Cachitos by GPC 9/23/18

 Appearance
A medium brown colored wrapper with a couple of thin veins. The seams are wrapped tightly. There is a light oil sheen on the wrapper. The filler bunch is well packed with no apparent soft spots. Unbanded.

Aroma
Cedar, light spice on the wrapper. Cedar at the foot.

Prelight Draw
Cedar, licorice, mild spice.

1st
The initial draws bring notes of warm oatmeal. Don’t know where that came from. I don’t think I’ve ever tasted oatmeal in a cigar but that is what it reminds me of. Oatmeal with cinnamon sprinkled on it. The draw is perfect. Burn is spot on as well. Some light coffee notes join the profile at about an inch in.
Smoke production is at the medium range. The ash is medium gray and stacked. Ash held firm until removal.

2nd
Strength is medium. The finish is long with notes of oatmeal, light coffee and cinnamon.

Final/3rd
The well balanced flavor profile continues into the final/3rd. The coffee notes move from light to medium. The strength finishes at medium+. Flavor profile remains consistent right to the nub.

Overall
The Cachitos by GPC provides an enjoyable smoking experience. A well balanced flavor profile with a perfect draw and burn.
The Cachitos is a new sister line of 1502. A great quick smoke for when u don’t have much time.
A big thank you to Enrique @1502Cigars for the samples for review.

PIO Resurrection Churchill Soft Box Press 9/22/18

 Appearance
A dark chocolate colored wrapper with very thin veins. The seams are tightly wrapped. The surface of the wrapper is gritty like fine sand paper but has a nice oily sheen.

Aroma
Earthy tobacco, cedar and a hint of spice on the wrapper. The same at the foot.

Prelight Draw
Earthy, cocoa powder, a hint of dried fruit and a hint of cinnamon spice.

1st
Initial draws bring notes of dried fruit and cocoa powder with a pinch of cinnamon spice. The draw is a tick snug. There are some espresso notes as well. The burn is razor sharp. The ash is light gray and tight and beginning to bloom(think of a flower) at the foot. The draw has opened up nicely at 1” in. The burn gets wavy. Smoke production is at the high range. With the help of simple physics the burn quickly self corrects. The spice is leaning towards black pepper. The ash only bloomed for 3/8” and has been holding firm and straight since then. Ash landed on the ground as I was reaching towards the ashtray to remove it.

2nd
Cedar notes join the profile. So far the black pepper spice has remained in balance with the other flavor notes. The finish is long with notes of earth, espresso, cocoa powder, dried fruit, cedar and black pepper spice with a dash of cinnamon, all very well balanced.

Final/3rd
Strength has been medium to this point when it moves to medium+. The very complex, well balanced and flavorful profile remains consistent right to the nub.

Overall
The PIO Resurrection provides a very enjoyable smoking experience. A well balanced, complex and very flavorful profile with an effortless draw and mildly erratic burn.
Definitely a cigar you want to try!
A big thank you to brother Alberto Medina @piocigar for the sample for review.
PIO Resurrection is available at
Cuencacigars.com &
marcusdaniel.com
GoGetchasome™️!!

Scottish Maduro Toro by Glandon Family Cigars 12/30/17

 Appearance
A beautiful dark chocolate looking Maduro wrapper with only 1 prominent vein. The seams are visible but tightly wrapped. The Box Pressed cigar has a nice oily sheen. Filler bunch is well packed with no apparent soft spots.

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

Prelight Draw
Earth, dried fruit, cocoa and a bit of spice especially on the lips and tip of the tongue.

1st
The initial draws bring notes of creamy chocolate with some earth and cinnamon spice in the background. The draw is effortless. At 1/2” in the burn is spot on. A pinch of black pepper joins the cinnamon to make an interesting spice combination. The smoke production is in the high range. The ash is salt&pepper gray and mostly tight with a little bit of stacking. Strength is at medium+. Some dried white fruit notes join the profile.

2nd
So far the profile is very well balanced. The finish is long with notes of earth, dark chocolate, dried white fruit and a combo of cinnamon/black pepper spice. A nice espresso note joins the profile midway in the 2nd/3rd. Creamy cashew notes join the already flavorful profile.

Final/3rd
The ash held firm and straight til removal at each 3rd. Strength moves to med/full. On the finish there are notes of earth, dark chocolate, dried white fruit, espresso, cashews and cinnamon/black pepper spice all in perfect balance. The creamy dark chocolate and creamy cashew notes make for a very creamy smoke.

Overall
The Glandon Family Scottish Maduro Toro provides a wonderfully enjoyable smoking experience. A complex, well balanced and very flavorful profile with perfect draw and burn. A great addition to the Salamanca Cigar Groups amazing line of blends. Another stellar blend by Mi Hermano Alan Fonseca @The_DonFonseca owner and master blender of SCG.
Wait 4 It! Wait 4 It! BOOM™️!! The Scottish Maduro gets the Chairmans BUY Signal™️!!
GoGetchasome™️!!
Soon to be released.

 Sent from my iPhone

Diesel Whiskey Row BBA Rabbit Hole Robusto 9/16/18

 Appearance
A medium brown colored wrapper with a couple of prominent veins. The seams are tight. The filler bunch is well packed with no apparent soft spots. It has a nice oily sheen.

Aroma
Upon initial removal of the cello cedar, sweetness and spice. Under a minute later very little aroma left. Weird. Cedar, sweetness and spice at the foot.

Prelight Draw
Dried fruit, cedar and spice.

1st
Initial draws bring notes of cedar with a very mild spice. Then I notice 2 vertical splits in the wrapper from the top of the band to the bottom of the cap. A mild sweetness is joining the profile. It is more fruity than sugary if that makes sense to you. There is a very leathery texture to the smoke, a low grade leather, maybe 10 or 20. Hard and stiff instead of soft and pliable. The draw is spot on. The burn has a slight wave. The ash is medium gray and stacked. Smoke production is at the medium range. Strength is at medium. Ash held firm till removal.

