tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35625486890599055222024-03-13T13:36:41.651-04:00Down To The AshesChad Nottinghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14875075938720169664noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562548689059905522.post-41991350978887890102014-04-26T13:34:00.000-04:002014-04-26T13:43:55.472-04:00Royal Gold-NirvanaDamn guys, it's been a long friggin' time since I did one of these! I'll be doing more now. Hope you all enjoy, and long ashes to all. Now let's get down to it.<br />
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Brand: Royal Gold</div>
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Blend: Nirvana</div>
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Vitola: Robusto (5x52)</div>
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Paired With: Coke</div>
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I received this cigar in a bomb from a
CATS member. It has a beautiful medium tan Cameroon wrapper, which is
almost completely smooth. It has a spicy sweet aroma to it pre-light.
I clipped the cap with a standard guillotine, and the cap popped
right off. Perfect. I lightly toasted the end with a double torch
lighter, and then took a few draws. The draw was quite tight, almost
to a fault.
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The first few puffs revealed a spicy
bite on the tongue that is not at all unpleasant. It also shows that
characteristic subtle sweetness that Cameroon wrappers are so famous
for, as well as a dull leathery quality. The burn is pretty wonky,
and the wrapper and binder are swelling up in one place at the edge
of the burn. The smoke output is moderate, nothing like Drew Estate's
other offerings (Undercrown, Liga). The spicy-sweetness is a very
lovely and prominent flavour, but the dull leather overtones put a
bit of a damper on it. After the first half inch or so, the burn
finally evened itself out.</div>
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After the first inch, the leather tones
are making more of an appearance. The ash fell right onto my desk.
Bummer. The flavours are not really changing all that much, aside
from a ramping up of the spice. The burn overall is wiggly, but
manageable. There is an ever so slight taste of bitter chocolate that
ebbs and flows as the stick progresses. With about 3 inches left in
the cigar, it went out. I took the time to purge the cigar, and then
continued smoking.
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The overall spice has evened out into a
smoother, more bourbon like burn. Cedar undertones are floating
around in the smoke as well. The burn has become much better, and is
now razor sharp. The ash doesn't hang on for too long, and often
looks flaky. I turned the cigar over, only to find part of the
wrapper peeling off and the binder pressing up. That was
disappointing. Once I burned past it, I did not have any more
problems. The characteristic sweetness of the wrapper is still there,
and getting a touch sweeter as I go. As I got down to the last inch,
it began to get a bit hot, and I let it die.</div>
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Overall, a nice, smooth, tasty stick.
Quite a few burn problems, and not a whole lot of complexity. Not an
everyday smoke for me, especially at the price point, but one I would
not hesitate to pick up again.</div>
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85/100</div>
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Chad Nottinghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14875075938720169664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562548689059905522.post-4730957183712380882013-05-25T20:30:00.002-04:002013-05-25T20:30:31.559-04:00Rocky Patel-Patel Bros.Brand: Rocky Patel<br />
Blend: Patel Bros<br />
Vitola: Toro (6.5x52)<br />
Paired with: Mug Root Beer<br />
TV/Movie/Other: Family Guy<br />
Smoked at: My driveway<br />
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First things first, the damage report: at the foot of this stick, the wrapper was slightly peeled. Now, on to the review. This cigar is a quite dark maduro, and has good weight to it. I didn't notice any soft spots, so I cut the end with my double blade guillotine cutter and took a dry draw. Didn't get too much off of the cold puff, but the draw was a bit tight. The smoke production upon lighting was medium, and at the start there were solid oaky notes. There was also a deep earth type of taste to it, not unpleasant but not something I generally look for in a cigar. The burn was a nightmare at first, canoeing down the side of the cigar. I let it go to see if the burn would right itself, and it slowly started to self-correct. About an inch down the cigar, a deep and dark pepper undertone showed up which I thoroughly enjoyed, along with a nice leathery flavour.<br />
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The ash hung on for about an inch and a half before falling, which wasn't bad at all. About that time, a sweetness began to appear in the finish, which was very nice. The spice began to creep up as well. The burn was nice and even at this point, but another crack/peel appeared in the wrapper. Damn USPS. It didn't touch the binder, so the draw was still good. Speaking of which, the draw had opened up nicely by this point.<br />
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Once I passed the broken wrapper, guess what? Another break. At least it didn't effect the draw. The spice has remained through this point, and the earth is gone. The cigar's flavours stayed consistent until about 2 inches from the end, at which point they began to get bitter, and I put it down to die at that point.<br />
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Final verdict: LOOOOTS of wrapper problems, fairly good flavours, not too complex. Decent ash and a tight draw. 74/100<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjnjtciO6zcv6EUVwntQdH5GfMkkeeGkb_qvgYOVYEQUCqDBWgOUp-4bybXeS8gn8oCJ0UjtHL_lnzPUoHGHLUtzXM16B_JmAunuryIBH_KPbyf-XKxegIwTU0KNYhLy9jbfLD97uR7DE/s1600/DSC_0495.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjnjtciO6zcv6EUVwntQdH5GfMkkeeGkb_qvgYOVYEQUCqDBWgOUp-4bybXeS8gn8oCJ0UjtHL_lnzPUoHGHLUtzXM16B_JmAunuryIBH_KPbyf-XKxegIwTU0KNYhLy9jbfLD97uR7DE/s320/DSC_0495.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQU1QOqqoj4vV2O15Z3ad6id-XHrUBt3DM-7Y5XAfpVeM5sXH8pK7Z2X61Shm79vSt2g53lwGDB6CzZikdM__WxsmDh_ArrYYqrKCJ_XqX1d5TDaDPf4KVzKDm2n8wWkIjKoa9yKDrv4I/s1600/DSC_0496.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQU1QOqqoj4vV2O15Z3ad6id-XHrUBt3DM-7Y5XAfpVeM5sXH8pK7Z2X61Shm79vSt2g53lwGDB6CzZikdM__WxsmDh_ArrYYqrKCJ_XqX1d5TDaDPf4KVzKDm2n8wWkIjKoa9yKDrv4I/s320/DSC_0496.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />Chad Nottinghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14875075938720169664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562548689059905522.post-2087532257305285742013-03-20T20:48:00.000-04:002013-03-20T20:48:55.528-04:00Esteban Carreras-VigilanteBrand: Esteban Carreras<br />
