Excellent!
This is one cigar that has piqued my interest.
I've seen one or two in Portland, but have been hesitant to pull the trigger on them.
Gonna take a more serious look. May get one to rest for a bit to try.
I'm curious Rip, are picking these up online, local B & M's or through a private party? The reason I ask is, I've done most purchasing through the Internet because my B & M connections are sparse and weak. Where as Lee has access to stuff I don't think I'd ever see at any store close to me. Thanks for the great review!!
Thanks Tony. I can gurentee you this that you will not be disappointed. This is an excellent smoke. In fact, on of the top five 2012 release. I am very surprised with the overall top class performance.
0patience:
Excellent!
This is one cigar that has piqued my interest.
I've seen one or two in Portland, but have been hesitant to pull the trigger on them.
Gonna take a more serious look. May get one to rest for a bit to try.
Thanks Jim for your kind words. Dustin sent me this cigar. You cannot buy this on-line because this cigar is strictly for few B&M sells only. Sorry I only got one and now Dustin have to get more for me LOL. He spoiled me forever.
Bigshizza:
I'm curious Rip, are picking these up online, local B & M's or through a private party? The reason I ask is, I've done most purchasing through the Internet because my B & M connections are sparse and weak. Where as Lee has access to stuff I don't think I'd ever see at any store close to me. Thanks for the great review!!
Daniel this is truly a very good smoke. Please do not miss to smoke one if you find in your B&M. Please make sure that you have a full stomach. It has some powerful kick.
Here are my notes:
First third: Draw is excellent and upon lighting the cigar you are immediately met with full flavors of light roasted coffee. I pictured lightly roasted beans of a caramel type color in my head as I got into the first third, something of a breakfast blend. A dark heavy nut flavor was introduced quickly, with light cream, and a strong spice on the retrohale, but not pepper. In my opinion I would liken the spice to nutmeg or cinnamon. The finish is incredibly smooth being light on the tip of the tongue, and leaving the back of the tongue salivating on the tasting notes. I would say the body is medium in profile at this point with the majority of the finish on the back of the tongue. The Don specifically stated he wanted a cigar that came out with plenty of flavor up front and the Inception delivers.
Second third: I found the cigar to smooth out in the second third with a very light finish. The flavor profile stayed the same, but less pronounced and the finish is what I enjoyed. Nothing was over powering, and I began to notice a marked sweetness similar to a dark honey. The spice at this point became a pronounced cinnamon note on the tongue. Honestly, I was enjoying the smoke at this point and very impressed so I was more concerned with enjoying the smooth creamy finish instead of identifying flavors.
Final Third: The flavor profile was retained through the final third, but the cigar took an odd turn in my book. As most Nicaraguan cigars pick up steam, this one mellowed and the signature flavors took over in a very smooth format. The cream and cinnamon stood out, yet the cigar never got stronger, never got bitter, no tar, and I was surprised at how creamy it became. To me, the smoothness of the final third was the opposite of what I’ve experienced with most cigars and I cannot think of many that do this off the top of my head. I burned my fingers on the nub…..
I really want to review this again, simply to take teh time and sit down with it. When I did this review, I was at a private tasting that the Don setup and invited me to so I could take notes and give the owner of teh B&M my thoughts on the blend. Obviously I liked it, the owner got 5 boxes of each size, adn sold all of them out. He got 5 more of each and is plowing through them. I am not sure if the one I sent you was from a new or old box hoenstly. He is the first store getting the Reagan too, as the owner of EZ likes the owner of my shop. He is the kind of B&M owner that has a passion like us, and the reps know it and send him stuff accordingly. I honetsly think given the filler and double binder, this cigar would absolutely shine with 2-3 years aging. I always tell people to check it out if they get a chance, and to do so on a clean palette as the finish is ridiculously clean. This is the type of medium cigar I would explain the profile as delicate.
BTW Rip, check out the L'Atelier LAT54 when you get a chance. It blew my mind recently, and had a marked note of Tea that I think you would freak out over. Solid cheaper smoke from Pete Johnson.
Thanks for sharing your notes Dustin. It is extremely smooth, buttery and round.
catfishbluezz:
Here are my notes:
First third: Draw is excellent and upon lighting the cigar you are immediately met with full flavors of light roasted coffee. I pictured lightly roasted beans of a caramel type color in my head as I got into the first third, something of a breakfast blend. A dark heavy nut flavor was introduced quickly, with light cream, and a strong spice on the retrohale, but not pepper. In my opinion I would liken the spice to nutmeg or cinnamon. The finish is incredibly smooth being light on the tip of the tongue, and leaving the back of the tongue salivating on the tasting notes. I would say the body is medium in profile at this point with the majority of the finish on the back of the tongue. The Don specifically stated he wanted a cigar that came out with plenty of flavor up front and the Inception delivers.
Second third: I found the cigar to smooth out in the second third with a very light finish. The flavor profile stayed the same, but less pronounced and the finish is what I enjoyed. Nothing was over powering, and I began to notice a marked sweetness similar to a dark honey. The spice at this point became a pronounced cinnamon note on the tongue. Honestly, I was enjoying the smoke at this point and very impressed so I was more concerned with enjoying the smooth creamy finish instead of identifying flavors.
