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Cigar Review: Dominican Big Leaguer Habano

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Fine Tobacco NYC recently did an event with Dominican Big Leaguer cigars and here is a review of their Habano line.

Blend Specifics

Cigar: Dominican Big Leaguer Habano

  • Vitola:Toro Grand Toro 6” x 54
  • Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano
  • Binder: Dominican
  • Filler: Dominican and Nicaraguan

Appearance and Construction

The DBL Habano has a medium chocolate brown with a strong reddish tint wrapper. Color is mostly even throughout. The cigar has tight, almost invisible seams, minimal veins, and a nicely applied triple cap. Slightly oily sheen, dry satiny feel with a small amount of tooth. Nice soft sponginess and an appearance of good bunching, dense without any soft spots, it does have a light feeling in the hand.

Cold Aromas: There isn’t much smell off the wrapper, just a touch of cedar, a touch of oak, and something green, like cooked spinach or collard greens. On the foot however, there’s a nice mix of cinnamon forward, nutmeg, chocolate, a touch of black pepper, and vanilla on the settle. The cold draw presents that this cigar has a loose draw with lots of air flow, but that shouldn’t be an issue. The notes are nutmeg forward, cinnamon, dry oak, a touch of ginger, and very light notes of chocolate and coffee, and the faintest notes of a floral soapiness.

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Flavor & Smoke Characteristics

First Third:The first notes are a nice deep oak, a heavy tobacco core with touches of cinnamon that appear pretty far back, and a black pepper kick on the finish. The very loose draw gives way to big plumes of smoke early on. The smoke is very light and airy. Settling in, the oak is the dominant note, accompanied with notes of cinnamon, lots of core tobacco notes, a little cedar, even less earthiness, and is rounded out with very light notes of chocolate and coffee. A not too heavy black pepper washes over on the finish. The aroma is very woodsy, with a nice cedar note and tobacco core. The ash burns to a flaky gray with some dark deposits. Burn line is pretty spot-on and close to being razor sharp. As the first third progresses through, the oak stands far out in front, while the pepper dies down and a bit of earthiness moves up. The profile is medium-full in body, medium to medium-full in strength, and medium-full in flavor. There’s also a bitter, herby, veggie flavor that comes into play, somewhere between parsley, basil, and fennel, and complements the oak nicely. The cigar has a strong emphasis on balance and there’s a nice roundedness that keeps the blend interesting. The ash holds well but one is inclined to tapping it off early due to its softness and flakiness. That roundedness is found in the slight earthiness and open airy floral notes. Very little to no spice at this point, which is still on the black pepper side. There’s also a tiny amount of saltiness, which is most noticeable in the room note.

Second Third: The ash fell off on its own between 1.5 and 1.75 inches and started losing its even burn line but still smoking phenomenally. The coffee has also come up a bit more. The smoke is still light and airy but is becoming a bit chewier on the palate. The oak still dominates, but adding to the earthiness is an ever so slight meatiness. The finish is clean and crisp but the flavoring and feeling last long on the palate. The profile is still medium-full in body, medium to medium-full in strength, and medium-full in flavor. Saltiness is also starting to become more present. The band comes off with minimal issues and is applied with self-adhesive glue. The paper itself can be a bit tricky though. The flavor and profile are holding consistent through the second third with still an emphasis on balance. The ash is flaky but it also still holds on well.

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Final Third: Transitioning from the second to final third, the spice comes back up a bit and is on both the draw and finish. Oak is still present but dropping for a more overall tobacco core taste. Salt is minimal, coffee and chocolate way down, floral notes are pretty much gone. The veggie herbal is still around a bit, though. Airflow still provides big plumes of airy smoke; a very light but creamy smoke. The finish is still crisp and short, but leaves a tingle on the tongue and the flavor is dominated by the oak and black pepper, with hints of cedar, cardamom, and a more present thick and creamy smoke. Rounding out the final third is a slight fermented pungent taste along the lines of the earthiness but slightly different and not so much yet barnyard like. The cigar is very consistent and balanced throughout and is holding firm at medium-full in body, medium to medium-full in strength but getting closer to medium-full and medium-full in flavor. Still burning fairly cool down to the nub.

