Tatuaje Petit Cazadores Reserva

This new size from Tatuaje, smaller than a Petite Corona at 4x40, sports the Broadleaf wrapper that Pete Johnson has had so much success with.  It has a wrapped foot (which I am a huge fan of) and should be the perfect size for temperatures in the 20s!  Lets see how it smokes..

First Third
-Full bodied right off the bat, a huge blast of flavor
-Dark, complex flavors with wood, cedar, some cocoa, and a hit of leather
-Draw is a bit tight, but ash and burn are perfect
-There is a hint of 'cubanesqueness'


Second Third
-Similar flavors to the first third, with black coffee now, and more wood and leather
-Got a hint of bitterness... nicotine build up?  A fresh cut fixed that
-Ash held for over an inch!
-Phenomenal with a cup of coffee
-Smoking slowly

Third Third
-Very beefy flavors, great nutty wood and coffee along with the other flavors
-D/A/B still spot on
-Definitely full bodied
-No bitterness
-Great finish, enjoyable down to the nub

Score: 92
Can't wait to pick up some more of these (cab worthy!), loved the complex, full bodied, dark flavors in this little guy.  Great smoke in a small package, and with a cup of coffee- the breakfast of champions!  I bet these will be great with age.

Bolivar Petit Belicosos EL 09

This short belicoso shaped Bolivar was one of the three Edicion Limitadas for 2009, along with the

H. Upmann Magnum 48 and RyJ Duke.  The wrapper is a dark, almost maduro color with a lumpy, leathery feel and some veins.  Bolivars tend to be hit or miss for me, so we'll see how this stick smokes a year after its release.

First Third

-Strong wood, spice, cedar, and some leather explode in the first few puffs
-Thick clouds of smoke and a nice draw, on the loose side
-Definitely a fuller bodied cigar, though not a beast
-Construction is good minus a slightly crooked burn

Second Third

-Flavors haven't changed too much, but the spice is less pronounced

-Needed a bit of relight to keep the burn straight, great draw and ash held to over an inch

-A nice sweetness in the background, going well with a Becks Dark

Third Third

-Leather, wood and even a nice tangy flavor take the lead in this third

-D/A/B are all spot on, nice sturdy ash too

-Has a dark, full-bodied finish

-Slightly harsh towards the nub

Score: 89
Definitely a good smoke, but not yet in its prime- give this another few years and it will be a gem

Guillermo Leon Signature Corona

**Its freezing out, so I would like to use my hands as little as possible for this review (and probably many more over the winter months), so I'm going to try a short, quickie review version that I hope will still give you a taste for the stick while keeping my hands warmer!

This is a fairly new smoke to the market, released at this year's IPCPR by Guillermo Leon and La Aurora.  I'm smoking the Corona size, gifted to me by Steve over at SmokingStogie after I won a drawing.  Lets see how this stick burns!

First Third
-Starts off with a medium body and light smoke
-Leathery, wood, and nutty flavors
-Getting some coffee and sweetness in the background
-Construction is good

Second Third
-Similar flavors as the first third, though a bit less defined
-Enjoying the nutty and leathery notes
-D/A/B still on target
-Picking up a bit in body, still only medium+ though

Third Third
-Getting more wood and some spice in this third
-Construction is great, just left it for 10 min and still burning!
-Definitely nub-worthy
-Tiny bit of harshness at the end, my only gripe

Score: 90
-Go try one, great stick that is very well priced

Tatuaje Face - Monster Series LE #3

The third limited Halloween release from Tatuaje, "The Face" (after Leatherface from the Texas Chainsaw Massacre), is a large stick at 6 3/8 by 56 sporting a Mexican wrapper.  The band is actually a piece of tobacco in a lighter shade to mimic the look of the monster who it is a tribute to.  Only 666 coffins were released, though 1300 ten count plain boxes were produced, making this the largest Monster release yet.  The stick itself is truely a beast, and judging from other sources, seems to be a great smoke.

