| March Points Contest is Under Way! | By: SenorPablo |
| The points contest is under way for the month of March. The 26 members with the most points for the month have a chance to win a $25 gift certificate to Famous Smoke Shop. You can read the details HERE. To view the previous month's contest results see here. | |
| Toys for Tots Drive 2022 | By: SenorPablo |
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| French Collection (by Jochy Blanco) Cardinal Mazarin | March 2023 |
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| Written by Cigar Geeks Member: (amigodecigars) | |||
| It was well-constructed with well aged tobaccos, had a perfect draw, and just enough complexity in flavor to keep it interesting. I really enjoy well aged tobacco and these were aged for 6 years acco... Read More | |||
| French Collection (by Jochy Blanco) Cardinal Mazarin | March 2023 |
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| Written by Cigar Geeks Member: Byron (Beegerply) | |||
| I found this cigar to be a bit to mild for me. As nice as it looked I was hoping for more. I'm not sure if the mildness caused me not to pick up more notes in this cigar. I think this cigar would ... Read More | |||
| French Collection (by Jochy Blanco) Cardinal Mazarin | March 2023 |
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| Written by Cigar Geeks Member: (junglepete) | |||
| The lineage and breeding of this venture had me quite interested, but is was a tough cigar to evaluate. The construction issues surely diminished the overall experience. I liked most of the tastes, bu... Read More | |||
| French Collection (by Jochy Blanco) Cardinal Mazarin | March 2023 |
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| Written by Cigar Geeks Member: Gary (headfirst) | |||
| Thanks to Todd for letting me give this one a try. I definitely saw the potential for an enjoyable smoke in that first third, but unfortunately mine had construction issues that plagued it the rest o... Read More | |||
| French Collection (by Jochy Blanco) Cardinal Mazarin | March 2023 |
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| Written by Cigar Geeks Member: (DRuff) | |||
| This cigar was pretty good. Not a flavor bomb and definitely not in my usual wheelhouse, but a decent smoke for the most part. Medium strength with some flavor transitions, and a few burn issues but n... Read More | |||
| Camacho Liberty 2021 | September 2021 |
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| Written by Cigar Geeks Member: Steve Ladd (Caveman Steve) | |||
| All in all, this was real pleasure to smoke. The performance of the cigar itself overcame the lack of complexity in flavor by a goodly margin. I'm anxious to try another one after dinner to see how ... Read More | |||
| Camacho Liberty 2021 | September 2021 |
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| Written by Cigar Geeks Member: Nick (nkowal) | |||
| The Camacho Liberty 2021 was a bit of a disappointment given the high bar I have for the Liberty series. But that might also just be about resetting expectations about what the Liberties are going for... Read More | |||
| Camacho Liberty 2021 | September 2021 |
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| Written by Cigar Geeks Member: (nirab) | |||
| I really enjoyed this cigar. The oak notes were perfect with the coffee and pepper, and the natural sweetness was very pleasant. My entire experience smoking this cigar was excellent, and I look forwa... Read More | |||
| Camacho Liberty 2021 | September 2021 |
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| Written by Cigar Geeks Member: (tuck0411) | |||
| Pretty nice smoke, this one, the uneven burn and needed maintenance aside. Flavor for days and if I hadn't known I'd have sworn this one had more Nicaraguan tobacco in it given the spicy profile, but ... Read More | |||
| Camacho Liberty 2021 | September 2021 |
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| Written by Cigar Geeks Member: (Murphy223) | |||
| Thanks to Kevin (wescat) and Bruce for allowing me to participate. This one was fun. Overall, I enjoyed this cigar from start to finish. I'm glad I picked up a few because it is one I'd smoke again. ... Read More | |||
| Cigar | Rating |
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| Cuba Aliados Limitado by AJ Fernandez Toro Grande BP |  |
| By: tuck0411 (03/20/2023 05:05 PM) | |
