Click here to visit CigarLive
Click here to visit CigarLiveVideo
Click here to visit CigarLive Podcast
Click here to visit NUb Live
Cigar Live Cigar Forum



  Home · Search · Member List · Register  

Home » Cigar Reviews » CigarLive.com Group Blind Cigar Reviews » Tasting Panel #4 Cuban Crafters  
http://www.cigarlive.com/reviewpost/data/19/thumbs/CUBA-CIGARS-CUBAN-CIGAR-CAMPANA.jpg
>

Cuban Crafters #100 Cabinet Selection Cuba Campana Cigars
Reviews Views Date of last review
26 1903 Mon July 23, 2007
spacer
Recommended By Average Price Average Rating
92% of reviewers None indicated 6.0


cuban_crafters3.jpg cuban_crafters4.jpg 121-2188_IMG.jpg

Description: CigarLive introduces Cigar ID#100 as a group Tasting Panel. This panel was a set of volunteer members of CigarLive that signed up an agreed to write a review of this cigar.

Description of cigar as follows!

CUBAN CRAFTERS Cabinet Selection Cuba Campana Cigars are skillfully hand-made by a master roller with many years of experience. The Long-Filler is a sun-grown Cuban-Seed Habano tobacco. The Binder is a superior quality Habano 2000. The totalmente hecho a mano cigar are draped in flawless dark Habano Wrapper leaves from Ecuador. Their interesting shape is that of a bell and ends in a large 60 ring gauge. Each cigar is 5½” long and is meticulously finished with a long curly head cap and a cigar tail typical of those from Cuba. They are made the old fashioned way and taste like the Cigars from Cuba used to. They have very delightful and intensely rich flavors that pleasantly vary with each puff. A unique smoking experience is guaranteed.

CUBAN CRAFTERS bring back to mind the times when Cubans were the best in the world. They are handcrafted by skilled master rollers. Silky and impeccably box-pressed, they are finished the way that a cigar in Cuba used to be. With a cap that has a long curly head and a foot with a typical cola (tail). As in the Cuba of the past, each tobacco leaf is hand selected in in the fields.It is then cured and aged through an extensive fermentation and aging process. After three years and five curing fermentations, the leaves evolve into perfect cigars at the hands of these highly trained artisans. Smoking one is an experience all by itself. The draw is firm and the burn is even. The white ash is long and clean. The complex taste is intensely flavorful and full in body. This is what smoking a fine cigar is all about!

FULL BODIED. Their distinguished stout taste is described as full-bodied and intensely flavorful with well balanced floral flavors and a leather undertone. There are hints of spices and nuts. It ends with whispers of coffee and chocolate.
Keywords: Cuban Crafters Cabinet Selection Campana


Author
Post A Reply 
terrasco

Senior Member

Registered: March 2007
Location: San Angelo, TX
Posts: 2185
Review Date: Sat May 26, 2007 Would you recommend this to someone? Yes | Price you paid? In US$: None indicated | Rating: 6 

 
Pros: Excellent construction.
Cons: Second half was not at all as good as the first.

This cigar is very well made. Interesting shape with a thick wrapper. Lit easily with a good draw and was very nice from the start. A lot of cedar with floral and woody tones. Became more chocolate after about half an inch with spice tones. Every puff had a different taste. Very enjoyable cigar up to the halfway mark. At that point it became harsh and not enjoyable at all. Decent amount of smoke and first half was a good cigar.
This user is offline
Click here to see this users profile Click here to Send this user a Private Message Find more posts by this user  
tekeeladude

Forum Moderator

Registered: March 2007
Location: Omaha
Posts: 2043
Review Date: Mon May 28, 2007 Would you recommend this to someone? No | Price you paid? In US$: None indicated | Rating: 3 

