Cigar Reviews

Balvenie 12 year Double Wood and Perdomo Habano Connecticut

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Many times we accompany cigars with our favorite libations and tonight I give the spotlight to a scotch that perhaps is the highlight of my evening and overshadows the cigar in mention. Tonight I chose a cigar which I think pairs well with the Balvenie Double Wood. After much testing I have come to the conclusion that cigars and scotch are much harder to pair than say rum or coffee. However, I tend to lean towards lighter and milder cigars with my scotch and have been pleasantly surprised.

I usually have a hard time wanting to smoke a Connecticut shade wrapped cigar due to the simple fact that I find myself more often smoking after a good dinner and I would much rather smoke a cigar with more flavor, body and strength. Until recently, my lighter sticks have been reserved for my unusual morning smokes and I now find myself grabbing one to pair with my spirit of choice which happens to be rum at the moment.

Nose and appearance: After pouring a dram into my glass and getting the cigar  ready, I took a bit a time to appreciate the spirit and really enjoy the moment. My little ritual is to lightly swirl the glass, letting the whisky coat the glass and watching how it sticks to the sides of the glass at the same time allowing for evaporation. While not out of the norm, I also take time to put my nose close to the glass and breathe. Taking my time to get closer, the smells become stronger being careful to avoid the alcohol burn.  Right away the scents that come to mind are light fruity, transparent, airy, floral, dried fruit that is not in any way overpowering.

Taste: The first sip is a billow of flavor that coats the palate with oak, woody flavor followed by a very light vanilla and a hint of honey. I kept it neat as there was no need to add water. It is light in flavor and only 43 percent alcohol and I found no reason to further dilute. In addition, the finish was short, plain and lacking in my opinion. As I progressed the taste slightly shifted, the honey flavor became more pronounced and the aroma was more of orange and honey. Best to let sit for a bit before drinking. Overall, the Balvenie 12 Double Wood is simple and easy. A great welcoming to the wonderful world of Scotch Whisky.

Now for the cigar,

The Perdomo Habano line consist of the Connecticut, Corojo and Maduro. All of which have distinctive taste. I made an effort to try all three in the past and tonight I chose what I thought would pair the best with tonight’s dram of choice. I have smoked this stick plenty of times before and has been part of my stash for over a year. This stick in particular has been laying dormant for about 10 months next to its brothers and sisters waiting for the right opportunity to fulfill its destiny.

Blend Specifics:
Vitola: Gordo (6 x 60)
Wrapper: Connecticut
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua

Appearance and Construction:
Construction was great, but whenever I have a Connecticut shade wrapped cigar I tend to pay very close attention to the wrapper. They tend to be thinner and therefore prone to ripping spreading and just creating a menial experience. While this cigar did manage to rip and cause a mess, I kept my composure and marched on. The wrapper was lumpy and opaque which is consistent with all the onthers I’ve had.

Taste & Smoking Characteristics:

First puff reveals a woody, toasty like toasted almost burnt bread, peanut shell flavor that is followed by a medium and slightly peppery finish. I tried this before I had tasted the scotch which is a great way to distinguish between the cigar and the spirit. Throughout the first third I kept thinking the Balvenie had more strength than the cigar and although it was also woody they complimented one another quite well. Alone I find this cigar to be not as enjoyable. As the stick progresses it becomes more acrid and depressing. However together the spirit does a great job to mask the flavors I don’t like.

Conclusion

Early on, the wrapper did rip on me and continued to expand making that the point of no return. I almost reached the last third before I laid her down to sleep. I don’t want to recommend this stick because I feel that there are much better Connecticut wrapped cigars that are better expressions of what is perhaps the most popular wrapper in the United States.

Overall Score: B-

Kelvin Batista (mrkelvinbatista@gmail.com)

“Stay Young, Stay Foolish” Steve Jobs

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Cigar Review: CAO LX2

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After a long week full of great cigar events and appearances, I am glad to take a breather to sit down and enjoy a cool summer night after much rain with a  good looking stick.  Tonight I grab number two of the CAO “X2" trifecta the CAO LX2 which not surprisingly gets its name from ligero times two or "Double Ligero" as it is usually called .  Two weeks ago I reviewed the CX2 (Double Cameroon)and if you missed it here it is.

Blend Specifics: 



    

  • Vitola: Toro (6 x 50)
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  • Wrapper: Nicaragua
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  • Binder: Honduras
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  • Filler: Dominican and Nicaraguan Ligero
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Appearance and Construction:


I cant help but stare at this wrapper.  I find it cool looking, young and hip. It is made up of a two large bands which have a tribal flame and barbed wire with raised gold lettering. The second band read “Fortaleza Trez” which I have yet to find what that means(if you know please share). Further visual examination reveals a tight wrapper with very little tooth and large pronounced veins. All in all it’s a good looking stick with a delicate shimmer.