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Final Thoughts

When I first encountered DBL cigars I tended to shy away due to their close resemblance to LFD cigars, in terms of packaging. Though after learning more about the company and their actual closeness  and working under the tutelage of LFD and Arturo Fuente cigars it became clear why that resemblance was there. Well let that be- known as a mistake on my behalf. As DBL cigars are wholly its own when it comes to blending techniques.

The Habano is an all around, suitable for any time of day smoke.  A nice, crisp, clean finish, and its not overwhelming profile make it such. Good before a meal, good after just waking up and good even after a meal; it’s a very versatile cigar. Not overly complex but enough to keep things interesting throughout the duration, but the real emphasis is on smoothness and balance. The smoke is neither harsh nor bitter but does carry a slight grittiness to it, but that’s more than ok, where at times a cigar that has some grip to it is quite desirable and is ever present here.

The profile is dominantly oak, cinnamon throughout the first two thirds, and a veggie herbal-ness along the lines of basil, parsley, fennel, and oregano with touches of thyme but also not unlike a clean, crisp mint. Minor notes throughout the smoke are chocolate, coffee, some soapy floral notes, and the black pepper that’s noticeable in the first and last thirds. The ash holds on nicely throughout while the smoke is clean, plumy and slightly chewy. The draw is open fairly wide, so this is one that should be smoked slowly, as to not over heat the cigar and to catch its acute nuances that pop-up throughout the smoking session.

Similar cigars would be Puros Rocha Toro Especial, Cesar Cigars Habano, LaFlorDominicana 1994

Smoking time was 1 hour and 40 minutes

Grade: B+

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Cigar Review: Camacho Ecuador

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Since reviewing the Camacho Connecticut Toro, I had not only warmed up to Camacho cigars, but I had also given them a great set of expectations to live up to after my successful run with the Connecticut. Can the Ecuador Toro live up to, and possibly one-up, the Connecticut? Let’s see.

Blend Specifics

  • Vitola: Toro
  • Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano
  • Binder: Brazil; Mata Fina
  • Honduras & Dominican Republic; Corojo, Criollo Ligero, Pelo de Oro
  • Dimensions: 6’ X 50”

Aesthetics, Construction and Feel

The simplicity of the label is an essential part of this stogie’s allure: its overt simplicity distinguishes it from 99% of the premium cigars on the market, whose labels are deliberately more ornate to reflect the brands’ heritage and traditions. Thus the Ecuador jumps out at you and exerts a stranglehold on your attention and curiosity, making it hard to resist giving it a try.

The wrapper makes for an excellent second impression; the veins are noticeable, but it’s well-constructed. There are no soft spots, no cracks, no loose ends. Finally, the wrapper has a rugged, leathery texture and a wonderful odor that is curiously similar to the full-bodied smell of many Cuban cigars. This all sounds promising, but will the smoke experience fulfill the first impressions’ promises?

Smoke and Flavor

The Ecuador definitely starts off on the right foot. The first few puffs are are solid without being harsh. The flavor is rich and smoky, lightly resembling southern barbecue. The smoke clouds are rich and thick as well, bearing a lovely essence of coffee. After the first fifth is done, the smoky flavor seamlessly transitions into a nice, black wood-like flavor. The black wood remains at the forefront right up to the end.

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The draw is a bit too constricted, which makes puffing seem like a chore at times. The draw remains tight until the nub of the cigar, where the draw can always be trusted to breathe more freely. In spite of the tightness of the draw, however, the burn is conveniently slow and remains almost perfectly even throughout the smoking experience. As I step out to get some fresh air, I am astonished to find that not even the stiff breeze outside can hinder the burn in any significant way. Finally, and perhaps most remarkably of all, the finish is excellent; it’s a solid finish that is fully enjoyable due to the unusual absence of the harsh spice that the average cigar nub has. This is a completely new experience that I could easily get used to.