Pre-Light - The large size is very imposing on this cigar, and the gnarly uncut foot and tobacco band make it an interesting sight.  The smell is fantastic, and the pre-light draw gives a little sweetness with a nice lighter draw.

First Third - The first puffs are heavy with woody earth, dark sweetness, some spice and a bit of raw tobacco in billows of thick smoke.  The spice is muted, more of a tingle on the tongue, while the darker earth and wood take the lead.  Though it is certainly a jaw breaker, I'm enjoying the size, and it is a bit stronger than I had expected. 

Second Third - Not much spice in this third, while the earthy, tobacco and sweet flavors really shine.  The strength is definitely picking up (though I though even the first third was medium-full) and the construction proves to be excellent- the ash lasted close to 2 inches. 

Third Third - Definitely picking up more sweetness in this third (even some cocoa), as well a more wood, some nut and a bit of pretzel.  Draw, ash and burn are still going strong, just like the body.  I love the strength and dense, full flavors in this third, with the Mexican wrapper's sweetness being a real treat.  Definitely a great ending to a great stick!

Conclusion and Score - Though I've just got a soft spot for these Halloween LEs, I loved this cigar.  The sweetness of the Mexican wrapper was huge for me, as I love the type of dark, cocoa sweetness that this cigar so wonderfully exemplified, not to mention an ass-kicking body that got progressively stronger throughout.  Along with the sweetness, there was a complex mix of wood, earth, nut, some spice and raw tobacco that didn't once get dull.  On top of that, the construction (D/A/B) were all terrific.  Definitely a cigar worthy of a 93 rating, that will hopefully only get better with age.  Find some if you can, and have a HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Tatuaje Boris - The 'Frank Out of Costume'

Last year Pete Johnson released a slightly different version of the famed Frank from Halloween of 2008, with a different wrapper, called the Boris (after the actor who played Frankenstein in the movie).  Since Halloween is coming up this year, I figured I'd finally get around to smoking this LE!

Pre-Light - No noticeable smells, but the wrapper is a beautiful coffee colored brown with minimal veins and a leathery touch.

First Third - Right away I can taste the slight minty note that I've heard so much about in this stick, combined with a mild-medium bodied earthy tobacco flavor.  The smoke is abnormally cool, similar to a dry wine.  The draw, ash, and burn are fantastic thus far, and the smoke itself is thick and white.  A slight nutty spice character adds to the complexity of what seems to be a great cigar, though with a body lighter than I had expected.

Second Third - The body has beefed up a bit though the complex mix of flavors continues to be a mix of tobacco, mint, nut and some earthyness.  I am in awe of the perfection achieved in construction by Pete on this stick, its is a joy not to have to baby the stick or worry about a tight draw. 

Third Third - Moving into the last third, a cool spice takes the lead with some creamy nut and earthy flavors right behind.  The texture of the smoke is continuing to intrigue me, and D/A/B are, big surprise, still great.  I'm not noticing any heat near the nub, as the cool flavors and smoke seem to be consistent throughout.  Definitely worth nubbing. 

 

Conclusion and Score - This cigar was really 'different' for me (as I would expect from an LE), and it fits into a niche that I could see myself yearning for on occasion in the future.  The smoke itself was cool, minty and dry, while the flavors included a complex mix of earth, mint, raw tobacco, nut, and spice.  Construction was superb, and I really did enjoy this cigar, though it could have used a bit more in the body department.  Even still, I would rate this stick a 91 and look forward to seeing it progress over time.

La Gloria Cubana Medaille d'Or No. 3

I recently picked up this Habano in a box pass, being interested both because I have never had a La Gloria Cubana, and the fact that it is quite an odd vitola (it could easily be mistaken for a Ticonderoga  No. 2).  The wrapper has a veiny leather texture, and the pre-light draw was not as tough as I'd thought, though with some definite tug.  Lighting up I get creamy, nutty notes with a bold woody flavor.  As I move into the first third a bitter, smokey spice joins the mix.  Though the draw still has some pull, it opens up a bit half way through as a pronounced cedary spice and bergamot tea dominate the now background wood and cream.  The smoke has a velvet-like texture and finish, and a very nice tight, layered ash. 

