Archive for the ‘Gary_Griffith’ Category

Emilio Draig K 2012

Monday, March 4th, 2013

Once again, I am reviewing a product of Emilio Cigars. Thanks to Gary Griffith, owner of Emilio, for sending me a couple samples. According to the Emilio website, the Draig series is released once per year. The only other back story I could find is that “It’s a fitting tribute to a dear friend.” I’ve come to have high expectations of Emilio blends, so let’s see if the Draig K delivers where it counts.

 

Wrapper: Columbian Maduro

Binder: Unknown

Filler: Honduras and Nicaragua

Size: Toro 6 x 50

Price: Around $9.00

 

Pre-Smoke & Construction:

The dark wrapper was oily, smooth, and simply nice looking. The odor of the wrapper was earthy and bitter sweet. I found that the cigar was rolled fairly tight towards the head, which probably accounted for a slightly snug draw. The pre-light flavor was earthy and woody, with a bit of coffee.

The burn required a few minor corrections, and the ash held for just over an inch.

1 Emilio_Draig_K cigars

Flavor:

The first third started out with a simply earthy flavor. At the one inch mark, black coffee and an easy spice joined in. The aftertaste was smooth and woody.

2 Emilio_Draig_K cigars

The peppery spice developed some zing in the second third. At the half way point, a very dry cocoa joined the black coffee. The smoke feel was very dry, and the smoke volume was plentiful. The aftertaste was spicy and woody.

3 Emilio_Draig_K cigars

The last third took on more of a creamy smoke feel. Cocoa and coffee were the dominant flavors. There were woody and earthy notes in the background, but I only noticed them in the aftertaste.

4 Emilio_Draig_K cigars

Conclusion:

This was a good medium to full bodied cigar. The flavor profile was fairly simple, but good. I can’t say there was anything special or unique here, but nothing bad was experienced either. It was basically right down the middle for me. My only complaint may be the price. Needless to say, this is a solid cigar, and I could see it appealing to plenty of people. It’s definitely worth a try.

Emilio La Musa

Friday, January 25th, 2013

At least a couple people have been asking what the hell is going on here. My temporary hiatus isn’t quite over yet, but I found an opportunity to have a couple smokes. Consistent updates will resume within a week or two. Anyway…

Once again, Gary Griffith, of Emilio Cigars, has a blend up for review. Gary, thanks again for sending me these smokes. The Musa is of limited quantities, depending on harvest conditions. The only thing I could find is that these cigars are produced in Esteli, Nicaragua. I’m keeping up with my tradition of having minimal info. What is important is the experience, so here goes…

 

Wrapper: Nicaragua

Binder & Filler: Nicaragua

Size: Torpedo 6 x 52

Price: Around $8.00

 

Pre-Smoke & Construction:

The wrapper had a nice even color, with small to medium sized veins. It had an odor of earthiness and cedar, and the foot had a milder earthy smell. The cigar was evenly packed, with just a little give when squeezed. The draw had slight resistance, with a dark bitter sweet flavor.

The ash held for just over an inch, and the burn required a good sized correction in the first third.

1 Emilio_La_Musa cigars

Flavor:

The first third had a dry woody flavor, combined with an easy peppery zing. It quickly developed into a rich, sweet, bitter cocoa. Coffee joined in, and crept up there in strength and smoothness.

2 Emilio_La_Musa cigars

The second third had a dominant cedar flavor. The easy peppery kick still remained when retrohaling, along with a leathery and earthy finish. Coffee and cocoa notes slipped in to the background. At the half way point, the dominant flavor would switch up. It rotated between cocoa, cedar, and coffee. The smoke feel became thicker, and really stuck to the roof of the mouth.

3 Emilio_La_Musa cigars

Mocha and coffee stood out the most in the last third. A peppery zing, cedar, and earthiness followed behind. The smoke feel became drier, and had a tingle that reminded me of cinnamon. This remained consistent for the entire third.

4 Emilio_La_Musa cigars

Conclusion:

This was a good, solid medium to full bodied cigar. This slow burner made putting together this review a pleasure. I know I’ve had nothing but positive things to say about Emilio cigars, and I’ve tried to find some flaws, but so far I have nothing. If you run across the La Musa, it’s worth a try.

