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Blind Review: La Palina El Diario KB II

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La Palina El Diario KB II is made by “negociant” cigar manufacturer La Palina Cigars.  The El Diario brand is a collaboration with the great minds at Alec Bradley and is made out of their Fabrica de Tobacos Raices Cubanas factory in Honduras. La Palina is a cigar manufacturer with roots that trace back to the USA, namely Chicago. Started in 1896 bv Sam Paley, La Palina, was a heralded cigar brand up until the Great Depression when his factory unfortunately closed. La Palina was revived in 2010 by his grandson, Bill Paley. Today Bill is the “principle and chairman” of La Palina with Samuel Phillips and Clay Roberts as the main “stewards” of the brand.

Blend Specifics

  • Cigar Reviewed: La Palina El Diario KB II
  • Wrapper: Honduran Corojo ’99 Rosado
  • Binder: Honduran Criollo ’98 (Double binder)
  • Filler: Nicaraguan Corojo ’99 and Criollo ’98
  • Size: 6×40

Blind Review Notes: La Palina El Diario KB II

Appearance & Construction

The cigar is a traditional corona vitola with a classy triple cap.  The cigar wrapper is a light beige with some green spotting reminiscent of a not-fully-cured Connecticut shade wrapper.  The wrapper looks dry and delicate. Featherweight in my hands and packed loose.  I have my reservations.

Flavor & Smoke Characteristics

The cigar smells of old cedar.  Like an old dry cigar box that needs to be rehumidified.  I V-cut and cold draw, and experience the same old humidor that is in desperate need of seasoning. I guess that’s what they’re going for?

My soft flame licks the foot of the cigar and it combusts just fine.  On the palate I am immediately greeted with rod iron, graham cracker and sweet peppers.  Very interesting.  I’ve never tasted all those notes together before on a cigars’ introduction.  The finish is both salty and peppery with some hints of strawberry.  The first third has a nice body to the smoke and it is smooth and creamy.  I find that I do have to watch my smoking speed, as if I’m not already a slow smoker! The cigar is burning hot! Not much of a retrohale.  Not yet, at least- just some cedar steam.

The second third has notes of fried dough, more strawberry and chili.  Altogether it’s like you took a jalapeno popper and wrapped it in a fruit roll up, and then ate the whole thing at once without chewing.  I think I just nailed that perfectly in terms of description-PAT ON THE BACK FOR ME!  The retrohale finally emerges with peanuts.  There is a lingering black pepper and peanuts on the back of my palate.  The cigar is still too hot!  For a cigar that was stored properly, its burning like autumn leaves.  If you’ve ever smoked a dry cigar, especially if its one you’ve smoked before, you’ll notice the aroma coming off the lit foot of the cigar actually smells different.  Since, I have no clue what I’m smoking right now, I have to at least compliment this dried out stick for producing a nice cafe mocha ambiance in the air.  It leaves me wondering what the same cigar fully resuscitated would smell like.

As I enter the last third, I cant thank the cigar gods enough for producing the corona vitola.  It is a great vitola to watch the lightning bugs dance from a screened-in porch as I happen to be doing right now.  If you have no clue what I’m talking about, take one of the waterbugs that are coming out of your shower drain and duct tape a motion sensor LED to it.  SAME THING! Trust me.  The second third was very diverse compared to the last few puffs of this cigar.  This last third is very straight forward with some molasses and general tobacco taste.  The draw is also tightening as I puff away on it. Its still smoking way too hot and finishes harsh.  Nothing but burnt smoke hitting the tip of my tongue.  Not a fan.  This cigar needs to “purify in the waters of Lake Minnetonka.” “Purple Rain” was such a good film! You can tell by my attention span that I’m done.

Conclusion

This was my first La Palina cigar, EVER!  After doing some research on the “El Diario” line of cigars they offer, I am amazed to find out that this line is meant to be one of their stronger blends.  In my opinion it was mild-medium.  The La Palina El Diario Kill Bill II is only offered in the corona vitola and I’d love to see it folded in half to make a nice gordo. I think that THEN, we’d have better combustibility as well as the strength that is advertised.  What started out as a very traditional vitola with a very interesting flavor profile, was buried in a smoldering blaze I couldn’t contain- EVEN as a world renowned slow-smoker.  I, however, wouldn’t mind continuing to explore La Palina Cigars a little more to see if they have something just for me.  It seems that as a remerging company, they definitely hired the right people to bring the best smokes they can to market.  My interest has been peaked.  Enjoy!