Blend: Vigilante<br />
Vitola: 6x60<br />
Paired with: Root Beer<br />
TV/Movie/Other: some lame Spanish homework<br />
Smoked at: Cigar Jack's<br />
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This cigar was the cigar of the month in Club Jacks, the cigar club in Cigar Jacks. It, apparently, is available nowhere else in the country. It has a light-medium tan wrapper, and is a chunky 6" by 60 ring gauge. The band, I might add, is a work of art, not even taking into account that this cigar is triple banded: one for the foot, one with the word Vigilante on it, and one with the Esteban Carreras decal and whatnot on it. I cut it with a really neat vintage cigar cutter (V cut) and took a cold draw. I caught a little bit of spice, but not much else. I started smoking at approximately 7:15.<br />
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Upon lighting, the cigar gave off a modest amount of smoke. I picked up on some smooth spice, along with a bit of sweet cedar. The burn through the first quarter inch was fairly even. The ash was a medium gray colour and not flaky. Much to my disappointment, the ash fell off about a half inch in. The flavours stayed fairly steady through that first half inch.The strength seemed to be hovering at about medium.<br />
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The flavours of this stick seem to be relatively consistent, hovering between the smooth spice and the cedar sweetness. The strength seems to be decreasing a little bit as well. However, the burn shaped up nicely. With about 3.5 inches left, a large crack appeared on the bottom part of the wrapper. It did not affect the burn at all, so I carried on. The spiciness began to grow stronger, and as this occurred, the wrapper began to pull away along the crack line. With about 2 inches left on the stick, it began to get bitter, and I set it down to die.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-73X1nbJ3fReU7Vec1lDqU9gjNpzJpTsLY7B5ytQ9NpnADG6X7YD81kxNGl-_uyIn0eov61nlYuQWhV3J8XrPxYKrQ9dtWgMewt09OnqEKVt61jjrTvChum8WXMlnlRzWxIlD7FTMiU4/s1600/snapshot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-73X1nbJ3fReU7Vec1lDqU9gjNpzJpTsLY7B5ytQ9NpnADG6X7YD81kxNGl-_uyIn0eov61nlYuQWhV3J8XrPxYKrQ9dtWgMewt09OnqEKVt61jjrTvChum8WXMlnlRzWxIlD7FTMiU4/s200/snapshot.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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Final verdict: medium body cigar with fairly consistent flavours of spice and cedar. A few wrapper and burn problems. Overall, not bad, but not an everyday stick for me. 80/100Chad Nottinghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14875075938720169664noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562548689059905522.post-23712535146045209332013-01-15T12:55:00.001-05:002013-01-15T12:55:19.689-05:00Rocky Patel-Sungrown<br />
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Brand: Rocky Patel</div>
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Blend: Sungrown</div>
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Vitola: Robusto (5.5x50)</div>
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Paired with: Mtn. Dew</div>
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TV/Movie/Other: Clockwork Angels: The
Novel</div>
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Smoked at: Cigar Jacks</div>
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I obtained this cigar via another
Redditor like myself. It has a medium coloured wrapper, and a double
band bearing both the name and the blend. After cutting the cigar
with a V-cutter, I took a cold draw, and was both surprised and
worried at how loose the draw was. I lit it with a triple torch
lighter, toasting the foot nicely first. I was immediately met with
sweet, almost hazelnut notes and a very nice mild spice. The ash was
a nice white colour, and didn't seem at all flaky.</div>
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An inch and a half into this stick, the
burn became uneven. I flipped it over to let the underside catch up,
but it was no use. I had to even it up with a single torch lighter
that one of the Jacks regulars had laying around. The mild spice had
faded at that point into rich, much more spicy tobacco overtones with
sweet coffee undertones. The ash held on for an inch and a half
before falling off (albeit this was my fault, as I jostled the stick
setting it down).</div>
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More than halfway through, the flavours
started to change again. I love this about Rocky Patel cigars;
generally, they are very fluid and changing throughout the length of
the smoke. Very prominent oaky flavours are mingling with the
hazelnut undertones now, and the spice is still quite strong and in
your face. Unfortunately, the burn is quite uneven, even after
touch-ups. I put the single torch to the uneven part once more. In
the last two inches or so, it grew slightly hot, and I set it down to
die.</div>
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Final verdict: very flavourful and
changing stick (hazelnut, coffee, oak, spice) with nice ash and quite
a few burn problems. Full bodied. Overall, a good stick, but not for
every day. 84/100</div>
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Chad Nottinghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14875075938720169664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562548689059905522.post-37810816694148436732012-12-01T16:37:00.001-05:002012-12-01T16:37:21.564-05:00Oliva-Serie O MaduroBrand: Oliva<br />
Blend: Serie O Maduro<br />
Vitola: Toro (6x50)<br />
Paired with: water<br />
TV/Movie/Other: NFL, Falcons vs. Saints<br />
Smoked at: Cigar Jacks<br />
<br />
I purchased this cigar at one of my local cigar shops, Cigar Jacks. They also happen to have a smoking room, so I decided to smoke it there. This stick has a dark maduro wrapper that is pretty much free of veins and imperfections. I cut it with my V-cutter and lit it with a triple torch lighter, toasting the foot before taking a draw. The draw was just how I like it, not too loose and not too tight.<br />
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Right off the bat, I caught some fairly mild spice and touches of dark wood. On the aftertaste, there are notes of coffee, but they have more of a light coffee taste to them. The burn throughout the first inch to an inch was fairly wiggly. However, the burn always corrected itself with a little time. At the inch and half mark, very faint vanilla notes sneaked into the aftertaste, which really surprised me. Along with the vanilla came hints of light cedar, which juxtaposed perfectly with the darker wood tastes. The strength hovered around the medium mark.<br />
