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| Volume 3 Number 2 | February, 1998 |
The Monthly Officious Taste Test began on a whim after I had read some widely published cigar reviews results which left me bewildered at the results. Time and time again I found myself disagreeing with opinions that were being touted under the guise of standardized ratings. I have always been of the belief that how a cigar tastes is a matter of personal opinion, and that nobody but each individual taster could fairly make a judgment. Grading a cigar on its burn, draw, and other such construction criteria can be relatively universal, but when it comes to the element of flavor and taste it is a highly individual affair.
The concept behind the MOTT is to provide three taster unknown cigars for them to blind taste test, and to record their individual tasting notes and opinions. Then it is my duty to report them in full without any censorship and completely free of any advertising bias. In addition, I add my own personal opinions regarding the cigar, the tasting notes, and/or the manufacturer as color commentary. My comments are not biased by outside influences either, but rather are my own personal insights regarding the cigar. If you read enough issues of the MOTT you will begin to recognize two common trends: 1) The ratings and tasting notes between tasters can be quite different for the same cigar, and 2) My "Editor's Two Cents" are seldom exactly the same as the tasters comments.
What does this mean? It means you are reading honest uninhibited opinions of the cigars we are tasting. You may find you agree with a tasters and/or my opinions, but that does not make them unequivocally right. You must always remember taste is a highly personal judgment that is best reserved for yourself alone. For example I dislike the flavor of many leafy green vegetables cooked, but does that make them bad? Of course not, because somebody else loves the flavor of stewed spinach. And it is exactly the same for cigars. This is why I consider it essential that you personally sample all of the cigars published in the MOTT and make up your mind regarding their worth.
The MOTT is published to expose readers to the that fact no single cigar rating is ever correct, that people perceive cigars differently, and that they enjoy different flavors. My personal goals are for it to be an enjoyable read, and to introduce readers to cigars so that they try them for themselves. Hopefully I am achieving my goals.
This month's tasters were:
- Adam Goldstone
- Scott Lusich
- Marcia Venema
Even though they made this MOTT the most difficult one to complete to date I appreciate their efforts, and extend my thanks for their contributions.
These are written by each taster to give you a quick insight to their likes and dislikes.Adam Goldstone
"I have been smoking cigars for about three years. I have never smoked cigarettes and I don't like them. What really hooked me was a trip to Key West where I got used to smoking a Key West Cigar Co. Cigar every night at Smothers beach. When I came home I started to really get into it. That is when I started accumulating and collecting cigars. I now have a collection of over 250 boxes of premium cigars. My favorites are Dominicans (like Fuente and Partagas), but I also enjoy the Nicaraguans. My favorite all time smoke is the Bolivar Royal Corona and the Fuente Hemingway. Cigars give me time to relax and think about all the good things in life. I can tune out the days worries with a good cigar."
Scott Lusich"I try to smoke a cigar every day, but usually only find the time four or five times a week. I enjoy medium to full body cigars with complex tastes. I prefer robusto and churchill sized cigars, but the smaller sizes usually fit my schedule better. I also smoke just over a pack of Camel Menthols a day, and some people have told me that it has to diminish my enjoyment of a cigar. I don't honestly believe that it has that big of an effect."
Marcia Venema"I have been enjoying cigars since June 8, 1996 (I remember it well!), my first being a Cuesta Rey Aristocrat, and it's been a pleasure ever since. I usually enjoy 3 to 5 cigars a week, but of course that average escalates according to the number of herfs that week! A good cup of coffee, a Padron Anniversario and an hour's time, can it get any better??"
The five cigars each of them blind taste tested for us were:
- Santa Rosa Toro
- Overall Rating
- AF Don Carlos Double Robusto
- Overall Rating
- Bolivar Belicosos Fino
- Overall Rating
- Playboy Churchill
- Overall Rating
- Licenciados Toro
- Overall Rating
All of the particulars were rated within a simplified "check the appropriate box" type scheme, and each taster was encouraged to make personal comments. The comment section is typed just as it was written, with typos and errors, so that it is verbatim for everyone's review.
And finally on to the taste test!
made in: Santa Rosa de Copan, Honduras size : 6 x 50 wrapper: Ecuador filler : Honduras binder : Honduras price : $5.05
Appearance = poor fair good outstanding perfect Adam : xx Scott : xx Marcia: xx Adam said - This cigar is well constructed, except it appears to have an artificial cap. There are a few moderate sized veins running along the surface. Scott said - Beautiful wrapper. Very smooth with very little vein. Marcia said - [no comment]
Construction = poor fair good outstanding perfect Adam : xx Scott : xx Marcia: xx ------ xx Adam said - The cigar has weak/soft spots midway in length. Scott said - It seemed very well rolled. It was very solid and heavy. It even held up to a sloppy cutting job. Marcia said - Cigar is firm to feel and has great consistency - no hard spots.
