GREEK CIGAR MAN

Padron Family Reserve Vertical Tasting

2010-11-13T15:08:00.001+02:00

Last week a fellow BOTL was kind enough to send me a three pieces sampler of the Padron Family reserve cigars.

No 44 in maduro and No 45 and No46 in natural wrappers.

The first thought that came in my mind was a “vertical” tasting and review of all three.

Before we start I have to say that all three are great cigars, each in its own unique way, which is a great accomplishment considering they are just small changes in the blend that result in such big differences in the taste department.

APPEARENCE

No 44 This is a dark and beautiful torpedo.Firm to the touch with a silky smooth ,but by no means fragile , wrapper. Oily and well packed.

No 45 The cigar looks big. It is well made, the wrapper has this milk chocolate color. Very smooth to the touch with no apparent vains, a bit lumpy but without soft spots. What really caught my attention is the extreme box press of the cigar.

No 46 Once again a big cigar but the box press makes it very comfortable to the mouth. This cigar is also lumpy with very few oils and missing the tooth thats a “trademark” for padron cigars

FIRST THIRD

No 44 This cigar starts with a blast of black pepper and very strong leather and coffee tones. Pepper is almost too strong when blowing smoke through the nose.

The taste is very reminiscent to this of a fresh 1926 No 2. Strong but balanced, burns perfect and the ash is white and tight

No 45 First few puffs are wow strong!!Retrohaling brings tears to my eyes.Combining this to the very loose draw and I am getting ready for a kick in the a$$.

Burn is perfect-dead straight. Flavors are strong earth, coffee and despite its strength its not harsh and even has a sweet after taste.

At this point I have to say that the loose draw-strength combination is getting at me and thank God I have some sweet ice coffee to drink and it helps a lot.

Don't get me wrong ; this is a great cigar but i think it's too strong for the blend to shine.

No 46 Very good draw, sweet taste with strong spice through the nose.

Huge clouds of smoke fill the room. Great burn and a very long finish that leaves you asking for more. I also note some earth tones.

SECOND PART

No 44 Second part and coffee is on the scene. Pure taste of coffee beans with a mouth tingling after taste.The finish is long and pleasant, burn is dead on and draw remains fantastic.

No 45 Strong tobacco taste with some faint cocoa and leather are dominant in this second part.Burn is a bit wavy but I think that is due to me smoking with an open balcony door.

Getting closer to the last part of this cigar and strength is full but I think I am used to it by now and I am enjoying the Padron tremendously.

No 46 Into the second third and this is getting better and better.Smooth earth along with some sweet spice and a hint of bitter chocolate as an after taste.

Burn if perfect and so is draw.

Sense in the mouth is like having a great rich desert.

LAST PART

No 44 Coffee and leather are the stars in this part.Full bodied and rich flavor with great complexity.

Never got bitter, not even when I nubed it!

No 45 Strong pepper blast comes and coats the mouth rounding pure tobacco core.

No 46 Nothing changes in this last third. Just a bit more coffee and cocoa. Very rich in flavor and on the low side of full in strength. The RG is perfect for the blend, comforteble to the mouth and in the hand.

Big coffee explosion just before the end that lasted for ten puffs or so...

FINAL THOUGHTS

All the above were great cigars, each in its own way.Padron is a well respected company and even those who are not fond of their cigars can't argue about the quality.

The No 44 was a great cigar with strong flavors and great draw but it was very close to 1926 No2's. No 45 is a cigar you might want to let it in the humidor to rest for a year or so and maybe loose some of its edge since it was so strong that strength was the only thing left to remember in this illusive, in any other aspect, stick.

No 46 in my opinion was the cigar that had all the great elements from the previous two and add some. Big stick, comfortable, great taste and strength without been to dominating over the blend, great draw and complex.

All I can say is that all three cigars have great aging potentials for many many years in the future and I would love to be able to do the same vertical test in five years from now.

Another issue is the price of these sticks which is from $25-$35 each so by no means one could call them mid priced but if you lake smoking a very special cigar every once in a while they are worth every cent.

OPUS X LOST CITY TORO

2010-10-19T15:02:00.000+03:00

Opus x are considered to be some of the most sought after cigars in the world.For some this is just a hype created by a great marketing plan,” selling by not selling”, other think it's justified considering how hard it is to grow shade grown wrapper in the DR.

Lost city is a special edition of an already special cigar. Unusual in its conception, you all know the story behind it, unique in its flavors.

APPEARENCE

Opus X “Lost City” toro is a big and beautiful cigar. Great wrapper color, smooth with some thin veins, it looks thiner than regular Opus X wrappers.

The double bands is to die for and give this cigar a ten in the head turning scale.

It feels soft and spongy to the touch but without soft spots. Well packed with tobacco and cupped perfect.

First Third

First puffs into the cigar are loaded with strong spice that dominates everything else.An inch into it and the spice was gone leaving behind a very smooth, balanced taste. Earthy and leathery very similar to that of a well aged Cuban Bolivar Royal Corona.

Very non Opus X taste for a “young” cigar.

Blowing smoke through the nose is easy and helps get an even better idea of what this cigar is all about.

Burn is perfect, the cigar was kept in 65% RH and 70F, draw has the perfect resistance.

I would recommend using a cigar punch to open it. I think this would help concentrate flavor, as long as you don't smoke too fast or too hot.

SECOND THIRD

Second third of the cigar and not many things have changed. Leather dominates the taste but this time I think I can tell that the creaminess is like almond paste in the mouth.

