La Gloria Cubana Spanish Press Robusto 7/7/19

 Appearance
A dark brown colored wrapper with a few prominent veins and a bit of mottling. The seams are tightly wrapped. There is a light oil sheen and also a little bit of tooth. The filler bunch is well packed with no apparent soft spots.

Aroma
Earthy with a hint of spice on the wrapper. Earth, dried fruit and a hint of spice at the foot.

Prelight Draw
Earth, cedar, lush red fruit and spice.

1st
The initial draws bring notes of cedar, earth, candy sweetness and spice. The draw is snug. The burn is wavy. The ash is medium gray and stacked. Smoke production is at the medium range. Strength is at medium. The sweetness tapers a bit and toast notes join the profile. The ash holds firm until removal.

2nd
The strength moves to medium+.The draw opens up nicely. The spice is like nutmeg with a cayenne pepper kick. Nice combo. Smoke production is at the low end of high range. Some black pepper notes join the profile just past the midway point of the cigar. The finish is long with notes of cedar, earth, toast, candy sweetness and a nutmeg/cayenne pepper/black pepper spice combo. Strength moves to med/full.

Final/3rd
The burn has finally fully self corrected thanks to some simple physics and the ending of the 2 tunnels causing the erratic burn. The candy sweetness has tapered back but is still present. The black pepper becomes the dominant spice. Very flavorful right to the nub.

Overall
The La Gloria Cubana Spanish Press Robusto provides a very enjoyable smoking experience. A complex and flavorful profile with a good draw and mildly erratic burn.

Diesel Whiskey Row Sherry Cask Toro 7/6/19

 Appearance
A dark chocolate colored wrapper with a few prominent veins. The seams are tightly wrapped and difficult to find. There is a very light oil sheen on the wrapper. There is a bit of tooth as well. The filler bunch is well packed with no apparent soft spots.

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

Prelight Draw
Earth, lush red fruit, dark chocolate, licorice, molasses and spice.

1st
The initial draws bring notes of cedar, earth and sweetness with a very mild spice in the background. Draw is perfect. The ash is almost white and stacked but a little flaky. Smoke production is at the high range. About 3/4” in the sweet notes arrived. The burn is a bit erratic. Ash held firm albeit looking suspect until removal.

2nd
Upon inspection of the working end I find a couple of tunnels which are the cause of the erratic burn. The spice which has been developing is part cayenne pepper and part black pepper. The finish is long with notes of cedar, earth, lush red fruit, dark chocolate and a cayenne/black pepper spice combo all well balanced. Strength is med/full.

Final/3rd
Though I’ve been using simple physics to correct the burn it has not yet fully self corrected. Some espresso notes join the flavorful profile. The profile remains consistent right to the nub.

Overall
The Diesel Whiskey Row Sherry Cask Toro provides a very enjoyable smoking experience. A well balanced and flavorful profile with a perfect draw and mildly erratic burn.

CAO Brazilia Select TAA Gordo 6.5x60 7/4/19

 Appearance
A dark brown colored wrapper with a few prominent veins. Some of the seams are tight and some are not. The wrapper has a nice oily sheen. There is a bit of tooth. The filler bunch is well packed with a soft spot just under the band.

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

Prelight Draw
Molasses, dried fruit, earth, cedar and spice.

1st
The initial draws bring notes of earthy cedar with some black pepper spice notes in the background. Sweet notes, a combination of light molasses and light dried fruit appear but then are overpowered by the black pepper spice notes which begin to ramp up. The ash is light gray and tight. The burn is a bit wavy. The draw is a tick on the snug side. On the finish the dried fruit comes thru and lingers as the black pepper spice fades. The overall profile is wrapped in a dry low grade leather texture. Strength is medium. Smoke production is at the medium range. The ash gets a bit flaky as it burns. Ash held firm and straight until removal.

2nd
The draw opens up as I move into the 2nd/3rd. Smoke production increases as well. Cashew notes join the profile. The finish is long with notes of earth, cedar, dried fruit, cashew and black pepper spice. The black pepper fades leaving the dried fruit notes to linger at the end of the finish.