Final Third: The flavor profile was retained through the final third, but the cigar took an odd turn in my book. As most Nicaraguan cigars pick up steam, this one mellowed and the signature flavors took over in a very smooth format. The cream and cinnamon stood out, yet the cigar never got stronger, never got bitter, no tar, and I was surprised at how creamy it became. To me, the smoothness of the final third was the opposite of what I’ve experienced with most cigars and I cannot think of many that do this off the top of my head. I burned my fingers on the nub…..
I completely agree with you on aging potential. It has a good amount of ligeros.
I haven't smoke the L'Atelier yet. I like tea note in a cigar, that's why I love La Palina 1986 and Little Bill. I heard it is a very aromatic cigar.
catfishbluezz:
I really want to review this again, simply to take teh time and sit down with it. When I did this review, I was at a private tasting that the Don setup and invited me to so I could take notes and give the owner of teh B&M my thoughts on the blend. Obviously I liked it, the owner got 5 boxes of each size, adn sold all of them out. He got 5 more of each and is plowing through them. I am not sure if the one I sent you was from a new or old box hoenstly. He is the first store getting the Reagan too, as the owner of EZ likes the owner of my shop. He is the kind of B&M owner that has a passion like us, and the reps know it and send him stuff accordingly. I honetsly think given the filler and double binder, this cigar would absolutely shine with 2-3 years aging. I always tell people to check it out if they get a chance, and to do so on a clean palette as the finish is ridiculously clean. This is the type of medium cigar I would explain the profile as delicate.
BTW Rip, check out the L'Atelier LAT54 when you get a chance. It blew my mind recently, and had a marked note of Tea that I think you would freak out over. Solid cheaper smoke from Pete Johnson.
Thanks for the review rip!! You always make these dang sticks sound so good!! Ill keep my eye out for them but for my wallets sake can't you review a nasty stick lol
You are welcome Lee. This is indeed a great smoke for the Nicaraguan cigar lover, specially who enjoy special Vijae or Padron lone. If you can provide me a name of the nasty(?) smoke, I will review it for you LOL. When I get a box I will be glad to share one with you. On a side note, I just discovered another great smoke. I will post the review shortly.
Lee.mcglynn:
Thanks for the review rip!! You always make these dang sticks sound so good!! Ill keep my eye out for them but for my wallets sake can't you review a nasty stick lol
Zino's Crown series is an expensive cigar. Initially, the target group was the successful professional and also the upcoming younger jetsetter who enjoy urban lifestyle and also looking for high life with moderate price. The second group simply didn't find the Crown series price very wallet friendly. So Zino came up with the Z class, four sizes (Toro, Pyramid, corona and robusto) with moderate price line. However, the blend remains medium-full bodied for both Crown and Z class. This cigar was also designed mainly for the US market. In celebration of the ten-year anniversary of Zino Platinum, the brand has produced a premium collector’s edition set of four custom boxes in collaboration with urban artists UR New York. Dubbed “The Make”, this collector’s edition celebrates the self-made man and his success, as well as ten years of redefining cigars and a new generation of cigar smokers. Zino Platinum, an ultra-premium cigar brand, introduces the new ZP Ten New York Collector’s?Edition featuring urban art by URNY and Zino Platinum Ten Salomones.?In commemoration of the tenth anniversary, Zino Platinum has unveiled two limited editions, both accented by a brand new blue and black band and unique packaging. The?ZP Ten New York Collector’s Edition, a toro especial, weighs in at 5 ½” x 60. Featuring a Nicaraguan Rosada wrapper, Dominican Piloto binder and Dominican and Peruvian filler tobaccos, the Toro is a full-bodied cigar. Available in a 10-count box, the Collector’s Edition boxes feature four custom graffiti-inspired pieces created by UR New York, an urban artist collective who have redefined themselves and the landscape that surrounds them. Limited to 500 pieces each, “the artwork will adorn four different collector’s edition boxes,” said Richard Krutick, Davidoff’s head of marketing. “The collection is inspired by the innovators, the risk takers, the mavericks—those who capture the spirit of Zino Platinum.” The Collector’s Edition will be sold in a unit of 4?boxes with one of each design included. The second format, Zino Platinum Ten Salomones, comes in at 7 ¼” x 57 and will be available in a 64-count acrylic cube featuring black matter rubberized accents. The majestic Salomones format is a spectacular indulgence for the aficionado of Nicaraguan tobaccos. The medium-to-full bodied blend experiences an addition of spices and?peppery notes through the addition of Criollo tobaccos and a share of Ligero. Small amounts of added Visus from Peru give the blend hints of sweetness. The cigar gets perfect balance through the beautiful Nicaraguan Rosada wrapper from 2004. Each 64-?count box will be custom engraved with the name of the retail location it is purchased by. With only 340 boxes available globally and 200 in the United States, the Salomones?is even more limited in nature than the Toro. The ZP Ten New York Collector’s Edition Toro will retail at $18 per cigar and begin shipping August 28, 2012. The Zino Platinum Ten Salomones will follow the Toro in early September, which will retail at $29.50 per cigar.[Source: Zino Press Release and my personal conversation with one of Davidoff’s marketing executive] It is a massive extra Robusto size with 60 ring gauge cigar. The wrapper is beautiful reddish brown, few veins, slightly toothy. It has woody, hay and earthy scent at the foot. The cold draw has a wonderful sweet cocoa, slight fruity note. It is a heavy cigar and feels good in hand. The draw, burn and construction are perfect as any other Davidoff cigar. It is extremely complex, balanced with long finish. The smoke is buttery, creamy, round, mouthful with delicate smoothness. The flavor profile is a combination of wood (oak), earth, spice (75%white/25%black), mild leather, cocoa, sweet cafe latte, coffee, cinnamon, cardamom, cocoa flavors with delicate but crispy and sharp sweet-peppery aroma and fruity note with brown sugar kind of sweetness. Wrapper: Nicaraguan Rosada
