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Home » Cigar Reviews

Cigar Review: San Cristobal de la Habana El Principe

May 5, 2016 By Kip Fisher

San Cristobal de la Habana El Principe

san cristobal de la habana el principe 2

After three years of relentless exposure via my co-host Craig, an international move, and the newly legalized ability to buy Cuban cigars outside the U.S., I have recently begun a foray into the available offerings.  I’m neither well-versed nor experienced in this arena, but I suppose writing a cigar review is writing a cigar review.  I don’t think I will reach a point of complete conversion from my normal Dominican and Nicaraguan standards, but have largely enjoyed those Cuban marcas I have tried.  Today, I’m covering the San Cristobal de la Habana El Principe, a tiny little cigar that’s readily available and affordable in Santiago.  Vitola details are listed at right in the sidebar.

Pre Light

The El Principe is a fairly even, moderate brown color throughout with occasional slight mottling.  The mottling typically presents around telegraphed wrapper bumps and handling marks.  Veining in the wrapper leaf is modest.  For all the examples I’ve smoked, the pack density has been acceptable to very good.  Some have been slightly tighter than ideal but tolerable.  The pre light draw provides hay like flavors with some sweetness.  The aroma is almost nonexistent around the wrapper, with some leather at the foot.

The Smoke

Almost universally, the first few puffs have been airy with some floral notes.  As with other San Cristobal vitolas I’ve tried, the El Principe quickly transitions to a more refined sweetness – caramel like, for lack of a better descriptor.  By the beginning of the second third, the cigar really comes into its own to my tastes.  The early sweetness subsides greatly, revealing a core set of flavors that are more in the spectrum of the “tropical spice” we so often speak of on Half Ashed.  The flavors are bright, but not peppery.  The spice I speak of is more akin to allspice than pepper.  This will persist throughout the midsection.

Some of the El Principes I’ve smoked have had a tendency toward a wandering burn, occasionally severe.  When it does occur, it’s usually in the final portion.  During this final stretch, the flavors intensify, but can become sensitive to overpuffing (perhaps due to this particular vitola’s diminutive size).  A woodsy core with slightly vegetal flavor is common.

Summary

Overall, I enjoy the San Cristobal de la Habana El Principe.  It pairs amazingly well with café Dominicano.  I think it is a very good cigar – and worthwhile around the $6.50US price point…if you’re a slow smoker.  While there are a number of others I typically would reach for first, I’m not averse to keeping a few around  They won’t change your life, but as an excursion into the Cuban market I’m glad to have stumbled onto them.

Tagged With: cigar, Cuba, petit corona, San Cristobal

Cigar Review: Chogüí PrimerAño

November 2, 2015 By Kip Fisher

Chogüí PrimerAño

chogui primeranoSince moving to the Dominican Republic, I have experienced a renewed interest in Dominican cigars, specifically brands to which I’d had no previous exposure while stateside.  The impetus for this renewal has largely been Chogüí Cigars, with the Dos77 line.  After enjoying the Dos77 and subsequently having the opportunity to spend some time with owner Victor Nicolás on the “Top Secret Nest” production floor learning about his brand, I was excited to try the upcoming Chogüí PrimerAño.  This release is a celebration of Chogüí’s first year in business, and was rolled in November 2014 (the time of the company’s Dominican launch).  Although the core Dos77 line has now grown to include some U.S. distribution, the PrimerAño is a limited run that will likely only be sold in the Dominican Republic.  It was produced in a singular 5.5” x 46 vitola, using tobacco from both the original Primera Edición and the existing Dos77 blends.  The wrapper on the PrimerAño is Dominican grown, Cuban-seed HVA (Habano Vuelta Arriba), the binder is Dominican Criollo ’98, and the filler blend consists of Dominican Criollo ’98 and Habano 2020.  Pricing is still under review, but are expected to retail for approximately $9 U.S.  Samples for today’s review were provided by Victor Nicolás.

Pre Light

The wrapper on the PrimerAño is medium brown in color with some mottling.  It is silky to the touch and moderately oily.  Veining on the leaf is present but unobtrusive.  The bunch density feels even throughout the length of the cigar.  Once clipped, the pre-light draw is deliberate and mildly sweet with just a bit of spice on the tongue.  The wrapper aroma is faint and leathery, with a darker, sweeter presence at the foot.

The Smoke

The PrimerAño took to fire quite readily and lit evenly across the foot.  There is some tangy spice in the early minutes, which is most noticeable with retrohale.  It’s a very pleasant “tropical spice” we’ve discussed so many times on Half Ashed.  Whether due to palate adjustment or the cigar itself, this spice subsides significantly within about 10 minutes.  It’s largely replaced with a delightful, dusty sweetness and some cedar by the end of the first third.

