June 17th, 2013 / 6 Comments » / by Tom
This site hasn’t had video content in quite some time. Until Ed and I are able to get together next week, an old friend and I jumped on Skype to review the H. Upmann Legacy. This cigar has had mixed reviews, and Jay himself has had mixed experiences with it. We cover that in the video.
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Posted in: Cigar Video Reviews
Tags: cigars, H_Upmann, Legacy
May 31st, 2013 / 7 Comments » / by Tom
I can’t recall where I picked up the cigar being reviewed today. I suspect I got it at one of the few less than memorable places. This blend is a collaboration between Rocky Patel and Gary Sheffield. Apparently Gary is a celebrated baseball player, and this cigar pays tribute to him hitting 500 home runs.
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Honduras, Nicaraguan
Size: Toro 6.5 x 52
Price: Around $11.00
Pre-Smoke & Construction:
The wrapper was oily, and had a rugged, porous appearance. The foot had a mild earthy smell. Off of the wrapper, I picked up a mild odor of cedar, earth, and leather. Overall, the cigar was evenly packed, and had a little give when squeezed. The draw was free, and had a fairly strong flavor of earth, leather, and wood.
The burn required a few corrections in the first third, and the ash held for about an inch.
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Posted in: Cigar Reviews
Tags: cigars, Gary_Sheffield, HR_500, patel, rocky
May 13th, 2013 / 5 Comments » / by Tom
Thanks to JJO for sending me some smokes awhile back. In the package was the cigar up for review today. This review is based off of one cigar. Consider it a first impression, and take it for what it’s worth.
Maldonado Dynasty is a boutique “Beverly Hills cigar brand.” You can read more about it by visiting their website. The whole selling of a lifestyle appeals to many people. As for me, I just want a good smoke. Let’s see if The Maldonado Dynasty Mogul lives up to the hype.
Wrapper: Arapiraca Maduro
Binder: Dominican
Filler: Dominican, Peruvian, Columbian
Size: Toro 6 x 50
Price: Around $13.00
Pre-Smoke & Construction:
The wrapper had a nice, dark, rugged, and slightly blotchy look to it. No flaws were noticeable, and the odor reminded me of pipe tobacco. The cigar was solid and consistently packed. The draw had slight resistance. I picked up earth and cedar on the pre-light.
It should be noted, they advertise the Toro as 50 x 6, but mine was 48 x 6.
The burn required no corrections, and the ash held for about 1.5 inches.
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Posted in: Cigar Reviews
Tags: cigars, Maldonado_Dynasty, The_Mogul
April 30th, 2013 / 4 Comments » / by Tom
Big Delicious is the brain child of Room 101 owner Matt Booth, and Smoke Inn owner Abe Dababneh. Smoke Inn has teamed up with various manufacturers in the past, to form what they call their MicroBlend Series.
As for marketing, hey, this is Matt Booth here (Psst! Call me <3 ). Match him up with Abe, and 70’s influenced shenanigans ensue. It is downright silly, but, when I think back to the 70’s, the flashbacks I have tie it all together. See the website for more details.
And finally… Thanks to Abe and Smoke Inn for sending me a couple samples to review.
Wrapper: Habano 2000
Binder & Filler: Brazil, Honduras, Nicaragua, Dominican
Size: Torpedo 6.25 x 42-54
Price: $8.95
Pre-Smoke & Construction:
The wrapper was velvety smooth, yet it had an oily sheen. Sniffing the wrapper and foot, I picked up a mild odor of wood and barnyard. There were some minor inconsistencies in the packing of the cigar, but nothing was of concern. The draw was just a tad snug, but fell within my tolerances. The pre-light draw was woody, leathery, and bitter sweet.
The ash held for over an inch, and the burn required a couple minor corrections.
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Posted in: Cigar Reviews
Tags: Abe_Dababneh, Big_Delicious, cigars, Matt_Booth, Room_101, smoke_inn
April 17th, 2013 / 6 Comments » / by Tom
Thanks to Iconic Leaf Cigar Company for sending me a couple samples to review. From what I’ve read, this blend will be released at the 2013 IPCPR convention. There will be three sizes in a shape that they call “Sidewinders.” Prior to IPCPR, three box shaped sizes will be released at five retailers. The samples I received were a standard robusto. What does it all mean?
Anyway, I recall enjoying the original Recluse, and it had a decent price point. Considering how rusty I am at this whole cigar reviewing thing, let’s get to it.
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Maduro
Binder: Undisclosed
Filler: Brazilian hybrid, Piloto Cubano, Dominican
Size: Robusto 5 x 50
Price: ?
Pre-Smoke & Construction:
The wrapper was oily and rugged looking, and it had a mild cedar odor. Overall, the cigar was consistently packed, with just a minor soft spot here and there. The draw was a little stiff, but I could live with it. The pre-light flavor was woody, with a bit of coffee in the background.
The burn required a few minor corrections, and the ash held for about an inch. The stiff draw loosened up shortly after lighting.
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Posted in: Cigar Reviews
Tags: cigars, Iconic_Leaf, Recluse_Draconian_Blend