Final/3rd
Moving into the final/3rd notes of cinnamon spice replace the black pepper spice. The profile stays sweet and creamy for a bit then a pinch of black pepper spice comes back and nudges out the cinnamon notes. The profile remains consistent right to the nub.

Overall
The CAO Brazilia Select TAA Gordo provides an enjoyable smoking experience. A nice flavor profile with a good draw and mildly erratic burn.
As you know I’m not a fan of 60 ring gauge cigars but I wanted to see how this stacked up against the original Brazilia blend. Still prefer the original.
GottaTryEmAll™️!!
Give it a go and let me know what you think.

Cavalier Geneve White Series Diplomate(5.5x56) 6/30/19

 Appearance
A medium brown colored wrapper with a couple of prominent veins. The seams are tightly wrapped. There is a light oil sheen. It has a pigtail cap and a 24-karat gold leaf diamond shape below the band. The filler bunch is well packed with no apparent soft spots.

Aroma
Barnyard and cedar on the wrapper. Barnyard, cedar, raisin and spice at the foot.

Prelight Draw
Cedar, raisin, bread and cinnamon spice.

1st
The initial draws bring notes of cedar, dry toast, faint citrus and mild cinnamon spice. The draw is a bit snug. The burn is wavy. The ash is tight. Smoke production is at the low end of medium range. Strength is at medium. The ash held firm and straight until removal.

2nd
Almond notes join the profile. The draw opened up about midway in the 2nd/3rd. Smoke production increased with it. The cigar tasted a bit dry and metallic as I was smoking through the Gold leaf area. The cinnamon spice becomes warmer.

Final/3rd
The profile comes back to life after the metallic flavor dissipates. The flavor profile remains consistent right to the nub.

Overall
The Cavalier Geneve White Series Diplomate (5.5x56) provides an enjoyable smoking experience. A well balanced and flavorful profile with a perfect draw(after the snug 1st/3rd) and a mildly erratic burn.

Nat Sherman Epoca Senator (6x56) 6/29/19

 Appearance
A golden brown colored wrapper with a few prominent veins. The seams are tightly wrapped and difficult to find. There is a light oil sheen. The filler bunch is well packed with no apparent soft spots.

Aroma
Barnyard and spice on the wrapper. Hay and spice at the foot.

Prelight Draw
Cedar, brown sugar, spice.

1st
The initial draws bring notes of hay, cedar and a faint spice. The draw is a bit snug. The ash is light gray and tight. The burn is a bit wavy. Strength is mild/med. Smoke production is at the low range. Burn has fully self corrected. Ash held firm till removal.

2nd
Coffee notes join the profile right away in the 2nd/3rd. Draw is loosening up, as it does the smoke production improves. The cinnamon spice becomes more bold. Creamy cashew notes join the profile. The finish is long with notes of cedar, coffee, creamy cashews and warm cinnamon spice. The blend is well balanced.

Final/3rd
Smoke production is at the high range. The flavor profile remains consistent right to the nub.

Overall
The Nat Sherman Epoca Senator provides an enjoyable smoking experience. A well balanced and flavorful profile with a great draw once it opened up and a great burn in the second and final/3rd’s.

Timeless Sterling Robusto 6/23/19

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

Aroma
Barnyard on the wrapper. Light brown sugar and spice at the foot.

Prelight Draw
Cedar, dried white fruit, cocoa powder, almonds and cinnamon spice.

1st
The initial draws bring notes of cedar, tobacco and cinnamon spice. The draw is effortless from the start. The burn is off slightly. The ash is light gray and tight with a little stacking. Cocoa notes join the profile in the first inch. The ash held firm and straight until removal.

2nd
Strength and body are
mild/med. Smoke production is at the high end of medium range. Dried white fruit notes join the profile as well as some light roast coffee notes.

Final/3rd
Burn line has fully self corrected. Strength and body are at medium. The light roast coffee notes become more bold like espresso. The profile remains flavorful right to the nub.

Overall
The Timeless Sterling Robusto provides a very enjoyable smoking experience. A complex, well balanced and flavorful profile with a perfect draw and mildly erratic burn. A great morning smoke for those who like to start out with a milder smoke.