The midsection of the cigar brings a well defined uptick in the strength.  The flavors also intensify, lending to a well balanced blend.  The earlier sweetness deepens, and takes on a bit of a caramel character.  Again, this is most prevalent on retrohale, but noticeable on the palate alone as well.  The burn is very well behaved with only a couple minor touch ups to mind the burn line a bit.

The final stretch brings continued intensification in strength, although it never becomes an overpowering powerhouse.  That being said, you may not wish to smoke it first thing in the morning.  The flavors become bolder and somewhat woodsy in nature during this portion of the smoke as well.  The woodsy quality is tempered by a bit of dried fruit sweetness.  The burn was exceptional during the final third, with no touchups required.

Summary

While the Dos77 may still be my favorite from the Chogüí lineup, I found the PrimerAño entirely enjoyable.  The construction was spot-on, the blend well-balanced, and the flavors entertaining.  I am quite impressed with this young company’s early efforts.  Both lines I have smoked thus far are firmly in my personal wheelhouse, and have performed well in more objective aspects as well.

 

Tagged With: Chogui, cigar, Dominican Republic, limited edition, New Cigars

Cigar Review: Nestor Miranda Collection Robusto

April 8, 2015 By Kip Fisher

nestor miranda collection

Background – Nestor Miranda Collection

In 2014, Miami Cigar went through a process of rebranding and reblending some of their previous lines as part of the company’s 25th anniversary celebration.  As a result of this, the Nestor Miranda Collection was introduced in three blends: the Connecticut, Habano, and Maduro.  Each blend is offered in four vitolas: Robusto (4.5″ x 50), Corona Gorda (6″ x 46), Toro (5.5″ x 54), and Gordo (6″ x 60).  The Connecticut blend formerly existed in another line, however the Habano and Maduro were new to the lineup.  I received some samples of the robustos to review, and have finally gotten to them in the queue.  These “mini-reviews” are based from only one example of each, and may be updated after I have spent more time with the line.

Nestor Miranda Connecticut

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Connecticut
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan, Dominican, Honduran

The tan colored wrapper on the Nestor Miranda Connecticut displays a smooth, oily feel.  It has a delicate appearance but in reality seems fairly hearty.  The construction appears good throughout with an even pack density.  Cold draw and aroma are both quite faint, with just a hint of sweet hay.  Draw resistance is nearly perfect for my tastes.

nestor miranda collectionAt first light, there’s a crisp, tannic note that brings a moderate tropical spice through the nose.  While I’m not the biggest fan of Connecticut wrapper, from time to time I do enjoy the sharp flavor it brings.  I also tend to really enjoy the room note of this leaf – which bears true with today’s stick.  The burn was generally well behaved for this cigar, and I can’t really say that I had to do much in the way of maintenance.  Just an occasional brush with the lighter kept it in check.  Once I got into the second inch of the Nestor Miranda Connecticut, the profile had settled into a sweeter range.  The tropical spice persisted, with a bit of cedar thrown in for good measure.  By the time I approached the end of the cigar, it was losing most of its spicy character while the sweetness continued to build.  This sweetness finished brilliantly, with a definite butterscotch bent to it.  In what is one of the stranger flavor pairs, there was an occasional wisp of cinnamon as well during this final portion.  A strong performance, with a tasty finish.

88.8 Overall
Construction90
Burn88.3
Flavor87.5
Balance89.2
Value88.8

Nestor Miranda Habano

Wrapper: Nicaraguan
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan, Honduran, Brazilian

nestor miranda collectionThe wrapper on the Nestor Miranda Habano is a bit dryer to the touch than the Connecticut, with some micro-tooth throughout.  There’s almost no aroma from either foot or wrapper.  The cigar is evenly packed with neither soft nor dense spots.  Veins are moderate, and seams barely visible.  Coloration is medium brown and evenly distributed.  Like the Connecticut, the cold draw produces little flavor to speak of.  The draw on this example is slightly tight.

Initial flavors from the Habano are darker and woodsier than the Connecticut.  There is a clear woodsy core, with very little spice – even with a full retrohale.  The smoke has a definite toasty character, lending a charred note to the wood flavor.  There is very little to no sweetness in the first inch of the cigar.  Going into the middle portion, some sweetness does begin to come through, albeit sedate.  This sweetness brings a mild association to allspice, but is otherwise general in tone.  The burn is very well behaved on the Habano, although the draw was a bit tighter than optimal for my tastes.