Final Score: 85

Blind Review: AVO Improvisation 2022 White

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Since 2001, Avo has been known for its yearly Limited Edition releases celebrating Avo Uvezian’s birthday. In 2015, that tradition was replaced with another, debuting the Avo Improvisation series. The name pays tribute to Avo’s love for music and the impromptu nature of jazz.

Sadly, the Avo Improvisation 2022 will be the last release under this series. However, the Improvisation series went out with a bang featuring a double encore of two blends, a white, and a black. The box of cigars contains both, with 22 cigars in total, 11 per label. The cigars have been arranged in a pattern alternating between the light and dark wrapper, mimicking the instrument that was once loved by the late founder.

Blend Specifics

  • Cigar Reviewed: Avo Improvisation LE 2022 White
  • Wrapper: Ecuadorian Connecticut
  • Binder: Dominican
  • Filler: Dominican
  • Size: Robusto Grande (5 1/2″ x 55)

Appearance & Construction

The cigar is masterfully wrapped in a thin Connecticut leaf while wearing a swirly pigtail as a crown. There are no veins visible on the surface, but the pristine wrapper is disturbed by small cracks and tears in various locations due to the thinness of the leaf. The cigar is well packed, except for a small dimple by the beginning of the final third.

Flavor and Smoke Characteristics

I could not pick up any scent off the wrapper until I reached the foot of the cigar and got sweet honey. I sliced off the cap using my Xikar XO cutter and took a cold draw. On the draw, I taste stone fruits and a hint of red pepper spice at the back of my throat.

I decided to use matches to light this cigar, not wanting to singe the thin wrapper. I take my first puff and immediately get bitterness followed by toasted peanuts, dry hay, and a hint of pepper spice. The smoke itself is very buttery and creamy. After a few puffs, the initial bitterness got replaced with fruity sweetness in both the draw and the finish. The taste on my palate was so delicious that I almost forgot to retrohale. I was halfway through the first third before I realized I still had not checked off that box yet. I rued my decision when I decided to retrohale. As if lava was coursing through my nasal passage, my olfactory senses became overwhelmed by pepper spice, and it lingered a while before I can smell again. I made several attempts to retrohale this cigar afterward, but ultimately, I could not get past the pepper spice. On the brighter side, the construction of this cigar has been impeccable. The wear and tears were not a concern as the cigar burns evenly, and the ash held as if it was reinforced with cement.

Halfway through the cigar, the smoke is still sweet and creamy. The flavor profiles evolved to fresh almonds, dry hay, leather, and a hint of spice. And after mentally preparing myself, I went in for another retrohale. To my surprise, the pepper spice subsided enough for me to enjoy it, and I’m getting sweet vanilla hay out of it.

In the final third, I start to enjoy this cigar. I got roasted peanuts, cedar wood, vanilla, hay, and pepper spice; all wrapped in a sweet and silky smoke. The spice was reduced to a minimum on the retrohale, and I was able to experience almonds, vanilla, maple syrup, and cedar wood. While approaching the last few puffs, I managed to slow down and extend on each draw. This highlights the silky character of the smoke even more. As a result, the rush of flavors is even more pronounced and made the finish last longer after my final puff.

Conclusion

This cigar went from “not your grandfather’s Connecticut” to an ideal morning smoke. The overwhelming spice on the retrohale woke up every receptor in my olfactory system. After getting past the very beginning of this cigar, the Avo 2022 White becomes very enjoyable with its sweet and creamy smoke. These characteristics meld very well with the roasted peanuts, cedar wood, and hints of pepper spice throughout the experience. And to top it all off, the construction was perfect, making this cigar smoke effortlessly.

Final Rating: 89

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Blind Review: AVO Improvisation 2022 Black Label

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Earlier in March, Davidoff released the final act for one of its widely celebrated series, the AVO Improvisation 2022. It started out in 2015 to celebrate the life of Uvezian AVO and his love for music. Since then, a total of eleven blends has released in a span of eight years. Whether its the presentation or the blends, each one can be as impromptu as its jazzy origin.