Timeless PanAmericana Robusto 6/22/19

 Appearance
A medium brown colored wrapper with a couple of prominent veins. The seams are tightly wrapped and difficult to find. There is a very light oil sheen on the wrapper and a bit of tooth as well. The filler bunch is well packed with no apparent soft spots.

Aroma
Barnyard, cedar, sweetness and spice on the wrapper. Dried red fruit, cedar at the foot.

Prelight Draw
Cedar, dates, dried red fruit and spice.

1st
The initial draws bring notes of cedar and a pinch of black pepper spice. A very faint cocoa powder note is in the background. The draw is spot on. The burn has a slight wave. The ash is salt&pepper gray and stacked. The underlying sweetness that I have not been able to put my finger on just revealed itself more clearly. Reminds me of cherry. The strength and body are at medium. The ash holds firm til removal.

2nd
Light coffee notes join the profile, which is very flavorful and well balanced. Smoke production is at the medium range. At the midway point of the cigar almond and cashew notes join the profile. The spice becomes more like cayenne pepper. The finish is long with notes of cedar, cocoa powder, cherry, light coffee, almond, cashew and cayenne pepper spice.

Final/3rd
The strength moves to med/full. The flavorful profile continues into the final/3rd and right through to the nub.

Overall
The Timeless PanAmericana Robusto provides a very enjoyable smoking experience. A complex, well balanced and flavorful profile with a great draw and mildly erratic burn.
A must try!
GoGetchasome™️!!

LFD Oro TAA 50th Anniversary Maduro Toro 6/16/19

Appearance
A dark chocolate colored wrapper with a couple of prominent veins. It is smooth to the touch and there is not much oil on the wrapper. There are a couple of imperfections in the wrapper leaf, hopefully they won’t cause a problem. The seams are tightly wrapped and difficult to find. The filler bunch is well packed with no apparent soft spots.

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

Prelight Draw
Earth, dried red fruit, raisin, chocolate, dates, licorice and spice.

1st
Initial draws bring notes of earth, cedar and paprika spice. The draw is a bit snug. The ash is almost white and fairly tight. Some of the dried fruit notes are coming to the surface. Late in this 3rd the draw begins to loosen up. The Paprika is joined by some cayenne notes in the spice department. The burn has a slight wave. Smoke production is at the medium range. Strength is at medium+. The ash held firm and straight until removal.

2nd
Just inside the 2nd/3rd the draw opens up. The spice backs off a bit and chocolate notes come into balance. The burn still has a slight wave. The finish is long with notes of earth, cedar, chocolate, dried red fruit and a paprika/cayenne pepper spice combo. Smoke production moves to the high range.

Final/3rd
The flavorful profile rolls into the final/3rd. Strength is at med/full. The spice notes intensify late in the final/3rd. The flavorful profile continues right to the nub.

Overall
The LFD Oro TAA 50th Anniversary Maduro Toro provides a very enjoyable smoking experience. A complex, well balanced and flavorful profile with a great draw(after the 1st/3rd) and a mildly erratic burn.

Eiroa Dark Robusto 6/15/19

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

Aroma
Earth, tobacco and a hint of spice on the wrapper. Tobacco, earth and spice at the foot.

Prelight Draw
Very light dried fruit/licorice combo and mild cinnamon spice.

1st
The initial draws bring notes of cedar with a tiny bit of cinnamon spice. The draw is near perfect. The burn has a slight wave. The ash is salt&pepper gray and fairly tight. About an inch in some sweet notes make their presence known. The ash held firm and straight until removal.

2nd
The blend while well balanced is very consistent. The spice becomes more like cayenne pepper. Strength is medium. Smoke production is at the medium range. Some black pepper spice notes join the profile late in the 2nd/3rd.

Final/3rd
The finish is long with notes of cedar, espresso, a tiny bit of sweetness and a cayenne/black pepper spice combo. The profile remains consistent right to the nub.

Overall
The Eiroa Dark Robusto provides an enjoyable smoking experience. A well balanced profile with nice flavor and a near perfect draw and burn.

Psyko Seven Nicaragua Toro 6/8/19

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

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

Prelight Draw
Cedar, raisin, black licorice and cinnamon spice.