90.1 Overall
Construction88.8
Burn90
Flavor89.2
Balance92.5
Value90.1

Nestor Miranda Maduro

Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Peruvian, Nicaraguan, Dominican

The final of the three Nestor Miranda Collection blends is the Maduro.  It has a mostly even-toned dark brown color and a dry complexion.  Veins are sparse but prominent, as one would expect with a broadleaf wrapper.  The bunch feels evenly distributed.  Prelight aroma is a bit more pronounced than the other blends, but is still mild and haylike.  Again, the cold draw is somewhat tighter than I would normally prefer but not terribly so.

nestor miranda collectionThe Nestor Miranda Maduro, like its Habano brother, fires up with little spice at its outset.  The early core flavors are bready with just a touch of a sweet, toasty character.  I was a little surprised by this.  Although I knew the blends were reportedly different in each of the three offerings, I felt like the Connecticut and Habano followed a common palette – or family – of flavors.  The maduro seems more unique in this respect, providing a decidedly different experience.  By the time I arrive at the second inch of the cigar, the smoke production has become strained.  The cigar nearly went out a couple of times, but would revive with a quick puff.  Flavors at this point remain similar to the early portion, but take a noticeably more astringent turn nearing the final third.  This continued to build through to the end.  The draw was tighter than I would usually prefer throughout this cigar, and I believe it may have slightly overheated due to my trying to overcome its tendency to resist staying alight.

87.4 Overall
Construction85
Burn88.3
Flavor88.1
Balance88.3
Value87.5

 Summary

I went into the Nestor Miranda Collection with expectation that the series would be very similar in style and performance.  This did not necessarily come to be.  Each of the three offerings in the line has its own story to tell, and each has something to offer.  I had a clear preference for the Habano wrapped edition, although I would not hesitate to smoke either the Maduro or Connecticut again.  Despite a couple of issues with construction, I will explore the lines further and report back here.  I have come to greatly appreciate Miami Cigar/Nestor Miranda cigars in recent years, and have a great fondness for the company’s ability to push new, entertaining blends to market.  I’m looking forward to more new blends…but am happy to enjoy those available today in the meantime.  Fans of any blending genre will do well to explore the portfolio.

Tagged With: Brazil, Broadleaf, Connecticut, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, honduras, La Aurora, maduro, Miami Cigar, Nestor Miranda, Nicaragua, Peru, robusto, short robusto

Cigar Review: Punch Signature

April 7, 2015 By Kip Fisher

Background – Punch Signature

punch signatureEarlier this year, General Cigar released a series of informational bits about a new line coming from their Punch marque.  The line began shipping in March, and is currently on store shelves.  I received a few samples of the robusto vitola, and after smoking through a few of them thought I would post up my notes.  The line is a tribute and approximation of the original Punch line that dates back to the 19th century.  It features an Ecuadoran Corojo wrapper which “is related to the original Cuban Corojo seed.”  The binder is a proprietary Connecticut Habano varietal, while the filler blend consists of Dominican and Nicaraguan leaf.  They are of the same variety as the original Punch blend, with one key difference:  Some of the components are quite aged, while others less so.  Leaves with more age are intended to bring flavor and balance, while the younger tobacco is meant to bring more strength.  The Punch Signature comes in four vitolas (Robusto (5” x 54, $6.79), Gigante (6” x 60, $7.39), Rothschild (4.5” x 50, $5.39), and Torpedo (5.75” x 52, $6.99).

Pre Light

The Ecuadoran Corojo wrapper is medium brown with some mild mottling and next to no tooth.  There is some telegraphing of the bunch underneath.  The pack feels solid and consistent throughout the length of the cigar, with moderately sized veins and barely visible seams.  The draw resistance is well within the normal range, but provides little flavor.  The aroma is faint as well, with only a little fresh-cut hay coming with a quick sniff.  Two of the examples smoked for the review had splits in the wrapper which would run along the cigar as it burned – but I must confess that they never became more than a passing concern.  From all appearances, the internal structure was sound and the cigar behaved well for the most part.

The Smoke

With first light of the Punch Signature comes an instant rush of sweet peppery spice.  Wait…..what?  Sweet peppery spice?!?  That’s the best I can describe it.  It’s akin to some Asian ginger/honey/pepper sauce combinations I’ve tasted before – or maybe mango-habanero.  In any event, it’s a refreshingly unique flavor right from Jump Street.  I realize this cigar is meant to be a return to a blend more like the original Punch, but it feels very “new school” to me in these early moments.  There’s a slight vegetal character to the flavor which always summons this idea to mind when I encounter it.  The spice would eventually subdue around the ½” mark, although it never fades entirely during the first third.  As the sweetness wanes and assumes more of a supporting role, the flavor becomes nutty and almondine.

punch signatureGoing into the second third of the Punch Signature brings further development of the chile pepper flavor without a measurable change in the nasal spice on retrohale.  As the chile takes a more prominent role, the earlier almond flavor subsides, which brings in more sweetness.  This provides a very entertaining chili-chocolate combination that brings Lindt Chili Chocolate to mind (a big thanks to Dale Roush for turning me on to cigar and dark chocolate pairings).  The burn has been fairly consistent to this point, requiring minimal touch ups along the way.  The ash, which has a quite flaky appearance, has surprisingly held on for more than an inch.  My only criticism here is that despite the ability of the ash proper to cling to the cigar, it continually dropped flakes of ash all over me…the table…my computer….wherever it happened to pass.

