Archive for the ‘natural’ Category

Diamond Crown #4 Natural

Thursday, October 6th, 2011

The Diamond Crown is made by Fuente and JC Newman. It was developed in celebration of JC Newman Cigar Co’s 100th anniversary in 1995. They boast the wrapper is fermented twice, which is said to boost the smooth sweet flavors.

I should mention that this is a first impression review, meaning I’ve only smoked one. The cigar was sent to me awhile back from Bonita Smoke Shop. Given the $11.80 MSRP for a Robusto, I probably would have passed up buying this cigar.

 

Wrapper: Connecticut

Binder: Dominican

Filler: Dominican

Size: Robusto 5.5 x 54

Price: $11.80

 

Pre-Smoke & Construction:

The light tan Connecticut wrapper was shiny with small veins. It had a somewhat toothy (bumpy) appearance, but no visible flaws. The smell of the wrapper was cedar. The foot had a mild tobacco odor. The cigar was very solidly packed. It was a bit harder to the touch towards the cap. The pre-light draw had slight resistance and had a mild cedar and earthy flavor.

The burn required one minor correction, and the ash was solid, holding for around 1.5 inches.

1 Diamond_Crown_#4_Natural cigars

Flavor:

The first third went pretty much the way I expected of a Connecticut wrapped cigar. Cedar and nuttiness were the main flavors. Through the nose, a smooth, mild spice was present. It was almost like a mild pepper (not black pepper). Overall the smoke was silky smooth and pleasant. The further I dug in, the more richer the flavors became.

2 Diamond_Crown_#4_Natural cigars

The second third continued that develop a rich flavor profile. It was simple, but rich. The flavors were basically unchanged – Nuttiness and some cedar. The spice increased in strength but remained smooth and easy to pass through the nose. Occasionally I found earthiness very far in the background. The smoke feel bordered on creaminess, but never quite got there.

3 Diamond_Crown_#4_Natural cigars

The spice kicked up another notch in the last third. It left a nice sweet tingle on the lips and palate. The nuttiness became the dominant flavor. Cedar was there but didn’t seem as prominent. The smoke feel became crisp and went well with the increased spice. Like before, wispy earthy notes were in the background.

4 Diamond_Crown_#4_Natural cigars

Conclusion:

This was a good mild to medium bodied cigar. It started off mild, and crept into the mid-medium range. The flavors were simple but very rich and refined. Construction was another plus. While many aspects of the flavor profile were typical Connecticut, there was a bit more going on here. The only downside I see is the price. If it were cheaper, I could easily smoke this often with coffee. Price aside, anyone who likes Connecticut wrapped cigars could appreciate the Diamond Crown. I’d sum it up as a Connecticut wrapped cigar with a spicy twist.

J. Fuego Natural

Monday, May 2nd, 2011

I’m sure most of you noticed I missed my Friday review. I have no good excuse. Life simply got in the way. Don’t fret, this place isn’t becoming yet another cigar review site that doesn’t get updated (you know who you are).

Anyway… I rooted around the humidor and found some J. Fuego Naturals. I can’t recall where I got them, or even when I got them. The only thing I know about them, well, you are about to read it. As always, I paired this review with water and here are my thoughts.

 

Wrapper: Nicaraguan Shade Grown Criollo

Binder: ???

Filler: Honduras & Nicaragua

Size: Toro 6.5 x 52

Price: Around $6.50

 

Pre-Smoke & Construction:

The dark wrapper was rugged looking and had a nice sheen when held to a light. There were some small to medium sized veins. The odor off of the wrapper and foot was a natural earthy tobacco. Overall the cigar was tightly packed, but I did find a couple tighter spots. This probably explained a draw that was a little on the snug side. The pre-light flavor was a dark earthiness with perhaps a hint of coffee.

The burn required no corrections, and the ash held for an inch or so. The snug draw turned out to not be an issue.

1 J_Fuego_Natural Cigar

Flavor:

The first third had a bit of a spicy blast when passing smoke through the nose. Next up was earthiness combined with wood. The woody flavors lingered on the palate long after exhaling the smoke. After about an inch or so, the peppery spice calmed down but kept some of it’s “Zing.” As the first third came to a close, the smoke took on a smooth feel.

2 J_Fuego_Natural Cigar

The second third had a dominant woody flavor. It wasn’t cedar, but it was wood, that’s all I know. The earthiness faded and was hard to pick out at times. When retrohaling, that peppery zing was still there, but with less intensity. The smoke feel was somewhat creamy and buttery. It had a sweet overtone that resembled mocha or creamy caramel.

3 J_Fuego_Natural Cigar

The last third… It went quite well. Like before, the dominant flavor was wood. It was strange though. It was woody, but a creamy wood. A sweet tingly spice appeared on the aftertaste. The buttery, creamy, sweet smoke was impossible to ignore. It just stuck to the mouth and lips.