1st
The initial draws bring notes of cedar, hay and cinnamon spice. The draw is snug. The ash is salt&pepper gray and stacked. The burn is spot on. There is a pinch of black pepper in the spice arena. Smoke production is at the medium range. Strength is medium as well. The ash looks a bit suspect but is hanging on. The black pepper spice is becoming more prominent. The ash held till removal.

2nd
Creamy cashew notes join the profile to start the 2nd/3rd. The black pepper spice tapers slightly allowing notes of light brown sugar to emerge. The finish is long with notes of cedar, creamy cashew, light brown sugar and a cinnamon/black pepper spice combo, all well balanced. The burn got off slightly but is self correcting with the help of simple physics. The draw is still snug.

Final/3rd
The strength moves to medium+. The black pepper spice becomes the prominent flavor in the final/3rd and remains consistent right to the nub.

Overall
The Psyko Seven Nicaragua Toro provides an enjoyable smoking experience. A well balanced and flavorful profile until the final/3rd which was dominated by black pepper with a snug draw and mildly erratic burn.

Montecristo Espada Guard Toro 6/2/19

 Appearance
A light brown colored wrapper with a couple of small thin veins. The seams are tightly wrapped and difficult to find. There is a nice oily sheen on the cigar.
The filler bunch is well packed with no apparent soft spots.
The 3 bands took a bit of work to remove.

Aroma
Cedar, sweetness and spice on the wrapper. Cedar, dried red fruit and spice at the foot.

Prelight Draw
Cedar, dried red fruit, brown sugar, mild raisin & red licorice and cinnamon spice.

1st
The initial draws bring notes of cedar, light brown sugar and cinnamon spice. The draw is a tick snug. The burn is slightly erratic. The ash is light gray and stacked. Medium roast coffee notes join the profile. Strength is medium. The ash held firm and straight until removal.

2nd
Smoke production is at the low end of medium range. The profile is well balanced. The use of Plasencia tobacco adds much flavor to a normally boring brand IMO. The cigar is also made at Plasencia in Esteli, Nicaragua. Creamy cashew notes join the profile. At the midway point of the cigar the draw opens up. A pinch(cooking term) of black pepper joins the cinnamon spice. The finish is long with notes of cedar, light brown sugar, coffee, creamy cashews and a black pepper/warm cinnamon spice combo.

Final/3rd
Smoke production is at the medium range. Strength moves to medium+. The burn has fully self corrected. The complex, well balanced and flavorful profile continues right to the nub.

Overall
The Montecristo Espada Guard Toro provides a very enjoyable smoking experience. A complex, well balanced and flavorful profile with a good draw and mildly erratic burn.
A Big Thank You to brother Will @mclaurin69 for the gift which was part of a .

Foundry Cigars Elements Plutonium #4 Robusto 6/1/19

 Appearance
An oily, toothy brown wrapper with a few prominent veins. The seams are fairly tight. The filler bunch is well packed with no apparent soft spots.

Aroma
Cedar, tobacco and spice on the wrapper. Cedar, brown sugar and spice at the foot.

Prelight Draw
Brown sugar, molasses, cedar, raisin and spice.

1st
The initial draws bring notes of cedar and spice. The draw is a tick snug to start. Burn is a bit wavy but not terrible. At 5/8” in the draw opens up and the burn is evening out. The ash is salt&pepper gray and stacked with a bit of flake. Smoke production is at the low end of high range. There is a real meaty note all of a sudden. Right before the end of the 1st/3rd medium roast coffee notes join the profile. The ash held firm and straight until removal.

2nd
The finish is long with notes of cedar, coffee, meat and paprika spice. The cigar is well blended as it is providing nice salivation. The profile is well balanced. The spice tapers a bit. Light brown sugar notes appear.

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

Overall
The Foundry Cigars Elements Plutonium #4 Robusto provides an enjoyable smoking experience. A well balanced and flavorful profile with a perfect draw and mildly erratic burn.
The Elements series are hard to find but well worth giving a try if you can find them.
Another fine cigar by Michael Giannini @FoundryCigars and his team.

Cohiba Connecticut Robusto Tubo 5/27/19

 

Appearance

A light brown colored wrapper with a couple of 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

Hay on the wrapper. Sweetness and spice at the foot.

Prelight Draw

Sweet hay, cedar and a very mild allspice.

