Review: La Duena by My Father

Cigar Name: La Duena by My Father
Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf    
Binder: Connecticut Broadleaf      
Filler: Nicaraguan
Size: 6” x 42 Petite Lancero # 7
Strength: Medium
Body: Full
Price: $6.00-9.00 (single)

Smoking Time: Hour and a half

La Duena means “The Boss” in Spanish and is a cigar made by Don Pepin Garcia at the My Father Cigar factory.  The cigar was however, blended by Pete Johnson of Tatuaje FOR Janny Garcia (Pepin’s daughter).  She has been active in the sales role for My Father Cigars for a while but this is her “big” introduction. 

Appearance: This has a gorgeous broadleaf wrapper that has no flaws.  The label is white on red with a silhouette of a woman.  It kind of reminds me of those old school broaches.  Very cool and classic looking.      9/10

Construction: Beautiful is an appropriate word for this.  It has just enough give and the pre-draw is fantastic.  10/10

Burn:   Sometimes broadleaf has so much oil on it, it is hard to burn, and this however does not.  It seems it has aged the tobacco to make it burn very consistently.      9/10

Aroma: There is a sweetness and a slight barnyard smell.  Pleasant but not overpowering.        8/10

Draw: Nice draw.  Just right.    10/10

Flavor: Where to begin?  Man this tastes great.  Meaty, gritty, earthy, chocolate.         10/10

Availability: You can find these almost anywhere and that makes me happy.  10/10

Personal Overall Experience:  This cigar is great for any time of day.  It is a great cigar to relax and just enjoy.  Once the funds become available, I will be buying a box.  I can’t say enough about these.  30/30.

Total: 96/100

Matt

REVIEW: SAN LOTANO HABANO

Cigar Name: San Lotano Habano
Wrapper: Brazil 
Binder: Honduran 
Filler: Nicaraguan, Honduran, D.R.
Size: 6” x 54 Toro
Strength: Medium-Full
Body: Medium-Full
Price: $5.00-9.00 (single)

Smoking Time: Just over and a half

This cigar was made by A.J. Fernandez and I have reviewed his cigars before (Diesel, Man O War, Sol Cubano) and I have always liked his blends.  All of those cigars though were for big distributors (Cigar International, Cigar.com and Cigarbid).  This one is his own.    

Appearance: The wrapper is a milk chocolate, toothy, oily masterpiece.  The gold and green band is simple yet with the thick paper used, very elegant.  Simply gorgeous.      10/10

Construction: Every A.J. cigar I have had is very well made and this is no exception.  No seams, flaws, soft or hard spots.    9/10

Burn:   I think the oils in the wrapper makes the burn kind of jenkey but not too bad.  I had a couple of minor touch ups but nothing major.      8/10

Aroma: There are several aspects that I like for example the barnyard, a subtle sweetness and leather.      9/10

Draw: Dead nuts. 10/10

Flavor: There was some pepper but it wasn’t spicy.  This is a great example of medium bodied with a full flavor.  10/10

Availability: Unlike A.J.’s other offerings; you can get this one anywhere.  Alcorn’s has a great stock of these.      10/10

Personal Overall Experience:  While I like the Toro size, I would love to taste this in a lancer or corona.  That being said, you can’t go wrong with the Toro.  It was very enjoyable and it kept me interested the entire time.  Great cigar.  28/30.

Total: 94/100

Matt

Review: J Fuego Origen Originals

Cigar Name: J Fuego Origen Originals
Wrapper: Brazilian Corojo
Binder: Costa Rican Corojo
Filler: Honduras and Nicaragua
Size: 5” x 44 Petite
Strength: Medium
Body: Medium
Price: $11.50 (5-pack)

Smoking Time: 30-45 minutes

J. Fuego’s family has been growing tobacco and making cigars for over 100 years.  Several years ago he started working with Xikar and their cigar line, the HC series and made a name for himself (I guess they always flew under the radar).  He shortly came out with his own name brand and a couple of years later, came out with the Original series.  These are a cool little cigar that is sold in a 5-pack and it even has a little handle on the pack to carry.  The idea behind the cigars is that this size is the size and shape that he uses to blend new cigars.  Thus “original”.    

