Hello everyone, it’s already that time of the year when I post my top ten cigars of 2009. These cigars have been chosen from all of the various cigars that I have reviewed here over the year of 2009. So with that behind us, lets get to the list.
1. PD Andou
2. Room 101
3. Cain Habano
4. Don Pepin “Yellow Label” for CI Legends
Have a Merry Christmas and we will see you in 2009.
Unitl Next Time
Stew
Filed under: Cigars, Social | 4 Comments »
Hello everyone, today I am bringing you yet another creation from Rocky Patel. Now I know it’s hard to believe that Rocky has created anotother cigar (lol) but yet it’s true. The new creation is call “Patel Bros. that was created to welcome his brother Nish Patel into the cigar world. I personally hope that this cigar is a winner because I have manny brothers as well and if I was a cigar maker, I too would produce one to include them too. I think that’s its very cool that Rocky has made a new cigar to honor brotherhood . As stated above, I just hope that this cigar produces the love and joy that is only achieved through true brotherhood. Lets find out.
CIGAR MAKE UP:
WRAPPER: Pennsylvania Broadleaf
BINDER & FILLER: Honduras / Honduras, Dominican
Length/Ring: 5 X 50
Shape: Robusto
Strength: Medium to Full
My Observations: This cigar is very interesting with it’s dark chocolate leaf wrapper. When I first laid eyes on it, I was quickly brought back to Rocky’s Winter collection 2008. Yes, the leaf wrapper is from the same region but will it taste as good? One can only hope. Anyway, the leaf has small veins and this cigar was rolled with true confidence by its roller. On my finger touch inspection, I located some soft spots but I truly feel that it will not affect my smoke in any way. The cap was centered perfectly.
Cigar Label: The label is very cool and very different from the triditional RP labels we are used to seeing. The white, brown, gold, and silver colors blend well together. Good job Rocky!
Snip: Straight cut.
Pre-Draw: Smooth with a spicy flavor.
Flavors: The 1st third of this cigar consisted of a spicy peppery flavor that sparks your interest immediately. Once the spice began to slow down, leather joined the flavor profile. The 2nd third continued with the leather flavor which was joined with rich earthy type flavor. The last third changed totally in which the spicy flavor returned and seem to dominate the rest of the smoke.
Draw: Smooth.
Burn line: Slightly uneven.
Price: I paid $7.50 from my local B&M
Liked it: Sorry, but I really didn’t!
Recommend it: No.
Hint: If you are a spicy type person, then this one is for you.
Over All
Until Next Time
Stew
Filed under: Cigars, Social | 2 Comments »
Hello everyone, Today, I’m bringing you a new cigar from cigar maker Don Giolito. What is this cigar you ask? Well it’s the Cuchillos Cubanos and I have wanted to try it since I first learned about it from the Stogie Review and A Cigar Smoker . So with a quick surf of the wonderful world-wide web, I quickly got my hands on a five pack for this review. So with that said, let’s get to the review.
CIGAR MAKE UP:
WRAPPER: Nicaraguan
BINDER & FILLER: Nicaraguan / Nicaraguan
Length/Ring: 5.25 X 40
Strength: Medium
My Observations: The leaf wrapper is reddish-brown in color which sports small almost non noticable veins. On my finger touch inspection, I found no soft spots and located no types of imperfections. Over all, it seems that so far this cigar is off to a great start.
Cigar Label: None
Snip: I chose a straight cut.
Pre-Draw: Smooth with no hesitations that produced a hint of rich tobacco flavor.
Flavors: The 1st third of this cigar consisted of a sweet molasses type flavor that gives way to wood. The 2nd third consisted of wood, earth, and a sort of flavored cinnamon coffee type flavor. The last third continued with the wood, earth, and rich cinnamon coffee flavor.
Draw: Smooth.
Burn line: Uneven with a flaky ash.
Price: I paid $19.00 plus shipping for a five pack.
Liked it: Yes
Recommend it: You know it.
Hint: Try it, you will thank me later
Over All
Filed under: Cigars, Social | 3 Comments »
Last week, I observed hundreds of moths flying in the air and all over the place. Now you say “What is so strange about that?” Well it’s December here in Rhode Island and I do not recall seeing moths this late into Fall / early Winter. So I looked on the internet and found this interesting video explaining what is happening.
Finally it snowed for the first time this year and I was truly amazed to see that some of my summer flowers are still around. Again it’s December and usually they are gone by late October early November. Thought it would make interesting reading material.
Until Next Time
Stew
Filed under: Social | Leave a Comment »
Hello everyone, just wanted to take this time to wish all my readers and viewers a “Happy Thanksgiving!” I hope you have a great day and enjoy the sports, food, and your family. Finally, make sure you take a moment out of your day to reflect on what you are thankful for. God Bless and see you all soon.
Until Next Time
Stew
Filed under: Cigars, Social | 1 Comment »
Until Next Time
Stew
Filed under: Uncategorized | 3 Comments »
“We are tied to the ocean. And when we go back to the sea, whether it is to sail or to watch – we are going back from whence we came.”
~ John F. Kennedy
Filed under: Cigars, Politics, Social | 1 Comment »
Hello everyone, I’m finally back and ready for another cigar review. Today, I’m bringing you the wonderful new creation from the people over at Camacho cigars blended especially for musician and designer Matt Booth. The cigar, I am talking about is the Room 101 that has drawn quit the craze in the cigar world. If your interested in finding out more about Matt, here is the link to the Room 101 site. Before I get to the review, I would like to personally thank Matt for his service to this country while being in the United States Marine Corps.