2nd
Near the end of the 1st/3rd a V was developing in the burn line. Upon inspection I find a 1/4” diameter tunnel. The leathery texture backs off a bit allowing the sweetness to re-emerge. The burn line is self correcting. The profile is nicely balanced at this point. Toast notes join the profile. Dry roasted peanut notes join the profile at the midway point of the cigar. Strength moves to medium+. The spice notes(cayenne & black pepper mix) become dominant.

Final/3rd
The wrapper splits are becoming a dominant issue midway in the final/3rd. The flavor has remained consistent to this point but I’ll end it here.

Overall
The Diesel Whiskey Row BBA Rabbit Hole Robusto provides an enjoyable smoking experience for the first 2/3’s. A well balanced, complex and flavorful profile with a perfect draw and mildly erratic burn. I’ll definitely try it again in a few months.

CAO Nicaragua Tipitap Robusto 9/15/18

 Appearance
A milk chocolate colored wrapper with a few prominent veins. The seams are tightly wrapped and difficult to find. There is a nice oil sheen as well. The filler bunch is well packed with no apparent soft spots.
The band is well done with nice contrasting colors.

Aroma
Cocoa powder, graham cracker, cedar and a faint hint of spice on the wrapper. Cocoa powder, cedar and a pronounced spice at the foot.

Prelight Draw
Cedar, honey grahams, dried dates and spice.

1st
The initial draws are snug and bring notes of cedar, dried fruit, honey and a mild spice. The burn at a half inch in has a slight wave. The sweetness of the dried fruit seems to be fading fast. The ash is light gray and stacked. I have gotten more bits & pieces of tobacco in my mouth from this cigar than my prior 35 cigars(not pleasant). Strength is medium. Smoke production is at the medium range. Ash held til removal.

2nd
Heading into the 2nd/3rd the spice is becoming more of a black pepper spice and is beginning to dominate the flavor profile. A couple tunnels on one side are the cause of the uneven burn. The draw opens up at the middle of the cigar. Almost every Draw is accompanied by bits & pieces of tobacco(very annoying). Smoke production moves to the low end of high.

Final/3rd
The black pepper spice tapers back some and the other flavors in the profile are distinguishable again. Spoke too soon. Black pepper spice is dominating the profile again. Burn line has fully self corrected midway in the final/3rd. Heavy black pepper spice right to the nub.

Overall
The CAO Nicaragua Tipitap Robusto did not provide an enjoyable smoking experience for me. As u should know by now, I’m not a fan of heavy black pepper and the bits & pieces of tobacco in every draw is very annoying. Good draw and mildly erratic burn.

Gunslinger Pale Face Double Robusto 9/9/18

Appearance
A light brown or tan colored wrapper with a couple of prominent veins. The seams are tightly wrapped and well hidden. There is a very light oil sheen on the cigar. The filler bunch is well packed with no apparent soft spots.

Aroma
Cedar, dried fruit and floral on the wrapper. Light graham cracker, cedar, dried fruit and spice at the foot.

Prelight Draw
Cedar, light graham cracker, dried fruit and mild spice.

1st
The initial draws bring notes of cedar with the mild spice. The first half dozen draws were a tick snug then it loosens up. The burn line is almost perfect at 3/4” in. The ash is light gray and fairly tight. The dried fruit notes come alive right near the end of the 1st/3rd.

2nd
Smoke production is at the medium range. Strength is medium as well at this point. Burn is wavy. Light roast coffee notes join the profile. Black pepper notes join the spice portion of the profile. Strength moves to medium+. The black pepper spice notes are vacillating back & forth in strength.

Final/3rd
The flavor profile remains unchanged into the final/3rd. The spice becomes a crushed red pepper and black pepper combo. Flavor profile remains consistent right to the nub.

Overall
The Gunslinger Pale Face Double Robusto provides an enjoyable smoking experience. A well balanced and flavorful profile with a perfect draw and near perfect burn.
Thanks again to my brother Wes @WesSmith62 for the @OutlawCigarCo samples for review!

La Gloria Cubana Esteli White Toro 9/8/17

 Appearance
A dark brown colored wrapper with a few prominent veins. The seams are tightly wrapped and difficult to find. It has a bit of mottling and a nice oily sheen. The filler bunch is well packed but has a couple of soft spots. There is a little bit of tooth as well.

Aroma
Cedar combined with sweetness on the wrapper. Cedar, earth and sweetness at the foot.

Prelight Draw
Dried red fruit, earth, cedar and spice.

1st
The initial draws bring notes of rich earth and cedar with a faint spice on the lips and tongue. The draw is a bit snug. The burn is spot on. The ash is light gray and stacked but looking a little suspect. Near the end of the 1st/3rd the burn develops a U shape on one side. Upon inspection of the working end after removing the ash I find several tiny tunnels in the affected area.

2nd
Smoke production is at the low end of high. Draw opens up nicely. Midway in the cigar some cashew notes join the profile. The spice has developed into a crushed red pepper with a pinch of black pepper for an interesting combo. The finish is long with notes of earth, cedar, dried red fruit, cashew and a crushed red pepper and mild black pepper spice combo.

Final/3rd
The black pepper spice becomes balanced with the crushed red pepper spice. Flavor profile is consistent right to the nub.

Overall
The La Gloria Cubana Esteli White Toro provides an enjoyable smoking experience. A well balanced and flavorful profile with a good draw and mildly erratic burn.

Aladino Corojo Reserva Robusto 9/3/18

 Appearance
A medium brown colored wrapper with a few prominent veins and a little bit of tooth. The seams are tightly wrapped. There is a very light oil sheen on the cigar. The filler bunch is well packed but has a couple of soft spots.

Aroma
Tobacco and cedar on the wrapper. Cedar, a faint sweetness and spice at the foot.

Prelight Draw
Cedar, candylike sweetness and warm cinnamon spice.

1st
The initial draws bring notes of cedar and cinnamon spice with a pinch of black pepper spice on the back of the palete. The draw is spot on. The ash is medium gray and stacked. The burn is a bit wavy. Black pepper spice notes are dominating the profile at 1” in. The strength is edging toward medium+. The ash held firm until removal.