Entering the final stretch, I’ve noticed the cigar has intensified in strength markedly.  By today’s standards it isn’t an overwhelming nicotine bomb, but nicotine-sensitive folks like myself will need to mind their cadence and not smoke the Signature on an empty stomach.  Overall, I would place the strength of the Punch Signature on the more moderate end of full.  The burn has continued to wander at times, but never became seriously problematic.  During this final portion, the flavor profile took a noticeable turn toward a more woodsy character.  There were occasional bouts of cedar, but it was predominantly oaken in nature.  As I neared the very end, a slightly burnt flavor came through that reminded me of a charred whisky barrel.

Summary

Except for a recent review of the Punch Rare Corojo , I must admit that I haven’t smoked a large number of the brand’s offerings in the past few years.  It’s a marque I had let fall off my radar.  I’ve been impressed with General Cigar’s revamp for some of their other offerings (notably the Partagas line, and specifically the 1845 which I believe is a very good cigar), but have paid little attention to Punch.  I must admit that the two lines I’ve recently had the opportunity to smoke have piqued my interest.  This Punch Signature is particularly impressive.  I don’t remember a Punch product I’ve enjoyed this much since the Grand Cru #2 maduro of several years ago.  At the price point, this cigar is a no-brainer and I have little doubt I will make it a regular feature in my personal humidor.  The ultimate question to be asked of any cigar reviewer is “Will you spend your own hard earned cash on this cigar?”  For me, the answer is yes.

Tagged With: Corojo, Ecuador, General Cigar, Punch, robusto

Cigar Review: EP Carrillo Dark Rituals (2011)

April 6, 2015 By Kip Fisher

Background: EP Carrillo Dark Rituals (2011)

The EP Carrillo Dark Rituals was originally released to much clamor in 2011 as a Limited Edition, which sold briskly and was suddenly little more than a memory.  It was reproduced as a regular production item for Cigars International earlier this year, although I believe the blend was reworked for the current production.  Craig was kind enough to supply a couple of these for the Half Ashed Episode 109 Cigar of the Week.  The Original Release Dark Rituals carried an Oscuro Maduro wrapper over Ecuador Sumatran binder and Nicaraguan filler.  It was released in a single 6.5”” x 56 vitola with a hefty $15 MSRP.

Pre Light

The coloration on the wrapper is very dark brown with moderate mottling and sparse tooth.  The veins and seams are modest but visible.  Pack density is consistent throughout the cigar’s length, and once clipped provides a near-perfect draw.  The cold draw delivers a slightly sweet – and very “clean” cedar flavor.  The aroma on both wrapper and foot are typical tobacco and perhaps a bit leathery.

The Smoke

The initial puffs drawn from the EP Carrillo Dark Rituals are crisp, like slightly over-cooked caramel.  I find a bit of spice on retrohale; more than I would have expected after almost 4 years, although by some standards restrained.  Within a few minutes, a deliciously chewy sweet leather flavor has developed which is partnered with a mild espresso astringency that I find very entertaining.  The spice remains, but is predominantly found on the retrohale.  Without retrohale, the sweetness is considerably more pronounced.  I do notice in the early moments that smoke production is a bit light when puffed, but seems plentiful when the cigar is resting on the ashtray – almost as if there might be a hole or loose spot in the roll (although I found none).

ep carrillo dark ritualsGoing into the second inch, the Dark Rituals really begins to mature, showing a depth of flavor that I had not expected.  The sweet, leathery profile has intensified and settled into a comfortable pitch.  There are erratic inclusions of a nebulous citrus flavor that are fleeting but very charming when they show.  I did have some issue with the burn wanting to wander.  This never grew to a point that was catastrophic to the experience, but regular touch ups were required throughout the length of both examples smoked for this review.

As I breach the final third of the EP Carrillo Dark Rituals, the occasional citrus has hit its crescendo and begins to wane.  Ever abhorrent of a vacuum, nature saw fit to replace the citrus with the earlier noted leathery sweetness.  The sweetness has a more prominent role than its earlier counterpart, and the leather takes a back seat.  I did not couple this cigar with coffee, but I imagine it would pair nicely.  The Dark Rituals finishes out with a flourish of dark coffee flavors, which continue to build until the very end.  A lovely cigar.

Summary

A word of thanks is due to my Half Ashed co-host for providing the Dark Rituals as a show cigar.  Regretfully, I missed out on this line when they were originally released in 2011.  I must admit I went into first light with some expectation as to what I would find.  I was pleasantly surprised to find much more.  While the original $15 price tag (or current market value if you can even find them?) and present day scarcity might be a deterrent for some, I would highly recommend giving this cigar a try if you ever have the chance.  It is clearly one of the better EP Carrillo blends I have smoked to date.  Highly recommended.