 
Pros:
Cons: No taste from cigar. Bad cigarette smelling smoke

Scent of wrapper: Sweet tobacco
Scent at foot: Much sweeter than the wrapper with scents of tobacco and hay
Wrapper:
Dry looking with a somewhat rustic appearance. There are some hard bumps along one side near the foot. Nice "pigtail" cap.
Feel: Firm from head to foot. Hard near the bumps.
Tongue: Very peppery-spiciness
Flavor on Draw: Creamy sensation with sweetness. Maybe a little nutmeg in the flavor.
Taste: Got a touch of spice from time to time. No flavors. (Note: I tried and tried to pick up something and even handed it to my wife to try, but there was no flavor -- just smoke)
Strength: Less than mild
Feeling: This may sound harsh, but I felt cheated by this cigar. Based on the scent and flavor on the draw, I was really looking forward to a really tasty cigar.
Scent of smoke: Heavy smoke with a scent of a cigarette.
Heat on fingers and in mouth: None
Draw: A little loose, but not bad.
Finish: Not much of anything. Did get a slight headache after smoking this one.
Other aspects of the Cigar Smoking Experience: Continual burn problems. Had to touch of several times. Some tunneling. I had to put this stick down early. Since this cigar did not contain bad flavors, I didn't give it a 2, but I think it deserves a lower score than 3.

------------------------------
We're the last of the radio-free, piss and vinegar, American independents! ~ Roger Clyne
This user is offline
Click here to see this users profile Click here to Send this user a Private Message Find more posts by this user  
GoinFerSmoke

Forum Moderator

Registered: March 2007
Location: Salem
Posts: 4981
Review Date: Mon May 28, 2007 Would you recommend this to someone? Yes | Price you paid? In US$: None indicated | Rating: 6 

 
Pros: Very nice construction, great form
Cons: Strong heavy smoke from cigar

I will start by saying that I would recommend this to those that like a stronger more full flavored cigar. I don't care for this type myself and like Russ mentioned, got a bit dizzy and a little nic sick from this one. I am not saying this was a bad cigar, just not in my "like" range, but I took one for the team.

The construction was definitely very nice, well made, firm to the touch, nice flared foot and box-pressed to boot.
Had a strong hay/barnyard smell to the wrapper with a it only being stronger at the foot. Flacor on the draw was a sweet hay flavor.

This put off a copious amount of smoke and would no recommend this to start the morning off with as I did and on an empty stomach. It was a tad on the heavy side.

First third had a mochiness to it, with a slight taste of almond
Second third moved onto more of a dark coffee flavor, hints of leather mixed in
Last third, it became more woody, with a peppery bite to it.

This cigar would probably be VERY nice with some age on it, say 6-10 months, this might tone down the fullness and bring the nic content down a bit. It had an enjoyable tapered body ending in a flared foot.

Though I would recommend to those that do like the fuller flavored cigars, I would not go out of my way to buy it, but wouldn't turn it down though I would make sure I had a full belly first

------------------------------
Get all the fools on your side and you can be elected to anything. - Frank Dane
This user is offline
Click here to see this users profile Click here to Send this user a Private Message Find more posts by this user  
JohnRider

Iowa Statesman

Registered: April 2007
Location: Eastern IA
Posts: 2662
Review Date: Tue May 29, 2007 Would you recommend this to someone? Yes | Price you paid? In US$: None indicated | Rating: 7 

 
Pros: Hefty flavor!
Cons: May be too strong for most.

I paired this cigar with Eagle Rare Single Barrel Bourbon. I am well fed after a steak dinner. 9pm. Tuesday evening.

Scent of Wrapper: Fairly strong, sweet brown sugar/ Molasses cookie aroma off wrapper.

Scent at Foot: Similar to wrapper, but more faint.

Appearance: Curious shape. Square pressed and tapered dramatically.

Wrapper: Slightly mottled wrapper, dark brown. Slightly rough with some medium veins. There are a few places where the wrapper seems to be a little bit separated from the rest of the cigar - probably an artifact of its unusual shape.

Feel: Molasses flavor. Molasses on draw, too.

Lit up quickly. Surprised since the foot is so wildly flared.

Initial couple of puffs were pleasing. Noted some new flavors I'm not sure I've experienced before...kind of like black strap molasses mixed with a strong ligero leaf. Nice complex flavor seemingly right at the light up.

1st:

Strikes me as a full-bodied smoke right off the bat. A little bit too much for this inexperienced smoker to roll through my nose. The finish is fairly long and strong. Not unpleasant, but I think I would want a fairly strong flavored beverage to "wash this down with". Perhaps a port or a rich expresso roast coffee. Good draw. Lots of smoke right away from the odd shape. Some of the room aroma seems to be burnt wood.