Appearance: This does have some unique packaging.  You can stick these in your front pocket and be good to go for the day.  The cigar itself looks like something Clint Eastwood would smoke in his old westerns.  Very rough looking but at the same time, there is a cool edge to it.  8/10

Construction: Like I said, very rough looking and these are soft to the touch.  You can tell the rollers did not take much time with these.  But then again, I think that is kind of the point.     7/10

Burn:   They burn a little hot, you need to take your time with these because of the looser roll.  6/10

Aroma: This is what this cigar is all about the aroma and flavor.  Coffee, leather, and tobacco.      9/10

Draw: I said it had a loose draw and with that, as long as you respect it and don’t smoke too fast, you will have no problem.  If you smoke this like a regular cigar, you will have issues with a loose draw.            6/10

Flavor: Like the aroma, this is what it is all about.  Nice pepper flavors, that shine about half way through.  More leather and coffee.  9/10

Availability: You can find these online and at some stores.    9/10

Personal Overall Experience: These are an outstanding value cigar.  Even for what they are, I would choose these over the MUWATB or even some regular sized cigars.  They are great to have around and wonderful to pass out.  I can’t recommend these enough.  Side note, these are PERFECT for a camping trip.  30/30

Total: 84/100

Matt

Review: Croned Heads - Four Kicks

Cigar Name: Four Kicks by Crowned Heads
Wrapper: Habano Ecuador
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan
Size: Corona Gorda (5-5/8” x 46)

Strength: Medium
Body: Medium-Full
Price: $6.75-8.50 Each

Smoking Time: Hour and thirty minutes

Crowned Heads is a Nashville cigar company that has its roots in CAO cigars.  The founders used to work for CAO and when they sold out to Swedish Match they wanted to keep control and thus started their own company.  This is their first offering. 

Appearance: First of all, I love their sizes.  They stuck with traditional sizes and are for the time being sticking to it.  This has a very plain but simply stated red and gold band.  The wrapper is flawless with a little oil on it.  It is about the color of milk chocolate.    10/10

Construction:  These cigars are made at the EPC cigar factory so you know they are well made.  Firm, but not too firm and no patches to comment on.           9/10

Burn:   Perfect.  10/10

Aroma:  There is kind of a dirt smell with some hay.  It reminds me of springtime after a rain and is very pleasant.       10/10

Draw: Out of this world good.  I wish all cigars were this easy to draw.     10/10

Flavor:  There is some leather and just the hint of spice on the retrohale.  More grass and dirt, almost earthy notes.      10/10

Availability: Right now, this is a regional company but hopefully as they grow, so will their market.   7/10

Personal Overall Experience: I truly wish every cigar was this pleasant so enjoy.  From the look, feel and smell when I first cracked that box, I knew I would enjoy this.  I cannot wait until these are available in St. Louis.  In the next few weeks they will be releasing their second cigar the Hedley Grange and I hope I enjoy it as much.      30/30

Total: 96/100

Matt

Review: Drew Estate My Uzi Weighs a Ton Baitfish

Cigar Name: Drew Estate My Uzi Weighs A Ton-Baitfish (MUWATB)
Wrapper: San Andres Maduro 
Binder: Connecticut shade
Filler: Nicaraguan
Size: 4” x 44 Petite
Strength: Medium-Full
Body: Medium-Full
Price: $6.00 (single)

Smoking Time: 30-45 minutes

So, let’s get this out of the way.  The name is ridiculous.  Over the top absurd.  Drew Estate is like that though; they make some of the most popular cigars in their Acid (infused) line and have an ultra-premium in the Liga Privida line and last year they came out with the My Uzi Weighs A Ton line.  Most of them were on the larger ring size and honestly, because of the size, I never tried one.  Later in the year, they came out with this “baitfish” size with more Ligero leaf to give it an extra kick.  I do like this size because it allows for a quick smoke when you don’t have much time.  I have reviewed others like this (Italia) and will have more to review in the future (Tatuaje Verocu #5 and Tatuaje Petite Cazadores). 