Tagged With: Ecuador, EP Carrillo, limited edition, maduro, oscuro, Sumatra

Cigar Review: Trinidad Ingenios Edición Limitada 2007

April 4, 2015 By Kip Fisher

Trinidad Ingenios EL 2007 background

trinidad ingeniosIn July of 2014, we featured the Trinidad Ingenios Edición Limitada as our Cigar of the Week on Half Ashed Episode 073.  I still had one of the cigars stashed away after the show, and decided to pull it out and write up some quick review notes on it this week just to see how it had progressed during the intervening nine months.  Craig introduced the cigar thusly:

The commercially available Trinidad brand was introduced to the market in 1997 with the Fundadores, and the Edición Limitada trend began in 2000. For the first time in 2007 the two came together in this lonsdale. At 6.5”x42 it is a beautiful size to match the beautiful appearance of this unique stick. Trinidad, a decidedly sweet tasting brand, and the E.L. wrapper leaf, an almost agonizingly dark-tasting priming of tobacco were combined into this stick in September of 2007. I’ve included this cigar because of what it SHOULD have been compared to what it actually is.

Pre Light

trinidad ingeniosUnlike most reviews here on Half Ashed, I have not had two of this particular line in quick succession; they were spaced three-quarters of a year apart.  Nonetheless, I wanted to know how the two would compare.  I had a different-than-expected experience during the show, and wanted to see if the same would hold true today.

One of the first things I noticed on the Trinidad Ingenios is the depth to which the cap extends beyond the shoulder of the cigar.  I don’t know if this is characteristic of the brand, but it went well beyond the normal scope and range of a cigar cap.  The wrapper is firmly planted in the medium brown color spectrum with no tooth of which to speak.  The veins are small to medium in size and the pack feels firm and consistently distributed.

Once clipped, the draw is slightly tighter than deliberate and produces a very “clean” (almost minty) flavor.  It produces a bit of a tingle on the lips and a slightly tannic flavor rearward on the palate.  As almost an afterthought, a dose of cedar comes through on the cold draw as well.

The Smoke

trinidad ingeniosThe initial puffs from the Trinidad Ingenios are almost floral.  It reminds me of the “Old Timers’” pipe tobacco blends with their hints of anisette.  The floral character continued to sweeten, becoming almost like some sort of honeyed confectionery.  This would endure throughout the first third and into the second, and is a radical difference from what I experienced when we smoked these in 2014.

During the second third, the sweetness waned, introducing a more leathery profile.  The draw actually seemed to choke off around the midpoint of the cigar.  I used a Havana Saver and was able to free it considerably.  Before this correction, I had begun to have some trouble keeping it lit.  The situation improved afterward.  The sweetness abated somewhat around midpoint, and as I entered the final third of the cigar, I’m got a solid dose of dusty earthiness coupled with a darker sweetness –brown sugar.  The strength took a noticeable uptick at this time as well.  This would persist to the very end, although it never grew to an unmanageable level.  I’d place it firmly in the medium range of potency overall.  As I neared the end, a bit of charred marshmallow flavor tells me it’s time to put it down.

Summary

I was told that the Trinidad lineup was “a monumentally sweet brand.”  I can’t disagree.  In the first example I smoked months ago, I found some sweetness.  In this one, it was almost legendary.  I am very impressed with how this most recent Ingenios managed to walk the line between sweet and cloying without overstepping the line at all.  Outside of a few construction issues in the form of a slightly tight draw, I found it quite enjoyable.  I don’t think I would spend my last dollar on more of these, but should an opportunity arise I would certainly not avoid the chance to smoke more.

Tagged With: Cuba, limited edition, lonsdale, Trinidad

Cigar Review: Punch Rare Corojo “El Diablo”

April 2, 2015 By Kip Fisher

Background – Punch Rare Corojo

punch rare corojo el diablo 1I recently received a couple samples of the seasonal Punch Rare Corojo release, which made its return in February.  This year, the line sees two extensions – a permanent addition in the form of a 6.5” x 66 “El Diablo,” and a limited 6.75” x 56 tapered “Rare Lapiz.”  Today we’re looking at the “El Diablo,” which retails for about $8.25 per cigar and will be packaged in the typical wooden cabinet box.  The “Rare “Lapiz” will be available for a limited time and in special ten-count boxes.

The Punch Rare Corojo “El Diablo” comes adorned with an Ecuadoran Sumatran wrapper over a Connecticut Broadleaf binder and “a spicy blend of Nicaraguan, Honduran and Dominican tobacco for a uniquely-flavored, complex smoking experience.”  Those who have been in the hobby for a while will remember that the Punch Rare Corojo was reintroduced in 2001 after a hiatus brought on by a shortage of wrapper leaf.  General Cigar has been able to supply the market with a limited annual release since.  The line is produced in Honduras and is now available in nine sizes (either full time regular production), ranging from $3.99 to $8.25 at retail.

