I read this rant from Cigar Scholar a while ago in Cigar Aficionado "letters" section, and it stuck in my mind ever since. Nice work, Cigar Scholar! I agree with you totally.
How many articles can a man be expected to read about golf, swiss watches, online gambling, and more golf? An endless number, apparently. And the celebrity interviews are conducted at about a 7th grade level.
I also love the fact the five over-entitled bald guys can make or break a cigar brand based on their dubious palates. By dubious I mean, half the cigars they love are just awful dogs. Yes, it's subjective. Yes, no two people are alike. Exactly my point.
One thing I concede: Their cigar reviews are pithy and creative. How many flavors can YOU taste in a cigar? Blueberry? Birch? Teakwood? Lets face it, there are 5 or 6 basic types of cigars, with minor variations in between and the occasional wacko from Drew Estate. Once in a while a cigar tastes really different - but jeeze not all 75 cigars in the issue! Oh well, its fun and I keep buying the magazine like a sucker. Love-hate, like the Scholar says...
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Casa Magna Colorado gran toro
The Casa Magna Colorado robusto won first place in Cigar Aficionado's "Best Cigars of 2008" and I've been wanting to try one ever since.
Unfortunately my local cigar shop has only the "gran toro" size, not the robusto. The Casa Magna Colorado gran toro is an adequate full-bodied cigar with a pleasing coffee flavor, but leaves me less than awed. Though well-balanced, it lacks complexity and remains static with little or no development through the ample 90-minute duration. The last third really shouldn't have been smoked. (I don't expect all cigars to deliver all the way to the nub, but it's a nice perk if they do).
On the whole the Case Magna Colorado gran toro is a straightforward full-strength experience, as good as some of the darker (and more expensive) Rocky Patels and Montecristos I've smoked, and much better than the 5-Vegas AAA (which has similar flavor characteristics but runs toward the bitter).
I would still like to try the Casa Magna robusto and hopefully I will find one without having to buy a whole box.
For those of you who have tried the fabulous Casa Magna petite corona (i.e. the "Pikito") be forewarned that the gran toro has little in common with it. It's as if the two cigars were made with completely different tobaccos, though I'm guessing a subtle variation in the blend alone might account for it.
Unfortunately my local cigar shop has only the "gran toro" size, not the robusto. The Casa Magna Colorado gran toro is an adequate full-bodied cigar with a pleasing coffee flavor, but leaves me less than awed. Though well-balanced, it lacks complexity and remains static with little or no development through the ample 90-minute duration. The last third really shouldn't have been smoked. (I don't expect all cigars to deliver all the way to the nub, but it's a nice perk if they do).
On the whole the Case Magna Colorado gran toro is a straightforward full-strength experience, as good as some of the darker (and more expensive) Rocky Patels and Montecristos I've smoked, and much better than the 5-Vegas AAA (which has similar flavor characteristics but runs toward the bitter).
I would still like to try the Casa Magna robusto and hopefully I will find one without having to buy a whole box.
For those of you who have tried the fabulous Casa Magna petite corona (i.e. the "Pikito") be forewarned that the gran toro has little in common with it. It's as if the two cigars were made with completely different tobaccos, though I'm guessing a subtle variation in the blend alone might account for it.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Brick House robusto
So I'll huff and I'll puff and I'll... No, I'm not about to tear down this nice flavorful Nicaraguan Puro with a searing review that takes Cigar Aficionado to task for giving it a #17 ranking in its list of the best cigars of 2010.
No need to do that, because the Brick House robusto is indeed a well-constructed medium-bodied cigar with a slightly wheaty, earthy flavor (at times) and an occasional rich moment that uplifts you and makes you hope it will continue that way to the nub (which it doesn't).
I paid less than 7 bucks for this in a cigar shop, which is mighty economical in my highly-taxed region. Because of this, I grudgingly concede that the Aficionados were onto something.
This stick burns well and holds its flavor consistently. However, it wasn't strong enough, rich enough, or complex enough for me to want to buy again. After the halfway mark, it lost a lot of steam, which is the opposite of what I look for as I smoke--namely more steam, full speed ahead.
To my mind, this is not "best cigar of the year" material. But that's just me. Maybe you'll love it, like so many other reviewers have of late. It is not a dog, and worth trying if you like medium strength.
No need to do that, because the Brick House robusto is indeed a well-constructed medium-bodied cigar with a slightly wheaty, earthy flavor (at times) and an occasional rich moment that uplifts you and makes you hope it will continue that way to the nub (which it doesn't).
I paid less than 7 bucks for this in a cigar shop, which is mighty economical in my highly-taxed region. Because of this, I grudgingly concede that the Aficionados were onto something.
This stick burns well and holds its flavor consistently. However, it wasn't strong enough, rich enough, or complex enough for me to want to buy again. After the halfway mark, it lost a lot of steam, which is the opposite of what I look for as I smoke--namely more steam, full speed ahead.