2nd: Still hearty and bold flavor. I am enjoying the flavor. I definitely like this cigar. Maybe just a little bit too potent as far as nicotine, but I just have to remember to set this one down and only take one good puff a minute. Ash is holding on well. Burn is fairly even, the ash is cocked at a bit of a funny angle, but seems to be firmly attached. I am able to roll it better now through my nose. More coffee and burnt coffee flavors coming through. This part of the cigar (just past the flair) is pretty tasty.

3rd: Down now to about the last inch of smokeable cigar. No big changes that I have picked up on since I got past the largest part of the flair. It is potent! but carefully pacing myself to avoid nic-sickness.

Overall Construction: 6.8
Overall, the construction of this cigar is very good, a little bit of a tendency to tunnel at one point, but I corrected it quickly with the lighter...problem solved. Nice even burn otherwise.

Overall Flavor: 7.5
Enjoyed the hearty flavor of this cigar a lot. I would definitely buy a couple of these to keep around for those times when I want something FULL bodied and chewy.

Overall Enjoyment Rating: 7.1

------------------------------
Warning: This Post May Contain Cynicism Known To The State of California To Cause Depression, Social Ostracism And Other Reproductive Harm.
This user is offline
Click here to see this users profile Click here to Send this user a Private Message Find more posts by this user  
Topshelf14

Very Active Member

Registered: March 2007
Location: Old Hickory, TN
Posts: 506
Review Date: Tue May 29, 2007 Would you recommend this to someone? Yes | Price you paid? In US$: None indicated | Rating: 6 

 
Pros: Good flavor, smooth
Cons: Visually unappealing, burn problems

Pre-smoke
Scent of Wrapper: Coffee, cocoa
Scent at Foot: Cocoa, nuts
Wrapper: Rough, rustic-looking wrapper with a few medium veins. Interesting pigtail cap.
Feel: Semi-firm box pressed trumpet with a weird indentation on one side
Tongue: Mild tobacco taste

Flavor on Draw: Cocoa and molasses

Smoke

Taste: Nutty, slightly floral taste
Flavor Changes: I began to notice coffee flavors near the midway point
Strength: Medium-full

Scent of Smoke: Light floral room note, not offensive
Heat on Fingers and in Mouth: Became hot with about two inches left

Draw: Easy draw with tons of smoke
Finish: Medium, slightly dry
Other Aspects of the Cigar Smoking Experience: Rough burn required several touch-ups


This is one book that you can’t judge by its cover. This cigar was almost as ugly as I am, yet it had a very enjoyable flavor that was fairly full-bodied while remaining smooth. Other than the looks and some burn problems, this was a great cigar. Construction brings the score down a bit, but I would definitely smoke more of these.

Final Rating: 6.25


------------------------------
Joe
Nashville Cigar Club
This user is offline
Click here to see this users profile Click here to Send this user a Private Message Visit Topshelf14's homepage! Find more posts by this user  
Irish Hawk

Getting Active

Registered: April 2007
Location: Lake Stevens
Posts: 85
Review Date: Thu May 31, 2007 Would you recommend this to someone? Yes | Price you paid? In US$: None indicated | Rating: 7 

 
Pros: well constructed, very tasty
Cons: ash was not tight

Scent of wrapper: good spicy smell
Scent at foot: Really spicy and cedar
Wrapper: some dark spots
Feel: medium firm.
Tongue: Very spicy
Flavor on Draw: what I found was spice that was rich in flavor
Taste: treid to pick up other spices and I know there was something else put could not place it
Strength: medium
Feeling: well rolled cigar it was a nubber
Scent of smoke: Heavy smoke with a scent spice my wife stated that the room smelt better than some of the other cigars that I smoke
Heat on fingers and in mouth: None went right to the nub
Draw: free excellent draw
Finish: the finish was consistent with taste
Other aspects of the Cigar Smoking Experience: The ash split early on however I enjoyed the cigar and smoked it right down to the nub this cigar went well with a Porter and with scotch it brought out the esters of both.

wish I had another one

------------------------------
"If I paid $10 for a cigar, first I'd make love to it, then I'd smoke it."
-- George Burns
This user is offline
Click here to see this users profile Click here to Send this user a Private Message Visit Irish Hawk's homepage! Find more posts by this user  
Steve D

Active Member

Registered: April 2007
Location: Newnan, GA
Posts: 213
Review Date: Fri June 1, 2007 Would you recommend this to someone? Yes | Price you paid? In US$: None indicated | Rating: 7 

 
Pros: Well constructed, enjoyabe smoke
Cons: Didn't product a lot of smoke

Appearance: Dark red-brown leathery wrapper

Construction: Appears to be well made, firm, no soft spots. Square pressed.