| Humidor time: 248 days Humidimeter reading: Head - 59, foot - 62 Appearance and construction: A couple minor veins, a light sheen, box-pressed, and a soft pack with no soft spots... Gave it a single shallow V-cut and PLD was open. (9/10) Flavor: PLA gave a whiff of rich tobacco. The light gave a full-bodied profile with a spicy retro and notes of black pepper, black coffee, charred wood, leather, and spice. The spice in the nose faded after a few puffs with the other flavors staying consistent through the first half after which the black pepper ramped and became predominant through the remainder with the other flavors maintaining in the background. Very flavorful, overall, and not far from my wheelhouse for a fuller blend. Strength was about medium or a bit better. (32/35)  Smoking characteristics: The light produced an easy draw, good smoke volume, and an even burn to start. The burn was a bit wavy but self-correcting through the first third with the ash falling at 1 1/2" leaving a small cone. The burn continued wavily in the 2nd third, then got lopsided and needed a touch-up after which it continued wavily but self-correcting down to the nub. Smoke output dropped a bit at the point it was getting lopsided and prior to the touch-up but otherwise remained optimal throughout. (17/20) Overall impression: This one came from Cigar Page as part of a blend sampler along with three other vitolas from this blend so those will be reviewed shortly. This one was a pretty good smoke, construction issues aside which didn't detract too much from the overall experience. This was more or less a black pepper bomb, though, so not really recommended for anyone who doesn't like that flavor. I do, so will be looking forward to trying the other vitolas. (31/35) Burn time: 1:34 Rating: 89 | |
| Caldwell Cigar Co. The King Is Dead Escape Plan Drybeggar BP |  |
| By: tuck0411 (03/19/2023 05:38 PM) | |
| Humidor time: 247 days Humidimeter reading: Head - 64, foot - 62 Appearance and construction: A few minor veins, a light sheen, a light box-press, a pig-tail cap, and a moderately soft pack with no soft spots... Gave it a punch and PLD was open. (9/10) Flavor: PLA gave a whiff of tobacco. The light gave a medium/full profile with a spicy retro and notes of wood, coffee, leather, and spice. The spice in the nose faded after a few puffs with the other flavors staying consistent for the duration. No transitions to note but this was very smooth and flavorful with a nice mix of the flavors and a very enjoyable smoking experience. Strength was about medium or a bit better. (33/35)  Smoking characteristics: The light produced an easy draw, good smoke volume, and an even burn to start. The burn stayed even through the first third with the ash falling at 1 1/4" leaving a small cone. Things were then very uneventful down to the nub with draw and smoke output remaining optimal throughout. (20/20) Overall impression: This one came from Small Batch as one of their COTM selections awhile back and was one of the better Caldwell sticks I've had in terms of both flavor and construction. It appears this is a tweaked version of the King Is Dead blend as it has leaves from Nicaragua and Peru added to the Dominican filler from the original blend. Very tasty, in any case. Caldwell is not one of my favorite brands given my hit-and-miss experiences with their sticks, but this was a good one and one I'd easily smoke again. (33/35) Burn time: 1:12 Rating: 95 | |
| Alec Bradley Blind Faith Robusto |  |
| By: 05Venturer (03/19/2023 04:03 PM) | |
| Got really bitter coming into second half, ended up tossing it. Was actually pretty decent up u til that point.seems that the Alec & Bradley brand is pretty hit and miss for me | |
| Joya De Nicaragua Numero Uno L'Attache | |
| By: tuck0411 (03/18/2023 11:29 AM) | |
| Humidor time: 246 days Humidimeter reading: Head - 69, foot - 60 Appearance and construction: A couple minor veins, a light sheen, a pennant-flag cap, and a moderately soft pack with no soft spots... Gave it a punch and PLD was moderately open. (8/10) Flavor: PLA gave a whiff of mild tobacco. The light gave a mild/medium profile with a spicy retro and notes of light wood, spice, and hints of cream and citrus. The spice in the nose faded after a few puffs with the other flavors staying consistent throughout. No transitions to note and this was reasonably flavorful while missing my wheelhouse by a bit for this type of conny profile. Strength was medium at best. (28/35)  Smoking characteristics: The light produced an easy draw, good smoke volume, and an even burn to start. The burn stayed even through the first third with the ash falling past 1" leaving a small cone. Things were then very uneventful down to the nub with draw and smoke output remaining optimal throughout. (20/20) Overall impression: This one came from Small Batch as one of their COTM selections awhile back and was the 2nd vitola I've had from this blend, the first being the "L'ambassadeur" lonsdale. My review of that one shows a very similar experience, flavor-wise, which as mentioned, isn't quite within my wheelhouse as it was missing the buttery aspect I typically get from a good conny blend. It was a pretty nice morning smoke, though, with impeccable construction and I'd smoke it again. (30/35) Burn time: 1:09 Rating: 86 | |
| Room 101 Teufel Hund Maduro Gordo Extra |  |