To my mind, this is not "best cigar of the year" material. But that's just me. Maybe you'll love it, like so many other reviewers have of late. It is not a dog, and worth trying if you like medium strength.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Puros Indios Puritos Candela
If you are looking for a VERY small cigar that tastes good and burns fairly cool, the Puros Indios Puritos Candela (4.0" x 30") is about as good as they come. I can safely say I've never smoked a better 30-ring cigar. Usually I won't touch anything below 38, but a friend gave me this and I figured, what the hell.
What a pleasant skinny surprise. You actually register some of the grassy, peppery flavors you would expect from a thicker-ringed Candela. Perfect for walking the dog or just having a quick smoke on a cold winter's night. What might otherwise seem hot or harsh feels just right when you're drawing cold outdoor air in along with the smoke. The mixture comes out just right on your palate.
After finishing one of these last night, I pulled out a 50-ring Padron and it just didn't work in the low temperatures. It tasted like cardboard. I wished I'd had another Puritos.
Try a Puritos Candela on a cold winter day. You might end up buying a box of 50 - which you can find at Cigars International for 20 bucks. That's a great price for a cigar that tastes better than anything you can buy in a drugstore.
What a pleasant skinny surprise. You actually register some of the grassy, peppery flavors you would expect from a thicker-ringed Candela. Perfect for walking the dog or just having a quick smoke on a cold winter's night. What might otherwise seem hot or harsh feels just right when you're drawing cold outdoor air in along with the smoke. The mixture comes out just right on your palate.
After finishing one of these last night, I pulled out a 50-ring Padron and it just didn't work in the low temperatures. It tasted like cardboard. I wished I'd had another Puritos.
Try a Puritos Candela on a cold winter day. You might end up buying a box of 50 - which you can find at Cigars International for 20 bucks. That's a great price for a cigar that tastes better than anything you can buy in a drugstore.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Indian Super Fuertes better than ever
My last post about Indian Tabac Super Fuerte robusto naturals was rather negative, describing a mellowing effect with aging. I've had a few more since then and they are not exactly mellow, just a tad more refined as they age. Most of them keep their "kick" and I'm not sure what happened with the 3 or 4 that seemed mellow when I reviewed them last year.
I recently finished the last super fuerte from a box I bought in 2007. Wow, what a run. And, as I continue to buy new five packs of this blend, I'm amazed at how well they smoke fresh out of the box.
These are some of the most rugged, reliable full-bodied cigars that you can win on the auctions for less than 2 dollars apiece. Great for that quick-rush, give-me-a-cigar-NOW moment. They are not about subtle finesse, but instant gratification through open draw and crackling intensity. Sometimes they go bitter by the last third, other times they smoke gloriously down to the nub. Either way you get something of value for your $1.89 or whatever ridiculously low price you paid.
Whether you get 30 minutes or 60, you'll always get reliable draw, taste and burn that can withstand a stiff breeze, heat, cold, allergies, and even rain. You could probably smoke one in the middle of a hurricane and still enjoy it, although I've never tried that.
Oddly, the other blends in this line don't do much for me - I've tried the super fuerte maduros in various sizes and find them all lacking in flavor or not as well constructed. But the robusto natural (habano wrapper) is a real winner. A cheapskate's paradise.
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I recently finished the last super fuerte from a box I bought in 2007. Wow, what a run. And, as I continue to buy new five packs of this blend, I'm amazed at how well they smoke fresh out of the box.
These are some of the most rugged, reliable full-bodied cigars that you can win on the auctions for less than 2 dollars apiece. Great for that quick-rush, give-me-a-cigar-NOW moment. They are not about subtle finesse, but instant gratification through open draw and crackling intensity. Sometimes they go bitter by the last third, other times they smoke gloriously down to the nub. Either way you get something of value for your $1.89 or whatever ridiculously low price you paid.
Whether you get 30 minutes or 60, you'll always get reliable draw, taste and burn that can withstand a stiff breeze, heat, cold, allergies, and even rain. You could probably smoke one in the middle of a hurricane and still enjoy it, although I've never tried that.
Oddly, the other blends in this line don't do much for me - I've tried the super fuerte maduros in various sizes and find them all lacking in flavor or not as well constructed. But the robusto natural (habano wrapper) is a real winner. A cheapskate's paradise.
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Sunday, November 14, 2010
Casa Torano Maduro Robusto
Casa Torano Maduro robustos are not so easy to come by any more - seems like the online stores are only stocking the mild naturals. However I bagged a five-pack of the maduros a while back for $13 on cigarbid.
Reviews are all over the place on these - some people say too mild, some too strong, etc.
I find them to be excellent medium-strength sticks with lots of body and flavor. Leaning towards woody and peaty, not sweet. Good draw and consistent burn, no harshness, and fine character to the last inch. A cigar with some finesse rather than a blow-you-away bomber.
For $3 apiece, you can't really do much better. Smoke them indoors or in calm outdoor conditions to enjoy properly. A slight breeze would probably knock them off their game.
Comparable to:
5 Vegas Series A - but stronger
Alec Bradley MAXX - but milder
Pepin Series JJ Maduro - similar flavor and a lot cheaper!