Burn is still perfect and body is medium to full. Certainly doesn't feel like smoking fresh Opus X.

LAST THIRD

Last third and the Lost City is burning great, filling the cool wet air( I am sitting out in the balcony and it's raining as I type this) with clouds of fragrant smoke. Burning cool and with no touch ups durring the whole smoking session.

Leather is still present but now some of the initial spice is back. Not much, just enough to give you a small change of pace just before the end.

FINAL THOUGHTS

This one was a fantastic cigar. The kind of the cigar that for me takes you to that magic happy place where everything is perfect. The other cigar that's doing it for me is the Padron 80^th.

As I said before, unique in taste, smooth and balanced this was a perfect cigar.

I wish Fuente would produce more of these so more people could smoke them. Not an everyday cigar but for sure a cigar worth spending the money to buy some for special occasions.

Been made by “out of season “ plants makes me think that Carlito thinking outside of the box once again led to a fantastic result.

Padron 1926 No 6 Maduro

2010-10-09T16:36:00.000+03:00

After a very long time with no posts I thought it was about time to start writing again.

Todays review is on a Nicaraguan Puro made from a cigar legend. A company know for its passion, dedication and ability to make great cigars. Non other than Padron.

Their 1926 line is very well known for the quality and flavor profile and stands for the year the founder of the company J.O.Padron was born.

But lets get to it, shall we?

Appearance

No 6 is a very good looking cigar.
The wrapper is smooth but with the characteristic for Padron cigars "tooth". The color is chocolate brown, no veins, well applied on the cigar without soft spots. Great overall construction.

Cut and cold draw

Cutting this box-pressed cigar was not a problem for the Cuban Crafters "perfect cutter".
the smell of the cigar is very strong cedar and it dominated everything else.

First Third

The lit was easy and the cigar started with strong cedar taste, so strong it felt like smoking the box the cigar was in(a four pieces line sampler).
Body is full and so is flavor but wood dominates everything else.Close to the end of the first third this cigar box taste is gone and I can finally start tasting something else, something like coffee beans and cocoa.

Second Third

Cocoa and Warm spices are dominant in this part of the cigar.
Burn is as sharp as it can be and draw is perfect. Big clouds of smoke fill the room since this cigar produces a very large volume of smoke.

Last Third

This last part of the cigar is pure enjoyment with cocoa, coffee and leather tastes changing places and teasing the taste buds. For some puff I could swear that I could taste something earthy, barnyard????
All the way to the nub the cigar burnt perfect, drew well and never got hot.
Over all a great performance.

Final thoughts

Padron 1926 are some of my favorite cigars. This time the taste was a bit off due to the strong wood flavor.
From the moment I opened the box I knew something was wrong since the box smell was very strong.
Maybe the cedar used was not dried properly or enough end the smell "penetrated" the cigars.
Good thing was that close to the second part this over.

In conclusion this is a very good cigar. Not great but certainly above average.
Well balanced, sweet and gentle this is a cigar that can be smoked by all kinds of smoker almost any time of the day.
If you can find them at a good price BOX WORTHY.

Tatuaje Havana VI Victorias

2010-02-22T20:44:00.000+02:00

It is obvious by now that Tatuaje is one of my most favorite brands out there.

The Havana VI is no exemption although I hadn't smoked one for a very long time, I think the last time was the Angeles got a 93 ratting from CA.

This time I though it would be a good idea to go for a different vitola so I chose the Victorias (corona especiale).

Appearance

Very good looking slim smoke. Nice oily brown wrapper without veins, which would be unpleasant in a delicate, slender cigar like this one.

Nice toothy wrapper with a beautiful pig tail head.

Cut and cold draw

Easy cut, firm construction and cold draw gives nice earthy flavors with some pure tobacco taste.

The wrapper feels sweet on the lips.

First third

Great sweet tobacco flavor right from the beginning. Good resistance for a slim cigar medium to full in body.

It looks very elegant and despite my big hands it feels Ok!!

An inch to Victoria (!!) and sweet worm tobacco tastes flood the mouth with a bit of the signature peppery taste that most Pepin creations have.

Second third

Pretty much the same on the beginning of the second part.

Nice earthy tones but now with a hint of coffee and dark chocolate notes.

Balanced and well constructed this cigar shares some tastes with the Tatuaje Black I reviewed last time.

It has picked up in body and burns well and in a straight line. Slim as it is one would expect to have draw and burn issues but not with this one!

Third part

On the third part pepper has become more intense and tingles the nose when you blow smoke through the sinuses.

Flavor changes from spice to earth to coffee and it makes you unwilling to let Victoria die..

Unfortunately I have to because i am burning my lips !!!

Final thoughts

Tatuaje has a reputation for making some unique cigars.

The Havana VI line has some great cigars, with impeccable construction and usually age well.

Victoria is a vitola that has lots of friends and lots of people who despise it.

All I can say is that if the price is right, this is a box worthy cigar.

Tatuaje Black Tubo

2010-02-05T21:00:00.000+02:00

It has been a long time since I had the opportunity to sit down and light a cigar without having all kinds of thoughts on my mind, so today I knew i had to make the time.

Today's smoke is the tatuaje Black tubo. A cigar that has created some noise and some not so positive comments.

Justified? Remains to be seen...

Appearance

The first thing that catches the eye on this cigar is how rough it looks.

It has a dark brown wrapper witch has some spots with barker or lighter shades of brown and an unfinished covered foot.

Legend has it that DPG uses as a wrapper a binder leaf on this cigar in order to get the taste profile Pete was looking for.

