Tasters needed

[smokelaw1]

Nice review! Sounds like a pretty solid cigar! When are the rest of us going to get a chance to try them?

 

[uncle mikey]

Review:

Last night I had to make a short drive, so I thought it would be the perfect time to light this one up and try it.

The first one, I didn't clip enough of the foot off. These cigars have well made triple caps, so snipping a little extra off the end shouldn't cause any problems. First thing I noticed, it was tough to cut! I really had to use some might to cut through it. I'm not really sure if that's good or bad, just something interesting that I thought I would note.

Pre-light draw was nice. Not too loose, not too firm. Just firm enough, just how I like em.

Pre-light taste was SPICY! I had clipped it and was holding the unlit cigar in my mouth while I packed up some things. I usually do that, smoking an unlit cigar before I light it. Its like, I'm clearing the middle of it of any extra humidity before I light up.

It was a little tough to get lit, like the first one I had, but once it was going, I never had any problems. I was in the car, with the heat on and with the window cracked, and the burn was razor sharp until I got to the last 1/3 of the cigar. The ash held on a good 2 inches before I ashed it. This cigar appeared very well constructed. Never had any flaking, and its surprising to me that I can get a 2 inch ash while driving.

Smoking: From the appearance, to the first puff to the last puff, this cigar reminded me of an Anejo! That is a huge compliment, I've never said that about any other cigar. Smoke was ample, the draw was right on. Flavor profile very similar to an anejo, but the finish was a little flat. Wasn't as spicy as the pre-light draw, but there was a little spice present. Smoke was a nice medium body, and not at all harsh. I could double-puff and exhale through the nose without any problem. Cigar was pretty consistant from beginning to end, picking up a few nuances around 1/2 way. At 1/3 left, it got a little bitter, maybe from tar build up. I slowed down my puffing and that chilled it out.

From start to finish I smoked it in about 45 minutes. Keep in mind, that's while driving, and not setting the cigar down for a moment.

The first cigar had some burn problems, probably too humid when I smoked it. It had a nasty run, but I was driving so I didn't correct it. I just figured that I would smoke it until it burned out. I remember that one reminded me of other dominican cigars I've had, so I would guess these have at least some dominican filler in them.

Overall, I'd give this cigar an 8/10. Very nice.

Mike, thanks for letting me review these. I enjoyed it very much. You'll have to let me know what these were.

[snapback]251581[/snapback]​

Nice review Pyre Thanks. One thing, all the tobacco in this cigar are from Nicaragua except one type that is Costa Rican and a Ligero. However having said that I don't know the origin of the seed. Even though a tobacco may be grown in one country the seed strain does help determine the final product. That is where you may have tasted some Dominican. I describe is as a tobacco sweetness and I agree many of the Dominican tobaccos have this character. Thanks again for taking the time to participate. Once more of the reviews come in I will let you know what cigar this is. mb

 

[uncle mikey]

Nice review! Sounds like a pretty solid cigar! When are the rest of us going to get a chance to try them?

[snapback]251597[/snapback]​

Once all the reviews are in from this bb I will let you all know what cigar this is. mb

 

[IgwanaRob]

I smoked one on Wednesday night, and I'm smoking the second one as I type.
Initially, the first one was quite harsh, with a flavor profile similar to the Rockey Patel Edge, just a little less flavorful and not as complex. Had problems keeping it lit until it burned quite a bit, as if it was just a bit too humidified. After an inch or so, it mellowed out to a more traditional Maduro sweetness, without losing much of the kick, and the burn became razor sharp. Taste was kind of one dimensional and straight forward, and the near freezing weather outside probable played a huge part in the way I felt as I smoked this stick to just about 2/3 of the way down before having to get inside.

Today, a cool and clear 55° outside, I decided to give it's sibling the full treatment. The stick itself is well constructed, dark and relatively smooth (on large vein on the wrapper). The cap is large and one of the best I've seen. Pre-lite smell is rather rough and sweet, draw is fairly open. The dark wrapper didn't leave any discoloration on my fingers, even when wiping the wet cap - no dye job here.

Construction: 8

The stick is 5.5" x ~40 gauge, and very dark colored. Not overly spongy, and consistent in feel form top top bottom. Pretty much about the size of my usual sticks, which I like.

Size and Feel: 8

The well made cap was a little tougher than usual to cut, but the tight construction made it easier to chop it with a little more effort while keeping you sure you were not going to destroy the thing before sparking it up. Once again, it was a little effort to lite up and get going - the inside wanted to burn more at first, and a number of touch ups were needed to get the whole foot lit up. Constant touching up just to get it to stay lit in the first inch or so. Tightly rolled and slow burning, the ash was tight and held on for quite a bit. Once the stick finally got going, the burn was razor sharp. Lots of smoke, which is always very nice.