Taste & Smoking Characteristics:


In the first third, prominent flavours on palate are light wood and nut, I thought the smoke was a bit dry with a touch of spice on the finish. Toast/baked bread came to mind as does an oak. The first third  proved to have some complexity and yet it was still smooth with an easy pull, good amount of wood through the nose and unlike many others prior to me I had no problems with the burn.  I should also mention that I had this stick resting for about 6 months.


Surprisingly the spice really started to pick up in the second third. I got a kick of spice for about 10 minutes that was really good but shortly after died off. In Retrospect, there was small amount of cinnamon which I’m always looking for but admittedly tough to come by in a Dominican stick.


The last third presented itself with a slight spice in the finish and an almost charcoal flavor that coats the palate. The bitter pepper finish kept going longer and longer and I was enjoying the woody nose as the stick started becoming hotter and a bit harsh.


Conclusion:


If I don’t enjoy a particular stick,  I will not hesitate to put it down and somewhere and around the last third I must admit the idea came to mind. But, these reviews are not about me there about you guys so It was a fight to the finish. I have smoked this particular stick before and I wasn’t expecting much difference but I must say, this stick did burn better than all the other ones.


I would go out on a limb and say  the majority of  filler in this cigar is Dominican.  It  has all the taste characteristics of medium grade Dominican tobacco and frankly, I had a hard time tasting the Nicaraguan tobacco. I wonder how much is actually used.


Although, slightly  better than the CX2, which I previously reviewed here. I personally think its important to try all the cigars in a particular series (CX2, LX2 and MX2) and ideally from the lightest to darkest within a decent amount of time to truly appreciate and perhaps apprehend  the manufactures intentions. I am not crazy about the first two sticks in this series but if you could find it give it a shot. I would say this stick goes well with a good scotch or something that will perhaps overpower the charcoal finish. As you can probably guess my next review will be the lovely MX2 which I look forward to smoking again after a couple of months.


Cheers!


Final Grade; B-


            
        

        
	

	
	



                        


	
	
	


					
		
					

									 								
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Cigar Review: CAO CX2

		
					

				

											
						
														


				


					

	


										
					
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Once again I find myself where my love affair of cigars began over 10 years ago, in front of my house on a humid summer night watching the cars and the people go by—which in New York City is never a dull moment.  Tonight I find myself accompanied by a CAO CX2 that has been resting in my cooler for a little over 7 months.   This will be the first of a series of reviews and it will be something of a CAO trifecta (CX2, LX2 and MX2).


Unfortunately, the CAO CX2 is currently a Famous-smoke.com exclusive and no longer available at your favorite cigar shop.   This particular stick and gets its name from a double dose of cameroon in the wrapper and binder and surprisingly enough Colombian and Nicaraguan filler which I find to be an interesting blend to say the least.


Blend Specifics:


Size: Toro 6×54

Wrapper: Cameroon

Binder: Cameroon

Filler: Colombian and Nicaraguan filler


"Tell me that doesn't look like a swimsuit!"


Appearance and construction


At first glance I can’t help but notice the black band with gold lettering that reminds me a woman’s one piece bathing suit, albeit a sexy black one.  Take a look at the wrapper and you see a smooth Cameroon leaf with a slight sheen. No blemishes with minimal tooth.


Taste & Smoking Characteristics


The first draw immediately gives away the Cameroon contents of the CX2 with its characteristic grassy/spice that is consistent of Cameroon tobacco. As the stick progressed it shifted to a slightly dry and leather. Right around the end of the first third what appeared to be some tunneling action taking place right before my eyes drew my attention. Keeping a close eye, I hoped for the best and prepared for the worst.


As I progressed into the second third, there were no changes or anything interesting to note just a continuation of the grassy/ leather flavors I am not particularly fond of.  Consequently, I found watching the burning characteristics more interesting.  I must say, the tunnel action corrected itself and I was left staring at the ash.


In the final third, there were no changes in flavors.  However, I must say the ash has not been pretty. Since I first lit this cigar it has been blotchy and somewhat flaky.


Conclusion


Overall the CX2 was an uneventful smoke. The grassy/spice held a firm grip on the taste profile and would not let go. Nevertheless, consistency is key here and if you’re a fan of Cameroon this stick will give you plenty. I must say I have smoked this stick numerous times and I feel confident saying I personally don’t like it. Cheers


Final Grade: C


            
        

        
	

	
	



                        


	
	
	


					
		
					

									 								
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Cigar Review: La Floridita Fuerte Robusto

		
					

				

											
						
														


				


					

	


										
					
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It’s a beautiful day out in Astoria, Queens – not a cloud in the sky, 85 degree weather, and a beautiful back yard to smoke in. I haven’t reviewed in a while, so I figured I’d give this La Floridita Fuerta sitting in my box a try. I didn’t pair any drinks with this cigar besides a glass of water.