Pre-light Aroma - sweet tobacco

Draw/Burn - Noit too loose, not too tight. Burn was alightly uneven - probably doe to an uneven light - my fault, not the cigars. Burn was relatively slow (not a bad thing). Ash was generally firm

First Third - basic tobacco aroma and flavor, medium body. Picked up occasional hints of licorice.

Middle Third - overall flavor changed a little, became sweeter.

Last Third - the sweetness faded and it developed some power but was not harsh.

I enjoyed the cigar in general, wouldn't mind keeping a few around if I happend on some at a good price.
This user is offline
Click here to see this users profile Click here to Send this user a Private Message Visit Steve D's homepage! Find more posts by this user  
silentjon

Senior Member

Registered: April 2007
Location: Plains
Posts: 2489
Review Date: Fri June 1, 2007 Would you recommend this to someone? Yes | Price you paid? In US$: None indicated | Rating: 7 

 
Pros: Good flavor
Cons: Appearance, some burn problems

Scent of Wrapper: Strong and sweet

Appearance: Not the most appealing cigar. The box-pressed cigar was somewhat lumpy.

Draw: Very easy draw

Stength: Medium-Full

Burn: It burned somewhat uneven, requiring some touch-ups

Heat on fingers and in mouth: Remained very cool thoughout. Very slow burner.

It took awhile for this cigar to warm up. It produced lots of pleasant smoke thoughout. About half down, the flavor picked up nicely. Despite its appearance, I found it a solid, enjoyable smoke. A full-bodied cigar that never became harsh. This is first time I had this cigar, but I would smoke this cigar in the future.
This user is offline
Click here to see this users profile Click here to Send this user a Private Message Find more posts by this user  
Mithrandir

Active Member

Registered: March 2007
Location: Spencerport, NY
Posts: 303
Review Date: Sat June 2, 2007 Would you recommend this to someone? Yes | Price you paid? In US$: None indicated | Rating: 6 

 
Pros:
Cons:

First, I must say that I probably should have dryboxed this cigar for a day. It continually had burn issues. Also, I smoked this after breakfast with coffee and it was more bold than #103 from yesterday and it was kind of heavy for me. Probably the afternoon or evening would have been better for me to do a proper review. I put it down after smoking almost 1/2. So, in all fairness, there was an abundant amount of heavy earthy tones and smoke that gave this cigar some good potential. Sorry for my misjudgement on the dryboxing and time of day. I have already taken out of the humi my next cigar and will try to do a more proper review.

------------------------------
All we have to decide Frodo, is what we do with the time we've been given.
This user is offline
Click here to see this users profile Click here to Send this user a Private Message Find more posts by this user  
rmrdaddy

Active Member

Registered: April 2007
Location: South Jersey
Posts: 300
Review Date: Sun June 3, 2007 Would you recommend this to someone? Yes | Price you paid? In US$: None indicated | Rating: 5 

 
Pros: easy draw, good volume of smoke,
Cons: needed retouching several times, turned too bitter for my taste

Retired to the fornt porch with a Jack and ginger, weather was clear, breezy, mid 70's. 9:15 Saturday 6/2/07.

Scent of Wrapper: Sweetish tobacco, with a dark cinnamon note.

Scent at Foot: Same as wrapper.

Appearance: Interesting belicoso shape witha flared and box pressed foot.

Wrapper: Dark brown with a slight reddish tint. Matte appearance, somewhat dusty looking.

Feel: solid, but a few softer spots towards the head.

The large bell-bottom foot lit easily, and burned well at the start.

1st:
Started out with wood, minerals, and leather, I also noted a black licorice note at the finish. The fiavor definitely coats the mouth, and lingers. This has a bit of strength to it, but still easy smoking. The broad foot, flakes a little ash onto my shirt about 3/4 of an inch in...