2nd
The black pepper spice tapers back a bit and allows a sweetness note to come forward. The finish is long with notes of cedar, sugary sweetness and black pepper spice. The smoke production is at the low end of high. The burn line has almost fully self corrected. Several draws later the burn becomes wavy and erratic again. After ashing and inspecting the working end I find several small tunnels are the cause of the erratic burn. The black pepper spice becomes dominant again. The tunnels end and the burn fully self corrects.

Final/3rd
Spoke too soon, several tunnels appear and cause the burn to become erratic.
Flavor profile and erratic burn remain consistent right to the nub.


Overall
The Aladino Corojo Reserva does not provide an enjoyable smoking experience. The flavor profile brought back memories of the original Camacho blends which I did not like. The draw was spot on but the burn was erratic.
If you enjoyed the original Camacho blends then give it a go because u will probably enjoy this one.

601 Maduro Robusto by Espinosa 9/2/18

 Appearance
A dark chocolate colored Maduro wrapper with 1 small thin vein. The seams which are visible due to some mottling are tightly wrapped. The surface of the wrapper leaf is smooth and has an oily feel. The filler bunch is well packed with no apparent soft spots. The cigar is box pressed.

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

Prelight Draw
Earth, cedar, spice

1st
Initial draws bring notes of rich earth and a dash of black pepper spice. The draw is a bit snug. The burn has a slight wave. The ash is salt&pepper gray and stacked. A crack develops in the wrapper across the cigar, 3/4” below the band. The black pepper spice becomes dominant. Strength is at medium+. The ash holds firm till removal.

2nd
The black pepper spice backs off a bit coming into balance with the earth and cedar. The draw opens up nicely. Smoke production is at the high end of medium range. Cayenne pepper notes join the profile in the spice department.

Final/3rd
The strength moves to med/full.
The finish is long with notes of earth, cedar and a nicely balanced mix of cayenne & black pepper spice. Late in the final/3rd the cayenne pepper dominates the profile. A tasty and consistent flavor right to the nub.

Overall
The 601 Maduro Robusto provides a very enjoyable smoking experience. A well balanced and flavorful profile with a good draw and mildly erratic burn.

The Angel’s Anvil TAA 2018 Robusto Extra 9/1/18

 Appearance
A medium brown colored wrapper with a couple of prominent veins. The seams are tightly wrapped but visible. It shows a bit of tooth as well. There is a slight oil sheen. The filler bunch is well packed with no apparent soft spots.

Aroma
Cedar, dried fruit, tobacco and spice on the wrapper. Dried fruit, tobacco, cedar and spice at the foot.

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

1st
The initial draws bring notes of tobacco, cedar and a hint of spice. The draw is spot on, as is the burn at the 3/4” mark. The ash is medium gray and stacked. A little over an inch in the sweetness joins the profile. The burn gets a bit of a wave. The smoke is leaving the palete very dry. Smoke production is at the low end of medium range. The ash held firm till removal.

2nd
The profile remains the same into the 2nd/3rd. Just past the halfway point the spice becomes more prominent. The flavor profile
late in the 2nd/3rd brings notes of cedar, tobacco, sweetness and warm cinnamon spice with a dry leathery texture.

Final/3rd
Smoke production moves to the medium range. Strength is medium+. A pinch of black pepper joins the profile. The profile remains consistent right to the nub.

Overall
The Angel’s Anvil TAA 2018 provides a lackluster smoking experience. A dry and basic profile with a perfect draw and mildly erratic burn. The best part of the cigar was the Prelight Draw but those flavors did not carry into the flavor profile.

My Father La Gran Oferta Robusto 8/26/18

 Appearance
A medium brown colored wrapper with a few prominent veins. The seams are tightly wrapped and the cigar has a nice oily sheen. The filler bunch is well packed with no apparent soft spots.

Aroma
Barnyard and a hint of spice on the wrapper. Cedar, graham cracker and a faint hint of spice at the foot.

Prelight Draw
Cedar, dried fruit, graham cracker and a hint of spice developing

1st
The initial draws bring notes of cedar, a hint of sweetness and a mild spice. The draw is a tiny bit snug. The dried fruit notes join the profile. All flavors are well balanced. The ash is med/dark gray and stacked. After implementing some simple physics, the burn is self correcting. Near the end of the 1st/3rd the draw opens up nicely. Right before removing the ash I noticed that the burn has fully self corrected.

2nd
Strength is at the medium+ range. Smoke production is at the medium range. The finish is long with notes of cedar, dried fruit, cashew and a cinnamon spice with a pinch of black pepper. The burn is developing a V on one side due to a tunnel near the edge under the binder. Late in the 2nd/3rd the burn fully self corrects.

Final/3rd
The well balanced and flavorful profile continues into the final/3rd. Strength moves to med/full. The black pepper spice has become more prominent but not overpowering. Good to the nub.

Overall
The My Father La Gran Oferta Robusto provides an enjoyable smoking experience. A well balanced and flavorful profile with a nice draw(once it opened up) and a mildly erratic burn.

Aladino Maduro Robusto 8/25/18

 Appearance
A dark chocolate colored Maduro wrapper with a couple of prominent veins and a smooth texture. The seams are tight and difficult to find. The wrapper has a light oil sheen. The filler bunch is well packed with no apparent soft spots.

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

Prelight Draw
Earth, cocoa powder, a hint of molasses and cinnamon spice.

1st
The initial draws bring notes of earth with a thick molasses sweetness. The draw is perfect from the start. The ash is salt&pepper gray and stacked. The burn has a small wave but appears to be self correcting. The spice is very faint. The finish is long with notes of earth, molasses, cocoa powder and cinnamon spice. The ash holds firm till removal.

2nd
Notes of cocoa powder join the profile.
The spice continues to develop as a pinch of black pepper joins the profile and the cinnamon becomes warm.

Final/3rd
Smoke production is at the high end of medium range. A mild coffee note joins the profile. The profile remains consistent right to the nub.

Overall
The Aladino Maduro Robusto provides an enjoyable smoking experience. A consistent and balanced flavor profile with a perfect draw and slight wave in the burn.

Davidoff 50th Aniversario Robusto 8/19/18

 Appearance
The light brown wrapper has a couple of prominent veins and tight seams. It also has a nice oily sheen. The filler bunch is well packed but there are a couple of soft spots.