Guayacan by Noel Rojas

Friday, December 14th, 2012

Guayacan cigars, by Noel Rojas, is a brand distributed by Emilio Cigars. The brand lacks a proper website, but they are on the devil site FaceBook. A quick search will lead you there I’m sure. Other then that, I have very little information. Thanks to Gary Griffith for sending me some samples to try out. So far I’ve had good experiences with his stuff, so let’s see if that trend continues.

 

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano

Binder: Nicaraguan Corojo 98

Filler: Nicaraguan Corojo 98

Size: Toro 6 x 52

Price: Around $7.00

 

Pre-Smoke & Construction:

The wrapper was oily and toothy looking, but no major flaws were found. The odor coming off of the wrapper was hay and wood. Sniffing the foot, I picked up wood, earth, and a floral note. The cigar was rock solidly packed, almost to a fault. The draw was a bit snug, but wasn’t extreme. The pre-light flavor was dark, earthy, and leathery.

The burn required a few decent sized corrections in the first and second third, but it wasn’t anything that took away from the experience. The ash held for about 3/4 of an inch.

1 Guayacan_by_Noel_Rojas cigars

Flavor:

The first third had no build up. I was immediately introduced to a nice pepper. It didn’t burn, but it did have some zing, along with a tingly finish. Wood, leather, sweetness, and a thick smoke feel brought balance to the flavor profile.

2 Guayacan_by_Noel_Rojas cigars

The second third had bitter sweetness, wood, a pinch of earth, and peppery spice. Wrapped around everything was an interesting floral component. The smoke feel remained thick, and it had a nice sweet, sticky aftertaste.

3 Guayacan_by_Noel_Rojas cigars

The last third didn’t have any new flavors or big changes. The biggest difference was an increase in body. The flavors were rich and balanced.

4 Guayacan_by_Noel_Rojas cigars

Conclusion:

This was a very good medium to full bodied cigar. This thing packed in the flavors, and at times I didn’t even notice the snug draw. If I had to complain, the draw would be it. I don’t believe this afflicts them all, since the other one I smoked was fine. All in all, this was a solid cigar.

Emilio Cigars Serie H Maduro

Tuesday, December 4th, 2012

Thanks to Gary Griffith, owner of Emilio Cigars, for sending me some samples to review. The Serie H Maduro is described as “A double ligero powerhouse cigar.” Naturally this peaked my interest. Cigar companies often make the mistake of power over flavor. Read on, and see if the Serie H is just another powerhouse, or something different.

 

Wrapper: Jamastran Maduro

Binder & Filler: Nicaraguan and Costa Rican

Size: Robusto 5.5 x 50

Price: $7.00

 

Pre-Smoke & Construction:

When looking at the wrapper, the only thing that came to mind was the word pretty. There were virtually no flaws or seams to be seen. The scent of the wrapper was barnyard, and the foot was earthy. The cigar was evenly and solidly packed. The draw had slight resistance, which is how I prefer it. The pre-light flavor was dark, earthy, and leathery.

The burn required one correction, and the ash held for an inch or so.

1 Emilio_Cigars_Serie_H_Maduro cigars

Flavor:

Dark coffee was the dominant flavor in the first third. Up next was a black peppery zing, followed by bitter sweetness. Notes of earthiness and leather were far in the background. The smoke feel was dry and smooth.

2 Emilio_Cigars_Serie_H_Maduro cigars

The second third ramped up in flavor, body, and strength. Coffee and creamy smooth cocoa were the main flavors. Think of a fancy cocoa and coffee drink at your favorite coffee shop. The spice was somewhere in between black pepper and cinnamon.

3 Emilio_Cigars_Serie_H_Maduro cigars

The last third kept that same mixture of coffee, cocoa, and sweet cinnamon spice. The smoke feel became drier, but kept its creamy feel. The aftertaste remained tingly, and clung to the lips and tongue.

4 Emilio_Cigars_Serie_H_Maduro cigars

Conclusion:

This was a very good full bodied cigar. Excellent flavor brought balance to its strength. I didn’t get my ass kicked, but this isn’t for the mild cigar smoker. The smooth smoke feel could easily let the strength sneak up on you. This would be a great after dinner cigar. Definitely worth trying.