Pre-Light

The color on my samples of “El Diablo” ran slightly darker than medium brown, with only the slightest bit of the famous red tint for which the line is known.  On one example, the wrapper had a bit of a rumpled appearance.  The seams and veins were quite modest, and the pack was solid and consistent throughout with no noted dense or soft spots.  Pre-light, the draw was free but deliberate and came with some mild hay flavor.  The cold aroma was faint as well, and brought a more sweetness – think molasses or even sorghum.

The Smoke

punch rare corojo el diablo 3The initial puffs from this year’s Punch Rare Corojo are colored by a nice, sweetened-coffee flavor.  The draw is near perfect, although smoke production is inconsistent during the early minutes.  This Café Cubano flavor tendency would continue throughout the first third of each cigar.  By the second third, a clean, almost minty flavor has peeked through a few times, but is still accompanied by the coffee.  There is a bit of spice on the retrohale.  The ash is generally well behaved, but prone to flaking and did fall prematurely a couple of times over the two samples smoked.  The strength built during the midsection, but universally remained well within the medium range for my tastes.  As the cigar progressed toward its final portion, the profile became more leathery, while continuing with the sweetness.  The finish carries this sweetness as well, which was a nice surprise.  Only during the final moments of the marathon 2.5 hour smoke session did the El Diablo give even a hint of being “done.”  Some (very slight) burnt notes were the only indicator that it was time to put the cigar down.

Summary

While I’m not what you’d call a “fan” of bigger ring cigars, I found a great deal of enjoyment in the El Diablo – enough so that I’m intrigued enough to seek out some of the smaller vitolas in the line and revisit them.  I have recently been very impressed with new Punch introductions – including both the El Diablo and the upcoming Signature (review coming soon).  However, know beforehand that today’s cigar is not for the faint of heart – pound for pound it’s firmly in the medium range of strength, but at over 2.5 hours of smoking time it has quite a cumulative effect!  I think the pricepoint is in a good place, and the experience provided is above-par.  All in all, the blend is a winner and all you big-ring guys out there will likely love this stick.

Tagged With: Ecuador, General Cigar, Gordo, honduras, Punch, Sumatra

Cigar Review: United Cigar Garofalo

February 24, 2015 By Kip Fisher

United Cigar Garofalo background

Unlike my esteemed Half Ashed co-host, I am “that guy” who likes to try out as many different, new cigars as I am able.  So, I was excited a couple weeks ago to find a package on the doorstep from Barry Stein.  Inside were a few samples, including the new Garofalo from United Cigars.  The company is owned by David Garofalo, who has been a cigar retailer for over 3 decades at the Two Guys Smoke Shop chain in New Hampshire.  On the United Cigar Group website, Garofalo is described as:

He’s not a cigar maker with a history of a Cuban family that has been growing and cultivating tobacco for generations. He does not wear a fancy hat, or ride a horse or wear a Guevara [sic] shirt like all the cliche ads in the cigar magazines. He is David Garofalo, an Italian American that was born and brought up in inner-city Boston, a man who has spent over 30 years as a cigar retailer and is obsessed with cigars.

After more than half his life in the cigar industry, David has decided to launch his own cigar.  The Garofalo blend is comprised of Jalapa and Esteli filler tobaccos and a Nicaraguan binder, cloaked in an Ecuadoran Connecticut wrapper.  It is available in four vitolas, a 5”x50 robusto, 5”x54 torpedo, 6”x52 toro and 7”x50 churchill.  Today’s review is for the robusto, which has launched with a $6.79 MSRP.

Pre Light

The Garofalo has moderate veining and a lightly colored wrapper that telegraphs every underlying bump, giving it a somewhat rumpled appearance.  The samples I received were  slightly soft but evenly packed with no voids nor dense spots.  Once clipped, the draw was just a bit more open than I would deem perfect, but certainly within normal expectations.  The cold draw provided a mild hay flavor, while the unlit aroma was sugary and sweet, eliciting associations with molasses and sweet oats.

The Smoke

united cigar garofalo bThe initial puffs were surprisingly filled with a bright spice; not a spice such as comes across aggressively on the palate, but predominantly felt through the nose on retrohale.  The cigar took to fire quite readily – in fact, it lit amazingly quick and even.  From the beginning, it produced no small amount of smoke.  Throughout the first third of the cigar, a general nuttiness prevails as the dominant flavor.  There were a few occasions when a slight vegetal note would come through, but they were sporadic and fleeting.  By the end of this first third, a bit of sweetness has crept in.  I should note that I paired some plain, black coffee with one of the samples, which seemed to amplify this sweetness.  Generally, when I smoke Connecticut-wrapped cigars, I like to at least try them in this way.  I find the crisp, cedary coffee will often provide a backdrop that really brings the sweetness out in the leaf.