Aroma
Sugary sweetness and cedar on the wrapper. Graham cracker, cedar and spice at the foot.

Prelight Draw
Cedar, dried white fruit and cinnamon spice.

1st
Initial draws bring notes of cedar, dried white fruit and cinnamon spice. The draw is spot on. The burn is off slightly. The ash is medium gray and tight. The smoke production is in the medium range. The profile is getting more creamy. Ash holds firm till removal.

2nd
The profile remains unchanged and very creamy. Burn is spot on as is the draw.

Final/3rd
The profile remains consistent and creamy right to the nub.

Overall
The Davidoff 50th Aniversario Robusto provides an enjoyable smoking experience. A nice creamy flavor profile with a great burn and draw.

Punch Diablo Scamp Toro 8/18/18

 Appearance
A beautiful, dark Ecuadoran Oscuro wrapper with a couple of thin veins and tight seams. There is a bit of tooth and a nice oily sheen on the wrapper as well. The filler bunch is well packed with no apparent soft spots.

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

Prelight Draw
Earthy, cedar, molasses and spice.

1st
The initial draws bring notes of cedar with some earth and spice with a sweetness in the background. There is a dirty flavor developing in the back of the palate which is generally associated with black pepper spice notes. The draw is a bit snug and smoke production is in the low range. The black pepper is gaining prominence at the 1” mark. The ash is a salt&pepper gray and stacked. The burn has a slight wave. Nearing the end of the 1st/3rd and the molasses is beginning to balance the black pepper notes. The ash holds albeit looking suspect till removal.

2nd
The draw has opened up nicely and with it the smoke production increases to upper end of medium range.
Crushed red pepper spice notes join the well balanced profile. The finish is long with notes of cedar, earth, molasses and a black pepper & crushed red pepper spice combo. The black pepper tapers back a bit allowing the crushed red pepper to take the lead in the spice department.

Final/3rd
The black pepper comes back into balance with the crushed red pepper. A half inch into the final/3rd the spice becomes more like a Jalapeño pepper and black pepper spice. The balanced and flavorful profile continues to the nub.

Overall
The Punch Diablo Scamp Toro provides a very enjoyable smoking experience. A well balanced and flavorful profile with a great draw(2nd & final/3rd) and near perfect burn.

Just to be clear this is not a collaboration smoke. Punch gave AJ a license to blend, manufacture and distribute this Punch cigar as well as to use his creativity on the band.
Well done AJ @AJFcigars

Casa Cuevas Maduro Toro 8/12/18

 Appearance
A medium brown colored wrapper with a couple prominent veins. The seams are tightly wrapped. It has a nice oil sheen and a little bit of tooth as well. The filler bunch is well packed with no apparent soft spots.

Aroma
Earthy, chocolate, dried fruit on the wrapper. Earth, cedar, spice at the foot.

Prelight Draw
Earthy, cedar, dried fruit, licorice.

1st
The initial draws bring notes of earth, dark chocolate, cedar and a very mild spice. The dried fruit has mellowed a bit. Burn has a small wave. Draw still a bit snug but nothing to write home about.

2nd
Just into the 2nd/3rd the ash begins blooming(think of a flower). Flavor profile is mostly earth, cedar, dark chocolate, coffee and cinnamon spice with a pinch of black pepper. The ash is salt&pepper gray and stacked with some flake. Strength & body are in the medium range. Draw has opened up nicely. Smoke production moves up to the high end of medium range.

Final/3rd
The burn has fully self corrected. The blooming continues so I ash often. Spice becomes like crushed red pepper midway in the final/3rd and continues right to the nub.

Overall
The Casa Cuevas Maduro Toro provides a somewhat enjoyable smoking experience. The snug draw(first 2/3’s) and erratic burn and blooming take away a bit from the overall experience. I had a much better experience with the Robusto version of this cigar.

Four Kicks Mule Kick LE 2018 by The Crowned Heads 8/11/18

 Appearance
A very toothy and rustic looking dark wrapper with a red hue and thin veins. The seams are tightly wrapped but visible due to the mottling. There is a nice oily sheen on the wrapper. The filler bunch looks well packed but there are a few soft spots.

Aroma
Very earthy with some barnyard as well and some cedar on the wrapper. Molasses, honey, cedar and a very faint hint of spice at the foot.

Prelight Draw
Heavy molasses, honey, raisin and spice.

1st
Initial draws are snug and loaded with earth and raisins with a mild cinnamon spice kicker. There are some notes of cocoa powder and espresso that join the profile right away. The finish is long with a cinnamon spice kicker. Smoke production is at the high range. Burn was off about 30 degrees but is self correcting. The spice is quickly moving away from cinnamon in the direction of black pepper. The ash is dark gray, stacked and looking suspect at the same time. The draw opens up late in the 1st/3rd. The ash though looking very suspect, held on til removal.

2nd
The espresso notes become very creamy as the spice backs off a bit. The cocoa is developing into dark chocolate notes. Nice balance and complexity at this point. The molasses and raisin notes are still present. The spice returns to its prior level of intensity but more like crushed red pepper with a dash of black pepper mixed in. The flavor is very meaty.

Final/3rd
The flavors continue into the final/3rd. Flavor profile remains consistent right to the nub.

Overall
The Four Kicks Mule Kick LE 2018 provides a very enjoyable smoking experience. A complex, balanced and flavorful profile with nice draw once it opened up and an erratic burn until the final/3rd when it evened out.
Definitely a cigar to seek out and try!

Ramón Allones Robusto AJ Fernandez Style 8/5/18

Appearance
A dark chocolate colored wrapper with a couple of prominent veins. In some areas the seams are visible due to a bit of mottling and in other areas the seam disappears completely. The wrapper leaf has a very oily sheen. The filler bunch is well packed with no apparent soft spots.
The bands are very attractive which is a hallmark of AJ’s work.

Aroma
Earthy and cedar on the wrapper. The same at the foot with a pinch of cocoa powder as well.