2nd: The flavor seems to continue, but with the leather turning toasty and taking the fore. I have had to touch up 3 times now, storage issue is possible, this has only been in the humi for a week. Ash has been strong and besides the flaking, seems to have some tenacity, I like to leave on a long ash, and have not ashed at this point...
This portion of the cigar had the best taste for me.

3rd: The mineral taste takes over now, with a dark, bitter wood flavor behind it. As I approached the 2 inch left mark the cigar became very spongy and loose. This issue combined with the harsh flavor made the decision to put it down a fairly easy one at this point.


Overall Construction:
The construction seemed a little spotty perhaps. No, it did not unravel, split, or perform gymnastics. But, I had to touch up the burn 5 times. It seemed that the inside of the cigar would burn, but the wrapper would not in several places. The smoking end after my "major ash" was very soft and spongy, seemed underfilled.

Overall Flavor:
The flavor profile for the most part was good for me, though it did not knock my socks off. This was a decent smoke, and at $89 a box, perhaps a good buy. Especially for the heavy bodied flavor profile smokers.

For me, this gets a solid 5 rating.
This user is offline
Click here to see this users profile Click here to Send this user a Private Message Find more posts by this user  
rmrdaddy

Active Member

Registered: April 2007
Location: South Jersey
Posts: 300
Review Date: Sun June 3, 2007 Would you recommend this to someone? Yes | Price you paid? In US$: None indicated | Rating: 5 

 
Pros: easy draw, good volume of smoke,
Cons: needed retouching several times, turned too bitter for my taste

Retired to the fornt porch with a Jack and ginger, weather was clear, breezy, mid 70's. 9:15 Saturday 6/2/07.

Scent of Wrapper: Sweetish tobacco, with a dark cinnamon note.

Scent at Foot: Same as wrapper.

Appearance: Interesting belicoso shape witha flared and box pressed foot.

Wrapper: Dark brown with a slight reddish tint. Matte appearance, somewhat dusty looking.

Feel: solid, but a few softer spots towards the head.

The large bell-bottom foot lit easily, and burned well at the start.

1st:
Started out with wood, minerals, and leather, I also noted a black licorice note at the finish. The fiavor definitely coats the mouth, and lingers. This has a bit of strength to it, but still easy smoking. The broad foot, flakes a little ash onto my shirt about 3/4 of an inch in...


2nd: The flavor seems to continue, but with the leather turning toasty and taking the fore. I have had to touch up 3 times now, storage issue is possible, this has only been in the humi for a week. Ash has been strong and besides the flaking, seems to have some tenacity, I like to leave on a long ash, and have not ashed at this point...
This portion of the cigar had the best taste for me.

3rd: The mineral taste takes over now, with a dark, bitter wood flavor behind it. As I approached the 2 inch left mark the cigar became very spongy and loose. This issue combined with the harsh flavor made the decision to put it down a fairly easy one at this point.


Overall Construction:
The construction seemed a little spotty perhaps. No, it did not unravel, split, or perform gymnastics. But, I had to touch up the burn 5 times. It seemed that the inside of the cigar would burn, but the wrapper would not in several places. The smoking end after my "major ash" was very soft and spongy, seemed underfilled.

Overall Flavor:
The flavor profile for the most part was good for me, though it did not knock my socks off. This was a decent smoke, and at $89 a box, perhaps a good buy. Especially for the heavy bodied flavor profile smokers.

For me, this gets a solid 5 rating.
This user is offline
Click here to see this users profile Click here to Send this user a Private Message Find more posts by this user  
cigarsarge

Banned

Registered: March 2007
Location: none of your business
Posts: 986
Review Date: Sun June 3, 2007 Would you recommend this to someone? Yes | Price you paid? In US$: None indicated | Rating: 6 

 
Pros: Very nice construction...I love shaped cigars
Cons: One big ugly stem comming out of the foot

I work security at a local Sonic so this was smoked in my car as I watched the parking lot. The atmosphere was not the best but it gives me four to six hours to smoke and listen to Coast to Coast AM.

Initial Observation: Kind of rustic looking. One large vein was noticed neat the head...Which is pig-tailed in style. The foot was well formed except for an ugly stem that protruded about an eight of an inch from it. The wrapper was dark and rather smooth.

