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| Volume 2 Number 4 | April, 1997 |
Wow! Right now it seems like I am in a cigar dreamland. It first began with my finally completing a 2 year long project in south Florida, then I leapt directly into the Las Vegas Boondoggle, and now I am preparing to attend "The Herf on the Lake". In the last thirty days I have smoked myself silly on the best cigars in the world, and honestly I am spoiled rotten.
Unlike some Cigar Joes, I started out at the bottom. I smoked my first cigar while enlisted in the Navy as a 3rd Class Petty Officer. It was given to me by a Senior Chief Gunner, and though I can not remember the brand, I know it was an inexpensive short filler bundled smoke. From puff one I was hooked, even now I can recall that cigar's rich hearty hot smoke against my palate.
Being enlisted with a young wife and two babies money was always thin, so my 'gars of choice had to cost less than $0.75 each. By today standards that may seem impossible, but back in 1984-85 you could buy a heck of a good smoke for a few quarters.
As the years passed, and my income crept upwards I began to smoke better and better cigars. Also with time I learned to appreciate the subtle differences between the very good and the best. Sadly this was my downfall, I always found myself chasing after the "better" cigar, and as most of you are aware, this is a very expensive endeavor. But then the Boom hit, and the prices skyrocketed overnight. Even if I could afford it, I'll be damned if I am paying $30.00 for a Partagas 150! So over the last few years I have learned to pace myself by smoking what I consider to be great "bang for the buck" cigars such as La Gloria Cubana, El Rico Habano, El Rey del Mundo, Hoyo de Monterrey, Punch, etc., and then saving the super premiums as occassional smokes. Basically following the old adage that "even if I could, I would not want to eat filet mignon every night".
This approached has served me well, but I really blew my diet over the last thirty days. I gorged myself on the very finest, were talking a selection that would even make "the Marv" jealous. And now I am spoiled, even right now I am drooling for another one of those pre-embargo Habana Romeo y Julieta pyramides. "This cigar was like butter!" - add the appropriate accent please. So what if they cost $160.00 each from the auction block of Christies, I could get a second mortgage on my house, I could sell my children to the circus, I could... as you can see I have a problem.
Right now I am smoking every JR Alternate, Muniemaker, and Dominican Original I own to try and kick this terrible craving I have for Fidel's finest. I am trying to be strong, but honestly I do not know if I am going to survive this tragic circumstance. Wish me the best of luck, I truly need your support. By the way, does anyone have a Habana Punch Punch they could loan me???
This month's tasters were:
Dan was the second taster in our short history to nearly die during the MOTT. Okay, maybe I am exaggerating a wee bit, but I am glad to see he bounced back, and was able to complete the taste test even if a little late. Thank you to all three tasters for the effort you put into their reviews, their insights are greatly appreciated, and as you will see, on target.
These are written by each taster to give you a quick insight to their likes and dislikes.Rick Bolen
"I have been smoking cigars since about 1985, weaned on some H. Upmann Havanas while on assignment in the Caribbean. I started on legal cigars on return, smoking the occasional Mac, the Partagas, then LGCs around 1992. Things have gotten a little out of hand since with a 2 cooler humidor and one reach-in freezador collection. I like very flavorful cigars such as San Luis Rey, Bolivar, Partagas, and Punch brand Havanas and the Padron Anniversary, Saint Luis Rey, LGC, ERH, CCI Royal Satin, Daniel Marshall Honduran, Arturo Fuente Opus X and Hemingways, etc. As you have probably figured, I like big-ass flavor in a cigar."
Dan Harris
"I come from a long line of cigar smokers (Father, Uncles) and have been seriously smoking cigars for 2 years, since I gave up cigarettes. I usually smoke a robusto after work while pushing my daughter's stroller around the park. (Year round in South Florida) Weekends are for churchills and torpedos. My usual smokes are LGC Wavells and Churchills, and Fuente Hemingway Classics and Signatures. I've only smoked about 6 cigars in the past three weeks due to a severe flu and bronchial infection. This may affect my taste buds, but on the other hand it did cleanse my palate!"
Don Lewis
"I am a novice cigar smoker, usually averaging one a week. I learned early on however to enjoy premium smokes. This blind taste test should be a lot of fun. Will I say "YOWZA!" to a dog rocket?"[Editor's Note: I will be visiting Rick's house on a regular basis from here on out to ensure the contents of his freezador are well kept. Also for those unaware, Rick happens to be the lead contributing photographer to Barnaby Conrad's "The Cigar"- excellent photos and great read imo.]
The three cigars each of them blind taste tested for us were:
- Arturo Fuente Don Carlos Robusto
- Overall Rating
- MiCubano No. 748
- Overall Rating
- Puros Indios 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!
