The filler is well packed with no apparent soft spots.

Aroma
Earth, cocoa, cedar on the wrapper. Cocoa, cedar, hazelnut and spice at the foot.

Prelight Draw
Chocolatey, fruity, earthy, cedar and red pepper spice.

1st
Initial draws albeit snug bring notes of earthy fruit with a bit of red pepper spice. The ash is salt&pepper gray and tight. Chocolate notes join the profile. Burn has been perfect from the start.

2nd
The draw opens up and smoke production moves to the low end of high. Strength started at medium and now is medium+. The profile has been very well balanced. Smoke production is at high. The finish is long with notes of chocolate, earth, fruit, cedar and red pepper spice. There is a pinch of black pepper spice joining the profile.

Final/3rd
The strength moves to med/full. The flavor, balance, burn & draw remain perfect right to the nub!

Overall
The Sindicato Affinity Maduro Robusto provides a very enjoyable smoking experience. A very flavorful and well balanced profile with nice complexity. The burn was perfect and the draw was perfect after the 1st/3rd. I’ll be smoking more of these with hopes that the snug draw in the 1st/3rd was a rare occurrence.
Great job Jim @SindicatoCigars

Todos Las Dias Half Churchill 10/29/17

 Appearance
A chocolate looking wrapper with invisible tightly wrapped seams and a couple prominent veins. It’s has a nice oily sheen and a bit of tooth as well. The filler is well packed with no apparent soft spots.

Aroma
Dark chocolate, earth, leather and a hint of spice on the wrapper. Cocoa, earth, leather and just a faint hint of spice at the foot.

Prelight Draw
Chocolate, molasses, cinnamon spice

1st
The initial draws bring notes of thick earth, followed by a warm cinnamon spice. Strength moves quickly to med/full. The sweet molasses joins the profile. Draw is good. Burn is off a bit but is already self correcting with the help of simple physics. The ash is medium gray and fairly tight.

2nd
The finish is long with notes of chocolate, earth, molasses, leather and cinnamon spice. The burn has fully self corrected. Smoke production is at the low end of high. Burn develops a wide V shape on one side, removing the ash I find a couple of pinhole tunnels. Burn fully self corrects by the end of the 2nd/3rd.

Final/3rd
Flavor profile remains consistent as do the burn and draw through to the nub.

Overall
The Todos Las Dias Half Churchill provides an enjoyable smoking experience. A flavorful and well balanced profile with a good draw and mildly erratic burn.

Booth-Caldwell Hit & Run Corona Gorda 10/28/17

 Appearance
The medium brown colored wrapper is veiny and has a bit of tooth. The seams are tightly wrapped and difficult to find. It has a nice oily sheen. The filler bunch is well packed with no apparent soft spots.

Aroma
Damp cedar, earth, honey and mild spice on the wrapper. Cedar, honey and spice at the foot.

Prelight Draw
Cedar, dried fruit and spice

1st
The initial draws bring notes of cedar and a mild red pepper spice. Draw is very snug. There is a definite sweetness like honey coating the palate. The ash is light gray and flaky. Some white pepper joins the red pepper in the profile. The finish is long with notes of cedar, hay, honey, toasted almonds and a white/red pepper spice combo. The draw opens up at about 1” in. The burn has a slight wave. Removed the ash just in time as it was looking a bit suspect.

2nd
Smoke production is at the low end of medium. Ash is still a bit flaky. Strength which started mild has moved to medium. Midway in the 2nd some mild citrus joins the profile. Draw is now effortless and burn is spot on.

Final/3rd
There is a dark roast coffee note joining the profile. A very well balanced profile. Flavors remain consistent right to the nub.

Overall
The Booth-Caldwell Hit & Run provides an enjoyable smoking experience. A well balanced and flavorful profile with a great draw once it opened up and good burn.

Undercrown Sungrown Gran Toro 10/22/17

 Appearance
A reddish brown (Colorado) colored wrapper with a couple prominent veins. A bit of mottling makes the mostly tightly wrapped seams visible. The wrapper has a light oil sheen. The filler bunch is well packed with no apparent soft spots.