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Throughout the next inch or two, the burn suffered. There was a fair bit of canoeing, as well as what I'd like to call invasion. The burn kept going below the ash and curving up under some of the unlit wrapper. I never had to correct it, however.The flavours, though, were still very good. Dark cocoa appeared in the second inch and came back with a stronger spice and wood taste.<br />
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The spice on this cigar is beginning to intensify as I approach the final two and a half inches of the cigar. After retrohaling, there is a sweetness that lingers on the palate for a while. The burn decided to cooperate, and stayed fairly even. The cocoa is beginning to get a bit bitter, and in lieu of the above sentence, the burn went all wonky again. As I approached the nub, it never got hot. I set it down and let it die.<br />
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Final verdict: dark, woody, with hints of cocoa, vanilla, and spice. A few burn issues. Overall, a great smoke. 91/100<br />
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I would like to make a point about Cigar Jacks. It is a great little smoke place with good prices and great people. If you are ever in the area, go. You won't regret it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2_TQE6G8VkBxM3JXhQ973QxmvGrBcD7Mucg9EE1ZkS-Je-Rwtq3QL97PuOsj9k_mVUZf7GdnpmoynOT3NwqczcGtZQ-AaEktbCCiE83Wb7ENR1V_Qilk1G1AUlJkVzIrVT3oaBiYZZmA/s1600/2012-11-29_19-06-56_954.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2_TQE6G8VkBxM3JXhQ973QxmvGrBcD7Mucg9EE1ZkS-Je-Rwtq3QL97PuOsj9k_mVUZf7GdnpmoynOT3NwqczcGtZQ-AaEktbCCiE83Wb7ENR1V_Qilk1G1AUlJkVzIrVT3oaBiYZZmA/s320/2012-11-29_19-06-56_954.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBgaNMmtTwojgPYAa74E-uNMIdVg1XEcLQR2fCNhAXNTLq0FlDWobYBrqRy4zNW-GSBjy0h3k73LxFTtgU6cBdbUGJ1qqBCiv-WfmiZVt8RIa1NrQLMIROw6HiKz0l8UwGW5FvSEBGlNs/s1600/2012-11-29_18-07-47_988.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBgaNMmtTwojgPYAa74E-uNMIdVg1XEcLQR2fCNhAXNTLq0FlDWobYBrqRy4zNW-GSBjy0h3k73LxFTtgU6cBdbUGJ1qqBCiv-WfmiZVt8RIa1NrQLMIROw6HiKz0l8UwGW5FvSEBGlNs/s320/2012-11-29_18-07-47_988.jpg" width="180" /></a><br />
<br />Chad Nottinghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14875075938720169664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562548689059905522.post-81623870700013828942012-11-01T17:18:00.001-04:002012-11-01T17:21:56.546-04:00Movember Cigar Raffle<br />
<div style="line-height: 0.23in; margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 0.23in; margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Hey
brothers and sisters of the leaf,<br /><br />Chad Nottingham here.<br />I'm
here to announce that Leaf and Flame, one of my favourite cigar
forums on the web, is hosting a MASSIVE raffle to support men's
health and cancer research.<br /><br />Seriously, $2000 of cigars and
accessories are being raffled off, with all proceeds going to
charities such as LIVESTRONG!<br /><br />Donations can be made for the
following amounts, and each donation is worth a certain amount of
entries:</span></span></div>
<div style="border: none; line-height: 0.23in; margin-bottom: 0.05in; margin-top: 0.05in; padding: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">A
donation of $3 = 1 entry</span></span></div>
<div style="border: none; line-height: 0.23in; margin-bottom: 0.05in; margin-top: 0.05in; padding: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">A
donation of $5 = 2 entries</span></span></div>
<div style="border: none; line-height: 0.23in; margin-bottom: 0.05in; margin-top: 0.05in; padding: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">A
donation of $10 = 5 entries</span></span></div>
<div style="border: none; line-height: 0.23in; margin-bottom: 0.05in; margin-top: 0.05in; padding: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">A
donation of $20 = 12 entries</span></span></div>
<div style="border: none; line-height: 0.23in; margin-bottom: 0.05in; margin-top: 0.05in; padding: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">A
donation of $50 = 35 entries</span></span></div>
<div style="border: none; line-height: 0.23in; margin-bottom: 0.05in; margin-top: 0.05in; padding: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">A
donation of $100 = 80 entries</span></div>
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<br /><br />
</div>
<div style="border: none; line-height: 0.23in; margin-bottom: 0.05in; margin-top: 0.05in; padding: 0in;">
<span style="color: #336699;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: #f7f7f7;"><a href="http://redd.it/12f5hf">http://redd.it/12f5hf</a>
</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">More
information can be found at that link right over there <----</span></span></div>
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<br /><br />
</div>
<div style="border: none; line-height: 0.23in; margin-bottom: 0.05in; margin-top: 0.05in; padding: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Keep
calm and smoke on,</span></span></div>
<div style="border: none; line-height: 0.23in; margin-bottom: 0.05in; margin-top: 0.05in; padding: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">CSN</span></div>
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Chad Nottinghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14875075938720169664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562548689059905522.post-52391081326229293832012-11-01T16:19:00.001-04:002012-11-01T17:02:13.914-04:00Illusione-888 Candela<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Brand: Illusione</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Blend: 888 Candela</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Vitola: Churchill (6.75x48)</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Paired with: water</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
TV/Movie/Other: Reddit</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I got this cigar in a trade with a
fellow Redditor, but one thing I have to clarify is that this 888 is
about an inch shorter than it should be. It was damaged prior to my
trade and he had to cut about an inch off. That being said, the cigar
is a light green colour with a single band with Illusione on it. I
cut it with my V cutter and lit this thing with my single torch
lighter. Very definitive wood flavours met my palate right off the
bat. The burn is even, and it produces a good amount of smoke.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
In the second inch of this smoke, I'm
starting to get some spice elements. Unfortunately, I'm also having
problems with the wrapper. A crack formed about a half inch below the
burn, as well as a bit of unraveling around the head of the cigar.
The flavours I'm getting now are reminiscent of a grassy sweetness.