1st

Initial draws bring notes of hay and cedar. The draw is effortless. The burn has a slight wave. The ash is dark gray and stacked. This ash is different than most in that I can see daylight through it as I roll the cigar in my fingers. Just after typing the last sentence the ash dropped. There is a slight sweetness in the profile with the hay and cedar and a very faint spice.

2nd

Strength is mild. I started double puffing to try and get something out of this smoke. Some cinnamon spice came through and replaced the very bland profile. Smoke production is at the medium range. Late in the 2nd/3rd a sour metallic flavor overwhelms the palate. C’mon Man!

Final/3rd

The heavy metallic flavor is now gone leaving cedar and a faint metallic note. Flavor remains consistent right to the nub.

Overall

The Cohiba Connecticut Robusto Tubo provides a poor smoking experience. A basically flavorless profile with an effortless draw and mildly erratic burn.

I don’t know if this is some kind of joke but I’m not amused. For a $20+ cigar that was a joke.

To the folks at Cohiba... Seriously?? Y’all can do better than that.

 

 

Bandolero Seleccion Especial 54 Picaros Toro Extra 5/26/19

 Appearance
A beautiful dark brown colored wrapper with a couple of prominent veins. The seams are tightly wrapped. There is a beautiful oily sheen on the wrapper. The filler bunch is well packed with no apparent soft spots.
There is interesting holographic artwork on the band at the back of the cigar. A nice touch. The cigar has nice weight and feel.

Aroma
Barnyard, cedar, aged tobacco and spice on the wrapper. Lush red fruit and cedar at the foot.

Prelight Draw
Lush red fruit, cedar, chocolate, raisin, red licorice and cinnamon spice.

1st
The initial draws bring notes of cedar, medium roast coffee and cinnamon spice. The draw is a bit snug. The burn is a bit wavy. The ash is salt&pepper gray, tight and a bit flaky. At 3/4” in red fruit notes come alive. Then a couple of draws later a sour apple note appears. Smoke production is at the low end of medium range. Strength is at medium+. The ash held firm until removal.

2nd
Just into the 2nd/3rd there is a seared meat note. The draw has opened up nicely. The burn, with the help of simple physics, is self correcting. The seared meat notes change to just meaty notes without the seared. Smoke production is at the high end of medium range. The finish is long with notes of cedar, medium roast coffee, meat, toast, red fruit and mild cinnamon spice all well balanced. The well blended cigar causes good salivation. The burn gets erratic again due to a tunnel right near the binder. The ligero cone is off center keeping the burn from self correcting.

Final/3rd
The complex, well balanced and flavorful profile rolls into the final/3rd. The burn finally fully self corrects by the midway point of the final/3rd. The flavorful profile continues right to the nub.

Overall
The Bandolero Seleccion Especial 54 Picaros Toro Extra provides an enjoyable smoking experience. A complex, well balanced and flavorful profile with a good draw and erratic burn.

Byron Reserva 5 Años 19th Grand Poemas Toro Extra 5/25/19

Appearance
A medium brown colored wrapper with a few prominent thin veins. It has a bit of tooth and a beautiful oily sheen. The seams are very well wrapped and only visible due to some mottling. The filler bunch is well packed with no apparent soft spots.

Aroma
Barnyard, cedar, faint dried fruit and just a hint of spice on the wrapper. Dried red fruit, raisin and a hint of spice at the foot.

Prelight Draw
Lush red fruit, raisin, cedar, sugar and cinnamon spice.

1st
The initial draws bring notes of cedar and a pinch of cinnamon spice. The draw starts out a tick snug. Some espresso notes join in right away. The ash is a very light gray and fairly tight with a little bit of flake. The burn is a bit uneven at an inch in. Sugary sweet notes become evident. The burn has been self correcting with the help of some simple physics. The ash holds firm until removal.

2nd
Upon inspection of the working end, I find the ligero cone is off center and there are 2 tiny tunnels. One just under the binder and the other just off center opposite the cone. The smoke production is at the medium range. Strength is medium+. At the midway point of the cigar the draw opens up nicely. Raisin notes join the profile as well as some toast notes. The finish is long with notes of cedar, espresso, lush red fruit, raisin and cinnamon toast spice. The burn has fully self corrected. A pinch of black pepper spice joins the profile and then fades.

