The KC/DW Review Series

[ashauler]

Yeah, I think I'll email KC and shake him loose. Just reading between the lines, I think maybe a little spousal pressure in play there.

I'll smoke 7 cigars today and try to make up for lost time and post some reviews.

Spousal pressure is definitely a drag, right up there with purchasing bans.

7 stogies + 1 bottle of Tequila = Interesting Reviews

[DeeDubya]

Spousal pressure is definitely a drag, right up there with purchasing bans.

7 stogies + 1 bottle of Tequila = Interesting Reviews

Well yes, when I said spousal pressure, that could be budgeting, health issues, too much self-indulgence, I don't know. Like I said, just reading between the lines, I might have missed the mark so I don't want to jump to dilusions.

[DeeDubya]

On a whim I decided to try a Double Chateau last evening. Thinking that the cedar sleeve was the only real difference between it and the other Grand Reserva's, I didn't expect any surprises.

After removing the sleeve, and sniffing the length of the barrel I could really appreciate the spicey Spanish cedar influence. I have always dismissed cedar sleeves as more of a novel artsy display like any other fancy band. This time around I'm convinced that it really does impart some special flavors. I attribute this to aging. I've had this stick in the humi for some time, probably effectively doubling the time from rolling till it was smoked.

This is a lighter Connecticut shade wrapper that appears to be dry yet silky with practically no oiliness, small veins throughout, no soft spots and a firm solid roll head to toe.

Toasting produced some of the cedar and a goodly amount of bluish, thick smoke. After a few puffs of a cool blend of tobacco, cedar and toast I got a very slight metallic aftertaste. I write this off to my palate as it can be caused by some othe influence like medication (not that I am medicated), food or most likely the glass of cabernet I had with dinner. My son was on the phone waiting for me to light up (he's in Albuquerque and we often smoke a stog while we share our thoughts) so I didn't get to do my Tequila shot and properly cleanse the palate.

About midway I detected some grassy flavors but not so much to be concerned. Green grass flavors normally indicate a young (short aged) cigar and would also add some bitterness but this is not the case. It burned flawlessly with a near perfect white ash for the entire length. The strength and flavors did stack a little toward the end, but it is a fairly large vitola. I really enjoyed this cigar and intend to get a box and start to age them in the cooler for at least a year.

While not up there with the Hemingways, OpusX, Masterpiece, it is a great value at around only $4.50/stick. Just age them a little more and they are near perfect.

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

[logan37]

Nice review DW. I guess I will wait to smoke this one. Do you know how long you had the stick in your humi? Over a year? 2+?

[DeeDubya]

Nice review DW. I guess I will wait to smoke this one. Do you know how long you had the stick in your humi? Over a year? 2+?

I know I've had it at least a year. But I don't know when it was rolled. The problem with singles is just that... you don't know the production date. Boxes are always marked, so if you buy some singles just look at the box and make note of the date. Some are aged in the box but then I've bought a number of boxes that are only a month or two old.

[logan37]

Thanks DW. I wont be able to find out when the box was packed because the shop I bought it at just refills the boxes/cases that are already on the shelves usually.

[ashauler]

Thanks DW. I wont be able to find out when the box was packed because the shop I bought it at just refills the boxes/cases that are already on the shelves usually.

That's a very common practice, both my regular stores do the same thing.

[DeeDubya]

Thanks DW. I wont be able to find out when the box was packed because the shop I bought it at just refills the boxes/cases that are already on the shelves usually.

Yep, that pretty much does it. I think Rob here at HCH tries to keep them in the original box, at least the high end sticks.