It feels a little dry to the touch and there is a small crack on the foot of the cigar maybe ¾ of an inch long.

Cut and cold draw

Cut was easy and thank God it didn't sound dry.

Cold draw is easy with some resistance and flavor is tobacco with some rather refreshing notes that I can't make out.

Light and first third

Lighting the cigar was easy but also caused the crack to get bigger and now is an inch long.

After two or three puffs it looks like there is going to be a problem keeping this cigar lit since it went out right away!!

The now longer crack, although threatening, does not stands in the way of how the cigar smokes.

Draw is good but the ash, especially where the split is, is flaky and weak.

Initial flavor is very strong pepper that after 1 ½ of an inch into it it mellowed out quite a bit and a very nice leather taste emerged.

Body is medium to full but I can feel that this cigar has a punch in it and the nicotine is there!

Burn is good now that I am over the crack, straight line without the need for touch ups so far.

Taste wise no big developments, just leather and some spice.

Second third

Into the second third and all I can say is that this cigar is something else.

Flavors change from spicy to leather to creamy and all this on an earthy canvas witch is great.

Burn is fantastic and razor sharp with a tight ash, no flakes, that is so tight that can hold the weight of the cigar standing on it!!

It has picked up in body considerably and slow puffing is required.

To be honest i was a little disappointed at the beginning and I was negative from all the comments I have read about this cigar.

The new black shares some points with the original release Corona Gorda that I had smoked last spring.

Draw has the correct amount of resistance.

Taste is good, not great but good. I have to say that although this is the first cigar I am having from the current release and i can say that it's promising.

Third and last part

On this last part the Tatuaje Black holds well with a great burn and strong earth and spice flavors.

It has become really strong( maybe too much??) but not harsh or hot.

It most certainly lacks some balance but I believe that with some age this can be a real gem.

Final thoughts

There has been to much noise around this cigar and the hype was very big and judging by the one I smoked NOT justified. Maybe many of us thought that it would be like the OR so we rushed into them knowing how hard they were to find. Not in this case!

Maybe not having so many trouble smoking it and keeping it lit had to do with the fact that I took all the cigars out of their tubes, placed then into another box open in my humidor for two weeks so they can absorb humidity better and I think it worked.

Price for this cigar, taking under consideration its performance, is very high and maybe this is one more reason for the disappointment many of us had when they smoked them for the first time.

Lets all have some faith and see how they will perform after some down time.

Besides Pete's creations usually improve with age.

It will be a good idea to stock up a couple of boxes if only we could find the at a lower price!!

San cristoba De La Habana Muralla (Cuba)

2010-01-29T21:46:00.000+02:00

This is a very special cigar for me since I bought it from LCDH in Prague last April and I had been saving it since then for a special occasion smoke.

This occasion did not arrive so I thought this was as good time as any to light up this big torpedo!

This one was from a box dated '06 and almost four years of age can do wonders on a cigar like this one.

Appearance

Big and impressive cigar. Well constructed with good oils and a lovely milk coffee wrapper.

Smooth with just one big vein running down the length of the cigar but other than this nothing else.

The foot gives off a delicate leather aroma with some dried flowers.

Cut and cold draw

Easy cut with the Xikar tool.

Draw is easy with some resistance and before lighting it gives nutty and leathery flavors.

First third

After toasting the foot with a torch to the point where the cigar was completely lit I started puffing.

First impression is is that despite the large size of the Muralla draw is easy with a perfect resistance.

Toasted nuts and i think I'm tasting dry flowers??

Tastes are very refined and subtle and leave you wondering how this will evolve..

I would say that it is a medium bodied smoke but flavor seems to be so complex that it really makes you feel complete.

What amazes me is how clean and fresh it leaves the palette after each puff.

Although this is a big cigar draw is effortless and burn line is razor sharp. Ash is holding well at least for an inch.

Very smooth and very complex!!

Getting closer to the second third and the Muralla has now turned leathery but not “in your face”.

Everything is balanced, like the cigar trying to say” I am going to give you a great smoking experience!!”.

Second third

Into the second third and things are going great

Construction- Perfect

Burn – Perfect

Flavor – fantastic

Smooth,complex with a gentle development and constant surprises. Half way into it and the cigar has opened up.

Draw is perfect and floods the mouth with tons of tons of leather this time accompanied with cocoa undertones. Nice cool smoke, clear and gentle but still makes you feel like having a stake dinner!!

Ash is holding for at least two inches before dropping it into the ashtray( wife doesn't like accidents).

I decided to pair it with some coffee but I think that some cold lemon water will be perfect to taste

the flavor without anything getting in the way.

Third and last part

On the last third the cigar has picked up in body and now is on the lighter side of full.

Taste has changed once again and now is spicy, I think nutmeg, with a creamy feeling to it.

An inch and a half before the end and a solid tobacco taste takes the stage for the finish.

This cigar is a true kaleidoscope of flavors.

Definitely a cigar for any smoker but i think it will be better appreciated by a seasoned smoker since some smoking experience will help shorting out the flavors and the complexity of this Cuban beauty.

I don't want it to end but I am burning my fingers with the nub. I wish it was longer!!

Final thoughts

This is one of those wow cigars and not just a smoke.

It's a cigar that takes you for a journey, both physically with its ever-changing flavors but also mentally!!

It is a reward, a window to a place where “good life” is a reality hidden in little things.

I am sure these cigars will age beautifully( unfortunately I don't have any left) and become a classic.

I might sound like I'm exaggerating with this one but it has been very long since I last smoked such a great cigar.

