Mombacho Liga Maestro Robusto 5/28/18

 Appearance
A milk chocolate colored wrapper with a couple prominent albeit thin veins. The seams are tightly wrapped and difficult to find. There is a nice oily sheen on the wrapper. The filler bunch is well packed with no apparent soft spots.

Aroma
Cedar, earth and spice on the wrapper. Earth, tobacco, cedar and spice at the foot.

Prelight Draw
Cedar, earth, spice and sugary sweetness.

1st
The initial draws bring notes of cedar and a pinch of spice, a warm cinnamon at this point. The draw is snug. The ash is medium gray and stacked. The burn so far is spot on. Just past midway in the 1st/3rd there is a blast of sugary notes. The ash held on firm and straight till removal.

2nd
Strength is at med/full. Smoke production is at the low end of medium. The finish is long with notes of cedar, earth, sugary sweetness and warm cinnamon spice with a bit of leathery texture, all well balanced. Midway in the 2nd the draw opens up nicely and the smoke production increases. The burn gets a bit wavy about a half inch after the draw opened up. Near the end of the 2nd/3rd the sugary notes fade and coffee notes emerge.

Final/3rd
The burn line fully self corrects a half inch into the final/3rd. The flavor profile remains consistent through to the nub.

Overall
The Mombacho Liga Maestro Robusto provides an enjoyable smoking experience. A well balanced and flavorful profile with a great draw(once it opened up) and a mildly erratic burn.

Gunslinger Unforgiven Robusto by Outlaw Cigar 5/27/18

 Appearance
A milk chocolate colored wrapper with very thin veins. The seams are tightly wrapped. It has a very oily sheen. The filler bunch is well packed with a couple of soft spots.

Aroma
Hay, cedar and spice on the wrapper. Hay, cedar, sweetness and spice at the foot.

Prelight Draw
Cedar, spice, underlying sweetness

1st
The initial draws bring notes of cedar with an underlying sweetness. There is also a spice developing. Getting warmer, in the cayenne range. Burn is a bit wavy. Draw is perfect. The ash is salt&pepper gray and a bit flaky so far. Had to remove the ash at halfway point of 1st/3rd as it was looking suspect. Strength is med/full already. Smoke production is at the high range.

2nd
The sweetness fades a bit. Some meaty and toasty notes join the profile. Cedar and spice notes dominate the end of the 2nd/3rd. The finish is long with notes of cedar and spice dominating.

Final/3rd
Cedar and spice continue to dominate into the final/3rd. The sweetness returns at the midway point. Cedar, spice and sweetness notes take me right to the nub.

Overall
The Gunslinger Unforgiven Robusto by Outlaw Cigar provides an enjoyable smoking experience. A nice spicy profile with a perfect draw and mildly erratic burn.
Another fine blend by Kendall Culbertson @OutlawCigarCo

San Lotano Requiem Maduro Toro 5/26/18

 Appearance
A beautiful smooth Maduro wrapper leaf with tightly wrapped seams. There is a small amount of mottling. The is no oil visible but u can feel it. The filler bunch is well packed with no apparent soft spots.

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

Prelight Draw
Earth, dried fruit, cedar, molasses and warm spice.

1st
The initial draws bring notes of earth, cedar, molasses and spice. The burn is spot on at nearly an inch in. The draw is perfect as well. The ash is light gray and stacked. The dried fruit notes come out in the finish as well as black pepper spice notes. Strength and body are medium at this point. The burn line begins to angle, burning faster on one side. Ash holds firm til removal.

2nd
Upon inspection of the working end I find a 3/16” diameter tunnel. Smoke production is at the high end of medium range. After applying some simple physics the burn fully self corrects at the midway point of the cigar. The finish is long with notes of earth, cedar, dried fruit and black pepper spice all well balanced.

Final/3rd
The flavors become more bold as I move into the final/3rd. The profile remains consistent right through to the nub.

Overall
The San Lotano Requiem Maduro Toro provides an enjoyable smoking experience. A balanced and flavorful profile with a perfect draw and mildly erratic burn.
Thanks to brother Matthew Munro for the cigar to review.

Asylum 13 Oblongata Box Pressed Robusto 5/20/18

 Appearance
A milk chocolate colored wrapper with a barely visible tiny vein. The wrapper is velvety smooth. The seams are tightly wrapped. The wrapper has a very light oil sheen. The filler bunch is well packed with no apparent soft spots.