Final/3rd
The complex, well balanced and flavorful profile continues into the final/3rd. The draw is now effortless and the burn is spot on. Smoke production is at the high range. The spice becomes more like a warm cinnamon spice. The complex, well balanced and flavorful profile continues right to the nub.

Overall
The Byron Reserva 5 Años 19th Grand Poemas Toro Extra provides a very enjoyable smoking experience. A complex, well balanced and flavorful profile with a snug draw and erratic burn through the first 2/3’s and an effortless draw and perfect burn in the final/3rd.
At $33 this may not be a cigar that a lot of people can afford to smoke on a regular basis but it’s definitely worth having in the humi for a very special occasion.

Padron #89 TAA Maduro 5/19/19

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

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

Prelight Draw
Rich earth, brownie batter, cedar, dried red fruit and warm cinnamon spice.

1st
The initial draws bring notes of earth, cedar and a faint spice. Draw is effortless. The ash is medium gray and has wide stack lines. Dark chocolate notes appear in the finish along with warm cinnamon. The dried red fruit notes jump in to the party. Very noticeable. Strength is at medium+. Smoke production is at the low end of high range. Burn is spot on. The ash held firm and straight until removal.

2nd
There is a small tunnel just off center but it is not affecting the burn line. The finish is long with notes of rich earth, cedar, dark chocolate, dried red fruit, espresso and warm cinnamon spice. A real mouthful of flavor. The burn line now has a wide U shape on the side. The blend is causing a lot of salivation(that’s a sign of a well blended cigar). Burn is self correcting. Smoke production is at the high range now. The blend is very well balanced. There is just a pinch of black pepper spice joining the profile.

Final/3rd
The flavorful profile continues into the final/3rd. The smooth, well balanced and flavorful profile continues right to the nub.

Overall
The Padron #89 TAA Maduro provides a very enjoyable smoking experience. A complex, well balanced and flavorful profile with an effortless draw and mildly erratic burn.
This cigar is typical of what we love about Padron cigars. If u can find and afford u must try this cigar.

Padron #89 TAA Natural 5/18/19

 Appearance
A medium brown colored wrapper with a few prominent veins. The seams are tightly wrapped. It has a nice oily sheen and quite a bit of tooth. The filler bunch is well packed with one soft spot, we’ll see if anything comes of it.

Aroma
Earth, dried red fruit, cedar and a hint of spice on the wrapper. Dried red fruit, cedar, earth, brown sugar and a hint of spice at the foot.

Prelight Draw
Dried red fruit, earth, brown sugar, cedar and cinnamon spice.

1st
The initial draws bring notes of cedar with a leathery texture. The spice is evident right away on the finish. The draw is spot on as is the burn. About 3/4” in dried red fruit notes become more noticeable as well as some cashew notes. The ash is a medium gray and fairly tight. The burn gets slightly wavy but not bad. Smoke production is at the high end of medium range. The ash held firm and straight until removal.

2nd
The dried red fruit notes have faded with the nutty notes which are almond and cashew lead the profile. The smooth texture of the smoke is typical of Padron cigars. There is a small tunnel but it’s just off center and is not affecting the burn line which is near perfect. Strength moves to medium+. The profile continues to be very well balanced. Some light roast coffee notes join the profile. The area that had the soft spot has a couple of tiny tunnels near the binder and is causing a shallow v in the otherwise perfect burn. About 1/2” later the burn fully self corrects.

Final/3rd
The finish is long with notes of cedar, almond, earth, coffee, faint dried red fruit and warm cinnamon spice. All of the tunnels are now gone.

Overall
The Padron #89 TAA Natural provides a very enjoyable smoking experience. A complex, well balanced and flavorful profile with a perfect draw and mildly erratic burn.
Worth the money as we expect with the Padron name on the band.

P.G. Gourmet Series Symphony 20 Robusto 5/12/19

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

Aroma
Floral, cedar, leather and spice on the wrapper. Chocolate, cedar and spice at the foot.

Prelight Draw
Cedar, floral, spice and a very faint mint.