One last word about Prague; It is a beautiful city, romantic, with a Bohemian atmosphere like no place else.

People a friendly and smoking cigars is not a problem since you can smoke your stick of choice anywhere you want and there is a La Casa Del Habanos very close to the main square of the old town.

Padilla Series '68 Robusto

2010-01-20T15:04:00.001+02:00

For quite a while now I wanted to try a cigar from Padilla.

These were Don Pepin Garcia creations but some time now E.Padilla moved the production of his cigars from Nicaragua to Honduras.

Unfortunately I've never had the chance to try one so the samples from Honduras are the only available.

Looks

This robusto looks like a well made cigar. With a perfect round cap, no apparent vains, good oils wearing a gorgeous milk chocolate brown wrapper.

I have to say at this point that it feels a little light in the hand. We shall see....

Cut and cold draw

Upon cutting the cigar what stroke me the most was the contrast between the wrapper and the unusually dark filler.

The cigar smells earthy with a light hint of cocoa.

Cold draw is sweet but somehow loose witch is a bit warring for me.

First third

First puffs into the cigar and a harsh taste hits me from the burning tobacco.

It feels like smoking a dried out cigar, although it has been kept in 69% RH for three weeks now. We will see how it progresses.

An inch and a half into it and the initial harsh taste evolved into a pure tobacco flavor with a hint of spice when blowing smoke through the nose.

Good burn rate but the draw is still loose.

Towards the second third and the Padilla has picked up in body and now spice is more intense but non overwhelming.

To be honest I was a little disappointed with this cigar at the beginning.

Second third

Second third started big on spice.

The cigar at the half point bloomed and its worthy of its good name.

Burn rate is very good , although I would prefer the draw a bit tighter.

Despite its draw issues it never got harsh(not again) or hot but a real flavor bomb!!

Third part

Clear spice is the dominant flavor with a hint of coffee bean and cinnamon.

Good complexity and great construction. Some black cherry is also present in the background.

Although this is not a DPG creation, moving the production to Honduras, in my opinion, did not really affected the signature flavor of Padilla cigars; not for the '68 line.

It wasn't hard to nub this robusto and although the draw was loose, witch in my opinion was the only flaw on this cigar, it never got hot, harsh or bitter.

Over all great!!

Final thoughts

Great construction for a cigar with a great price point, $100 per box and I think that if you can keep them in your humi they have some potentials.

This can be a great every day cigar for smokers who like this kind of spicy medium to full bodied smokes.

Illusione 888 ( churchill)

2010-01-12T21:01:00.000+02:00

One of the hottest brands in the market for some time now is Dion Giolito's “Illusione”.

I was trying to get my hands on a box of these just to see what the fuss is all about and finally I was given the chance when I received a box of “888”

Illusione cigars have strange names like 888,88, f9, hl and many more, but we can go over these some other time.

So lets get down to the review of these beauties.

Appearance

This is a great looking churchill with a dark brown wrapper. It feels firm to the touch without soft spots and no apparent veins. Good oils and looks very tempting.

It smells like leather and coffee.

Cut and cold draw

The cutting of the cigar was easy since the wrapper is not fragile.

On the cold draw the flavor you get is mostly coffee with some leather undertones.

First third

The 888 starts big with coffee and leather. Some black cherry is also noted but very faint.

After some puffs, maybe an inch into it , it turns into a spice bomb and this is even more evident when blowing the cigar out of the nose.

It feels creamy on the palette and the flavor lingers for a very long time. Very rich and balanced, draws very well with a perfect amount of resistance.

The burn is even but the ash looks a bit weak but not flaky.

This is a full bodied-full flavored cigar with a very unique taste.

Second third

Just into the second third and the cigar has finally settled down a bit. Now the cigar has turned leathery. Spice is still present in the background and some bitter chocolate notes start to arise.

The burn rate is good and razor sharp.

Almost close to the half point and now coffee is once again the dominant flavor, witch is a nice change after all this spice-leather-black cherry flood of the first half.

It gives my taste buds a chance to “recover”.

Third and last part

The third part of the 888 is filled with creamy spice. Nice, smooth and not even when there is only 1 ½ of an inch left did it get hot or harsh.

I just wish all cigars were that consistent!

Final thoughts

Illusiones are great cigars. Rich, smooth with a decadent feel to them.

Full bodied but balanced these are cigars that will age well, if you can resist them that is!

Not cheap but definitely worth their money

Coronado by La Flor double corona (2006)

2010-01-05T15:13:00.000+02:00

This weeks cigar is one of the few cigars I've ever smoked that are worth the hype around them.

Coronado by La Flor Dominicana are one of the best creations coming out of Litto Gomez's blending lab.

After keeping few sticks in my humidor for three years I thought it was about time to go over them once again and share some of my thoughts.

Appearance

This is a big beautiful cigar!

It has a great construction with a lovely milk chocolate brown wrapper. No big veins are apparent and the cigar has a nice oily, soft but not fragile feeling to it.

Cut and cold draw

Cutting the cigar was not a problem and the Palio cigar cutter went through it without any resistance.

Cold draw is not easy but this is something you need in such big cigar in order to avoid burning hot and ruining the taste of this double corona. Cold taste give a nice spicy sweet taste.

First third

After toasting the cigar for some seconds, lighting it took just one puff!

Loads of light cocoa and coffee come into the mouth. Draw has the same amount of resistance so it looks like a slow burning cigar.

Full bodied and strong flavors but never harsh or overwhelming. It feels smooth on the palette and the taste of it lasts for what it seams for ever.

