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Cigars 201-1 Treasure Hunt Reviews
- Thread starter Kingantz
- Start date
I am doing my first review and as such I wanted to keep it a midranged price stick that I had high hopes for so I chose the CI legends Yellow Label Don Pepin that I received from Gregs pass. It is a 54 ring gauge by 5.7" long light in color. I will call it a very light medium bodied cigar. Not complex really at I found. I have to say that even though this is my first review it is not a good one. This cigar just did not agree with me. So please keep in mind I am no expert at reviews and this cigar was not for me. lol
I thought that it was a decent stick in terms of construction. Had the usual triple cap on it. A few blemishes in the wrapper but hey, thats life. Took the cap off with my Xicar and took a prelight draw to reveal a strawish taste along with the tobacco.
Fired it right up using my new zippo insert (which I find I really like) and the first taste was of an overpowering straw/burnt leather taste. It also had that particular black pepper taste that seems to me to be Don Pepins trademark. Alas, the pepper went away, but the straw and burnt leather stuck around. In an out throughout the smoke I occasionally got a toffee flavor along with cream as well, but mostly all the flavors that could have been there were overpowered. I kept at it hoping that it would change flavor profiles as so many of his sticks do, but this time it just was not to be. I kept at it till after the halfway point and then realized it just wasn't for me and threw in the towel.
As a side note as well, this cigars ash was very very flaky with a muted gray coloring. I tried to enjoy this in the Hot Tub with a few glasses of water, and this was the FIRST, SECOND, and THIRD time that an ash ever fell into my hot tub. I watched it carefully (so I thought), but even the minutest bit of ash would flake off very quickly. As a matter of fact, just after the second picture was taken that small ash fell right in.
Anyways, I wish my first review could have been on more of a positive note, but it is what it is and that is that.
Hope this wasn't too long nor boring. Thanks all!
Edit: To add that I noticed I needed to cut my nails in the picture, so I took care of it already!!!!
I thought that it was a decent stick in terms of construction. Had the usual triple cap on it. A few blemishes in the wrapper but hey, thats life. Took the cap off with my Xicar and took a prelight draw to reveal a strawish taste along with the tobacco.
Fired it right up using my new zippo insert (which I find I really like) and the first taste was of an overpowering straw/burnt leather taste. It also had that particular black pepper taste that seems to me to be Don Pepins trademark. Alas, the pepper went away, but the straw and burnt leather stuck around. In an out throughout the smoke I occasionally got a toffee flavor along with cream as well, but mostly all the flavors that could have been there were overpowered. I kept at it hoping that it would change flavor profiles as so many of his sticks do, but this time it just was not to be. I kept at it till after the halfway point and then realized it just wasn't for me and threw in the towel.
As a side note as well, this cigars ash was very very flaky with a muted gray coloring. I tried to enjoy this in the Hot Tub with a few glasses of water, and this was the FIRST, SECOND, and THIRD time that an ash ever fell into my hot tub. I watched it carefully (so I thought), but even the minutest bit of ash would flake off very quickly. As a matter of fact, just after the second picture was taken that small ash fell right in.
Anyways, I wish my first review could have been on more of a positive note, but it is what it is and that is that.
Hope this wasn't too long nor boring. Thanks all!
Edit: To add that I noticed I needed to cut my nails in the picture, so I took care of it already!!!!
Phlicker
also know as @PhillyBeerGuy
- Joined
- Jan 9, 2007
- Messages
- 884
For my review I took a look through my humis trying to find something that a) I hadn't smoked before and b) I had picked up in a pass. I thought it was only appropriate given the nature of this contest that I smoke something I picked up in a BP. After a little digging, I found my victim: a Diamond Crown Maximus #5 Robusto. Not only had I never smoked this cigar before, I'd never smoked any type of DC. I picked this stick up in Blue Dragon's [topic="32672"]Training Wheels Pass[/topic] earlier in 2007, and it's been sitting in my 65% RH "Ready to Smoke" humidor ever since. I took this past Friday off from work to attend Philadelphia's annual bacchanalia, Wing Bowl XVI, so knowing that I would have all afternoon to find time to enjoy this, I packed it along with the rest of my gear for the day and headed out.
Diamond Crown Maximus #5 Robusto
Size: 5" x 50
Wrapper: El Bajo Ecuadorian
Filler: Dominican
Picture coming soon...