Aroma
Cedar, earth, and a hint of spice on the wrapper. Cedar, dried fruit and very faint spice.

Prelight Draw
Espresso, cedar, cinnamon spice.

1st
The initial draws bring notes of cedar and espresso with leathery undertones. The draw is snug. Burn is spot on at 1/2” in. I was expecting some spice but none has surfaced yet. The ash is light gray and flaky. A bit over an inch in and a pinch of cinnamon spice joins the profile. The burn gets a bit wavy late in the 1st.

2nd
After removing the ash and inspecting the working end I notice the Ligero cone is divided and there are 2 tunnels which explains the uneven burn. Draw opens up to effortless. Strength is medium+. Cinnamon spice moves up to the dash level. Smoke production is at the low end of high. The finish is long with notes of espresso, cedar and cinnamon spice with a leathery, earthy undertone. Strength moves to med/full.

Final/3rd
Smoke production is at the high range. The profile has remained perfectly balanced. Midway in the final/3rd the espresso ramps up to become dominant. The profile is consistent from start to the nub.

Overall
The Undercrown Sungrown Gran Toro provides an enjoyable smoking experience. A flavorful and balanced profile. Once the draw opened up early in the 2nd/3rd and the burn evened out late in the 2nd/3rd it was spot on.
Definitely a cigar to try. Some folks are gonna love this one. Available at shops that carry Drew Estate cigars.

Gispert Intenso Nicaragua Toro 10/21/17

 Appearance
The beautiful Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro wrapper has one prominent vein on one side of the box press and is stretched to a smooth and silky finish with tight seams. It has an oily feel with a matte finish.
Black and copper contrast nicely on the band.

Aroma
Earth, spice, chocolate and fine leather on the wrapper. Earth and chocolate at the foot.

Prelight Draw
Earth, dates and spice.

1st
Initial draws bring notes of earth , spice and sweetness. The draw is a tick on the snug side and the burn is spot on. The ash is salt&pepper gray, stacked and a bit flaky. The leathery texture comes through on the long finish with notes of earth, chocolate and spice. Strength is in the medium+ range already. Body is as well. Ash dropped at 1 1/4”. Ash is off by 7* but is beginning to self correct. The date notes join the profile and bring that fruity sweetness.

2nd
The profile is very well balanced so far. The spice is of the warm cinnamon variety. The draw opens up midway in the 2nd/3rd. Smoke production is at the medium range. The ash becomes tighter while the burn gets a bit wavy.

Final/3rd
The spice ramps up a bit as does the strength which is now at med/full. The flavor profile remains consistent through to the nub.

Overall
The Gispert Intenso Nicaragua Toro provides an enjoyable smoking experience. A flavorful and well balanced profile with a good draw and mildly erratic burn.
This is a collaboration cigar blended by Grupo de Maestros (Altadis) and AJ Fernandez.

EP Carrillo Elite Selección Oscuro Piramides Royal 10/15/17

 Appearance
A dark toothy wrapper with a couple prominent veins. The seams are tightly wrapped. It has a very light oil sheen, it feels more oily than it looks. The filler bunch is well packed with no apparent soft spots.
The band is a work of art.

Aroma
Earthy,cedar and a hint of spice on the wrapper. Earth, dark chocolate, cedar and spice at the foot.

Prelight Draw
Rich chocolate, raisin, dried red fruit, a pinch of coffee bean and a dash of spice.

1st
The initial draws bring earthy notes with a warm cinnamon spice. There is a deep dark rich chocolate flavor covering the earth and spice like a syrup. The draw is almost effortless. The burn is off 30*. Just over halfway into the 1st/3rd the strength is at medium+. The ash is salt&pepper gray and stacked with a little flake. The spice which was leaning towards red pepper is tempered by coffee bean notes keeping everything in balance. Ash held firm til removal.

