Archive for October, 2013

Tatuaje 10th Anniversary

Sunday, October 27th, 2013

I picked up these cigars at Ed’s shop. As you’d expect, the namesake of the Tatuaje 10th Anniversary is self explanatory. I have heard that this blend is the same as the original brown label. In essence, it is a re-release of that cigar.

 

Wrapper: Ecuador Habano

Binder: & Filler: Nicaragua

Size: Robusto Bon Chasseur 5.4 x 48

Price: $9.95

 

Pre-Smoke & Construction:

The wrapper had a nice appearance, and had a scent of earth and hay. The cigar was consistently packed, and the draw was free. The pre-light flavor had earth, leather, and wood.

The burn required no corrections, and the ash held for just over an inch.

1 Tatuaje_10th_Anniversary cigars

Flavor:

The first third had a pretty even mix of earth, leather, and wood. The aftertaste was dark and peppery. As I transitioned into the second third, black coffee joined in.

2 Tatuaje_10th_Anniversary cigars

The second third took on a tinge of sweetness. Earth, leather, and wood remained. Coffee increased in strength, and the pepper became more like an even mixture of heat and spice. The smoke feel was thick, and clung to the inside of the mouth.

3 Tatuaje_10th_Anniversary cigars

The last third had a nice combination of cocoa and coffee. Earthiness, leather, and wood became a background note. This allowed the coffee, cocoa, and pepper to really stand out. The smoke feel was dry and sweet.

4 Tatuaje_10th_Anniversary cigars

Conclusion:

As expected, I really enjoyed this cigar. It was medium to full bodied, and well balanced. The price is a bit high for a robusto. I could see this being an occasional treat, but at almost $10.00 a stick, I won’t smoke them often.

Aging Room M21

Sunday, October 20th, 2013

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If you watched Ed and I review the Aging Room Maduro, you may remember him mentioning this cigar. Ed claimed it to be the strongest cigar in his shop. The M21 is of very limited production, so I jumped at the chance to review it.

This time around, I am without Ed. My intent was to do a written review. After making some changes with how we record video reviews, this became more of an excuse to do a technical test.

So, take 8 minutes, and see what I have to say about the Aging Room M21.

Audio Only – Right Click, Save As

La Gloria Cubana Serie R Esteli

Tuesday, October 15th, 2013

Thanks to General Cigar for sending me some samples to review. The Serie R Esteli was released in September, and is only available at brick and mortar stores. You can read more about it at their website.

 

Wrapper: Jalapa Sol

Binder & Filler: Nicaragua

Size: 6 x 54

Price: $6.49

 

Pre-Smoke & Construction:

The wrapper was dark, shiny, and flawless. It had a mild earthy and woody smell. The cigar was solidly packed, with a few soft spots here and there. The draw had the right amount of resistance, with a cedary pre-light flavor.

The ash held for just about an inch, and the burn required several corrections.

1 La_Gloria_Cubana_Serie_R_Esteli cigars

Flavor:

Without much delay, the first third opened up with woody and bitter sweet flavors. An easy pepper was noticed in the nose, and back of the throat. It had just the right amount of zing.

2 La_Gloria_Cubana_Serie_R_Esteli cigars

The second third took on a bitter sweet cocoa flavor, mixed with pepper and wood. From time to time, I swore that floral notes would appear, and quickly go away. As I approached the end of this third, the strength and body picked up, and coated the mouth and lips.

3 La_Gloria_Cubana_Serie_R_Esteli cigars

For the most part, the last third kept the same core flavors of bitter cocoa, pepper, and wood. There was an added peppery, cinnamony  tingle on the lips, and top of the mouth. The smoke feel took on a cooling effect. It was similar to menthol, but with a peppery zing.

4 La_Gloria_Cubana_Serie_R_Esteli cigars

Conclusion:

This was a good medium to full bodied cigar. I enjoyed the ramp up of flavor, body, and strength. Everything was balanced. I think the price point it spot on as well. For a good, reliable lunch or dinner smoke, this fits the bill.

Sindicato Affinity

Thursday, October 10th, 2013

Thanks to Smoke Inn for sending me a couple samples to review. You can read more about the Sidicato brand at their website. The concept behind Sindicato is interesting, and it looks like they are trying to appeal to wide range of smokers.

 

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Connecticut

Binder: Nicaraguan

Filler: Dominican & Nicaraguan

Size: Corona 5.5

Price: Around $6.00

 

Pre-Smoke & Construction:

The wrapper was smooth looking, with no visible flaws. It had an earthy and nutty odor. The cigar was very solidly and evenly packed. This caused a draw that was on the tight side. It barely fell within my tolerances. The pre-light flavor was earthy, with cedar.

The burn required a couple small corrections, and the ash held for about 3/4 of an inch. It should be noted, after lighting up, the draw became much better.

1 Sindicato_Affinity cigars

Flavor:

The first third was a pretty even mixture of earth, nuts, and mild pepper. The smoke feel was very smooth, and bordered on creaminess.

2 Sindicato_Affinity cigars

The second third kept the same flavors, but there was an added sweet creaminess.

3 Sindicato_Affinity cigars

Yep, the last third was basically like the two before it. The big difference was strength and body. It became medium and smooth.

4 Sindicato_Affinity cigars

Conclusion:

This was a good mild to medium bodied cigar. For the most part, it was a typical Connecticut wrapped cigar. I could see this boring some of you picky smokers out there. As for me, I could see this being a good companion to a cup of coffee. Any time after lunch, and it may not do it for me.

Aging Room Maduro

Sunday, October 6th, 2013

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Ed is back again, and this time we reviewed the Aging Room Maduro. This cigar is made by Boutique Blends Cigars, also known as Oliveros. This is a clean, cool burning, refined, sweet, peppery smoke. There were minimal changes, but subtle differences from third to third kept it interesting. At times, we were stumped. Yes, even Ed is challenged from time to time.

Set aside 19 minutes and see what we thought.

 

Audio only, Right Click, Save As

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