After the last wing was eaten and the bars emptied out, I headed over to my local B&M to do some shopping and spend an hour or so enjoying a smoke before I went home to sleep off the festivities. Initial impressions were of a very well-made cigar. Firm with a slight give, the Ecuadorian wrapper was fragrant and veiny. Not too much of an oily sheen noticeable. The band is a work of art in and of itself, and I was able to remove it easily before clipping the cap, toasting with my torch, and finishing off the light with a match. It lit very nicely, and required nary a touch-up throughout the entire smoking process.
The first noticeable tastes were of a slightly sweet nature, which I experience quite often and attribute to the wrapper. Notes of leather and spice came through next, alternating with the sweet creaminess of those first few draws. I also noticed a hint of coffee/dark espresso in there, though that might be due to the fact that my B&M has a new coffee machine and some of the regulars were enjoying a cup. The cigar was forming a beautiful thick cloud of smoke, perfectly complemented by the gorgeous near-white ash, and I was thoroughly enjoying the variety of flavors that the it was giving up every few minutes.
By the halfway point of this cigar, flavors had changed noticeably to a spicy leather/cedar flavor. While not as smooth as the first half, it was at no point harsh, nor was it overpowering. I'd put the strength slightly to the right of medium-bodied. Ash was holding on for well over an inch at a time, and the burn remained razor sharp. I smoked it down to about an inch, right around the point that the smoke started to get a little too hot for my liking, and let it die peacefully as I completed my purchases and made my way home.
Final Thoughts: all-in-all, this was a very enjoyable cigar. I wish I knew how much age it had on it, as I found it much easier to smoke than a young Opus, and would probably choose one over an Opus if offered both. A great, medium-bodied smoke that is probably too cost-prohibitive to be a go-to for most of us, but definitely one to grab if you have the time to enjoy it.
Diamond Crown Maximus #5 Robusto
Size: 5" x 50
Wrapper: El Bajo Ecuadorian
Filler: Dominican
Picture coming soon...
After the last wing was eaten and the bars emptied out, I headed over to my local B&M to do some shopping and spend an hour or so enjoying a smoke before I went home to sleep off the festivities. Initial impressions were of a very well-made cigar. Firm with a slight give, the Ecuadorian wrapper was fragrant and veiny. Not too much of an oily sheen noticeable. The band is a work of art in and of itself, and I was able to remove it easily before clipping the cap, toasting with my torch, and finishing off the light with a match. It lit very nicely, and required nary a touch-up throughout the entire smoking process.
The first noticeable tastes were of a slightly sweet nature, which I experience quite often and attribute to the wrapper. Notes of leather and spice came through next, alternating with the sweet creaminess of those first few draws. I also noticed a hint of coffee/dark espresso in there, though that might be due to the fact that my B&M has a new coffee machine and some of the regulars were enjoying a cup. The cigar was forming a beautiful thick cloud of smoke, perfectly complemented by the gorgeous near-white ash, and I was thoroughly enjoying the variety of flavors that the it was giving up every few minutes.
By the halfway point of this cigar, flavors had changed noticeably to a spicy leather/cedar flavor. While not as smooth as the first half, it was at no point harsh, nor was it overpowering. I'd put the strength slightly to the right of medium-bodied. Ash was holding on for well over an inch at a time, and the burn remained razor sharp. I smoked it down to about an inch, right around the point that the smoke started to get a little too hot for my liking, and let it die peacefully as I completed my purchases and made my way home.
Final Thoughts: all-in-all, this was a very enjoyable cigar. I wish I knew how much age it had on it, as I found it much easier to smoke than a young Opus, and would probably choose one over an Opus if offered both. A great, medium-bodied smoke that is probably too cost-prohibitive to be a go-to for most of us, but definitely one to grab if you have the time to enjoy it.
Putz Mulligan
shhhhhh, cigar learning in process!
- Joined
- Mar 7, 2006
- Messages
- 1,830
Sometime ago I was introduced to this little powerhouse of a cigar by Dion of Fumare in Reno. I had the opportunity to have one Thursday night while walking the Embarcadero in San Francisco Thursday night. Sorry, no camera on the trip so no photos.