Burn: 7

Taste is not too bad, but a little flat (or possibly young) for my taste. Very straight forward, fairly full bodied. Doesn't seem like a nicotine bomb - although it's seems fairly strong, it's not overpowering. Definitely needs to burn a bit before the flavor appears as the initial half inch to inch are once again a bit harsh. The flavor is much more evident and enjoyable halfway though, but it's still fairly consistent all the way through. I think this will be a lot better after a few more months of rest (or possibly less humidity). No nasty aftertaste, with a fairly clean finish.

Taste: 7

Burn was fairly consistent, once you got past the first inch - which needed a lot of care to get to that point. You couldn't light this and walk away for 5 minutes to let it burn off as it does want to extinguish itself at first. Flavor didn't really change much after it mellowed down post lighting, a little sweet and fairly consistent the whole way through.

Consistency: 8

All together, this stick seems like it may be better with age. Not complex at all, but strong and bold. Initial harshness was evident even after it mellowed out - I think the tight construction and slow burning helps to alleviate (or at least disguise) the harshness once it gets going. Definitely a well made cigar. Would make a great smoke for fishing or playing poker, but not something to relax and 'experience' when I'm looking for a great smoke. The Edge comparison that I felt on the first stick is fairly close to what I feel about this one - like a slightly lighter version flavor-wise with the same kick (and the Edge is one of my favorites, so that's a good thing). Great construction, but the initial lighting and constant touch-up problems did detract from the overall experience.

Overall Experience: 7



Size and Feel: 8
Construction: 8
Burn: 7
Taste: 7
Consistency: 8
Overall Experience: 7


Big thanks to uncle mikey for letting me try these sticks!

(edited for picture)

 

[bmd34202]

Finally lit up this cigar this afternoon. It certainly was a nice looking dark, oily cigar. Firm but not hard.

Pre light draw was nice, not too tight, not too easy.

As far as tastes go, I have no ability to pick out "flavors" from most any cigars. It either tastes good or doesn't taste good to me. This cigar had a real nice flavor. To me it tasted a lot like the domestic Trinidads. The flavor profile didn't change much (as others have pointed out) from start to finish. It was a very pleasant Medium-full flavored cigar. It did burn pretty evenly, needing just a touch soon after I initially lit it.

My only problem with it was starting about half-way through I couldn't keep the thing lit. It's been in my 65% humidor for about 2 weeks, so I would think the humidity wouldn't have been the issue. At the half way point if I wasn't almost constantly puffing on it I would have to light it up again. Consequently, I did put it down sooner than I would have liked.

I'd give it:

Appearance: 8
Burn: 5
Taste: 8
Overall: 7

 

[Baron Porthos]

I would tell you but the band on mine - :whistling: a dead give away.

 

[natejustice]

After Letting my second stick dry out a bit, I decided to give it another try..

Prelight draw was on the firm side and aroma was very pleasing, almost mouthwatering..

Physically the stick reminded me of the Edge by Rocky Patel.

Stick started out rather spicy, and very full bodied, with a very appealing aroma..

As others have stated flavor did not really change that much during the course of the stick, stayed consistent, the whole way down..

Overall Rating: 7

Appearance: 8
Burn:7
Taste/Flavor:7

 

[Shibumi]

First I want to thank Uncle Mikey, for including me in this taste test. Like Baron, I recieved my cigars, a Robusto and a Toro, with the bands on so I guess I know what they are.

I smoked the robusto yesterday on the way home from work. The look and feel reminded me of the ERDM Oscuro. Same size, ring gauge & dark color. The wrapper was nice and toothy, except for one vein that ran from the cap, ½ way down the cigar. It really didn’t effect the overall experience though.

The first 4 or 5 puffs where of hot pepper. I almost needed a drink of water, it was actually burning my mouth. It quickly lost that zing and became a nice medium body smoke. The flavor was so close to the RP Edge, that I thought maybe Uncle Mikey switched the label on mine to throw me off. I really thought I was smoking an Edge Robusto. Didn’t they come out with one of these?

The flavor stayed throughout the cigar, but I did notice a bitter aftertaste at times. It had an even burn with a nice light grey ash. I smoked this cigar down to about a 1 inch nub. I look forward to smoking the Toro he sent. This is a good cigar, worth abut $5 or $6. I've had worse for more $$

I give this cigar a C+ (cigardawg rating) :laugh:

 

[uncle mikey]

Thanks for not Posting the name of the cigar. It is interesting for me that some of you liken this to the Rocky Patel Edge. I'm sure Rocky would be pleased LOL. BTW Rocky did come out with a Robusto or so he says but I've never seen one and it is hard enough to get the Corojo from him so I don't push for the Robusto.

To those who have submitted your reviews I thank you for your participation and come on the rest of you please post reviews so we can discuss the entire experience.

Several of you did get cigars with bands because at my age I sometimes forget things. Like going home at the end of the day. LOL mb

 

[Shibumi]

Like going home at the end of the day. LOL mb

[snapback]253442[/snapback]​

As long as you can still remember WHERE your home is!!!