Breaching the second third of the Garofalo, I grew a bit more impressed with its construction.  I had some initial reservations with the each of the two samples, mistakenly preconceiving that they might smoke a bit hot and airy due to the open draw.  My fears were allayed each time, however.  By this point in the smoke, each had settled in and were performing admirably.  The earlier nuttiness fades around this point – although still present, it is muted in comparison to the first 20 minutes of the cigar.  A faint, sweet lemon flavor presented late in the second third of each of my Garofalos.  Think lemonade vs. lemon juice here; it’s not a sharp citrus flavor, but perhaps more akin to sour orange with its sweet and sour admixture.  I found it to be an entertaining turn of events.  The cigars would continue to burn very well, holding an ash just past an inch each time before collapsing into the ashtray when I would place it on the cradle.

The final portion of the Garofalo presented further development of the sweetness present at midpoint, and a return of a more pronounced nuttiness.  A small amount of the initial spice reentered the playing field as well.  For any coffee drinkers out there, I would again recommend trying the Garofalo with your café of choice.  While it is a personal preference for me, I believe the combination really showcases the flavors of each.

Summary

I am on record as not being the biggest fan of Connecticut wrapper leaf.  In fact, there are precious few blends that I frequently reach for which carry it.  I will, however, confess that the Garofalo has made the short list for me.  The construction was spot-on, the interplay of nutty and sweet flavors quite pleasant, and the price is definitely refreshing in light of today’s plethora of $10+ sticks.  If you’re a Connecticut fan, you’ll dig the Garofalo; if you aren’t you still just might….

Tagged With: Connecticut, Ecuador, robusto, United Cigar

Cigar Review: La Flor Dominicana 1994 Rumba

January 16, 2015 By Kip Fisher

Background: La Flor Dominicana 1994

la flor dominicana 1994 rumba aToday’s review is for the La Flor Dominicana 1994 “Rumba.”  The cigar was introduced at IPCPR 2014, in celebration of the Gomez family’s 20 years in the cigar industry.  The 1994 has a Mexican San Andres wrapper over Dominican binder and fillers.  As detailed in a news item last July, a limited maduro version of the cigar has been introduced in collectible steins.  The standard 1994 is available in 4 sizes, a 58 x 6 “Aldaba”, a 52 x 6.5 “Rumba”, a 52 x 5 “Conga”, and a 54 x 7 “Mambo”.  While the maduro version is limited in nature, this non-maduro version of the same will remain a part of regular production.  Retail for the Rumba is about $7.40 in the Tampa market, where I purchased all cigars in preparation for today’s review.  We will also be featuring this cigar as our Cigar of the Week on Half Ashed Episode 106, scheduled for March 6, 2015.

Pre Light

As mentioned above, the standard La Flor Dominicana 1994 I’m smoking today is not presented as a maduro, although it is as dark in color as many cigars that are.  It has a very toothy wrapper that gives it a bit of a hazy appearance, but the background color is definitely in the darker spectrum of medium brown.  The tooth also gives it an almost “sandy” feel at times.  It has modest veins and visible but not prominent seams.  The pack density has varied widely on the examples I have smoked.  Of the dozen or so I’ve had, I have encountered draw issues on a few.  None have been plugged or unsmokeable, but some (today’s included) have been very tight and required some effort to manage and keep stably lit.  The prelight draw provides some initial berry sweetness and perhaps a bit of an earthy bent at finish.  The aroma is more akin to sweet oats or even worn leather.

The Smoke

The initial puffs from the La Flor Dominicana 1994 come through as bready and sweet.  There is a modest amount of spice, which is only felt upon retrohale.  This spice is tempered by the fact that I don’t really feel it on the soft palate as one might normally expect.  It’s almost an afterthought at the tail end of retrohale.  During this first third I have typically gotten some sweet citrus, although the flavor is quite sedate on today’s example.  The burn has been generally well mannered on the 1994 – especially in the early portions of the cigar – although some have wandered at times.  This is despite the issues I have had with the draw on some.

Going into the midsection of the LFD 1994, I typically begin to notice that the earlier spice has entirely faded into the background and only comes through on the occasional puff.  I personally retrohale the majority of draws, and probably tend to notice this more than most.  This portion of the cigar is characterized by an intensifying sweetness, reminiscent of the berry flavor pre-light.  I won’t say that it is prominent, but recognizable.  The bready flavor continues to play the protagonist, with the sweetness as support.