Illusione 68
Size: 4 x 44
Wrapper: Nicaragua
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Smoking Time: 1 hour
Beverage: Coffee
Location: Embarcadero, San Francisco
Temp: 49 degrees F
Weather: Overcast, fresh rain, slight wind
The wrapper was nice and oily with the signature black and white gothic font band, simple and understated. I noticed some small veins but nothing to detract from the overall esthetic appeal and no imperfections were. The scent of the wrapper had a faint coffee aroma to it but that may be to the coffee I had to accompany the smoke. I cut the cap and performed a flameless draw and the flavor of molasses and some spice was my reward. The draw was excellent! I recall from the first one of these I had at Dion’s shop Fumare, I smoked it too fast so I was determined to relax and enjoy this and let the flavors develop unhindered.
The burn was slow, even, and required no adjustments at all even in the slight wind that was present. Hints of nutty spice, leather and chocolate permeated this stick from end to end. Due to the leisurely pace I had chosen I thoroughly enjoyed each and every draw. The construction remained consistent and solid. The ash fell off from the wind so no “ash stand” opportunities were presented.
Overall this is a solid little performer and as Dion had offered this originally as a replacement for the Tatuaje Bobmbazo I have yet to be disappointed!
Illusione 68
Size: 4 x 44
Wrapper: Nicaragua
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Smoking Time: 1 hour
Beverage: Coffee
Location: Embarcadero, San Francisco
Temp: 49 degrees F
Weather: Overcast, fresh rain, slight wind
The wrapper was nice and oily with the signature black and white gothic font band, simple and understated. I noticed some small veins but nothing to detract from the overall esthetic appeal and no imperfections were. The scent of the wrapper had a faint coffee aroma to it but that may be to the coffee I had to accompany the smoke. I cut the cap and performed a flameless draw and the flavor of molasses and some spice was my reward. The draw was excellent! I recall from the first one of these I had at Dion’s shop Fumare, I smoked it too fast so I was determined to relax and enjoy this and let the flavors develop unhindered.
The burn was slow, even, and required no adjustments at all even in the slight wind that was present. Hints of nutty spice, leather and chocolate permeated this stick from end to end. Due to the leisurely pace I had chosen I thoroughly enjoyed each and every draw. The construction remained consistent and solid. The ash fell off from the wind so no “ash stand” opportunities were presented.
Overall this is a solid little performer and as Dion had offered this originally as a replacement for the Tatuaje Bobmbazo I have yet to be disappointed!
Brand: Camacho Triple Maduro 11/18
Vitola: 11/18 Figurado, 6 x 54
Origin: Honduras
Wrapper: Honduran Maduro
Binder: Honduran Maduro
Filler: Honduran Maduro
Body/Strength: Full
Pre-Smoke:
Meal:
Gunpowder Shrimp (Gunpowder is a seasoning I make myself, recipe upon request -- It's spicy/salty)
Fresh Steamed Broccoli
Fresh Artisan Bread with Olive oil and seasonsing dip
Sam Adams Boston Lager, pint glass, very cold
Mood:
Reflective, somewhat somber. A friend of mine died yesterday in a car accident.
Smoking Environment:
Garage. Heated to around 70 degrees. Padded stool. Smoking alone.
Musical Pairing: (this is important to me)
Frank Sinatra, Sinatra Reprise: The Very Good Years
Beverage Pairing:
Chinese tea from a local shop. Brewed and then chilled. Awesome iced tea.
Cigar Inspection:
Excellent construction. Triple cap. Wrapper is very dark, not quite jet black, very little color variation, if any, in the wrapper. It's somewhat veiny, and looks slightly rough, but nothing major. This leads me to believe the cigar will have burn issues. The cigar is a figurado -- thus, its got a narrow foot and bulbous center. The wrapper is slightly oily, with very small shiny crystals that the shimmer in bright light. Rubbing the back of my hand over the cigar, it feels like extremely fine grit sandpaper.
Cutting Method:
I was going to go for a punch, but opted to use my Xikar Xi instead.
Snipped the cap. No wrapper unraveling. Very good cut.
Pre-Light Draw Inspection:
Easy draw, but not loose. In my opinion, near perfect. Tastes of the typical maduro, spicy, slightly sweet, somewhat leathery and woody.
Lighting Method:
Blazer PB-207, filled with Lava, set on low.
