Le Carême LE2019 Short Torpedo by Crowned Heads 10/27/19

Appearance

A dark chocolate colored wrapper with very thin and very few veins. The seams are tightly wrapped. It has a very light oil sheen, giving the cigar a matte finish. The filler bunch is well packed with no apparent soft spots.

Aroma

Dark chocolate, earth, cedar and spice on the wrapper. Earth, dark espresso, dark chocolate, cedar and spice at the foot.

Prelight Draw

Licorice, dried red fruit, cedar, earth and spice.

1st

The initial draws bring notes of dark chocolate, espresso and a mild spice. The second set of draws has a dark fruit flavor like black cherry joining the profile. The draw is a tick snug(to be expected with the torpedo head). The ash is almost white, stacked and a bit flaky. Honey notes join the profile. The burn has a slight wave. Strength is at the medium range. The ash held firm and straight until removal.

2nd

Upon inspection of the working end all is as it should be. The ligero cone is centered and no tunnels. Smoke production is at the medium range. Strength is medium+. Body is full. The profile is well balanced and flavorful. The finish is long with notes of dark chocolate, espresso, earth, black cherry, honey, cedar and spice.

Final/3rd

The spice increases in intensity, becoming more of a cayenne type burn on the lips and tongue. The flavorful profile continues right to the nub.

Overall

The Le Carême LE2019 Short Torpedo provides a very enjoyable smoking experience. A complex, well balanced and flavorful profile with a good draw and wavy burn.

Thanks again to brother Steve @bigbucky24 for this limited production cigar.

GoGetchasome™️!! If you can find them.

 

 

Cory’s blend #2 10/26/19

Appearance

A light brown and mottled wrapper with a few prominent veins. The seams are tightly wrapped. The leaf appears dry, without any oil. The filler bunch is well packed with no apparent soft spots.

Aroma

Dry tobacco on the wrapper. The same at the foot.

Prelight Draw

Dry tobacco, cedar and spice.

1st

The initial draws bring notes of cedar and warm cinnamon spice. The draw is effortless. The burn is a bit wavy. The ash is light gray and stacked with a bit of flake. The spice is becoming more like a crushed red pepper spice. The ash held firm and straight until removal.

2nd

Upon inspection of the working end I find a tunnel on one side just under the binder which caused the erratic burn. Almond notes join the profile. The burn is self correcting.

Final/3rd

Coffee notes join the profile. The finish is long with notes of cedar, almond, coffee and crushed red pepper spice. The profile remains consistent right to the nub.

Overall

Cory’s blend #2 provides an enjoyable smoking experience. A well balanced and flavorful profile with an effortless draw and an erratic burn.

A big thank you to brother Cory @chacocll for the cigar he personally rolled for review.

 

 

La Aurora Hors D’ Age 2017 Edicion Limitada Toro Gordo 10/20/19

Appearance

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

Aroma

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

Prelight Draw

Earth, molasses, espresso, dark berries, licorice and spice.

1st

The initial draws bring notes of earth, cedar and black pepper spice. The draw is perfect. The burn has a bit of a wave. The ash is salt&pepper gray and moderately tight but with a few stack lines. Strength starts at medium. There is a palate cleansing type of note in the background but not the usual citrus, this is more like a strawberry with its clean and sweetness traits. Smoke production is at the high end of the low range. The ash held firm and straight until removal.

2nd

Upon inspection of the working end I find 2 small tunnels on opposing sides which is causing the wavy burn. Strength moves to medium+. Smoke production is at the medium range. The black pepper spice which started to ramp up has tapered back into balance. The draw has become effortless. The finish is long with notes of earth, cedar, strawberry and black pepper spice. The burn fully self corrects before the end of the 2nd/3rd.

Final/3rd

Entering the final/3rd the black pepper spice fades a bit more and becomes more like a white pepper spice.

Overall

The La Aurora Hors D’ Age 2017 Edicion Limitada Toro Gordo provides an enjoyable smoking experience. A well balanced and flavorful profile with a perfect draw and a wavy burn.

Thanks again to brother Steve @bigbucky24 for the cigar which was part of the bag of new releases he sent me.

 

 

Dias De Gloria Robusto by AJF Cigars 10/19/19

Appearance

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

Aroma

Cedar and spice on the wrapper. Cedar, pears and spice at the foot.

Prelight Draw

Cedar, cocoa, citrus, earth, and spice.

1st

The initial draws bring notes of cedar, earth and spice all well balanced. The spice is a balance of cinnamon and white pepper. The draw is spot on. The burn has a slight wave. Smoke production is at the high range. Citrus notes(grapefruit) join the profile. The ash is light gray and tight. Strength is medium. The ash held firm and straight until removal.

2nd

Upon inspection of the working end I find a double wide 1/8” diameter tunnel which is causing the erratic burn. A pinch of black pepper spice joins the profile. The tunnel ends 1/2” later and the burn fully self corrects. Cocoa notes join the well balanced profile. Cashew notes join the profile. The finish is long with notes of cedar, earth, citrus, cocoa, cashew and a cinnamon/white pepper/black pepper spice combo. A perfect amount of gomma was used and the bands came of with no damage.