Emilio AF2

Tuesday, November 20th, 2012

I recently reviewed the AF1 and thoroughly enjoyed it. I planned on waiting a while before trying and reviewing the AF2, but I obviously changed my mind. Like the AF1, this cigar is blended and manufactured by A.J. Fernandez. Thanks goes out to Gary Griffith, owner of Emilio Cigars, for sending me a couple of these to review.

 

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano Oscuro

Binder: Nicaragua

Filler: Nicaragua

Size: Toro 6 x 50

Price: Around $7.00

 

Pre-Smoke & Construction:

The wrapper was shiny and oily, with small veins. It had an aroma of earth, barnyard, and bitterness. The foot had a sweet, spicy aroma. There were some soft spots here and there, but the cigar was rolled well. The draw had some resistance, but it was well within my tolerances. The pre-light flavor was woody and earthy.

The burn required a few minor corrections, and the ash held for around an inch.

1 Emilio_AF2 cigars

Flavor:

The first third started off with earth and cayenne pepper. In short order, the smoke feel became smooth, and bordered on creaminess. Black coffee joined in and became a dominant flavor. Bitter sweetness lingered in the background. Some draws were smooth and sweet, and others had a nice, easy spicy kick.

2 Emilio_AF2 cigars

The second third had a nice quick turn. Cocoa and coffee became dominant flavors. The cayenne pepper died down a bit, but made for an easy, tingly aftertaste. The smoke feel was creamy and smooth. Like before, some draws were dry and crisp, while others were smooth and creamy.

3 Emilio_AF2 cigars

The last third kept the same core flavors. Some draws were espresso, or at least black coffee. Other draws were sweet dark cocoa. The pepper was consistent throughout. The creamy, tingly aftertaste clung to the lips and tongue for quite some time.

4 Emilio_AF2 cigars

Conclusion:

This was a very good medium to full bodied cigar. I enjoyed the smooth flavors and complexities. There was nothing to complain about at all. How does it compare to the AF1? They are similar in a lot of ways, but they are different enough to make it hard to pick a favorite. At this moment, I’d pick the AF1, but that is subject to change. Like the AF1, I’d smoke more of these.

Emilio AF1

Tuesday, November 13th, 2012

Thanks to Gary Griffith, owner of Emilio Cigars, for sending me some samples to try. The Emilio AF1 is named to honor of the man who blended and manufactured this cigar, A.J. Fernandez. AJ has had his hands in quite a few blends and brands. Google him, you’ve probably smoked a blend of his without realizing it. Anyway, enough rambling.

 

Wrapper: San Andreas Maduro

Binder & Filler: Nicaraguan

Size: Robusto 5 x 50

Price: Around $7.50

 

Pre-Smoke & Construction:

The wrapper was oily and toothy looking, but no major flaws were noticed. The wrapper had a mild bitter odor, while the foot reminded me of cocoa. The cigar was solidly and evenly packed. The draw had slight resistance, and a dark cocoa flavor on the pre-light draw.

The burn required one correction, and the ash held for about an inch.

1 Emilio_AF1 cigars

Flavor:

The first third started out with coffee and an easy, peppery spice. Wood and earthiness developed after the first inch or so. In sort order, the cigar took yet another turn. The smoke feel became thicker, and the focal point became cocoa and a peppery zing. This made for a nice, lingering aftertaste.

2 Emilio_AF1 cigars

Cocoa, coffee, and creaminess took over the second third. Pepper was especially noticeable through the nose. Thankfully, it wasn’t the kind that burns your face off (if you’re careful). Earthiness and wood lingered way in the background.

3 Emilio_AF1 cigars

The last third was focused on coffee and spicy pepper. Like before, it wasn’t your traditional black pepper. Cocoa was noticeable mainly in the lingering aftertaste. I can only describe it as rich and smooth. 1990 song reference, anyone? Anyone?

4 Emilio_AF1 cigars

Conclusion:

This was a very good full bodied cigar. I may even have to say it was damn good. The changes in the first third alone would have kept me happy. Flavor, construction, complexities, and a slow burn made this a pleasure to smoke. The price point is easily met too. Keep your eyes open for the Emilio AF1. It is a must try.

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