Prelight Draw
Very earthy, cedar, faint dried fruit and spice

1st
The initial draws bring notes of earth and cedar with a good bit of spice developing in the background. The draw is perfect as is the burn line at this point 1/2” in. The ash is light gray and mostly tight. The dried fruit notes join the profile albeit very subtly. The spice is of the black pepper variety but is not obnoxious at this point. The ash which had been looking suspect (hence why I was holding the cigar over the ash tray) dropped at the 1” mark. Smoke production is in the high range.

2nd
Strength & body have settled at the medium+ point. The black pepper spice has faded a bit which is good as the cigar is more balanced now. Also joining the profile are notes of espresso and a fine leather texture. The burn line has a slight wave at the midway point of the cigar. The profile is very rich which is a by-product of Nicaraguan tobacco(great soil). The finish is long with notes of earth, cedar, dried fruit, espresso, black pepper spice and a fine leather texture.

Final/3rd
The flavorful profile rolls into the final/3rd. Strength is now med/full. Well balanced, flavorful and rich with a nice complexity. A tasty cigar right to the nub.

Overall
The Ramón Allones Robusto AJ Style provides a very enjoyable smoking experience. A very flavorful profile with a perfect draw and mostly perfect burn.
While General Cigar still owns the brand they licensed AJ to make his version so he reblended and repackaged his way, doing a stellar job on both fronts.
Ramón Allones cigars have now been made in 4 regions. My rating in ( )
Cuban (the best...period)
Honduras (3rd)
Dominican Rep. (4th)
Nicaragua (very close 2nd)
GoGetchasome™️!!

Gunslinger Drifter Robusto Soft Box Press by Outlaw Cigar 8/4/18

 Appearance
A chocolate colored wrapper with a couple of prominent veins. The seams are very difficult to find and tightly rolled. It has a nice oily sheen. The bunch is well packed with no soft spots.

Aroma
Earth, cocoa powder, light coffee and a faint hint of spice on the wrapper. Earth, cedar, cocoa powder and a faint hint of spice at the foot.

Prelight Draw
Earthy, cedar, a pinch of mint, coffee and cinnamon spice.

1st
The initial draws bring notes of black coffee laced with cinnamon. The draw is a bit snug. A half inch in there are notes of almonds joining the profile. The ash is medium gray and stacked. The burn line is nearly perfect. The smoke production is at the low end of medium range.
Ash held til removal.

2nd
Draw is still snug. The almonds become more prominent. The spice becomes more like nutmeg. Finally late in the 2nd/3rd the draw opened up. The finish is long with notes of earth, black coffee, almonds and nutmeg spice.

Final/3rd
The well balanced profile continues into the final/3rd. Draw and burn are spot on. The smoke production moved to medium when the draw opened up. The ash tightens up in the final/3rd as well.

Overall
The Gunslinger Drifter Robusto provides an enjoyable smoking experience. A snug draw through the first 2/3rds with a nice burn and a very flavorful profile. The final/3rd brought everything together with the draw opening up nicely.
A big thank you to brother Wes @WesSmith62 for the samples for review.
Available at Kendall’s website outlawcigar.com
There is also a list of retailers on gunslingercigar.com

Shrunken Heads Toro by Outlaw Cigar 7/29/18

 Appearance
The wrapper is a medium brown color with very small veins. The seams are tightly wrapped and very difficult to find. The cigar has a nice oily sheen. There are a few soft spots but nothing major. The band is amazing! Kendall brings together pictures, colors and contrast. Well done.

Aroma
Barnyard, cedar and a hint of spice on the wrapper. Cedar, brown sugar, citrus and mild spice at the foot.

Prelight Draw
Cedar, dried fruit, light brown sugar, citrus and spice.

1st
The initial draws bring notes of cedar and dried fruit with a pinch of spice. The draw is perfect. Smoke production is in the high range from the first draws. The ash is light gray and tight with a few stack lines and seems to be developing a dog leg. Some espresso notes join the profile. The ash which had a bend in it has straightened out. The spice has been steadily increasing in body. The strength of the cigar is medium+. The burn has a bit of wave to it. As i was inspecting the burn line the ash dropped, luckily not on me.

2nd
The profile of cedar, espresso, dried fruit, light brown sugar, citrus and nutmeg spice are well balanced and wrapped with a creamy texture. The burn has fully self corrected. The finish is long with notes of cedar, espresso, dried fruit, faint citrus and nutmeg spice.

Final/3rd
The consistent flavorful profile continues into the final/3rd and right through to the nub.

Overall
The Shrunken Heads Toro provides a very enjoyable smoking experience. A balanced and flavorful profile with a perfect draw and mildly erratic burn. Definitely a cigar you need to try!
Available at Kendall’s website at
gunslingercigar.com
A Big Thank You to my brother Wes @WesSmith62 for the cigars for review.

Southern Draw Rose of Sharon Robusto 7/28/18

 Appearance
The wrapper is a light tan color with a couple of prominent veins. The seams are tight. It appears to be a dry cigar with no oils on the wrapper. The filler bunch is well packed with no apparent soft spots.

Aroma
Cedar, hay and a faint sweetness on the wrapper. Cedar, hay, chocolate at the semi closed foot.

Prelight Draw
Cedar, white chocolate, mint and a bit of cinnamon on the lips.

1st
The initial draws bring notes of dry cedar and dry tobacco, wicking the moisture out of my mouth and cinnamon spice on the lips and tongue. The mint starts making its presence known right away. Some creamy cashew notes join the profile. The draw is perfect. The burn is pretty much spot on too. The ash is salt&pepper gray and stacked. Ash held on firm til removal.

2nd
Notes of light roast coffee join the profile. Cinnamon spice becomes warmer. The smoke production is at the medium range. The finish is long with notes of cedar, hay, cashew, white chocolate, light roast coffee and warm cinnamon spice. Burn line is still razor sharp. Strength is medium.

Final/3rd
There is a pinch of crushed red pepper joining the warm cinnamon spice. The flavor profile remains consistent through to the nub.

Overall
The Southern Draw Rose of Sharon Robusto provides a very enjoyable smoking experience. A well balanced and flavorful profile with a perfect draw and burn.