Final/3rd

The flavorful profile rolls into the final/3rd. The burn is off about 10 degrees due to another small tunnel. The profile remains consistent right to the nub.

Overall

The Dias De Gloria Robusto provides a very enjoyable smoking experience. A complex, well balanced and flavorful profile with a perfect draw and mildly erratic burn.

 

 

H Upmann Hispaniola Toro by Jose Mendez 10/13/19

Appearance

A light brown colored wrapper with a satiny smooth surface on the front and a few prominent veins on the back. The seams are tightly wrapped and there is a nice oil sheen. The filler bunch is well packed with no apparent soft spots.

Aroma

Barnyard and tobacco on the wrapper. Sugary fruit, cream and spice at the foot.

Prelight Draw

Sugary fruit, buttery toast, cedar, dry roasted unsalted peanuts and white pepper spice.

1st

The initial draws bring notes of sour lemon. Wow! I can say I’ve never had a cigar start like that before. The next group of draws produced no sour notes. The draw is perfect. Cedar notes get the profile going. Peanut butter notes join the profile. Think very peanutty while at the same time a creamy, thick,buttery flavor. Peanut butter. The profile is wrapped in a leathery texture. The ash is medium gray and stacked with a bit of flake. Notes of spice begin to develop. The burn is a bit wavy. Though it was looking very suspect the ash held until removal.

2nd

The strength and body are at medium. Smoke production is at the medium range. In the 1st/3rd the blend left the palate mostly dry while just into the 2nd/3rd it is causing good salivation. I notice that the Ligero cone is off center causing the uneven burn. The smoke production is now at the low end of high range. With the help of simple physics the burn line has fully self corrected at just past the midway point of the cigar. I ash at this point which reveals a double wide 1/8” tunnel. The finish is long with notes of cedar, peanut butter, white pepper spice with a dash of black pepper all wrapped in a leathery texture. The tunnel has ended. A perfect amount of gomma was used to secure the bands as there was no damage when I removed them.

Final/3rd

The white & black pepper spice notes are now equal. The ligero cone has moved back to center. Just before getting to the nub the black pepper spice began to dominate the profile.

Overall

The H Upmann Hispaniola Toro by Jose Mendez provides an enjoyable smoking experience. A well balanced and flavorful profile with a perfect draw and mildly erratic burn.

 

 

Warped Serie Gran Reserva 1988 Robusto 10/12/19

Appearance

A milk chocolate colored wrapper with a couple of prominent veins. The seams are tightly wrapped and the wrapper has a nice oily sheen. The filler bunch is well packed with no apparent soft spots.

Aroma

Chocolate, floraly tobacco, cedar and a distant spice on the wrapper. Milk Chocolate, cedar and spice at the foot.

Prelight Draw

Cedar, white fruit, spice

1st

The initial draws bring notes of earth, cedar, sweetness and spice. The draw is a bit snug from the start. White pepper notes show up right away. The burn starts out with a slight wave but is currently self correcting. I’m beginning to notice white fruit notes like a juicy pear. The ash is medium gray and stacked. Strength is medium. Smoke production is at the low end of medium range. The ash while looking a bit suspect held on till removal.

2nd

Strength is at medium+. The sweetness fades leaving notes of earth, cedar and spice wrapped in a leathery texture. The draw opens up a half inch into the 2nd/3rd. Smoke production is at the medium range. The pear sweetness is coming back. Almond notes join the profile. The finish is long with notes of earth, cedar, almond, pear sweetness and white pepper spice.

Final/3rd

The burn & draw are spot on. The profile remains consistent right to the nub.

Overall

The Warped Serie Gran Reserva 1988 Robusto provides an enjoyable smoking experience. A well balanced and flavorful profile with a good draw and mildly erratic burn.

Thanks again to brother Steve @bigbucky24 for the cigar. Another from the of new releases he sent me.

 

 

Highclere Castle Victorian Toro by Foundation Cigar 10/6/19

 

 

Appearance

A dark brown colored wrapper with several prominent veins. The seams are tightly wrapped. There is a nice oily sheen as well as a bit of tooth. The filler bunch is well packed with no apparent soft spots.

Aroma

Earth, chocolate, molasses, cedar and spice on the wrapper. Raisin, earth, cedar and spice at the foot.

Prelight Draw

Lush dried fruit, raisin, earth, cedar, licorice, chocolate, nougat and spice.

1st

The initial draws bring notes of cedar, earth and a hint of cinnamon spice. The draw & burn are spot on. Smoke production is at the medium range. The spice is developing and tastes more like nutmeg spice now. The ash is light gray and stacked but fairly tight. Dried fruit notes have joined the profile, along with a pinch of black pepper. Mild notes of nougat appear. The tight ash held firm and straight until removal.

