The KC/DW Review Series

[mrtr33]

Do not allow the flame to light the wrapper, just the very end of the foot. When it starts to glow, pull the flame away and blow on the foot, watching for a full ember. If you see some dark spots or it looks uneven, toast a little more and blow again. This really takes much less time than you might think and will vary with each vitola. A robusto would take longer to light than a corona. As soon as you have a full ember, puff away. Because you already have a full ember you won't have to draw very hard, it is already well lit. I promise, it will be become a natural and you will appreciate the result over time.

Spills - The correct name for a cedar splint or stick or even the rolled up cedar sleeve you just removed from you cigar is a "Spill".

I hope this will help. I don't claim to be an expert by any stretch of the imagination, but I have picked up some helpful hints along the way. Quite a long way I might add.

You haven't the slightest idea how far my imagination can stretch. THANKS! That was awesome.

But more questions.

For one thing, if no part of the flame touches the wrapper, I only allow the embers to burn the wrapper, where, as I've been told before, the majority of the taste resides, correct?
I have a dual-torch, which it would seem make lighting smaller ring-gauge cigars more difficult. But because only the top of the flame is touching / toasting, it won't make any difference, will it? So how high do you set your torch, then?

The advantage to using a spill is to add a bit of a smoked cedary taste to the cigar, correct? I don't suppose it makes any difference what you light the cedar spill with, is there?

Thanks again.

[DeeDubya]

Logan37 dropped this one on me... Many thanks. Ashauler had done a review some time back on a Sol Cubano maduro and gave it some high marks. This was the first for me and I liked it.

Made by Oliva in Esteli, Nicaragua, this is a really sumptious and authentically "Cuban" looking cigar. The long-filler is a masterfull blend of "Cuban Seed" Honduran and Nicaraguan tobacco wrapped in a thick, smooth, leathery Ecuadorian wrapper with a notable oily sheen. Perfect for those Habano lovers like me. Construction is near perfect with a generous tight roll and very uniform fill.

Toasting was a little different as it was slow to show an ember but as soon as I blew on the foot it lit up like a coal furnace. The first draw was easy and satisfying as it produced an ample amount of creamy white smoke. Some spiciness at the onset that almost immediately evolved into nuances of wood and leather. The medium body also gained some strength around half way and became what I would consider to be near perfect. Not too strong but intensely flavorful and robust. Delicious.

An awesome value at around $4 (box price) it would be great to always have a few on hand.

Thanks again Rich for your generousity.

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

[CAJUNBLAZE]

This is the mack daddy of reviews.
Thanks for all the info DeeDubya!!


Thanks Rich

[ashauler]

Nice review once again DW!! A "9" rated $4 smoke is what we need more of!!

[logan37]

Great review DW. I really enjoy these sticks as well. I have a few left but they are on my "box" purchase list when I start buying boxes. I'm happy you liked it.

[mrtr33]

Rich hooked me up with a few during a recent trade. Now I can't wait to try them. Thanks, man.

[DeeDubya]

Ola,

Logan37 included one of these in an "IED" that he put together for me. It blew me away. While not an expensive stick it can hold it's own with other more expensive maduros like RP's, Olivas, etc.

Reportedly dyed to make them coal-black, I could care less. There are many little tricks to make a cigar look inviting but the end result is what counts and the Espresso is delicious. The Mexican maduro wrapper conceals a blend of "some tastey long-fillers". I don't know what but would guess maybe Dominican and Mexican. Maybe it's a well kept secret, but certainly a masterful blend.

Toasting immediately released an impressive cloud of thick creamy smoke with the essence of fresh roast coffee beans. It drew well and burned uniformly. Soon a nice grayish/white, crisp ash "I think the contrast with a dark cigar can make it look whiter) had reached a couple inches without falling. Cocao, coffee, nuts, hell this is like a candy bar. I was tempted to bite off a piece and chew it. JK

I chose a Shiner Black Lager to accompany this dark vivacious Senorita. Good choice, although maybe a little too much sweetness. Next time I'll try one with a couple fingers of Patron or Sauza Hornitos (can make you horny). Ole'.

On a scale of 1-10 I rate this cigar 8.