1st
The initial draws bring notes of cedar, floral and a pinch of spice. The draw is perfect. The burn has a very small wave. The ash is light gray and stacked. The spice continues to develop. Espresso notes join the profile. The spice reminds me of white pepper. The ash held firm until removal.

2nd
Smoke production is at the medium range. Strength is also medium. A tangy citrus note joins the profile helping to balance the strong espresso notes.

Final/3rd
The Dominican twang becomes prominent in the profile. The citrus notes are gone leaving the cedar, floral, espresso, Dominican twang and white pepper spice on the long finish. Flavor remains consistent right to the nub.

Overall
The P.G. Gourmet series Symphony 20 provides an enjoyable smoking experience. A nice flavor profile with a perfect draw and mildly erratic burn.

Asylum 13 Oblongata Maduro Robusto Box Pressed 5/11/19

 Appearance
A dark chocolate colored wrapper with a few thin veins on an otherwise satiny smooth wrapper leaf. The seams are tightly wrapped. It has a nice oily sheen. The cigar is nicely box pressed. The filler bunch is well packed with no apparent soft spots.

Aroma
Earth, cedar, cocoa powder and a mild spice on the wrapper. Cedar, earth and spice at the foot.

Prelight Draw
Earth, cedar, spice, black licorice.

1st
The initial draws bring notes of earth and cedar with a pinch of mint. The draw is a bit snug. The ash is light gray and stacked. The burn is slightly erratic. The draw is opening up at 1” in. Spice notes are beginning to develop. The ash held firm and straight until removal.

2nd
Upon inspection of the working end I notice that the cone is off center and there are three tiny tunnels in the quicker burning areas.
Strength is in the medium range, as is the smoke production. The spice becomes more prominent going from mild cinnamon to warm paprika, then to cayenne pepper. The finish is long with notes of earth, cedar, cocoa powder and cayenne pepper spice. The burn has fully self corrected.

Final/3rd
The flavorful profile moves unchanged into the final/3rd. The profile remains consistent right to the nub.

Overall
The Asylum 13 Oblongata Maduro Robusto Box Pressed provides an enjoyable smoking experience. A well balanced and flavorful profile with a great draw and mildly erratic burn.

Asylum 13 Medulla Maduro Robusto 5/5/19

 Appearance
The wrapper is dark brown in color with a few prominent veins. The seams are tightly wrapped but easy to spot. The cigar has a bit of tooth and a light oil sheen. The filler bunch is well packed with no apparent soft spots.

Aroma
Cedar, paper, hint of earth and a hint of spice on the wrapper. Cedar and a distant spice at the foot.

Prelight Draw
Cocoa, cedar, earth and spice.

1st
The initial draws bring very earthy notes. Smoke production is at the high range from the first draw. The draw is spot on. About a quarter inch in the spice begins to develop. Chocolate notes join the profile. The burn is developing a wave. The spice starts out as a warm cinnamon. The ash is light gray and stacked. A dark espresso not joins the earth, chocolate and cinnamon spice. The ash held firm until removal.

2nd
Upon inspection of the working end I find a tunnel on the faster burning side. Strength is medium to this point. Profile remains consistent. At the tail end of the 2nd/3rd the spice begins to move to the back of the palate.

Final/3rd
Burn has almost fully self corrected. The spice has changed to black pepper, manageable so far. Midway in this third the burn fully self corrects. The profile remains consistent right to the nub.

Overall
The Asylum 13 Medulla Maduro Robusto provides an enjoyable smoking experience. A well balanced and flavorful profile with a perfect draw and erratic burn.

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Alec Bradley Magic Toast Robusto 5/4/19

 Appearance
A very inviting dark chocolate colored wrapper with a few prominent veins and some tooth. The seams are tightly wrapped and difficult to find. There is a nice oily sheen. The filler bunch is well packed with no apparent soft spots.

Aroma
Earth, dark chocolate, floral and a very mild spice on the wrapper. Cedar, earth and spice at the foot.

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

1st
The initial draws bring notes of cedar and earth with a zing of white pepper spice. The draw is a bit snug. The burn is a bit wavy. About 3/4”in the spice backs off. Notes of dry toast join the profile. The ash is salt&pepper medium gray and stacked. The draw is opening up halfway into the opening third. The burn is developing a wide U shape on one side. The ash holds firm while looking suspect till removal.

