An up and coming super star ?

Steve Saka has roots in the cigar world from his days at Drew Estate. He helped develop Drew Estate into a brand with a great presence and outstanding cigar line.
Recently his foray into opening his own brand has created a positive buzz with the Dunbarton Tobacco and Trust company.
I was given a sample of the Sobremesa Torpedo Tiempo to taste and review. The folks at Cigarscity.com. provided me with the stick gratis. As always how and where I received the cigar does not influence my subjective thoughts about the blend. I urge all interested in this smoke to try it themselves and judge for yourself. 

Brand/ Name of Cigar:Dunbarton Tobacco/ Sobremesa

Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Size: 6.0 x 54
Wrapper: Ecuador Sungrown
Binder: Mexican
Filler; Nicaragua
Shape: Torpedo
Price: $12.25 single from Cigarscity.com
Where and when smoked: Los Angeles, Ca. 4/17/2016

Appearance/ Construction:

A very striking even hue wrapper with a classy band that creates a very impressive look. Several small veins which do not mar the appearance. No soft spots, solid feel, looks well made.

Flavor/ Taste and Aroma:



Started with a pleasant mix of vanilla, nuts and a aroma of sweet birch. Reminded me of a soda I drank as a Boy Scout called White Birch made by Tom's Candy Company. Why I remember this is beyond me. Smooth, flavorful with a medium body. No spice or pepper in the mix. Hit the right notes in the first third.

Smoking Characteristics :

The ash was light grey, very steady with an even burn. This re enforced the strong construction of the cigar.  No relights or any problems with tunneling etc. The second third continued with the profile of nuts and sweetness. Slight coffee came across at this juncture but not a big presence.


Conclusion/ Overall Impression:

I liked this cigar, was well crafted which are all good selling points. There were no "oh wow" moments meaning there is potential to get better.  Would keep a couple of in my humidor and let them age.

 

The numbers look this way:

Appearance/ Construction: 4 out of 5
Flavor/Taste and Aroma: 3.5 out of 5
Smoking Characteristics: 3.8 out of 5
Conclusion/ Overall Impression : 3.8 out of 5.

Final Thoughts: Would like to try other other shapes and sizes of this line. Steve Saka knows how to make cigars. As a first blend he was a potential winner for the boutique market. I know he will develop a full line of fine cigars in time.

Keep smoking.

It's always something

I missed this cigar event held at my cigar lounge , The Lone Wolf Cigar Lounge in West Los Angeles

The featured cigar was the Montecristo Espada, a blend from the capable hands of Nestor Placencia in tandem with Altadis, a cigar giant.  
I received a free sample from the owner of the Wolf, the affable David Weiss. As always who and how I received the sample does not influence my judgment when I review a cigar. Cigar reviews are subjective so consider my viewpoint and make your own conclusion. 


Brand/ Name of Cigar:

Montecristo/ Espada
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Size: 5 x 54
Wrapper: Nicaragua Habano
Filler : Nicaragua
Shape: Ricasso
Price: Received the cigar gratis, check the Lone Wolf Cigar Lounge for current price
Where and when smoked: Los Angeles, Ca. 4/10/16

Appearance/ Construction:

The marketing boys must have had first dibs when this cigar was constructed.  3 bands surrounded the stick which effectively hid what the cigar looked like. I slightly damaged the wrapper when I removed the bands to smoke. Despite this the overall appearance had a light brown wrapper with small veins in the body. Construction was solid, well packed, no soft spots or major flaws. Not much of an oily feel .






                Flavor/ Taste and Aroma 
             
This is a smooth operator in the first third. My first hit was a blend of vanilla and grass which was why it was so smooth.  It was enjoyable enough but was hoping for more of a kick. The flavor though was consistent which is a plus.










Smoking Characteristics:

Had a bit of a burn issue in the second third as the photo shows. The draw was good with a pleasing ash of dark grey. The aroma was not a factor, neither overpowering or really evident. The final third was getting a charred taste creating a bitter flavor profile.






Conclusion/ Overall Impression:

Overall this was a disappointing smoke. The bitter taste stayed with me even after I finished the cigar. This is not what you hope for in a product especially as highly touted as the Espada.  I guess even the greats such as Nestor Placencia have an off day.
Here is the breakdown:

Appearance/ Construction: 3 out out 5
Flavor/ Taste and Aroma: 2.5 out of 5
Smoking Characteristics: 2 out of 5
Conclusion/ Overall Impression: 2.5 out of 5

Final Thoughts:  

Did not make my cut so this is a no go in my humidor. The price point is up there too which might also give you second thoughts if this is a factor.