The burn is still fairly even, and the smoke volume has decreased a
touch. About 2 inches in, there is a very pronounced bourbon style
spice, which is quite nice.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
After this, the grassy tastes have all
but gone away. The smoke and burn are the same, but the cigar has
gotten quite strong and spicy. I did not expect this. The spiciness
continues through the last inch of the cigar, along with a strong
wood flavour like the beginning of the cigar.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Final verdict: weird looking cigar with
lots of wood, spice, and sweet grass flavours. Delicate wrapper, a
few burn issues, and a full body. Overall, tasty smoke, but not for
every day. 85/100</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I did take pictures, but unfortunately, my phone bricked itself. I did, however, smoke this cigar down to the very nub. </div>
Chad Nottinghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14875075938720169664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562548689059905522.post-32432137784194048392012-09-27T23:42:00.000-04:002012-09-27T23:42:08.823-04:00Victor Sinclair-Series 55 MaduroBrand: Victor Sinclair<br />
Blend: Series 55 Maduro<br />
Vitola: Churchill (7x48)<br />
Paired with: Sprite<br />
TV/Movie/Other: Reddit<br />
<br />
I purchased this cigar on a whim on the CigarBid website. It had been sitting for about 2 weeks before I smoked it. It has a nice dark maduro wrapper, and aside from a vein or two, it's pretty smooth. I cut this cigar with my dual blade guillotine (a rarity for me) and lit it with my single torch lighter. Upon first draw, I'm met with deep earthy notes. The burn is even, and it puts off a fair bit of smoke. The ash is a light gray and not flaky at all. The cigar feels fairly firm and hefty. As I pass the first inch of the cigar, a very slight hint of charcoal floated into the smoke; however, this only occurred when deep draws were taken.<br />
<br />
After about an inch and a half, the burn went way off kilter, but a couple quick puffs fixed it. The ash fell off a bit after that. I began to taste some slightly spicy flavours along with the lingering heavy earth tones. This is a fairly steady cigar, in terms of taste. It's not changing much, but yet it's not bad flavours to begin with. I am an hour into the smoke at this point, and only about 3 inches in. I like the pace that this stick burns at.<br />
<br />
A word about the band before I go on. It's a nice gold and blue colour with a large '55' on it in blue. With about 3 inches left in the cigar, the taste is the same. The burn is going a little bit strange. I had to correct it a bit with my torch. Unfortunately, when I pulled off the band, a bit of the wrapper came with it. With two inches left on this guy, it began to get bitter, and that's when I set it on my cutter's holder and let it die.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwtZjkpKtixIWudRZt8k3UW6r5tXE9c3DCPaOqkQoyhT9XVgvaBBvoX-FAlS9ebhwwU4tuMaGrPZWkCdR9r1zPIie7IKFHBGpzFn8psDnaGNzpSEEWVZV_OhiZJd7jQXmxWxdleqqBYqI/s1600/DSC_0452.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwtZjkpKtixIWudRZt8k3UW6r5tXE9c3DCPaOqkQoyhT9XVgvaBBvoX-FAlS9ebhwwU4tuMaGrPZWkCdR9r1zPIie7IKFHBGpzFn8psDnaGNzpSEEWVZV_OhiZJd7jQXmxWxdleqqBYqI/s200/DSC_0452.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju1GSIV5-5PObZb-gigAAdoz8JeRFYJ7jT-NgNcT2rEx8Lmpz-3JSjL1pK4JW3YirrFLI5RWLNQf-dNwIuzIkqKtWBLZLznarSkpBCiX2QDkw-Znlza0mF_C_IOLP6CM6fhSP6odSNn_Q/s1600/DSC_0451.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju1GSIV5-5PObZb-gigAAdoz8JeRFYJ7jT-NgNcT2rEx8Lmpz-3JSjL1pK4JW3YirrFLI5RWLNQf-dNwIuzIkqKtWBLZLznarSkpBCiX2QDkw-Znlza0mF_C_IOLP6CM6fhSP6odSNn_Q/s200/DSC_0451.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Final verdict: full of dark, earthy flavours and occasional spice. Simple cigar. A few burn problems and a bitter end after a 1:31 smoking time. Not a bad smoke for the price, but not one I'd buy a box of. 73/100Chad Nottinghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14875075938720169664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562548689059905522.post-26427976099051754172012-09-16T19:50:00.002-04:002012-09-16T19:51:07.842-04:00La Flor Dominicana-Double LigeroBrand-La Flor Dominicana<br />
Blend-Double Ligero<br />
Vitola-Chisel (6x54)<br />
Paired with: Vitamin Water Power-C<br />
TV/Movie/Other: Reddit<br />
<br />
I received this cigar in a trade with one of my fellow Redditors. I will admit, it is a rather strange cigar, looking more like some sort of, well, chisel! However, the wrapper had maybe one noticeable vein, and upon feeling, it is rather firm but still has a bit of give. I cut the end with my trusty v-cutter, and lit it up with matches. This LFD did put out a fair amount of smoke, but not as much as something like a Liga Privada Undercrown. Upon lighting, spicy notes immediately met my palate, and a dark wood smell and taste were coupled with the spice. There's also a strange salt note I cannot completely pin down as to what it is, but it's not bad in the least.<br />
<br />
The burn at about an inch is a little bit wonky. I straightened it out with a match. The ash is kinda flaky, something I don't like much in a cigar, but perhaps that will change. At this point, the cigar is still very spicy, and the strength is something else: I'm a bit dizzy, and I'm sitting down! I'm having issues with the wrapper though; even though I straightened the burn out once, it still is going crazy on me. After straightening out the burn once again, a bloom of flavours hit my palate out of nowhere. A different kind of spice, cedar, and a touch of bitter chocolate were the ones I could pick out the best. The strength of the spice is also kicking my salivary glands into high gear.<br />
<br />
There's almost a meaty flavour going on in the second third of this cigar, which is a bit odd, but I don't mind. Even as I type this, however, the spice is coming back like...I could insert a million metaphors for women here, but I won't. The burn has stopped with the constant canoeing, which I am very happy about. Weirdly enough, the cigar has actually gotten quite squishy in the middle as I approach the final third of the smoke. It began to grow hot and a touch bitter, and I let it die after that.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCxJFZvb6iSgu66C0fCbQ_NIPSJoDZGRFPldXY9Or3n0Ns_gcpbjMWPtpJp_Ri3d3gFoV-d8xtnNTg4kgmZYPQEEfx_Q3c5cyuTErEW6C1YnsplcnDz3F-toP8NGpLhXrdTjFojOyLRIw/s1600/DSC_0442.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCxJFZvb6iSgu66C0fCbQ_NIPSJoDZGRFPldXY9Or3n0Ns_gcpbjMWPtpJp_Ri3d3gFoV-d8xtnNTg4kgmZYPQEEfx_Q3c5cyuTErEW6C1YnsplcnDz3F-toP8NGpLhXrdTjFojOyLRIw/s320/DSC_0442.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Final verdict: spicy, very strong, and full of flavour. A few burn issues, and a slightly bizarre shape. Nothing to be sneered at. 86/100<br />