Binder: Dominican Piloto
Filler: Dominican Criollo Visus, Piloto Ligero, San Vicente Visus, Pelo de Oro Visus 1/3: It opens with wood (oak), damp earth, cocoa powder flavors with mild leathery aroma at the back. There is also a hint of aromatic cardamom and brown sugary sweetness. It is completely smooth without any harshness. It is already buttery, creamy, round and mouthful in texture. There is also a very delicate mix of white & black peppery finish. This is a great start-wow! The top of my tongue has a delicate touch of white/ black pepper spiciness, the middle of my tongue is filled with creamy and round texture with above flavors and aroma, the back of my tongue is clean. The strength is straight medium but very soft and delicate. It has the clear Henke Kelner touch with complete Davidoff characteristics. I can feel the softness of San Vicente that is a sub group of bold Piloto tobacco. However, I am not feeling the as usual acidic note of San Vicente tobacco. It has more Pelo de Oro sweetness from the start. This is a reason why I respect Henke so much. He is not only a blender but also a magician. I am retrohaling from the first puff and enjoying the crispy and sharp spiciness through the nose. As I mentioned earlier that the spiciness is almost (white 75%/black25%) which is easy to inhale but does not hurt the nose tunnel. I am already in love with it. 2/3: it starts with a nice complexity at this stage with more distinctive sweet earth, sweet cafe latte, aromatic cinnamon-cardamom flavors with thick cocoa powder and nutty(cashew nut) notes at the back. After each puff, the brown sugar sweetness hit the spot right away. The balanced sweet-spiciness of this cigar is more than any Davidoff I have ever smoked. There is also a pleasant Cuban like mild fruity aroma after each puff. It deserves additional points for its complexity at this stage. This is interesting because usually cigars pick more strength at 2/3 marks. The other interesting thing is though it is medium bodied but the strength toned down a little compares to 1/3 stage. The lighter strength is helping me to enjoy the layers and layers of new flavors and aroma. This is why I love medium bodied cigar. The smoke is completely buttery and melting in my mouth with a sweet dry finish. The top of my tongue has a delicate zing of white peppery spiciness, the middle of my tongue is filled with creamy, buttery, round texture with above flavors and aroma, the side of my tongue has a nutty finish and the back of my tongue has a sweet-super mild tobacco bitterness. The white-black peppery crispy spiciness through the nose is unbelievably enjoyable-wow! My entire mouth has a silky layer with soft surface. This is the first time I took a sip of iced water because I really didn't want to clean my palate. Apparently, I found a new love in my life. Final/3: At this stage the body is picking up more strength to medium with more spicy black peppery and sweet earthy, aromatic cinnamon, medium coffee flavors. The woodiness, cardamom, cafe latte flavor, white peppery finishes are at the back. I am detecting a mild saltiness at the finish. It is coming from the San Vicente tobacco. At the same time brown sugar sweetness with mild Cuban like fruitiness is still there. This is extremely a very complex cigar and gains additional points again. Until now the draw and burn is perfect. I am feeling a layer of buttery cocoa flavor right the middle of my tongue. The entire flavors and aroma profile is locked within a creamy shield. The top of my tongue has a soft sweet-spiciness, the middle of my tongue is completely covered with a blanket of creamy and round texture with above flavors and aroma, the side of my tongue has the thick nuttiness, the back of my tongue has the sweet tobacco finish. The bitterness is gone. This is one of the best Davidoff cigars not only in Zino line but the entire Davidoff line. Henke Kelner did it one more time. I am not only retrohaling but also literally inhaling some smoke because it is so smooth without any sign of harshness. It definitely has aged tobacco Otherwise it is not possible to make such a smooth cigar. I am simply lost.
Final thought: Again, I do not hesitate to say that this is one of the best cigars in the entire Davidoff cigar line. This cigar does not require any aging because with aging it might loose the crispy and sharpness of the smoke. This cigar was blended to smoke right now. At the same time, some aging will mellow down the black peppery spiciness that can also make it more subtle and delicate smoke. I believe that I have to wait and see after six months. It is a very limited production and I am glad to purchase an entire box. This cigar will be more enjoyable in Salomones shape because I can already imagine that. This smoke is for them who enjoy delicate, relaxing smoking with layers and layers of flavors and aroma. The regular Z class cigar is a very good smoke but not as good as this. It does lives up to its hype and the price is justifiable. I am also getting the nicotine buzz at the end. Overall, a fantastic smoke and need to be smoked at least once in a lifetime...period. I highly recommend this cigar without any reservation.
What I love about Rip's reviews is that he always finds drop dead georgeous, exotic, classy cigars that most guys have no experience with and manages to bring them to life. It's kind of like Playboy Magazine; he reveals all the places that you'd just love to be with finesse and style.
Wow...that's a wonderful compliment. I sincerely appreciate your kind words. I think, when passion gets involved things become more live and interesting. When I smoke a good cigar, I smoke it with open mind and my heart and soul gets involved. I never think about what the advertisement say, it comes from deep inside me. It is always between me and the cigar. The rest of the world stay aside.