La Flor Dominicana Grand Maduro #6 - and much better flavor
Good luck if you can find them!
Reviews are all over the place on these - some people say too mild, some too strong, etc.
I find them to be excellent medium-strength sticks with lots of body and flavor. Leaning towards woody and peaty, not sweet. Good draw and consistent burn, no harshness, and fine character to the last inch. A cigar with some finesse rather than a blow-you-away bomber.
For $3 apiece, you can't really do much better. Smoke them indoors or in calm outdoor conditions to enjoy properly. A slight breeze would probably knock them off their game.
Comparable to:
5 Vegas Series A - but stronger
Alec Bradley MAXX - but milder
Pepin Series JJ Maduro - similar flavor and a lot cheaper!
La Flor Dominicana Grand Maduro #6 - and much better flavor
Good luck if you can find them!
Sunday, September 19, 2010
New Cigarbid Interface Design - OUCH!
What are the folks over at cigarbid thinking? Their new web interface is horrible, hard to read, less compact and generally irritating.
Why do marketing departments feel a need to completely re-tool their websites every 2 years, no matter what? Guys, the old cigarbid was working just fine. It was easy to use. It was easy to understand. You could see everything on one continuous page. You had figured it out! It worked! Now you've thrown it all away!
Oh well. I'm sure I'll be back to bid as soon as my supply runs down.
Meanwhile I'm staying away. May be a good time for the rest of you early adopters to go out there and win some cheap bids, while the fogies like me sit in the dark, steaming.
Creative destruction. Web 3.9. Go figure. All the cosmetic change just wears me out. Jeez just give me a cigar.
Why do marketing departments feel a need to completely re-tool their websites every 2 years, no matter what? Guys, the old cigarbid was working just fine. It was easy to use. It was easy to understand. You could see everything on one continuous page. You had figured it out! It worked! Now you've thrown it all away!
Oh well. I'm sure I'll be back to bid as soon as my supply runs down.
Meanwhile I'm staying away. May be a good time for the rest of you early adopters to go out there and win some cheap bids, while the fogies like me sit in the dark, steaming.
Creative destruction. Web 3.9. Go figure. All the cosmetic change just wears me out. Jeez just give me a cigar.
Nestor Miranda 1989 Oscuro
The Nestor Miranda 1989 Oscuro robusto is a good, medium bodied cigar similar in flavor to the Nestor Miranda Special Selection blend that came out about 2 years ago--but a much better cigar, in my opinion. The 1989 maduro has more depth, subtlety and character while erasing most of the bitter tendencies that were an unfortunate hallmark of the Special Selections.
In various websites and distributor catalogs the 1989 oscuro is also referred to as a "maduro" - so I believe they are one and the same.
If the progression from the "Special Selection" to the "1989" represents an ongoing trend, I can't wait for the next blend to arrive from Nestor Miranda. The brand seems to be getting better every year.
This cigar is appropriately priced - about $70 per box of 20 - and is quite a bargain if you can win singles like I did on cigarbid for a mere $2.00.
In various websites and distributor catalogs the 1989 oscuro is also referred to as a "maduro" - so I believe they are one and the same.
If the progression from the "Special Selection" to the "1989" represents an ongoing trend, I can't wait for the next blend to arrive from Nestor Miranda. The brand seems to be getting better every year.
This cigar is appropriately priced - about $70 per box of 20 - and is quite a bargain if you can win singles like I did on cigarbid for a mere $2.00.
Friday, September 10, 2010
Another Plain Old Fuente: Churchill Natural
Courtesy of the folks at Cigars Direct, I got to sample another vitola from the "standard" Arturo Fuente line, or as I've come to know them, the "Plain Ol' Fuentes" because of their lack of distinguishing characteristics.
This time I smoked the 7.25 x 48 Arturo Fuente Churchill natural, A nicely constructed, fine looking, good burning stick that starts out exceedingly mellow, builds up to about medium strength, tastes like slightly honeyed cardboard for the first few inches, and finally gets pleasantly rowdy at the end.
Inches 5 and 6 of this cigar are excellent. If you can hire a stand-in to smoke the first 4 inches while you're puffing away on something else, then put yourself back in to close the game on the Fuente, that would be ideal.
But in the real world you're stuck with another less-than-spectacular Churchill for the duration. I don't know how the Fuentes can manage to utilize a Cameroon wrapper to such muted effect. I can see how some people would like this, just not me.
This time I smoked the 7.25 x 48 Arturo Fuente Churchill natural, A nicely constructed, fine looking, good burning stick that starts out exceedingly mellow, builds up to about medium strength, tastes like slightly honeyed cardboard for the first few inches, and finally gets pleasantly rowdy at the end.
Inches 5 and 6 of this cigar are excellent. If you can hire a stand-in to smoke the first 4 inches while you're puffing away on something else, then put yourself back in to close the game on the Fuente, that would be ideal.
But in the real world you're stuck with another less-than-spectacular Churchill for the duration. I don't know how the Fuentes can manage to utilize a Cameroon wrapper to such muted effect. I can see how some people would like this, just not me.
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