Smoking Notes:
Upon lighting, the cigar really doesn't hold back at all. Thick gray smoke erupts very quickly. Initial thought is slightly bitter, but med-full and tastes like a good maduro. It starts off woody, rich, and earthy. After about a half an inch, the bitterness subsided and it became very smooth and creamy, but still not "super-full" like a Joyo De Nicaragua Antano or Tatuaje Cojonu 2003. The smoke at this point is thick and gray, and leaves you with a thick feeling in your mouth. Oddly, the cigar really doesn't give off smoke in the ash tray -- there's hardly any, but the little it does produce is silver and thin.
After the first 1/3 or so, the cigar begins to hit the bulbous portion the cigar. The flavor really began to mellow out, but was still in the full flavor/strength category. There was no bitterness noted, but was definitely rich and started to become slightly more complex. As it continued to burn, the characteristic sweetness was noted behind the potent tobacco flavor.
As the cigar continued to burn, the flavor really didn't change too much. As it hit the label, the cigar was still smooth with thick smoke, and very notable earthy/woody/sweet flavors. I don't taste chocolate or coffee in my cigars, so I don't ever say that I do. From the edge of the bulbous area (label) down to last inch or so, the flavor stated to level off and didn't change much. It still clung to its full and awesome Honduran tobacco flavor.
Really, a great smoke in my eyes. You either love this cigar, or hate it. I love 'em.
Overall impressions:
The cigar burned pretty slow, making it somewhat of a delight to smoke, in my opinion. It burned even (surprising for a figurado) and I never had to touch it up. It got slightly out of line once or twice, but it quickly corrected itself. Ash was grayish white with some black spots. It drew flawlessly throughout the entire cigar, and was never hot or harsh. The ash hung on FOREVER, as you can see by the crappy cell phone pictures posted below. The aftertaste is sweet/earthy, but thick, making you want to drink something to clear your palate. You might get a nicotine kick from the cigar, but nothing nauseating. It's not an incredibly complex cigar, as is to be expected by Camacho's "strong just because we can" motto, but it's definitely got some subtleties that hard to finger due to the body of the cigar. Just awesome tobacco presence throughout the entire stick.
As for overall value, is it a $10-$12 smoke -- if you like full cigars or maduros, then DEFINITELY in my opinion. For 12 bucks, I'd rather smoke an Opus, Anejo, or Padron, but this is probably in my top 10 or so if I were to buy a box. Keep your eyes open, a lot of the vendors will post deals on these in the forums.
Recommendations:
To the new guys to cigars -- stay away, to be honest, as this cigar will probably kick your ass. Me getting a slight nicotine buzz is quite uncommon unless its a Tatuaje, which is the only smoke I consistently feel something from. To the seasoned smoker, you've got to try it at least once. It's definitely worth a place in my humidor.
Pictures:
Construction... need I say more? I wasn't gentle with this cigar, the ash just wouldn't fall off. After I finally ashed it, I could pick it up and roll it between my hands. Impressive.
Vitola: 11/18 Figurado, 6 x 54
Origin: Honduras
Wrapper: Honduran Maduro
Binder: Honduran Maduro
Filler: Honduran Maduro
Body/Strength: Full
Pre-Smoke:
Meal:
Gunpowder Shrimp (Gunpowder is a seasoning I make myself, recipe upon request -- It's spicy/salty)
Fresh Steamed Broccoli
Fresh Artisan Bread with Olive oil and seasonsing dip
Sam Adams Boston Lager, pint glass, very cold
Mood:
Reflective, somewhat somber. A friend of mine died yesterday in a car accident.
Smoking Environment:
Garage. Heated to around 70 degrees. Padded stool. Smoking alone.
Musical Pairing: (this is important to me)
Frank Sinatra, Sinatra Reprise: The Very Good Years
Beverage Pairing:
Chinese tea from a local shop. Brewed and then chilled. Awesome iced tea.
Cigar Inspection:
Excellent construction. Triple cap. Wrapper is very dark, not quite jet black, very little color variation, if any, in the wrapper. It's somewhat veiny, and looks slightly rough, but nothing major. This leads me to believe the cigar will have burn issues. The cigar is a figurado -- thus, its got a narrow foot and bulbous center. The wrapper is slightly oily, with very small shiny crystals that the shimmer in bright light. Rubbing the back of my hand over the cigar, it feels like extremely fine grit sandpaper.
Cutting Method:
I was going to go for a punch, but opted to use my Xikar Xi instead.
Snipped the cap. No wrapper unraveling. Very good cut.
