garrettbuckeye
Member
- Joined
- Feb 21, 2007
- Messages
- 578
I got out of class a bit early today, and it's a bit warmer out (38*F - but the sun makes it comfortable). So I decided to try out another of the el cheapo sticks I picked up last week. I didn't think of doing a review or getting pics initially, but after a few minutes gathered the courage to tackle my first. Yes, that's right... my first. So here we go everyone!
Alcazar No. 4 Maduro
5 X 52
Wrapper: Connecticut
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua (100% long filler)
Body: Medium
Price: $1.60 (bundle of 20 - $32)
First off, sorry there's no pre-light pics; I wasn't intending on attempting my first review. I'll try and make it up to you with the abundance of pics to follow!
This all maduro brand features a medium body. It is named for the famous race horse Alcazar. It was originally a Nicaraguan puro, but is now made with a Connecticut wrapper. This has only been in my coolidor for about a week, but the shop where I purchased it is good at keeping their sticks at about 65%RH. This cigar had a nice feel to it. It had a little give, but wasn't too soft. The cigar had a pleasant smell (kind of sweet) and the wrapper looked good IMO.
I took your standard snip with a cheap double guillotine. Pre-light draw continued to seem kind of sweet. It reminded me of hazelnut coffee and chocolate. I toasted up the foot (maybe a little too much) and gave it a few puffs. I let it rest while I tried to comprehend what I was tasting. It was hard to place, and I think my light had a bit to do with it. I wouldn't call it harsh, but a little bit dry and interesting to start.
A few minutes later I was enjoying what reminded me of mild coffee. I like stong coffee, stouts and porters, and usually a strong cigar. Since I was rolling on an empty stomach, a milder smoke was good. The draw seemed a bit loose, and I wasn't getting a nice mouthful of smoke. I was tempted to go at it a little harder, but resisted the urge.
Right about now I'm thinking a good cup of strong coffee might subdue that urge for more. The cigar was still seeming a little mild for my tastes, but it was still enjoyable. Trying to place the taste, I would say it's like dark chocolate and coffee, but the taste is thin and fades away much too fast. If I could have just intensified what I had, it would have been a perfect cheap stick. Anyways, I decided to brew some good coffee, but wanted to wait until I lost that first ash before doing so.
The ash seemed to be nice and tight. I don't have an ashtray outside, and the ash stayed with me for quite a while (considering the cigar was handled the entire time). As soon as I lost that first ash, it was inside to grind the beans and brew my coffee.
In the end, I only dropped ash once. I layed it to rest before I ever lost more.
I returned from starting the brew, and the cigar was still money. The first draw was just like the last a few minutes before. I thought maybe I'd be re-lighting, but surprisingly I wasn't.
After a minute, I went back in to get that early cup of coffee. I brewed 1/2 a pot, but took that first strong cup as soon as it was ready. What a good idea. It took care of my craving, and let me taste something different in the stick. Now I was noticing more of a spice. The smoke still didn't have that full body, but it remained quite enjoyable.
As I brought this little smoke home, the flavors did intensify. What I originally thought would be a one dimensional cigar developed a little at the finish. That was another pleasant surprise. With the phone ringing inside, and my dogs starting to feel a chill, it was time to finish it though. There was no urge to nub this little fella, as any report of so might draw laughs from you all.
I'd recommend this smoke for someone who favors something "middle of the road" strength wise. My budget hasn't allowed me to try many of the top smokes out there yet. My favs thusfar are the Padron 2k maddies and JDN Antano Gran Consul. The Alcazar doesn't compare to these, but you can get 20 sticks for just over $30. I'll keep a few of these sticks around for that occasional afternoon coffee and smoke, or for the golf course.
I've been feeling like a content moocher since I found CigarPass. Hopefully this is considered a worthwhile contribution to the forum. Maybe some newbs with a small budget will appreciate it. Cheers!
Alcazar No. 4 Maduro
5 X 52
Wrapper: Connecticut
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua (100% long filler)
Body: Medium
Price: $1.60 (bundle of 20 - $32)
First off, sorry there's no pre-light pics; I wasn't intending on attempting my first review. I'll try and make it up to you with the abundance of pics to follow!
This all maduro brand features a medium body. It is named for the famous race horse Alcazar. It was originally a Nicaraguan puro, but is now made with a Connecticut wrapper. This has only been in my coolidor for about a week, but the shop where I purchased it is good at keeping their sticks at about 65%RH. This cigar had a nice feel to it. It had a little give, but wasn't too soft. The cigar had a pleasant smell (kind of sweet) and the wrapper looked good IMO.
I took your standard snip with a cheap double guillotine. Pre-light draw continued to seem kind of sweet. It reminded me of hazelnut coffee and chocolate. I toasted up the foot (maybe a little too much) and gave it a few puffs. I let it rest while I tried to comprehend what I was tasting. It was hard to place, and I think my light had a bit to do with it. I wouldn't call it harsh, but a little bit dry and interesting to start.
A few minutes later I was enjoying what reminded me of mild coffee. I like stong coffee, stouts and porters, and usually a strong cigar. Since I was rolling on an empty stomach, a milder smoke was good. The draw seemed a bit loose, and I wasn't getting a nice mouthful of smoke. I was tempted to go at it a little harder, but resisted the urge.
Right about now I'm thinking a good cup of strong coffee might subdue that urge for more. The cigar was still seeming a little mild for my tastes, but it was still enjoyable. Trying to place the taste, I would say it's like dark chocolate and coffee, but the taste is thin and fades away much too fast. If I could have just intensified what I had, it would have been a perfect cheap stick. Anyways, I decided to brew some good coffee, but wanted to wait until I lost that first ash before doing so.
The ash seemed to be nice and tight. I don't have an ashtray outside, and the ash stayed with me for quite a while (considering the cigar was handled the entire time). As soon as I lost that first ash, it was inside to grind the beans and brew my coffee.
In the end, I only dropped ash once. I layed it to rest before I ever lost more.
I returned from starting the brew, and the cigar was still money. The first draw was just like the last a few minutes before. I thought maybe I'd be re-lighting, but surprisingly I wasn't.
After a minute, I went back in to get that early cup of coffee. I brewed 1/2 a pot, but took that first strong cup as soon as it was ready. What a good idea. It took care of my craving, and let me taste something different in the stick. Now I was noticing more of a spice. The smoke still didn't have that full body, but it remained quite enjoyable.
As I brought this little smoke home, the flavors did intensify. What I originally thought would be a one dimensional cigar developed a little at the finish. That was another pleasant surprise. With the phone ringing inside, and my dogs starting to feel a chill, it was time to finish it though. There was no urge to nub this little fella, as any report of so might draw laughs from you all.
I'd recommend this smoke for someone who favors something "middle of the road" strength wise. My budget hasn't allowed me to try many of the top smokes out there yet. My favs thusfar are the Padron 2k maddies and JDN Antano Gran Consul. The Alcazar doesn't compare to these, but you can get 20 sticks for just over $30. I'll keep a few of these sticks around for that occasional afternoon coffee and smoke, or for the golf course.
I've been feeling like a content moocher since I found CigarPass. Hopefully this is considered a worthwhile contribution to the forum. Maybe some newbs with a small budget will appreciate it. Cheers!