Cut: It cut well. The wrapper did not fray.

Pre-light draw and taste: The draw was a bit loose. I tasted sweet hay on the draw.

The light: It lit easily. A few draws and i was in business.

First third: Not bad. I noticed a spicy flavor almost immediately. It lasted the entire first third. Where did that ash go...Oh crap...It's all over my navy blue shirt.

Second third: The most noticable flavor in this part is earth. Not a bad flavor..It's not my favorite. It has a flavor of possibly oak on the finish.

Last third: This is where the bitterness kicks in. Could be because I'm smoking to fast? I slow up a bit but the bitterness hangs in. It's not overwhelming...Just noticable. My Diet Coke helps mellow it a bit.

Overall impression: This is a good smoke...Not a great one. Would I smoke it again. Yes...I think so. I'd let it go before the last third. It is on the full side of medium...Not overly complex. It is just a decent cigar...Nothing more...Nothing less.

I give it a score of 6 out of 10.
This user is offline
Click here to see this users profile Click here to Send this user a Private Message Find more posts by this user  
DirkT

Active Member

Registered: March 2007
Location: Tucson, AZ
Posts: 101
Review Date: Mon June 4, 2007 Would you recommend this to someone? Yes | Price you paid? In US$: None indicated | Rating: 6 

 
Pros: I liked the look and construction. Lots of smoke.
Cons: Minor burn problems.

I had this cigar tonight as part of my #6 Tasting Panel. I've been avoiding the review section as I go thru these so I don't get a any prvious bias I drank club soda while smoking this one.

Prelight:

This is a nice looking cigar with a cute tail at the cap. No blemishes at all on the wrapper. Quite firm to the pinch.


No problems with cutting the cap. Nice easy draw.


First 3rd:

Nice flavor. But, the smoke seems a bit thin.

That didn't last long! After about a half centimeter the smoke is really full and voluminous. It's tasting great!

Noticing a slow burn on one side. Hopefully it corrects itself.

Minor correction needed at about 3/4" mark.

Mash fell off just after 1" mark on it's own.

Second 3rd:

Started off well.

One of the corners of the cigar was burning a bit slow. But, it self-corrected nicely!

Still bountiful smoke and plenty of pleasant flavor.

Not noticing any harshness or bad flavors at all!

Happily puffing away. Good cigar. No problems at all and a wonderful taste and aroma throughout.

Final 3rd:
Starts off with another slow burn Fully half of the cigar is slow.

It tried valiantly to correct itself but couldn't. Small touch up required.

Other than that, the end of the cigar was like the middle and beginning.

Overall:
Nice cigar.

I would recommend this to a friend and I'd definately like to enjoy another.

Total smoking time:
A little longer than 1 hr 15 mins
This user is offline
Click here to see this users profile Click here to Send this user a Private Message Find more posts by this user  
cabaiguan

Getting Active

Registered: March 2007
Location: Atlanta
Posts: 98
Review Date: Tue June 5, 2007 Would you recommend this to someone? Yes | Price you paid? In US$: None indicated | Rating: 6 

 
Pros: wrapper appearance and cuban style
Cons: Hard feel to the cigar

Pre-smoke
Wrapper: Classic cuban with tail on wrapper.
Feel: Firm box pressed cone shape. Felt crunchy/dry on first chomp but was able to work it out.


Smoke
Strength: Medium-full
Scent of Smoke: Not offensive
Draw: Easy draw with tons of smoke
Finish: Medium
Burn: Smooth and no issues or re-lighting required.

Overall, I enjoyed this cigar and thought that it was a medium flavor profile. It was consistent in both draw and burn. At first, I was not sure if I would like the shape and the fact that the feel was stiff and crunchy - that eased as I worked the cigar and this was a favorable smoke. I would enjoy smoking this stick again.

