Nova Cigars Limited Edition Perfecto Review

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Nova Limited Edition Perfecto Cigar Review

Up for review today is a cigar from one of the few new boutique brands on the market, Nova Cigar company. Thanks to halfwheel’s coverage of IPCPR 2019, you can get a glimpse of the company and some info on the leadership here. But this isn’t a news site, it’s a cigar and spirits review site. So let’s talk about the LE Perfecto.

The cigar features a Nicaraguan Rojiza 2000 wrapper, which I can’t say I know much about, but it is an attractive wrapper. The standout fact about this cigar though is its price tag. At about $25 per cigar, it is priced… let’s say.. aggressively.

Blend Specifics

  • Cigar Reviewed: Nova Limited Edition Perfecto
  • Wrapper: Nicaraguan Rojiza 2000
  • Binder: Nicaragua
  • Filler: Dominican Republic
  • Size: 4 1/2 x 56 perfecto

Appearance & Construction

Inspecting the Nova Limited Edition Perfecto, it is clear that it is beautifully constructed, and has a very attractive band. I love the combination of silver, black, and Tiffany blue (almost identical). The outer wrapper as well is nice, with a chocolate brown color. The perfecto-shaped cigar is consistently packed over its length, with just a bit of springiness when squeezed.

The outer wrapper leaf smells of barnyard, pepper, and espresso beans, and with the foot adding just a touch of sweet hay. The draw is about a 7/10 in terms of restrictiveness (e.g. just right). Let’s light up.

Flavor & Smoke Characteristics

The Nova Limited Edition Perfecto kicks off with loads of toasty, mild to medium bodied smoke. It produces about an average amount of smoke, and I notice touches of pepper and spice hitting the palate first. I’d say the bulk of the flavor profile is a balance between bitter and sweet notes. On the bitter side: bitter wood, fresh grass, and black espresso. The sweet side is less dominant, with notes of cocoa, cream, and baking spices. Overall, it’s a decently enjoyable opening, but the dominant bitterness does (I think) betray the youth of some of the tobaccos involved.

At about an inch in, some construction issues are becoming evident. First, there seems to be a small hole through the wrapper and binder, leading to air flow issues. Second, maybe as a result of the air flow issues, the cigar has trouble staying lit for more than 20 or so seconds after a puff. Both issues degrade the experience considerably.

The second third of the Nova Limited Edition Perfecto is unfortunately more bad news. Where the flavor profile was at least somewhat balanced in the first third, the second third veers into what I can only describe as bitter blandness. Wet paper, bitter woodiness and sharp spice dominate the experience, with a touch of sweeter baking spices evident on the retrohale.

In the final third, the strength and heat of the smoke pick up considerably. Strength goes up past medium, and the smoke hits the palate hard. There’s not much to say on the flavor side of things – there’s little development save for a hot spiciness which dominates all of the other flavors. Unfortunately, the rapid increase in temperature of the smoke means I set this cigar down early.

Conclusion

The Nova Limited Edition Perfecto is a bit of a head scratcher for me, mainly because the Nova website lists a box of 12 cigars for $300. Given the lackluster flavor, near non-existent complexity, and substantial construction issues, this cigar doesn’t come close to competing with other cigars in that price range. I think a more reasonable price would be $8 – $10.

I realize that sounds harsh, but those are my honest thoughts.

All that being said, I do think the cigar has some promise. I’d probably purchase the Toro size next, let it age for about three months, and then give it another try then.

Final Rating: 73

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Glenmorangie Signet – Soft and Gentle Ease

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Soft and Gentle Ease After Dinner With a Cigar

Photo: Courtesy John DeMato

Whiskey Reviewed: Glenmorangie Signet
Distiller: Glenmorangie
Region: Highlands
Suggested Retail Price $200+
ABV: 46%
Distiller Rating: 93
USC Rating: 91

Mark’s Review

My watch read 8pm on the FIDI roof of the Club Quarters; FTNYC’s meet up for cigar and whisky fans. Our fearless leader, Matthias, bamboozled Food and Bev manager Nicholas into sharing Glenmorangie Signet. His kind heart meant the crowd owed both of them, big time.