Aroma
Hay and a hint of spice on the wrapper. Hay and spice at the foot.

Prelight Draw
Earth, licorice(Good&Plenty), spice

1st
The initial draws bring notes of hay and earth with a pinch of spice. The draw is a tick on the snug side. Burn is spot on so far. Ash is salt&pepper gray and tight. Burn gets off a bit. Draw opens up. Ash holds firm till removal.

2nd
Espresso notes join the profile. Burn fully self corrects. Smoke production is at the medium range. The Spanish Paprika ramps up to dominate the profile.

Final/3rd
Flavor remains consistent into the final/3rd and right to the nub.

Overall
The Asylum 13 Oblongata Box Pressed Robusto provides an enjoyable smoking experience. A nice flavor profile with a nice draw and mildly erratic burn.

Asylum 13 Medulla Robusto 5/19/18

 Appearance
A milk chocolate colored wrapper with a couple thin veins. The seams are tight. There is a light oil sheen and a bit of tooth. The filler bunch is not tightly packed and there are a few soft spots.

Aroma
Hay and a hint of spice on the wrapper. Hay and spice at the foot.

Prelight Draw
Earth, licorice and spice

1st
The initial draws bring notes of earth and spice. Ash is salt&pepper gray and stacked. Draw is effortless. Burn is spot on. There is a light coffee bean note joining the profile. The ash holds firm till removal.

2nd
The licorice notes from the Prelight have joined the profile but with a twist. It has that candy sweetness like Good & Plenty candy. Do they still make that stuff? Strength moves up a tick to medium+. The coffee bean notes are morphing into a full espresso. Smoke production is at the low end of high. The finish is long with notes of earth, candy coated licorice, espresso and Spanish paprika spice.

Final/3rd
The burn develops a bit of a wave due to a tunnel on one side. The flavor profile remains consistent through the final/3rd and right to the nub.

Overall
The Asylum 13 Medulla Robusto provides a very enjoyable smoking experience. A very flavorful profile with an effortless draw and mildly erratic burn. GoGetchasome™️!!

Tomahawk Toro a house blend of Cigar Warehouse 5/13/18

 Appearance
A light brown colored wrapper with a few prominent veins. The seams are tight. There is not much oil visible on the surface. The filler bunch is well packed with no apparent soft spots.

Aroma
Dried fruit, fresh tobacco and spice on the wrapper. Dried fruit, brown sugar, earth and spice at the foot.

Prelight Draw
Licorice, raisin

1st
The initial draws bring notes of cedar, earth and almonds. The ash is medium gray and stacked. The spice begins to develop at an inch in. Draw is good. Burn started out perfect but now is off by 10*. The spice seems like the nutmeg variety. Strength is at mild/medium. The ash dropped at an inch and a half.

2nd
The flavor profile has become a bit bland. All the sweetness has faded leaving the cedar and nutmeg spice alone. Strength is at medium. With the help of simple physics the burn has almost fully self corrected. Coffee notes join the profile along with some black pepper notes. The ash tightens up.

Final/3rd
Smoke production has been at the low end of medium range. The cedar, almond, coffee and black pepper spice notes continue to the nub.

Overall
The Tomahawk provides an enjoyable smoking experience. A nice flavor profile with a good draw and an erratic burn.

WitchDoktor by AJ Fernandez Box Pressed Robusto 5/12/18

 Appearance
A milk chocolate colored wrapper with a couple thin veins and a very smooth surface. The seams are tightly wrapped. The oil sheen is very faint. The filler bunch is well packed with no apparent soft spots.

Aroma
Baking chocolate, earth, cedar and a hint of spice on the wrapper. Cedar, earth and sweetness at the foot.

Prelight Draw
Earth, dried red fruit, chocolate, cedar and spice.

1st
The initial draws bring notes of cedar, earth and black pepper spice. The draw is firm but not snug. The burn has a slight wave. Smoke production is at the upper end of medium range. The black pepper spice fades a bit. The ash is light/medium gray and stacked but fairly tight. Strength is at medium. Coffee notes join the profile. The ash holds firm till removal.