2nd

The black pepper spice tapers back while the rest of the flavors remain consistent. The finish is long with notes of cedar, earth, dried fruit, molasses, nougat, chocolate and nutmeg spice all very well balanced.

Final/3rd

Smoke production is at the high range. Strength and body are med/full. The blend has caused great salivation from the first draws, I haven’t needed a drink of my water the entire time. The pinch of black pepper spice returns. The complex, well balanced and flavorful profile continues right to the nub.

Overall

The Highclere Castle Victorian Toro provides an extremely enjoyable smoking experience. A complex, well balanced and flavorful profile with a perfect draw and burn.

Wait 4 It! Wait 4 It! BOOM™️!! The Highclere Castle Victorian Toro gets the Chairmans BUY Signal™️!!

Nick Melillo @FoundationCigar hits another one out of the park!

GoGetchasome™️!!

 

 

The American Robusto by JC Newman 10/5/19

 Appearance
A dark brown colored wrapper with a slightly reddish hue and a very oily sheen. It has a few veins but they are not overly prominent. The seams are tightly wrapped. The filler bunch is well packed with no apparent soft spots.

Aroma
Cedar, brown sugar, hint of floral and spice on the wrapper. Brown sugar, light floral and cedar at the foot.

Prelight Draw
Cedar, molasses, raisin, cinnamon

1st
The initial draws bring notes of molasses and cedar with a pinch of cinnamon spice. About 3/8” in the cedar dominates the profile with the cinnamon spice right behind. The ash is light gray and tight with some minor stack lines. The draw is perfect. The cinnamon spice begins to build in intensity. The burn is off slightly. Smoke production is at the medium range. The ash held firm and straight until removal.

2nd
Meaty, savory notes join the profile. With the help of simple physics the burn has fully self corrected. The finish is long with notes of molasses, cedar, raisin, meaty notes, dark chocolate and cinnamon spice.

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

Overall
The American Robusto by JC Newman provides very enjoyable smoking experience. A complex, well balanced and flavorful profile with a perfect draw and mildly erratic burn until the middle of the cigar and perfect burn the rest of the way.
GoGetchasome™️!!

CAO Session Toro 9/29/19

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

Aroma
Earth, floral and cedar on the wrapper. Earth, dark chocolate, and floral at the foot.

Prelight Draw
Earth, cedar, coffee bean and cinnamon spice.

1st
The initial draws bring notes of cedar, followed by peanuts and a mild cinnamon spice. The draw is a bit snug. The burn is off by about 10*. The ash is salt&pepper gray and tight. With the help of simple physics the burn line fully self corrects. At about an inch and a quarter in the ash begins to curl. There is a little bit of flake as well. A pinch of black pepper spice joins the profile. The ash while looking suspect held till removal.

2nd
The “Sit Smoke Chill” secondary band removes perfectly. The draw opens up nicely along with an increase in smoke production, which is now in the low end of high range. Strength is medium. Dark chocolate notes join the profile but are tasted more on the finish. The burn line has developed a bit of a wave. The finish is long with notes of cedar, earth, peanuts, dark chocolate, cinnamon and a pinch of black pepper spice. The draw has become effortless. The primary band removes perfectly as well. Vanilla bean notes join the profile.

Final/3rd
The flavorful profile rolls into the final/3rd. Coffee bean notes join the profile. The complex, well balanced and flavorful profile continues right to the nub.

Overall
The CAO Session Toro provides a very enjoyable smoking experience. A complex, well balanced and flavorful profile with a perfect draw(after the 1st/3rd) and a mildly erratic burn.
GoGetchasome™️!!

Room 101 Brand Payback Maduro Robusto IPCPR 2019 9/28/19

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

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

Prelight Draw
Dark chocolate, molasses, earth, cedar, raisin and cinnamon spice.

1st
The initial draws bring notes of cedar, earth and a mild cinnamon spice. About a half dozen draws in, there is a pinch of black pepper joining the profile. The ash is light gray and stacked. The draw is snug. The burn line has a small wave. Dark chocolate notes join the profile. The strength starts at medium. Smoke production is at the low end of medium range. The ash held firm and straight until removal.

2nd
The draw opens up nicely. Strength and body are at medium+. The finish is long with notes of cedar, earth, dark chocolate and a cinnamon/black pepper spice combo. Very tasty. The ash is tighter and almost white. Espresso notes join the flavorful profile.

Final/3rd
Strength moves to med/full. Smoke production is at the medium range. Burn line is razor sharp. The cinnamon spice increases in intensity in the final/3rd. The flavorful profile continues right to the nub.

Overall
The Payback Maduro Robusto provides a very enjoyable smoking experience. A complex, well balanced and flavorful profile with a great draw(after the 1st/3rd) and mildly erratic burn until the final/3rd when it was razor sharp.
Thanks again to brother Steve @bigbucky24 for the cigar of new releases!
GoGetchasome™️!!