2nd
With the help of simple physics the burn is self correcting. Strength moves to med/full. The finish is long with notes of earth, cedar, chocolate, raisin, dried fruit, coffee bean and warm cinnamon spice. Smoke production is at the low end of high.

Final/3rd
The coffee bean notes morph into an espresso but stays in balance with the rest of the profile. The profile remains consistent through to the nub.

Overall
The EP Carrillo Elite Selección Oscuro Piramides Royal provides a very enjoyable smoking experience. A well balanced and flavorful profile with a perfect draw and mildly erratic burn. Another fine cigar from Ernesto.

Master Mason Rothschild Maduro by Casa Fernandez 10/14/17

 Appearance
A chocolatey looking wrapper with a couple prominent veins. No visible seams. Filler bunch is well packed with no apparent soft spots. Beautiful band.

Aroma
Earth, cedar and a hint of spice on the wrapper. Closed foot.

Prelight Draw
Earthy, molasses, cedar, leather and cinnamon spice.

1st
Initial draws bring earthy notes with some cinnamon spice alongside. Smoke production is already at high. The draw is perfect. The burn is slightly wavy. There is a dash of black pepper joining the profile. The ash is light gray and mostly tight with a little flake. 3/4” in the black pepper overpowers the profile. Late in the 1st/3rd the black pepper tapers back a bit. Burn has been self correcting.

2nd
Burn has fully self corrected. Molasses notes begin to balance the profile late in the 2nd/3rd.

Final/3rd
Molasses fades and heavy black pepper returns as the dominant flavor and remains consistent to the nub.

Overall
The Master Mason was enjoyable until the heavy black pepper began to dominate the profile midway in the 1st/3rd. I had high hopes but they were dashed midway in the 1st/3rd. If you are a black pepper fan u might enjoy it.

Davidoff Nicaragua Box Pressed Toro 9/24/17

 

Appearance 

A beautiful Habano Oscuro wrapper with a couple prominent veins. The seams are tightly wrapped and difficult to spot. There is a nice oily sheen. The cigar is well packed with no apparent soft spots. The bands are quite attractive and contrast nicely. 

Aroma 

Earth and spice on the wrapper. Earth and spice at the foot.

Prelight Draw 

Earth, molasses, dried red fruit and cinnamon spice.

1st

The initial draws bring notes of earth and cedar with a pinch of cinnamon spice. The ash is medium gray and stacked. The draw is perfect and the burn has a slight wave. Strength is a solid medium but leaning to medium+. As I was holding the cigar over the ashtray and rotating to inspect the erratic burn line at 1 1/2" in, the ash dropped. I notice a couple of tunnels on the faster burning side.

2nd

A creamy espresso note joins the profile. The subtle sweetness of dried fruit joins the flavor profile. With the help of simple physics the burn line quickly self corrects. The finish is long with notes of earth, cedar, creamy espresso, dried fruit and cinnamon spice. 

Final/3rd

Flavor remains consistent into the final/3rd and all the way to the nub. Strength finished at medium+. 

Overall

The Davidoff Nicaragua Box Pressed Toro provides an enjoyable smoking experience. A very flavorful and well balanced profile with a perfect draw and mildly erratic burn. Definitely one of the best Davidoff's I've had.

 

 

Por Larrañaga Robusto (DR) new blend 9/23/17

 

Appearance 

A light brown colored wrapper with a couple prominent veins. There is  a bit of mottling as well. The seams are tight. It has a nice oily sheen. The filler is very firmly packed with no apparent soft spots. 

Aroma 

Barnyard, hay and a hint of spice on the wrapper. Cedar, hay at the foot.

Prelight Draw 

Dried fruit, cedar, hay and a mild spice. 

1st

Initial draws bring notes of cedar and hay. There is just a faint bit of spice on the tongue and palate. The draw is perfect. The burn is off slightly. Smoke production is medium. The ash is light gray and mostly tight with a little flake. The spice is developing into a nutmeg. 

