I've only gotten back into smoking cigars this month. When I smoked before I really didn't pay much attention to what it was I was smoking or how much I liked one over another. So far this month I've smoked five "premium" cigars, and this time I made a conscience effort to remember what it was I was smoking and paid attention to what aspects I either did or did not like about the cigar.
I don't have much experience to go on, so I wouldn't advise anyone to use what I say to base their purchases on, but I thought it would be fun to share my thoughts, maybe give the experienced members a chuckle at the simplistic views of a newbie.
Well, here goes nothing.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Romeo y Julieta Reserve Real Robusto
I bought this Cigar as a single from a local B&M smoke shop, Edwards of San Marco in Jacksonville, FL on Wednesday, October 7. It was recommended to me by Dino, the shop keeper, he claimed it to be his favorite cigar. It stayed in my desktop humidor at ~71% RH before I smoked it.
I really enjoyed this cigar. Everything about it felt right. When cutting the head it seemed to cut exceptionally smooth, like a hot knife through butter. Even in the short robusto size the smoke was cool throughout. The cigar held its ash well, only falling off two or three times and the smoke stayed cool. I couldn't exactly put my finger on what it was that I liked so much about this cigar, so I had to order a five pack in the Churchill size from CigarsInternational. They'll be here on Monday, so I can continue my investigation.
Soft and Smooth.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
CAO Tony Soprano Signature
I bought 48 of these cigars and the Limited Edition Sopranos humidor from Dino at Edwards of San Marco later that day, Wednesday 10/7. I set up the humidor with a Diamond Crown humidifier and two Xicar gels, the humidity was up to 67% almost instantly and held steady until I smoked the first one. The other one I put in a separate box for a few days based on a recommendation by mrtr33.
The cigar is a Super-Toro, 6.5 inches long and 60 RG. It's awfully fat, so holding it in your teeth isn't really a comfortable option. This is definitely a sit down cigar. They're put together very nicely, with three different bands, so points for presentation. The size makes them look impressive too. This cigar seemed to me to be wrapped especially tight, making it feel extra firm, cutting the head felt a little bit rough, more so on the second, drier, one than on the first one, but rough on both. The tightness, firmness, and thickness combined make it feel a little bit like a piece of wood when you first put your mouth on it, but that goes away as soon as the head gets a little moisture on it. The flavor seemed a bit more complex than the other one I had smoked, but I didn't get the feeling that it was especially strong or spicy, not overpowering at all, but definitely a nice intriguing blend. There were a few times during both that I noticed the burn getting a little bit uneven, but was able to straighten that out by rotating the short end to the top. The ash stayed in place pretty decently, probably 1.5 inches before falling off. It stayed cool all the way to the end, and took a good two hours or so to make it there. All-in-all I'm happy with these smokes. It's not my number one favorite cigar, but it's definitely up there. I certainly don't regret purchasing so many of them.
Very Nice!
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Rocky Patel Decade Toro
This was a gift from Dino at Edwards of San Marco after I had purchased the big Sopranos set from him, he gave them to me to celebrate my birthday and told me he hoped they kicked my teeth in. So, acquired, Wednesday, 10/7. Stored in my desktop humidor at ~71% RH.
This cigar was perfect. The size was ideal, the feel was neither too hard or too soft, and the flavor was amazing. It didn't feel like it was packed overly tight, but it wasn't loose either. Cutting the head it didn't feel overly smooth, nor did it feel rough. Everything about this cigar just felt like baby bears porridge, just right. Except the flavor. It didn't "kick my teeth in." But I do think it had the strongest flavor of all the ones I tried. It burned slow and evenly, lasting well over an hour, and the ash held on for more than three inches. I liked everything about this cigar, so I think this is another one I'm going to have to do some more research on. And, oh look, CI has a deal on a five-pack.
Perfect.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Vega Fina (Lonsdale or Churchill)
This is another one I purchased from Edwards of San Marco at the same time I bought the Reserve Real. It was stored in my desktop humidor at ~71% RH.
The size of this was perfect, I'm not sure if it was Lonsdale or Churchill, but it was longer than any of the other ones I had tried, and the girth was just right. The head cut smoothly and at the beginning it smoked very smooth, cool, and mild. The ash didn't hold at all, maybe an inch. After a few draws, when moisture started to build on the head it started to feel soft and spongy, not pleasant. After only half way through the smoke started to get hot. I won't be buying another.
Pass.
I welcome any feedback you may have. Am I paying attention to the wrong things while I smoke? Do you have any recommendations on other cigars I may like based on what I said I liked here?
Thanks
T.J. Cravey