Burn = very uneven uneven even very even Adam : xx Scott : xx Marcia: xx (slightly)
Problems = runners tunneling got soft split/unraveled Adam : xx Scott : Marcia: xx
Ash Color = black dark grey light grey white Adam : xx Scott : xx Marcia: xx
Ash Structure = flaky typical very solid Adam : xx Scott : xx Marcia: xx
Draw = too easy easy perfect tight plugged Adam : xx ----- xx Scott : xx Marcia: xx
Aroma = rank! poor fair good great Adam : xx Scott : xx Marcia: xx
Smoked to = left>=1/2 1/3 to band <band nub Adam : xx Scott : xx Marcia: xx
Strength = bland mild medium full powerful Adam : xx Scott : xx Marcia: xx ---- xx
Taste = Adam said - The cigar started off bitter and finished harsh with a sour taste throughout. Scott said - Started out very smooth and creamy. Grew spicier and more complex toward final 1/3. Marcia said - This cigar started off really well and just got better. It burned relatively even but smoke volume was skimpy. The flavor, though not complex, was very earthy and tasty without any peppery flavors to detract from the pleasure of this smoke. Aroma: very perfumy aroma - very little acidity.
Overall Impression = Adam said - I did not enjoy it, I wouldn't smoke it again. Scott said - A very good cigar. It is similar to an A. Fuente or Diana Silvius. Marcia said - A very good smoke with a gentle approach to a fuller finish.
Would you recommend this cigar as one to try based on your blind taste??? (Editors Note - remember these guys don't have a clue what cigar they just smoked or what it costs.) Adam said - no Scott said - yes Marcia said - yesSCALE ============= YOWZA!!! Great Smoke Good Cigar <--- Scott & Marcia Decent/Worthy Ho-Hum Blah... <--- Adam Dog Rocket! Editor's 2 Cents - The Santa Rosa Toro was introduced in the boom cigar market in 1995. These cigars sport are finished with a very smooth Connecticut seed wrapper grown in Ecuador and are filled with a Honduran blend of tobaccos. This medium bodied cigar begins smooth and mild and builds slowly in strength. The smoke is creamy and delivers mellow flavors of wood with a sweet finish. There is also a slight salty edge in the end. Overall I find the flavors to be well balanced and pleasing, and regard this as a good cigar particularly for new smokers or for someone looking for a pleasant easy smoke.Back to Top
made in: Santiago, DR size : 5 3/4 x 52 wrapper: Cameroon filler : Dominican Republic binder : Dominican Republic price : $9.00
Appearance = poor fair good outstanding perfect Adam : xx Scott : xx Marcia: xx Adam said - Very oily wrapper, light veins, nice cap. Scott said - Maduro wrapper. Lots of veins and tooth. Marcia said - Wrapper is darker than natural, but not quite maduro. It snapped and split when rolled between fingers and was crunchy to the feel.
Construction = poor fair good outstanding perfect Adam : xx Scott : xx Marcia: xx --- xx Adam said - There are some soft spots, but overall a consistent cigar, it was dry. Scott said - The filler seemed very uneven. There were lots of lumps and several soft spots. Marcia said - This stick was not bad at the end of it, but very firm at cap.
Burn = very uneven uneven even very even Adam : xx Scott : xx Marcia: xx
Problems = runners tunneling got soft split/unraveled Adam : xx Scott : xx Marcia: xx
Ash Color = black dark grey light grey white Adam : xx Scott : xx Marcia: xx
Ash Structure = flaky typical very solid Adam : xx Scott : xx Marcia: xx
Draw = too easy easy perfect tight plugged Adam : xx Scott : xx Marcia: xx ---- xx
Aroma = rank! poor fair good great Adam : xx ----- xx Scott : xx Marcia: xx
Smoked to = left>=1/2 1/3 to band <band nub Adam : xx Scott : xx Marcia: xx
Strength = bland mild medium full powerful Adam : xx ---- xx Scott : xx Marcia: xx --- xx
Taste = Adam said - The cigar started out very "nutty," and with a light draw, it gets hot easily - toward the end it gets spicy and is still smooth. Scott said - Lots of heavy tasty smoke. Very peppery/spicy from the very first puff. Marcia said - This cigar had no flavors other than burnt tobacco. The flavorless acidity was not at all enjoyable and tended to draw at the back of my throat. Aroma: very acrid - too much "edge" to it to be pleasant.