I really liked the complexity and combination of flavors in this dainty little smoke.  Don't be fooled by the size, this thing packs a nice medium body and is stuffed with flavor.  The construction, minus a tight draw to begin with, was spot on.  My only gripe would be a bit of harshness towards the last third.  I would rate this stick an 89 with possible room for improvement in a few years.  Not a box cigar for me, but definitely one I would like to have around.

Juan Lopez Obus French Regional Edition

In 2006 and again in 2007, the Juan Lopez Obus was released by Habanos for France.  I haven't heard or seen many reviews on this cigar, and after my buddy brought me one back from his trip to France, I thought it would make for a good review. 

Smoking outside with some coffee today.  Cut is a Xikar and lit with matches.

Pre-light - The wrapper is light brown with some noticeable veins and a leathery texture. There is a faint tobacco flavor on the pull. 

First Third - The Obus opens with some creamy wood flavors, in a lighter medium body.  The burn and ash are prefect thus far and it is producing some nice clouds of smoke.  Some earthy, cedary, and even dried leaf flavors join the mix after a quarter inch and mesh nicely with the wood.  Some floral flavors in the background are interesting as well.

Second Third - The creamy flavor from the first third has really opened up, with the cedar, wood and even some nutty flavors blending well for a quite complex smoke.  My ash lasted a good inch and a half before dropping, and the burn continues to be pretty straight.  The smoke itself is very smooth and has an unbelievably cool finish. 

Third Third - This third continues with the smooth complexity that the first two thirds had, the wood taking the lead flavor wise at this point.  Tasting some more of the cedar and leaf flavor, I'm reminded of fall (my favorite cigar season).  D/A/B are all on par down to the end, as I nub this gem.

Conclusion and Score - This was a real change of pace cigar for me.  The complex flavor combination offered different but exciting notes for my palate.  The initial woody flavor lead the pack the whole time while the cedar, earth, nut, and dried leaf mingled throughout the stick.  The construction was very good, and the smooth, cool finish was refreshing.  I would rate this cigar a 92, being one of the best REs I have had the opportunity to smoke.  If you can nab one, it is definitely worth it!

Tatuaje La Verite

***I am honored to present my second guest review, this time from Jon (Kidrock on the forums)

I often don’t do cigar reviews because I’m not an expert. In April 2009 Pete Johnson posted a photo of a cigar with a 2008 band on it saying it would be a limited released cigar that was a tribute to his passion for vintage wines. I rarely believe in hype or marketing, and was very skeptical when the price of the La Verite (5X50) would be 16.00 dollars. This is a steep price to pay especially since I left the work force recently to peruse my graduate degree in Secondary Education at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. Mark Just, the owner of Tower Cigars & Pipes (www.towercigars.com) in Sacramento, California was extremely gracious in giving me the chance to access a box of 25, and sent a fiver of Angelenos along that I will be reviewing in the future.

Construction: The wrapper is a tad bit fragile and had a little cracking during the smoking process. However, I firmly believe that it was based the fact that the cigar was so fresh and a tad bit wet.

Ash: The ash held nice and tight the entire time I enjoyed this cigar. The La Verite was smoked in 65 minutes.

Flavor: The beginning of this stick hits you with the Pepin spice that Tatuaje cigars are known for. At the halfway point, I got a few notes of carmel and bread. This is a very distinctive note that I absolutely love. The last part of the cigar mellowed out; the spice was there and my palette found it quite favorable. I nubbed this cigar :)

My verdict: I would easily rate this cigar in the low 90’s and would buy another box if given the chance. Also, A HUGE THANK YOU to Mark at Tower Cigars & Pipes (www.towercigars.com) and to AJ as well for letting me contribute to his wonderful blog.