Cory’s Blend #1 9/22/19

 Appearance
The darkest of the 4 cigars you sent me. There are a few prominent veins and many small thin veins. The seams are tightly wrapped. The cigar is a bit toothy. The wrapper leaf has no oil evident. The filler bunch is well packed with no apparent soft spots.

Aroma
Cedar and spice on the wrapper. Sawdust and spice at the foot.

Prelight Draw
Fruit, black licorice, cedar and mild cinnamon spice.

1st
The initial draws bring notes of hay, dry tobacco and a hint of spice. Draw is good. Burn is a bit wonky. Strength is medium+. The ash is medium gray and stacked. Late in the 1st/3rd a sour note joined the profile. Several pinhole tunnels which were grouped on one side and just under the binder caused the erratic burn.

2nd
Some cedar and peanut notes join the profile. Smoke production is at the low end of medium range. The profile is tasting a bit metallic at the moment. The burn which at its worst was off by 40* has begun self correcting with the help of simple physics and is about halfway there. Smoke production is at the medium range. Dried fruit notes come through on the finish. Smoke production increases to the low end of high range.

Final/3rd
Burn line has fully self corrected. The cone which had moved off center in the 2nd/3rd has moved back to center. The cinnamon spice increases in intensity. The flavor profile remains consistent right to the nub.

Overall
Cory’s Blend #1 provides a somewhat enjoyable smoking experience. The draw started good and moved to effortless. The burn was erratic until the final/3rd. The flavor was consistent and well balanced.
Considering the quality of the tobacco and your experience level I think it was a job well done.

Alec Bradley Blind Faith Robusto 9/21/19

 Appearance
A dark brown colored wrapper with a few prominent veins. The seams are fairly tight. There is a nice oil sheen. The filler bunch is well packed with no apparent soft spots.

Aroma
Cedar, light brown sugar
and a hint of spice on the wrapper. Cedar, baking spices and baking chocolate at the foot.

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

1st
The initial draws bring notes of hay, cedar, white dried fruit and black pepper spice. The draw is snug. The burn is a bit wavy. The ash is medium gray and stacked. At 3/4” in the dried fruit becomes less dry and balances the black pepper spice notes. All of a sudden a leathery texture envelopes the flavor profile. At the 1” mark the ash started to curl and rather than wear it I removed it.

2nd
The draw begins to open up. Smoke production is at the medium range. Midway in the 2nd/3rd warm cinnamon spice notes join the profile. Shortly after some almond notes join the profile and when combined with the cinnamon tastes like roasted almonds. The burn has almost fully self corrected with the help of simple physics. The finish is long with notes of cedar, hay, faint white fruits, roasted almonds and nutmeg spice.

Final/3rd
The black pepper spice notes reappear and begin to dominate the profile. Strength is medium. The profile remains consistent right to the nub.

Overall
The Alec Bradley Blind Faith Robusto provides an enjoyable smoking experience. A nice well balanced flavor profile with a good draw after the 1st/3rd and a mildly erratic burn.
A job well done for your first blend boys.

Avo Unexpected Celebration Toro 9/15/19

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

Aroma
Barnyard, cedar, dried white fruit(apple, pear, banana) and a hint of spice on the wrapper. Dried white fruit, hay and spice at the foot.

Prelight Draw
Cedar, dried white fruit and spice.

1st
The initial draws bring notes of cedar, paper and spice. The draw and burn are spot on at the 3/4” mark. The ash is light gray and stacked. Strength is at mild. Smoke production is at the low range. The dried white fruit notes are very faint. The burn gets a bit wavy near the end of the 1st/3rd. The ash holds firm and straight until removal.

2nd
The spice ramps up to start the 2nd/3rd. The dried fruit notes fade leaving the cigar almost flavorless and leaving the palate very dry. 6 or 8 puffs later the dried white fruit notes return.

Final/3rd
The final/3rd begins with a very bitter note followed by notes of light coffee. The flavor profile remains consistent right to the nub.

Overall
The Avo Unexpected Celebration Toro provides an enjoyable smoking experience. A well balanced and consistent flavor profile with a perfect draw and mildly erratic burn.

Avo Unexpected Passion Toro 9/14/19

 Appearance
A milk chocolate colored wrapper with a few prominent veins. The seams are tightly wrapped. The cap is perfectly applied as well. It has a nice oily sheen. The filler bunch is well packed with no apparent soft spots. Great color contrast on the bands.

Aroma
Light brown sugar, dried fruit, cedar and a hint of spice on the wrapper. Cedar and spice at the foot.

Prelight Draw
Dried fruit, light brown sugar, cedar and spice.

1st
The initial draws bring notes of cedar, seared steak and mild cinnamon spice. The draw is spot on. The burn is near perfect as well. Smoke production is at the medium range. Strength is medium. The ash is medium gray and tight. Dried fruit notes join the profile. An inch in the burn is off 22 *. The ash, though looking suspect, held until removal.