2nd
Upon inspection of the working end I find a small tunnel which is the cause of the slight wave. The black pepper spice ramps back up. The black pepper spice tapers back again allowing the sweetness of the fruit and chocolate to join the profile.

Final/3rd
Strength moves to med/full.
The finish is long with notes of cedar, coffee, chocolate, dried red fruit and black pepper spice all nicely balanced. The burn gets a bit wavy. Flavor remains consistent right to the nub.

Overall
The WitchDoktor by AJ Fernandez for JR Cigars provides an enjoyable smoking experience. A good draw and burn with a flavorful profile.

EPC Selección Oscuro Robusto 5/6/18

 Appearance
A dark chocolate colored wrapper with a couple thin veins. The seams are tightly wrapped and tough to find. There is a light oil sheen and has a bit of tooth as well. The filler bunch is well packed with no apparent soft spots.

Aroma
Chocolate, earth, cedar and spice on the wrapper. Dried red fruit, cedar, faint cocoa and a faint spice at the foot.

Prelight Draw
Dried red fruit, chocolate, molasses, raisins, cedar and a faint red pepper spice.

1st
The initial draws bring notes of very earthy cedar and a hint of black pepper. The draw is a bit snug. The burn is at 45*. Smoke production is at the high end of medium range. Burn is off by 60*. Ash is salt&pepper gray and stacked and holds firm till removal.

2nd
The burn has begun self correcting with the help of simple physics. Upon removal of the ash I notice 2 tunnels on the faster burning side. The dried red fruit notes join the profile keeping it flavorful and keeping the black pepper in balance. At the midway point the draw opens up. Red pepper notes join the profile. Strength is medium+. The finish is long with notes of earth, cedar, dried red fruit and a red & black pepper spice combo.

Final/3rd
Burn has almost fully self corrected. Strength moves to med/full. Burn has fully self corrected. Profile remains consistent through to the nub.

Overall
The EPC Selección Oscuro Robusto provides an enjoyable smoking experience. Great draw(once it opened) and erratic burn till the final/3rd. Delicious cigar.

Davidoff Special R - 702 Series Robusto 5/5/18

 Appearance
A milk chocolate colored wrapper with a couple of prominent veins. The seams are tightly wrapped and only visible due to the lack of oil sheen in spots. The filler bunch is well packed with no apparent soft spots.

Aroma
Cedar, leather and spice on the wrapper. Cedar, sweetness and spice at the foot.

Prelight Draw
Spice, cream, hazelnut

1st
The initial draws bring notes of cedar with a pinch of spice. The draw is spot on. The burn has a bit of a wave. The ash is medium gray and tight with a little curling on one side. The black pepper spice becomes more bold Strength starts in the medium range. Creamy notes join the profile and help to balance the heavier black pepper notes. Had to remove the ash early due to the curling and looking like it was gonna drop.

2nd
The curling and splitting of the filler bunch continues into the 2nd/3rd. The strength moves to med/full. The finish is long with notes of cedar, hazelnuts, cream and black pepper spice, all well balanced. The ash is very flaky so I have to keep removing it.

Final/3rd
The smoke production is at medium. Some red pepper spice notes join the black pepper The profile remains consistent into the final/3rd and right through to the nub.

Overall
The Davidoff Special R - 702 Series Robusto provides an enjoyable smoking experience. A great draw and mildly erratic burn and flaky ash with a well balanced and flavorful profile.

Rocky Patel Edge A-10 Barber Pole Toro 4/28/18

Appearance
A beautifully rolled barber pole with a couple prominent veins and very tight seams. There is a slight imperfection in the Maduro wrapper at the head. It has a slight oil sheen. The filler bunch is well packed with no apparent soft spots.

Aroma
Earth, cedar, sweetness and spice on the wrapper. Earth, cedar, wheat and spice at the foot.

Prelight Draw
A peppery spice on the lips with green tea, cedar and black pepper.

1st
The initial draws bring notes of cedar, leather and black pepper spice. Draw is a bit snug. Burn has a very slight wave. Tea notes join the profile right away. Ash dropped at 3/4”. The draw opens up at an inch in. Near the end of the 1st/3rd a large u shaped wave develops.