As we drank, a group of folks shared views. Carol led our discussion, dauntless in her love of a good stick coupled with fine spirits. At once the silky nose of sweet sherry forged the path. It also was a tad confusing. We smelled a single trait without other scents. But the mouth feel gave us soft and gentle ease. Nothing rude rose to the top and, in fact, Signet charmed one and all.

The palate had those same Spanish oak flavors; uni-dimensional but balanced. The mid-length finish mirrored all aspects up to that point resulting in a pleasant sample… errrrr… three samples. We didn’t realize we refilled our glasses so many times. No after burn attacked, no smack upside the head. Just a Scotch gift that kept on giving.

It didn’t hurt that our chief’s wisdom picked the evening’s featured smoke, (Undercrown Sun Grown Gran Toro). More than a few wrote down notes to recall the pairing.

You’ll find this even handed dram is a great way for the Apprentice to begin their slide to Sherryland. The Enthusiast who detects that unique flavor will relish the memory. This label does what it’s designed to do and that very well.

Enjoy this non-age statement spirit after supper. A mixed drink would crush the smooth effects and such richness before a meal is unfair to the menu. Your senses want the ride to go on forever. Don’t interrupt the trip with food. Wait till dinner’s end and bring out the decanter. It won’t surprise you and your friends if you polish off the contents before the night’s done.

Where’s Carol? What did she do with the rest of the bottle?

Mark Garbin’s Evaluation

Aromas & Flavor Appeals to: Optimal Client Type Great For:
Subtlety Aficionado Apprentice Cocktails
Power Flavor Admirer Enthusiast Neat Before Dinner
Balanced Devotee Adventurer With Food
Chameleon Lover Hedonist Dessert or Afterwards

Distiller rating: Freshly zested orange peels, dark malt, and winter spices take over your senses on the nose. The whisky is sweet and chocolatey and continues on the sweet side with dried fruits. The finish ends dry and not cloying. Skip the espresso; this is the whisky you want at the end of your meal.

USC Rating: A seductive nose filled with roasted cherries, french vanilla, and wisps of smoke lifts from the glass. The mouthfeel is opulent and smooth with complex flavors of cloves, marzipan and hot clay being revealed in waves. The finish is persistent.

Balcones Texas Rye – When Is a Rye NOT a Rye?

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A Chameleon for the Enthusiast
Great With Almost Any Cigar, in Cocktails or as/with Dessert!

Photo courtesy of Balcones Distilling

Whiskey Reviewed: Balcones Texas Rye
Distiller: Balcones
Region: Texas
Suggested Retail Price $45
ABV: 50%
Distiller Rating: 85
Drink Me Mag Rating: 96

Mark’s Review

When is a rye NOT rye?

When it’s made from layers of different rye species (like chocolate rye). It’s a blend that creates a melange of flavors unlike the spicy pepper spirit you’re used to. Combine all those grains and store the whisky in new charred oak barrels and you now have many scents booming from the glass.

Then as you taste, vanilla to chocolate and dark sugar all try to impress your palate. The swirling nature of flavors make this and ideal spirit to sip. You can also add a few drops of water to enhance the chameleon aspect.

This whisky entices you to expand your cocktail art. Try a new twist on an old fashioned instead use chocolate bitters and molasses! Go easy on the later (1/2 Tsp) and a bit heavier (2-3x the usual) on the former. The 100 proof (50% ABV) will ensure that this alcohol forward drink retains a balanced flavor profile.

An after dinner Irish Coffee with Balcones Rye will bring “wows” to your guests faces. You can even adjust their sweet/strength ratio to fit personal palates. Try doing this with other ryes!

This unique spirit changes the standard belief on how to use/enjoy rye. It will impress any Enthusiast. It’s also one of those rare ryes that pars well with a mild or strong cigar. Whether straight, with or without water or in a pre/post dinner mixed drink, enjoy this however you want!