JDH:
What I love about Rip's reviews is that he always finds drop dead georgeous, exotic, classy cigars that most guys have no experience with and manages to bring them to life. It's kind of like Playboy Magazine; he reveals all the places that you'd just love to be with finesse and style.
Robaina was born in Alquízar in La Habana Province of Cuba but he grew up and lived most of his life in the renowned tobacco-growing Vuelta Abajo district of Pinar del Río Province where his family had been growing tobacco since 1845. He became involved with his family's tobacco growing business at the age of ten, having smoked his first cigar just shortly before then. He took over the operations of the plantation after the death of his father Maruto Robaina—also an acclaimed tobacco grower—in 1950 and remained an independent grower even after the 1959 Cuban Revolution when plantations were often absorbed into cooperative organizations. In a 2006 interview with Cigar Aficionado magazine, Robaina stated that he spoke with Castro and that he "told Fidel I did not like cooperatives or state farms and that the best way to grow tobacco was through family production. He wanted me to join a cooperative and I told him no. The tobacco leaves from Robaina's plantations are often considered among the best in the world and have been used by high quality cigars brands such as Cohiba and Hoyo de Monterrey. Robaina himself has been dubbed the "Godfather of Cuban tobacco. During the 1990s, Robaina was recognized by the Cuban government as the country's best tobacco grower. In 1997, Vegas Robaina cigar brand was created by the Cuban government-owned company Habanos S.A. to honour Robaina's accomplishments in the industry, although cigar experts have had a hard time detecting Robaina's tobacco in the cigar and Robaina himself never provided a definitive answer. Robaina is the only tobacco grower with a Cuban cigar named after himself and has spent several decades travelling the world as Cuba's unofficial tobacco and cigar ambassador. His travelling subsided as he got older and he received visits at his home and plantation by thousands of cigar enthusiasts and tourists annually. Robaina was diagnosed with cancer in 2009 and died in his home on his tobacco plantation near San Luis, Pinar del Río. He handed over the majority of the day-to-day operations of the plantation to his grandson Hiroshi several years before his death.(Source: Wikipedia) This cigar has been one of my favorite Cuban for a while. In fact, Unicos is one of the finest torpedos in the world, along with Montecrsito #2. Cohiba is the most popular Cuban brand but I preserve a special fondness with Robina's unique aromatic cigars. I never had a bad Robina cigar and I smoked many boxes. The wrapper is milk chocolate color, has few veins and oil on the surface. It has cedar and mild earth scent on the foot. This cigar is very complex, extremely rich, flavorful, super smooth without any harshness. The main flavor profile is a combination of strong aromatic fruity-flowery aroma, cocoa, cafe latte, mocha, creamy milk chocolate, wood, spice (black 50%: white 50%), earth, distinctive nut(toasted almond) flavors that gets stronger as the cigar goes on. From the start to finish it has a distinctive sugarcane kind of clean and sharp sweetness and delicate peppery finish at the back in each puff. It has perfect burn and easy draw. The cigar is straight medium to full-bodied. Sometime I get confused which is my favorite Cuban brand- Cohiba or Vegas Robina. Of course, I am not comparing this with limited release Cohiba Gran Reserva Conseca 2003. Robina cigar has mainly five lines with couple other regional releases that I am not very fond of. IMPO, regional releases are simply a marketing strategy and rarely add any special values. However, I like the Espana version but at the same time not crazy for it. The one I am smoking has been aged over four years. It has many similar elements of Don Alejandro. Wrapper: Cuba
Binder: Cuba
Filler: Cuba 1/3: The cigar starts with the blast of distinctive Cuban aromatic fruity-flowery flavor and aroma. This is what I love about Cuban tobacco that cannot be replaced by any other cigar producing country outside Cuba. This is a signature flavor profile of any good Cuban cigar. Somehow Vegas Robina does the job better than other CC. It has spice (black-white), dry wood, earth, cocoa flavors with toasted nutty (almond), distinctive sugarcane sweetness and peppery finish at the back. The top of my tongue can feel the fine balanced spiciness, the middle of my tongue feel the creamy texture with above flavors and aroma, the back of my tongue has no aftertaste rather than a subtle sweet edge. What a smooth, creamy and pleasant taste! The back of tongue has no bitterness rather than the fine, sweet tobacco finish. I am retrohaling from the first puff and enjoying the smooth and soft peppery finish through the nose. 2/3: The beauty of this cigar is, it gradually picks up the strength, body and long complex finish just like Don Alejandro. It is picking up more strength with additional flavors and aroma. It is like a fine piece of fruitcake with layers of different flavor and aroma. The top of my tongue can feel more subtle spiciness; the middle of my tongue is full of smooth, creamy, round, mouthful texture. Along with the 1/3 flavor profile, the new flavors are cafe latte, smooth milk chocolate flavor and aroma with a touch of aged woodiness and distinctive roasted almond finish at the back. Reminds me of a Cuban Davidoff cigar. The sweet earthy aroma goes so well with the flavor profile. The back of my tongue can only feel the aged super fine tobaccos sweet-bitterness which adds extra fun with the smoking experience. The strength is straight medium with extreme complexity, balanced flavor and aroma and long finish. The retrohale has the aromatic spiciness through the nose. My mouth has been very busy with a delicate but crispy tingling feeling-wow! Final/3: At this stage the cigar wakes up with a boosting intensity and strength. The complexity, flavor, aroma, strength, long finishes declare the fame of Don Robina. You can tell why people respect him for his artisan skills. The top of my tongue is full of spice; the middle of my tongue is enjoying the wide tingly feeling with 2/3 marks flavors and aroma. I am also detecting more cocoa; cafe mocha flavors and a intense white cardamom, nutty-vanilla finish at the back. This is the perfect example of why people respect Cuban cigar for its unique aromatic flavor and aroma. You just can't simply copy without tobacco from the world famous Vuelta Abajo region. Only mighty nature can gifts this kind of advantage to a certain country. The cigar is still medium bodied and the flavor and aroma is simply roaring at this stage. The complexity, flavors and aroma is ever changing in this cigar. It keeps a smoker busy and maintains an interesting smoking profile. During retrohale, the spiciness is stronger and gives a nice quick spicy kick through the nose but still clean, smooth and crispy. The finish is more into the dry side but the aromatic aroma keeps it interesting. The entire mouth and lips are full of tingling feeling with balanced spiciness. This cigar is all about intense flavors and aroma. It is possible to write up couple pages of article to describe the ever-changing flavors and aroma. It picks up score after score in complexity, balance and finish. Overall, it is like smoking a sweet milk chocolate bar.