CIGAR MAKE UP:
WRAPPER: Honduras
BINDER & FILLER: Honduras / Honduras, Dominican
Length/Ring: 6 X 60
Shape: Bertha
Strength: Medium
My Observations: Just outstanding and that is putting it mildly. This cigar is a true eye catcher and believe you me, you will immediately understand why I am saying this, once you get your hands on it. The cigar itself is an awesome dark rich chocolate color. The wrapper is made up of noticeable veins which blend perfectly with its makeup. On my finger touch inspection, I found no soft spots and no types of imperfections to speak of. Over all, just a wonderfully made cigar.
Cigar Label: This label truly seems to just scream out “Buy me!” With its black and silver colors, it is a true marketing success. ” Two thumbs up!”
Snip: I chose a hole punch for this smoking experience.
Pre-Draw: Smooth with a rich tobacco taste.
Flavors: The 1st third of this cigar consisted of a peppery blast right up front and then tamed down to a nice chocolate and earthy flavor. The 2nd third continued with the chocolate, earthy flavors, but was suddenly joined by a short hint of caramel nougat flavor. The last third seem continued with the chocolate and earthy flavors that lasted right through to the finish.
Draw: Smooth as can be.
Burn line: Slightly uneven but needed no touch ups.
Price: $9.50
Liked it: Yes
Recommend it: You know it.
Hint: Get your hands on it! This one is for real.
Over All
Until Next Time
Stew
Filed under: Cigars, Social | 3 Comments »
I have taken some time off from cigars but plan on returning towards the end of this week. Please stay tune because I have picked up some wonderful sticks to review. So with that God Bless and I’ll be back soon.
Until Next Time
Stew
Filed under: Cigars, Social | Leave a Comment »
Hello folks, today I am reviewing one of the most sought after cigars for October 31, 2009, that being the “Boris.” This cigar was recently released by Pete Johnson of Tatuaje cigar company and is part of the “Monster” series line, which is only released on Halloween day. The “Boris” is supposed to be the “Frank” out of costume and I think Pete released it to give anyone who missed the “Frank” last year another chance to try it. I have not tried the “Frank” but have one sitting in my war chest since last year so this was sort of a treat for me.
Ok, a little history on how I was able to get my sticks: On the morning of October 31, 2009, I like everyone else, geared up for the release of the Monster series cigars. I learned at the beginning of October that the Regency Cigar Emporium in East Greenwich, RI was one of the only B&M’s in Rhode Island getting them. I was sort of relieved, because I frequent this shop often and have spent several dollars there so I figured that it would not be a problem to get a few for my review.
On October 31, 2009, at about 12:00 PM, my oldest brother “Eddie” contacted me and asked me to pick up two sticks for him because he was not able to make the event due to family obligations. I told my brother I didn’t think it would be a problem and headed off to buy them.Thirty five minutes later when I pulled into the parking lot, a smile ran across my face because I was very excited to buy my “Drac” and “Boris.” Once inside the establishment, I was quickly approached by one of the clerks and asked if I was here to buy the “Drac?” I immediately nodded my head and said “Yes, Sir I am.” The clerk then asked me if I wanted a “Boris too?” and I again nodded my head and quickly said “Yes, sir.” I then asked the clerk if I could have two of each and explained my older brothers situation. The clerk turned and said “Sorry, only one stick of each per customer. “One stick per customer” I said to myself, you have to be kidding me? I only asked for an extra two and it wasn’t like I was going to sell them on EBAY or Craigs list! I could not believe that he wouldn’t make an exception. In his defense though, rules are rules and I for one understand that concept, but I personally think he should have used common sense and let it slide. So with that, any hopes of scoring some sticks for my older brother was over.
A few minutes later, the clerk returned with my sticks and began to check me out. As I took out my wallet, I turned and looked at the gentleman to my left and noticed that he was buying a box of the “Boris” and a box of the Drac.” I then turned and looked at the clerk and handed him my money with a smug look on my face as I said to myself “One stick per customer huh.” With that I left and phoned “Eddie” and told him the bad news. I felt so bad that I offered him my sticks but he instantly refused and stated “Enjoy them little brother.” I wish I could have scored some for him and to tell you the truth it really stung my heart because I was unable to come through for him. Hey life goes on and yes, I know “It’s only a cigar” but it doesn’t make me feel any better.
CIGAR MAKE UP:
WRAPPER: Ecuadorian Sumatra Rosada
BINDER & FILLER: Nicaraguan / Nicaraguan
Length/Ring: 7 X 49
Shape: Churchill
Strength: Full
My Observations: I was not impressed with the look of this cigar and found the craftsmanship to be poor. The leaf wrapper was brittle and had several cosmetic problems through out the cigar. I was shocked to find this because most of the Tatuaje cigars that I have smoked in the past have always been rolled to perfection. Due to my findings, I could tell that this cigar fell through the cracks, which lead me to believe that this was a rush job. Hey it’s only my opinion but I can’t see any other reason on how this stick made it through quality control.Overall this stick was disastrous in the appearance department and I was deeply disappointed because of the price it fetched.
Cigar Label: White with black writing.
Snip & Pre-Draw & Toasting: I went with a hole punch.
Flavors: The 1st third of this cigar consisted of a full blast of pepper that let you know you were in for a full body ride. The 2nd third saw the disappearance of pepper, and welcome in earth and spice. The last third continued with the earth, spice, and was then joined by a tea flavor.
Draw and burn line: The draw was perfect and the ash held itself throughout the 2nd third of the cigar.The only complaint I had in this department was the five re-lights I had to do.
Price? Approximately $15.00 (I think this varies from B&M to B&M around the country)
Drink of choice? Star Bucks Ice Coffee.
Smoke Time? Approximately two hours.
Liked it? Yes.
Recommend it? Yes, try it if you get the chance.
Hint? Age it, I would say.
Over All
Until Next Time
Stew
Filed under: Cigars, Social | 5 Comments »
