Herfin Bigdog
New Member
- Joined
- Nov 21, 2005
- Messages
- 582
Cigar #4:
The ASH Experience 5 x 52 Mexican Puros with maduro wrapper; manufactured by Tabacalera JEM; http://www.tabacalerajem.com/index.html
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AVB’s Reviews (Cigar Pass member)
Cigar #4
A robusto sized cigar at 4 7/8 x 46 (give or take). Another dark brown wrapper with a few veins
cover this stick. The prelight aroma is mild with nothing really coming to the fore. Like #3, I lit this
with a wooden match and it fired up very easily and produced the expected about of smoke for a cigar of this size. The draw was easy and the cigar had only one soft spot in it that I found.
The burn was very good and required no touch ups at all however, there wasn't much going on with this stick. It was very mild and reminded me of some Dominicans or Royal Jamaican when they were still made in Jamaica. Just the wrapper color was much darker then any RJ.
I took this cigar down to 3/4 of an inch with no real changes in flavor the entire length. It would be a good yard stick because you really don’t have to pay too much, if any, attention to it and it will be the same the whole way through.
Black Plague Reviews (Cigar Weekly member)
Mystery Cigar No. 4
Approx. 5 x 50 Robusto
Appearance: Possessed a rough, sandpapery maduro oscuro wrapper. Though none of the veins were raised or prominent, they crisscrossed the wrapper leaf like dark rivers of oil. Along with this, oil mottled the wrapper in dark patches. Possessed a nice, seemingly triple cap and felt very firm in the hand.
Prelight: Cut real well, prelight flavors hinted at wood and rustic tobacco. Had a nice earthy, barnyard aroma.
Flavor: The first impressions on lighting were of unsweetened cocoa, wood, peppers, but with a bit of a generic non-Cuban Maduro taste. Fortunately, after a few puffs, the smoke shied away from this and developed more character. The cocoa acquired a sweeter taste, the wood was more complex and multi-varied, and a very nice, clean tobacco flavor developed on the finish. The bourbon I chose to accompany the smoke paired well and played off of the wood and tobacco. One inch in, the smoke seemed to mellow considerably. I noticed some nice herbal flavors beginning to develop. Fortunately, this cigar had hit its peak. At the halfway point, it was beginning to grow hot and was losing character, getting bland. By two-thirds, it had sunken back down to the generic Maduro flavor and from there I decided to part with it. Medium-full in body and strength.
Beverage: Wild Turkey 101-proof bourbon, as noted above, I nice pairing.
Construction: Burned and drew very well, medium gray that held firm. No construction problems whatsoever.
Summary: A promising first half but a disappointing second half. I must admit I have a bias against non-Cuban Maduro cigars. I call it "Maduro" with a capital M because most of these wrapper leaves are treated in a special process to acquire this color and character, where as maduro with a lowercase M is merely a shade of wrapper leaf color. It began to challenge my expectations after the first few puffs but regrettably sank back down into the generic Maduro taste I've come to hate, though not quite as strong in that flavor as other Maduro cigars I've had. I really can't make much of a guess as to its origin, but it seemed like it might be a Dominican-Honduran blend, possibly a Broadleaf wrapper.
Brew Meister Reviews (Cigar Pass & Cigar Weekly member)
Smoke # 4:
Size: 5 x 50 Robusto
Appearance:
Wrapper ñ Light colored wrapper a bit brown with a bit of green tint, a few minor veins and barely noticeable leaf edges, a reasonably firm stick throughout.
Pre-light:
Aroma - Hay
Draw - OK.
Light: Easy light.
The experience:
First smoke (3/10/06) was enjoyed with a fresh cup of Gevalia Signature Blend coffee with Cream. Adequate smoke, nice leathery aroma. Medium body. Peppery at first, changed after first inch to a more leathery/earthy flavor. Burn was fine. Ash was a medium to light colored very solid with virtually no flaking. Cigar continued with the leathery flavor to the end with a fairly nice finish.
Second smoke (3/24/06) was again with a cup of coffee. It was a bit better with more of a creamy complexity half way through and a little more pepper at the finish. Overall a medium bodied cigar with a nice draw and finish.