2nd

The cigar has that DR Signature flavor note. Some call it a twang but definitely DR. Some nutty notes join the palate. Strength is a solid medium. The wrapper develops a couple vertical cracks. Burn is still erratic due to a tunnel at the center. 

Final/3rd

With the help of simple physics the burn self corrects just into the final/3rd. Flavor profile remains consistent through to the nub. 

Overall

The Por Larrañaga Robusto provides a somewhat enjoyable smoking experience. A consistent flavor profile with a great draw and erratic burn. 

This is a new Dominican version of an age old Cuban brand. I still favor the Cuban version which is typical of Dominican made versions of Cuban brands.

 

 

Kristoff TAA 49 Salamon 9/17/17

 

Appearance 

A dark brown colored wrapper with several prominent veins. The wrapper has some mottling but the tightly wrapped seams are difficult to spot at first glance. It has a little bit of tooth as well as a nice oily sheen.

Aroma 

Heavy barnyard, earth, cedar and dried fruit sweetness on the wrapper. Foot is almost closed. 

Prelight Draw 

Very sweet dried fruit, cedar, a hint of metallic and spice.

1st

The initial draws bring notes of cedar, faint dried fruit and a combination of spices like cinnamon, black pepper and crushed red pepper all in equal parts. The ash is salt&pepper gray and stacked with a little flake. Draw & burn are spot on. Some mild espresso notes have joined the profile. Burn develops a slight wave late in the 1st/3rd.

2nd

Upon inspection of the foot after removing the ash I observe the Ligero cone is off center. Hence the wave. The strength is medium. Smoke production is at the low end of medium. About 1/2" in to 2nd/3rd the cone is at center and burn self corrects. The finish is long with notes of cedar, dried fruit, espresso and the spice combo. 

Final/3rd

Starting the final/3rd the burn & draw are still spot on. The strength has moved up to medium+. The flavor profile remains consistent right to the nub. 

Overall 

The Kristoff TAA 49 Salamon provides an enjoyable smoking experience. A very well balanced and flavorful profile with a great draw and burn. It's available at TAA shops nationwide. 

Well done Glen @GlenCase brand owner of @kristoff_cigars

 

 

Monte by Monte/AJ Fernandez Toro 9/16/17

 

Appearance 

A beautiful dark milk chocolate colored wrapper with a couple prominent veins. The wrapper does have a little mottling, making one of the seams not covered by a band visible. The seams are tightly wrapped with the exception of a small portion of the cap. The mostly matte finish wrapper leaf appears to be soaked in oil(yes that's a good thing). The filler is well packed with no apparent soft spots. The bands are very attractive with great contrasting colors.

Aroma

Earthy, sweet on the wrapper. Earth, cedar and sweetness with a faint hint of spice at the foot.

Prelight Draw 

Earthy, spicy, cedar and dried red fruit.

1st

The initial draws bring notes of earthy cedar and spiced espresso. The draw is just a tiny bit snug but I'm confident it will open up. The burn is mostly straight with a slight wave. The ash is light gray and mostly tight. At the 1 1/2" point the draw opens up nicely. Strength is at medium+ already. 

2nd

After removing the ash and inspecting the working end I notice the Ligero cone is off center causing the uneven burn. Smoke production is in the medium range. The finish is long with notes of earth, cedar, red fruity sweetness, espresso and  a nutmeg/warm cinnamon spice. The burn line is self correcting as the cone gets closer to center where it belongs. Dark chocolate notes join the profile. Strength moves to med/full. 

Final/3rd

Rolling into the final/3rd there are creamy cashew notes joining the profile. Now that the cone is dead center the burn is spot on and the smoke production picks up to the low end of high. Strength is at full. Great flavor right to the nub. 

Overall 

The Monte by Montecristo and AJ Fernandez provides a very enjoyable smoking experience. A very flavorful profile with nice complexity. Finally a non Cuban Montecristo that I enjoy. 

 

 

The Last Tsar Churchill by Caldwell Cigars 9/10/17

 

Appearance 

A reddish brown colored wrapper with a couple prominent veins. The seams are mostly tight. There is a bit of mottling as well as some tooth. There is a nice oily sheen covering the cigar. The filler is well packed with no soft spots. 