                                                               
                                                                Keep smoking

What a long strange trip it's been

As we all know the best thing about cigars is meeting people from just about everywhere.  Through the years I have developed great friendships which have lasted. I can go to any part of the country, find a local B and M, sit down, light up and talk to total strangers.
One of my friends was awarded an opportunity to move to the Miami area for a new job. After ten years in LA , he realized this was in his best interest.
We congratulated him, said our good byes with cigars and know down the road he will find another group of cigar friends.  This just means we now have another place to visit when the chance comes.  Cigars were the catalyst that accomplished this. Perhaps if we all smoked cigars, the world would learn what true friendship is all about.

                                                      Stay well and keep smoking 

The Blast is back, or maybe never left

For many years my friend Brian's go to cigar was Camacho. He would sit there, not say much but just smoke away. He was a big fan of strong powerful smokes. His attitude was if you don't feel the intensity of a cigar, why bother to smoke at all.

Move forward and Camacho went through several changes in owners, production and blends. They pushed a new marketing scheme, bold new labeling and to me got very confusing. The approach got too diverse to know what you were smoking. Perhaps they were looking for a new demographic of smoker, a younger hipper crew. I am sure they had a plan and if it was successful more power to them. For me, I stopped smoking this brand.

So recently I was sent a sample from the crew at Cigars.City.com to review the Camacho American Barrel- Aged Toro.  As always who and how I received the cigar does not impact my thoughts when I write a review. I look at all aspects of the cigar , keep an open mind and give an honest appraisal of my thoughts. 

Brand/ Name of Cigar:

Camacho/ American Barrel Aged

Country of Origin: Dominican Republic

Size:  6.0 x 5.0

Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf

Binder: Connecticut Broadleaf

Filler: American, Honduras

Shape: Toro

Price: $7.89 single ( sale price ) Box of 20, $191.34 from Cigarscity.com.

Where and when smoked: Los Angeles , Ca. 3/27/16

Appearance / Construction:

Very brown with a red hue to the cigar which makes it a good looking specimen. Small minor veins in the wrapper not an issue. Firm to the touch and oily. The labels are an added attraction with very detailed information about the cigar. I liked this approach. This is a fine looking smoke.

Flavor/ Taste and Aroma:

The first third was a start of distinct mix of wood, orange and spice.  I was waiting for a flavor bomb of Bourbon but maybe I missed it, but did not get this yet. This is a  rich smoke of a troika of hardy flavors.  The Bourbon undoubtedly will show up later. Smooth to the palate, and the aroma was soothing.

Smoking Characteristics:

There was a slight burn issue at this point but it was a minor blip. Good looking grey ash, now getting more of a Bourbon kick. This was not overpowering but a steady flavor blast.  Continued with the combo of wood, orange and now cedar.  This is a strong but sweet tasting cigar. It stayed lit throughout the life of the smoke. 

Conclusion/ Overall impression:

This is a winning blend of taste, flavor and construction. Camacho has a product they can be proud  of. It was enjoyable and a worthy of any humidor.

The numbers look this way.

Appearance/ Construction: 4 out of 5

Flavor/ Taste and Aroma: 4.2 out of 5

Smoking Characteristics: 4 out of 5

Conclusion/ Overall Impression: 4.2 out of 5

Final Thoughts: 

A great cigar for the seasoned cigar smoker. Full bodied but not harsh.  For those who might think it is too full bodied, perhaps aging would mellow the blend a bit. I would suggest try it , wait a month and try it again. Make the comparison and let me know if you notice any difference.

Keep smoking.

Use at your own risk

Take a close look at this cigar and tell me what you think it looks like? Now here is another picture
and notice the similarity with a 50 caliber bullet.

Separated at birth.

The Diesel Unlimted Maduro perfecto has an uncanny resemblance to the powerful 50 cal. bullet.
Check out my review and see what I think of the cigar shaped cartridge.  I received the smoke from Cigarscity.com gratis for my thoughts on this bomb. 
As always getting a cigar gratis  does not  influence my review.

Cigar specs:

Brand/Name of Cigar: Diesel Unlimited/Maduro Perfecto
Size: 5.0 x 5.8
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Maduro
Binder: San Andres
Filler: Honduras/Nicaragua
Shape: Perfecto
Price: $4.19 each, box of 20 $78.07
Purchased: Free from Cigarscity.com
Where and When Smoked: Los Angeles, Ca. 3/20/16

Appear/Construction:

Very dark brown, if any darker it would be black. Rustic in appearance with a uneven cap. The cap is sloppy. Firm to the touch, plenty of oil glistening in the wrapper. It's maduro all the way.