2nd
Upon inspection of the working end I find a good sized tunnel which is responsible for the uneven burn line. The burn line has fully self corrected. The cinnamon spice notes increase in intensity and Almond notes join the profile at the same time creating a roasted almond flavor. Strength moves to medium+. The bands remove with no damage. The finish is long with notes of cedar, dried fruit, roasted almonds and warm cinnamon spice.

Final/3rd
As the flavorful profile rolls into the final/3rd the smoke production increases to the high range. The flavorful profile continues right to the nub.

Overall
The Avo Unexpected Passion Toro provides a very enjoyable smoking experience. A well balanced and flavorful profile with a perfect draw and mildly erratic burn.

Daughters Of The Wind Robusto 9/8/19

 Appearance
A medium brown colored wrapper with a red hue and mostly thin veins. The seams are tightly wrapped. It has a nice oily sheen. The filler bunch is well packed with no apparent soft spots.

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

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

1st
The initial draws bring notes of cedar and cheap coffee. The draw is a tick snug. The burn is erratic but is already self correcting. The ash is medium gray and stacked. The strength is mild/med. The bitterness of the cheap coffee notes has disappeared leaving a cedar, almond and spice profile. The ash holds firm and straight until removal.

2nd
The draw is now effortless. The smoke production is at the medium range. Medium roast coffee notes join the profile. The finish is long with notes of cedar, almond, coffee and warm cinnamon spice. Strength is at medium.

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

Overall
The Daughters Of The Wind Robusto provides an enjoyable smoking experience. A nice profile with an effortless draw and erratic burn.
Thanks again to brother Steve @bigbucky24 for the cigar.

Avo Unexpected Tradition Toro 9/7/19

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

Aroma
Barnyard, light brown sugar, tobacco, cedar and spice on the wrapper. Dried fruit, cedar and spice at the foot.

Prelight Draw
Dried fruit, raisin, espresso and spice.

1st
The initial draws bring notes of sour grass. After a few more draws, dried fruit notes join the profile but the sour taste is still there. The draw is snug. The burn is off about 7*. Cedar notes join the profile and balance out the sour notes. The ash is dark gray, stacked and beginning to bloom. The profile has taken on an orange citrusy note making for a balanced sweet/sour flavor. The ash, while looking suspect, held on til removal.

2nd
Upon inspection of the working end I find a small tunnel on the faster burning side. The draw opens up nicely. Smoke production is at the medium range. The ash is getting tighter as the cigar burns. The burn line is even now but with 2 waves, one on each side due to the 2 tunnels. The secondary band removes with no damage. Strength started medium in the 1st/3rd and is now medium+. The primary band did not remove as cleanly as the secondary band. Smoke production is at the high end of medium range. The draw is almost effortless now. The finish is long with notes of citrus, cedar, dried fruit and spice.

Final/3rd
The flavorful profile continues into the final/3rd with the strength at med/full. A flavorful profile right to the nub!

Overall
The Avo Unexpected Tradition Toro provides a very enjoyable smoking experience. A well balanced and flavorful profile with a nice draw after the 1st/3rd and an erratic burn.

Bellas Artes Maduro Robusto CH 9/2/19

 Appearance
A dark and oily Brazilian Mata Fino wrapper with a couple of prominent veins. The seams are tightly wrapped. The filler bunch is well packed with no apparent soft spots.
The bands are typical AJ, beautiful artwork.

Aroma
Earth, dried red fruit and spice on the wrapper. Molasses, chocolate, coffee, earth and spice at the foot.

Prelight Draw
Molasses, earth, chocolate, espresso and spice.

1st
The initial draws bring notes of earth and molasses with a faint spice in the background. The draw is a tick snug. The burn has a small wave. The ash is dark gray and stacked, with a bit of flake. Just past midway in the 1st/3rd the draw opens up. A mild espresso note appears. The spice is cinnamon. Smoke production is at the low end of medium range. Strength is medium+. The ash held firm and straight until removal.

2nd
Chocolate notes join the profile. The burn has fully self corrected. About a 1/2” into the 2nd/3rd the earthy notes become more prominent with an added pinch of black pepper. The profile is very rich. The black pepper fades. Smoke production is at the high end of medium range. The finish is long with notes of earth, molasses, espresso, chocolate and cinnamon spice. Cashew notes join the profile late in the 2nd/3rd.

Final/3rd
The profile is very creamy to start the final/3rd. The spice becomes more like a crushed red pepper spice. Strength is at med/full. The flavorful profile continues right to the nub.

Overall
The Bellas Artes Maduro Robusto CH provides a very enjoyable smoking experience. A complex, well balanced and flavorful profile with a perfect draw and mildly erratic burn.

My Father La Promesa Petite 9/1/19

 Appearance
An attractive dark brown wrapper with a few prominent veins. The seams are tightly wrapped and the cap is well done. It has a nice oily sheen. The filler bunch is well packed with no apparent soft spots.

