After having smoked the Quintero Brevas, which was quite strong, I let my tongue rest a while. I drank a glass of water. I wasn't tired yet, so I thought I'd smoke another cigar. I opened my cigar caddy and found the Rafael Gonzalez Panetelas. This smaller cigar was perfect as a kicker to the Brevas, hoping the aftertaste of the Quintero wouldn't ruin the experience. I continue watching NYPD Blue while lighting up my second cigar.
I cut it and check the pre-light draw. It's great. This one looks better on the outside than the Quintero Brevas, which tend to be quite ugly and rarely really round at the foot. After a couple puffs I could tell this one also had a great draw and thick smoke. I was a bit surprised, since both cigars of the evening were cheap. This doesn't mean I expect something bad, it's just that after having a couple tight ones from a box I don't want to be disappointed due to high expectations.
The burn is nice and even. The Rafael Gonzalez Panetelas usually has a tightish draw, although that might just be the one's I have. Letting them rest for a while longer will probably help. The flavors are quite subtle. I detect some woody flavors, mild but very pleasant. I think this is the main flavor, and accounts for the Panetelas being of mild/medium strength. I can also taste some nuts. I guess that's about it for flavors. Together they make a great smoke though. The cigar keeps burning very evenly, although the ash isn't that pretty. Then again, from my limited experience I would say all Cubans tend to have this greyish ash that doesn't hold on as long as non-Cubans. I haven't had a well-aged one, they might have whiter, "better" ash (if there's any sense in Min Ron Nee's analysis, but what does he know, right? :whistling
. I decide to try to smoke it the nub, it deserves it. As I'm nearing the end, the cigar gets a bit soft and hot. For about $1.50, it's not worth burning your fingers! I let it die out in the ashtray.
Well, like the Quintero Brevas, I have had several of the Rafael Gonzalez Panetelas before and have liked them from the beginning. Great smaller cigars, although you can make them last for a while (I smoked mine for almost an hour). Great bang for the buck. If you haven't tried these yet, do it. For this price, you can't lose.
-John
I cut it and check the pre-light draw. It's great. This one looks better on the outside than the Quintero Brevas, which tend to be quite ugly and rarely really round at the foot. After a couple puffs I could tell this one also had a great draw and thick smoke. I was a bit surprised, since both cigars of the evening were cheap. This doesn't mean I expect something bad, it's just that after having a couple tight ones from a box I don't want to be disappointed due to high expectations.
The burn is nice and even. The Rafael Gonzalez Panetelas usually has a tightish draw, although that might just be the one's I have. Letting them rest for a while longer will probably help. The flavors are quite subtle. I detect some woody flavors, mild but very pleasant. I think this is the main flavor, and accounts for the Panetelas being of mild/medium strength. I can also taste some nuts. I guess that's about it for flavors. Together they make a great smoke though. The cigar keeps burning very evenly, although the ash isn't that pretty. Then again, from my limited experience I would say all Cubans tend to have this greyish ash that doesn't hold on as long as non-Cubans. I haven't had a well-aged one, they might have whiter, "better" ash (if there's any sense in Min Ron Nee's analysis, but what does he know, right? :whistling
. I decide to try to smoke it the nub, it deserves it. As I'm nearing the end, the cigar gets a bit soft and hot. For about $1.50, it's not worth burning your fingers! I let it die out in the ashtray.
Well, like the Quintero Brevas, I have had several of the Rafael Gonzalez Panetelas before and have liked them from the beginning. Great smaller cigars, although you can make them last for a while (I smoked mine for almost an hour). Great bang for the buck. If you haven't tried these yet, do it. For this price, you can't lose.
-John