Unlike the AVO Improvisation 2022 White Label, the Black Label separates itself with a completely different blend. Visually, Davidoff did a great job selecting the wrapper leaf where it contrasted perfectly with the White Label. I wonder if the blend is as distinctive. 

Blend Specifics

  • Cigar Reviewed: AVO Improvisation LE 2022 Black Label
  • Wrapper: Ecuador
  • Binder: Mexico
  • Filler: Dominican Republic & Nicaragua
  • Size: Robusto Gordo (5 1/2 x 55)

Blind Review Notes: AVO LE 2022 Black Label

Appearance & Construction

The chocolate color cigar has a very smooth and silky feel to it. The longer I hold it in my hand, the more oil I can feel ON it. There is a visible vein from the cap to the halfway mark. The cigar is filled proportionally with no soft spot. Overall, I can’t wait to clip off the pigtail and light it.  

Flavor and Smoke Characteristics

Like its visual representation, the wrapper smells like cocoa powder and leather. The foot has the scent of molasses and pepper spice. After shaving off the pigtail, I went in for a cold draw and got sweet, creamy oats. 

I slowly toast the foot of the cigar with my St. Dupont Hooked lighter, enjoying the sweet aromatics coming off the foot. Once the foot became bright red, I went in for a puff and got bitter dark chocolate, leather, damp log, and granola. The finish was quite long, sweet, and creamy. I then retrohale after a few puffs, and it is very smooth. I got roasted nuts, maple syrup, and a hint of black pepper spice, like waking up on a Christmas morning. So far, this cigar is checking off everything on the list: it has impeccable construction, wavy but burns evenly, and has balanced flavors.  

I arrive at the second third, and the sweet taste of maple syrup is in the spotlight, along with oak wood, dark chocolate, with a slight charcoal bitterness. I followed the puffs with a retrohale, and the spice level picked up but still very satisfying. This time, I taste dark berry notes, like blackberry or blueberry, leather, and ample black pepper spice. The profile bounces back and forth between medium and medium-plus. 

And just like a piano after being tuned, the cigar became harmonious when I reached halfway through the final third. The sweetness on the cigar mellowed out, and I could taste more of the roasted peanuts, dark cocoa, leather, and simple syrup. The retrohale gain more body with more strength on the spice. I was drowned in maple syrup, tree bark, dark chocolate, and red pepper spice. The finish is longer than the first two-thirds of the cigar, and I can’t get enough of it. Fortunately, the memory of this cigar did not dematerialize right away, all thanks to the extremely long finish.

Conclusion

Unlike the White Label, the AVO LE22 Black Label is balanced from the start. The entire smoking experience revolves around flavors that remind me of a chocolate caramel nut bar that includes bitter dark chocolate, roasted nuts, maple syrup, and oak wood. The retrohale makes up for the missing spice on the palate but in a very satisfying way. 

I was not surprised when I found out this was an AVO cigar. Like most of their cigars, the construction was near perfect. What amazed me the most about this cigar was its consistency of flavor across the extremely long finish. Each puff connected with the previous one, making you want more and more.  

Final Rating: 92

Blind Review: Oliva Serie O Corona

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The Oliva Serie O Corona is manufactured by Oliva Cigar Co. at their factory in Esteli, Nicaragua.  Formerly launched in 1995 as an independent cigar company, their steady popularity lead them to be purchased in 2016 by J. Cortes Cigars which has continued the acclaimed production of the brand. However, to this day, all the Oliva family siblings are still at the helm of the tobacco growing and cigar manufacturing. Oliva Cigar co. is not to be confused with the other world-renowned tobacco farming family known as “Oliva Tobacco Co.” or the long established cigar brand “Oliveros.”

Blend Specifics

  • Cigar Reviewed: Oliva Serie O Corona
  • Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano
  • Binder: Nicaragua
  • Filler: Nicaragua
  • Size: 6×46

Blind Review Notes: Oliva Serie O Corona

Appearance & Construction:

Whether your a traditionalist, a diplomat, or an egotistical guerilla who’s running-and-gunning through the jungles, nothing beats an old fashioned corona vitola. I prefer a petite corona if you ask me, but why not feel like “El Comandante” for a night?  The only thing I seem to notice off the bat, appearance-wise, is that one-half of the wrapper leaf is a shade darker then the rest of the cigar.  This could have happened anywhere out in the fields, barn, or factory and may have an effect on flavor, but not necessarily smokabilty.  Other then that, it is nicely packed and feels weightless.  Let’s see what happens.