Appearance: This does have some cool packaging (wrapped in brown paper sans box) and the cigar itself looks good.  Dark and toothy, the wrapper looks very rustic.  9/10

Construction: For a small cigar, this looks great.  I would like to see more oils.       8/10

Burn:   Nice burn, no touch ups needed.  8/10

Aroma: Leather, earth and some coffee.    9/10

Draw: This burned really well and the draw was really nice and easy.  Not too hard, not too soft.          8/10

Flavor: Meh.  I was expecting more pepper and spice with the extra Ligero but it really never came on.  More coffee and tobacco.  Nothing really that grabs you.  In fact, fairly mundane.        5/10

Availability: You can find these online and at some stores.  These used to be a store exclusive but they changed that up in January.  8/10

Personal Overall Experience:  I was really disappointed in these.  At $6.00 for a small smoke like this, it needs to have lots of flavor.  It never came on taste wise.  I was able to get these in a sampler but honestly, that was enough for me.  These were not bad, just not in my wheelhouse.  There are just so many BETTER cigars out there in this size that don’t cost $6.00.    21/30

Total: 76/100

Matt

Review: Tatuaje Monster Series Wolfman

Cigar Name: Tatuaje Monster Series Wolfman
Wrapper: Sumatra
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Size: Box Pressed Torpedo 7” x 52

Strength: Medium-Full
Body: Medium-Full
Price: $13.00 Each

Smoking Time: Over two hours

Tatuaje has had some of the most sought after cigars in the country and his Monster Series that comes out every Halloween is the MOST sought after of his cigars.  Only 13 retailers carry them in the country and there are only 666 boxes (dress boxes that is – he also has about 1000 boxes of 10 that are just plain-Jane).  These typically sell out within hours if not minutes of their release.  Right now you could go on e-bay and find sealed boxes in excess of 50-200% mark up.  Long story short, these are hard to get and if you can’t get them on the initial release, you will pay dearly for them.

2011’s “monster” is the Wolfman.     

Appearance: The first thing you notice is the shaggy foot (get it-wolfman-shaggy foot?).  It has a sharp box press and a really cool red on brown label.  I dig those colors.  This is a good looking cigar as you would expect at $13.00/each    10/10

Construction: It is a little spongy to the touch but not too much give.  No blemishes.          10/10

Burn:   Fantastic.         10/10

Aroma:  There is a soft sweetness coming off it (I love Sumatra) with some good coffee notes.  There was also a little bit of chocolate on the predraw.  9/10

Draw: Box pressed cigars are made with a little less tobacco than traditional cigars therefore they typically have a lot more give in the draw and the potential for a hot draw.  That being said, if you take your time with this, you will be rewarded (see flavor below).     10/10

Flavor: Boom shak-a-laka!  That is some nice spice coming off this.  Not overpowering but just the right amount.  With the Sumatra leaf sweetness, it tastes like jalapeño jelly.  Very unique and lots of floral notes.    10/10

Availability: Grrr.  Please read above for the low score on this.        3/10

Personal Overall Experience: I love this cigar.  Were it not for the availability, this would be much higher.  I understand why it is what it is; I just wish these were easier to come by.  Then again, I go searching for them every year b/c I am sure they will be great (and let’s be honest, as stressful as it is to go through this every year, it is fun to go through it).  30/30

Total: 92/100

Matt

Review: CroMagnon Cigars Cranium

Cigar Name: CroMagnon Cigars Cranium
Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf    
Binder: Cameroon 
Filler: Nicaraguan
Size: 6” x 54
Strength: Full
Body: Full
Price: $5.00-8.00 (single)

Smoking Time: Hour and a half

I love reading other cigars blogs.  They give me so many different concepts to ponder and ideas on where and what to smoke.  While reading some of the bigger ones (and the ones I frequent most often) I came across the name of CroMagnon cigars.  Now, if that doesn’t scream “smoke me right now!” I don’t know what does.  I waited patiently until some more came back in stock at havacigarshop.com and picked up 5 samplers of each of the sizes.  This is a review of the big Toro size, the Cranium. 

