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Cigar Geeks Site => Geek Critiques => Topic started by: nwb on 01/10/2014 06:37 AM

Title: February Industry Sponsored Geek Critique (First Two Weeks)
Post by: nwb on 01/10/2014 06:37 AM
This critique has been generously sponsored by Luis Falto:

http://www.lagaritacigar.com/index.html

Thank you for your generosity! Thank you goes out to Brad (Vroomp) for coordinating as well!

The Chosen Cigar: Falto Mentor (Toro)

The Chosen Reviewers:

ConditionZero
nirab
Ntxsage
sjn1117
Stogiedad

This cigar shall be reviewed no later than January 25th.

Happy Smokin' gents! :smoker:
Title: RE: February Industry Sponsored Geek Critique (First Two Weeks)
Post by: nwb on 01/10/2014 06:39 AM
The cigar for the early February critique will either be a Guayacan or Falto blend.
Title: RE: February Industry Sponsored Geek Critique (First Two Weeks)
Post by: Vroomp on 01/10/2014 01:03 PM

If you have not done a Critique in the past three months I am looking for volunteers. I would like at least Veteran status members* for this review!

If Noel gets his cigars here in time to ship Monday we will be doing the Guayacan. The torpedo version of this cigar was rated 91 by Cigar Snob Magazine and it is considered Medium Strength.

Noel Rojas has a colorful history when it comes to cigars. He hails  from Pinar Del Rio, Cuba and began working in tobacco fields after  school when he was just 13. He speaks fondly of his six years in the  tobacco fields. After his compulsory military service, he tried to make  ends meet by making cigars on the side. It went pretty well, but it  didn’t take long for the authorities to put an end to that. So he got a  license to be an artist and switched to making wooden sculptures for  tourists out of Guayacan (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lignum_vitae),  a wood he described as tough, oily and aromatic. Unfortunately his  artist license didn’t permit him to acquire the wood he needed, and once  again he ran afoul of the authorities. Then five years ago, he gave up  on trying to make it in Cuba and set up shop in the US.

Fast forward to the present day, and Guayacan by Noel Rojas is in  more than thirty shops around the US. The cigar, named after the wood he  carved in Cuba, is available in four sizes, Robusto (5 x 50), Toro (6 x  52), Torpedo (6 1/8 x 52) and Churchill (7 x 50). There are differences  in the blend between vitolas, but all feature a mixture of Aganorsa  leaf from the Esteli and Jalapa regions of Nicaraga.

If the Guayacans fail to make it here by Monday afternoon we will be doing the Falto Mentor Toro a Medium/Full Dominican made cigar featuring an Ecuadorian Habana Vuelta Wrapper, with both Brazilian Sumatra and Cameroon Binders with fillers from Nicaragua, Dominican Republic and Brazil.

Luis Falto has been making cigars since 1995 and I had an opportunity to herf with him at his shop/office/lounge on my last visit to Puerto Rico.

When asked during an interview by Toasted Foot: "How did you get involved in the cigar industry?" Luis replied, 

  "I was looking for what I used to smoke with my father as a kid and could  not find it.  While in college, I decided to make cigars according to  my own taste since I have tasted so many (some were fine but others did  not have it at all).  So, I headed out to The Dominican Republic and came to  an agreement with La Aurora in 1995.  They agreed on my terms:  choose  my own blends of tobacco, make in very small quantities, and maintain a  close personal relationship with “my” rollers.  My relationship with La  Aurora will be eighteen years this February, and I still choose all my  blends and my cigars are made by the most skilled rollers in La Aurora."

 Falto cigars are produced in ultra small batches of 2500 to 4000 cigars per vitola/blend and are highly prized by his followers including, Steven Tyler, James Belushi, and Ron Perlman.

  This cigar was blended by Master Blender Manuel Inoa of La Aurora Cigars and is named Mentor in his honor..........

 

Both of these are excellent cigars and this is a great Critique to get your feet wet if you have yet to do one and enjoy a truly delicious medium/full cigar.

Please don't volunteer if you only like Mild Cigars!

These reviews will be due no later than January 25th !!!!!!

 * Sorry Cannuks but, limited time does not allow for cigars to be shipped to "The Great White North"......... :nono:

Title: Re: February Industry Sponsored Geek Critique (First Two Weeks)
Post by: Cfickter on 01/10/2014 01:05 PM
Sounds like it will be a good one to review. Too bad I just did one.
Title: Re: February Industry Sponsored Geek Critique (First Two Weeks)
Post by: Vroomp on 01/10/2014 03:13 PM

Thanks for offering to help out Chuck!