The Final Verdict

All in all, I was genuinely impressed with this cigar from start to finish. The flavor was deliciously dark and consistent; the burn was stubbornly even throughout, requiring no maintenance on my part; the smoke clouds were thick and aromatic; and last, but certainly not least, the impeccable ease of the finish made for a spectacular end to a wonderful smoke. What’s more is that I felt little to no tobacco buzz, despite having only eaten a slice of pizza before lighting up. This cigar may not look like a premium right off that bat, but rest assured, the Camacho Ecuador can run with the best of ‘em.

Final Grade: A

Tips for a Perfect Smoke Experience

  • While this dark habano might not give you a dry mouth, it’s still a darker cigar. As such, a nice cup of coffee or a cocktail is always recommended to balance the Ecuador’s smoky essence.
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Cigar Review: Camacho Connecticut

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Below is another review by New York City cigar aficionado Charlie Freeman. I recommended this cigar for a review after it taking a spot in my regular line up because of its quality and consistency.

Camacho Connecticut

True confession time: I was immediately skeptical of this cigar and of the brand name that it bears the moment I laid eyes on it. It’s simplistic, it’s intense and in it’s unashamedly up in your face, like it or not; this attitude is a far cry from the cigar culture I’m familiar with, where calmness, courtesy and respect are prioritized. However, experience has taught me that you can’t judge a stogie by its label; so let’s get down to business.

Blend Specifics

  • Vitola: Toro
  • Wrapper: Ecuadorian Connecticut
  • Binder: Corojo
  • Filler: Honduran Generoso, Aleman Ligero
  • Dimensions: 6’ x 50”
  • Country of Origin: Honduras

Aesthetics, Construction andFeel

The bright orange label may not be the most sophisticated I’ve ever laid eyes on, but there’s something about it that attracts the eye. With the label juxtaposed against the beige wrapper, the Connecticut evokes images of peanut butter in my head. And I do love peanut butter…

The stogie itself is excellently constructed: there are few veins, and the veins that are there are difficult to notice; the wrapper has a smooth and velvety feel to it; the odor has an ever-so-slight sweetness to it, an odor reminiscent of many Dominican-made cigars. Finally, there are no soft spots or openings detected in the wrapper.

Smoke and Flavor

Right off the bat, the stogie delivers an excellent performance. From the very beginning to the very end the draw is remarkably well-balanced: not too tight, not too loose. For every deliciously chewy puff, there is a lush, voluminous cloud of smoke that carries with it a warm and woody odor. Despite its tendency to lose the ash rather quickly, the Connecticut’s burn is surprisingly consistent, remaining even throughout the entire cigar.

However, the real treat for this particular stogie is its flavor. Right away, the smoker is greeted by a natural, light, woody flavor that wets the palate. Right up to the end, the wood is consistently at the forefront of the flavor. Much to my surprise, the wood doesn’t give way to any spice at the end, making for a smooth, satisfying finish.

The Final Verdict

With a chewy, perfectly balanced draw, even burn, tantalizing woody flavor and solid start and finish, I can honestly say that this is the greatest connecticut strength cigar I have ever smoked thus far. Make no mistake, this is a lot coming from someone who has been smoking consistently for three years. This work of art is a must for smokers of all tastes and experience levels; it’s not harsh in any for beginners, and its flawless construction and flavor is guaranteed to leave even the most experienced smoker reeling.

Final Grade: A+

Tips for a Perfect Smoke Experience

  • Anything with peanut butter in it is a perfect complement to this chewy mild stogie; so break out that old peanut butter cookie recipe that you haven’t had an excuse to use yet!
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Cigar Review: Montecristo New York Connoisseur Edition

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This is a review by Charlie Freeman, a frequent Fine Tobacco NYC event guest and a personal friend of mine. Enjoy the review, and drop a comment if you have thoughts!