Aroma 

Barnyard, cedar and sweetness on the wrapper. The same at the foot.

Prelight Draw 

Cedar, molasses, black licorice and spice

1st

The initial draws bring notes of cedar with a pinch of molasses sweetness and a dash of warm spice. The draw is just a tiny bit snug. The burn has a small wave. The ash is salt&pepper gray and stacked. Burn gets really erratic, about 60* and the ash curls in 2 different directions. I begin implementing simple physics immediately. Upon removal of the very suspect ash at the end of the 1st I inspect the working end and find 3 tunnels and the cone off to one side causing the erratic burn. 

2nd

Self correction continues and is down to 30*. Smoke production is at the high end of medium. The finish is long with notes of cedar, molasses, black licorice and red pepper spice with a dash of black pepper. The draw has opened up nicely. Ash has been very flaky. Late in the 2nd the burn has fully self corrected. Some nutty notes join the profile. 

Final/3rd

Flavor profile remains consistent into the final/3rd. Light coffee notes join the profile. Strength remained medium+ til now when it moves to med/full. 

Overall

The Last Tsar Churchill by Caldwell Cigars provides a moderately enjoyable smoking experience. With a nice flavor profile, good draw and erratic burn. A bit pricy for what it delivered. 

 

 

Guardian Of The Farm Apollo by Warped Cigars and Casa Fernandez Lonsdale 9/9/17

 

Appearance 

A light brown colored wrapper with a couple of thin veins. The seams are tightly wrapped and difficult to find. It also has a good amount of tooth. The cigar has a very light oil sheen.

Aroma 

Cedar, leather and a hint of spice on the wrapper. Closed foot.

Prelight Draw 

Cedar, dried fruit, leather, graham cracker and a mild spice.

1st

The initial draws bring notes of cedar, leather and a mild cinnamon spice. There is a pinch of salt joining the profile. The draw is perfect and the burn is spot on as well. The ash is medium gray, stacked and a little flaky. 

2nd

The strength & body are in the medium range. Smoke production is low. The profile has a creamy texture. About the midway point dried fruit notes join the profile. The burn gets a bit erratic around the midway point as well. The finish is long with notes of cedar, light earth, mild dried fruit and cinnamon spice. Smoke production bumps up to medium. The burn fully self corrects late in the 2nd/3rd. 

Final/3rd

The cigar has been on the dry side on the palate causing me to sip water continually to moisten the palate. The spice becomes more like a crushed red pepper. The burn gets a bit erratic again due to a couple small tunnels. A very light coffee note joins the profile while most of the sweetness fades. Flavor remains consistent to the nub.

Overall

The Guardian Of The Farm  Apollo Lonsdale provides an enjoyable smoking experience. A nice albeit dry flavor profile with a great draw and mildly erratic burn. The cigar is a collaboration from Warped  Cigars and Casa Fernandez.

 

 

Macanudo Inspirado Black Revamp Toro 9/4/17

 

Appearance 

The wrapper is almost black, hence the name and there are minimal veins on the surface. There is a bit of mottling making the tightly wrapped seams easy to spot. It has a light oil sheen and a bit of tooth. The filler bunch is well packed with no apparent soft spots. 

Aroma 

Earthy, dark cocoa, cedar and a hint of spice on the wrapper. Cocoa, cedar and an almost fruity note at the foot.

Prelight Draw 

The draw feels a bit snug albeit tasty with dark cocoa, dark roast coffee, raisin and spice. 

1st

Took a bit of effort to get it lit but then the initial draws bring notes of earthy chocolate and cedar with a hint of spice. The ash is medium gray and mostly tight with a little stacking. The draw is snug and the burn is spot on. Draw has opened up somewhat. Ash held strong till removal.