| By: tuck0411 (03/17/2023 06:05 PM) | |
| Humidor time: 255 days Humidimeter reading: Head - 64, foot - 59 Appearance and construction: A few veins, a light sheen, and a moderately soft pack with no soft spots... Gave it a wide-ring punch and PLD was moderately open. (8/10) Flavor: PLA gave a whiff of rich tobacco. The light gave a medium/full profile with a spicy retro and notes of black pepper, charred wood, leather, and a hint of butter. The spice in the nose faded after a few puffs with the other flavors staying mostly consistent through the remainder apart from the butter hint fading away part way through the first third. Very tasty, overall, and not far from my wheelhouse for a maduro blend. Strength was medium at best. (32/35)  Smoking characteristics: The light produced a moderately easy draw, smoke volume somewhat below optimal, and an even burn to start. I quickly gave it a single deep V-cut on top of the initial punch, and then a second one when smoke output didn't improve. The 2nd one didn't help much, either, at least at first. The burn got wavy through the first third, then lopsided, and a touch-up was needed prior to the first ashing at 1 1/2" which left a cone. Smoke output was starting to improve by this point and finally reached optimal shortly into the 2nd third. The burn got lopsided again in the 2nd third and another touch-up was applied after which things were uneventful down to the nub. Draw and smoke output remained optimal from the 2nd third on. (12/20) Overall impression: None of these big sticks have smoked as well as the same blends in the other vitola I've tried them in, that being the "Cuban-press" toro. Probably a case of different rollers on each vitola with the folks doing the big sticks not as experienced or something. At any rate, construction issues aside, this was a pretty good smoke with very nice maduro flavors, as one would expect from a stick with a Mexican binder and a Pennsylvania Broadleaf wrapper. I'd smoke it again and will as I have a few more of these to burn up in the back yard. (28/35) Burn time: 1:55 Rating: 80 | |
| Room 101 Teufel Hund Connecticut Gordo Extra | |
| By: tuck0411 (03/16/2023 12:23 PM) | |
| Humidor time: 254 days Humidimeter reading: Head - 60, foot - 51 Appearance and construction: A few veins, a light sheen, and a moderately soft pack with no soft spots... Gave it a single deep V-cut and PLD was open. (8/10) Flavor: PLA gave a whiff of tobacco. The light gave a mild/medium profile with a slightly spicy retro and notes of light wood, spice, and a hint of cream. The spice in the nose faded quickly with the other flavors staying consistent through the first third after which the cream hint faded until it was mostly gone part way through the 2nd third leaving the wood and spice maintaining through the remainder. Not bad, but this was ultimately not all that interesting and nothing more than merely average for a conny blend. Strength was about medium. (26/35)  Smoking characteristics: The light produced an easy draw, smoke volume slightly below optimal, and an even burn to start. I quickly gave it a 2nd deep V-cut on top of the first one, but this had no immediate effect on smoke output. The burn stayed even through the first third with the ash falling at 1 1/4" leaving a cone. Smoke output was gradually improving by this point and finally reached optimal part way through the 2nd third. The burn was slightly wavy but self-correcting through the last two thirds and things were otherwise uneventful down to the nub. Draw and smoke output remained optimal from the 2nd third on. (16/20) Overall impression: Pretty good smoke, at least for the price, which came to under $2 per stick when I got a few of these from Cigar Page awhile back. Nothing here to write home about but these huge sticks will make decent yard gars if nothing else, at least for those times when I've got a good two hours or more to spend on a backyard puff session... (27/35) Burn time: 2:10 Rating: 77 | |
| Ventura Cigar Psyko Seven Connecticut Robusto | |
| By: druid (03/16/2023 09:05 AM) | |
| A gigantic band covers a light-skinned, solid core, one long vein & sparse oils. PLA sweet & sour grass; PLT hoppy vegetals; PLD moderate. An easy toast & light, a moderate draw, an even burn, & a sandy smoke. Early notes are earth, a bit of faintly sour vegetal & some black & white pepper; a bit more in the nose. There is a creamy tone, the mouth pepper eases a bit, & there is a nutty & woody undertone to the 1st 1/3 finish. Approaching the 1/2 a little toast comes on. Late in the 2nd 1/3 the vegetal note becomes a bit bitter but that fades in the finale. The finish is earth, veg, spice, toast, wood & nuts. The body is medium. A nice smoke. (91) | |
| Room 101 Teufel Hund Habano Gordo Extra | |
| By: tuck0411 (03/15/2023 06:33 PM) | |