Final thought: This is one of the best Cuban cigar in the market...period. This is the cigar we talk about aging and enjoy the maturity of complex and balanced flavor and aroma. I am always a huge fan of Cuban cigars, why? The reason is the Vegas Robina. Robina's cigar line is short because they maintain quality. I always loose interest when a cigar maker adds new line every year because its end up compromising the quality. I hope Robina's new boss Hiroshi sticks with this ideology and maintain the core line. When I meet him in Cuba, I will request him in person. We love and respect Robina for his honesty and integrity. Few of us are aware of a fact about Robiana's tobacco farm. After the Cuban revolution Castro never took over Robina's farm. He allowed him to have the privacy and do his job. On top of that Don Robina became the Ambassador of Cuban cigars to the world. He did this job with great success until his death. Robina has been very vocal and straightforward about Cuban cigar, at the same time he was a very soft spoken and humble tobacco farmer. The cigar world always preserves a special fondness about him. One of my friends served three times in Cuba and he told me that Robina told him that he was upset couple times when many of his employees started using his name without his approval. I find some similarity between Don Alejandro and Jose Orlando Padron. Both are creative cigar artist and never compromise with quality. The same friend gave me a photograph of Robina with his autograph. I well guard this special gift as a masterpiece of art with great respect. People like Robina do not come to our life frequently but they live in our mind forever. I want to visit his graveyard in Cuba and spiritually let him know that how much I love his creation. Viva Don Robina.
That picture is friggin awesome... Talk about the perfect compliment to any cigar room... I love VR, cannot wait to have boxes of them over the next few years in different aging states.
Another spot-on review. The VR Unicos are always in stock at the CdLH in Kuwait. Everyone buys Cohiba's and Monte 2's. I've been partial to the Unicos and the Petit Edmundo's myself.
It is hanging on the wall in my Man Cave. I am very proud of this picture. See if you can find a box from 2008. It is little better than other years.
catfishbluezz:
That picture is friggin awesome... Talk about the perfect compliment to any cigar room... I love VR, cannot wait to have boxes of them over the next few years in different aging states.
Thanks Steve... I agree people pay more attention to Cohiba and Monti. They are very good cigars but Robina's cigars are unique. Also, Robina does not get the promotion as Cohiba or Monti. However, real smokers know about this gem.
Steve2010:
Another spot-on review. The VR Unicos are always in stock at the CdLH in Kuwait. Everyone buys Cohiba's and Monte 2's. I've been partial to the Unicos and the Petit Edmundo's myself.
Rip I'm gonna change the subject for a minute. My friends cousin is in Nicaragua at the moment and is making some cigars with Nestor plascencia. Pretty cool if you ask me.
That's cool. How long he is going to be in Nicaragua? If he comes to the capital Mangua let me know. Plancensia factory is in another city calls Esteli. I am not going to be in Esteli for a while. Next week I am heading to Panama and Cuba for ten days. If you attest him as a cool guy then I wouldn't mind to meet him after I return from Cuba.
rwheelwright:
Rip I'm gonna change the subject for a minute. My friends cousin is in Nicaragua at the moment and is making some cigars with Nestor plascencia. Pretty cool if you ask me.
Comments
This is one cigar that has piqued my interest.
I've seen one or two in Portland, but have been hesitant to pull the trigger on them.
Gonna take a more serious look. May get one to rest for a bit to try.
First third: Draw is excellent and upon lighting the cigar you are immediately met with full flavors of light roasted coffee. I pictured lightly roasted beans of a caramel type color in my head as I got into the first third, something of a breakfast blend. A dark heavy nut flavor was introduced quickly, with light cream, and a strong spice on the retrohale, but not pepper. In my opinion I would liken the spice to nutmeg or cinnamon. The finish is incredibly smooth being light on the tip of the tongue, and leaving the back of the tongue salivating on the tasting notes. I would say the body is medium in profile at this point with the majority of the finish on the back of the tongue. The Don specifically stated he wanted a cigar that came out with plenty of flavor up front and the Inception delivers.
Second third: I found the cigar to smooth out in the second third with a very light finish. The flavor profile stayed the same, but less pronounced and the finish is what I enjoyed. Nothing was over powering, and I began to notice a marked sweetness similar to a dark honey. The spice at this point became a pronounced cinnamon note on the tongue. Honestly, I was enjoying the smoke at this point and very impressed so I was more concerned with enjoying the smooth creamy finish instead of identifying flavors.