Flavor/Taste and Aroma:

Started with a spice hit somewhat harsh. Very prominent chocolate and orange peel notes. Powerful first third. True to it's roots, this is a maduro taste profile.


Smoking Characteristics:

The burn was even in the first third but uneven in the second third. A dark grey ash and the cigar became more chocolate in taste. Needed two relights.

Conclusion/Overall Impression:


My numbers add up this way:

Appearance/ Construction: 3 out of 5
Flavor/ Taste and Aroma;  2.5 out of 5
Smoking Characteristics: 2. 5 out of 5
Overall  Impression: 2.8 out of 5

Final Thoughts:

Great price point but that does not equate to a good value smoke. This is a pass, sorry AJ.

Keep smoking

A powerful cigar that is worth talking about

I was sitting in my cigar lounge about to review the  La Aurora 107 Toro when I got  engaged in a conversation about cigar reviews. The question arose by a fellow cigar member who is a  relative newcomer to the world of cigars.  He claimed that most of the reviews he has read have been "bullshit." His point is all the descriptions of the smokes he has partaken in are not very accurate.
Language such as pepper, oak, blackberry really do tell an accurate story of what the cigar is really like.  The descriptors are so vague they are not doing justice to the cigar experience. What is the difference between white pepper and black pepper?
The owner of the lounge was also involved in this discussion and commented that reviews should take into account how the cigar is indulged. Is it in a quiet lounge or with a group of friends? Is the cigar smoked with a beverage , and how the cigar was stored?
My answer was the descriptors are subjective but it gives you a base to judge it on. As for all other factors there are valid and perhaps the review should mention the surroundings of the experience. 
Each reviewer makes their own judgments about  the cigar and that is exactly what they are, judgements.
If you need to get more information about a particular smoke, read several reviews and then after reading them, decide it the cigar is something you might want to try. Cigars.city.com was the website and company that sent me the cigar. They sell the product but this did not influence my thoughts on the cigar. I received the cigar gratis from them.

Brand/Name of Cigar: Aurora 107 
Cigar shape: Toro
Length and Gauge: 5.5 x 5.4
Strength: Medium- full
Origin: Dominican Republic
Wrapper: Ecuador Habano
Filler: Dominican
Binder: Dominican
Price: $ 7.13 a cigar , box of 21, $139. 87
Where and when smoked: Lone Wolf Cigar Lounge, Los Angeles, 3/13/17




Appearance / Construction:

Dark chocolate brown wrapper with an oily feel, Had a very clean look with no obvious faults or imperfections. The band was also pleasing to the eye with a strong presentation.


Flavor/ Taste and Aroma: Initial blast of strong pepper. Looking for other flavors such as chocolate or nuts but if they were there, the pepper was the predominant taste. It was a powerful start, gave the cigar a strong identity. Smooth though out so the taste while strong was not overpowering or unpleasant. Very rich blend.

Smoking Characteristics : Uneven burn as the picture shows. Not a game changer because of this but hopefully won't impact the enjoyment of the smoke. Burned steady and slow, with a grey ash.


As the cigar smoked down, the ash evened itself out a bit. Stayed full bodied, smooth to the palate with good, peppery flavor. If you like a strong smoke, you will like this blend. There are no subtle notes of other flavors. You are smoking a no nonsense cigar. The draw did correct itself a bit with one relight. I believe the uneven burn was a minor blip and not a real factor in the cigar.

Conclusion/Overall impression: The Aurora 107 Toro made a statement for a rich, smooth full bodied blend.  The audience for this type of cigar is a seasoned smoker who likes to sit down for an hour or so, and be challenged in a positive way. If there are other tastes to the smoke, I would welcome your thoughts where and when you found them

Here are the numbers: 
Appearance/ Construction; 3.5 out of 5
Flavor/ Taste and Aroma; 4 out of 5
Smoking Characteristics: 4 out 5
                                                                Conclusion/ Overall Impression: 3.8 out of 5

Final thoughts:  Fell slightly flat for a smoke which is a must have for your humidor. Might be part of my cigar mix every so often. Good price point so it that is a big factor in your cigar mind, you would consider this.  Worth trying and of course make your own judgement.


Keep smoking

Royalty has arrived.

Several weeks ago, I was speaking to a employee of the cigar lounge I am a member of and he spoke of Caldwell cigars. He was trying to get the lounge to carry this line. I was not familiar with Caldwell cigars but he said it was worth finding and suggested I smoke them.
Fast forward and I was asked to review one of their smokes from the folks at Cigarscity.com. The cigar gods work in wonderful ways.
As always, my opinion is not influenced by how and where I get the cigar. This cigar was given to me gratis by Cigarscity.com. Here are my thoughts.


