Who is that bearded dude?

Cigar mavens take themselves sometimes far too seriously. We all like what we smoke and have opinions about our cigars  but if someone disagrees , watch out. Caldwell cigars has a sense of humor about themselves which I appreciate. The names of their products proves this point. The cigar I just smoked and will review is called, Eastern Standard, Live East/Die Young. There may be a story behind this name or else the creators just are having fun. Either way, I like this approach.

Here is my take of this cigar. Caldwell cigars are hard to find at times but as they become more well know maybe your B and M can get them for you. I got this smoke from Cigarscity.com as a sampler pack of 6 cigars. This was a purchase and not given gratis. 

Brand Name of Cigar: Caldwell/ Eastern Standard, Live East/Die Young

Country of Origin: Dominican Republic

Size: 5.5 x 44

Wrapper: Connecticut hybrid Ecuadoriano

Binder: Habana Dominicano 2005

Filler: Criollo 98, Viso Dominicano 2008 30% , Habano Seco Nicaraguense 2007, 40%, Corono Dominicano Ligero 2006 , 30 %

Shape: Robusto

Part of a Sampler from Cigarscity.com

Smoked June 6, 2016, Los Angeles , Ca.

                                                              Appearance/ Construction:

The cigar band hits you right from the start. An impressive looking gent staring straight ahead, at  the cigar perhaps? Cigar wrapper is dark brown with a healthy appearance, no obvious faults or blemishes. Solid to the touch , like the short pigtail cap. I am ready to smoke.

                                                             Flavor/Taste and Aroma:

The cigar opened up with a mix of sweetness combining sugar, vanilla, and cedar. Maybe a maple note but not clear on this.  It's milder than I thought it would be which is ok in my book. Every cigar does not have to be a blast of spice and pepper. Smooth on the tongue .       Smoking Characteristics:

Dark grey ash with an even burn , had one re light during the second third. Still a relatively mild smoke with a hint of earthiness kicking in. Cigar burned evenly, staying with a very healthy ash. Easy draw with no issues of tunneling.

            

               

  Conclusion/Overall Impression:

               

 Caldwell Cigars make interesting products.  This is the third cigar I have tried of theirs and have a positive experience with all of them. However, this smoke is not very complex meaning it never developed any nuisances in it's flavor profile. It's smooth, on the milder side which is an appealing attribute on it's own right. Perhaps it is unfair to compare cigars which are not the same blend. Overall it has been a good mild cigar. 

My numbers look like this:

Appearance/ Construction: 3.5 out of 5

Flavor/ Taste and Aroma: 3.5 out of 5

Smoking Characteristics: 3.5 out of 5.

Overall : 3.5 out of 5

Final Thoughts: 

Good smoke, nothing exceptional. I would buy a couple every so often but not keep it as a regular. The price is a bit high but as part of a sampler , give it a shot.

Keep smoking.