The KC/DW Review Series

[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.

[DeeDubya]

Another cedar-sleeved cigar.
KC did an "informal" review on this cigar some time back. I found one hibernating in my humi that I decided to try and compare to what he found. Now, given that he bought a bundle and immediately smoked them and this one has aged at least another 6 months might make a difference. I'm not sure if this is actually one that he had sent to me from the same bundle but I know I have had it at least that long.

I have no problem with the Shaggy-Foot. I toast and light them as any other stick. It would seem that they would flare up and start to burn crazy with all the loose filler sticking out but not so. They might even light better. I suspect it is more old-world novelty than function.

They are considered to be a premium handmade blend even at the low price of around $3-5 when bought on sale. There are so many factors that determine a cigar's price but of course the old faithful "supply-and-demand" theory is probably in play here with this line. If it catches on and attracts some attention, look out, prices are going up. It's a good cigar, it just needs a few more fans.

It is composed of a blend of heavy Nicaraguan long-fillers with a rich Ligero core and wrapped in a lustrous Honduran Corojo. Contrary to KC's "bundle" they are supposedly box aged for 6 months prior to distribution. This may be traditional oak box aging from which they are removed and re-packed to sell. It certainly had some oak wood flavor and really nice spicey finish. It had an unattractive salt-pepper ash but burned evenly and firmly. Overall it smoked very smoothly, producing thick creamy clouds of smoke with little effort. I enjoy a smoke just a little more when I don't have to coax it to burn properly.

I would consider this stick to be another "good value" at this time. KC gave this cigar an 82/100. I'm going raise the pot a little and attribute it to the extra aging.

On a scale of 1-10 I rate this cigar 8.5.

[mrtr33]

I have no problem with the Shaggy-Foot. I toast and light them as any other stick. It would seem that they would flare up and start to burn crazy with all the loose filler sticking out but not so. They might even light better. I suspect it is more old-world novelty than function.

On a scale of 1-10 I rate this cigar 8.5.

Yet another fabulous review. I have two questions.

One: Do you think the shaggy foots seen now in the more boutique brands more of a novelty, and what function could they possibly serve?

Two: Care to perhaps go a bit more in depth of the way you light a cigar? I'm still a newb. I just torch the fucking thing until I'm sure the end is entirely lit, and I know I'm doing it wrong, but all searching the forums only brings up vague descriptions. I sometimes use a torch, but most often, use matches, lighting the cigar (of course) after the sulfur burns off (but could be 5-10 matches). Thanks.