------------------------------
Check out NUbCigar.com
This user is offline
Click here to see this users profile Click here to Send this user a Private Message Find more posts by this user  
Ceedee

Forum Moderator

Registered: March 2007
Location: The Blacktop Lounge - Matthews NC
Posts: 5511
Review Date: Tue June 5, 2007 Would you recommend this to someone? Yes | Price you paid? In US$: None indicated | Rating: 5 

 
Pros: Well constructed; Nice price point
Cons: Needs some age

Scent of wrapper: Sweet tobacco aroma
Scent at foot: Sweet with hints of grass
Wrapper: Reddish rustic wrapper (a bit veiny). Flute style vitola with a nice "pigtail" cap. No cracks or splits. I like the construction.
Feel: Firm with one soft spot about 1/3 up the cigar.
Tongue: I've stopped doing this as I have noticed it is affecting my palate in a negative manner.
Flavor on Draw: Sweet tobacco with dry cedar taste.
Taste: Started out spicy, then built to more of a dryer woody taste till about 1/3 mark. At the 1/3 mark, it got bitter. With a flame purge it evened out a bit and I got some more mellow tastes - hazelnut and some leather. Had a hard time keeping lit and I think this is due in part to being a "young" cigar.

Feeling: I was not displeased nor was I really "pumped" either. The burn issues (would not stay lit) was a bit disappointing. I think this cigar with age, may change my perception.
Scent of smoke: Pleasant aroma. Sweet tobacco - no real other discernible aromas.
Heat on fingers and in mouth: Nope
Draw: Fine draw.
Finish: Short.
Other aspects of the Cigar Smoking Experience: Burn problems. Plenty of touch-ups but I did like the flavor when it was burning well. I would like to try this cigar again in a few months to see what age will bring...

------------------------------
"Vini, Vidi, Fodi!"
This user is offline
Click here to see this users profile Click here to Send this user a Private Message Visit Ceedee's homepage! Find more posts by this user  
sergione

Active Member

Registered: April 2007
Location: Los Angeles the Beautiful
Posts: 129
Review Date: Tue June 5, 2007 Would you recommend this to someone? Yes | Price you paid? In US$: None indicated | Rating: 9 

 
Pros: It tasted great
Cons: Burn issues

I had this cigar this past weekend and said wow. I have had a few of these before but never this size. I was eager to smoke it and when I did, it was great.

Pre light- Looked like a well put together stick. The nose on this stogie was great, hints of rich and sweet tobacco at the foot. It did look kinda shaggy but looks arent everuthing.The cut and light went without a problem.

1st 1/3-The shape of this cigar added to the complexety cause the first draw delivered a large blast of spice and strong tobacco flavours that to be honest were strong as heck. That quickly went way in the next 2 puffs but the spice and spice/earth flavours remained.

2nd 1/3- this is were the draw felt like it was tunneling cause the ring of the cigar was getting smaller. But regardless of that the cigar mellowed out to a deep and rich earthy taste. You could tell this was premium tobacco cause the taste was so rich.

3rd 1/3-Now this is were the cigar became a power house, you can feel the body of this cigar in its final draws. It became to strong and bitter for me then but it was a great smoke till here.

Conclusion:I loved the stogie, from the shape to the taste it was a winner, the draw became constricted as the cigar went along but hey thats the shape but the cigar itself, the tobacco was great. A full flavoured beaute.

------------------------------
I have a love child that sends me hate mail.
George Carlin Rocks
This user is offline
Click here to see this users profile Click here to Send this user a Private Message Find more posts by this user  
Barnz

Very Active Member

Registered: March 2007
Location: Indianapolis, IN
Posts: 536
Review Date: Wed June 6, 2007 Would you recommend this to someone? Yes | Price you paid? In US$: None indicated | Rating: 3 

 
Pros: Flavior was good, nice appearance, plenty of smoke
Cons: Burn problem, bitter

pre light - firm not hard. Nice shape. Very good pre light draw.

1st 1/3 good amount of smoke. Slight burn problem from the start. I would say the flavor is kind of woodsy.

2nd 1/3 Deep wood favor came out more along with it getting a spicy taste. Burn problem worsened, had to touch up to keep it going.

3rd 1/3 Taste became bitter and let it go out.

I think that I smoked this to soon after receiving. The feel was OK, but the burn problems might have been cause by it being a little to dry. The flavor was good up until it good bitter and I would give this cigar another go round and bet it would be better after sitting in the correct humidity.

------------------------------
Michael
This user is offline
Click here to see this users profile Click here to Send this user a Private Message Find more posts by this user  
chrisguinther

Ohio Statesman

Registered: March 2007
Location: Gahanna