Ash is holding well, without flakes, and the burning line is totally straight.

Half way into the first third and leather emerges. Leather and a pure tobacco taste;two characteristics one would expect from one of Litto's cigars but coffee undertones are still alive.

Second third

Into the second third and the cigar has picked up in body considerably but without a hint of harshness. Maybe keeping it in the humidor for three years has something to do with it!!

Been as full bodied as it is, this cigar must be smoked at a slow pace so it stays cool. Burn line is spot on .

Consistent flavor and perfect construction makes this cigar a treat for any full bodied cigar smoker.

At this point leather is accompanied by a strong spicy taste, witch is even more eminent when blowing smoke through the nose( don't do it if you haven't been used in smoking strong cigars)!

Third and last part

This cigar, despite of its age, still packs a great deal of power.

Getting into the final third, leather taste is still strong but now the initial cocoa flavor is back and the combination is fantastic.

Burn is perfect, draw is ideal and smoke is been produced in large volume.

The ever evolving tastes are a challenge for my taste buds, so complex but at the same time smooth and so long lasting and fulfilling that you don't need to draw more than one puffs per minute.

That makes it a good two hours smoke!

Final thoughts

Once again I would like to say that this is maybe one of the few cigar that are worth the hype around their name.

No wonder it was awarded with the title of “ No 2 cigar of the year 2006 “ by CA magazine.

Litto Gomez is one of the most innovative cigar blenders in the world right now and his creations are very popular among full bodied cigar enthusiasts around the world.

This is one of the best cigars he has ever made and aging them is certainly worth it.

So much power and so much flavor with maybe 10 years on them...........Sounds tempting to me!

Christmas Eve cigar (Padron 80th maduro)

2009-12-29T10:30:00.001+02:00

Padron 80^th perfecto maduro is in my opinion one of the best cigars in the market right now, although they are not available all the time are a real treat if you can find them.

I have been keeping in my aging humidor some boxes of these dark beauties for special occasions cigars, since their price does not allow me to smoke them on an every day basis no matter how much I would love to.

The cigar i am going to review comes from the first release one year ago, so it has some aging on it!

Appearence

This is a fantastic cigar measuring 6 ¾ x 54 and has a box pressed perfecto shape that makes it even more appealing to the eye.

It feels very well constructed to the touch, without soft spots and the wrapper has a beautiful oily shine on it. It looks like it has some “bite” on it and it doesn't feel fragile to the touch.

Cut and cold draw

Cutting a perfecto can be done in two ways; some people like cutting it from both sides, hear and foot.

They say that by removing a small part of the foot helps the cigar to “open up” easier.

I decided to cut just the head off since I remember from the first time I smoked this cigar that “opening up” was not a problem!

Once cut the cold draw was easy, maybe it felt like a bit loose for such a big cigar.

Cold draw brought to my mouth taste of leather, coffee and very strong tobacco.

Very promising...

Light and first third

Lighting the cigar was very easy, although I took it slow toasting the foot first since I didn't want to heat it up too fast, risking a cracked wrapper.

Once lit the cigar started with a strong leather flavor, producing tons of smoke.

Very tasty, strong with a full body and divine taste.

The burn line is very fine and also even, so no need for touch ups!!

After in inch into the P80 the initial flavor has changed into a peppery coffee taste, strong but very balanced.

Padrons are known to make great cigars and P80 was made to celebrate the birth day of the patriarch of the family J. O. Padron so quality is superb!

The loose cold draw is now just perfect so no fear of over heating.

Second Third

More than thirty minutes after the first light and this perfect is burning perfect!!

loads of tasty smoke on the palette and in the air.

The cigar now gives off a creamy cocoa spicy taste that seams to never leave the palette. Fantastic!

Burn rate is medium but it feels like fast since I don't want to end this smoke.

Balance and consistency are the main features of this top end smoke. It has picked up in body but this is something expected from a Padron cigar.

Now black cherry taste is present along with a nutmeg hint on the after taste. Very complex smoke even for the most experienced smoker.

Third and last part

The 80^th anniversary is a fabulous smoke and the same complex character keeps on going on this last third too.

Although it is only 1 ½ of an inch from the finish it hasn't got hot or harsh. This is a cigar you dont want to put down in the ashtray.

Close to the end and leather is back and strong but with loads of pepper.

It has been almost two hours and sadly I have to let it die in dignity.

Overall impressions

Padron 80^th is a novelty smoke but that's not just it.

It is a prize! It is one of these little things that make an ordinary day special, let alone if this day is Christmas Eve. Then it's even better.

It might not be cheap($30 per stick) but it is one of these boxes worth having for special occasions.

Aging potentials are big, but Padrons use aged tobacco so smoking the cigar young is no problem.

I wonder how these cigars are going to taste like in two or three years and I know many of you have the same question.

My Father Belicoso by D.P. Garcia

2009-12-22T14:29:00.000+02:00

My Father cigars are one of the latest creations of the Garcia family and in particular Jamie Garcia, who created this blend to honor his father Pepin.

Word has it that they are been produced in small quantities in the family's new factory in Nicaragua.

My father Belicoso is a nice looking cigar. It feels tight to the touch firm rolled,without soft spots wearing an oily brown wrapper.

Cut and cold draw

Cutting the pointy head of the cigar was an easy task for Xikar's cigar tool. Taking some cold draws the first taste that comes to the mouth is light coffee with a nice cream feeling to it.

First third

After lighting the cigar and getting into the first quarter inch of it a wonderful leather taste emerges

smooth and balanced.