| Humidor time: 253 days Humidimeter reading: Head - 66, foot - 63 Appearance and construction: A few veins, a light sheen, and a moderately soft pack with no soft spots... Gave this massive stick a wide-ring punch and PLD was moderately open. (8/10) Flavor: PLA gave a whiff of tobacco. The light gave a medium-bodied profile with a spicy retro and notes of light wood and spice along with a hint of something like unsweetened coffee. The spice in the nose faded after a few puffs with the other flavors staying consistent through the first third after which the coffee hint started to ramp and then reached a full predominant note by the last third with the wood and spice maintaining in the background for the duration. Pretty tasty, overall, although it missed my wheelhouse by just a bit. Strength was about medium or a bit better. (28/35)  Smoking characteristics: The light produced an easy draw, good smoke volume, and an even burn to start. The burn stayed even through the first third with the ash falling at 1 1/4" leaving a cone. The burn got wavy, then lopsided, through the 2nd third and finally needed a touch-up about half way through. Things continued wavily but self-correcting through the remainder with draw and smoke output remaining optimal throughout. (16/20) Overall impression: This was the 2nd vitola I've had from this blend, the first being the 6x55 "Cuban-press" toro, and my review of that one shows I enjoyed it somewhat more than this one. Similar report on the profile, although I was getting citrus in that one vs. the coffee in this one with wood and spice being common between them. Both are pretty nice smokes for the money, with Cigar Page selling them for under $2 per stick on sale, although if I bought any more it'd probably be the toro. This one's good for when you want a longer smoke, though, as it lasted nearly two hours. (28/35) Burn time: 1:54 Rating: 80 | |
| Espinosa Crema Lancero | |
| By: druid (03/15/2023 10:31 AM) | |
| A light-skinned, solid cigar, no veins & fine oils. PLA sweet, slightly barn-y earth; PLT earth; PLD moderately tight. Toasts & lights quickly, moderate draw, razor-sharp burn, & a woody smoke. Earth, wood & black & red pepper start; the retro is fairly potent. Faint notes of ground coffee enter but the 1st 1/3 is very earthy & the finish has a long wood tone. Flavor strength is medium. Near the 1/2 a hint of sharp nuttiness (almonds?) eases in. The profile remains about the same the rest of the way with the mouth pepper easing & the coffee building some. The finish is earth, coffee, bits of nuts & spice & that long wood ending. The body is medium plus. Another fine Espinosa! (91) | |
| Padron (Traditional) No. 3000 | |
| By: tuck0411 (03/14/2023 03:28 PM) | |
| Humidor time: 265 days Humidimeter reading: Head - 59, foot - 53 Appearance and construction: A few veins, a light sheen, a light box-press, and a moderately soft pack with no soft spots... Gave it a punch and PLD was open. (8/10) Flavor: PLA gave a whiff of tobacco. The light gave a full-bodied profile with a spicy retro and notes of black pepper, black coffee, leather, and spice. The spice in the nose faded after a few puffs with the other flavors staying consistent throughout. No transitions to note but this was very flavorful with plenty of spice to keep things interesting, and similar to what I remember from other vitolas I've had from this blend. Strength was about medium. (33/35)  Smoking characteristics: The light produced an easy draw, good smoke volume, and an even burn to start. The burn stayed even through the first third with the ash falling at 1 1/4" leaving a cone. Things were then very uneventful down to the nub with draw and smoke output remaining optimal throughout. (20/20) Overall impression: I think this was the last vitola I had yet to try from the Padron core line and it went about as expected - awesomely, both with flavors and construction. I don't think I've ever had a bad smoke from this brand and this one was no exception. If I could only smoke one blend from one brand for the rest of my life, this might be it. Just a great all-around smoke with great flavors and excellent construction. (33/35) Burn time: 1:10 Rating: 94 | |
| Member | Picture |
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| tuck0411 |
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| Cuba Aliados Limitado by AJ Fernandez Toro Grande BP 6.5" x 54 | |
| tuck0411 |
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| Caldwell The King Is Dead Escape Plan Drybeggar BP Toro 6" x 52 | |
| tuck0411 |
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| Joya de Nicaragua Numero Uno L'Attache 5.5" x 42 | |
| tuck0411 |
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| Room 101 Teufel Hund Maduro Gordo Extra 7" x 60 | |
| tuck0411 |
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| Room 101 Teufel Hund Connecticut Gordo Extra 7" x 60 | |