Rating - 3.0 stars
Tim’s Rating : FYI my evaluation criteria is broken into 5 levels, designated by stars, I know its not the most elaborate rating system, however, it works for me.
***** (5). Order more now, and keep on hand.
**** (4). Order some, when I want a little variety in the humidor.
*** (3). I'd smoke it if it was handed to me.
** (2). Keep to give to moochers
* (1). Dog Rocket - Stay away from these.
Elk Twins Reviews (Cigar Weekly member)
HBD Mystery Cigar #4
5x50
Filler – Unk, Binder – Unk, Wrapper – Unk
Nice, normal sized cigar. Impressive dark and oily wrapper tightly clung to a solidly rolled tent peg of a stick. A perfectly applied cap sat proudly on its head. Looking at the foot I could see an orange, ochre and golden glow to the filler. A mild and earthy pre light flavor was delightful.
Yeah, baby! The character and pedigree of this stick revealed itself early on. Medium in strength and body, the cigar had a spicy bite countered perfectly by the natural sweetness of the maduro wrapper. Good leathery Honduran flavor created a warm glow on the palate and culminated in a comfortable, solid finish that had real legs. The burn was slightly uneven and left a light to medium grey ash, which was predictably tight and firm.
The light and airy aroma danced gaily around the room and brought a smile. The cigar developed a bit in the middle and offered a bit of herbal flavor shot through with flashes of fruit, peat, and nuts. The well-cured maduro wrapper continued to serve as a harmonious counterpoint to the blend. Unfortunately, probably due to the tight roll, the flavor became somewhat tarry in the final couple of inches.
This was a very well behaved and interesting cigar. I thought the blend and the maduro wrapper were very well matched and enjoyed the experience quite a bit. Recommended
Appearance: 9/10
Construction: 9/10
Flavor: 17/20
Finish: 8/10
Smoking experience: 18/20
Aroma: 8/10
Overall impression: 17/20
Total: 86/100
Sevenmag Reviews (Cigar Weekly member)
Cigar #4
My samples of cigar # 4 were both very dark maduro hermosos. Sometimes with maddies, I get concerned with getting thick wrappers that don’t want to burn well, but these didn’t fall into that area. One of my cigars did have a decent sized void but over the long haul, it never caused any problems.
4 of 5.
Pre-light was nearly non-existent but did give a slight hint of the maduro sweetness that lay ahead. The draw was just right, but again, didn’t give up much info before the fire was put to it.
4of 5.
Once I lit the first sample I wasn’t surprised at all at the flavor and strength. A ton of the sweetness that we expect from a maduro. I wonder if this isn’t a double maddie. The only cigar I’ve smoked that was this sweet was a CAO MX2. In the beginning it was almost overwhelming, but the spice and other flavors caught up and it balanced itself out. It eventually turned into a solid medium bodied smoke that was complex enough to hold my interest to the band. I thoroughly enjoyed this one. The second sample however had me concerned just after lighting. There was no flavor whatsoever for a few minutes. Then it quickly came around and mimicked its partner to T. The only problem with either of these is that while I smoked the second cigar on the back porch, it started to flood. I set the thing down on the table to for a second and it decided to do the stop, drop and roll trick on the wet patio. Fortunately, I had smoked over half of it by that time.
4 of 5.
Both samples burned well, but needed a couple more touchups than I’d like. The light gray ash was fairly solid and just a wee bit flaky. Not significant problems here at all.
3.5 of 5.
3.85 overall. Another cigar I’d definitely smoke again. Both were enjoyable, I just wish I could have finished that second cigar.
Note: I only wrote one review for both samples, but listed any differences between the two samples where it was relevant.
Steve Hawk Reviews (Cigar Pass member)
Cigar #4
This cigar was a good, basic smoke. It measured 4 and 7/8 by 50 (?), was dark brown in color and somewhat veiny. The cap was average and the bunch was firm on both cigars tested. The pre-light draw was somewhat sweet – a characteristic I always enjoy in a cigar. The draw on the first cigar tested was a bit tight, but the second one was fine.