Aroma
Earth, cedar, hay on the wrapper. Faint dried fruit, cedar and spice at the foot.

Prelight Draw
Lush fruit, cedar, chocolate and spice.

1st
The initial draws bring notes of cedar, light dried fruit and a pinch of spice. There is also a leathery texture to the smoke. The draw is a tick snug. The burn is slightly wavy. The ash is medium gray, stacked and beginning to bloom. At about 5/8” in the black pepper spice jumps in with both feet and is dominating the profile. Smoke production is at the low range. Strength is at medium. Oddly enough the heavy black pepper spice doesn’t dominate the finish which is a good thing. The blooming stopped about 1/2” in. After some very gentle massaging the draw opens up. The ash held firm and straight until removal.

2nd
Upon inspection of the working end I find a small tunnel on the faster burning side and the cone is just off center. Smoke production is at the medium range. After a little help from simple physics the burn has almost fully self corrected. At the midway point of the cigar notes of crushed red pepper spice help to balance the black pepper spice. Strength moves to med/full. The finish is long with notes of cedar, dried fruit and a red/black pepper spice combo all wrapped in a leathery texture.

Final/3rd
The flavor profile rolls into the final/3rd. The burn has fully self corrected. The profile remains consistent right to the nub.

Overall
The My Father La Promesa Petite provides an enjoyable smoking experience. A flavorful profile with a near perfect draw and mildly erratic burn.

EP Carillo Encore Majestic Robusto 8/31/19

 Appearance
A medium brown colored wrapper with very thin veins. The silky smooth wrapper’s seams are tightly wrapped. There is a very light oil sheen. The filler bunch is well packed with no apparent soft spots.

Aroma
Earth, sugar cane, cedar, tobacco and spice on the wrapper. Fruit, cedar and spice at the foot.

Prelight Draw
Red licorice, sugar, cedar, earth and spice.

1st
The initial draws bring notes of fruit and cedar with spice in the background. As the spice develops it becomes a thick black pepper spice. Cane sugar notes join the profile helping to balance the black pepper spice. The draw is perfect. The burn is near perfect. The ash is light gray and stacked. Salted peanut notes join the profile. The ash held firm and straight until removal.

2nd
Smoke production is at the medium range. Strength is medium. A few draws in the sweetness fades a bit leaving peanuts, cedar and mild spice as the main flavors. Burn is a little wavy. The spice is more like Paprika now. The finish is long with notes of cedar, peanuts, fruit, sugar and Paprika spice.

Final/3rd
After removal of the ash I notice 2 tunnels which are causing the uneven burn. The flavorful profile rolls into the final/3rd. Strength moves to med/full. Black pepper spice notes rejoin the profile and become prominent. The profile continues right to the nub.

Overall
The EP Carillo Encore Majestic provides an enjoyable smoking experience. A complex and well balanced profile with a perfect draw and mildly erratic burn.

Casa Cuevas Edicion Limitada Habano Flaco 8/25/19

 Appearance
A medium brown colored wrapper with a slightly red hue and a few prominent veins. The seams are tightly wrapped and difficult to find. There is a very oily sheen on the wrapper. The filler bunch is well packed with no apparent soft spots.

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

Prelight Draw
Cedar, dried fruit, faint floral and spice.

1st
The initial draws bring notes of dried fruit and cedar. The spice becomes noticeable at about the 1/2” mark and is of the black pepper variety. The ash is medium gray and stacked. The draw is effortless and the burn has a small wave. The ash is holding but looking very suspect so I removed it rather than wearing it.

2nd
Upon inspection of the working end I find a small tunnel causing the uneven burn. Strength is medium. The smoke production is at the medium range. The ash is blooming(think of a flower) a bit. Early in the 2nd/3rd after ashing again I notice the tunnel has ended and the burn is self correcting. At the halfway point I am picking up some peanutty notes, when combined with the spice it tastes like roasted peanuts. When removing the secondary band I notice the color being removed, a sign that too much gomma(glue) was used. The finish is long with notes of cedar, dried fruit, floral, roasted peanuts and black pepper spice. A tasty flavor profile. Some espresso notes join the profile.

Final/3rd
The primary band had a perfect amount of gomma as there was no damage at removal. The black pepper spice notes begin to dominate the profile. An inch later the black pepper spice tapers back into balance. The flavor profile remains consistent right to the nub.

Overall
The Casa Cuevas Edicion Limitada Habano Flaco provides an enjoyable smoking experience. A complex, well balanced and flavorful profile with a perfect draw and mildly erratic burn.

Casa by Caldwell CdM Exclusive Toro 8/24/19

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

Aroma
Earth, dark chocolate and light floral on the wrapper. Lush red fruit, cedar and a hint of spice at the foot.

Prelight Draw
Earth, cedar, faint red fruit, black pepper spice.