Pre-Light Draw Inspection:
Easy draw, but not loose. In my opinion, near perfect. Tastes of the typical maduro, spicy, slightly sweet, somewhat leathery and woody.
Lighting Method:
Blazer PB-207, filled with Lava, set on low.
Smoking Notes:
Upon lighting, the cigar really doesn't hold back at all. Thick gray smoke erupts very quickly. Initial thought is slightly bitter, but med-full and tastes like a good maduro. It starts off woody, rich, and earthy. After about a half an inch, the bitterness subsided and it became very smooth and creamy, but still not "super-full" like a Joyo De Nicaragua Antano or Tatuaje Cojonu 2003. The smoke at this point is thick and gray, and leaves you with a thick feeling in your mouth. Oddly, the cigar really doesn't give off smoke in the ash tray -- there's hardly any, but the little it does produce is silver and thin.
After the first 1/3 or so, the cigar begins to hit the bulbous portion the cigar. The flavor really began to mellow out, but was still in the full flavor/strength category. There was no bitterness noted, but was definitely rich and started to become slightly more complex. As it continued to burn, the characteristic sweetness was noted behind the potent tobacco flavor.
As the cigar continued to burn, the flavor really didn't change too much. As it hit the label, the cigar was still smooth with thick smoke, and very notable earthy/woody/sweet flavors. I don't taste chocolate or coffee in my cigars, so I don't ever say that I do. From the edge of the bulbous area (label) down to last inch or so, the flavor stated to level off and didn't change much. It still clung to its full and awesome Honduran tobacco flavor.
Really, a great smoke in my eyes. You either love this cigar, or hate it. I love 'em.
Overall impressions:
The cigar burned pretty slow, making it somewhat of a delight to smoke, in my opinion. It burned even (surprising for a figurado) and I never had to touch it up. It got slightly out of line once or twice, but it quickly corrected itself. Ash was grayish white with some black spots. It drew flawlessly throughout the entire cigar, and was never hot or harsh. The ash hung on FOREVER, as you can see by the crappy cell phone pictures posted below. The aftertaste is sweet/earthy, but thick, making you want to drink something to clear your palate. You might get a nicotine kick from the cigar, but nothing nauseating. It's not an incredibly complex cigar, as is to be expected by Camacho's "strong just because we can" motto, but it's definitely got some subtleties that hard to finger due to the body of the cigar. Just awesome tobacco presence throughout the entire stick.
As for overall value, is it a $10-$12 smoke -- if you like full cigars or maduros, then DEFINITELY in my opinion. For 12 bucks, I'd rather smoke an Opus, Anejo, or Padron, but this is probably in my top 10 or so if I were to buy a box. Keep your eyes open, a lot of the vendors will post deals on these in the forums.
Recommendations:
To the new guys to cigars -- stay away, to be honest, as this cigar will probably kick your ass. Me getting a slight nicotine buzz is quite uncommon unless its a Tatuaje, which is the only smoke I consistently feel something from. To the seasoned smoker, you've got to try it at least once. It's definitely worth a place in my humidor.
Pictures:
Construction... need I say more? I wasn't gentle with this cigar, the ash just wouldn't fall off. After I finally ashed it, I could pick it up and roll it between my hands. Impressive.
Putz Mulligan
shhhhhh, cigar learning in process!
- Joined
- Mar 7, 2006
- Messages
- 1,830
Excellent review!
Sorry to hear about your friend's passing.
Sorry to hear about your friend's passing.
Kingantz
Growing too fast.
- Joined
- Oct 6, 2007
- Messages
- 7,656
Awesome review Jeff! Dude, I have smoked many a cigar and have yet to get an ash like that...jealous man! Sounds like I've got to build up my immunity before I tackle one of those suckers. Thanks for the review and again, so very sorry to hear about your friend.
Sounds like I've got to build up my immunity before I tackle one of those suckers. Thanks for the review and again, so very sorry to hear about your friend.
Jonesy
Got Ink ?
- Joined
- Mar 17, 2007
- Messages
- 7,481
:whistling: I think you'll soon be getting a chance.Awesome review Jeff! Dude, I have smoked many a cigar and have yet to get an ash like that...jealous man!
Kingantz
Growing too fast.
- Joined
- Oct 6, 2007
- Messages
- 7,656
:whistling: I think you'll soon be getting a chance.Awesome review Jeff! Dude, I have smoked many a cigar and have yet to get an ash like that...jealous man!
Hot dog!