Bother cigars tested put out plenty of smoke and were displayed an initial harshness that mellowed out after about an inch. The flavor was somewhat rich, with medium body and hints of wood. Although the cap tasted sweet, there was very little sweetness in the smoke itself. The taste was fine though, if a bit one-dimensional. The first cigar burned unevenly but the second one tested was very even. The coal was cone-shaped and the ash was light gray to whitish in color and very solid. This aspect of the cigar, along with the color and the full bodied strength, reminded me of the Toraño Signature.
One problem I noted, on both cigars, was a taste of tar at the halfway point. The first cigar had to be re-punched, but then smoke fine.
My notes for the first one I tested state “a good, solid smoke.” My notes after the second one state “not one that I would buy.” So, I guess I’d have to smoke another one of these to come to a final conclusion. Overall, though, I’d say this would probably be a decent $3 - $5 cigar if the draw and run problems I experienced were an anomaly.
Wilkey’s Cigar Reviews (Cigar Pass member)
Cigar #4
Cigar #4 was a robusto measuring 4-7/8" long and about 50 rg. The maduro wrapper was moderately veiny and thick without seeming coarse. Prelight nose was barnyard and cat pee. Sort of funky and not in a good way. After lighting, the medium draw delivered a strange charred, dirt flavor. There was no pepper, no real spice overtones at all. Smoke volume was good but left a strange soapy metallic mouth feel/taste. The smoke was medium bodied and oily but carried relatively faint tobacco flavor. Sometimes it tasted almost piney but without the pleasant aromatic aroma. I smoked only about three quarters of an inch because I found it weird and offensive.
Overall impression: This was weird, stinky, bad cigar. The taste was bizarre and the aroma and mouth feel revolting. I would avoid this cigar at all costs and would not smoke it even if gifted. Blech.
I smoked the second maduro robusto #4.
I accompanied the cigar with plain water. I'd have to say that my reactions were pretty much identical to the first specimens. The maddie robusto was once again nasty. I got the charry flavor and the strange metallic twang again. I did not smoke more than maybe a half-inch before I had to put it down.
The ASH Experience 5 x 52 Mexican Puros with maduro wrapper; manufactured by Tabacalera JEM; http://www.tabacalerajem.com/index.html
------------------------------------------------------------------
AVB’s Reviews (Cigar Pass member)
Cigar #4
A robusto sized cigar at 4 7/8 x 46 (give or take). Another dark brown wrapper with a few veins
cover this stick. The prelight aroma is mild with nothing really coming to the fore. Like #3, I lit this
with a wooden match and it fired up very easily and produced the expected about of smoke for a cigar of this size. The draw was easy and the cigar had only one soft spot in it that I found.
The burn was very good and required no touch ups at all however, there wasn't much going on with this stick. It was very mild and reminded me of some Dominicans or Royal Jamaican when they were still made in Jamaica. Just the wrapper color was much darker then any RJ.
I took this cigar down to 3/4 of an inch with no real changes in flavor the entire length. It would be a good yard stick because you really don’t have to pay too much, if any, attention to it and it will be the same the whole way through.
Black Plague Reviews (Cigar Weekly member)
Mystery Cigar No. 4
Approx. 5 x 50 Robusto
Appearance: Possessed a rough, sandpapery maduro oscuro wrapper. Though none of the veins were raised or prominent, they crisscrossed the wrapper leaf like dark rivers of oil. Along with this, oil mottled the wrapper in dark patches. Possessed a nice, seemingly triple cap and felt very firm in the hand.
Prelight: Cut real well, prelight flavors hinted at wood and rustic tobacco. Had a nice earthy, barnyard aroma.
Flavor: The first impressions on lighting were of unsweetened cocoa, wood, peppers, but with a bit of a generic non-Cuban Maduro taste. Fortunately, after a few puffs, the smoke shied away from this and developed more character. The cocoa acquired a sweeter taste, the wood was more complex and multi-varied, and a very nice, clean tobacco flavor developed on the finish. The bourbon I chose to accompany the smoke paired well and played off of the wood and tobacco. One inch in, the smoke seemed to mellow considerably. I noticed some nice herbal flavors beginning to develop. Fortunately, this cigar had hit its peak. At the halfway point, it was beginning to grow hot and was losing character, getting bland. By two-thirds, it had sunken back down to the generic Maduro flavor and from there I decided to part with it. Medium-full in body and strength.
