Cigar Geeks - Hammer & Sickle Tradicion Serie Churchill

Cigar Geeks Geek Critique

Hammer & Sickle Tradicion Serie Churchill
Written by Cigar Geeks Member: DonM

84
Cigar Geeks Rating

Welcome to another Member sponsored Geek Critique generously sponsored by our member klamm143 (Kevin). This was done as a blind review so there were no pre-concieved notions about what anyone was smoking. The cigar provided for this round is the http://www.cigargeeks.com/cigardb/default.asp?action=showcig&cigar_id=28767">Hammer & Sickle Tradicion Serie Churchill.

This was a Cigar Aficionado Top 25 pick in 2015 (coming in at No. 11). As the brand name indicates, Hammer + Sickle has opted for tradition over trend with its Tradición Serie Churchill. It isn't a scaled up, modern interpretation of a Churchill, as others have created, but stays within traditional parameters. Eric Hanson, who released his first Hammer + Sickle brand in 2010, has adopted the symbol of Russia as the cigar's logo. He points out that the hammer and sickle does not represent the Soviet Union (which incorporated a star), but symbolizes Russia's industrial north and agrarian south. For him, it's a heritage symbol and not political.

Hammer & Sickle Tradicion Serie Churchill

Brand:: Hammer & Sickle
Name:: Tradicion Serie Churchill
Length:: 7
Ring Gauge:: 48
Country of Origin:: Dominican Republic
Filler:: Dominican Republic
Binder:: Dominican Republic
Wrapper:: Connecticut Shade
Color:: Colorado Claro
Strength:: Medium
Shape:: Churchill
Average Member Rating:: (1 Review(s))

This cigar was enjoyed with Black coffee

Pre-Light: 9 Points of 10 Possible

The wrapper has a very slight oil to it with a few veins in the wrapper, giving it a slight lumpy/bumpy appearance. The cap by appearance is well made although not completely perfect in shape. By touch, this cigar was firm with no soft spots. This cigar has a slight aroma of cured tobacco.

Lighting and Burn: 9 Points of 15 Possible

Initially it was a struggle to get this cigar going, it just didn't want to get a good light and had minimal smoke. After a few minutes of the same scenario, I couldn't take it anymore and hit it with the draw poker. That helped some. The ash was a light/dark gray mottled color. The burn is only slightly wavy
at times and never had to be corrected. At the end of 1/3 I had to relight, just would not stay lit. After having to relight numerous times, this was considered a problem, I suspect that the cigar could have used a longer nap prior to smoking.

Construction: 28 Points of 30 Possible

The initial draw was a bit tight. The cigar had a light brown wrapper of what you would expect of a CT wrapper. The overall construction was average, showing a few veins in the wrapper but well rolled. The cap was not perfectly round although cutting was clean and straight. The cap held together with the cut.

Flavor and Aroma: 38 Points of 45 Possible

1/3 While I struggled with draw and smoke volume initially, the flavors were mild with a bit of citrus, wood and a hint of spice.

2/3 At this point, flavors blended well with the same mild profile with a slightly bolder flavor. I continued to struggle with relights and smoke volume which hindered getting a good grasp on flavors.

3/3 More mild tobacco flavors that blended well with wood, citrus and slight pepper. The strength remained mild. In the ending a slight ammonia taste came in and I let the cigar go.

The flavors were really hindered by the lack of smoke and keeping this cigar lit.

Summary

Overall, this is an average mild cigar with some nice flavors. I enjoyed this in on the 1st morning that it was a bit cooler here and was enjoyable with some coffee and water. Thanks Kevin for including me in this review. I did have some struggles with keeping it lit and smoke volume. My suspicions are that with a bit more rest, the results would have been a bit higher. It did get a short nap @ 65% humidity, I suspect it could have used some more time in the humidor