2nd
After removing the ash and inspecting the working end I find a large(3/16”) tunnel just off center which is causing the erratic burn. With the help of some simple physics the burn quickly self corrects. Smoke production is at the medium range. Strength is medium+. The black pepper tapers back to be in balance. The green tea notes change to black tea. The burn gets erratic again due to another large tunnel near the binder. The finish is long with notes of cedar black tea, leather and black pepper spice. Strength moves to med/full. Some red pepper notes join the black in the spice category.

Final/3rd
The final/3rd starts with the burn still self correcting. The profile remains consistent through to the nub.

Overall
The Rocky Patel The Edge A-10 Barber Pole Toro provides an enjoyable smoking experience. A nice profile with a good draw and erratic burn.
Thank you to brother Rick Strawn @ParadigmPres for the cigar for review.

Saint Luis Rey Natural Broadleaf Rothchilde 4/22/18

 Appearance
A dark chocolate colored wrapper with a couple of prominent veins. The seams are tightly wrapped and visible due to the mottling. It has a very light oil sheen that you can feel more than you can see, a common trait of Conn. Broadleaf Maduro wrapper leaf. The filler bunch is well packed with no apparent soft spots.
The bands are very attractive with nice color contrast.

Aroma
Earth, dark chocolate, cedar, dried red fruit and spice on the wrapper. Dried red fruit, spice, earth and cedar at the foot.

Prelight Draw
Earth, dried red fruit(plum,pomegranate), cedar and spice.

1st
The initial draws bring notes of cedar and earth with a pinch of cinnamon and black pepper spice. The draw is a bit snug. Burn is spot on. The ash is salt&pepper gray and stacked. The smoke production is at the medium range. Ash held firm til removal.

2nd
Draw opens up nicely. The spice is a bit dominant. The bands removed very easily with no damage. The spice mellows a bit and notes of dried red fruit join the profile. Crushed red pepper notes join the spice part of the profile. Ash holds firm till removal at each 3rd.

Final/3rd
The well balanced profile continues into the final/3rd. Coffee notes join the profile. Roasted almonds notes join the profile. Strength has been consistent at medium+. One of the only complaints is that the finish is relatively short.

Overall
The Saint Luis Rey Natural Broadleaf Rothchilde provides a very enjoyable smoking experience. A perfect burn and effortless draw(2nd & final/3rds) with great balance and nice complexity. At around $4 per Gar it’s a nice affordable smoke for all.

Romeo San Andrés Robusto 4/21/18

 Appearance
A dark chocolate colored wrapper with several thin veins. The seams are tightly wrapped but visible due to some mottling. There is a slight oil sheen. The filler bunch is well packed with no apparent soft spots.

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

Prelight Draw
Earthy, cocoa powder, raisin and spice.

1st
The initial draws bring notes of earth and a blast of heavy black pepper. There are underlying notes of cocoa and mocha on the long finish. The draw is a bit snug and the burn has a slight wave. The ash is light gray and a bit flaky. Ash dropped at 3/4”. The strength is at medium+. Smoke production is at the medium range.

2nd
The black pepper mellows nicely to balance with the earth, cocoa and mocha. The draw opens up nicely. The ash gets tighter and almost white. There is a pinch of red pepper spice notes joining the profile. Burn is off 30* due to the Ligero cone being off center. A bit of simple physics self corrects the burn.

Final/3rd
The black pepper tapers back again to be in balance.
The profile stays consistent through to the nub.

Overall
The Romeo San Andrés Robusto provides an enjoyable smoking experience. A nice profile albeit a bit heavy on the black pepper notes. Well balanced at times with a good draw once it opened up and a mildly erratic burn.
This cigar is a collaboration by Altadis, Raphael Nodal(Aging Room) and AJ Fernandez, made at AJ’s factory in Esteli.

CuriVari Achilles Heroicos Robusto 4/15/18

 Appearance
A milk chocolate colored wrapper with almost no veins on the surface. The seams are tightly wrapped and difficult to find. There is no oil sheen while there is a little bit of tooth. The filler bunch is well packed with no apparent soft spots.

Aroma
Cedar and a hint of spice on the wrapper. The same at the foot. The cigar comes with no cello.

Prelight Draw
Fruity, cedar, caramel and a hint of spice.