<br />Chad Nottinghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14875075938720169664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562548689059905522.post-61253728290117146682012-08-18T23:44:00.001-04:002012-08-18T23:49:59.830-04:00Mini-review-Joya de Nicaragua-Antano Dark CorojoBrand-Joya de Nicaragua<br />
<div>
Blend-Antano Dark Corojo</div>
<div>
Vitola-Niveladora (6x52 box press)</div>
<div>
Paired with-Coke</div>
<div>
TV/Movie/Other-Reddit</div>
<div>
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<div>
I received this cigar in a bomb from a fellow Redditor. It has an oily dark wrapper, and it is firm to the touch. I cut this cigar with my V-cutter, and was not met with any immediate tastes upon a prelight draw. Upon lighting, the stick doesn't put off too much smoke, and the draw is fairly tight. Hints of earth mingle with the spicy pepper flavours at the very start. The burn is a bit off kilter at the beginning, but I let it be, and sure enough, it evened out.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
About an inch or so in, cedar overtones kicked into gear. The burn is still fairly consistent, and the smoke output has increased slightly. Throughout the next third of this cigar, the flavours did not change at all, which was a major disappointment, as I had heard some good things about it. Around 2.5 inches left of the cigar, the burn went way off on me. After I fixed the burn, the flavours took a turn for the better, as sweet cocoa notes popped up. I had been on the verge of tossing it, but I kept it for a while longer. Soon after, however, the burn started to go awry as well as the smoke began to get bitter, so I put it out.</div>
<div>
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<div>
No picture with this one because my camera decided to be derp.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Final verdict: earthy, spicy, and sweet cocoa at the end. Quite a few burn issues, tight draw, and a bitter end. Overall, not worth the money one might pay for this stick. 65/100</div>
Chad Nottinghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14875075938720169664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562548689059905522.post-86596185191231017762012-08-17T00:33:00.001-04:002012-08-18T23:52:10.067-04:00Liga Privada-Undercrown (Stream of Consciousness Review)For this review (which I will be doing a normal one later on), I'll be doing more of a stream of consciousness/poetic review rather than a true structure.<br />
<br />
The night is cooler than normal for August. I sit out on my front porch writing this as I cut my Liga Privada Undercrown (Toro) with my Craftman's Bench V-cutter. Heh, Craftman's Bench. Reminds me of the crafting bench in Minecraft. I pick up my box of matches that has a swordfish on the side, and proceed to toast the foot. Even before lighting, this thing is starting to smoke a bit. God, I already know I'm going to end up with a smoke bomb, and the first draw on this sucker confirms it. Smoke to the left of me, smoke to the right of me, smoke in front of me, wavered and wafted. See what I did there?<br />
<br />
The strength seems to be hovering at medium right now for me. I'll see what it does-OH GOD eye seeking smoke. Pleasant woody flavours are intertwining with slightly spicy nuances. Y'know, for being a so-called "scrap cigar", these things are actually quite good. A bit overpriced, yes. The night is beautiful, and I'm glad I can enjoy it with a cigar like this. Crickets chirping, the occasional cicada, and that stupid neighbor kid driving up and down the street in his new car. All quips aside, the Undercrown is progressing just like I thought it would: getting stronger and spicier. I retrohale, smoke billowing out my nostrils, and I'm instantly hit with dark chocolate notes. Never had that in a Crown before.<br />
<br />
Wind is picking up just a touch. All my smoke is going to my right now. The burn is also going a little catawampus on me. Heh. I like that word. It's so Southern, y'know? You don't really hear it anywhere else. Time to break out the matches again, methinks. There we go, and ahh damn, the ash is all over the keyboard. That's a downer. Speaking of which, I really need to get my hands on some Glenlivet 18. Time to put on some tunes for this smoke. Definitely feeling some Linkin Park. One note about the band: it's pretty. No, it's not an Opus X band, but for being so simplistic, it's quite neat, with the gold and blue Liga Privada emblem and the backwards and forwards Undercrown.<br />
<br />
About a third of the way through at this point; I am a very slow smoker. The smoke bomb effect is still there, and I'm lovin' it, ba-da-ba-ba-ba. The burn is even at this point, and the flavours are fairly constant. Doing some business while smoking; killing 2 birds with one stone. Except the cigar isn't exactly a stone to kill. Anywho, let's check the nicotine levels on this sucker. After standing up and being a little lightheaded, this is still a medium strength cigar. Getting down to the last third of this stogie, and I have to say I enjoyed it. Let's see what it does with the last 2 inches. Gradually getting stronger, and spicier as well. Think it's time to get rid of this one.<br />
<br />
*le toss*<br />
<br />Chad Nottinghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14875075938720169664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562548689059905522.post-65473897994970422622012-08-16T20:48:00.001-04:002012-08-18T23:49:40.642-04:00La Flor Dominicana-Airbender<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Brand: La Flor Dominicana</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Blend: Airbender</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Vitola: Valiente (6.25x60)</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Paired with: IBC Root Beer</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
TV/Movie/Other: Reddit and Mythbusters</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I bought this cigar at my local B&M,
City Cigar Co. The first thing to note is that this cigar has some
heft to it. It was a 60 ring gauge, and the medium tan wrapper had a
couple smaller veins, but was fairly smooth overall. I cut it with my
V-cutter, and then took a prelight draw. This cigar started off in a
way no other cigar I've smoked has: with cocoa notes. That was an
immediate boost for this smoke. After lighting, very woody tones met
my palate. The burn was fairly even, and there was a good deal of
smoke.