Very light spice, pepper and nutmeg are present on the background!

Draw is tight but not hard and the burn line is a bit uneven with no need for touchups so far.

Smoke production is not to big but the produced smoke is very tasty and pleasant without been offensive to people around me.

Flavor profile os very similar to a cuban Ramon Allones Specially Selected I had some time ago.

The Pepins really pay tribute to their Cuban heritage once again with this cigar.

Burn rate is slow. Body is medium to full with a progressing leather taste as it's been smoked towards the second third.

Second third

Into the second third and it is obvious that this is a very well constructed and consistent cigar.

It has opened up. The draw now is a little easier but still has this welcome resistance.

Leather has taken one step back and now the most characteristic “Pepin” flavor has taken the main stage. That's right PEPPER!! Not too intense but very clear.

Burn rate is still relatively slow and burn line has corrected itself into razor sharp.

Ash is holding very well and although the cigar is close to its last third there is no need to use the ashtray.

Third and last part

On this last part of the cigar flavor has turned into creamy spice with intense tones of coffee beans and cinnamon. Very complex!

The cigar has picked up in body but never out of balance.

Blowing smoke through the nose is now a little harder, but doing it gives a very strong peppery taste.

That is very appealing to those who love bold full bodied cigars with spicy taste.

The flavor lasts long on the palette, leaving a nice creamy feeling.

Nubbin this belicoso is not hard since this is a very delicious cigar

Over all impassions

I love all Pepin creations and this is no exemption.

I would definitely buy some more of these cigars. They might no be cheap but they are so good that they are worth it!!!

Opus X Perfection X ( 2007 )

2009-12-15T20:58:00.002+02:00

Opus X is one of the most controversial cigar bands out there right now. Many say there is nothing more to it but a marketing strategy, others believe that Opus x deserve the hype.

One thing is beyond any doubt, Opus X are one of the best cigars available and a well aged X is one of the most rewarding smoke.

Appearance and Pre light

This cigar looks beautiful. The wrapper has an oily shine on it and the brown reddish color is very appealing to the eye.

The constriction is impeccable and there are no soft spots when feeling the cigar with the fingers.

Cut and cold draw

The head of the cigar was easy to be removed using my Palio cutter.

Cold draw had a perfect amount of resistance giving strong cinnamon, spice and dry nut taste.

First third

First half inch into the cigar and strong taste of nuts is present along with some espresso notes that are not clear yet.

The burn line is thin and sharp and the Perfection X produces vast amounts of smoke.

Draw resistance is spot on, not to tight not very loose so the cigar is burning cool.

I had been resting this cigar in my humidor since May 2007 at 65 F- 65% RH and although Perfection X is said to be one of the strongest cigars of the Opus family.

Still after this R & R time there is a smoothness in this cigar that really amazes me!

Second third

35 minutes after the first light and into the second third.

The taste of this stick is fantastic. Taste of nuts is still present but not as strong as before. Now leather is the dominant taste. Leather and the cinnamon taste I found on the cold draw. Finally this cigar NOW is an Opus X.

Its picking up in body and the volume of smoke is still very big.

At this point some burn issues have occurred but nothing the cigar did not corrected itself after some puffs.

Third and last part.

Perfection X into the third part and cinnamon and coffee beans are now very much alive.

Blowing smoke from the nostrils gives a full blast of strong leather and pepper.

This is definitely NOT a cigar for the faint hearted.

Very smooth and balanced but still has that kick in the ass of its youth. The taste goes on and on on the palette. Fantastic!!

Getting to the end of the cigar all i can think of is how great this cigar is. These are wonderful smokes right out of the box, but even better if you allow them to rest for some years.

Rich, bold but also smooth with an almost decadent taste and feel to them.

If only I could get more!!

All I hope for is to have the patience to age the ones I own for some more years.

It looks like a decade is a very realistic approach...

La Aurora 100 Anos Belicoso

2009-12-08T20:22:00.005+02:00

Today I found the time to smoke something special out of my humidor so I thought I should write a review on it.

I am fortunate enough to have four boxes of La Aurora 100 Anos belicosos from the 2004 release that I have been keeping them for aging. I know that now it is not very easy to find them so I smoke them every once in a while.

Appearance:

The cigar looks great, with a perfect wrapper oily and firm to the touch. No soft spots and it looks like a well rolled, top quality smoke. There are no veins or any other visible defects on it.

Cut & cold draw:

Cutting the top of this beautiful Belicoso was a very easy task for my Xikar cigar tool. Nice clean cut, without any loose tobacco falling from the top(good humidity level thank God!).

On the first cold draw I got hints of pure tobacco but I have to say that there was a very floral twist in it, I believe from aging it for almost five years.

I could tell that I was up for a great smoke, with lots of strong but delicate flavors.

Lighting:

Lighting the cigar was very easy with a Prometheus torch lighter, but I was very careful not to raise the heat of the cigar to fast. When the foot was evenly lit I was ready to go...

Taste:

The cigar started with subtle tastes of great fermented tobacco with some leather on the background but always with this “floral twist” that was very pleasant.

The first third of the cigar went like this.

When I moved on into the second third the taste became that of pure tobacco leaving a nice creamy sensation in the mouth that lasted for a very long time. It felt like the after taste of a great red wine that never seams to leave the palette.

On the third part of the cigar the floral twist came back and stayed there until the nub.

The cigar was very consistent all the way through and I think this is the result of proper aging.

The Aurora 100 Anos was a great cigar when it came out and now, after five years it's even better.

The taste profile was very much alike a cuban Partagas P2 with a lot of aging.