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In New York you can find just about any kind of cigar from around the world. You can even find Cubans if you know where to look. But lately I’ve been keen to find something that can only be found in New York itself. So what better place to start than with the Montecristo New York Connoisseur Edition? As the name suggests, this is a one-of-a-kind stogie that can only be found within the one-of-a-kind city whose name it bears.

Blend Specifics

  • Wrapper: Ecuadorian
  • Binder: Nicaraguan
  • Filler: Dominican
  • Vitola: Corona Gorda, Box-pressed
  • Dimensions: 6 x 60

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Aesthetics, Construction and Feel

Before I have a chance to grasp this 6 x 60 behemoth in my hand I find myself drawn to both its size appearance and construction. Aside from a few subtle irregularities, the New York Connoisseur Edition’s box-press construction gives it a skyscraper-like appearance, fitting in perfectly with the Freedom Tower and Empire State Building when I hold it up against the New York skyline at the Hoboken Waterfront. To top it all off, the stick is completely soft spot-free; a sign of meticulosity on the part of the makers, to whom I tip my hat.

While the wrapper is smooth and oily to the touch and contributes much to the stogie’s skyscraper aesthetic, there are also some minor caveats. The wrapper is noticeably veiny and contains a few small cracks. Hence the big question: will these minor kinks prove to be enough hinder the smoke experience? Let’s find out!

Flavor and Smoke Characteristics

Upon lighting up I am quite pleased to be greeted by a smooth, well-balanced draw and a fairly thick cloud of smoke; a promising sign for the long journey ahead. Unfortunately, this journey contains a few roadblocks. Starting with a sizable crack that forms on the back not long after the light-up, the New York tends to canoe, most likely due to the aforementioned minor cracks throughout the wrapper. The result is my having to manually maintain the stick by rotating it and evening it out with matches.

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Additionally, the New York has to be puffed regularly, with the smoke cloud becoming thinner as the interval between puffs becomes longer. About halfway through the ash becomes noticeably uneven, limping at an angle as seen in the image. However, there is an important silver lining in this particular kink. The box-pressed construction has resulted in a sturdy stogie that holds the ash quite well, right up to the last quarter of the stick, to be precise. This feature becomes all the more significant in light of my constant rotating and maintaining of the stick.

Finally, despite the wrapper showing signs of unraveling, the final quarter makes for a good finish as the stick begins to breathe more freely.

In terms of flavor the New York Connoisseur is quite consistent with pleasantly few surprises. From draw to nub this Monte delivers a rich smoke that wets the palate and is dominated by essences of coffee and oak wood. The draw is smooth, placed in a comfortable middle ground between creamy and leathery.

The Final Verdict

First and foremost I must make one thing clear: I bought this particular stick about two weeks before finally having the opportunity to smoke it. Thus it is quite possible that the smoke could have been even better than it already was, had I smoked it at an earlier time. That being said, the Montecristo New York Connoisseur Edition is an enjoyable medium-bodied smoke that does much justice to the city for which it is named. I highly recommend this cigar for any smoker who lives in or visits the city I am proud to call my home. It will be among the highest of high notes in your New York experience.

Final Grade: A-

Tips for a Perfect Smoke Experience

  • When smoking a creamy and oaky stogie such as this, one should never do so without a cappuccino in the opposite hand.
  • A good way to bring out the coffee flavor more is to counteract it with something sweet. To take a culinary queue from our good friends the French, place a grape on top of a cracker adorned with brie cheese and enjoy the ride.

Update: we’ve created a top-three list of our favorite cigars from Montecristo. You can see it here.

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Cigar Review: Ashton Symmetry

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Ashton Symmetry

The Fuente family constructs the Ashton Symmetry for Ashton at the Fuente’s factory in the Dominican Republic.

Blend Specifics

  • Vitola: Prism (soft box-pressed Corona) 5.6” x 46
  • Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano
  • Binder: Dominican
  • Filler: Dominican and Nicaraguan

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Appearance and Construction

The Ashton Symmetry has a medium to dark chocolate colored wrapper, with a slightly reddish tint. The wrapper feel is slightly oily, very smooth, minimally toothy and velvety to the touch. It has minimal veins, tight invisible seams, and a nicely applied triple cap. With the soft box-pressed shape, there’s a densely packed bunch and an even sponginess throughout.