Final Third: The flavor profile was retained through the final third, but the cigar took an odd turn in my book. As most Nicaraguan cigars pick up steam, this one mellowed and the signature flavors took over in a very smooth format. The cream and cinnamon stood out, yet the cigar never got stronger, never got bitter, no tar, and I was surprised at how creamy it became. To me, the smoothness of the final third was the opposite of what I’ve experienced with most cigars and I cannot think of many that do this off the top of my head. I burned my fingers on the nub…..
BTW Rip, check out the L'Atelier LAT54 when you get a chance. It blew my mind recently, and had a marked note of Tea that I think you would freak out over. Solid cheaper smoke from Pete Johnson.
I haven't smoke the L'Atelier yet. I like tea note in a cigar, that's why I love La Palina 1986 and Little Bill. I heard it is a very aromatic cigar.
Zino Platinum, an ultra-premium cigar brand, introduces the new ZP Ten New York Collector’s?Edition featuring urban art by URNY and Zino Platinum Ten Salomones.?In commemoration of the tenth anniversary, Zino Platinum has unveiled two limited editions, both accented by a brand new blue and black band and unique packaging. The?ZP Ten New York Collector’s Edition, a toro especial, weighs in at 5 ½” x 60. Featuring a Nicaraguan Rosada wrapper, Dominican Piloto binder and Dominican and Peruvian filler tobaccos, the Toro is a full-bodied cigar. Available in a 10-count box, the Collector’s Edition boxes feature four custom graffiti-inspired pieces created by UR New York, an urban artist collective who have redefined themselves and the landscape that surrounds them. Limited to 500 pieces each, “the artwork will adorn four different collector’s edition boxes,” said Richard Krutick, Davidoff’s head of marketing. “The collection is inspired by the innovators, the risk takers, the mavericks—those who capture the spirit of Zino Platinum.” The Collector’s Edition will be sold in a unit of 4?boxes with one of each design included.
The second format, Zino Platinum Ten Salomones, comes in at 7 ¼” x 57 and will be available in a 64-count acrylic cube featuring black matter rubberized accents. The majestic Salomones format is a spectacular indulgence for the aficionado of Nicaraguan tobaccos. The medium-to-full bodied blend experiences an addition of spices and?peppery notes through the addition of Criollo tobaccos and a share of Ligero. Small amounts of added Visus from Peru give the blend hints of sweetness. The cigar gets perfect balance through the beautiful Nicaraguan Rosada wrapper from 2004. Each 64-?count box will be custom engraved with the name of the retail location it is purchased by. With only 340 boxes available globally and 200 in the United States, the Salomones?is even more limited in nature than the Toro. The ZP Ten New York Collector’s Edition Toro will retail at $18 per cigar and begin shipping August 28, 2012. The Zino Platinum Ten Salomones will follow the Toro in early September, which will retail at $29.50 per cigar.[Source: Zino Press Release and my personal conversation with one of Davidoff’s marketing executive]
It is a massive extra Robusto size with 60 ring gauge cigar. The wrapper is beautiful reddish brown, few veins, slightly toothy. It has woody, hay and earthy scent at the foot. The cold draw has a wonderful sweet cocoa, slight fruity note. It is a heavy cigar and feels good in hand. The draw, burn and construction are perfect as any other Davidoff cigar. It is extremely complex, balanced with long finish. The smoke is buttery, creamy, round, mouthful with delicate smoothness. The flavor profile is a combination of wood (oak), earth, spice (75%white/25%black), mild leather, cocoa, sweet cafe latte, coffee, cinnamon, cardamom, cocoa flavors with delicate but crispy and sharp sweet-peppery aroma and fruity note with brown sugar kind of sweetness.
Wrapper: Nicaraguan Rosada
Binder: Dominican Piloto
Filler: Dominican Criollo Visus, Piloto Ligero, San Vicente Visus, Pelo de Oro Visus
1/3: It opens with wood (oak), damp earth, cocoa powder flavors with mild leathery aroma at the back. There is also a hint of aromatic cardamom and brown sugary sweetness. It is completely smooth without any harshness. It is already buttery, creamy, round and mouthful in texture. There is also a very delicate mix of white & black peppery finish. This is a great start-wow! The top of my tongue has a delicate touch of white/ black pepper spiciness, the middle of my tongue is filled with creamy and round texture with above flavors and aroma, the back of my tongue is clean. The strength is straight medium but very soft and delicate. It has the clear Henke Kelner touch with complete Davidoff characteristics. I can feel the softness of San Vicente that is a sub group of bold Piloto tobacco. However, I am not feeling the as usual acidic note of San Vicente tobacco. It has more Pelo de Oro sweetness from the start. This is a reason why I respect Henke so much. He is not only a blender but also a magician. I am retrohaling from the first puff and enjoying the crispy and sharp spiciness through the nose. As I mentioned earlier that the spiciness is almost (white 75%/black25%) which is easy to inhale but does not hurt the nose tunnel. I am already in love with it.
