Newbie tasting notes and feedback request

[Carlos]

Summary bio: I've been smoking cigars randomly for a long time, but never put effort into really learning what I like and maintaining my own supply. I was buying 1-2 random sticks at a time. This of course had random results. I joined here to learn more, set up a really good humidor, and have been building up a supply.

I got a newbie sampler from mrtr33 and a LOT of useful info and coaching. After trying a few of his and some others based on my tasting and discussion with him, I thought it was time to publicly post my discoveries and ask for feedback from everyone. I hope this is also helpful for other newbies.

Padron 2000 maduro: I liked this a lot. I gave it 95 on my personal 100 scale, which is certainly not related to the "pro" scale at all. To me this means I'd love to smoke more and would prefer it over most others. I don't recall specific flavors on this one, just that I really liked it.

Romeo y Julieta #2: I was stunned by how good this is. I could smoke these every day. Of course, they are unobtanium here in the US, got it via a friend of a friend that went to Cananda. This started really spicy and light, then developed into less spice and more flavor. I smoked this to the nub, which I have never done with any other cigar. I rate it a 100 personally. Yes, I know there is no such thing as perfection, but that's what this is for me so far. Required a couple of touch-ups but nothing major, didn't interfere with the enjoyment.

Cohiba XV: I also loved this one, and also give it a 100 on my scale. The flavor was smooth to me but with more complexity than the RyJ. Nice medium draw, medium smoke. However it was hard to light and required a lot of touch-up, then refused to stay lit around the 1/4 mark. I would have smoked more, it was that good. Flavor was good throughout and didn't change as much as some others.

Kristoff Madura: Totally unsmokable. Harsh and bitter, ashy taste. I gave up and dumped it.

Flor de Oliva: I liked this, not tremendously, but it was good. The wife thought it was harsh (she's liking the CAO infused smokes herself, and also likes the Tabak Especial). I found it getting bitter around half and put it out (I may be smoking too fast, I know I do that and can't help it). I don't have the palate yet to really explain what I did or did not like about it. I'd smoke this again if I had one, but would not go seek it out. Lit easily, burned consistenly, medium draw. Put it out at 1/2.

Puros Indios Cienfuegos: It burned very unevenly, needing several touch-ups. Draw was how I like it, and smoky which I like, but just not my kind of flavor. I wouldn't smoke it again. Put it out at 1/2 since it was getting bitter.

[ashauler]

I agree with the Pad 2000 and FdO. I would suggest you try the FdO in maduro, it has a more rounded profile and is sweeter, without the bitterness, imo.

You need to smoke more cigars from the same country as the RyJ. I'm thinkin' that your views on this cigar may change a bit. Don't get me wrong, it is a solid cigar, I just think you gave away your 100 a tad too early.

I don't enjoy the Cohiba XV or the Cienfuegos. The Cohiba is over rated and over priced imho, and the Cienfuegos is unsmokeable to me.

Can't speak to the Kristoff.

[Carlos]

You need to smoke more cigars from the same country as the RyJ.

Now I just need to figure out how to do that with nobody going to prison.

The Cohiba is over rated and over priced imho

I did get sticker shock when I went to buy a few yesterday. $14?? Damn. Still I did get three just so I can see if my opinion of them holds. There was something I really liked about it and the RyJ, which to me had a few things in common. I just wish I could identify those things and find similar smokes.

Last night's smoke was one of the ones from mrtr33, an Olivia Serie 0 maduro double toro. It started out quite light and airy with wood and no spice, then progressed to much bolder slowly over the first inch. It was an interesting and nice progression of taste. It burned fairly evenly but needed a double or triple draw to get a good bit of smoke. Overall the flavor was good but I didn't like the 60 gauge size. I will likely try another 0 in a smaller size like a robusto. This is another smoke that I wouldn't object to, but wouldn't seek out (though in another size I might).

[CAJUNBLAZE]

I also started with the Cohiba, but the black. I always have one in the humidor for sentimental value, but they are way over priced for what they are as smokes. There are better smokes that are alot cheaper. That is a part of living and learning. Everyones tastes are different and yours will change as you smoke more.

Have fun,

Rich