Flavor & Smoke Characteristics:

The cigar has a very strong and singular cedar smell to it.  I apply a cross-cut and experience more strong cedar on the cold draw. The cigar toasts and lights quickly with a simple soft flame. I mean how could I not go for a soft flame, on such a classic vitola?!

It combusts with charm as would be fitting for this cigar, and all I have to say is….”nnnnniiiicccceee.” Nothing but smooth cedar, and a phenomenal creamy draw.  The first third is speckled with notes of salt, perfume, and spice.  The tale end of the first third is chocolatey with a salty retro. Very good smoke production so far.  The whole time, there is that very unmistakable Habano-esque strawberry hard-candy aroma on the palate.  You know?!  Those strawberry hard-candies that old ladies always have on hand in some crystal dish or an ashtray when you visit their house?  You know?!  Because you happen to frequent the homes of old ladies….Anyone?! Anyway, remember how those candies were as fossilized as their owner, but kept that artificial strawberry glory on the palate?  That same flavor is here to greet your nostalgia or current fetish.

The second third is still a flavor bomb,  just less fruity and gerontosexual.  There is chili spice with some sawdust and mahogany.  Leather, potting soil, and cherry-cola on the finish.  Its becoming more refined, like your growing attraction towards peoples grandmothers everywhere.  The retrohale distinctly reminds me of receiving the Sunday Times. Remember how they used to come in those tight blue plastic bags. Now, I never delivered the newspaper myself, I would just smell the inside of the bags….and now I review cigars.  I’m looking for someone to relate to me here!

What we have here is a cigar that just keeps on delivering even in the last third. There are some routine notes, but also heavy whiffs of cumin, hazelnut coffee, nougat, and house plants.  My only complaint is that the cigar starts to pick up heat.  As expected, that might have to do with the last half of the leaf being a shade darker.  The cigar becomes harsher on the palate and its hard to keep the smoke cool.  Some people are into burning their victims alive just so they can see what they smell like.  Not me. Been there, done that, bought the t-shirt…I hung my tough-guy boots up a long time ago.  I smoke it down to about an inch and let the cigar drown out in my ashtray. Oh well.

Conclusion:

Turns out, that I just smoked the Oliva Serie O Corona.  Its been a long time in my personal cigar journey since I smoked one of these.  Definitely better then I remember them.  Except for the construction hiccup I experienced at the very end, I didn’t have to deduct any other points.  The Oliva Serie O provides a great smoking experience with tons of mouth watering flavors.  The classic corona vitola is also a perfect fit for anybody grilling, chilling, or finally breaching your oppositions buildings.  Its cloaked in an Ecuador Habano but smokes just like any Nicaraguan corojo on the market.  That being said, you still shouldn’t pass up on such a legacy brand like Oliva Cigar Co. The Serie O would be considered their entry level cigar at the price point, and if you have never given the brand a try, I would heavily recommend beginning here. Enjoy.

Final Score: 90

 

Blind Review: Royal Jamaica Corojo Robusto

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Royal Jamaica Corojo is a Casa De Montecristo exclusive release blended by the industry-renowned Abe Flores at his PDR Cigars factory in Santiago, Dominican Republic. Started in 1935 by James Frederick Gore out of Kingston, Jamaica and in strong demand until Hurricane Gilbert ravaged its supply-chain in 1988, the Royal Jamaica was an iconic post-Cuban embargo brand. However, unlike the original blend, there is no Jamaican tobacco present in this current release. Under the direct ownership of Altadis, USA  or a franchisee, there are currently 29 Casa De Montecristo locations nationwide through which you can purchase this cigar.