 

 

 I just need to get five folks by Sunday for this one due to a scheduling problem.......

Title: Re: February Industry Sponsored Geek Critique (First Two Weeks)
Post by: Cfickter on 01/10/2014 03:39 PM
Damn. You mean I get free cigar? Hate when thAt happens!!!!
Title: Re: February Industry Sponsored Geek Critique (First Two Weeks)
Post by: conditionZero on 01/10/2014 04:30 PM
I totally don't qualify, but if you find yourself in a bind come Sunday, I'll jump in.
Title: Re: February Industry Sponsored Geek Critique (First Two Weeks)
Post by: nwb on 01/10/2014 06:04 PM
Thanks for the great background information, Brad!

Come on people, step up!  A free cigar - the only requirement is you review it on time. :shades:   As far as the due date, since there was a delay, we will allow for a little more time for people to get them in.
Title: Re: February Industry Sponsored Geek Critique (First Two Weeks)
Post by: Vroomp on 01/11/2014 06:00 AM

I said before I would like Veteran members for this but, (since they are all wimping out) I will accept any new member with at least 100 points that is interested in a medium to medium full cigar or any veteran member that hasn't done a critique in the previous month. C'mon folks, lets not let down the manufacturers that help to support this site!

 To sweeten the pot, I shall send out 4 extra cigars to each member that volunteers...................

Rich?  Bob? :biggrin:

Title: Re: February Industry Sponsored Geek Critique (First Two Weeks)
Post by: conditionZero on 01/11/2014 06:04 AM
Since you're desperate, I would like to reiterate my offer to participate.
Title: Re: February Industry Sponsored Geek Critique (First Two Weeks)
Post by: Vroomp on 01/11/2014 07:13 AM
You're in Joe!  C'mon folks lets step up!
Title: Re: February Industry Sponsored Geek Critique (First Two Weeks)
Post by: Vroomp on 01/12/2014 05:20 AM
:bump:    Still need a few folks here by tonight!
Title: Re: February Industry Sponsored Geek Critique (First Two Weeks)
Post by: Mautrak on 01/12/2014 05:59 AM
Okay, Brad.  I submitted my last review three weeks ago, so I don't qualify, but if no one else jumps in I'll gladly review it.  

But come on new guys (with at least 100 points), pile in here so Brad is turning people away!
Title: Re: February Industry Sponsored Geek Critique (First Two Weeks)
Post by: StogieDad on 01/12/2014 06:11 AM
I'm in the middle of one now or I would, that Guayacan is a really good cigar!
Title: Re: February Industry Sponsored Geek Critique (First Two Weeks)
Post by: Ntxsage on 01/12/2014 06:53 AM
Count me in Brad. I last reviewed in November so didn't qualify on initial criteria...but since you opened the gates!
Title: RE: February Industry Sponsored Geek Critique (First Two Weeks)
Post by: Vroomp on 01/12/2014 08:47 AM
Thank you Michael! I just need a couple more folks to help out with this review and we are set!
Title: RE: February Industry Sponsored Geek Critique (First Two Weeks)
Post by: Vroomp on 01/12/2014 02:43 PM

Really disappointed that no one wants to receive a free cigar to smoke so here is my last bribe....

 

One of the reviewers will be receiving this cigar as well as a few hitchhikers and the rest will all receive four extra cigars of my choosing.

(http://img194.imageshack.us/img194/9544/opusxtinnew.gif) 

Title: Re: February Industry Sponsored Geek Critique (First Two Weeks)
Post by: StogieDad on 01/12/2014 03:02 PM
Brad, if you don't have enough by the end of the night, I will be glad to fill the slot.  Do.t worry about the extras for me though if you need me.

That being said, somebody jump in here and review this thing.  Don't be intimidated, you can't screw it up, just smoke it and tell us what you think!
Title: Re: February Industry Sponsored Geek Critique (First Two Weeks)
Post by: sjn1117 on 01/12/2014 05:03 PM
I'll put my name in the hat Brad.
Title: Re: February Industry Sponsored Geek Critique (First Two Weeks)
Post by: nirab on 01/12/2014 06:16 PM
Been off the grid, and just saw this, so toss my name in the hat please! Thank you Brad!!  :biggrin:  :bigthumbs:
Title: Re: February Industry Sponsored Geek Critique (First Two Weeks)
Post by: Longhorn on 01/12/2014 06:31 PM
Helping with the SB#5 or I'd hop on this... surprised more have not posted up on this one!
Title: Re: February Industry Sponsored Geek Critique (First Two Weeks)
Post by: Caveman Steve on 01/12/2014 07:40 PM
If it.s not too late, I'll throw my hat in the ring!
Title: Re: February Industry Sponsored Geek Critique (First Two Weeks)
Post by: Vroomp on 01/13/2014 04:56 AM

Thanks for stepping up folks. Looks like we have five now... I just need  to wait for today's mail to see if Noel's cigars come in, otherwise  it's going to be a Falto review which comes with a special item included and in either event I will be trying to get these in the mail this afternoon.