Brand/ Name of Cigar; Caldwell Cigars/ The King is Dead Premier

Country of Origin: Dominican Republic

Size: 5 X 50, Robusto

Wrapper: Dominican Republic Negrito
Filler: Dominican Republic
Binder: Dominican Republic
Price : $ 8.38 single, $187.89 box of 24
Purchase and Date Purchased;  Cigarscity.com, given to me to review, no cost involved.

Appearance/ Construction: Catchy looking cigar band, firm to the touch, no soft spots or obvious blemishes. Dark brown in appearance, small veins in the wrapper. Pig tail which is well placed and looks good.  Appearance is impressive, a great deal of thought and care went into this smoke.
A good calling card for this cigar.                     

Flavor/ Taste and Aroma:
Initial taste gives me a hit of chocolate and fruit, (apple, pear). Rich tasting , no heat and not overbearing. It is smooth to the max. If this blend continues in this manner, hope the cigar will last for 7 hours. Keep the mojo going. Smells earthy, as if a gardener delicately pulled it from the ground.



Throw in some mint and this compliments the other flavors already in the mix.

Smoking Characteristics:
Even burn, no harsh or hot surges. Ash was light grey with one re light which was probably my fault. I am grooving on this smoke, or better put by the music group, the Rascals,

" Groovin" on a Sunday afternoon.

Conclusion/ Overall Impression:
This is one of the best smokes I have had this year. It does exactly what you expect in a very good smoke. Flavorful, enjoyable to smoke and no battles to keep it going. It lasted about 1 hour and would have liked another 1/2 hour to make it even more of a fine time. I would like to think a larger ring size would produce the extra time I would have liked. I have one more to try which I will do at a later date. Perhaps I will do a short follow  up to let the folks know how number 2 performs.

Here is the final tab:

Appearance/ Construction: 4.2 our of 5.
Flavor/ Taste and Aroma:4.5 out of 5
Smoking Characteristics: 4 out of 5
Conclusion/ Overall Impression: 4. 3 out of 5

You definitely need to bring this blend to your roost. It was a top flight cigar.

Keep smoking

If you like big

This was a big cigar, almost as big as my leg. Slight exaggeration but not a smoke for a 15 minute interlude. Big cigars are a special type of product which allows the roller to show off their craft. It has plenty of working parts so the blend has to be able to get it. If it does not, you have a big mess. Let's see how this cigar works.

I received this cigar from Cigarscity.com gratis to review. As always where or how I received the cigar does not influence my take on the product.

Brand/Name of Cigar: Man of War/ Virtue
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Size: 6.5 x 52
Wrapper: Ecuadorian/ Connecticut Shade
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan
Shape: Torpedo
Price: $4.89 sale price from cigars city.com
Place and Date Purchased: Gratis Cigarscity.com

Appearance/ Construction:

As I mentioned in my introduction this cigar is big and looks powerful. It looks like it might kill me or make me a better person. I will be taking my time smoking this baby. Good looking with a oily feel and smooth. Did have two large veins in the wrapper. Liked the band and actually my wife also made a comment about it, " liked the way it looks. " Slightly firm which is not unusual for a larger smoke.

Smoking Characteristics:

An A. J. Fernandez creation,  I am a big fan of his San Lotano brand. Let's see how the Man of War shapes up. The initial light had a pleasing taste with chocolate and clove the main hit on my tongue. Thought there would be a spice or pepper so this is a bit of a surprise. As the second third came into being the spice started to come to the forefront but it was not overpowering or harsh. Also got a bit of coffee thrown in the blend. Pretty smooth and a nice combo.

The final third is where the strength of this cigar finally became the predominate taste. This was not your knock your socks off power but a very good mix of flavor that I liked. It made it a full body smoke. The cigar gave you your money's worth.




Conclusion/ Overall Impressions:

This is a big smoke which takes a good hour plus to engage in. I liked this cigar and it's certainly a great price point. However I am not a big ring cigar smoker which does not distract the overall quality of this blend.  I would think if you like a big cigar you should have a couple of them in your humidor. Sit down with this baby, grab a beer and enjoy away.

Appearance and Construction: 3.8 out of 5
Smoking Characteristics: 3.8 out of 5
Conclusion/ Overall Impression: 3.8 out of 5

Keep Smoking

Age before beauty.