Summary

In the final stretch of the cigar, the spice returns a bit and can now be felt on the soft palate.  I have also noticed a tendency to develop a slightly tannic finish.  The spice increase is a noticeable uptick, but none of those I’ve had were overpowering.  I’d put the 1994’s strength firmly into the medium range.  It probably brings a little less body than I typically expect from La Flor Dominicana as well.  I don’t get the palate-drenching body that I would normally associate with the brand.  The flavors are bold at times, but overall subdued.  I’m comfortable keeping a few of these around in the humidor but don’t foresee filling a coolidor with them.  With the first couple I smoked, I was quite enamored; after having a few with tighter-than-optimal draws I’m less so.  Still, it is a solid blend that can be enjoyed by most any smoker at any particular time.  I’d definitely recommend giving them a try.  I think there’s plenty to enjoy, and with its “sweetspot” pricing it’s a winner.

Tagged With: Dominican Republic, La Flor Dominicana, San Andres, toro

Cigar Review: La Aurora Preferidos Diamond Corona Especiales

January 6, 2015 By Kip Fisher

Background: La Aurora Preferidos Diamond

la aurora preferidos diamondI recently received a package of cigars from Miami Cigar.  Inside were 6 different varieties of a Mid-Atlantic regional exclusive release for a new vitola in the Preferidos lineup.  The offering will include the original Preferidos blend, draped in each of the six wrappers (Brazilian sungrown (Ruby), Cameroon (Platinum), Connecticut (Sapphire), Connecticut broadleaf (Diamond), Corojo (Gold) and Ecuadorian Sumatra (Emerald)) – but in a 5.5” x 42 Corona Especiales vitola.  They will be sold exclusively in the Mid-Atlantic region, and retail for about $7.20 per stick.  The line will also be available in a 150-count crate containing 25 each of the wrapper varieties.

Pre Light

Today’s review is for the Preferidos Diamond (Broad Leaf) edition.  It features a Connecticut Broad Leaf wrapper over the existing Preferido filler blend. The sample I received displays a dark brown color with some very minor mottling.  Like the previously reviewed Gold and Platinum editions, the wrapper leaf feels oily and smooth but little sheen is visible.  I did notice a couple of small holes in the wrapper, which is a nitpicky point but worth mentioning.  Veins are pronounced, and the coarse topography of the cigar obscures the seams.  Every nook and cranny below is telegraphed through the wrapper.  Overall, the pack was sound throughout, although it feels more dense than most.  The unlit draw is a bit tighter than perfect for my tastes, providing significant resistance and a slightly tannic feel on the palate.  As noted with the Platinum, there are some earthy flavors on the cold draw, but they are quite subdued.  The unlit scent is faint, with little more than straightforward tobacco aroma.

The Smoke

The first puffs provide some modest tingle through the nose.  This may possibly be more from being on a fresh palate than the actual spice of the cigar since it fades away rather quickly.  From the start, copious amounts of smoke are billowing off this cigar.  Remarkably more than its brethren I’ve smoked so far.  The flavor is earthy, with some of the tannic influence noted on the cold draw.  By the end of the first third, a predominance of cocoa has grown and taken the spotlight away from the earlier earthiness.  Unexpectedly, a bit of the initial tickle in the nose has returned as well.  The cocoa is not bright and sweet, but savory – delicately walking, but never crossing, a line into the bitters of dark chocolate.

In the second third of the Preferidos Diamond, these flavors will progress into something more espresso like in quality.  The profile is crisp and tends to hold one’s attention with each puff.  This, I believe, is where the cigar really hits its stride.  It’s definitely the most enjoyable portion for me.  The burn has been fairly even and controlled to this point, with a couple of minor touchups.  Going into the final stretch, the draw opens up in comparison to the earlier portions, which I will assume was due to an inconsistency in the pack somewhere in the midsection.  With this, the Preferidos Diamond developed into a quicker burn than earlier noted.  The burn also began to wander more than in the first half of the cigar.  It never seriously roamed, but did require a few touchups during this final third alone.  As for flavors, cocoa/coffee bean were the order of the day.  In fact, it reminded me very much of chocolate covered coffee beans, with its sharp tannic “punch.”  The tannins came to a crescendo toward the end, but I would still be resistant to calling it bitter, as it remained pleasant enough.  The cigar wound down to a slightly ashy completion in the final moments, telling me it was spent.

Summary

la aurora preferidos diamond 2Despite some minor burn and nitpicky construction issues, the Preferidos Diamond is another solid cigar in the Mid-Atlantic regional release of the Preferidos line.  While it was not my favorite of the lineup, I found it very enjoyable and wouldn’t hesitate to smoke another should the opportunity arise.  For those who seek out sharp, espresso flavors in a blend I think it’s a winner.  The flavor profile followed a clear progression that was interesting and entertaining, yet remained firmly within a cohesive palate family.  If you are a broad leaf fan along the Atlantic seaboard, I think you’ll dig the blend.

Tagged With: Broadleaf, Connecticut, corona, La Aurora, limited edition, Miami Cigar

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