Until next time, may your ashes be long and your humidor full,

Jon “Kidrock” DiBartolomeo

Viaje Summerfest Torpedo

I was sent this stick recently by a great BOTL, and thought it would make for an interesting review. The Summerfest blend is a special release from Viaje for the summer of 2010, coming in a Robusto (later add on) and Torpedo (the original planned size). The cigar itself has 1.5 inches of unwrapped foot (yes, that is just tobacco flapping in the breeze), which makes it quite a sight... I hope the flavors are as interesting as the shape!

I'll be smoking outside tonight, lighting with matches and cutting with my Palio. To get a proper light, I cut almost all of the shaggy foot off, leaving around a quarter inch out of interest.

The Summerfest starts out with a medium bodied spice, some earthy wood flavors, and a nice toasty flavor that rounds it out. There is definitely an unmistakable creaminess and a bit of carmel to the smoke as well. The burn is pretty decent, though required a touch up along the way. Draw and ash have been perfect thus far, while the spice has faded out. The wood flavor has taken over with the spice emerging again, and some nice bitter dark chocolate nuances. In the last third, the D/A/B are all spot on. Woody flavors dominate along with espresso/dark chocolate and another round of the toasty note. I smoked this stick down to the tasty little nub, and would rate it a ninety (90). Though I think last year's Holiday Blend is a slightly better cigar (it had a bit more full-bodied flavor), this stick is definitely a winner. I will definitely be looking for more!

Liga Privada Flying Pig

Drew Estates came out with the Liga Privada line in the last year or so, one of their few non-flavored lines, which immediately made a splash in the cigar world. One of the special releases in this line was the 'Flying Pig,' a pigtailed 4 1/8 x 60 perfecto which was made in small quantities. I loved this cigar when it first came out last year, and was lucky enough to grab a few. Tonight is a perfect cigar smoking night, and the Flying Pig's leathery, almost black wrapper caught my eye when I went for a smoke. I'm looking forward to seeing what a bit of age has done to this funky little stick!

Smoking outside tonight with some water. Cut is a Palio and lit with matches.

The initial puffs of the Pig have notes of cedar, earth and some dark chocolate, though the overall flavors and body are more medium than I remember. The burn is a bit awkward at the end of the perfecto though soon straightened out, and the draw is spot on. As I move towards the second third, the flavors open up a bit more as the complexity bumps up a notch and some spice starts up. Later on, the spice picks up with some rich, complex, earthy flavors, and more sweet/bitter chocolate. The construction remained fantastic throughout, and I would rate this stick a solid 91. I think the humidor time really made these great instead of just good, and I am happy I still have a few left. Definitely grab a few if you're able!

Cohiba Siglo V ('01)

This stick was given to me by a BOTL about 6 months ago, and has been waiting in the humidor since. Not sure why, but I felt an urge to spark up this 9 year old Cohiba, and see how it tastes. My experience with Cohibas is a bit less than the other marcas, so this should be an interesting experience in which I have very few expectations.

Lighting up tonight after dinner on the patio with some cold water. Cut with my Xikar and lit with matches.

Pre-Light - The wrapper is a light, tan color with a smooth, almost oily texture and a few veins. The draw has a light tug, and the triple cap is beautiful.

First Third - The first draws bring a large volume of smoke, with toasty, woody, and some creamy notes. I am surprised by the superb draw (considering the '99-'01 curse), which is giving clouds of smoke are thick and white. After a half inch, a more dark tobacco flavor joins the picture, kicking the complexity up a notch. The burn isn't all that great, but doesn't really need any touch-ups yet.

Second Third - The flavors are really coming into their own, with wood, nut, and raw tobacco leading the pack, and some subtle cedar and coffee in the background. The ash is tight and layered, though still not really straight. Draw and smoke continue to be fantastic.
Third Third - Ooh boy I wish I had more of these... The flavors have moved away from the darker ones of the second third, and the coffee, wood, and toast notes have taken the lead. A nice cedar and vanilla in the background round out the flavors, as the draw and smoke continue to be spot on. While I did have to touch up once or twice, this was really no matter to me. The smoke was cool, almost menthol like at the end, and I nubbed it until my fingers were on fire.
Conclusion and Score - I must say this was one of the best CCs I have had in a while. The flavors were well rounded and complex, never letting up from start to nub. The body was medium at the beginning and end, but got a bit heavier in the middle. Burn was average, but the volumes of thick smoke and wonderful draw made up for what the burn lacked. Overall, this was an immensely enjoyable smoke, that I would rate 92 points. I doubt I will smoke one again, but if I can find one, I will most definitely grab it!