Overall Impression = Adam said - I did enjoy this cigar, a nice level of complexity. Scott said - A very good cigar except for the construction. Hopefully I just got a dud in that area. I'd like to try a few more to find out. Marcia said - Not a cigar I would purchase because of the heavy acid aftertaste.
Would you recommend this cigar as one to try based on your blind taste??? (Editors Note - remember these guys don't have a clue what cigar they just smoked or what it costs.) Adam said - yes Scott said - yes Marcia said - noSCALE ============= YOWZA!!! Great Smoke Good Cigar <--- Adam & Scott Decent/Worthy Ho-Hum Blah... <--- Marcia Dog Rocket! Editor's 2 Cents - The Arturo Fuente Don Carlos Double Robusto is one of the new larger sizes added to the line. It is comparable in size to most Toros on the market, and comes wrapped in a toothy Cameroon leaf. The construction comments of two of our tasters really surprised me. Typically the Don Carlos are very well made cigars with seldom a flaw, yet two tasters reported theirs were of average or worse construction. All of the samples came from the same box, and the ones I smoked were of better quality. This is a medium bodied cigar with full flavor. From the first puff, the spiciness of the Cameroon wrapper is evident and is a constant throughout the entire smoke. Rich tobacco tastes delight the palate and the finish is long and savory from this big robusto. Even in its youth, this cigar shows it tremendous aging potential while also being ready for the big league. The Don Carlos Double Robusto is one of the best cigars Fuente makes, and is one of the few Dominican cigars that can hold its own against those from Havana.
made in: Habanos SA/FPG size : 5 1/2 x 52 wrapper: Cuba filler : Cuba binder : Cuba price : $16.00
Appearance = poor fair good outstanding perfect Adam : xx Scott : xx Marcia: xx Adam said - Very nice oily brown wrapper. Very good belicoso. A few deviations in wrapper/shade at areas of green water spots. Also there is an appearance of a fading "box" press. Scott said - Lots of vein on a very nice looking wrapper. Marcia said - Wrapper was beautifully done - cap wonderful and color is a warm brown with golden undertones.
Construction = poor fair good outstanding perfect Adam : xx Scott : xx Marcia: xx --------- xx Adam said - Again there is reminiscence of a "box" press. The cigar is firm throughout, with no soft spots. The belicoso shape is excellently rolled. Scott said - [no comment] Marcia said - The construction was near perfect except for one long vein that ran the length of the cigar just under wrapper - very prominent.
Burn = very uneven uneven even very even Adam : xx Scott : xx Marcia: [no comment]
Problems = runners tunneling got soft split/unraveled Adam : Scott : xx Marcia:
Ash Color = black dark grey light grey white Adam : xx -------- xx Scott : xx Marcia: xx ----- xx
Ash Structure = flaky typical very solid Adam : xx Scott : xx Marcia: xx
Draw = too easy easy perfect tight plugged Adam : xx ----- xx Scott : xx Marcia: xx
Aroma = rank! poor fair good great Adam : xx Scott : xx Marcia: xx
Smoked to = left>=1/2 1/3 to band <band nub Adam : xx Scott : xx Marcia: xx
Strength = bland mild medium full powerful Adam : xx Scott : xx Marcia: xx ----- xx
Taste = Adam said - The cigar started off strong, and within the first 1/2 inch it smoothed out and got a nice creamy taste with an earthy tone and spiciness. A flavor reminiscent of the nicer "Cuban Cigars." Scott said - Very mild taste of chocolate, leaning towards bland. Marcia said - Lots of body to this torp - full flavors and a touch of spice and leather. Flavors intensified as I smoked it - but it only increased the pleasure of it. This is not always the case. Aroma: loved aroma in spite of slightly acrid undertones, rich and creamy.
Overall Impression = Adam said - I loved this cigar. It started out great and finished even better. Scott said - A very dull cigar. Not interesting enough to give to someone I didn't like. Marcia said - A great cigar for my tastes even though I usually don't care for powerful smokes.