Mark Garbin’s Evaluation

Aromas & Flavor Appeals to: Optimal Client Type Great For:
Subtlety Aficionado Apprentice Cocktails
Power Flavor Admirer Enthusiast Neat Before Dinner
Balanced Devotee Adventurer With Food
Chameleon Lover Hedonist Dessert or Afterwards

 

Distiller.com Tasting Notes: The nose offers apple pie topped with a cinnamon crumble crust. Also find mushy overripe apples with green oak, spice, & pumpernickel bread. The palate is somewhat hot on entry & showcases cacao nibs, tobacco, dark chocolate, and malt. A fleeting but robust finish brings dry oak, cedar, sawdust, menthol, brown sugar, & more malty dark chocolate. – Jake Emen

DrinkMeMag Review: This new addition to the Balcones line offers a sumptuous nose, rich in aroma. Freshly cut leather, tobacco and cracked black pepper are held together by a fragrant Ceylon tea and sweet cedar oak. The palate offers toffee popcorn, sugar coated macadamia nuts and a touch of white pepper. As the nuttiness fades, a dark chocolate and charred caramel find their way onto the palate for a long harmonious finish.

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Don Pepin Garcia Original TAA Exclusive 2019 Review

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If you’ve been reading our reviews for the last six months, you’ve noticed we haven’t reviewed that many new cigars in 2019. That’s partially because we have a huge backlog of other cigars to get through, and also because the lion’s share of new cigars are released at or after IPCPR, the largest annual cigar tradeshow in North America (going on as I write this, in fact).

All that to say, I’m excited to finally be digging in to some of the new 2019 product, starting with the Don Pepin Garcia Original TAA Exclusive 2019. As you can see, it’s a beautiful cigar and carries all the hallmarks of Don Pepin Garcia branding.

Blend Specifics

  • Cigar Reviewed: Don Pepin Garcia Original TAA Exclusive 2019
  • Wrapper: Nicaragua
  • Binder: Nicaragua
  • Filler: Nicaragua
  • Size: 6 x 54 Toro Extra
  • Price: ~$10

Appearance & Construction

The first thing that strikes me about this cigar, besides the ornate blue and gold banding, is just how soft the cigar is. It seems packed sufficiently, but has a lot more give than I’m used to, with the most discernible soft spot under the secondary band.

The cigar is wrapped in a beautiful, nearly flawless wrapper that has just a few very minor tears that shouldn’t cause any problems in the smoking experience. Off of the foot, I take a whiff and pick up bright, nearly sneeze-inducing aromas of cedar, barnyard, and savory grilling spices. Very typical for what I know from other experiences with the Don Pepin Garcia Original.

Flavor & Smoke Characteristics

The Don Pepin Garcia Original TAA Exclusive 2019 opens up with copious amounts of sandy textured, medium bodied smoke. It’s got a bit of pepper kick off the bat, but not as much as I’ve expect from other Don Pepin blends—in this case that’s a good thing. 

For the most part, in the first third the flavors of the Don Pepin Garcia TAA 2019 are balanced between savory notes of grilling spices, cedar, and pepper, and sweeter notes of berries and a light vanilla. The retrohale is a mix of pepper and wood, thankfully not overwhelming. The ash that develops is solid and holds strong for about an inch and a half. 

As the ember nears the second third, notes of leather, white and red pepper begin to emerge, though they don’t manage to unseat the now dominant notes of espresso and black pepper. Construction remains mostly good on the burn though it does stray from time to time. So far, an enjoyable experience, but nothing groundbreaking (which let’s be honest, probably isn’t the point for this cigar). 

The next real change in pace for the Don Pepin Garcia TAA 2019 comes at the final third mark, and they are significant changes. First, the strength and body of the smoke climb to medium-full. Second, most of the sweetness that balanced the cigar out dissipates, leaving a mix of black pepper and grilling spices vying for center stage and mostly hitting the tip of the tongue. The retrohale on the other hand loses its peppery edge, leaving smooth charcoal and light toast to define the experience.

Overall, the final third is probably the least enjoyable part of the overall experience, which is too bad because I love cigars that conclude better than they begin. 

Conclusion 

I haven’t smoked the Don Pepin Original in quite a while so I’m not sure how this limited edition blend compares, but I do think I enjoyed this cigar more. Its certainly got more complexity than its regular production sibling. That said, complexity isn’t everything and the overall profile doesn’t land it at top tier status. 