Flavor and Smoke Characteristics

Cold Aromas: In the wrapper there’s cedar, leather, and a slight meaty, jerky, saltiness. The foot is chocolate, leather, slight floral notes, a sweet cocoa, and a touch of dried fruit. After clipping the cap, the cold draw is leather, touches of spice and white pepper, a little dried fruit, a bit of farmyard / manure and leaves a saltiness on the lips and tongue. Nice firm draw.

First Third: The first third starts with a white pepper spice on the draw and settles into a leather and fig mix. The leather and fig notes are both heavy, so for those looking for this profile will be delighted. Sweet and fruity with a dewiness and dampness to the texture of the smoke; bits of chocolate are noticeable but only barely. The middle is accented with notes of barnyard while a touch of saltiness lies on the back of the tongue and lasts through the finish. The aroma off the foot is a cedar and tobacco note. The burn isn’t razor sharp but performing just fine. The ash is tight, grey and white. As the cigar progresses, the spice drops off a good amount and dried prunes complement the fig notes. The first third shows how complex the flavor profile of this cigar is, and the saltiness being reminiscent of a fishy-type saltiness. The cigar’s profile at this point is a medium to full in body, medium to full in strength and full flavored. The smoke is thick but not chewy thick, more syrupy and molasses textured. The aroma is also of a delicious chocolate and leathery mix, slightly floral, like a cherry blossom and the fig last deep and long on the finish.

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Second Third: The ash is tapped off at 1.75 inches and falls to one solid chunk. The second third sees the same notes at play with deeper leather. The fig is still very present and something of cured bacon type of meaty sweetness comes into play. Through the second third, the cigar holds consistent in its complexity and a fair amount of dry cocoa comes in on the draw with the fig. Though the pepper dropped, the smoke leaves a peppery tingle with a slightly gritty texture on the tongue. Good amount of salt lasts on the finish with the leather and notes of earthiness. The band is self-adhesive and comes off ok but slightly awkward due to the paper’s texture. At the end of the second third, the cigar is medium to full in body, medium to full in strength, and medium to full in flavor but still very close to full.

Final Third: The final third sees this cigar ramp up a bit in strength. While the overall flavor has come down, the complexity is still present. The fig and floral notes are still on the draw with a touch of very dry cocoa, with the tobacco, leather, earth and hint of spice dominating the finish. As the cigar begins to warm up, the spice also becomes a bit stronger and the leather and fig holding firm. The ligero is adding a lot of strength at this point, and the body of the smoke still holding a syrupy thick texture. The flavor is falling back but still holding with notes of leather, tobacco, and earthiness with white pepper on the finish. Nearing the end, the finish on the smoke becomes a bit cleaner and crisp and ends with slight notes of metallic licorice. The cigar finishes out at full body, full strength, and medium to medium to full in flavor.

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Conclusion

For a smaller vitola, the Ashton Symmetry is very stout, rich, and flavorful and being very complex in it’s first two thirds. In the final third the power becomes the more dominant characteristic. Throughout, the cigar carries notes of fig, leather and salt as it’s dominant notes but also has notes of dry cocoa, flora, white pepper, earth and barnyard. It’s very noticeable the cigar was constructed with very well aged tobaccos and toward the end the flavors meld nicely with a good strong tobacco core. The smoke is very smooth and creamy, with nice billows that roll off the tongue, though it does leave a gritty tingle coating the tongue. This cigar leaves a room note of chocolate and leather in the air with its tobacco aroma. There’s a good emphasis on balance and refinement early on in the smoke but toward the end and as the heat becomes stronger, that balance starts to break down.

Similar cigars would be Diamond Crown Julius Caesar, Davidoff Puro d’Oro, Ashton VSG

Smoking time on this cigar was 2 hours.

Grade: A

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