Would you recommend this cigar as one to try based on your blind taste??? (Editors Note - remember these guys don't have a clue what cigar they just smoked or what it costs.) Adam said - yes Scott said - no Marcia said - yesSCALE ============= YOWZA!!! Great Smoke <--- Adam & Marcia Good Cigar Decent/Worthy Ho-Hum <--- Scott Blah... Dog Rocket! Editor's 2 Cents - The Bolivar Belicosos Fino is a 5 1/2" x 52 bullet shaped short torpedo from Havana. They are physically one of the darkest cigars from Cuba and are typically regarded as one of the fullest bodied cigars in the world. The "Boli Beli" is rich and dank like recently fertilized loam, heavy in scent and taste. Their smoke is dense and lush upon the palate. I find them to be a true hedonist like experience, nothing is reserved by this cigar, it is tobacco in its richest unadulterated form. And for me, one of the most satisfying cigars I have ever had the luxury of enjoying. While two of our testers nailed this cigar, the third was in left field rating it as "mild" and "dull". This response genuinely surprised me, as I have never heard of anyone describing a Bolivar Belicoso Fino in such terms. I suggest that Scott gives this Habana benchmark a second try before dismissing it. At the same time, it is not a cigar for everyone, and for many it is simply too strong to be enjoyed. Also this is not a cigar for every moment, its full bodied flavor is meant to be enjoyed after a large meal and with a heavy scotch in hand.
made in: La Romana, Dominican Republic size : 7 3/4 x 50 wrapper: USA/Connecticut filler : Dominican Republic binder : Dominican Republic price : $12.50
Appearance = poor fair good outstanding perfect Adam : xx Scott : xx --- xx Marcia: xx Adam said - The cigar had a very light wrapper, almost a "shade" wrapper. It has an uneven artificial cap. Very veiny, a lot of visible stems, multiple pinholes in the wrapper as well (not beetles). Scott said - A very ugly cigar. The wrapper color is very un-uniform with large veins. Marcia said - Wrapper was golden brown with heavy veining, but clear for the most part of spots or flaws.
Construction = poor fair good outstanding perfect Adam : xx Scott : xx Marcia: xx Adam said - The cigar has an uneven roll, and there are many tight areas. Scott said - Lots of lumps, a couple of LARGE soft spots. Wrapper cracked in a few spots. Marcia said - Firm to touch - consistent.
Burn = very uneven uneven even very even Adam : xx Scott : xx Marcia: xx
Problems = runners tunneling got soft split/unraveled Adam : xx Scott : xx xx Marcia:
Ash Color = black dark grey light grey white Adam : xx Scott : xx Marcia: xx
Ash Structure = flaky typical very solid Adam : xx Scott : xx Marcia: xx
Draw = too easy easy perfect tight plugged Adam : xx Scott : xx Marcia: xx ----- xx
Aroma = rank! poor fair good great Adam : xx Scott : xx Marcia: xx
Smoked to = left>=1/2 1/3 to band <band nub Adam : xx Scott : xx Marcia: xx
Strength = bland mild medium full powerful Adam : xx ---- xx Scott : xx Marcia: xx
Taste = Adam said - The cigar started off harsh with a burnt taste. It started to mellow out a little, but was inconsistent, and finishes full of bitterness. No spice, no cream. no good. Scott said - None to speak of. Extremely bland. Marcia said - The first 1" was "forgiven" because of bitterness, and it mellowed to a peppery finish.
Overall Impression = Adam said - I didn't like it. It left a bad taste in my mouth. Scott said - An overall bad cigar. Poorly made with no real flavor. Marcia said - This being a large natural cigar, had a peppery long lasting finish. Since I don't enjoy these flavors in abundance, I would not say that I would purchase it.
Would you recommend this cigar as one to try based on your blind taste??? (Editors Note - remember these guys don't have a clue what cigar they just smoked or what it costs.) Adam said - no Scott said - no Marcia said - noSCALE ============= YOWZA!!! Great Smoke Good Cigar Decent/Worthy <--- Marcia Ho-Hum Blah... <--- Adam & Scott Dog Rocket! Editor's 2 Cents - The Playboy by Don Diego Churchill is a massive Connecticut Shade wrapped cigar introduced in 1996. These cigars are made by Consolidated Cigars for Playboy as part of a marketing alliance, but is a separate individual blend differing from their original Don Diego cigar. It is medium in strength, but very short on body and flavor. Every once in awhile I catch a slight taste of cream or nut, but overall it is a very boring uneventful smoke. This cigar's blend is so anemic it makes me wonder if it was made specifically for the Playmates at the mansion. I find it difficult to believe this cigar is going to find much favor with the serious cigar smoker particularly when you factor in its sticker price. Consolidate Cigars is noted for being a company that brings solid, value priced, quality cigars like the H. Upmann, Henry Clay, and Te-Amo to the consumer. Sadly the Playboy Churchill is just the opposite - it is boring, overpriced, and boom market driven. No doubt this cigar is targeted specifically to the young new smoker with plenty of disposable income, but I don't care how many of Hef's Playmates pose with this cigar, it will still remain a dull smoke.
made in: Santiago, Dominican Republic size : 6 x 50 wrapper: USA/Connecticut filler : Dominican Republic binder : Dominican Republic price : $4.25
Appearance = poor fair good outstanding perfect Adam : xx Scott : xx Marcia: xx Adam said - The wrapper has a lot of "tooth." A little uneven roll of the wrapper. No oil, it has a light colorado wrapper. Scott said - A very smooth wrapper with little vein and no tooth. Marcia said - Beautifully wrapped, but with some serious veins.