4 J_Fuego_Natural Cigar

Conclusion:

This was a very enjoyable medium bodied cigar. It was nothing groundbreaking or amazing. It was simply enjoyable and relaxing. Overall, I enjoyed the flavor profile and experience. I definitely recommend trying this cigar.

Flor De Oliva Natural

Tuesday, February 2nd, 2010

Continuing with my exploration into value, or bundle cigars, I ran across Flor de Oliva. This is a bundle cigar offered by Oliva, the maker of many fine cigars. I took a chance and ordered a bundle recently, as I was looking for a cheap morning cigar. Let’s see if the Flor de Oliva natural does the trick…

 

Wrapper: Sumatra

Binder: Nicaragua

Filler: Nicaragua & Dominican

Size: Toro 6 x 50

Price: Around $40.00 for a bundle of 20

 

Pre-Smoke & Construction:

The natural wrapper looked nice, with no major flaws or veins. The cigar was moderately packed with tobacco. When I squeezed the entire length, I found a few soft spots, but nothing alarming. Sniffing the wrapper and foot revealed a simple natural tobacco odor. The pre-light draw was good, and had a sweet earthy flavor.

The burn required a couple corrections in the first third, and the ash held for just under an inch before falling off.

1FlorDeOlivaNatural 

Flavor:

As I got into the first third, I though to myself… “Is the cap sweetened on this thing?” I say this because of a distinct sweetness that was left on the lips. Anyway… when exhaling through the nose, there was that definite Nicaraguan pepper I so often speak of. It was on the mild side and combined with earthy notes for an overall good experience. The main flavor was basically a natural tobacco and earthy taste.

2FlorDeOlivaNatural 

The second third saw the addition of woody and cedar notes. The sweetness that was like a sweetened cap reduced in strength. Other then that, there wasn’t any more change. That peppery zing remained, as did the natural earthy tobacco taste.

3FlorDeOlivaNatural

The last third had minimal change. The smoke feel took on a thicker, somewhat creamy feel. The pepper remained but calmed and smoothed out. The sweetness basically went away, which left the basic woody, natural earthy tobacco flavors.

4FlorDeOlivaNatural 

Conclusion:

First things first… Does this have a sweetened cap? I could only find conflicting or vague information on the web. Anyway… This was a decent mild to medium bodied cigar. Basically you get what you pay for. It obviously isn’t the most complex or interesting smokes out there. But if you are looking for a yard gar, or something to smoke while sipping your morning coffee, I think this will fit the bill. Not a bad value cigar!

Perdomo2 Limited Edition 2008 Natural

Monday, November 16th, 2009

Perhaps some of you read my review of the maduro version of this cigar. Mike, AKA KnightRid commented that his experience was horrible with the natural wrapper version of this cigar. He hated it so much that he asked for me to review it. Shortly after our conversation, in the mail came several samples for me to try. He was nice enough to throw in some other sticks that he wants my opinions on as well. Thanks for the cigars Mike! Without further ado, I bring to you my take on the Perdomo 2 (Pronounced Perdomo Squared) Limited Edition 2008 Natural. As always, I am paired up with water.

 

Wrapper: Nicaragua (Natural)

Binder: Nicaragua

Filler: Nicaragua

Size: Robusto 5×50

Price: Around $6.00

1Perdomo2_Limited_Edition2008_Natural 

Pre-smoke & Construction:

Overall, the wrapper looked nice, with a few small veins. Sniffing the foot and wrapper reminded me of a barnyard and grass. When squeezing the cigar, it was very firm and packed with tobacco. Naturally this led to a draw that was a little tight, but it seemed doable. The pre-light draw had a slight earthy and woody taste.

I only had to correct the burn a couple of times, and as expected, the ash was firm and held for over an inch. Although the draw was on the tight side, it wasn’t bad and didn’t bother me.

 

Flavor:

The first third started with simple earthy flavors. After about an inch, a slightly sweet woody note crept in and wasn’t bad. I got a peppery spice when passing through the nose. It was bordering on harshness, but wasn’t quite there. Overall this was an OK first third.

2Perdomo2_Limited_Edition2008_Natural 

The second third continued with that peppery spice, which crossed over into harshness. Sweet caramely mocha notes would come and go. The earthy flavors were there, but were very weak and in the background. Unfortunately, the only constant was that harsh pepper. It left me parched and I chugged water in between draws. This helped wash away the chalky feeling left on my tongue. Yuck…

3Perdomo2_Limited_Edition2008_Natural

The last third… I didn’t enjoy it very much. Initially I caught a subtle fruity flavor, but it went away quickly. I was left with a plain tobacco taste along with that constant harshness. Sweet notes would come and go, mostly they went. The pepper wasn’t even pepper anymore. It was just ashy nothingness. Again, I found myself feverishly drinking water to help the cotton mouth. The chalky sensation on my tongue was just…gross.