 

[natejustice]

Are all of the reviews in yet?? I am really anxious to find out what these suckers were!! :thumbs:

 

[Baron Porthos]

I ain't tellin whart it was.
Robusto

Nice dark and shimmering. Strong texture, very good feel and an explosion of flavor after the punch cut.

I had let mine sit in a travel humidor I use for drying cigars. It lit well but needed to be tended to periodically held a good ash.
When I like the flavor of a cigar I tend to cheef a little so once the flavor started smoothing out I did too. It burned smoothly when I let it rest enough between draws. I can't do the whole limpid pools of creamy smoke thing but I found it to be a very enjoyable cigar as I like dark wrappers. Not as spicy as a Camacho Coyolar not as mild as others I've smoked. Nice middle of the road that I will smoke again.

 

[indyrob]

I smoked mine today, I'll post the review later on after the baby goes to sleep. She's making it difficult to get out a good review right now.

I will say this though...Spicy!

 

[indyrob]

So I have a free minute...

Today I chose the Robusto sized cigar to sample. It was nicely made, a big vein running half way down one side, cigar mold impressions can be seen, otherwise a really nice looking cigar.

I cut about 1/8 off of the cap, enough to still leave a shoulder. It exploded when it was cut sendin the cap one way, the tobacco went all over the place. (Mind you, this is just the cap and the small amount of the filler just under the cap.)

I lit this guy and it was SPICY. I'm not sure if I really had any cigars with this much spice before, but it reminded me of those super hot-n-spicy chips and buffalo wings.

I had problems with the light, it lit the center of the cigar and the outside took some effort to get lit. It took about a half inch for the cherry to burn through to the wrapper.

I first thought that there was a "botanical" taste to the first third, but that was mainly because of the spice of the first burn. The "botanical" taste improved to a nice tea taste as the spice mellowed out.

The second third was more of an extention of the first, nothing added, but nothing gained either.

The finsh was a little hot because I had a hard time with keeping it lit due to the weather today and I was smoking it out on my porch.

The one thing that stayed constant through out the cigar was the awesome amount of smoke. I don't get to have many cigars that produce so much smoke with a short pull. Bravo on that!

Over all, I would consider this to be a good Beer & Braut cigar. It would really be good for a game and a beer for sure.

Overall, I would give this an 80 out of a 100 or a 3.9 out of 5.

This is a strong cigar, and I would recomend this cigar to anyone that wants this type of a profile in a cigar.

Thanks Uncle Mikey!

I'll post again after I smoke the Toro sized this weekend.

 

[Shibumi]

So far, a good cigar with consistant reviews. I'll bet these would age well.

 

[natejustice]

Uncle Mikey,

Are you ready to reveal what this fine stick was, I am anxious to find out.

 

[uncle mikey]

Ok Nate although all reviews are not in there were more cigars sent out then reviews and that is a disappointment.

This cigar is the new Habanos Puros Fuerte. This is the first boxed line Habanos Puros has produced and the first cigar he produced on his own. I only had a little influence in the blend but he wanted to do it himself so I just told him what I though every step of the way.

Wrapper is Nicaraguan Sun Grown and not Maduro as some suggested. Sun Grown wrappers will usually get thicker then shade grown wrappers and that may account for some of your burn problems especiall if smoking in the wind, cold or humid atmosphere. Interestingly my clientele in the store have not had any of the burn problems discussed in this thread and many have abandoned the Edge for this cigar. As for aging the cigars you all smoked are a year old and of course more aging will improve the product.

I'm wondering why I didn't get the email notices from this thread before. They seemed to stop but post kept coming in. Can someone get back to me to let me know what I'm doing wrong.

I would like to thank the reviewers who actually posted and took time to smoke and let you all know their thoughts. As far as I'm concerned the reviews averaging over 80 were all positive since various environments were used to try these smokes. Thank you all for your participation. mb

 

[Shibumi]

I brought the Toro with me today for the ride home from work. I'll still post my 2nd review tonght or tomorrow. Now the magic question. How much are they? Thanks again for including me in the taste test.

 

[Wurm]

I brought the Toro with me today for the ride home from work. I'll still post my 2nd review tonght or tomorrow. Now the magic question. How much are they? Thanks again for including me in the taste test.

[snapback]256722[/snapback]​

Uncle Mikey has the price list up

http://www.mrbundles.com/index.php/cPath/8_130

along with this nice picture...

hmmmmmm need to pick a 5er or two upto try these.

 

[natejustice]

darn, that picture does look awfully appealing, must resist the urge

I brought the Toro with me today for the ride home from work.  I'll still post my 2nd review tonght or tomorrow.  Now the magic question.  How much are they?  Thanks again for including me in the taste test.

[snapback]256722[/snapback]​

Uncle Mikey has the price list up

http://www.mrbundles.com/index.php/cPath/8_130

along with this nice picture...

hmmmmmm need to pick a 5er or two upto try these.

[snapback]257026[/snapback]​