Southern Draw Kudzu Toro 7/8/18

 Appearance
A chocolate colored wrapper with a couple of prominent veins. The visible seams are tightly wrapped. There is a nice oil sheen on the wrapper. Soft box press with no soft spots.

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

Prelight Draw
Earthy, graham cracker, cocoa powder, cedar and spice.

1st
The initial draws bring notes of cedar. After the closed foot burns off the next series of draws, brought notes of sweetness and spice into the mix. The draw is still a bit tight(cheeks are screaming) . The burn is off as well. The spice is developing nicely just past halfway in the 1st/3rd, it’s a cinnamon spice with a pinch of red & black pepper, well balanced and quite enjoyable. By the end of the 1st/3rd the burn is spot on and the draw is just a bit snug.

2nd
The smoke production is at the medium range. The finish is long with notes of cedar, earth, cocoa powder and the aforementioned spice combo. Strength is at medium+. The ash is a medium gray and stacked. Some of the stack lines grow wide causing some consternation as I don’t like dropping ash. So I ash often so it doesn’t affect the smoking experience. Late in the 2nd the draw is effortless, the burn spot on and the smoke production is at the high end of medium range. Strength is at med/full and body is at full.

Final/3rd
The flavor profile has been consistent in flavor but complex with each flavor taking the lead then fading back to balance allowing one of the other flavors to take the lead briefly then changing again. About midway in the final/3rd coffee notes join the profile. Tasty right to the nub.

Overall
The Southern Draw Kudzu Toro provides an enjoyable smoking experience. A well balanced profile with nice complexity as it burns. After a challenging start in the 1st/3rd the draw and burn become spot on right to the nub.
Southern Draw Cigars are made at the AJ Fernandez factory in Esteli, Nicaragua.

Sobremesa Short Churchill 7/7/18

 Appearance
The mottled chocolate brown colored wrapper with a red hue has a few prominent veins. Even though there is a lot of mottling the seams are difficult to find and tightly wrapped. There is a nice oily sheen on the wrapper. The filler bunch is packed but not too tight. There is a little give when pressure is applied but not enough to call it a loose fill.

Aroma
Earthy, cedar, an underlying sweetness and a hint of cinnamon spice on the wrapper. The same at the foot.

Prelight Draw
Earth, dried red fruit, cedar, raisin, cinnamon spice wrapped in a soft leathery texture.

1st
The initial draws bring notes of earth and cinnamon spice with a leathery texture. The sweetness notes join in right away. The draw is perfect. The burn is off about 30*. The ash is salt&pepper gray and stacked. Simple physics has been implemented. The ash looked suspect but held on til removal.

2nd
After removing the ash and inspecting the working end I found a double tunnel and the Ligero cone is off center which are the reasons for the uneven burn. Strength is med/full. Smoke production is at the medium range. Midway in the 2nd the burn is almost fully self corrected. The finish is long with notes of earth, cedar, red fruit sweetness, cinnamon spice and a soft leathery texture. There is a pinch of black pepper joining the spice portion of the flavor profile.

Final/3rd
Smoke production increases to the high range. The well balanced profile is very flavorful right to the nub.

Overall
The Sobremesa Short Churchill provides an enjoyable smoking experience. A well balanced and flavorful profile with a great draw and erratic burn. Definitely a cigar you should give a go!

Luminosa Robusto by The Crowned Heads 7/4/18

 Appearance
A light brown colored wrapper with a couple of prominent veins. A nice oily sheen is visible right away. The seems are tight and not easy to spot. The filler bunch is well packed with no apparent soft spots.

Aroma
Cedar and sugar with a hint of spice on the wrapper. The same at the foot.

Prelight Draw
Black licorice, cedar and spice.

1st
Initial draws bring notes of cedar and mild black pepper spice. The draw is spot on. The burn is off slightly. The ash is medium gray and tight with stack lines. Strength is mild. By the end of the 1st/3rd the burn is spot on.

2nd
The wrapper develops a couple of splits below the band, but they don’t affect the smoking experience. The smoke production is at the medium range. There is a dash of cinnamon spice mixed in with the black pepper for a nice combination of spices. The profile is very basic but enjoyable at the same time.

Final/3rd
The well balanced albeit consistent flavor profile continues into the final/3rd. Consistent right to the nub.

Overall
The Luminosa Robusto by The Crowned Heads provides an enjoyable smoking experience. A balanced and consistent flavor profile with a good burn & draw from late in the 1st/3rd to the nub. Definitely a morning smoke.

Rancho Luna Maduro Robusto by JRE 7/1/18

 Appearance
The cigar has a dark brown colored wrapper with a couple of prominent veins and a gritty look and feel to the finish. The seams are tight and very difficult to find(i actually used a lighted magnifying glass that I keep for purposes like that or reading very small print on bands). The cigar has a nice oily sheen. The filler bunch is well packed with no apparent soft spots.

Aroma
Earthy, smoky wood and sweetness on the wrapper. Wood with a pinch of sweetness at the foot.

Prelight Draw
Earthy, woody, dried fruit and spice

1st
The initial draws bring notes of earth and a very mild sweetness that I have yet to identify. About a half inch into the cigar a very mild spice begins to develop. The draw is a tiny bit snug. The burn is nearly spot on. The ash is medium gray and stacked. Cedar notes join the profile. The ash holds firm til removal.

2nd
Smoke production is at the high end of medium range. The finish is long with notes of earth, cedar, vanilla sweetness and a mild warm spice. The strength which started mild has moved to medium. There is a mild coffee note joining the well balanced profile.

Final/3rd
The spice which has continued to develop is now a warm cinnamon with a pinch of crushed red pepper. Flavor profile remains consistent through to the nub.

Overall
The Rancho Luna Maduro Robusto by JRE provides an enjoyable smoking experience. A well balanced flavor profile with a great draw and burn.

Four Kicks Maduro Corona Gorda 6/30/18

 Appearance
A dark brown colored wrapper with a couple prominent veins. The wrapper is a bit mottled and has a bit of tooth as well. There is also a nice oily sheen. The seams are tight and well wrapped. The filler bunch is what I would consider to be of medium density, a little spongy.