La Riqueza No. 5

This stick was sent to me recently by a generous BOTL, and I have been looking forward to lighting it up. I've had the No. 2 (belicoso) before and loved it, but am yet to smoke any of the other sizes. The La Riqueza line by Pete Johnson is designed to be "An Old World medium bodied Cuban style cigar" according to the website, and is made with Nicaraguan tobaccos in a Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper. This cute little size reminds me of a Party Short or RASCC, which are great for a quick smoke!

Lighting up this morning (couldn't sleep!) with a cup of coffee. Cut with my Xikar and lit with matches.

Lighting up, I'm smacked in the face with strong wood, coffee, and nutty flavors. The smoke is quite thick for such a small cigar, and has a toasty aftertaste. D/A/B are all perfect, the latter with a Cubanesque tug. I am quite surprised at how much depth and clarity there are to the flavors, this cigar is really a treat. As I get to the half way point, the complexity settles down a bit (though adding some spice and molasses to the mix of flavors), while all construction aspects remain flawless. I would give this an 89 rating, and with some age to mellow the slight harshness I tasted towards the end, this will easily be in the 90s. Overall, a great cigar that is going on my 'box purchase when I have money' list!

Ramon Allones Celestiales Finos

The last few weeks have been stressful with school work (summer classes for Co-op- ugh!), and I haven't had the chance to smoke too often. I'm gonna try and make up for that today by pulling out something interesting- the Ramon Allones Regional Edition for the 2009 Asian Pacific, the Celestiales Finos. This stick has a reputation of being on the stronger side, though the wrapper looks a bit lighter than the other RAs I've had in the past few years. Either way, hopefully it turns out well because I am a huge fan of Ramon Allones, and this will be my first special release from the brand.

Smoking outside by the pool tonight, drinking iced coffee and cold water. Cut is a palio, and lit with a torch.

Pre-light - The wrapper is a light brown with an almost orange hue. I have seen a variety of wrapper shades on these, so this isn't surprising. There are a few lumps, but it feels nice and has a great draw- more on the easy side.

First Third - The Celestiales Finos opens with a huge cloud of thick white smoke, some cedary spice, wood, and vegetal-coffee flavors (if that makes sense). The strength doesn't seem too full right away, but the flavor definitely leans toward full bodied. Burn is average, but the draw is perfect. Guess I'm lucky in that area, as many smokers reported a stiff tug. I'm intrigued by the development of the flavors, it is an interesting and well rounded combo.

Second Third - I'm really diggin' the flavors at this point, with hay, wood, cedar and some coffee melding together well. Cuba's typical 'twang' isn't really there the strength had definitely picked up... it is not a cigar for the feint of heart. The burn and ash are still a bit ragged, but the draw is absolutely perfect. Coffee was a great choice for this cigar, and would be highly recommended.

Third Third - The flavors are still holding my attention well, though they have not changed much from the second third; possibly a bit more coffee at this point, though hay still leading the pack. The burn has evened out a bit, while the draw is still flawless. While this stick doesn't show any similarities to the regular production RAs (or many other CCs at all), it is a great experience. Conclusion and Score - I've gotta say that this was quite a 'different' smoke in the flavor department. The flavors of the Celestiales Finos were rich, with a vegetal type coffee, hay, and some wood that were brought together in a refreshing full bodied smoke. Strength was a pretty big factor in this cigar after the first third, and if you can find one, eat a nice meal before smoking it- by far the strongest CC I have ever had. Even with a less than desirable burn/ash, I would give this smoke a 90 rating, with a bit of room for improvement after some aging. As it stands though, a fine example of exotic flavors in young Cuban tobacco. Will be looking for more!