Blend Specifics

  • Cigar Reviewed: Royal Jamaica Corojo Robusto
  • Wrapper: Ecuadorian Cor0jo
  • Binder: Ecuador Habano
  • Filler: Dominican (Ligero, Seco, Viso Piloto Cubano)
  • Size: 5×52

Blind Review Notes: Royal Jamaica Corojo Robusto

Appearance & Construction:

Did I ever mention how much I love my new reviewing job?!  Its like being part of the Power Rangers, and nothing like being part of the Power Rangers in the least bit.  I’m a hopeless romantic, and things tend to go to straight to my head most of the time. Take for example, this gorgeous “Colorado Claro,” AKA “Rosado,” AKA “drool-worthy” wrapped robusto cigar I just received.  Its classically triple-capped with even one of those fancy wrapped footies.  That means I get to taste this majestic ruby-brown sugar specimen before the binder and filler kick in. What a treat! There is a slight prensando (cuban press) to the vitola which I am also very bias towards.  I feel it makes the cigar a more comfortable experience.

Flavor & Smoke Characteristics:

The cigar itself smells like straw bales.  I throw a cross-cut on this puppy and take a sip.  The cold draw is not tight, nor is it loose.  Very reminiscent of baking spices like nutmeg. I flicker up the closed foot and take another drink.  It tastes like habano. Hmmmm.  I toast the rest of the foot and the cigar combusts fine.

The first third is savory.  Lots of salt and mesquite.  The smoking experience is what I like to call, “a double-puffer.” The cigar needs to be stoked constantly to not only keep the mojo alive but in fear that it might go out. I’m smoking in an ideal temperature and even left the cigar out to acclimate, so I suspect this might just have to do with the blend. Once I can get the cigar to heat up enough for me to retrohale, I can  make out hazelnuts, gun flint, and black pepper. However every flavor note is as bland as a pancake butt.

The second third is still struggling with a handicapped draw issue. There are no stems, tunneling, or even bunching issues I can see or feel for.  Again, this comes down to blending.  Smoke and heat production are M.I.A., but I don’t have to relight it, surprisingly. If a ghost were a cigar this would be it. Better yet, I want you to think of the most passive aggressive person you’ve ever come across. Come on! We all know at least one person like this!  Can you think of that one person?  Got them in mind yet?  Good!  If that person transformed into a cigar, this would be them.  All bark, no bite!

The last remains of the second third are an apparition of chocolate and wood.  However, my tongue may just be seeing things.  The only thing non-holographic that happens to the cigar at this phase is the heat production picks up drastically.  Now the cigar is too hot! As if all the tobacco oils weren’t spread evenly throughout the vitola.  Were these cigars aged upside down?!

The last third is even more specter-like then it was in the beginning and middle portions.  An unearthed lactating mummy has more flavor then this blend of foliage.  To save face, because I’m a good guy at heart, I will compliment the cigar for leaving a very pleasant aroma in the air from the lit end.  And for you competitive “my-ash-is-bigger-then-your-ash” influencers out there, the sturdy ash on this cigar is I.G.-worthy, indeed.  Get your phones ready if your thinking of smoking this stick.

Faint flavors of salt and mesquite continue towards the finish line, but really I’m reaching for straws here people. The retrohale is nothing but hot-air.  When I’m finished with the cigar it I feel like I just left my in-laws house.  Those that understand, know the feeling.  Throw me a wink, a nod, and maybe some baseball dug-out sign language when you see me if you can relate.

Conclusion:

The perpetrator in question happens to be a Royal Jamaican Corojo Robusto.  This is my lowest scoring cigar to date.  If you know me, you know I punish my taste-buds on a constant basis.  Between smoking cigars and wine drinking, I can really tire my palate out. So, for reviews I make the effort to fast from strong flavors and scents.  I didn’t drink or smoke anything for the 24 hours leading up to the review. That being said, it doesn’t mean my tongue doesn’t know exactly what it likes.  Its as calloused as a T-rex foot, but as sensitive as todays generation.  And for those that suspect I rushed the smoke, it took me about 90s minutes to review this stick. I spend the same amount of time on the regular to smoke through a Padron 2000 which is similar in size. I also smoke Nicaraguan and Honduran corojo on the regular, so I have my expectations. The only similar cigar to this that used Ecuadorian Corojo to some substantial success was LFD’s “Andalusian Bull”  Sorry Abe, Lito Gomez has you beat when it comes to meshing Dominican tobacco with a “chance-of-clouds” corojo.  This cigar was in much need of some cojones, even for a newbie smoker to enjoy it in my opinion.

Final Score: 70

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