1st
The initial draws bring notes of fruit and cedar. The draw is tight with very little smoke production(I’m sure this will change). What looked like a fairly even burn has become wavy. The ash is salt&pepper gray and fairly tight. About an inch and 3/4 in the black pepper spice begins to build. The draw begins to open up and smoke production increases. The ash held firm and straight until removal.

2nd
The draw has opened up nicely and smoke production is at the medium range. The burn has fully self corrected. The black pepper spice has become more prominent. Some savory notes join the profile bringing the black pepper into balance. Dark chocolate and espresso notes join the profile. Strength and body are at medium.

Final/3rd
The fruit and chocolate notes have disappeared leaving earth, espresso, charred wood and mild black pepper spice.

Overall
The Casa by Caldwell CdM Exclusive provides a somewhat enjoyable smoking experience. An ok flavor profile with a tight draw and erratic burn in the 1st/3rd and good draw and perfect burn in the rest of the cigar.

Laranja Reserva Escuro Toro BP 8/18/19

 Appearance
A dark chocolate colored wrapper with a couple of prominent veins. The seams are tightly wrapped. There is a light oil sheen on the wrapper. The filler bunch is well packed with no apparent soft spots. Nicely box pressed.

Aroma
Earth, dark chocolate, cedar and spice on the wrapper. Dark chocolate, molasses and spice at the foot.

Prelight Draw
Dark chocolate, dried fruit, licorice, cedar and spice.

1st
The initial draws bring notes of earth, dark chocolate, cedar, faint dried fruit and black pepper spice. The draw is perfect. The burn is wavy. The ash is light gray and stacked. Smoke production is at the high range. The burn has fully self corrected. Strength is medium+. The burn is getting wavy again. The ash held firm and straight until removal.

2nd
Upon inspection of the working end I find a 1/4” diameter tunnel which is causing the erratic burn line. The blend is very well balanced. Espresso notes join the profile and the black pepper spice moves up a tick in boldness. The finish is long with notes of dark chocolate, dried fruit, earth, espresso, cedar and black pepper spice.

Final/3rd
The well balanced and flavorful profile rolls into the final/3rd. The flavor gets very meaty. Strength finishes at med/full. The flavorful profile continues right to the nub.

Overall
The Laranja Reserva Escuro Toro BP provides a very enjoyable smoking experience. A complex, well balanced and flavorful profile with a perfect draw and mildly erratic burn.
An interesting note is that this cigar is not made at the Espinoza LaZona factory. It’s made at the AJ Fernandez San Lotano factory in Ocotál, Nicaragua.

Avo Unexpected Moment Blue Toro 8/17/19

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

Aroma
Hay, cedar, dried fruit, a hint of barnyard and faint spice on the wrapper. Floral, dried fruit, aged tobacco and spice at the foot.

Prelight Draw
Very sweet, floral, cedar and mild spice.

1st
The initial draws bring notes of cedar, dried fruit and mild cinnamon spice. The draw is effortless. The burn has a very slight wave. The ash is salt&pepper gray and mostly tight with a little flake. The spice ramps up as the 1st/3rd burns. The ash holds firm and straight until removal.

2nd
Smoke production is at the low end of high range. Strength is medium. Wow! Just had an incredibly sour note sweep over my palate. Now light roast coffee notes join the profile. Smoke production moves to the high range. Burn has fully self corrected. Strength moves up a tick to medium+. The sweetness has backed off a bit. The finish is long with notes of cedar, light roast coffee, hints of dried fruit, hay and warm cinnamon spice.

Final/3rd
The profile moves into the final/3rd with the spice becoming more like Paprika.
The well balanced and flavorful profile continues right to the nub.

Overall
The Avo Unexpected Moment Blue Toro provides a very enjoyable smoking experience. A well balanced and flavorful profile with an effortless draw and mildly erratic burn.

San Lotano Dominicano Robusto by AJ & Jochy 8/11/19

 Appearance
A rustic looking dark chocolate colored wrapper with a few prominent veins and some mottling. The seams are tightly wrapped and nearly invisible. The wrapper has a nice oily sheen. The filler bunch is well packed with no apparent soft spots.

Aroma
Earth and cedar on the wrapper. Earth, cedar, sugar and a mild spice at the foot.

Prelight Draw
Cedar, sugar, molasses, red licorice and spice.

1st
The initial draws bring notes of cedar, earth, leather and spice. The draw is snug. The burn is wavy. Smoke production is at the high end of medium range. The sugary notes in the Prelight Draw have turned into full caramel notes. The ash is medium gray and stacked. The ash began to look suspect as it was beginning to curl so I removed it.

2nd
Upon inspection of the working end I found a 3/16” diameter tunnel which was the cause of the erratic burn. Bold espresso notes join the profile. The draw opens up just inside the 2nd/3rd. The perfect amount of “gomma” was used to glue the bands together(an Artform in itself). Strength is medium. Midway in the cigar, cocoa powder notes join the profile. Cashew notes bring additional balance to the blend which started with a heavy “Dominican tobacco” flavor. The finish is long with notes of cedar, earth, caramel, molasses, espresso, cocoa powder, cashew and warm cinnamon spice.