2nd
Upon inspection of the working end I find a couple of tunnels on the faster burning side. Dried red fruit notes join the profile. A pinch of black pepper spice becomes noticeable as well. The strength is still medium. Smoke production is at the low end of medium range. The tunnels end and the burn is self correcting by the midway point of the cigar. The finish is long with notes of cedar, earth, dark chocolate, buttery toast, dried red fruit and a white/ black pepper spice combo. Smoke production is at the high end of medium range now. The profile is well balanced and flavorful and causes a good amount of saliva production.

 Final/3rd
The well balanced and flavorful profile continues into the final/3rd. Another tunnel appears keeping the burn from fully self correcting. The profile remains consistent right to the nub.

Overall
The Alec Bradley Magic Toast Robusto provides an enjoyable smoking experience. A well balanced and flavorful profile with a good draw and erratic burn.
One of the best Alec Bradley blends as it was well balanced and did not have the typical heavy black pepper notes they are known for. GoGetchasome™️!!

Avo Improvisation LE19 Box Press 4/28/19

Appearance
A dark brown Ecuadoran wrapper with a couple of veins on the surface. Satin smooth. As I look at the wrapper more closely outside on the patio I notice there is a bit of mottling. The seams are tightly wrapped and u have to really look to find them. There is a nice oil sheen on the wrapper. The filler bunch is well packed with no apparent soft spots.

Aroma
Tobacco, cedar and a hint of spice on the wrapper. Dried fruit, cedar, dates and a hint of spice at the foot.

Prelight Draw
Dates, dried fruit, cedar, black pepper spice.

1st
The initial draws bring notes of black pepper spice and cedar. The draw is effortless. The burn has a slight wave. Smoke production is at the medium range. The ash is salt&pepper gray and stacked with a bit of flake. The burn is getting more wavy. The cedar moves to the forefront while the black pepper tapers back a bit and is joined by some cayenne pepper. Strength is medium. The ash held firm till removal.

2nd
Upon inspection of the working end I find a few tiny tunnels in the wavy areas. Smoke production is at the low end of high range. The finish is long with notes of cedar, dried fruit and spice. The spice is now more like allspice. There is also a light roast coffee note joining the profile. A dry toast note also joins the profile. Strength is medium+. The cayenne pepper note which had faded out is back .

Final/3rd
The flavor profile remains the same as I enter the final/3rd. The burn has finally self corrected. The coffee notes become prominent. A tasty smoke right to the nub.

Overall
The Avo Improvisation LE19 Box Press provides an enjoyable smoking experience. A complex, well balanced and flavorful profile with an effortless draw and mildly erratic burn.
Definitely a cigar worth trying.

La Aurora 115 Anniversary Limited Edition Belicoso 4/27/19

Appearance
A milk chocolate colored wrapper with a few prominent veins. The seams are tightly wrapped and difficult to find. The wrapper has a nice oily sheen. The bands are attractive with nice color contrast. The filler bunch is well packed with no apparent soft spots.

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

Prelight Draw
Cedar, dried fruit, spice

1st
The initial draws bring notes of cedar and a mild spice. Almond notes are also present. The draw is a bit snug and the burn has a slight wave. The ash is salt&pepper gray and tightly stacked. Smoke production is at the low range. Late in the 1st/3rd the draw begins to open up, while at the same time the spice ramps up to a paprika. The ash held firm and straight until removal. It has a perfect cone dead center of the bunch.

2nd
Right away I notice medium roast coffee notes joining the profile. Strength so far is medium. There is also a pinch of black pepper in the spice department. The finish is long with notes of cedar, almond, coffee, dried fruit and a paprika/black pepper spice combo with all flavors being well balanced. The smoke production is at the medium range now. Ash held firm and straight until removal again.

Final/3rd
The cone is still perfect and dead center. With the exception of the snug draw in the 1st/3rd the construction of this cigar is spot on. Strength moves to medium+. The well balanced flavor profile continues right to the nub.

Overall
The La Aurora 115 Anniversary Limited Edition Belicoso provides a very enjoyable smoking experience. A well balanced and flavorful profile with a good draw and mildly wavy burn. Definitely a cigar u will want to try.