DSC03609

Conclusion:

Obviously this cigar gets the thumbs down. The body was medium, but it really doesn’t matter. The few I had before were inconsistent. Some were OK, others were not. It just so happens I reviewed one that was bad. I generally like Perdomo products. Unfortunately, I won’t be smoking anymore of these.

Occidental Reserve Natural (First Impression)

Friday, September 4th, 2009

First things first… This is the first time I’ve tried this cigar, hence the “First Impression” in the title. I believe my pal Ed handed this to me awhile ago. Chances are a manufacturer sent him some and he wanted my opinion. Sorry Ed, I forgot about this one. To make up for it, I offer you a first impression review! As always, I am pairing with water.

 

Wrapper: Connecticut

Binder: Connecticut

filler: Dominican Piloto, Olor, San Vincente

Size: Robusto 4.7 x 50

Price: Bundle of 25 for around $45.00

1OccidentalReserve 

Pre-smoke & Construction:

This was a nice looking cigar overall. The wrapper had a couple mid sized veins, but overall looked smooth. Squeezing the cigar, I found no inconsistencies. The wrapper smelled of buttery and woody notes, while the foot had a sweet woody smell. The pre-light draw had slight resistance, and tasted of sweet earthiness.

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

 

Flavor:

The first third opened up with a smooth earthy flavor. A buttery sensation and flavor appeared after about an inch into the cigar. As this third came to an end, the smoke took on a creamy sensation.

2OccidentalReserve 

The second third kept the pace with buttery and earthy notes. They traded places in terms of strength. The smoke remained creamy and smooth. A very slight toasty feel came about, but it wasn’t consistent.

3OccidentalReserve 

The last third really didn’t offer anything the previous two third gave. The earthy and buttery flavors continued to trade places, and the creamy smoothness remained.

4OccidentalReserve 

Conclusion:

This was a decent mild bodied cigar. I hate to sound snobbish, but this left me saying “Just another Connecticut wrapped cigar.” With some coffee, I think I would have enjoyed this experience a lot more. Add to that the cost of under $2.00 a stick, and you may have a good thing going here. I may check this cigar out again as an easy morning smoke.

Oliva Serie O Natural

Sunday, August 9th, 2009

It was time for me to reach into the grab bag Cigars Direct sent me. Thanks to them, this review was possible. The Oliva Serie O was reviewed by Jeremiah in a guest review awhile back. He had a good experience with it, so I was more then happy to grab a glass of water and get started on my review of the Oliva Serie O.

 

Wrapper: Sun Grown Nicaraguan Habano

Binder: Nicaraguan Habano

Filler: Nicaraguan Habano

Size: 5×50

Price: Around $5.00

 

Pre-Smoke & Construction:

The oily wrapper had a few bumps in it, with small to medium sized veins. The cigar was evenly packed with tobacco with no soft or hard spots. I had trouble pinning down what the wrapper and foot smelled like. It was basically a natural tobacco smell with an interesting spice at the foot that made my nose tingle a little. The pre-light draw was perfect, and had a simple tobacco/earthy taste.

The burn was great. I only corrected it once, and I probably didn’t need to. As expected, the ash was firm, required a firm tap on the ashtray at around an inch.

1OlivaSerieONatural

Flavor:

The first third went well. The first flavor I noticed was wood, cedar to be exact. A smooth pepper was noticed when passing through the sinus. I also felt the spicy sensation on my tongue and sides of the mouth. The peppery spice remained, but also took on a sweet tone, much like cinnamon.

2OlivaSerieONatural

The second third kicked things off with the addition of black coffee. Other then that, there were not any significant flavor changes. Something that should be noted is… The addition of coffee really went nicely with the pepper, sweet spice and wood. They melded together into a very interesting overall flavor with an added punch, or “Zing.”

3OlivaSerieONatural

The last third kept black coffee notes. The pepper took a back seat, but the sweet spice remained. I’ll have to call it cinnamon or a spice similar to it. The smoke feel became thicker with a caramelish feeling but not necessarily the flavor of caramel. The woody flavor was there and quite noticeable as it was in the first two thirds. At times I had problems picking the flavors apart. Everything melded together into a soup of great flavor.

4OlivaSerieONatural

Conclusion:

Yea, I used the word “soup” to help me describe this cigar. It’s a first, but probably not the last. I’d have to say this is a very good medium to full bodied cigar. If you are an Oliva fan like I am, you definitely need to try the Serie O. Even when the body went into the full spectrum, it was still an easy smoke, yet had a nice punch. If this sounds like a cigar you’d like, you can find a variety or Oliva cigars over at Cigars Direct.

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