 


Blend Specifics:


Wrapper: Honduras

Wrapper: Honduras

Wrapper: Nicaragua

Length/Ring Guage: 5×50


Construction & Appearance


On first glance, this stick seems to be very well constructed, has a good weightiness in hand, and has a great oily sheen. Unfortunately, after closer inspection, it also seems that it is packed a bit unevenly. I’m not a huge fan of the black, white and gold band from an aesthetic standpoint. “La Floridita” is displayed in large Times New Roman font, which makes it appear as if whoever created the label didn’t put a lot of thought into it. The aroma off the foot of the stick, however, is pretty good: hints of leather, a bit of spice, and dark chocolate.


 


Taste & Smoking Characteristics


I was a bit surprised with how this stick kicked off. From what I smelled off of the foot pre-light, I was expecting a bigger kick than I got. The flavor introduced itself as an earthy, bitter cocoa, lacking any of the spice I imagined would be there. The smoke has a certain heavy thickness to it that seems to mask some of the flavor. About a half-inch in, the taste opens up a bit, the earthy sweetness pulls way back to reveal what I’d describe as a sort of savory, meaty flavor with a bit of woodiness and spice on the retrohale. Unfortunately, there’s also a slightly fermented finish, which is probably indicative of a lack of time spent in the humidor – my fault!


 


At 2/3, I’m a bit torn. I’m tempted to say that I’m a bit bored with the flavor profile, but it is possible that this Ligero blend just isn’t my cup of tea. I would like a spice that’s a bit more discernable – at levels this low it just seems like the cigar can’t make up its mind! By about halfway through, I haven’t noticed a lot of change, except for a brief, maybe 2 minute transition into an earthy, sweet, dark chocolate that is very enjoyable. I can also say that the construction is excellent. At halfway, I still haven’t ashed the cigar and the burn is straight.


The final third is where this stick really picks up. The spice on the tongue increases, and the flavor profile becomes a mix of earth, leather, and pepper. Enjoyable, but a little too late in the game for me.


Conclusion


This is not a bad medium to full bodied cigar, and for $5 a piece, it won’t break the bank. There are, however, better sticks for the price. I’d say it is worth a shot if you want to try something new because it is unique, but I probably won’t be picking up any more with so many other great sticks out there that I know I can rely on.


Final Grade: B-


            
        

        
	

	
	



                        


	
	
	


					
		
					

									 								
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Cigar Review: Don Pepin Blue Label Generoso

		
					

				

											
						
														


				


					

	


										
					
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Unless you have been living under a rock for all of your cigar smoking life then the name José Garcia a.k.a. “Don Pepin” should ring bells. His cigar blends have reached cult status throughout the industry and throughout the world.  That being said, this stick has been on my “get to” list for some time now I was eager to get my hands on some, especially in the Generoso(Toro)  vitola.


Blend Specifics:

Toro(6×50)

Wrapper: Nicaraguan Corojo

Binder: Nicaragua

Filler: Nicaragua


Apperance & Construction


First look at this stick and I must say it just looks classy.  The band was well  balanced and elegant. The wrapper was clean, satin and chocolate in color, very smooth with a slight tooth with no visible imperfections


One classy band, even through the cellophane


Taste & Smoking Characteristics


First third: Consistent with Don Pepin cigars, this stick starts off zesty, with spice just dominating the palate and  rich creaminess, wood and leather in the background.  If your anything like me, you love to see great amounts of smoke and this stick proved to be very visually pleasing. As I progressed the burn was razor sharp and the bright white ash proof of excellent tobacco.  Close to end of the first third the spice starts slowly  to diminish leading into the second third.


Second Third: There was a slow transition from a zesty spice to a rich creamy flavor which I must admit I found delicious and entertaining. As I  proceeded the flavor would ever so slightly change between creaminess, wood, leather and a subtle tease of spice in the finish.


Final Third: The last third was a continuation of the second except that this time the flavor profiles were present for a longer amount of time as to give me there last hurrah or final appearance.   In the following order I bid farewell to the rich and creamy, the smooth leather and the shy zesty spice that was lingering ever so slightly in the background. Following this great show the cigar lost its energy and while never getting harsh, it did get woody and dry and due to respect I layed her down and watched another good stick turn to dust in the wind.


 Conclusion:


Overall, this stick was just shy of being full flavor and full strength. There was plenty of  complexity for those willing to pay attention and while the changes were subtle I believe they were enough to satisfy even a picky snob such as myself especially at the price point of  $10-12.  I absolutely recommend.


Final Grade: A-


Cheers,


Kelvin Batista


Mr.KelvinBatsita@gmail.com


            
        

        
	

	
	



                    

            
	
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