As a condition of a gifted fiver (see http://www.cigarpass.com/forumsipb/index.php?showtopic=20495), I was asked by Maggs44 to review a mystery cigar. In order to keep the experience as pure as possible, I did not drink anything with the cigar.
Prelight: The cigar was a petit corona measuring 4.5 x 44. It was a beautiful, rich box-pressed maduro. The bouquet was rich and earthy. After the cut, I found a nice draw and a very subtle, indescribable flavor. The construction was sturdy, and the leaves were nice and oily. The only problem was a few holes at the head which needed to be fully covered by my lips to get a complete draw.
1st Quarter: The cigar lit well and had a smooth, cool leather flavor. A tiny hint of sweetness came and went as the smoke progressed. I initially was concerned about the thin smoke volume, but it was then that I discovered the holes. Not sure how I had missed them during the initial inspection.
2nd Quarter: The flavor became bolder with the second quarter, and a nice earth tone hinted at by the bouquet began to emerge. At this point, I had a minor problem with an uneven burn, but rotation was able to correct this and I did not have the problem again.
3rd Quarter: The smoke began to warm up a bit, and suddenly there were hints of spice, which, surprisingly, did not alter my impressions that this was a very mellow smoke.
4th Quarter: As the cigar drew to a close, there began a resurgence of the leather flavor. I kept thinking that the cigar had run its course, but as I went to put it down, I said, "Nahhh..." and kept puffing on it. Of course, the cigar was cut short a bit by the holes at the head, which by this point had opened up to a good 3mm.
The aftertaste is quite enjoyable, earthy. I am in no rush to wash this flavor down.
Rating (note that this is all subjective, and that my limited experience cigars does not afford me the sense of the full range of possible points):
Appearance and construction: 13 out of 15, points deducted for the holes, which were admittedly a problem unique to this cigar. Otherwise, the oily texture, thin veins, rich color and bouquet, and box-press made this an impressive cigar to behold.
Flavor: 20 out of 25. Overall, very delicious. I enjoyed the way flavors disappeared and reemerged over time. If there is a complaint here, it is that no unique flavor stood out to characterize this cigar from others of its genre.
Smoking characteristics: 20 out of 25. The slight uneven burn took some points away, as did the annoyance (and saliva accumulation) of the holes at the head.
Overall Impression: 32 out of 35.
Total: 85
It was also asked that I try to guess the brand of cigar. A quick search on Cigars International for size and wrapper brought up the Rocky Patel REO Corona. As the REO is also described as a box press, this will be my guess.
Thanks Maggs44, for the fiver (which I enjoyed), especially for this mystery cigar, which I had a great deal of fun reviewing.
Prelight: The cigar was a petit corona measuring 4.5 x 44. It was a beautiful, rich box-pressed maduro. The bouquet was rich and earthy. After the cut, I found a nice draw and a very subtle, indescribable flavor. The construction was sturdy, and the leaves were nice and oily. The only problem was a few holes at the head which needed to be fully covered by my lips to get a complete draw.
1st Quarter: The cigar lit well and had a smooth, cool leather flavor. A tiny hint of sweetness came and went as the smoke progressed. I initially was concerned about the thin smoke volume, but it was then that I discovered the holes. Not sure how I had missed them during the initial inspection.
2nd Quarter: The flavor became bolder with the second quarter, and a nice earth tone hinted at by the bouquet began to emerge. At this point, I had a minor problem with an uneven burn, but rotation was able to correct this and I did not have the problem again.
3rd Quarter: The smoke began to warm up a bit, and suddenly there were hints of spice, which, surprisingly, did not alter my impressions that this was a very mellow smoke.
4th Quarter: As the cigar drew to a close, there began a resurgence of the leather flavor. I kept thinking that the cigar had run its course, but as I went to put it down, I said, "Nahhh..." and kept puffing on it. Of course, the cigar was cut short a bit by the holes at the head, which by this point had opened up to a good 3mm.
The aftertaste is quite enjoyable, earthy. I am in no rush to wash this flavor down.
Rating (note that this is all subjective, and that my limited experience cigars does not afford me the sense of the full range of possible points):
Appearance and construction: 13 out of 15, points deducted for the holes, which were admittedly a problem unique to this cigar. Otherwise, the oily texture, thin veins, rich color and bouquet, and box-press made this an impressive cigar to behold.
Flavor: 20 out of 25. Overall, very delicious. I enjoyed the way flavors disappeared and reemerged over time. If there is a complaint here, it is that no unique flavor stood out to characterize this cigar from others of its genre.
Smoking characteristics: 20 out of 25. The slight uneven burn took some points away, as did the annoyance (and saliva accumulation) of the holes at the head.
Overall Impression: 32 out of 35.
Total: 85
It was also asked that I try to guess the brand of cigar. A quick search on Cigars International for size and wrapper brought up the Rocky Patel REO Corona. As the REO is also described as a box press, this will be my guess.
Thanks Maggs44, for the fiver (which I enjoyed), especially for this mystery cigar, which I had a great deal of fun reviewing.
