Puff_Dougie's Pick & Pans
Puff_Dougie
Everyone, Registered Users Posts: 3,182
Rather than posting individual reviews, I thought it would be better to start a thread for the occasional smoke that is notable enough - positive or negative - to motivate me to share it with the forum. I am, by no means, experienced enough to put forward an expert perspective on blends, flavor profiles, notes, etc. But perhaps a simple description from an average cigar enthusiast will be helpful to those who read the humble opinions offered here.
Let's start with this afternoon's smoke...
Alec Bradley American Classic Blend
Size: Gordo
Strength: Mild/Medium
Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Connecticut Seed
This cigar had been resting for a little more than a year, and the cello was beginning to yellow. With a sunny afternoon and temps in the low 60s, it seemed a perfect time to break it out and head for the front porch with a cup of coffee.
The pre-light draw was mild, with a nice taste of wood and cedar. Upon toasting the foot, the ash burned evenly and the draw was very open. This is a very well-constructed cigar, and a pleasure to smoke. The ash was firm and each draw emitted copious amounts of creamy white smoke.
The first third of the American Classic was relatively mild, but quickly progressed to more of a medium strength, with subtle notes of white pepper becoming more dominant above the creamy wood flavors. Further in, a distinct taste of cocoa added to the complexity and nicely complemented the coffee I had decided to pair with the stick.
Moving into the second third, the volume of smoke remained strong, and the burn continued to be even and the draw perfect. The cocoa notes continued to intensify, and the white pepper pushed the flavors almost beyond medium bodied toward medium/full. There was definitely more kick to this cigar than I had anticipated based on its advertised category.
In the final third of the AB American Classic, the strength persisted, with the cocoa flavors giving way to more wood/cedar notes. There was a honey-like sweetness, however, on the finish, which lingered on the lips. On removal of the band, I did find that the glue had adhered to the wrapper, causing a small tear, but it did not affect the remainder of the smoke.
I enjoyed this cigar and would give it an overall rating of 8 on a scale of 1-10. An excellent offering from Alec Bradley which will be appreciated especially by those who prefer a stronger stick, but want to enjoy a smoother mid day smoke.
Let's start with this afternoon's smoke...
Alec Bradley American Classic Blend
Size: Gordo
Strength: Mild/Medium
Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Connecticut Seed
This cigar had been resting for a little more than a year, and the cello was beginning to yellow. With a sunny afternoon and temps in the low 60s, it seemed a perfect time to break it out and head for the front porch with a cup of coffee.
The pre-light draw was mild, with a nice taste of wood and cedar. Upon toasting the foot, the ash burned evenly and the draw was very open. This is a very well-constructed cigar, and a pleasure to smoke. The ash was firm and each draw emitted copious amounts of creamy white smoke.
The first third of the American Classic was relatively mild, but quickly progressed to more of a medium strength, with subtle notes of white pepper becoming more dominant above the creamy wood flavors. Further in, a distinct taste of cocoa added to the complexity and nicely complemented the coffee I had decided to pair with the stick.
Moving into the second third, the volume of smoke remained strong, and the burn continued to be even and the draw perfect. The cocoa notes continued to intensify, and the white pepper pushed the flavors almost beyond medium bodied toward medium/full. There was definitely more kick to this cigar than I had anticipated based on its advertised category.
In the final third of the AB American Classic, the strength persisted, with the cocoa flavors giving way to more wood/cedar notes. There was a honey-like sweetness, however, on the finish, which lingered on the lips. On removal of the band, I did find that the glue had adhered to the wrapper, causing a small tear, but it did not affect the remainder of the smoke.
I enjoyed this cigar and would give it an overall rating of 8 on a scale of 1-10. An excellent offering from Alec Bradley which will be appreciated especially by those who prefer a stronger stick, but want to enjoy a smoother mid day smoke.
Comments
Fired one up tonight, and found my new favorite short smoke! This little box pressed beauty is well-constructed and packed full of taste. It's a 4.5 by 50 stick, with a closed foot. It toasted well and burned evenly, with a perfect draw. The flavors were not complex, but it was a nice medium bodied smoke with a very sweet finish. Good smoke production and really cool packaging. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a reasonably priced quick smoke. It will definitely have you firing on all cylinders!
Country of Origin: Honduras
Size: 6×50
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Sumatra
Binder: Honduran
Filler: Honduran
The first thing you notice about the Leaf is that it is not packaged like the other cigars in the humidor. Instead of the usual cellophane, this stick is wrapped in a tobacco leaf! This not only catches your attention, but it gives the stick an air of unique sophistication. Here are the Sumatra and Maduro that I picked up...
Peeling the leaf/wrapper off of the Sumatra revealed an absolutely perfect specimen in a medium brown leathery wrapper. The aroma was heavenly, with spice and floral notes calling out to be enjoyed. I clipped the cap and took a pre-light draw, which confirmed the flavors promised by the sniff and added a bit of earth and leather. The foot toasted, I tested the draw, which was also perfect - not too tight and not too loose.
The complexity of this cigar unfolded with each new puff. I'm still not the most adept identifier of flavor profiles, but there were moments when distinct tastes danced on the palate: toast, nutmeg, leather, peanut and hickory. I paired the smoke with a wonderful IPA from the good folks at the Schmaltz Brewing Company, and the malty hoppiness of the beverage was a great complement to the sweet complexity of the Sumatra.