Arturo Fuente Don Carlos Robusto
made in: Santiago, Dominican Republic size : 5" x 50 wrapper: Cameroon filler : Dominican Republic binder : Dominican Republic price : $8.00 ea
Appearance = poor fair good outstanding perfect Rick: xx Dan: xx Don: xx Rick said - A very solid cigar with a nice colorado wrapper. Tight as a drum. Dan said - Well wrapped, nice oily sheen. Don said - The wrapper was slightly damaged, but otherwise excellent construction and appearance. Nice ring gauge!
Construction = poor fair good outstanding perfect Rick: xx Dan: xx Don: xx Rick said - See above. Dan said - Perfect burn from start to nub. Don said - [no comment]
Burn = very uneven uneven even very even Rick: xx Dan: xx Don: xx
Problems = runners tunneling got soft split/unraveled Rick: Dan: [no problems reported by any taster!] Don:
Ash Color = black dark grey light grey white Rick: xx Dan: xx Don: xx
Ash Structure = flaky typical very solid Rick: xx Dan: xx Don: xx
Draw = too easy easy perfect tight plugged Rick: xx Dan: xx Don: xx
Aroma = rank! poor fair good great Rick: xx Dan: xx Don: xx
Smoked to = left>=1/2 1/3 to band <band nub Rick: xx Dan: xx Don: xx
Strength = bland mild medium full powerful Rick: xx Dan: xx Don: xx
Taste = Rick said - A very rich flavorful cigar that I wish was larger. Can't wait to find out what this one is. Dan said - Great woodsy, leathery full flavor. Don said - Very interesting, earthy flavor. Bold aroma. Slightly musty smell, but not unpleasant.
Overall Impression = Rick said - A very satisfying cigar with the complexities and strength I require in a daytime cigar. Dan said - Lots of smoke, perfect draw. A perfectly aged wavell? Don said - Enjoyable smoke!
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.) Rick said - Yes Dan said - Yes Don said - Yes
Arturo Fuente Don Carlos RobustoSCALE ============= YOWZA!!! Great Smoke <--- Rick & Dan Pretty Good <--- Don Decent/Worthy Ho-Hum Blah... Dog Rocket! Editor's 2 Cents - This is by far the most consistent result we have had on a taste test to date. And as well it should be, the Arturo Fuente Don Carlos Robusto is a superior cigar that is always well made and consistent throughout. The roll is perfect, and its Cameroon wrapper always has a delectable sheen of oil. The blend is incredibly well balanced and delivers a medium to full bodied taste of rich spicy tobacco with hints of wood and leather. It has a long lingering finish that makes me always crave more. This is one of the few Dominican cigars that I consider worthy of its $8.00 price tag and deserving of humidor space beside Habanos' best - it is a true joy to smoke. One final note, Rick's comment that he wish it were larger is my exact sentiment. The Don Carlos line is only available in two sizes: robusto and #3 (corona extra). Both are delights, but I have been wishing for a Don Carlos Churchill and Double Corona for years. Mr. Carlos Fuente Jr. please consider my personal plea for a DC Gigantes...thanks.BACK TO TOP
MiCubano No. 748
made in: Esteli, Nicaragua size : 7" x 48 wrapper: Nicaragua filler : Nicaragua binder : Nicaragua price : $5.50
Appearance = poor fair good outstanding perfect Rick: xx Dan: xx Don: xx Rick said - Very oily reddish mottled wrapper. Dan said - Dark wrapper, lightly veined. Don said - A lot of veining. Wrapper color inconsistent.
Construction = poor fair good outstanding perfect Rick: xx Dan: xx Don: xx Rick said - A couple of soft spots, but OK. Dan said - Soft spots and underfilled in several spaces. Don said - Wrapper a little loose in spots.
Burn = very uneven uneven even very even Rick: xx Dan: xx Don: xx
Problems = runners tunneling got soft split/unraveled Rick: Dan: xx Don: xx
Ash Color = black dark grey light grey white Rick: xx Dan: xx Don: xx
Ash Structure = flaky typical very solid Rick: xx Dan: xx Don: xx
Draw = too easy easy perfect tight plugged Rick: xx Dan: xx Don: xx
Aroma = rank! poor fair good great Rick: xx Dan: xx Don: xx
Smoked to = left>=1/2 1/3 to band <band nub Rick: xx Dan: xx Don: xx
Strength = bland mild medium full powerful Rick: xx ---- xx Dan: xx --- xx Don: xx
Taste = Rick said - Nice flavorful cigar with a short finish. Dan said - Very mild with little taste. Don said - Had a nice mild flavor, but nothing spectacular. It got harder to draw as I smoked.
Overall Impression = Rick said - This cigar reminds me of a HDM Churchill Maduro. A nice rich cigar. This is a big flavor cigar, but one dimensional. Last 1/2 inch developed a sour taste. Dan said - Underwhelming. Don said - The tobacco was very good, but overall construction and draw made it unpleasant.