Beverage: Wild Turkey 101-proof bourbon, as noted above, I nice pairing.
Construction: Burned and drew very well, medium gray that held firm. No construction problems whatsoever.
Summary: A promising first half but a disappointing second half. I must admit I have a bias against non-Cuban Maduro cigars. I call it "Maduro" with a capital M because most of these wrapper leaves are treated in a special process to acquire this color and character, where as maduro with a lowercase M is merely a shade of wrapper leaf color. It began to challenge my expectations after the first few puffs but regrettably sank back down into the generic Maduro taste I've come to hate, though not quite as strong in that flavor as other Maduro cigars I've had. I really can't make much of a guess as to its origin, but it seemed like it might be a Dominican-Honduran blend, possibly a Broadleaf wrapper.
Brew Meister Reviews (Cigar Pass & Cigar Weekly member)
Smoke # 4:
Size: 5 x 50 Robusto
Appearance:
Wrapper ñ Light colored wrapper a bit brown with a bit of green tint, a few minor veins and barely noticeable leaf edges, a reasonably firm stick throughout.
Pre-light:
Aroma - Hay
Draw - OK.
Light: Easy light.
The experience:
First smoke (3/10/06) was enjoyed with a fresh cup of Gevalia Signature Blend coffee with Cream. Adequate smoke, nice leathery aroma. Medium body. Peppery at first, changed after first inch to a more leathery/earthy flavor. Burn was fine. Ash was a medium to light colored very solid with virtually no flaking. Cigar continued with the leathery flavor to the end with a fairly nice finish.
Second smoke (3/24/06) was again with a cup of coffee. It was a bit better with more of a creamy complexity half way through and a little more pepper at the finish. Overall a medium bodied cigar with a nice draw and finish.
Rating - 3.0 stars
Tim’s Rating : FYI my evaluation criteria is broken into 5 levels, designated by stars, I know its not the most elaborate rating system, however, it works for me.
***** (5). Order more now, and keep on hand.
**** (4). Order some, when I want a little variety in the humidor.
*** (3). I'd smoke it if it was handed to me.
** (2). Keep to give to moochers
* (1). Dog Rocket - Stay away from these.
Elk Twins Reviews (Cigar Weekly member)
HBD Mystery Cigar #4
5x50
Filler – Unk, Binder – Unk, Wrapper – Unk
Nice, normal sized cigar. Impressive dark and oily wrapper tightly clung to a solidly rolled tent peg of a stick. A perfectly applied cap sat proudly on its head. Looking at the foot I could see an orange, ochre and golden glow to the filler. A mild and earthy pre light flavor was delightful.
Yeah, baby! The character and pedigree of this stick revealed itself early on. Medium in strength and body, the cigar had a spicy bite countered perfectly by the natural sweetness of the maduro wrapper. Good leathery Honduran flavor created a warm glow on the palate and culminated in a comfortable, solid finish that had real legs. The burn was slightly uneven and left a light to medium grey ash, which was predictably tight and firm.
The light and airy aroma danced gaily around the room and brought a smile. The cigar developed a bit in the middle and offered a bit of herbal flavor shot through with flashes of fruit, peat, and nuts. The well-cured maduro wrapper continued to serve as a harmonious counterpoint to the blend. Unfortunately, probably due to the tight roll, the flavor became somewhat tarry in the final couple of inches.
This was a very well behaved and interesting cigar. I thought the blend and the maduro wrapper were very well matched and enjoyed the experience quite a bit. Recommended
Appearance: 9/10
Construction: 9/10
Flavor: 17/20
Finish: 8/10
Smoking experience: 18/20
Aroma: 8/10
Overall impression: 17/20
Total: 86/100
Sevenmag Reviews (Cigar Weekly member)
Cigar #4
My samples of cigar # 4 were both very dark maduro hermosos. Sometimes with maddies, I get concerned with getting thick wrappers that don’t want to burn well, but these didn’t fall into that area. One of my cigars did have a decent sized void but over the long haul, it never caused any problems.