 For the February review I would like to have the first five volunteers:

Ntxsage

ConditionZero

Stogiedad

Sjn1117

Nirab

  Thanks for offering Steve and there will be another member sponsored review upcoming for March that I would be happy to include you in.

Nathan, there is no sense updating the thread until we see if Noels smokes make it today so you can add the cigar as well.

Title: Re: February Industry Sponsored Geek Critique (First Two Weeks)
Post by: johncw on 01/13/2014 06:57 AM
Damn looks like i'm to late.
Title: Re: February Industry Sponsored Geek Critique (First Two Weeks)
Post by: nwb on 01/13/2014 09:18 AM
Thanks for parcitipating, folks!  And thanks go out to Brad for working under a tight schedule and the bribes! :bigthumbs:
Title: Re: February Industry Sponsored Geek Critique (First Two Weeks)
Post by: sjn1117 on 01/13/2014 10:23 AM
Thanks Brad. If I'd seen it sooner I'd have jumped in then.
Title: Re: February Industry Sponsored Geek Critique (First Two Weeks)
Post by: Vroomp on 01/13/2014 10:49 AM
You geeks that missed out may certainly volunteer for the upcoming critiques that are being listed. Since we now have the member sponsored and the industry sponsored critiques we are gonna need a lot of folks each month to do all the reviews!!!!!
Title: RE: February Industry Sponsored Geek Critique (First Two Weeks)
Post by: tvolball on 01/13/2014 02:13 PM
Damn, where was at when this posted.  Didn't even see till just now.
Title: RE: February Industry Sponsored Geek Critique (First Two Weeks)
Post by: DonM on 01/13/2014 03:37 PM
I have done my share of reviews lately, so I didn't jump in on this one.  It looks like you got a good group to review this one!
Title: RE: February Industry Sponsored Geek Critique (First Two Weeks)
Post by: Ken Kelley on 01/13/2014 03:45 PM
What is going on that nobody is signing up for the Geek Critiques? There should be no reason at all for anyone to offer bribes like this to get people to sign up!  :confused:
Title: RE: February Industry Sponsored Geek Critique (First Two Weeks)
Post by: sjn1117 on 01/13/2014 04:00 PM
QuoteKen Kelley - 1/13/2014  5:45 PM  What is going on that nobody is signing up for the Geek Critiques? There should be no reason at all for anyone to offer bribes like this to get people to sign up!  :confused:
I completely missed the thread, that's my excuse.
Title: RE: February Industry Sponsored Geek Critique (First Two Weeks)
Post by: Vroomp on 01/13/2014 04:18 PM
It is a bit disappointing for a fine cigar like a Falto (or the Guayacan which,, I love!) and I have sweetened the pot further with a special surprise for each of the reviewers for their support. I hope they appreciate it! :biggrin:
Title: Re: February Industry Sponsored Geek Critique (First Two Weeks)
Post by: conditionZero on 01/13/2014 05:02 PM
I can say with all confidence that I will appreciate it. And really no extras required here, just looking forward to participating.
Title: Re: February Industry Sponsored Geek Critique (First Two Weeks)
Post by: sjn1117 on 01/13/2014 08:34 PM
I'm really anxious now! Brad's surprises are typically nuclear bombs!
Title: Re: February Industry Sponsored Geek Critique (First Two Weeks)
Post by: BewareDaPenguin on 01/13/2014 08:44 PM
I will b happy 2 volunteer for these when I'm eligible
Title: RE: February Industry Sponsored Geek Critique (First Two Weeks)
Post by: nwb on 01/14/2014 05:37 AM
QuoteKen Kelley - 1/13/2014  6:45 PM

What is going on that nobody is signing up for the Geek Critiques? There should be no reason at all for anyone to offer bribes like this to get people to sign up!  :confused:

Yes, this has been very strange.  It is a free cigar!  All you have to do is review it. :confused:
Title: RE: February Industry Sponsored Geek Critique (First Two Weeks)
Post by: StogieDad on 01/15/2014 01:07 PM
Thanks for the package Brad!  Really awesome of you!  Will get her reviewed ASAP.