Aroma
Dry tobacco and a faint hint of spice on the wrapper(was expecting more but...). Cocoa, caramel and faint cedar at the foot.

Prelight Draw
Earthy, molasses, citrus, dried red fruit, cedar and spice.

1st
The initial draws bring notes of earth with a hint of citrus. The draw is perfect and the burn is near perfect. The smoke production is at the high end of medium range. There are creamy coffee notes joining the profile. Cashew notes join an already flavorful profile. The ash is salt&pepper gray and stacked. There is a pinch of black pepper spice joining right near the end of the 1st/3rd.

2nd
The burn gets a bit wavy to start the 2nd/3rd. The black pepper spice notes increase to a dash. The spice becomes dominant with the creamy flavorful notes in the background. Strength is in the med/full range. The burn has almost fully self corrected.

Final/3rd
The black pepper spice tapers a bit allowing the creamy coffee and cashews to almost balance the profile. The burn continues to be a bit wavy. The profile remains consistent right to the nub.

Overall
The Four Kicks Maduro Corona Gorda provides an enjoyable smoking experience. A flavorful, albeit heavy black pepper laden at times, profile with a perfect draw and mildly erratic burn. Not a cigar I will smoke again due to the heavy black pepper spice.

Tatuaje TAA 50th Robusto 6/24/18

 Appearance
The Dark wrapper with a red hue has a couple of thin veins. The seams are well wrapped in areas and loose in others. It has a nice oily sheen. The filler bunch is well packed with no apparent soft spots.

Aroma
Almost no aroma other than light cedar on the wrapper. Not surprised since they have no cello. Closed foot.

Prelight Draw
Dried red fruit and a hint of spice.

1st
The initial draws bring notes of cedar with some sweetness on the side. Draw is a bit snug. The ash is salt&pepper gray and stacked. The burn is off 15 degrees. As I implement simple physics the burn begins to self correct. Draw opens up near the end of the 1st/3rd. Ash holds till removal.

2nd
Upon inspection of the working end I find the Ligero cone is off center and there is a tiny tunnel on one side which is why the burn was off. There are faint coffee notes joining the profile as well as some spice. Smoke production is at the low end of medium. Strength is medium. The finish is long with notes of cedar, coffee, unsalted peanuts and mild red pepper spice. The burn self corrected midway in the 2nd/3rd and remains spot on.

Final/3rd
The coffee notes taper back and the nutty notes take their place. The red pepper becomes more bold and more of a crushed red pepper variety(always a good thing). The profile remains consistent through to the nub.

Overall
The Tatuaje TAA 50th Robusto provides an enjoyable smoking experience. A nice flavor profile with a good draw and mildly erratic burn for the 1st half then spot on the rest of the way.
The big change this year besides being a Robusto instead of a Toro is the wrapper, which has historically been Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro, the 50th has a Connecticut Broadleaf Rosado. Still box worthy.

Avo Maduro No.2 30yrs US 6/23/18

 Appearance
A nice dark chocolate colored wrapper with a few prominent veins. The seams are visible but well wrapped and tight. There is a nice oily sheen. The filler bunch is well packed with no apparent soft spots.

Aroma
Cocoa, earth, cedar and a hint of spice on the wrapper. Earth, cedar, graham cracker at the foot.

Prelight Draw
Fruity with dates and licorice and very mild spice like allspice.

1st
The initial draws bring notes of cedar with very sweet notes alongside and a mild allspice as well. The ash is dark gray and stacked. Draw is perfect.
Burn is off 7 degrees. With a bit of simple physics the burn self corrects by the end of the 1st/3rd. Ash held till removal.

2nd
The flavor profile is very creamy. The finish is long with notes of cedar, cocoa, fruity sweetness, mild earthiness and allspice. The strength is at medium. The smoke production is at the high end of medium range. The profile has been well balanced so far.

Final/3rd
Moving into the final/3rd the profile remains consistent. The perfect burn & draw continues along with the balanced and flavorful profile right to the nub.

Overall
The Avo Maduro No.2
30 years US provides a very enjoyable smoking experience. A well balanced and flavorful profile with a perfect draw and mostly perfect burn. Avo would be pleased.

Southern Draw Jacobs Ladder Maduro Toro 6/17/18

 Appearance
A dark chocolate colored wrapper with a couple thin veins. The seams are tightly wrapped and difficult to find. The wrapper has a very oily sheen. The filler bunch is well packed with no apparent soft spots.

Aroma
Earth, cedar and a hint of spice on the wrapper. Cigar is closed at the foot.

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

1st
The initial draws bring notes of very earthy cedar. Once the wrapper covering the foot burns off the earthy flavor backs off to balance with dark chocolate and espresso notes. Soon after the spice begins to develop. The ash is light gray and mostly tight. Draw & burn are spot on at the inch and a half point. Smoke production is at the high end of medium range.

2nd
The finish is long with notes of earth, cedar, dark chocolate, espresso, faint dried fruit and moderate black pepper spice with a pinch of cinnamon. The black pepper spice gets a bit dominant near the end of the 2nd/3rd.

Final/3rd
The flavor profile remains consistent into the final/3rd. The profile remains consistent right to the nub.

Overall
The Southern Draw Jacobs Ladder Maduro Toro provides an enjoyable smoking experience. A nice flavor profile, though it gets a bit heavy on the black pepper spice notes at times, with a spot on draw & burn.
Another of the many brands made at AJ Fernandez

Romeo y Julieta Wide Churchills Robusto 6/16/18

 Appearance
A medium brown colored wrapper with a few prominent veins. The seams are tightly wrapped but visible due to some mottling. The wrapper has a nice oily sheen. The filler bunch is well packejd with no apparent soft spots.

Aroma
Barnyard, cedar and dried fruit on the wrapper. Cedar and caramel at the foot.

Prelight Draw
Cedar, caramel, dried fruit and cinnamon spice on the lips and tongue.

1st
The initial draws bring notes of cedar with a leathery texture. The draw is a tick on the snug side. The burn has a small wave. Smoke production is in the low range currently. At a little over an inch in the draw opened up nicely. The smoke production moves to the medium range. Coffee and roasted peanuts join the profile. Warm cinnamon spice begins to develop as the 1st/3rd ends.