Appearance: This looks like a baseball bat!  Big and stout, this oily cigar does not look to be trifled with.    9/10

Construction: Packed with tobacco this is solid.  The cap looks great and there are no soft spots, blemishes or veins.      10/10

Burn:   Knowing what I know from the other blogs that have reviewed this and the looks of the oils, I dry boxed this for a few hours and the burn paid off.  The burn was good and I had no problems with it.    9/10

Aroma: There was some charcoal and “meaty” flavors coming off this.      9/10

Draw: The draw was pretty good, not too tight and not too loose.  Just about right.  9/10

Flavor: Salty, meaty, and smoky.  This would be great with a smoke porter and a steak dinner.  There was a little bit of sweet malt and chocolate on the back third.  It was a nice evolution (see what I did there?) of flavors.       10/10

Availability: You can only get these right now at havacigarshop.com AND they are currently sold out.        6/10

Personal Overall Experience:  Dang, these are awesome. I rarely have a good 90 minutes or more to enjoy a big cigar like this but this is a treat.  I have heard these will be available at some different shops nationwide.  But until then, hoard all you can from Hava.    30/30.

Total: 92/100

Matt

Review: Cain F Tubo

Cigar Name: Cain F Tubo
Wrapper: Nicaraguan Habano
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan
Size: Lancero 38 x 7”

Strength: Full
Body: Full
Price: $4.00-7.00 Each

Smoking Time: Hour and fifteen minutes

Olivia makes the Cain series as part of their Studio Tobac line.  The Cain F is billed as 100% Ligero and I have reviewed the Torpedo before.  The Lancero is a different beast though.  Lanceros are traditionally thought to be a more flavorful, stronger shape because the compacted size allows for all the flavors to shine through. 

      

Appearance: The wrapper is milk chocolate in color with a red band around the foot.  The tube is just awesome!  What a great presentation piece.      10/10

Construction: There were a couple of soft spots but I don’t think it is anything to worry about.  It is probably due to the smaller ring gauge.          8/10

Burn:   Flawless.         10/10

Aroma:  There is not too much aroma coming off this thing.  Maybe a bit of ammonia?       8/10

Draw: I really like the lancero format because you tend to get really good rollers on that particular size.  Draw was perfect.        10/10

Flavor: You can REALLY taste the Ligero leaf.  Kind of a wasabi heat on the back of your throat and horseradish on the roll.  Very intense.    9/10

Availability: You can find these on line and in stores but they are sometimes backordered.        9/10

Personal Overall Experience: Wowsa!   This thing brought the heat.  I would recommend smoking this on a full stomach.  The ligero is powerful and the flavors intense.  I luckily bought a box of these and will be looking for more in the future.  The price point is great too.  These are not for the weak willed and faint of heart.     30/30

Total: 94/100

Matt

Review: Carlos Torano Vault

Cigar Name: Carlos Torano Vault
Wrapper: Nicaragua Colorado Shade 
Binder: Nicaraguan Omempte 
Filler: Nicaraguan
Size: 5” x 52 Rubusto
Strength: Medium-Full
Body: Medium-Full
Price: $5.00-8.00 (single)

Smoking Time: Hour and a half

It has always been a struggle for me to keep Carlos Torano cigars in my humidor.  Not because I smoke them a lot but because for whatever reason, I always overlook them when I buy.  When I went to Alcorn Cigars Torano open house about 6 months ago, that all changed.  I was simply wowed by the tradition and family first attitude from the cigar rep.  Torano is a family run company and they do a LOT for local charities (both in the US and near the manufacturing locations).  Ever since then, I have been buying more and more Carlos Torano Cigars. 