Construction = poor fair good outstanding perfect Adam : xx Scott : xx Marcia: xx Adam said - Mildly veiny, well constructed and firm. Scott said - A very solid, well rolled cigar. Marcia said - Very firm construction without soft spots.
Burn = very uneven uneven even very even Adam : xx ----- xx Scott : xx Marcia: xx
Problems = runners tunneling got soft split/unraveled Adam : Scott : [none reported by any taster] Marcia:
Ash Color = black dark grey light grey white Adam : xx Scott : xx Marcia: xx
Ash Structure = flaky typical very solid Adam : xx Scott : xx Marcia: xx
Draw = too easy easy perfect tight plugged Adam : xx Scott : xx Marcia: xx
Aroma = rank! poor fair good great Adam : xx Scott : xx Marcia: xx
Smoked to = left>=1/2 1/3 to band <band nub Adam : xx Scott : xx Marcia: xx
Strength = bland mild medium full powerful Adam : xx Scott : xx Marcia: xx
Taste = Adam said - The cigar started out creamy and rich. Toward the middle it got nutty. Nice complexity of flavors at the end. Scott said - Wonderful. A very complex spicy flavor with lots of variety. Flavor was consistent all the way through. Marcia said - Full leather taste with just a trace of bitterness. Short soft finish, but flavorful enough to make the time spent smoking it worthwhile.
Overall Impression = Adam said - A good cigar. I liked it. Had nice flavor change at the last 2 inches. Nice draw and consistent. Scott said - My favorite out of this group. Great flavor and excellent construction. This is definitely a cigar I'll be buying more of when I find out what it is. Marcia said - A tasty cigar that was enjoyable, leather with creamy finish, though short. Slight grassy flavors.
Would you recommend this cigar as one to try based on your blind taste??? (Editors Note - remember these guys don't have a clue what cigar they just smoked or what it costs.) Adam said - yes Scott said - yes Marcia said - yesSCALE ============= YOWZA!!! Great Smoke <--- Scott Good Cigar <--- Adam & Marcia Decent/Worthy Ho-Hum Blah... Dog Rocket! Editor's 2 Cents - In the Summer of 1994 this corona gorda was rated a "93" by CA. This surpassed the Habana Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 1, Romeo y Julieta Exhibicion No. 3, Cohiba Siglo IV, and the Punch Punch in the same tasting. The Licenciados Toro used for this taste test were bought right after that high rating, and I was anxious to see how they would fair three full years later. The Licenciados Toro is a well made cigar manufactured by Manuel Quesada's MATASA on behalf of Mike's Cigars. It sports a brawny Connecticut Shade wrapper, and solid construction. Medium in body it gives the smoker solid tastes of wood and nut with a very distinct cedar finish. It is a well blended cigar that is enjoyable, but even with all of its positives, I do not consider it on the same caliber as the Habana Hoyo Epi #1 or the Habana Punch Punch, and I remain mystified as to its 1994 numerical rating. The Licenciados Toros on the shelf today do not exhibit the same complexity as they did three years ago. The current blend tends to be more straightforward with less subtle nuances. Also it tends to become grassy in flavor if smoked too fast. Regardless, it remains a consistently good smoke for the money, and is one well worth sampling.Just for those "keeping score" - On Cigar #1, Tasters B & C disagreed with Taster A. On Cigar #2, Tasters A & B disagreed with Taster C. On Cigar #3, Tasters A & C disagreed with Taster B. And finally on Cigars #4 and #5 they reached some common consensus. As you can see this MOTT is a perfect example of the old, but true adage of "different smokes for different folks."
The drawing for next month's MOTTley crew of tasters yielded the following names:
- Colin Bowkett
- Paul Collura
- Mark Howard
Congrats to you three, and your cigars are on their way!
To enter Saka's Monthly Officious Taste Test pool all you have to do is fill out the automated entry form by selecting the "become a taster" icon at the top. Your entry will be added to the pool from which I draw the names each month. Also if you haven't read the previous Monthly Officious Taste Tests then I suggest you give them a look over with a cigar in hand.
As always, thank you for your continued readership and support!
Steven T. Saka
saka@cigarnexus.com
http://www.cigarnexus.com
Copyright ©1998 Nexus InterMedia LLC. All rights reserved.
MOTT is a trademark of Nexus InterMedia LLC