2nd
The burn & draw are good at this point. The ash is medium gray, stacked and a little flaky. The finish is long with notes of cedar, light coffee, roasted peanuts and mild cinnamon spice all nicely balanced and wrapped in a leathery texture.

Final/3rd
Strength is at med/full. Flavor profile is holding consistent with notes of cedar, light coffee, roasted peanuts and warm cinnamon spice. Delicious right to the nub.

Overall
The Romeo y Julieta Wide Churchills Robusto provides a very enjoyable smoking experience. A flavorful and well balanced profile with a nice burn & draw.
A big Thank You to my brother Matthew Munro @AirMunro for the gift to review.

Obrigado First Edition Robusto by Cigars Daily 6/10/18

 Appearance
The medium brown colored wrapper has very thin veins and seams that are difficult to find because they are tightly wrapped and the nice uniform color. It has a nice oily sheen.
The filler bunch is well packed with no apparent soft spots.

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

Prelight Draw
Cedar, earth, dried red fruit and cinnamon spice.

1st
The initial draws bring notes of cedar, earth and mild black pepper spice. There is a nice soft leathery texture to the smoke as well. The draw is a bit snug. The burn line is almost perfect. The ash is light gray and mostly tight. Strength is at medium. The ash held firm til removal and would have held longer.

2nd
The smoke production is at the low end of medium range. The draw opened up nicely to start the 2nd/3rd. The black pepper spice has become a bit more prominent. A half inch into the 2nd/3rd the black pepper backs off and comes back into balance. The burn is now spot on at the halfway point of the cigar. The finish is long with notes of cedar, earth, dried red fruit and mild black pepper spice. Strength moves to medium+. Smoke production is at the medium range.

Final/3rd
A pinch of cinnamon spice joins the profile. The burn and draw are still spot on. Some almond notes join the profile midway in the final/3rd. Flavorful right to the nub.

Overall
The Obrigado First Edition Robusto provides a very enjoyable smoking experience. A complex and flavorful profile with a nice draw and mildly erratic burn.
A great first brand/blend from Tim Swanson and the folks at Cigars Daily. Looking forward to the opening of their new headquarters and smoking lounge.
Thanks Tim for the sample for review.

Micallef Herencia Maduro Short Torpedo 6/9/18

 Appearance
A dark chocolate colored wrapper with a couple prominent veins and a bit of mottling. The seams are tightly wrapped and there is a nice oily sheen on the wrapper. The filler bunch is on the spongy side but not problematic.

Aroma
Cedar, earth and spice on the wrapper. Earth, cedar and spice with a sweet flavor in the background.

Prelight Draw
Earth, cedar and spice with dried fruit in the background.

1st
The initial draws bring notes of cedar with a hint of spice. The draw is spot on. The burn has a tiny bit of wave. The ash is salt&pepper gray and stacked. The dried red fruit sweetness really becomes pronounced at 3/4”in. The ash holds firm till removal.

2nd
The strength is medium+. Smoke production is at the high end of medium range. The burn gets a bit erratic due to a couple tiny tunnels but simple physics fully self corrects in about a dozen puffs. The finish is long with notes of cedar, earth, dried red fruit and cinnamon spice. The strength is working up to med/full.

Final/3rd
The final/3rd begins with the smoke production at the high range, the strength at med/full and the flavor profile still very well balanced and tasty. Midway through the burn is razor sharp.

Overall
The Micallef Cigars Herencia Maduro Short Torpedo provides a very enjoyable smoking experience. A flavorful and well balanced profile with a perfect draw and mildly erratic burn.

Casa Cuevas Maduro Robusto 6/3/18

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

Aroma
Chocolate, earth and cedar on the wrapper. Same at the foot but not as bold.

Prelight Draw
Dried fruit, dark chocolate, cedar, earth, red & black licorice combination and a mild spice.

1st
The initial draws bring notes of earth, cedar and dried fruit with a nice cinnamon spice. The draw is a tick on the snug side of just right. The ash is nearly white and fairly tight. The burn is near perfect at 3/4” in. Had to remove the ash early as it was looking suspect.

2nd
Strength is at medium+. Smoke production is at the high end of medium. The draw loosens up and the spice ramps up to a warm cinnamon. The burn started to get a bit wavy but just as quickly it self corrected. The finish is long with notes of cedar, earth, chocolate, dried fruit and warm cinnamon spice.

Final/3rd
The flavor profile rolls into the final/3rd. Profile remains consistent through to the nub.

Overall
The Casa Cueva Maduro Robusto provides a very enjoyable smoking experience. A very well balanced and flavorful profile with a great draw once it opened up and a great burn. Definitely a cigar to seek out and experience.

Mombacho Tierra Volcan Robusto Extra 6/2/18

 Appearance
A medium brown colored wrapper with a few prominent veins and some mottling. The seams are fairly tight. The 2 seam cap is well applied. There is a nice light oil sheen. The filler bunch is well packed with no apparent soft spots.

Aroma
Cedar and earth on the wrapper. Semi closed foot.

Prelight Draw
Dried red fruit, cedar, earth and a mild spice.

1st
The initial draws bring notes of earth and cedar with the dried red fruit notes in the background. The spice begins to develop about a half inch in. Everything is well balanced at this point. The draw is spot on. The burn is nearly perfect at the 1” mark. The ash is medium gray and stacked but fairly tight. The ash held firm until removal.

2nd
The spice so far is like a mild paprika. The strength which was medium in the 1st/3rd has moved to medium+. The burn line is off by 22 degrees due to a few pinhole tunnels. After implementing some simple physics the burn quickly self corrects. The smoke production is at the medium range. The flavor profile remains consistent throughout the 2nd/3rd.

Final/3rd
The strength stays at medium+. The flavor profile remains consistent right to the nub.

Overall
The Mombacho Tierra Volcan provides an enjoyable smoking experience. A well balanced smoke with a perfect draw and mildly erratic burn.
For those who don’t like heavy spice this is one you should try.