1st
The initial draws bring notes of caramel sweetness alongside a nice warm cinnamon spice. Cedar and earthy notes round out the initial profile flavors. Interestingly the cigar which was firm at Prelight is now spongy at a half inch in. The draw is effortless while the burn is off about 7%. The ash is light gray and tight. Smoke production is at the medium range. Burn has almost fully self corrected. Ash held firm til removal.

2nd
Upon inspection of the working end I find a double tunnel 1/8” diameter each which was causing the erratic burn. The ash gets a bit flaky. A pinch of black pepper joins the profile. The black pepper fades as quickly as it came in. The burn remains erratic through the end of the 2nd/3rd. Strength is at medium+.

Final/3rd
The caramel sweetness comes to the forefront of the profile. Burn fully self corrects. A dash of black pepper rejoins the profile. The cigar has a nice long finish with notes of caramel, cedar, earth, cinnamon and black pepper spice, all well balanced.

Overall
The CuriVari Achilles Heroicos Robusto provides an enjoyable smoking experience. A well balanced and flavorful profile with a perfect draw and mildly erratic burn.

Joya De Nicaragua Antaño Gran Reserva Toro 4/14/18

 Appearance
A medium brown colored wrapper with a few thin veins. The seams are tightly wrapped. No visible oil sheen. The filler bunch is well packed with no apparent soft spots.

Aroma
Earth, chocolate on the wrapper. Faint earth and chocolate notes due to foot of cello being cut off (a bad idea)

Prelight Draw
Earth, chocolate, dried red fruit, raisin

1st
Initial draws bring notes of earth and red fruit(plum, pomegranate) with a tiny bit of red pepper spice. The ash is salt&pepper gray and stacked. Notes of cedar and sugar arrive at the same time to enhance the profile. The draw is a tick on the snug side. Strength starts out medium. Smoke production is at the low end of medium. Burn is razor sharp. Ash held firm til removal.

2nd
Strength moves to medium+. Smoke production is at medium. Draw has opened up nicely. The sweet notes taper off a bit.

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

Overall
The Joya De Nicaragua Antaño Gran Reserva Toro provides an enjoyable smoking experience. A balanced and mildly flavorful profile with a nice draw and great burn.

IL Ridotto Biribi Robusto by Moya Ruiz 4/8/18

 Appearance
A light brown colored wrapper with a couple prominent veins. The seams are tight. Cap is well applied. There is no oil on the wrapper and it is very toothy as well. The filler is well packed with a couple of soft spots near the head.

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

Prelight Draw
Cedar, sweetness, dry hay and a pinch of spice.

1st
Initial draws bring notes of cedar and a mild sweetness that reminds me of black licorice. Right away I notice the smoke production is in the high range. The draw is spot on while the burn is slightly wavy. The spice starts out as white pepper. The ash is light gray and fairly tight. The ash held firm and straight till removal.

2nd
The strength is medium+. There are some creamy cashew notes joining the profile. The finish is long with notes of cedar, black licorice, creamy cashews and white pepper spice. The burn is still erratic due to some small tunnels which appear to be ending. The cedar is taking on a bit of a charred flavor. The burn line is self correcting.

Final/3rd
The final/3rd is dominated by charred cedar notes with the creamy cashew notes in the background. The sweetness of the licorice returns late in the final/3rd. The profile remains consistent through to the nub.

Overall
The IL Ridotto Biribi Robusto provides a somewhat enjoyable smoking experience. A great draw and erratic burn.

CuriVari Centauro Robusto 4/7/18

 Appearance
It has a medium brown colored wrapper with a few prominent veins. The seams are tightly wrapped. The filler bunch is well packed with no apparent soft spots.

Aroma
No aroma on the wrapper or foot(no cello).

Prelight Draw
Sugary sweet, cedar, citrus and a hint of spice.

1st
The initial draws bring notes of sugary sweetness alongside thick cedar notes. The ash is salt&pepper gray and stacked. Draw is perfect. Burn has a slight wave but is self correcting.

2nd
Flavor profile continues into the 2nd/3rd. Strength is at medium. A bit of cinnamon spice joins the profile. Ash holds firm til removal at each 3rd.

Final/3rd
The profile remains consistent through to the nub.

Overall
The CuriVari Centauro Robusto provides an enjoyable smoking experience. A nice consistent and balanced profile with a perfect draw and great burn.