2/3: it starts with a nice complexity at this stage with more distinctive sweet earth, sweet cafe latte, aromatic cinnamon-cardamom flavors with thick cocoa powder and nutty(cashew nut) notes at the back. After each puff, the brown sugar sweetness hit the spot right away. The balanced sweet-spiciness of this cigar is more than any Davidoff I have ever smoked. There is also a pleasant Cuban like mild fruity aroma after each puff. It deserves additional points for its complexity at this stage. This is interesting because usually cigars pick more strength at 2/3 marks. The other interesting thing is though it is medium bodied but the strength toned down a little compares to 1/3 stage. The lighter strength is helping me to enjoy the layers and layers of new flavors and aroma. This is why I love medium bodied cigar. The smoke is completely buttery and melting in my mouth with a sweet dry finish. The top of my tongue has a delicate zing of white peppery spiciness, the middle of my tongue is filled with creamy, buttery, round texture with above flavors and aroma, the side of my tongue has a nutty finish and the back of my tongue has a sweet-super mild tobacco bitterness. The white-black peppery crispy spiciness through the nose is unbelievably enjoyable-wow! My entire mouth has a silky layer with soft surface. This is the first time I took a sip of iced water because I really didn't want to clean my palate. Apparently, I found a new love in my life.
Final/3: At this stage the body is picking up more strength to medium with more spicy black peppery and sweet earthy, aromatic cinnamon, medium coffee flavors. The woodiness, cardamom, cafe latte flavor, white peppery finishes are at the back. I am detecting a mild saltiness at the finish. It is coming from the San Vicente tobacco. At the same time brown sugar sweetness with mild Cuban like fruitiness is still there. This is extremely a very complex cigar and gains additional points again. Until now the draw and burn is perfect. I am feeling a layer of buttery cocoa flavor right the middle of my tongue. The entire flavors and aroma profile is locked within a creamy shield. The top of my tongue has a soft sweet-spiciness, the middle of my tongue is completely covered with a blanket of creamy and round texture with above flavors and aroma, the side of my tongue has the thick nuttiness, the back of my tongue has the sweet tobacco finish. The bitterness is gone. This is one of the best Davidoff cigars not only in Zino line but the entire Davidoff line. Henke Kelner did it one more time. I am not only retrohaling but also literally inhaling some smoke because it is so smooth without any sign of harshness. It definitely has aged tobacco Otherwise it is not possible to make such a smooth cigar. I am simply lost.
Final thought: Again, I do not hesitate to say that this is one of the best cigars in the entire Davidoff cigar line. This cigar does not require any aging because with aging it might loose the crispy and sharpness of the smoke. This cigar was blended to smoke right now. At the same time, some aging will mellow down the black peppery spiciness that can also make it more subtle and delicate smoke. I believe that I have to wait and see after six months. It is a very limited production and I am glad to purchase an entire box. This cigar will be more enjoyable in Salomones shape because I can already imagine that. This smoke is for them who enjoy delicate, relaxing smoking with layers and layers of flavors and aroma. The regular Z class cigar is a very good smoke but not as good as this. It does lives up to its hype and the price is justifiable. I am also getting the nicotine buzz at the end. Overall, a fantastic smoke and need to be smoked at least once in a lifetime...period. I highly recommend this cigar without any reservation.
Many thanks Rip!
Robaina was born in Alquízar in La Habana Province of Cuba but he grew up and lived most of his life in the renowned tobacco-growing Vuelta Abajo district of Pinar del Río Province where his family had been growing tobacco since 1845. He became involved with his family's tobacco growing business at the age of ten, having smoked his first cigar just shortly before then. He took over the operations of the plantation after the death of his father Maruto Robaina—also an acclaimed tobacco grower—in 1950 and remained an independent grower even after the 1959 Cuban Revolution when plantations were often absorbed into cooperative organizations. In a 2006 interview with Cigar Aficionado magazine, Robaina stated that he spoke with Castro and that he "told Fidel I did not like cooperatives or state farms and that the best way to grow tobacco was through family production. He wanted me to join a cooperative and I told him no. The tobacco leaves from Robaina's plantations are often considered among the best in the world and have been used by high quality cigars brands such as Cohiba and Hoyo de Monterrey. Robaina himself has been dubbed the "Godfather of Cuban tobacco. During the 1990s, Robaina was recognized by the Cuban government as the country's best tobacco grower. In 1997, Vegas Robaina cigar brand was created by the Cuban government-owned company Habanos S.A. to honour Robaina's accomplishments in the industry, although cigar experts have had a hard time detecting Robaina's tobacco in the cigar and Robaina himself never provided a definitive answer. Robaina is the only tobacco grower with a Cuban cigar named after himself and has spent several decades travelling the world as Cuba's unofficial tobacco and cigar ambassador. His travelling subsided as he got older and he received visits at his home and plantation by thousands of cigar enthusiasts and tourists annually.
Robaina was diagnosed with cancer in 2009 and died in his home on his tobacco plantation near San Luis, Pinar del Río. He handed over the majority of the day-to-day operations of the plantation to his grandson Hiroshi several years before his death.(Source: Wikipedia)
This cigar has been one of my favorite Cuban for a while. In fact, Unicos is one of the finest torpedos in the world, along with Montecrsito #2. Cohiba is the most popular Cuban brand but I preserve a special fondness with Robina's unique aromatic cigars. I never had a bad Robina cigar and I smoked many boxes. The wrapper is milk chocolate color, has few veins and oil on the surface. It has cedar and mild earth scent on the foot. This cigar is very complex, extremely rich, flavorful, super smooth without any harshness. The main flavor profile is a combination of strong aromatic fruity-flowery aroma, cocoa, cafe latte, mocha, creamy milk chocolate, wood, spice (black 50%: white 50%), earth, distinctive nut(toasted almond) flavors that gets stronger as the cigar goes on. From the start to finish it has a distinctive sugarcane kind of clean and sharp sweetness and delicate peppery finish at the back in each puff. It has perfect burn and easy draw. The cigar is straight medium to full-bodied. Sometime I get confused which is my favorite Cuban brand- Cohiba or Vegas Robina. Of course, I am not comparing this with limited release Cohiba Gran Reserva Conseca 2003. Robina cigar has mainly five lines with couple other regional releases that I am not very fond of. IMPO, regional releases are simply a marketing strategy and rarely add any special values. However, I like the Espana version but at the same time not crazy for it. The one I am smoking has been aged over four years. It has many similar elements of Don Alejandro.
