The KC/DW Review Series

[DeeDubya]

Much, Much different than the traditional Montecristo, the Platinum La Habana got my attention with an advertised "medium-bodied" cigar.
I'm all for rich flavor but also appreciate the immaculate construction, smoothness and near perfect burn of other Montecristo's.

This very "Habano" looking stick has some veins, toothy feel and darker Mexican Cubano leaf. The filler, a blend of Dominican, Nicaraguan and Peruvian long-leaf fillers produce a full-bodied enjoyment that some (like me) prefer.

Of course it has a new silver band that looks good on the medium dark wrapper. It toasted well and lit evenly. It was easy to settle into the nearly perfect draw. About half-way it did burn a little uneven but not uncontrollably. Overall I thought the flavors were about average for a Habano. Well balanced, a little peppery, mild sweet aftertaste, pretty much in line with a $6.50 cigar. I will have to try a few more before I buy a box.

On a scale of 1-10 I rate this cigar 8.3.

[DeeDubya]

I can honestly say that I have never been dissapointed with a Padron. Likewise this little Corona held up to my high expectations. Of course the highly-respected Nicaraguan family would not allow a sub-standard cigar to be banded a Padron.

Being partial to "full-bodied" cigars I savored the delicious, thick, creamy smoke that this small ring guage, box-pressed cigar produced. Very smooth and mellow with a perfect draw, even burn and uniform white ash. The flavors are outstanding with coffee, chocolate and nuts seeming to dominate. Also, the 4-year aged all-Nicaraguan tobaccos present a special singular non-blended purity that is hard to find these days.

Being a fairly small cigar this would make a perfect companion to a cup of coffee for a mid-morning smoke. If you like maduro's at all you must try one. If you don't like maduro's you should try one anyway, it might just change your mind. These little delicioso's retail for around $8.50 but are worth every penny.

On a scale of 1-10 I rate this cigar 9.4.

[DeeDubya]

Some time back I did a review on a Georges Reservce Robusto. I was so pleased with the quality and flavors that I gave it a 9.2. I find it interesting to compare cigars that vary only in size (ring guage). So I picked up a box of the Lonsdales and have since been alternating between them and the Robusto's.

As one would expect the Robusto's seem to burn slightly cooler. The flavors are very close although the Robusto's are slightly richer and mellow with a creamy smoke. The draw and burn on the Lonsdale is impeccable with a firm light gray ash. Of course because of the smaller ring guage the Lonsdale also burns just a little faster/hotter, making for a tie at around 45 minutes burn time.

A very interesting point that I did not mention in the Robusto review however, and is deemed unimportant by almost everything you read about cigars: The Binder. The Georges consist of Nicaraguan long-fillers, a rare African Cameroon binder and Ecuadorian-grown Connecticut-seed wrappers. Tell me why would a manufacturer use "rare African Cameroon binder" leaves if the binder has little affect on the flavors? Or maybe the blend is where it's at and the perfect combination of ingredients make for well-balanced flavors and a complex finish? I'm going to give the Robusto a slight edge over the lonsdale but a very slight edge indeed.

On a scale of 1-10 I rate this cigar 9.1.

[ashauler]

Once again a fantastic review!! I've eyed these in the catalouges for awhile now.....have always been too skeptical to try them. Perhaps now its worth a shot to grab a 5er.......thanks for costing me more $$!!

Keep 'em coming, I've got a comfortable couch.

[DeeDubya]

Once again a fantastic review!! I've eyed these in the catalouges for awhile now.....have always been too skeptical to try them. Perhaps now its worth a shot to grab a 5er.......thanks for costing me more $$!!

Keep 'em coming, I've got a comfortable couch.

Your welcome. You've got to spend your money somewhere! Shoot me your addy and I'll fly a couple your way (por nada).

[ashauler]

Your welcome. You've got to spend your money somewhere! Shoot me your addy and I'll fly a couple your way (por nada).

That's a very generous offer sir, I think I'll just take you up on it. PM on the way shortly.

[ashauler]

Your welcome. You've got to spend your money somewhere! Shoot me your addy and I'll fly a couple your way (por nada).

Couple = 2.........to try = Georges Reserve........WTF, I received an awesome package today, and you failed miserably on both parameters. I can't wait to try the Geroges you sent......and their companions are stellar choices!!

You are certainly a most generous BOTL!! Many thanks!!

[DeeDubya]

Today after lunch I had the pleasure to try a Fumadores Robusto by Jose "Pepin" Garcia graciously provided by Ashauler. Several in the Community have expressed their fondness for this cigar but it was the first for me.

It is a medium to full-bodied blended filler with Nicaraguan Corojo, Criollo and Habano tobaccos which should immediately hint at the robust flavors. The binder is Nicaraguan and the wrapper Ecuadorian. Wow. So much goodness in a compact package. I cut it with a v-cutter as I normally do with larger vitolas. Toasting it gave up a suble but evident aroma of what was to come. The draw was dead on perfect and it burned evenly. I would judge the flavors as robust but medium-bodied. I love Habano's and this is now another of my favorites. I think the company "Holt" produces 3 vitolas of which are Robusto's, Toro's and Churchhill's. This robusto was just about right for me. I'm sure the churchill would be great but would have to guess that the Toro might be a little heavy for anyone but a seasoned smoker.

I would not hesitate to pick up a box of the Robusto's so as to always have some on hand for a great after-dinner smoke. A sweet after-dinner drink like maybe two fingers of Bristol Creme on ice would be perfect. A good Port would work as well. Thanks again Ashauler for the pleasure.

On a scale of 1-10 I rate this cigar 9.