I very strongly believe that if you can find them, one box is a must have!!!

I hope you'll enjoy this review and maybe read it over smoking a great cigar.

Cuban Bolivar Royal Corona

2009-12-02T20:32:00.001+02:00

I just received a box of Bolivar Royal Corona from the on line store I usually buy my cigars from and even though I do not try them as soon as I get them in , this time I thought I should give them a try and compare them to the RASS I got from the same place ten days ago.

Well to my surprise the Bolivar smoked great and it was humidified perfect. Usually they are a bit over humidified for the journey.

The cigar had a date March 2008 so I thought that it would have all these characteristics young Cuban's have.

That was not the case here!!!

The cigar was perfect. It was like smoking a much older cigar.

Looks:

The cigar had a nice milk chocolate brown color , with a beautiful oily shine. It felt smooth and elastic and it didn't feel fragile. A real robusto!

Pre light smell:

Bringing the foot of the cigar close to the nose I could smell great tobacco and also a hint of dried flowers !!??

Cold draw:

When I clipped off the cap of my cigar and took a draw before lighting it it felt very nice. The amount of resistance was just right,not loose but not too tight. All the aromas I felt were there and I had an intense sense of more dried flowers...

Lighting and smoking:

Lighting the cigar was not a problem. After torching the foot for a few seconds I took the first puff and it was awesome! The cigar started strong but not overwhelming with a pure flavor of leather and tobacco. After an inch the strength pulled back, don't fool yourself it was in the full body range all the way, and tobacco flavors along with dried flowers kicked in.

The cigar stayed like this all the way to the last inch and a half where strong leather and coffee were the dominating flavors.

Needless to say that I smoked the cigar all the way 'till the end. It burned cool so no problem getting burned.

Over all impression:

That was one hell of a cigar. Great performance from the start until the last puff. My guess is that in two or three years it will be a wow cigar.

I don't know about you but I will stock some more boxes in my aging humidor.

Coronado By La Flor Lancero

2009-11-20T06:41:00.001+02:00

For some time now, I think since the El Triunfandor came out, I find my self been attracted by Lancero.
I know it is a strange and difficult size but if you get a good box then it can be a very rewarding smoke.

Few days ago a friend of mine send me a box of Coronado by La Flor Lancero so I thought it would be a good idea to give them a try. So here is my review of it.

Appearance:
This is the first cigar I smoked from this box so upon opening the box I couldn’t help noticing that this is a very dark colored cigar.
The wrapper had a dark milk chocolate color with very good oils. It was shiny and smooth with no veins and a perfect pig tailed head.

Cut and cold draw:
The cup was very easily removed with my Xikar cigar tool.
The cigar was in perfect condition and on the first cold draw I instantly knew I was up for a treat.
The cigar had a perfect draw, not just for a Lancero but even for a larger cigar, not tight but not too loose and there was a very intense earthy and chocolate flavor that were really nice.

Lighting and first half:
It was very easy to light the cigar and since this is a thin smoke I did not use my torch lighter, been afraid that I might heat up the cigar more that I should.
The draw when the cigar was lit continued to be perfect and after an inch or so I started getting very strong earth, leather and worm spice flavors that were very satisfying.
The cigar had a full body, full flavor profile, definitely not for the fainthearted, all the way through the first half. The burn line was razor sharp and I never had to touch it up with the lighter.

Second half:
The second half of the cigar continued much like the first.
The cigar was at the full body, full flavor range all the time and the complexity was something that really amazed me.
The aroma was great, even my non smoking mother in-law liked it, and the taste of the cigar, given the fact that the wrapper / filler ratio is in favor of the wrapper was fantastic.
I have to say that I smoked it to the nub and not even did I had to relight it or the cigar got harsh.

Overall impressions:
This is a fantastic smoke.
I have a box of Coronado since they were rated No 2 cigar of the year and I know they age very well.
The same will happen with these slim beauties, so I have to get me some more boxes!

If you like Lancero sized cigars I guarantee you will love these.

SMOKER'S RIGHTS

2008-05-06T15:33:00.003+03:00

Today more than ever before,us, people who enjoy the leaf, live in hard times.

Smoking is considered to be for many countries Public enemy number 1.

Many of us have seen this in practice and the consequences this opinion has on our every day life and the people around us. People we know or people we wish to.

Civil rights, freedom to express our selves, ideals our ancestors fought for are going down the drain in favor of a "healthier" way of living.

Our local governments know what is good for us and they have to make us accept it. Even if it kill us!

Smoking is bad for our health. This is something we know. Cigarette smoking can kill you, BUT if you know this and you have accepted the terms of the game then no government can deny you the right to do so.It is your God given right us an adult to live the life you choose!

Anti-smoking nazi's; their mission is to save people from smoking.

Well they have to realize that not all people need or want to be saved. Cigar and pipe smokers for example are some of these people. Anti-smoking freaks should know that addiction kills NOT pleasure and cigar and pipe smoking is a pleasure.

I agree that people who do not smoke should live in smoke free environments, but also us who do enjoy a premium hand rolled cigar or a pipe, we have to have our own places.

Unfortunately we don't and the sad thing is that legislation does not allow owners of different venues to host people who smoke. Not even when no employee will be exposed to smoke.

SMOKING KILLS!!!!

CHOLESTEROL and HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE KILLS.

What is going to be next on the list of forbidden pleasures?BBQ? SEX? Lets not forget how many people die every year of HIV. What are they going to do ban sex?

Even if they do aren't we going to continue doing it?