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.) Rick said - No Dan said - No Don said - NoSCALE ============= YOWZA!!! Great Smoke Pretty Good Decent/Worthy <--- Rick Ho-Hum <--- Don Blah... <--- Dan Dog Rocket! Editor's 2 Cents - I think we have a real bunch of pros this month as tasters. Once again they have "pinned the tail on the donkey". And what a donkey it is... This Nicaraguan puro debuted in 1995 with the claim that it was the first 100% cuban seed tobacco cigar on the American market. Personally I say "so what". This is one of the most inconsistent cigars I have ever smoked. The construction is sometimes shameful; it amazes me that they can underfill a cigar, yet it still be plugged. At their best, these cigars have an earthy flavor with a short dry finish, but typically they have an unpleasant vegetal taste with a very sour twang. Do I have anything good to say about this cigar? Well I guess the stand-up box is kind of nice.
Puros Indios Toro
made in: Danli, Honduras size : 6" x 50 wrapper: Ecuador - Colorado Claro filler : Brazil, DR, Jamaica, Nicaragua binder : Ecuador price : $5.25
Appearance = poor fair good outstanding perfect Rick: xx Dan: xx Don: xx Rick said - Slightly oily colorado wrapper. Dan said - Very nicely wrapped, no veins. Don said - This bad boy looks marvelous! Very nice uniform wrapper.
Construction = poor fair good outstanding perfect Rick: xx Dan: xx Don: xx Rick said - Solid throughout with a nice wrapper that was peeling slightly. Dan said - Very nice burn and even ash. The draw was so extremely right that it was unpleasant to smoke. Don said - Very consistent. Beautiful to behold. Neatly wrapped and sound throughout.
Burn = very uneven uneven even very even Rick: xx Dan: xx Don: xx
Problems = runners tunneling got soft split/unraveled Rick: Dan: [again no burn problems!] Don:
Ash Color = black dark grey light grey white Rick: xx Dan: xx Don: xx
Ash Structure = flaky typical very solid Rick: xx Dan: xx Don: xx
Draw = too easy easy perfect tight plugged Rick: xx Dan: xx Don: xx
Aroma = rank! poor fair good great Rick: xx Dan: xx Don: xx
Smoked to = left>=1/2 1/3 to band <band nub Rick: [no answer] Dan: [no answer] Don: xx
Strength = bland mild medium full powerful Rick: xx ---- xx Dan: xx ---- xx Don: xx
Taste = Rick said - A pleasant nutty/woody kind of smoke that is a perfect middle of the cigar. Dan said - Mild to medium with no complexity. The draw was so tight that it was hard to focus on the taste. Don said - This was definitely a "good one". My wife came into the smoking room and exclaimed, "That smells good Honey!" Great full flavor. Remained medium strength to the end.
Overall Impression = Rick said - A very nice medium/light cigar. I'll bet this cigar is the H. Upmann Corsario. Dan said - I would like another opportunity to give this one a try. It looked good and burned well, maybe this was just a bad example. Don said - Excellent gar, I'll order a box of these anytime.
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.) Rick said - Yes Dan said - No Don said - YesSCALE ============= YOWZA!!! Great Smoke <--- Don Pretty Good <--- Rick Decent/Worthy Ho-Hum <--- Dan Blah... Dog Rocket! Editor's 2 Cents - Three for three, these guys are hot! The Puros Indios line was introduced in 1995 by the infamous cigar blender Rolando Reyes Sr. It has since become the replacement line for his Cuba Aliados blend. This is a substantial cigar that has a great heft and look to it. The wrapper is an oily deep golden brown which promises a good smoke, but as Dan ran into, they have a terrible history of being too tight! This is really sad considering what a great smooth rich nutty and leather-like flavor it can deliver. I have never understood why the Reyes family insists on their cigars being so firmly bunched, they even used the phrase "tightly packed" in their old Aliados brochure as a selling point. Rolando Sr. seems like a very spry elder, and considering how tight he makes the draw on most of his smokes he must have a powerful set of lungs! This is a classic cigar that is masterfully blended, and if you can tolerate the more than occasional tight draw then the Puros Indios Toro is a "must try" cigar.
These taste testers were simply incredible. Considering the tremendous diversity in their individual smoking experience it is amazing the consistency between their independent review results. Great job guys!
Next month's taste test will be our first ever Special Edition MOTT courtesy of the Las Vegas Boondogglers, and should hold some real surprise tastings including a review of the very rare elusive Habana Trinidad!
To enter the Monthly Officious Taste Test pool you can fill out the automated entry form at: http://www.cigarnexus.com/mott/apply.html
Your entry will be added to the pool from which I draw the names each month. Also you can review past Monthly Taste Tests at: http://www.cigarnexus.com/mott
This month's MOTT was a pleasure, and I am anxiously looking forward to the next. Thank you for your support, and I hope all of your 'gars are good smokes!
Steven T. Saka
saka@cigarnexus.com
