Menu

Cigar Geeks Geek Critique

French Collection (by Jochy Blanco) Cardinal Mazarin
Written by Cigar Geeks Member: Byron (Beegerply)

89
Cigar Geeks Rating

Welcome to another Member sponsored Geek Critique generously sponsored by our member tuck0411 (Todd). The cigar provided for this round is the French Collection (by Jochy Blanco) Cardinal Mazarin.

Jochy Blanco is a fourth-generation tobacco grower, a second-generation cigar maker, and the the CEO of Tabacalera Palma. Jochy visits France from time to time to explore vineyards and 300-year-old churches. On a trip about 5 years ago he visited an art gallery, and noticed many Old Master painters focused on religious figures as their subject matter. He was intrigued and started to research these figures, mostly cardinals. He became inspired to make cigars named after a few of them, that would pair well with wines. Art inspiring art. His ode to France and its rich history of wine, art and culture. No one could understand the branding, so he decided against selling them as a line, but these cigars were so damn good Jochy didn't mind taking up some space and aging them for his own stash. Privada Cigar Club came along and was able to get their hands on these to sell.




French Collection (by Jochy Blanco) Cardinal Mazarin

Brand:
French Collection (by Jochy Blanco)
Name:
Cardinal Mazarin
Length:
6
Ring Gauge:
56
Country of Origin:
Dominican Republic
Filler:
Secret
Binder:
Secret
Wrapper:
Secret
Color:
Colorado Maduro
Strength:
Medium
Shape:
Toro Gordo
Average Member Purchase Price:
$9.66
Average Member Rating:
4.5 star rating based on 1 Review(s) (1 Review(s))
Notes:
https://privadacigarclub.com/product/french-collection-cardinal-mazarin/
This cigar was enjoyed with Water

Pre-Light: 10 Points of 10 Possible

This is a extremely nice looking cigar, with a rich brown body, with a single vain running along the barrel. It was firm in the hand and appeared to be will brunched. The aroma along the body was of sweet hay and had somewhat of a floral note to it.   The banding of this cigar was very nice with a gold foil and a Royal Purple top band with a shield like imprint.

Lighting and Burn: 12 Points of 15 Possible

The cigar lit up nicely, with a very nice draw, no restrictions. The ash was almost white in color and solid, and held to about 1/2 inch. The burn was straight, until just be for the first third and it required a touch up.. After that it started having some problems staying lit, I had several re-lights. The smoke volume was extremely good, lots of smoke to swirl around the palate.    

Construction: 27 Points of 30 Possible

The cigar was very well made, solid roll. The cap was well applied, and cut cleanly. The draw was very good and had no restrictions to it. Just before the first third I had to touch it up and just after that the wrapper leaf started lifting a bit but caused no problems. No touch ups were required after that and burned with a clean line.

Flavor and Aroma: 40 Points of 45 Possible

This cigar lit up nicely with a nice volume of smoke. Right of the bat I noticed a nice vanilla taste to it and a touch of sweet grass. This continued for the first ten to fifteen draws on the cigar and then disappeared. From there it went into a very light earthy note which lasted throughout  the rest of the cigar. I didn't notice much more from this cigar. I found it to be mild in flavor and mild in strength. I wish the vanilla would have continued but it didn't  

Summary

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 be a great morning cigar with a nice cup of coffee.  I want to thank Todd for letting do this review.  


   
Privacy Policy     Terms of Service
Copyright © 2007-2024 Cigar Geeks, Inc. All rights reserved.