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
About an inch or so in, the cocoa made
a slight comeback. The burn was still fairly even. The ash was a
medium gray colour and a little bit flaky. A sweetness creeped into
the smoke, and it was difficult to place exactly what it was. The ash
on this cigar was amazing, lasting on the cigar for well over an inch
and a half. The woodiness remained, and while there was not too much
complexity in the smoke, it was smooth enough to let me enjoy it.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The last third of the cigar followed in
the path of the first third. Cocoa note hidden amongst woody
overtones; however, the burn on the last third was quite weird. It
did not canoe on me, but it was very wiggly. With about an inch and a
half remaining, the smoke began to get hot, and I put it out at that
point.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVSzYNErbMvVUlFKNPkK3qsgySVyP0XH-SAuKItmY7kvAgYxpoBlSzBjoiTlDZW8NNqYKCF86H9839RnBb-mgVph4fbz6m3d8ompydqjblegj1LkSriyUGwqzQf6e4SPq8HUqMmSfTLJo/s1600/2012-08-14_22-14-00_279.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVSzYNErbMvVUlFKNPkK3qsgySVyP0XH-SAuKItmY7kvAgYxpoBlSzBjoiTlDZW8NNqYKCF86H9839RnBb-mgVph4fbz6m3d8ompydqjblegj1LkSriyUGwqzQf6e4SPq8HUqMmSfTLJo/s320/2012-08-14_22-14-00_279.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxKBYco9DGkhM9d9cI-DqPooLkqzLmR0YvOr7f3nBew-Qgp2tmcnCOHwzoC_PtuOQBDvayI_aJZJSCtqmVsoZkXxigAtg9mwhvidXklUi9RuzWoEtAvLkke1inAc2eDbPJvBtIJATB83I/s1600/2012-08-14_21-53-17_699.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxKBYco9DGkhM9d9cI-DqPooLkqzLmR0YvOr7f3nBew-Qgp2tmcnCOHwzoC_PtuOQBDvayI_aJZJSCtqmVsoZkXxigAtg9mwhvidXklUi9RuzWoEtAvLkke1inAc2eDbPJvBtIJATB83I/s320/2012-08-14_21-53-17_699.jpg" width="179" /></a></div>
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Final verdict: medium/medium full
bodied smoke, cocoa notes hidden under pronounced woody notes with a
slight sweetness. Not very complex, but a nice smoke all in all.
83/100Chad Nottinghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14875075938720169664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562548689059905522.post-22139969458158913642012-08-10T21:40:00.004-04:002012-08-18T23:50:13.152-04:00Rocky Patel-15th AnniversaryBrand-Rocky Patel<br />
Blend-15th Anniversary<br />
Vitola-Robusto Box Press (5x50)<br />
Paired with-water<br />
TV/Movie/other-an awesome thunderstorm<br />
<br />
I received this cigar with my new humidor. The previous owner, a Redditor like myself, had had the stick sitting in his humidor for quite a while. I left it in my humidor for about 2 weeks before I smoked it. It had a dark brown wrapper with only one vein that I could see. I lit this cigar with stick matches after cutting it with my V-cutter, and was immediately greeted by a spiciness that was not unlike Rocky Patel's low end stick, The Edge. The burn was nice and straight, which was pleasing, considering the last few cigars I've smoked have had burn issues. About half an inch in, woody overtones (oak perhaps) kicked my palate in the face, so to speak, as they were quite prominent.<br />
<br />
After about an inch, however, the burn began to go wiggly on me. I let it alone, and it evened out. I had been sitting since light up, and when I stood up, I realized the strength of this cigar, or rather the nicotine content. It made me a little bit lightheaded. The cigar had not evolved very much since first light, which was disappointing. The wood flavours began to creep up on the spiciness, and that in and of itself had become a peppery spice, something that I do not like. The burn began to grow more and more jagged, and eventually it canoed on me. I had to fix that with a match or two. However, by this point I had about 2 inches left on the cigar, and the spiciness had returned in full force, getting stronger and stronger by the puff. I had to put it out because of this.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx__0peT9OvI-mpM5k6jR4Md8ZxXzlGcZaoFa_tuLS6sSMRagq4QQP35jZRQUFQEDxFOe2MeUeVeqoMwhQ5aVoUwIYOF6Jn02WlnGGjx8JsuJgM8gcfLU1I8bcChrxl3Xc_eMlCNlUDzE/s1600/2012-08-09_21-59-49_967.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx__0peT9OvI-mpM5k6jR4Md8ZxXzlGcZaoFa_tuLS6sSMRagq4QQP35jZRQUFQEDxFOe2MeUeVeqoMwhQ5aVoUwIYOF6Jn02WlnGGjx8JsuJgM8gcfLU1I8bcChrxl3Xc_eMlCNlUDzE/s200/2012-08-09_21-59-49_967.jpg" width="112" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfuXxktedjT5CyfhYcCsjiedM-tTpOBftdaXrPicCGpf3JsufEl6AOlPH0jFJLr675sQaaT9zN1fyasUULOgstZ-3hWLBVPQuLYfoyTI2lgBSzZowY42hQCzbbeR8UfzJSqZjJK57fwlg/s1600/2012-08-09_22-27-21_216.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfuXxktedjT5CyfhYcCsjiedM-tTpOBftdaXrPicCGpf3JsufEl6AOlPH0jFJLr675sQaaT9zN1fyasUULOgstZ-3hWLBVPQuLYfoyTI2lgBSzZowY42hQCzbbeR8UfzJSqZjJK57fwlg/s200/2012-08-09_22-27-21_216.jpg" width="112" /></a><br />
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Final verdict-medium body cigar with lots of nicotine. Buzz factor: 6. Woody, spicy, peppery. Not much evolution throughout the cigar. Quite a few burn issues. 72/100Chad Nottinghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14875075938720169664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562548689059905522.post-13473171363930338332012-07-29T03:09:00.001-04:002012-08-18T23:50:34.676-04:00CAO-MX2Brand-CAO<br />
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Blend-MX2</div>
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Vitola-Belicioso (7x56)</div>
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Paired with-Coke Cherry</div>
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TV/Movie/other-Reddit</div>