Final Rating: 87

Davidoff Nicaragua Robusto Review

3 0 7.3k

Davidoff Nicaragua Review

Up for review today is the Davidoff Nicaragua, a blend that when I first smoked it after its initial release I found to be about what I expected, but still underwhelming. I decided to give the cigar another chance and give it a formal review, and I’m glad I did because the experience this time around was a complete reversal of what I experienced my first few times smoking the cigar.

Here’s some background info on the cigar from the Davidoff website:

Inspired by Zino Davidoff’s pioneering spirit, Davidoff Master Blenders went on an exploration for a new type of blend that would stimulate both the bitter and sweet taste buds. Finally, they found it in Nicaragua, where the earth is infused by the fiery activity of some of the country’s forty volcanoes. The elegant Nicaragua Toro is spicy and peppery at the beginning, before evolving into a pleasant smoke with the familiar delight of the dual Davidoff sweet and dark bitter chocolate notes.

The 100% Puro Nicaraguan blend combines a 10-year-old Habano Seed Nicaragua Rosado wrapper in a beautiful colour, with a binder from Jalapa and a filler blend of tobaccos from Esteli, Condega and Ometepe. The range comes in three sizes: Toro (5 1⁄2 inches; 54 RG); Robusto (5 inches; 50 RG) and Short Corona (3 3⁄4 inches; 46 RG).

Blend Specifics

  • Cigar Reviewed: Davidoff Nicaragua Robusto
  • Wrapper: Nicaraguan Habano Rosado
  • Binder: Jalapa
  • Filler: Esteli, Condega, and Ometepe
  • Size: 5 x 50 Robusto
  • Retail Price: ~#20

Appearance & Construction

The outer wrapper of the Davidoff Nicaragua is marbled dark brown and rugged, with some very noticeable seams and veins running the length of the cigar. 

When squeezed, the cigar has a moderate amount of give, more than I’m used to on most Davidoff cigars. In addition, the softness seems most substantial at about halfway down the cigar. The aroma off of the foot is very gentle and unassuming, a mix of light earth, mixed berries, and slight spice that tingles the nose. The draw is good, though a bit loose (about a 6.5/10 in terms of restrictiveness). 

Flavor and Smoke Characteristics 

The Davidoff Nicaragua Robusto opens much stronger than I remember it being. Body and strength are both at medium on lift off, though there is a spice that’s surprisingly strong and frankly out of character for Davidoff. Flavors on the palate and aroma include toasted oak, black pepper, bitter sweet espresso, granola and grilling spices. The overall balance is between sweet, savory, and spicy, and, true to Davidoff form, it’s all balanced expertly. This gives the Davidoff Nicaragua an elegance that is rare on Nicaraguan blends with similar flavor profiles. The first ash holds well past the inch, and the cigar continues producing an excellent amount of cool (though spicy) smoke. 

By the second third, I’m picking up some distinctive cocoa on the draw, followed by toasted wood, black pepper, and savory grilling spices. The retrohale is full of hot spices and peppers, but isn’t overly aggressive. This adds a great additional layer to the experience, and I’m loving this cigar so far. 

At halfway, that great chocolate note gives way to a semi sweet, dry wood. Although the body of the smoke remains at medium, the strength of flavor (and the spice) settles below medium. This is reflected on the retrohale as well, which is now very smooth and woody. The construction of the cigar remains almost perfect, with a nearly straight burn and great smoke production. 

This doesn’t last long, because in the final third, the pepper and charred wood come roaring back, unencumbered by almost any other flavors. It’s not the most enjoyable end, but it does seem to be somehow fitting given what came before. A thoroughly enjoyable smoke. 

Conclusion 

An altogether different experience than when I first smoked this cigar in 2014. So different that it may as well be a different blend (though of course in reality it is not).  The Davidoff Nicaragua is a wonderfully crafted medium to full bodied smoke that combines sweet, spicy, and savory flavors expertly. If you’re a fan of Davidoff or of Nicaraguan tobacco, this is a must smoke cigar. 

Final Rating: 93

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