4 of 5.
Pre-light was nearly non-existent but did give a slight hint of the maduro sweetness that lay ahead. The draw was just right, but again, didn’t give up much info before the fire was put to it.
4of 5.
Once I lit the first sample I wasn’t surprised at all at the flavor and strength. A ton of the sweetness that we expect from a maduro. I wonder if this isn’t a double maddie. The only cigar I’ve smoked that was this sweet was a CAO MX2. In the beginning it was almost overwhelming, but the spice and other flavors caught up and it balanced itself out. It eventually turned into a solid medium bodied smoke that was complex enough to hold my interest to the band. I thoroughly enjoyed this one. The second sample however had me concerned just after lighting. There was no flavor whatsoever for a few minutes. Then it quickly came around and mimicked its partner to T. The only problem with either of these is that while I smoked the second cigar on the back porch, it started to flood. I set the thing down on the table to for a second and it decided to do the stop, drop and roll trick on the wet patio. Fortunately, I had smoked over half of it by that time.
4 of 5.
Both samples burned well, but needed a couple more touchups than I’d like. The light gray ash was fairly solid and just a wee bit flaky. Not significant problems here at all.
3.5 of 5.
3.85 overall. Another cigar I’d definitely smoke again. Both were enjoyable, I just wish I could have finished that second cigar.
Note: I only wrote one review for both samples, but listed any differences between the two samples where it was relevant.
Steve Hawk Reviews (Cigar Pass member)
Cigar #4
This cigar was a good, basic smoke. It measured 4 and 7/8 by 50 (?), was dark brown in color and somewhat veiny. The cap was average and the bunch was firm on both cigars tested. The pre-light draw was somewhat sweet – a characteristic I always enjoy in a cigar. The draw on the first cigar tested was a bit tight, but the second one was fine.
Bother cigars tested put out plenty of smoke and were displayed an initial harshness that mellowed out after about an inch. The flavor was somewhat rich, with medium body and hints of wood. Although the cap tasted sweet, there was very little sweetness in the smoke itself. The taste was fine though, if a bit one-dimensional. The first cigar burned unevenly but the second one tested was very even. The coal was cone-shaped and the ash was light gray to whitish in color and very solid. This aspect of the cigar, along with the color and the full bodied strength, reminded me of the Toraño Signature.
One problem I noted, on both cigars, was a taste of tar at the halfway point. The first cigar had to be re-punched, but then smoke fine.
My notes for the first one I tested state “a good, solid smoke.” My notes after the second one state “not one that I would buy.” So, I guess I’d have to smoke another one of these to come to a final conclusion. Overall, though, I’d say this would probably be a decent $3 - $5 cigar if the draw and run problems I experienced were an anomaly.
Wilkey’s Cigar Reviews (Cigar Pass member)
Cigar #4
Cigar #4 was a robusto measuring 4-7/8" long and about 50 rg. The maduro wrapper was moderately veiny and thick without seeming coarse. Prelight nose was barnyard and cat pee. Sort of funky and not in a good way. After lighting, the medium draw delivered a strange charred, dirt flavor. There was no pepper, no real spice overtones at all. Smoke volume was good but left a strange soapy metallic mouth feel/taste. The smoke was medium bodied and oily but carried relatively faint tobacco flavor. Sometimes it tasted almost piney but without the pleasant aromatic aroma. I smoked only about three quarters of an inch because I found it weird and offensive.
Overall impression: This was weird, stinky, bad cigar. The taste was bizarre and the aroma and mouth feel revolting. I would avoid this cigar at all costs and would not smoke it even if gifted. Blech.
I smoked the second maduro robusto #4.
I accompanied the cigar with plain water. I'd have to say that my reactions were pretty much identical to the first specimens. The maddie robusto was once again nasty. I got the charry flavor and the strange metallic twang again. I did not smoke more than maybe a half-inch before I had to put it down.