Wrapper: Cuba
Binder: Cuba
Filler: Cuba
1/3: The cigar starts with the blast of distinctive Cuban aromatic fruity-flowery flavor and aroma. This is what I love about Cuban tobacco that cannot be replaced by any other cigar producing country outside Cuba. This is a signature flavor profile of any good Cuban cigar. Somehow Vegas Robina does the job better than other CC. It has spice (black-white), dry wood, earth, cocoa flavors with toasted nutty (almond), distinctive sugarcane sweetness and peppery finish at the back. The top of my tongue can feel the fine balanced spiciness, the middle of my tongue feel the creamy texture with above flavors and aroma, the back of my tongue has no aftertaste rather than a subtle sweet edge. What a smooth, creamy and pleasant taste! The back of tongue has no bitterness rather than the fine, sweet tobacco finish. I am retrohaling from the first puff and enjoying the smooth and soft peppery finish through the nose.
2/3: The beauty of this cigar is, it gradually picks up the strength, body and long complex finish just like Don Alejandro. It is picking up more strength with additional flavors and aroma. It is like a fine piece of fruitcake with layers of different flavor and aroma. The top of my tongue can feel more subtle spiciness; the middle of my tongue is full of smooth, creamy, round, mouthful texture. Along with the 1/3 flavor profile, the new flavors are cafe latte, smooth milk chocolate flavor and aroma with a touch of aged woodiness and distinctive roasted almond finish at the back. Reminds me of a Cuban Davidoff cigar. The sweet earthy aroma goes so well with the flavor profile. The back of my tongue can only feel the aged super fine tobaccos sweet-bitterness which adds extra fun with the smoking experience. The strength is straight medium with extreme complexity, balanced flavor and aroma and long finish. The retrohale has the aromatic spiciness through the nose. My mouth has been very busy with a delicate but crispy tingling feeling-wow!
Final/3: At this stage the cigar wakes up with a boosting intensity and strength. The complexity, flavor, aroma, strength, long finishes declare the fame of Don Robina. You can tell why people respect him for his artisan skills. The top of my tongue is full of spice; the middle of my tongue is enjoying the wide tingly feeling with 2/3 marks flavors and aroma. I am also detecting more cocoa; cafe mocha flavors and a intense white cardamom, nutty-vanilla finish at the back. This is the perfect example of why people respect Cuban cigar for its unique aromatic flavor and aroma. You just can't simply copy without tobacco from the world famous Vuelta Abajo region. Only mighty nature can gifts this kind of advantage to a certain country. The cigar is still medium bodied and the flavor and aroma is simply roaring at this stage. The complexity, flavors and aroma is ever changing in this cigar. It keeps a smoker busy and maintains an interesting smoking profile. During retrohale, the spiciness is stronger and gives a nice quick spicy kick through the nose but still clean, smooth and crispy. The finish is more into the dry side but the aromatic aroma keeps it interesting. The entire mouth and lips are full of tingling feeling with balanced spiciness. This cigar is all about intense flavors and aroma. It is possible to write up couple pages of article to describe the ever-changing flavors and aroma. It picks up score after score in complexity, balance and finish. Overall, it is like smoking a sweet milk chocolate bar.
Final thought: This is one of the best Cuban cigar in the market...period. This is the cigar we talk about aging and enjoy the maturity of complex and balanced flavor and aroma. I am always a huge fan of Cuban cigars, why? The reason is the Vegas Robina. Robina's cigar line is short because they maintain quality. I always loose interest when a cigar maker adds new line every year because its end up compromising the quality. I hope Robina's new boss Hiroshi sticks with this ideology and maintain the core line. When I meet him in Cuba, I will request him in person. We love and respect Robina for his honesty and integrity. Few of us are aware of a fact about Robiana's tobacco farm. After the Cuban revolution Castro never took over Robina's farm. He allowed him to have the privacy and do his job. On top of that Don Robina became the Ambassador of Cuban cigars to the world. He did this job with great success until his death. Robina has been very vocal and straightforward about Cuban cigar, at the same time he was a very soft spoken and humble tobacco farmer. The cigar world always preserves a special fondness about him. One of my friends served three times in Cuba and he told me that Robina told him that he was upset couple times when many of his employees started using his name without his approval. I find some similarity between Don Alejandro and Jose Orlando Padron. Both are creative cigar artist and never compromise with quality. The same friend gave me a photograph of Robina with his autograph. I well guard this special gift as a masterpiece of art with great respect. People like Robina do not come to our life frequently but they live in our mind forever. I want to visit his graveyard in Cuba and spiritually let him know that how much I love his creation. Viva Don Robina.