Lets do the same for our right to surrender ourselves to one of life's greatest pleasures.

Besides a Double Corona will probably last longer!!!!

CIGARS.VALUE AND PRICE

2008-04-21T14:51:00.010+03:00

Cigars for many is one more way to let others know who they are and how they face life and the challenges we all face every day.

For others a cigar is a pleasure they allow themselves to give into,kind of a reward for every day veterans.

The question we all have to answer to ourselves, when we visit our local smoke shop to get our supplies of our favorite premium cigars is;"is it worth the price?"

Well it depends!

Who can measure value with money?Isn't a great cigar worth that extra money?

NOT ALWAYS

There are countries where a cigar smoking is considered to be a luxurious habit(I know,I live in one )and smokers are been treated like oil tycoons and cigar prices are sky high.

Other fellow aficionados are more lucky and just pay reasonable prices on premium cigars,besides the cigar making process is not cheap,so when you find"great bargains"be very very suspicious.

Unfortunately,since the world we live in is not perfect,not all of us have access to all our favorite smokes.

Europe has great access to Cuban cigars but not to cigars from other countries like Dom.Republic, Nicaragua, Honduras.

These are countries that produce great cigars. All you have to do is is take a look at Cigar Aficionados best cigars of the year and you will see what my point is!

Cigars with great features,excellent taste AND most of them affordable prices.

In countries where these cigars are not available smokers tend to believe that the only good cigars are the really expensive cubans.

This is part true.

Now with internet giving us so many information and choice we have to take advantage of.

Go out there and do some cigar hunting. It's a really rewarding hobby.

Demand from your local smoke shop to do the same. Ask for more. Let retailers understand that you know you have more options and you demand a bigger variety and better prices for your favorite cigars.

This weeks cigar of the week is a masterpiece from La Flor.The Coronado double corona is a great cigar full and complex with intense leather and caramel tones that last for a long time on the palette.An all around great cigar!

COMPANY OF CIGARS

2008-03-11T15:33:00.004+02:00

Premium cigars is a product that demands the company of many to be complete.

From the tobacco plantation and the people there who make sure that they will get the best crop mother nature can provide them with, to the cigar factory and the different steps in the process and different hands needed so we can have our favorite cigar,we come to one conclusion;it's a team work.

Cigars are a great way to relax,enjoy life and spend time with your thoughts.

Who can denny that cigars taste better when smoked with friends.

Some say that cigars are made to be smoked among friends.It is one of life's greatest pleasures been with friends,smoking great cigars and sharing thoughts and emotions.

Cigars bring people together faster and more efficient than diplomacy!(just a thought)

All of us,cigar aficionados out there it is time to get to know our fellowman,neighbor,guy we work with and offer to share a cigar with,maybe then we find our cigars more enjoyable and "full flavored"

This week's cigars is a nicaraguan beauty from the famous Padron family.A great cigar with complex caramel and earth flavors coming to a long woody and spicy finish that lasts long on the pallet.Unfortunately hard to find.Happy hunting!

LOOSING A FRIEND

2008-03-05T20:09:00.008+02:00

There is no worse thing in life than starting your day with bad news.

When this news concern someone you consider to be a friend then the situation is really devastating.

Bjarne is a well known name in the pipe industry and his artifacts are objects of desire among pipe smokers and collectors around the world.

Bjarne Nielsen,the owner and the founder of bjarne pipes after a MBA degree from the university of Copenhagen and a career in the Danish Foreign Service, Bjarne founded his company in 1973 and now is propably Denmark's largest manufacturer of 100% hand made pipes.The company's products are totaly made by hand and are totally individual.

I consider myself to be lucky having met Bjarne in person 10 years ago when he visited the factory where I work and we supplied him with briar wood.He made a very big impression to me the fact that he was such an easy going person and he always had something nice to say to the people around him.

Since then we met several times in pipe shows around the world and his welcoming smile was like reuniting with a family member.

This great person is no longer with us.

Last week Bjarne passed away,his heart failed him.I know his loss will have a big impact on all of us who knew him.His smile and his ethics will be an example for all.His memory will be alive in our mind's and heart's.

May God bless his family in this time of need and always.

First time for everything

2008-03-03T15:40:00.005+02:00

This is the first time posting my blog so I hope you like it.

What I want to do through this blog is express my love for the finer things in life, like pipes cigars and other things adults love to give in every now and then.

Cigar and pipe smoking has nothing to do with cigarettes, the addiction of smoking, and all the problems that come with it.

Cigars and pipes are to be smoked for the pleasure of smoking,relaxation and peace of mind.

This kind of smoking has the same results to the individual like Yoga!!It takes you to that place where everything looks so small and insignificant.

Like drinking a fine wine or a glass of a rare single malt whiskey does not automatically make you an alcoholic, thus pipe and cigar smoking does NOT make you a nicotine junky!

Times are very dificult for all of us who like to kick back,relax and light up a premium hand rolled cigar or a pipe and try to get away from things for an hour or two.

European an draconian U.S. laws are killing the industry and as a consequence makes cigars and pipe tobacco very hard find and expensive to buy.

In the future you will be able to be informed about developments on legislation around the world.

Stay tuned for tasting results of high end cigars from around the world as well as pipes and pipe tobacco.

This weeks cigar is a little bomb shell from the U.S.

Tatuaje is a brand of very limmited production smokes,made in perfection in Miami's Little Havana by "Pepin" Garcia.

It has a full flavor with strong tobacco and a very long finish.Great cigar,not cheap but nothing so valuable comes cheap.