What makes a great cigar? This issue has been debated I suspect since the first cigar was rolled.
As a cigar reviewer I make subjective decisions about what appeals to me when I sit down and rate a smoke.
Some of the basic concepts are straightforward.  Cigar construction, appearance, how the blend holds throughout the smoke. Three different folks can smoke the same cigar and come up with different thoughts in every aspect of the totality of the smoke.
The reason I mention this is a new cigar is more of a challenge. There is no track record so the first impression is very important. If you have a good experience more than likely the review will be better. So a reviewer needs to make careful considerations in describing what he smoked. Ideally, the cigar in question needs to be aged properly, and perhaps smoked again.
I was fortunate to review a sample of a new blend for me from Cigars City, an online cigar dealer. Their website is cigarscity.com. As always who or how I received the cigar does not influence my take on what I think about the cigar.

Brand/Name of Cigar : Lavida Habana / LH Premium Colorado 

Size: 6 x 60
Wrapper: Ecuador Habano
Filler: Nicaragua, Peru and Brazil
Shape: Gordo
Price: Single $ 8.24

When and where smoked: 2/21/16, Lone Wolf Cigar Lounge, West Los Angeles, Ca

Appearance/ Construction:

 Densely packed and oily to the touch. Very classy looking smoke, like the red and black band. Several small veins were evident but would not consider this a flaw. No soft spots. This looks like a big smoke and looking forward to a long ride.



Smoking Characteristics:

First third got immediate hits of orange which I did not expect, a pleasant surprise. Burn was even, medium body. As I smoked further hints of mint? chocolate? Not sure exactly. Whatever it was, very subtle, not overpowering. Smooth draw, no harshness, plenty of grey smoke and ash.

Two thirds into the smoke , some tunneling occurred yet did not find this a distraction or an impact on the blend. However, am waiting for an additional pop of spice and this is not happening. Was thinking the smoke would crank up a bit.


Conclusion/ Overall Impression:

The flavor profile never really took off. I did not get any more complexity which was somewhat of a come down. Overall this was a good smoke but not a powerful one. I thought it would be more of a kick ass cigar.  This is not necessarily a bad thing for those cigar dudes who like a pleasant but not overpowering blend. 

My overall rating of this cigar:

Appearance/ Construction: 4 out of 5
Smoking Characteristics: 3 out of 5
Conclusion/ Overall Impression; 3.5 out of 5

Will try this cigar again down the road. I think another couple of months in the humidor will give it a more hearty blend.

Keep smoking

A Solid smoke that made my day

Getting new smokes that you have never tried is often an adventure, hopefully a good one.  Cigar smokes can be classified in several ways.
There are go to smokes that have proven their worth through the years. They are consistent, their flavor profile is a  winner and it's something you can count on.
Their also are cigars that your buddies may have recommended , gave you one to try or a cigar source gave it a good review.

Next are  unknown smokes are cigars that look good, but do they prove their worth after smoking it?

I received a sample smoke gratis from www.famous-smoke.com. As always the review is not influenced in any way by how or where I received  the cigar.

Alec Bradley 1600 Robusto

Strength: Full

Shape: Robusto

Size: 5 x 50

Country: Honduras

Wrapper Color: Maduro

Wrapper Origin: Brazilian

Wrapper Leaf: Mata Fina

Appearance/Construction:

Very dark and attractive wrapper (maduro) with a very healthy oily  sheen. Great construction with no flaws evident. It was slightly firm to touch. I liked the way it looked and the presentation with the gold label was classic looking. It's a rare combo of a good looking product and good marketing savvy. Cigar labels should enhance the product, not over power it.

Smoking Characteristics:

Initial blast of mild pepper, chocolate and a hint of coffee. It's Maduro heritage was very evident with this blend. Very good initial start to the smoke, a pleasing smoke in the making? Liking it a great deal. 

Next third continues to please. Getting a pop of cinnamon and mint now. Medium in taste and smooth, yea, very smooth.

Final third is like the icing on a very good cake. The 1600's blend is a great combination of medium strength, top flight construction and a profile that hits your palate on all cylinders. Keep this mother rolling with the blend of chocolate, nuts and cinnamon with the kicker of spice. 

Conclusions/ Overall Impressions: This as the posting title indicates is a solid smoke which deserves a spot in your collection. Maduro cigars are an acquired taste for some. For me, a pleasant interlude from cigars which are the usual suspects.  Famous Cigars and Alec Bradley have joined forces to forge a winning combination in this type of production.

My rating for the Alec Bradley 1600/ Famous Cigar

Appearance/ Construction: 4.2 out of 5
Smoking Characteristics: 4.2 out of 5
Conclusion/Overall Impression: 4.2 out of 5

This is definitely a buy for your pleasure.
Keep smoking