Final/3rd
Smoke production is at the high range. The burn has fully self corrected. Red licorice notes join the profile. The complex flavors continue right to the nub.

Overall
The San Lotano Dominicano Robusto provides an enjoyable smoking experience. A complex, well balanced and flavorful profile with a perfect draw after the 1st/3rd and an erratic burn through the first 2/3’s.

Fable Cigars Fourth Prime “Doc” Petite Robusto 8/10/19

 Appearance
A dark chocolate colored wrapper with a bit of mottling. The seams are tightly wrapped and the cap is well done. As is the case most times with Pennsylvania wrapper leaf, the wrapper feels more oily than it looks. The filler bunch is well packed with no apparent soft spots.

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

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

1st
The initial draws bring notes of earth, cedar and black pepper spice. Some dark espresso notes join the profile right away. The draw is a tick snug. The burn starts out a bit wavy. Smoke production is at the medium range. The burn is self correcting. Dark chocolate notes join the profile. The ash is salt&pepper gray and mostly tight. Midway through the 1st/3rd, sweet fruity notes join the profile. The ash holds firm and straight until removal.

2nd
Upon inspection of the working end I find a 3/16” diameter tunnel just under the binder on the back side of the cigar which is causing the erratic burn. The flavorful profile is very well balanced. The draw opens up nicely. The smoke production increases to the high range. Strength is already at med/full. The dark chocolate notes are very rich. The finish is long with notes of earth, dark chocolate, espresso, cedar, red fruit and black pepper spice.

Final/3rd
The black pepper spice fades leaving a warm cinnamon spice. The burn has fully self corrected. Black pepper spice notes return. The flavorful profile continues right to the nub.

Overall
The Fable Cigars Fourth Prime “Doc” Petite Robusto provides a very enjoyable smoking experience. A complex, well balanced and flavorful profile with a perfect draw after the 1st/3rd and an erratic burn in the first 2/3’s.
Thanks again to brother Steve @bigbucky24 for the cigar.

Room 101 Farce Maduro Robusto 8/4/19

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

Aroma
Earth, brown sugar and spice on the wrapper. Cedar, dried fruit and a hint of spice at the foot.

Prelight Draw
Cedar, dried fruit, licorice and spice.

1st
The initial draws bring notes of cedar, earth and allspice. The draw, which starts out quite snug, at a half inch in begins to loosen. The ash is light gray and stacked. The burn is wavy. At 1.25” in dried fruit notes join the profile. Strength is at medium. The ash is more tight than stacked. The ash held firm and straight until removal.

2nd
The burn has fully self corrected. Light roast coffee notes join the profile. Just before the midway point of the cigar, the draw opens up. The smoke production increases to the low end of high range. The bands were applied with the perfect amount of vegetable glue as they came off easily and clean with no damage(not as common as you would expect). The finish is long with notes of cedar, earth, dried fruit, light roast coffee and allspice with a pinch(cooking term) of black pepper spice. The allspice transitions into a crushed red pepper spice.

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

Overall
The Room 101 Farce Maduro Robusto provides an enjoyable smoking experience. A well balanced, complex and flavorful profile with a good draw(after the 1st/3rd) and mildly erratic burn.
Thanks again to brother Steve @bigbucky24 for the cigar, the second of the he sent me.

Hoyo La Amistad Dark Sumatra Espresso Robusto by AJ for General Cigar 8/3/19

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

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

Prelight Draw
Earth, red fruit, cedar, espresso and warm cayenne spice.

1st
The initial draws bring notes of earth and black pepper spice. Immediately the spice goes to a cayenne pepper and the black pepper fades. A dark espresso note joins in early in the 1st/3rd. The draw is spot on and the burn has a slight wave. The ash is dark salt&pepper gray and stacked. The black pepper spice returns. Smoke production is at the high range. The ash holds firm until removal.

2nd
Upon inspection of the working end I find two 1/8” diameter tunnels, one closer to the binder than the other which are causing the erratic burn. Cedar notes join the profile bringing more balance. The black pepper fades again briefly replaced by the cayenne pepper notes. With the help of simple physics the burn begins to self correct. Strength is med/full. The finish is long with notes of earth, espresso, cedar and spice which vacillates between cayenne and black pepper. The tunnels end and the burn fully self corrects. The black pepper fades again with the cayenne pepper becoming more prominent.

Final/3rd
Moving into the final third the strength becomes more full. The black pepper returns while the cayenne pepper fades. The flavorful profile continues right to the nub.

Overall
The Hoyo La Amistad Dark Sumatra Espresso(Short Robusto) provides an enjoyable smoking experience. A complex, well balanced and flavorful profile with a perfect draw and mildly erratic burn.
Well done AJ!
Living in Arizona there can be a time lag on getting new releases but Thanks to my brother Steve @bigbucky24 who sent me a full of new releases, that’s not the case this time.