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I received this cigar in a trade with one of my fellow Redditors, and it was sitting in my humidor for about 2 weeks before I smoked it. It has a jet black maduro wrapper and is a quite chunky 7x56 torpedo. Pre-light smells were oak and chocolate. Those same flavours are present upon first light, with a slight spice as well. After a few draws, the spice is still there, but there is a very predominant coffee aftertaste. Burn is fairly consistent as well. The ash was a fairly light gray colour, and held on for about an inch and a quarter before falling off. Right into my lap. </div>
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The chocolate flavours came back at the end of the first third, as well as a pleasant earthiness. The burn was still very straight. By the halfway point, this thing had turned into a smoke bomb. Smoke all over the place, and it had a very nice smell to, smelling sweet and woody. A slight sweetness had also creeped into the taste as well. The oaky flavours were still there but fading, revealing the chocolate flavours and spice beneath. Overall, the taste stayed consistent from the 1/3 point through the halfway point.</div>
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A little bit after the halfway point, the sweetness disappeared, and the burn went a bit odd on me. The oaky flavours returned and stayed there, along with the spice and a new leatheriness. Eventually, with about 1.5 smokable inches left, a bitterness began to emerge, and I put it out at that point.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl1GOfuDs3opAiFO5Qc5OqQtRv-D_MxHvkOmise4vpw7sLRuLYOFikyV_lFKrAjA97F9Qt5YS8kUNPbpK47D5DxvDIRSJd8AkClVhPCdb3LXLsvYP-lpgeJh0SSo6slzFBggUI4zfiDrU/s1600/DSC_0430.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl1GOfuDs3opAiFO5Qc5OqQtRv-D_MxHvkOmise4vpw7sLRuLYOFikyV_lFKrAjA97F9Qt5YS8kUNPbpK47D5DxvDIRSJd8AkClVhPCdb3LXLsvYP-lpgeJh0SSo6slzFBggUI4zfiDrU/s200/DSC_0430.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtGFxBm_DqWJIGzl1BbT80m7R1HukdgIdef94Pnl3Y17UODlapgPpUnbmNlZHh1vLDCAjvaJknnJAG8yUS7WWBT7wCEsWH5GnoEZXONIrHXYNNNOBNfwN8NHJf-GqNtj36R4oJX_3lIkY/s1600/DSC_0431.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtGFxBm_DqWJIGzl1BbT80m7R1HukdgIdef94Pnl3Y17UODlapgPpUnbmNlZHh1vLDCAjvaJknnJAG8yUS7WWBT7wCEsWH5GnoEZXONIrHXYNNNOBNfwN8NHJf-GqNtj36R4oJX_3lIkY/s200/DSC_0431.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
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Final verdict-heavy, full bodied smoke. Oak and chocolate notes with a sweetness in the second third. Very solid burn for the most part with a slight bitterness at the very end. Great smoke. 91/100</div>
Chad Nottinghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14875075938720169664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562548689059905522.post-19703859751469895132012-07-25T23:15:00.001-04:002012-08-18T23:50:56.905-04:005 Vegas-ClassicBrand-5 Vegas<br />
Blend-Classic<br />
Vitola-Torpedo (6x54)<br />
Paired with-Minute Made Lemonade<br />
TV/Movie/other-Family Guy<br />
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I bought this cigar off of Cigars International's MMAO program. It had been sitting in my humidor for about 2 weeks before I smoked it. It is a very pointy torpedo, and I chose to cut it with my V-cutter. Immediately after lighting, my palate was greeted with very prominent oaky overtones and creamy, latte like undertones. The burn at this point is a touch jaggy, but fairly straight otherwise. One thing came across immediately: this thing is a smoke bomb. There was an immense amount of smoke from this cigar, and I like that in a smoke. Upon retrohaling, there is a very slight hint of pepper.<br />
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About an inch in, I had to correct the burn a little bit with my dual torch lighter. The coffee flavours have vanished in favour of a leathery tone. The ash was still hanging on at about an inch and half, and it was a medium gray colour and flaky. Tastewise, the cigar has remained fairly the same, with the addition of some spice and a little bitterness. At about an inch and a half, the taste got very bitter, and I had to put if out.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdEQHR04MzCiDDR8aJnmuMgX7d6fzyQf0AyyQj57Vst5regn7pqgrTBy5WwU34YKs8bc3e11uL24AuMYikrCALoHAG2RJydsZY5Zl6pWnH-3LtVQazci4rYJClBFAhpGcW33sgywHHZjk/s1600/DSC_0427.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdEQHR04MzCiDDR8aJnmuMgX7d6fzyQf0AyyQj57Vst5regn7pqgrTBy5WwU34YKs8bc3e11uL24AuMYikrCALoHAG2RJydsZY5Zl6pWnH-3LtVQazci4rYJClBFAhpGcW33sgywHHZjk/s200/DSC_0427.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgarOJ5qVbsHa_D7CbuQGJTCH0zDYjd9GViXPU4U8NI0upp-lf_TJsdwnorW21ZCIcHZQLPyoWOwwz-XgXzq_C8da909RLnJojrJNxzPBSjkdHdG6TaFIcy4S9UeR0Y0ZPq8RQyrb6edhk/s1600/DSC_0428.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgarOJ5qVbsHa_D7CbuQGJTCH0zDYjd9GViXPU4U8NI0upp-lf_TJsdwnorW21ZCIcHZQLPyoWOwwz-XgXzq_C8da909RLnJojrJNxzPBSjkdHdG6TaFIcy4S9UeR0Y0ZPq8RQyrb6edhk/s200/DSC_0428.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
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Final verdict: oaky overtones and coffee flavours, a medium body, and a creamy finish. A couple burn issues and a bitter end darken the overall experience. Not a bad cigar overall. 81/100<br />
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<br />Chad Nottinghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14875075938720169664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562548689059905522.post-74657956064835449712012-07-22T21:59:00.003-04:002012-08-18T23:51:11.040-04:00Quesada-Seleccion EspanaBrand-Quesada<br />
Blend-Seleccion Espana<br />
Vitola-Corona (5.5x42)<br />
Paired with-Barq's Root Beer<br />
TV/Movie/other-Minecraft<br />