Whats the unbanded stick, just out of curiosity?
Title: RE: February Industry Sponsored Geek Critique (First Two Weeks)
Post by: Vroomp on 01/15/2014 02:17 PM
Fernando Leon Family Reserve Corona! That was quick!
Title: RE: February Industry Sponsored Geek Critique (First Two Weeks)
Post by: conditionZero on 01/16/2014 03:33 PM

Mine showed up today. Thanks so much for the extras!!!

(http://i973.photobucket.com/albums/ae211/conditionZero/20140116_172346_zps59c226de.jpg) 

 

Title: Re: February Industry Sponsored Geek Critique (First Two Weeks)
Post by: sjn1117 on 01/16/2014 03:39 PM
Got mine today too. I'll get a pic posted asap. Awesome hitchhikers bro. Looking forward to this Falto!
Title: Re: February Industry Sponsored Geek Critique (First Two Weeks)
Post by: StogieDad on 01/16/2014 03:43 PM
Nice Opus there Noob!
Title: Re: February Industry Sponsored Geek Critique (First Two Weeks)
Post by: conditionZero on 01/16/2014 05:01 PM

QuoteStogieDad - 1/16/2014  5:43 PM  Nice Opus there Noob!

That's what I was thinking too. It will be my first.

Title: Re: February Industry Sponsored Geek Critique (First Two Weeks)
Post by: nirab on 01/16/2014 05:12 PM
Brad don't mess around when it comes to hitchhikers! This is a darn review bomb, if ever I saw one!! Thanks brother!   :biggrin:  :biggrin:  :bigthumbs:  :bigthumbs:
Title: RE: February Industry Sponsored Geek Critique (First Two Weeks)
Post by: Ntxsage on 01/16/2014 05:29 PM
Awesome review bomb landed in Plano today as well. Thanks Brad! I'll get this review done soon as they acclimate for a few days. Much appreciated!

Wife is cracking jokes because I have the falto DVD on intro hogging up the family room bigscreen...
Title: Re: February Industry Sponsored Geek Critique (First Two Weeks)
Post by: StogieDad on 01/16/2014 05:34 PM
I was really glad to see that La Jugada, really been wanting to try one
Title: Re: February Industry Sponsored Geek Critique (First Two Weeks)
Post by: Vroomp on 01/16/2014 06:02 PM

Glad they all arrived so quickly!

:smoker:  

Title: Re: February Industry Sponsored Geek Critique (First Two Weeks)
Post by: nirab on 01/20/2014 08:35 AM
When will the review link be posted? :confused:
Title: Re: February Industry Sponsored Geek Critique (First Two Weeks)
Post by: nwb on 01/20/2014 10:37 AM
A PM has been sent to Paul to get everyone access to the critique link/form.  I'll let you know when it is available.


5 days left to get these smoked and reviewed!
Title: Re: February Industry Sponsored Geek Critique (First Two Weeks)
Post by: conditionZero on 01/20/2014 10:45 AM

Quotenwb - 1/20/2014  12:37 PM  A PM has been sent to Paul to get everyone access to the critique link/form.  I'll let you know when it is available.   5 days left to get these smoked and reviewed!

The original post says no later than 1/30. Is that not correct? They're due Saturday?

Title: Re: February Industry Sponsored Geek Critique (First Two Weeks)
Post by: conditionZero on 01/20/2014 10:47 AM
QuoteconditionZero - 1/20/2014  12:45 PM  

Quotenwb - 1/20/2014  12:37 PM  A PM has been sent to Paul to get everyone access to the critique link/form.  I'll let you know when it is available.   5 days left to get these smoked and reviewed!

The original post says no later than 1/30. Is that not correct? They're due Saturday?

Now I see that the third post says 1/25. Glad you pointed this out. 

Title: Re: February Industry Sponsored Geek Critique (First Two Weeks)
Post by: nwb on 01/20/2014 10:50 AM
Let me put it this way - since it looks like everyone had their smokes by the 16th, that would allow everyone to let their smoke rest a week and then smoke it.  So, yes, I'd like the reviews in by the 25th.  However, since we did have a timeline crunch in this particular instance, we can probably allow for a few extra days.  There is some flexibility.