This was the most enjoyable cigar I have smoked in awhile, and I can't wait to try the Maduro. I don't know what the availability of the Leaf & Bean brand is throughout the country, but if you're ever in Pittsburgh, you will definitely want to stock up!
SINDICATO, by Hecho a Mano
Size: Robusto (54x5)
Wrapper: Shade grown Corojo Jalapa
Binder: Esteli Double Leaf
Filler: Jalapa and Esteli
This cigar features a twisted pigtail at the head and a closed foot. The band is classic, with a black background and bold gold lettering befitting a premium stick. After clipping the head, the pre-light draw was incredibly open and sweet. I could tell immediately that there would be copious amounts of billowy smoke. I was not disappointed...
The predominant flavor was definitely an exotic spice. It was almost perfumy, but not at all overpowering or unpleasant. Notes of cedar and pepper mingled with the spice, and there was a subtle nuttiness on the retrohale.
The draw remained open and easy throughout the smoke, but the burn was uneven and grew increasingly crooked. This may well have been more a factor of user error than construction. I tend to smoke too quickly, and the openness of the draw made it easier to rush the experience. That said, the flavors were so delicious and the smoke so thick that I didn't really mind the uneven burn.
In fact, I reached for the 'ol Stubble Nubber and drew every last puff out of this baby. The Sindicato is a bit pricey at $11.00 retail, but it definitely does not disappoint. I would recommend this cigar highly, but if you happen to get hold of one, take the time to savor it slowly. You'll be glad you did.
Perdomo Reserve Champagne 10th Anniversary
Strength: Mild-Medium
Wrapper: Connecticut
Origin: Nicaragua
Shape: Robusto
This cigar features a complex blend of Cuban seed Nicaraguan tobaccos wrapped in a triple-fermented Connecticut shade wrapper. A few veins are visible, but the overall construction was solid and the pre-light draw was open and sweet. I could tell from the outset that this stick would produce tons of rich, creamy smoke.
Delivering a mild-medium bodied intensity, the Perdomo Champagne was richer than I expected. The flavor profile started out mild, with cream being the predominant note, but halfway through there was a growing taste of white pepper that pushed the envelope toward the medium end of the scale. Flavors of coffee and honey were also discernable, creating a nice sweet finish.
The burn started out a bit crooked, but was easily touched up and remained even through the rest of the smoke. Pairing this cigar with a rich butter cream coffee seemed like a good idea, but in retrospect it may have made of too much richness. By the time I had finished I was a bit light-headed, which is not something I anticipated from a mild-medium stick.
This was definitely an enjoyable cigar, and I would recommend it as a great stick for a mid-morning smoke, but you may want to make sure you've had a good breakfast before firing it up.
1. Oliva CT Reserve
2. San Cristobal Elegencia
3. This
I'm not including super-premiums in this list, but there are some great mild cigars out there.
I should have warned you about the strength. Perdomo tends to kick me in the gut. While I don't get it as much from this cigar, you definitely need a solid breakfast if you smoke it in the morning. But it does have some surprising strength and a nice complexity.
Ave Maria Crusader
Wrapper: Habano
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Vitola: Crusader (robusto)
The first thing that struck me about this stick was its simple beauty. The Crusader (Robusto) is the perfect size for a casual smoke, and the construction is flawless. The band is a work of art, and the habano wrapper is smooth and... well, perfect. Upon toasting the foot and taking a few puffs, the ash burned evenly and the smoke production was amazing.
The flavor profile is medium bodied, with the predominant notes being nuts, wood and leather. There was also a mild spiciness in the first half, but nothing overpowering. The ash continued to burn with perfect evenness, and did not require a single touch-up.
My only disappointment with this cigar was that it didn't last longer. I honestly did not want this smoke to end. The Ave Maria Crusader has rocketed to the top of my Favorites list, and I am anxious to try some of the other vitolas. If you have an opportunity to try this stick, you will not be disappointed!
Rich without any bite.
Sam Leccia Luchador
Wrapper: San Andres
Binder: Equadorian Habano
Filler: Pennsylvania Ligero
Honduras Ligero
Nicaraguan
Ometepe
Since I've been anxious to try this cigar, I grabbed the biggest ring guage I could find, the 6x60 El Castigo. The appearance was impressive, with a rustic, toothy wrapper and a pigtail cap. The aroma was inviting and the pre-light draw was open and aromatic. A toasting of the foot immediately produced a spicy torrent of smokey goodness, and I knew I was in for a treat!
The construction was outstanding, with an easy draw and a perfectly even burn that required no touching up throughout the smoke. I tapped off the ash after about an inch and a half, but it would have hung on longer if I had let it.
The flavor profile was definitely medium to full bodied, with a lot of spice in the first third, followed by a mellow sweetness in the second third, and a reprise of the spice in the last. The mid-stick change was a nice surprise, and gave my palate a rest to prepare for the strong but sweet finish. The smoke production remained strong throughout the cigar and the flavors definitely intensified in the final third with what might best be described as waves of spice, sweetness and creaminess. As I reached the end of the stick, I found myself wishing it came in a bigger vitola!
Sam Leccia hit this one out of the park... if it's OK to use a baseball metaphor on a cigar with a wrestling motif. I highly recommend this stick. It will definitely be a staple in my humidor and I'm anxious to try the other ring gauges.