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Once again, I received this cigar in a trade with one of my fellow Redditors. It has a medium tan wrapper, and comes bound in a cool looking wrapper. The gold leaf center was a nice addition. It sat in my humidor for about a month and a half. I chose to cut this cigar with my trusty v-cutter. Upon lighting with my single torch lighter, my palate was met with peppery sweet overtones with a cedar undertone. The burn was quite wiggly at the start. The ash was a dirty gray, and was not flaky in nature. About a half an inch in, a slightly weird but refreshing taste of citrus (orange?) creeped in.<br />
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About an inch in, the burn was still wiggly, but not bad enough to warrant torch intervention. Woodier notes began to emerge and the ash seemed to still be holding strong; I was wrong on that last part though, because it fell off about 3 minutes later. The medium body really began to shine through in this part of the cigar, and the cedar begins to really shine through as well. The burn evened out, and the citrus notes made a return for a few puffs. The pepper was still there, though it was dulled quite a bit. At this point, it went out, and required a relight. Afterwards, there were some very tasty notes of oak mixed in with the cedar.<br />
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The burn, at about 2.5 inches in, had gone fairly caddywompus on me, but I waited and sure enough, it evened out. The peppery notes were hanging on, and the whole cigar in general had smoothed out and become more mellow. The ash had darkened and become a bit flaky; however, it hung on a lot better than before. Towards the 1.5 inch remaining mark, it began to get bitter, and I put it out at that point.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs3spRtU45kFNZFY22EsqgnvWglKwznq6Csdkw3MTn1GSIf2jiPLkXHmfFHRYMFzxRWtw8h5sABq60pwRoqmjE94pt3I9D6ydsy7a2RcruMEE9FCU55PRvOeGVyskAnYCp0n3RKTpXBVk/s1600/DSC_0426.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs3spRtU45kFNZFY22EsqgnvWglKwznq6Csdkw3MTn1GSIf2jiPLkXHmfFHRYMFzxRWtw8h5sABq60pwRoqmjE94pt3I9D6ydsy7a2RcruMEE9FCU55PRvOeGVyskAnYCp0n3RKTpXBVk/s200/DSC_0426.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTSuS34bHvxQ24TJOWymSpkEqSeSNhzOH2nC5eDEP7czUDxEdHYsFd_J3d4EjrfryXeiI6s1Jeaxwu7Z3ey7S5ADT18o5DbDbJ_KLvb_sMwbAfhXI6X6NS0ghbSy7NyjppeN3bcSLHUcs/s1600/DSC_0425.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTSuS34bHvxQ24TJOWymSpkEqSeSNhzOH2nC5eDEP7czUDxEdHYsFd_J3d4EjrfryXeiI6s1Jeaxwu7Z3ey7S5ADT18o5DbDbJ_KLvb_sMwbAfhXI6X6NS0ghbSy7NyjppeN3bcSLHUcs/s200/DSC_0425.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
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Final verdict: cedar and pepper notes, with a sweetness that coats the palate. Bitter end, and a few burn problems. Overall, not too bad. 80/100<br />
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<br />Chad Nottinghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14875075938720169664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562548689059905522.post-13583296130533385662012-07-21T23:11:00.000-04:002012-08-18T23:51:20.298-04:00Hoyo De Monterrey-Dark SumatraBrand-Hoyo De Monterrey<br />
Blend-Dark Sumatra<br />
Vitola-Espresso (4.5x50)<br />
Paired With-Coke<br />
TV/Movie-The Detonators<br />
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I received this cigar in a trade with one of my fellow Redditors. It came wrapped in a cedar spill, which was a very nice touch and one of my favourite additions to a cigar. It had been aging in my humidor for about a month and a half. I chose to cut this cigar with my standard V-Cutter. Upon lighting, an immediate spice met my palate, which fade after a few draws into heavy wood overtones.<br />
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The burn got a bit off kilter at the very beginning, but after about half an inch, it was as straight as a razor. The ash was a medium gray. A gripe that I had about this smoke was that it did not give off a lot of smoke, but that did not ruin the experience for me. After about an inch, new hints of cocoa and sweet cinnamon come into play, which are very enjoyable. There is still a very solid taste of cedar, but it is not overpowering.<br />
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The ash was still holding on throughout the 1.5 inch mark. The spice returns for the second third, something I was not expecting. Right after I tasted that, the ash fell; it hung on for longer than I thought it would. Espresso hints creep into the stick as well. The burn started to be a little cockeyed as well, but nothing too bad, as it kept correcting itself. Cocoa flavours get much stronger towards the nub. An inch left on this cigar, it starts to burn a touch hot. I put it out at that point.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgPUZcbt1dKEH8UzFnzMiAqH28XdyzmHOpY4Vz96cKwpuStXMzLBDy8-Mg0QLl4fXlqKD8M90hiVczrGk73YKWWof2Bdl9zbyoS7B8Re2eEejCv_O2UOKAeBUnKRwYWOIxJqVIdhPeq14/s1600/2012-07-21_22-13-45_829.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgPUZcbt1dKEH8UzFnzMiAqH28XdyzmHOpY4Vz96cKwpuStXMzLBDy8-Mg0QLl4fXlqKD8M90hiVczrGk73YKWWof2Bdl9zbyoS7B8Re2eEejCv_O2UOKAeBUnKRwYWOIxJqVIdhPeq14/s320/2012-07-21_22-13-45_829.jpg" width="180" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1qLTAnMBUQS0I903xcyH38mjMKrEsgJHBeEzmXqd02oRXH4bPApLE3uipnwKeMi_kLHn4KNE3Uam94qhCLK3j1EUywMRvdXui9P4spl-b-sQihTD5CgqmlBlWg70CmEnYPYbUoegwLGc/s1600/2012-07-21_22-31-36_185.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1qLTAnMBUQS0I903xcyH38mjMKrEsgJHBeEzmXqd02oRXH4bPApLE3uipnwKeMi_kLHn4KNE3Uam94qhCLK3j1EUywMRvdXui9P4spl-b-sQihTD5CgqmlBlWg70CmEnYPYbUoegwLGc/s320/2012-07-21_22-31-36_185.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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Final verdict: some tasty cocoa notes, with very prominent wood and cedar notes. A few burn issues, but nothing to be too concerned about. All and all, a fairly good cigar. 85/100Chad Nottinghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14875075938720169664noreply@blogger.com0