The Vault is the first of a series of releases in the Vault line that started in the Torano Top Secret blend book.  This blend was started over ten years ago but never released because it was missing something.  When they revisited the blend book with the intention of releasing some of those blends, they came across the Omempte binder that made this cigar.  Labeled A-008 (the 8^th entry into the Blend book), the vault was released onto the world. 

 Appearance: Silky smooth wrapper with some oils.  It has a reddish hue to it.  There is a silver band with Vault printed at the head and a smaller foot band with the A-008.  Good looking cigar.  9/10

Construction: Like most Torano’s this is a very well-constructed cigar.    10/10

Burn:   It burned pretty well.  There always seem to be some relights needed but I believe that has to do with the oils.  This may be a cigar you smoke in the 60% humidity range to really appreciate it.  8/10

Aroma: Some pepper on the lips and some grassy hay.    9/10

Draw: Nice and firm, but not too firm.  Most Torano cigars in my opinion have the same draw.  Very smooth and consistent.        10/10

Flavor: There is a really unique “twang” to this.  It is hard to explain.  Almost sour but not and not quite sweet enough to be called sweet.    10/10

Availability: Decent.  The price point is spot on and you can find these anywhere but they are somewhat limited although I understand they are coming out with more.      8/10

Personal Overall Experience:  Buy these.  They are great.  The twang I was talking about is so unique it is worth a box purchase.  I hope these will be in my humidor for a long time to come.  30/30.

Total: 94/100

Matt

Review on CAS Last Cigar Standing

Review: CAO Last Cigar Standing

When we were at Alcorns last week, I found an interesting package with cigars in it.  I read the place card on it and found it is a cigar promotion from CAO where the smoker gets to “pick” the next production cigar.  In order to get the tin with the cigars, you have to buy six (6) CAO cigars and you get the tin with the cigars free.  Not too bad a deal so I scooped one up.  Here are my reviews for the three cigars.  Please note that I don’t have any concrete information on the blends, tobaccos or history behind each cigar.  I only know that each was a robusto size (5x50). 

Review C:   Of the three, this was the worst.  The only good thing about it was the construction.  There was almost no flavor or aroma and it was very one dimensional. 

Review A:  Of the three, this was the most balanced cigar.  I wasn’t a HUGE fan of any ONE of them, but this one has the most potential.  I think this is a Honduran Rosado wrapper.  Flavor was decent and construction was EXCELLENT.  I wish it had just a little more oomph.  Good but not great.  By far the best of the three. 

Review O:  If this one had just a little less Ligero, it would have been tops in my book.  I normally like stronger cigars but this one was just a little harsh and the Ligero I think made it burn uneven and I had to relight it several times. 

Final thoughts:  Honestly this is a great marketing concept and will no doubt get a lot of buy in from the people who sample the cigars.  Depending on the price point of these, I could see myself picking up a few of the A version if it wins.  No way in hell on the C version. 

Matt

REVIEW: PINAR DEL RIO HABANA SUN GROWN

Cigar Name: Pinar Del Rio Habana Sun Grown
Wrapper: Dominican Republic
Binder: Dominican Republic Criollo 98
Filler: Dominican Republic
Size: Torpedo 6.5” x 52

Strength: Full
Body: Full
Price: $2.00-8.00/each

Smoking Time: Hour and a Half

This is my second Pinar Del Rio (PDR) review and I am excited to do it.  Again, these are a great value and I can’t recommend them enough.     