2nd

Upon inspection of the working end I find the cone at center and no tunnels, hence the razor sharp burn. Right away I taste a creamy nutty flavor(cashew) joining the profile. When it blends with the spice we get roasted cashews.(a fav of mine). So far the finish is short with notes of earthy, dark cocoa, cedar, cashews and cinnamon spice. Tasty, just doesn't linger very long. Strength & body are in the medium range. Ash is much more stacked than in the beginning of the smoke. Smoke production is medium also. 

Final/3rd

Rolling into the final/3rd no changes. The spice begins to ramp up leaving the balance behind. Also the ash tightens up. There are faint coffee notes joining the profile. A few minutes later we are at the nub.

Overall 

The Macanudo Inspirado Black Revamp Toro provides an enjoyable smoking experience. A tasty & consistent profile with a perfect burn and great draw(once it opened up late in the 1st/3rd). Definitely a cigar to give a try. 

 

 

RP Fifty-Five Robusto 55 9/3/17

 

Appearance 

A milk chocolate colored wrapper with a red tint and a couple prominent veins. The seams are tight and barely visible. It has a nice oily sheen and a small amount of tooth. The cigar is fairly well packed but there are a couple of soft spots.

Aroma 

Chocolatey, earthy and spicy on the wrapper. About the same at the foot.

Prelight Draw 

Chocolatey, earthy, cedar, coffee, raisin, black licorice and a hint of spice.

1st

Initial draws bring notes of tobacco and a dash of cinnamon spice. After the Prelight Draw I was expecting much more but we'll see. Draw is spot on. Burn has a bit of a wave. Ash is salt&pepper gray and fairly tight. Ash was looking suspect so I removed it at 1 1/4" mark. Then on inspection of the working end I noticed a large tunnel which was causing the wavy burn.

2nd

Smoke production is at the low end of high. Strength is a solid medium. Coffee notes join the profile. The Ligero cone is off center, in its place is a 5/16" diameter tunnel. Tunnel ended 1/2" later. 

Final/3rd

The finish is long with notes of tobacco, cedar, coffee and cinnamon spice. Strength moves to medium+. Finally some cocoa notes join the profile. The cone is back to center. The flavor profile remains consistent through to the nub.

Overall

The RP Fifty-Five provides a somewhat lackluster smoking experience. A nice flavor profile with a great draw and wavy burn. I was disappointed that the great flavors of the Prelight Draw did not come through in the profile. 

 

 

Guardian Of The Farm by Warped Cigars Robusto 9/2/17

 

Appearance 

A medium brown colored wrapper with almost no veins on the surface. The tightly wrapped seams are  difficult to find. The cap is beautifully done. The cigar has a nice oil sheen and a little bit of tooth. The cigar is well packed with filler with no apparent soft spots. It has a closed foot.

Aroma 

Light earthy, fruity, leathery with a hint of spice on the wrapper. Closed foot.

Prelight Draw 

Fruit, cedar, earth, nuts and spice. 

1st

The initial draws bring notes of earthy, leathery cedar with almonds and mild black pepper spice alongside. The ash is salt&pepper gray and flaky. The draw is spot on. The burn has a bit of wave to it. The ash dropped at the 1 1/4" mark.  Smoke production is in the medium range. 

2nd

Upon inspection of the working end(after removing the ash) I notice the cone is off center and a few tiny tunnels are responsible for the erratic burn. The black pepper is dominant. A 1/2" in the black pepper tapers back into balance. The burn is self correcting. Ash is still flaky. The Ligero cone is at center. Light roast coffee notes join the profile. The finish is long with notes of earthy leathery cedar, fruit, almond, light roast coffee and black pepper spice. A 3/16" tunnel appears on the slower burning side of center helping to correct the burn which has now fully corrected. 

Final/3rd

The strength has been medium from the start. The flavor profile remains consistent right to the nub. 

Overall

The Guardian of The Farm by Warped Cigars Robusto provides an enjoyable smoking experience. A flavorful profile with a great draw and erratic burn(until the final 3rd when it corrected). Not in my wheelhouse due to the amount of black pepper but if you're a fan of black pepper notes give it a try.