If it looks like you won't get a chance to get the review in by the 25th, shoot me a PM.
Title: Re: February Industry Sponsored Geek Critique (First Two Weeks)
Post by: conditionZero on 01/20/2014 10:52 AM
No problem.
Title: Re: February Industry Sponsored Geek Critique (First Two Weeks)
Post by: Vroomp on 01/20/2014 11:24 AM

Quotenirab - 1/16/2014  8:12 PM  Brad don't mess around when it comes to hitchhikers! This is a darn review bomb, if ever I saw one!! Thanks brother!   :biggrin:  :biggrin:  :bigthumbs:  :bigthumbs:

 You had said the #2 was a favorite so, I made sure you got one since, I missed it at Christmas!  :smoker:

Title: Re: February Industry Sponsored Geek Critique (First Two Weeks)
Post by: nirab on 01/20/2014 12:14 PM
QuoteVroomp - 1/20/2014  1:24 PM

Quotenirab - 1/16/2014  8:12 PM  Brad don't mess around when it comes to hitchhikers! This is a darn review bomb, if ever I saw one!! Thanks brother!   :biggrin:  :biggrin:  :bigthumbs:  :bigthumbs:

 You had said the #2 was a favorite so, I made sure you got one since, I missed it at Christmas!  :smoker:




It is a favorite, but, you didn't miss shyte at Christmas my friend!! But, this is much appreciated, and look forward to enjoying that #2 sometime down the road!  :biggrin:  :bigthumbs:
Title: Re: February Industry Sponsored Geek Critique (First Two Weeks)
Post by: nwb on 01/21/2014 06:27 AM
The reviewers should now have access to the critique form.  In case you haven't participated before, you can find it under the banner ad on the following page:

http://www.cigargeeks.com/index.php?action=cigrevs;area=critiques

The link is embedded in the "Congratulations! You are a Geek Critiquer this month. Click here to Add A New Geek Critique.
Please be sure to review the guidelines for helping make this a success for all who are investing their time in it."
Title: Re: February Industry Sponsored Geek Critique (First Two Weeks)
Post by: nirab on 01/22/2014 05:28 PM
Just finished my review. Thanks to Brad for the cigar, um, I mean cigars! And thanks Nathan for the work you put into these. Two, top notch geeks!  :bigthumbs:  :bigthumbs:
Title: Re: February Industry Sponsored Geek Critique (First Two Weeks)
Post by: conditionZero on 01/23/2014 06:54 AM
I got my review typed up and submitted. I really enjoyed doing this guys. Thanks for including me Brad!
Title: Re: February Industry Sponsored Geek Critique (First Two Weeks)
Post by: StogieDad on 01/23/2014 07:00 AM
Will smoke mine today and have review done by tomorrow.
Title: Re: February Industry Sponsored Geek Critique (First Two Weeks)
Post by: sjn1117 on 01/23/2014 09:26 AM
Mine will get posted this evening. Watched the DVD last night and was thoroughly impressed!
Title: Re: February Industry Sponsored Geek Critique (First Two Weeks)
Post by: nwb on 01/23/2014 06:47 PM
Looks like we have 3 reviews posted, so 2 to go.  Just a quick reminder you have until Saturday!
Title: Re: February Industry Sponsored Geek Critique (First Two Weeks)
Post by: Vroomp on 01/23/2014 06:52 PM
:smoker:  :smoker:  :smoker:  :smoker:  :smoker:  :smoker:  :smoker:  :smoker:  :smoker:  :smoker:  :smoker:
Title: Re: February Industry Sponsored Geek Critique (First Two Weeks)
Post by: sjn1117 on 01/23/2014 08:41 PM
Mine is in. Thanks for the oppurtunity it was fun.
Title: Re: February Industry Sponsored Geek Critique (First Two Weeks)
Post by: nwb on 01/25/2014 12:55 PM
One review outstanding.....
Title: Re: February Industry Sponsored Geek Critique (First Two Weeks)
Post by: SenorPablo on 01/31/2014 05:22 PM
These are live now.  Thanks everyone for working on the reviews, thanks Luis of La Garita cigars for sponsoring, and lastly thanks to Brad for hooking this up!

-Paul
Title: Re: February Industry Sponsored Geek Critique (First Two Weeks)
Post by: sjn1117 on 01/31/2014 09:04 PM
Wow I was the high scorer! I loved this cigar myself and plan to smoke more when I find them.  By the way, the slight "illness" should've been oiliness...ooops. Thanks Brad, I truly enjoyed this one.
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