Appearance: This has a reddish wrapper with lots of oils.  The label is brown with gold and red and it has a good looking red ribbon around the foot.  It is striking how smooth the wrapper is.  10/10
Construction:  Well made with no seams, stems, cracks or soft spots.          9/10

Burn:   No problems at all.  There was lots of smoke production and it never got hot.      9/10

Aroma:  Spice and leather.  Lots of pepper.        8/10

Draw: Nicely made and there were not any issues.  These were all very consistent.  10/10

Flavor:  More spice but there were some floral notes on the back 3^rd.  It was a nice contrast.    9/10

Availability: I don’t know of any stores that carry them locally but I know they are making the rounds around the country.  Easy to find online.         8/10

Personal Overall Experience: I cannot stress enough how much of a value this is.  I was able to find these for less than $2.00 each online.  This is not a dog-rocket but a good cigar at a rock bottom price.    28/30

Total: 91/100

Matt

Review: Man O War Virtue

Cigar Name: Man O War Virtue
Wrapper: Ecuadorian-grown Connecticut
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Size: Churchill 7.5” x 52

Strength: Medium
Body: Medium
Price: $2.00-7.50/each

Smoking Time: Hour and a Half

I have done a couple of reviews on other Man O War’s but this is the first on the Virtue.  Considered to be their “lightest” of the blends, the Virtue is still blended by A.J. Fernandez. 

Appearance: This is a very pretty, golden Connecticut wrapper.  No veins and smooth to the touch.  The band is silver and blue and is pleasing to the eye.             8/10

Construction:  Well made with no seams, stems, cracks or soft spots.          9/10

Burn:   The only issue I ever have with these is keeping them lit.  Not anything on their part but when I enjoy them, it is usually in the morning when I am driving or playing golf.  I can get easily distracted and it does not hold the flame long.    7/10

Aroma:  Grass and hay.          8/10

Draw: Nice and smooth.  No issues here.  10/10

Flavor:  For a Connecticut it is spicy.  Not overpowering at all but just a nice healthy shot of pepper on the back of the palate.  Very pleasant but there is not a lot going on.  These are one dimensional.      8/10

Availability: These are only available online at Cigars International, Cigar.com and Cigarbid.           7/10

Personal Overall Experience: For me, this is a very good morning cigar.  It is pretty one dimensional so you don’t have to concentrate too hard on it but it is just enjoyable.  When you can get them cheap on the auction site, I recommend it.  24/30

Total: 81/100

Matt

REVIEW: Pinar Del Rio Reserva Limitada

Cigar Name: Pinar Del Rio Reserva Limitada
Wrapper: Dominican Republic
Binder: Dominican Republic
Filler: Dominican Republic
Size: Torpedo 6.5” x 52

Strength: Full
Body: Full
Price: $2.00-3.50/each

Smoking Time: Hour and a Half

Pinar Del Rio is a true Boutique cigar maker.  They make a few blends and are under the radar for the most part.  You can find them online and in brick and mortars.  Because they are small, they don’t seem to advertise a lot.  However, if you search online for them, you will find a STRONG following.  For two reasons 1.) they are very inexpensive and 2.) they are GOOD.  I was unsure myself so I picked up a few samplers.  This is my first of many PDR’s!     

Appearance: This has a dark maduro wrapper with lots of oils.  The label is white with gold and silver and it has a good looking ribbon around the foot.  It is very impressive looking cigar that is well put together from top to bottom.            10/10

Construction:  Well made with no seams, stems, cracks or soft spots.          9/10

Burn:   There were a couple of touch ups but nothing to be concerned about.    8/10

Aroma:  Leather, coffee and tobacco.        8/10

Draw: Cold it was very good.  Once lit, it was a dream.  This is very well made for the price.  This is better made than some $15.00 cigars I have had.       10/10

Flavor:  Cedar, leather and dirt.  Lots of coffee.  10/10

Availability: I don’t know of any stores that carry them locally but I know they are making the rounds around the country.  Easy to find online.         8/10

Personal Overall Experience: For such an inexpensive cigar, this smokes like a dream.  I never found myself wanting for more or less of anything.  For the price, this could be considered a yard cigar but it could easily be given as a gift and someone would think you spent a lot on it.    Seriously, this is a FANTASTIC value.  I hope it stays that way.  28/30

Total: 91/100

Matt